Fenwold Veterinary Practice (Mablethorpe,Skegness,Spilsby)

22/07/2024

This was so accurate we had to share but definitely applies to cats too.

17/07/2024

A Microchip is more than just a chip, it's your pets way home!
Make sure your details are up to date or call us if you would like a microchipping appointment.

For more information about the Pet Health Club link to our post about it here-
https://www.facebook.com/FenwoldVets/posts/pfbid02zYpxniW4BgsJTEoNhcKz6dfGBTYkBYTdtHwYMY5FbVf1QWxGPT9cuKAjKk9xLDrfl

14/07/2024

10/07/2024

Keeping cool in the summer - assuming we get any more heat.

Let’s start with the more obvious part, always making sure there’s adequate shelter/shade and clean fresh water. Be sure to check water regularly and multiple sources can be helpful. This applies to both the garden and the home. If there’s no way to escape from the heat (as in if it’s just hot everywhere shade or not) then you really must take this into account.

Shady shrubs and trees are good for cats in a garden but if you have Rabbits or Guinea pigs in hutches or runs you need to create shelter for them. Free roaming dogs in the garden might not be sensible enough to seek shade on their own so keep an eye on them to make sure they do and be sure to remember that it can be significantly hotter for them laying on the ground.

For dogs it’s not unknown for people to get out a small paddling pool, some dogs love them but not all will and be sure to keep an eye on them whilst in use just to be safe and bear in mind if the water is cool even if hot weather, they can get too cold.

As for cat’s if you’re at liberty to do so only let them out mornings or evenings/night.

You can also keep your pets trimmed over the summer to help beat the heat.

In the house, be sure to keep the hottest rooms out of bounds and you can close the curtains a little to help keep temperatures down. You could even dedicate a room to keep cooler with fans, AC if you have it, keeping curtains closed ect.

Giving frozen treats or putting some ice cubes in drinking water can be a good option but always remember to do this in moderation as too much ice, (especially in smaller pets) can cause problems. For your rabbits or guinea pigs giving fresh veg out of the fridge can be nice for them but be sure not to overdo it.

Cool mats or cool coats are another option you can try to do the job but it’s important to be sure to check them regularly as they DO warm up quickly especially in use.

Keep exercise to a minimum in the warmer times of day and exercise only when it’s cooler, it’s not worth risking heatstroke. On that front make sure you are aware of the signs of heatstroke and what to look out for and do.

What heatstroke signs to look out for –
Heavy panting
Being upset or distressed
Excessive dribbling/drooling
Foaming at the mouth
Bright red gums
Struggling to stand

If you have any helpful tips and tricks you rely on each summer we’d love to hear them in the comments.

07/07/2024

Grass seeds
Why though? Grass seeds can be sharp and make their way down an ear or even through the skin but what goes in doesn’t always came out. Grass seeds are barbed and so they only really go one way and once stuck they can cause infections and irritation. It’s easier to prevent a problem that solve one so check your pets.
Check especially around their eyes, ears, noses and mouths as well as their feet for grass seeds and remove them before they work their way in.

03/07/2024

Heatstroke

Heatstroke is a killer! We know that “Dog’s Die in Hot Cars,” but that’s not the only way a pet can get heatstroke. As warmer weather draws in for summer here’s what symptoms to look out for, what to do and how to help prevent it.

What to look out for –
• Heavy panting
• Being upset or distressed
• Excessive dribbling/drooling
• Foaming at the mouth
• Bright red gums
• Struggling to stand

And of course, they will be very warm to the touch. So, what do you do? Call your vet! Your pet could very well need fluids and medications to help with the backlash of heatstroke. Cold wet towels that need refreshing regularly to stop them getting warm. The coolest place you’ve got and fans or AC if you’ve got them. Don’t be tempted to throw them into cold water directly as this could cause shock, bring their temperature down quickly but not too severely. Heatstroke can and will kill, but even those that get through it can come away with damage to internal organs if not dealt with quickly enough in the correct way.

So, since prevention is better than cure, what can you do to prevent it?

• Avoid hot times of day for walks (or letting your pet out) and stick to mornings or evenings.
• Keep your pet as calm as possible at the hottest times of day.
• Make sure outdoor pets have access to suitable shelters.
• Open access to water, indoors and out, and regular checks.
• Avoid travelling in hot cars if you can.
• You could keep thick or long-haired pets trimmed shorter.
• Keep the hottest rooms in your home, (like conservatories) closed off to your pets.

It’s also worth remembering that even if there’s a cooling breeze, down on the ground it’s a lot hotter, especially if the surface is sun-baked. Also, your pet might not be smart enough to seek shade on their own so be sure to keep an eye on them in hot weather.

30/06/2024

Going away with your dog.

If you are wanting to go away with your dog (in the UK) here are some things to consider beforehand.

How far away is it should be considered, especially if you don’t know how well your dog can travel or you know they don’t come well with it. Are there suitable stops along the way? And is your vehicle suitable for travel, (enough space, can be cooled etc). Will you need to ask your vets about travel medications for nervous travellers, we suggest you do this ahead of time if required.

When choosing where to go, along with picking a dog friendly accommodation check the surrounding areas for things like areas to walk or play with your dog taking into account your dog’s specific requirements and needs for exercise.

Checking for places where dogs aren’t allowed is also worth looking up. Some places may not allow dogs at certain times of the year or the day and you don’t want to get stuck with no suitable places to go. On a similar note are there any restrictions on where your dog can be let off the lead.

You also need to consider your eating in vs out options. Are there dog friendly restaurants or pubs nearby and if your planning to do activities what are your arrangements for your dog during that time or can they be with you.

When are you wanting to go away? Will it likely be hot? Or cold? Remember to plan your packing list accordingly.

If needed is there somewhere to clean or wash soiled pet bedding or dog coats.

It may also be prudent to check if there are local vets and have some numbers noted down. The local pets shop locations may be a handy addition to your knowledge of the area.

One last important thing to check before your holiday would also be your pets Microchip details are up to date and appropriate contact numbers on their account.

So, you have your holiday planned. To make sure you don’t forget anything here’s a little list of things you should take.

* Make sure to check how much food you need to take for your time away.
* Both food and water bowls.
* Dog treats
* And medications your pet needs, (double check this as it’s not always easy or straight forward to get forgotten medications).
* A doggie first aid kit wouldn’t go amiss either.
* Plenty of poo bags, (more than you think you’ll need).
* Bedding that can be either wiped or cleaned.
* A couple of their favourite toys.
* Their collar (with an ID tag and contact details), lead and harness if they have one.
* Travel supplies, water bottle, travel harness and travel pills if you have any.

This is just a summarised list but will hopefully cover the important things.

25/06/2024

Further update- dog has been reunited with owner🙂

Update- the dog warden has collected the dog❗️

FOUND❗️❗️❗️❗️

Tan & white male Hound type dog brought into our Spilsby branch- Found Toynton All Saints area.

Please ring 01790 752227 for more information.

Proof of ownership required.

22/06/2024

Something to bear in mind if you are out and about in the car with your pet.

19/06/2024

Blue/Green Algae

Blue/green algae is a toxic type of ‘algae’ that can accumulate in stagnant water, such as ponds, streams and lakes. We used inverted commas as it’s actually a type of cyanobacteria and in truth isn’t actually an algae. It gets mistaken for algae because it can develop and look like a green scum in or on the surface of water. They can be toxic produce toxins that spread throughout the water and if consumed can cause organ damage or worse. This doesn’t apply to all algae but if you aren’t sure you can recognise the difference we’d recommend preventing your dog from swimming in or drinking contaminated water. It can be difficult to spot so if in doubt then play it safe and try to keep your dogs away from potential sources like pools, ponds or flooded areas. It’s worth noting that it can be toxic to any pet, horses, cats, fish if you have a pond yourself and even us.

12/06/2024

Well in theory we should have more sunshine coming our way, so here’s a reminder that like us our pets can get sunburned. Most at risk are those that have white ears or nose areas but any pale exposed skin can be affected. We recommend using a pet friendly sun cream, specifically pet one’s are best but if you do use human ones make sure they don’t have zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) in them as these are toxic to our pets. At least factor 30 is best.
Getting burns can lead to serious skin issues like cancers so be aware if you go out in bright sun or if your pet is a sun addict (like cat’s laying in sunbeams inside a window).

12/06/2024

Owner found!😁

Small black & white female kitten brought into our Spilsby branch, found Old Market Ave.

Please contact 01790 752227 for more info🐱

Proof of ownership will be required.

08/06/2024

And tell us their most endearing quality!

02/06/2024

Insect Bites

Our pets, like us, can sometimes get into a spot of bother with biting or stinging insects so here’s what to do about it.
The things to note are - Where was your pet stung? How many times? and Does your pet have a history of bad reactions. A general bite or sting doesn’t necessarily need any treatment as most don’t cause any problems but some pets can have more severe reactions. There are circumstances where you should check in with the vet for advice or an appointment.
Pets can have varying degrees of reactions to insect bites or stings. If you notice any excessive swelling around the lips, eyes, ears or face regardless of where your pet was stung seek advice. Excessive allergic reactions may lead to breathing difficulties, vomiting or diarrhoea and even collapse. This is rare but can happen and can be very serious. If any of the latter do happen contact your vet immediately.
Some less severe reactions can include skin rash with little bumps (called hives), generalised mild swelling, (which may be elsewhere on the body), drooling and if they were stung on the legs or feet they may limp. For these, so long as they’re not excessive, don’t get worse, are localised, (ie don’t cover a large area) and they show improvement then they don’t need seeing though you can still call for advice if unsure.
If the sting was in any sensitive areas such as the mouth, throat, eyes or ge****ls then you should observe any swelling as problems can arise. For example, swelling in the mouth or throat areas can cause restrictions to the airways so an injection may be needed to reduce this. In this circumstance you should call for some advice and also if your pet has been stung or bitten many times.
In the event of any swelling (anywhere) that doesn’t settle quickly or continues to worsen it’s probably best to see a vet and if in any doubt it does no harm to seek advice anyway.

26/05/2024

FINAL REMINDER

This is a final reminder that Compulsory microchipping for owned cats is,

June 10th 2024

After this date any OWNED cat not microchipped will be have to get chipped within 21 days or the owner may be fined up to £500. So now’s a good time to,

• check your microchip details are up to date or
• think about getting your pets chipped if they aren’t.

If anyone would like to read the government website here is the most recent post we could find about it linked below,
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/treasured-pets-now-safer-as-microchipping-for-cats-becomes-compulsory
and
https://www.gov.uk/get-your-dog-cat-microchipped #:~:text=You%20must%20make%20sure%20your,they%27re%2020%20weeks%20old.
For those who have joined our Pet Health Club microchipping if free of charge for pets registered with the scheme.

26/05/2024

What is everyone doing with their Bank Holiday?

Hope everyone is having a nice one and for those that are working tomorrow know that your appreciated by someone for doing so.

23/05/2024

Flystrike

Fly Strike can be a killer for our beloved bunnies and although it can hit anytime it’s far more prevalent in the warmer months.
So, what is Flystrike? It’s an infestation of maggots that generally are found around the a**s or ge***al area. Fly’s lay eggs on the rabbit which then hatch into maggots. The maggots will then burrow into the skin and cause serious, sometimes irreparable, damage. Fly’s will lay eggs on damp areas of fur or sometimes wounds. It strikes fast as the eggs can hatch quickly within only a few hours so it’s important to keep an eye on your bunnies to make sure they are ok.
The only way to treat the flystrike is to remove ALL the maggots manually. Shaving off the fur…carefully as the skin tears easily…and cleaning the affected areas. We don’t recommend doing this yourself at home as rabbit skin tears very easily meaning you can cause more damage and sometimes an anaesthetic is required as well as pain relief and antibiotics. Unfortunately, simply washing them off doesn’t work and can cause the rabbit to go into shock.
To help prevent Flystrike you can do a number of things, keeping the rabbit and their hutches fresh and clean so as not to attract fly’s. Especially during warmer weather make sure to remove soiled bedding at least once a day and ‘check in’ a couple of more times in a day. Checking your rabbit over every day to make sure there isn’t a problem paying particular attention to their bottom areas is a good idea and using a fly repellent can also help.
Feeding a good diet helps with preventing digestive upset, rabbits produce a softer poo which they eat as an important part of their diet before later pooing out solid pellets. If the diet isn’t good enough, these soft poos can stick to the fur around their a**s as they are softer than they should be and so attract flies.
The most important thing is to be observant. So long as your bunny is in good conditions and you check them regularly Flystrike is less likely to happen, though can still happen even with the best of intentions. Prevention is better than cure but if you do notice your pet has Flystrike contact your vets as soon as possible as time can be the deciding factor and it can be deadly if not treated quickly enough.

23/05/2024

Sometimes you just gotta appreciate the wildlife too.

19/05/2024

Understanding Insurance

More people are generally getting Insurance cover for their pets so here’s a little summery of what to know and look out for when trying to find a policy that works for you.
Disclaimer, this is only a summery and different insurance companies will most likely have subtle differences in their policies and what works for one person won’t necessarily work for another. You should always make sure to know what your insurance will and won’t cover for as well as how much and for how long.

What cover?
Lifetime policies are generally marketed as a premium policy but still have different levels. Other policies may cover any condition for the lifetime of your pet (so long as you continue the policy but may have limitations so always check the fine print as…

Policies may have a monetary cap or a time cap. For example –
£3000 per policy year vs
£3000 per policy year, every year vs
£3000 per condition, per policy year, every year.
There are many other variations on this, some won’t renew each year and some may not have a monetary cap. In regards to time caps some policies will not cover a condition if it continues for more than one year.

Your excess. Every policy will have a defined amount you are required to pay for each separate individual illness or injury and some policies will have a percentage on top of that. You will need to pay that defined amount off each condition once per policy year and the percentage off every claim put in.

Pre-existing conditions are generally excluded off insurance policies though there are some companies that will allow it with restrictions. A pre-existing condition is any illness/injury that predates when you first took out your policy with that specific company. This can include illnesses/injuries that are associated with the treatment your claiming for, for example if your pet has been diagnosed with arthritis before your policy first started but your pet hadn’t required treatment at the time it would still be excluded.

Some places will offer short-term free insurance cover, sometimes you’ll get it with a new pup, at your vets or with a microchip. These aren’t recommendations, (that’s not allowed) it just means that the insurance company is allowing that person/company to forward the free trial onto you. This is very handy as a stopgap measure so you can be covered, (within the limitations of the policy) whilst you look to see which company suits your preferences.

Some insurers will say they can do direct claims as a selling point but you need to be aware that not all Practices will do direct claims. Always make sure you know what you can and can’t claim for before you decide to take out a policy. For example some insurance companies won’t cover for things like dentals whereas some will.

12/05/2024

Show us your pics of you big eared pets to show them some love.
Bonus point's if they're well kept ones!

08/05/2024

We know that amongst the crazy of our lives and lifestyle this can be difficult to do sometimes but don't forget to take a moment to breath. Even if it's just a couple of minutes to let your mind and body relax.

05/05/2024

FOOD ALLERGIES

Food ingredients such as beef, chicken, pork, corn, wheat or soy can cause allergies in our pets. Most commonly these can be managed by dietary changes though depending on the case you may need some medications to manage symptoms.

Each case will need to be assessed differently for the need for medication. Sometimes an initial dose of meds may be needed to calm the symptoms or to manage the problem for a short time before reducing the dose or even coming off medication completely and relying on dietary management. Other cases might need long term medications but may not need a high dose for very long, each case is different.

On that note, deciphering the root cause of an allergy can sometimes take time and patience. Food allergies can manifest with skin conditions or digestive upset so it’s not always a straight forward conclusion. You may want to get to the bottom of it or you may wish to just find medication that works regardless of the actual allergy but dealing with long term medications can come with their own side effects so dietary management where possible is always recommended.

So what causes food allergies? There are different things in foods that can cause problems for different pets and although they can have gluten or lactose intolerances, (most animals have some level of lactose intolerance as adults) the most common issues are with the type of protein in the food. This can vary depending on the protein source and how it’s processed, for example beef vs lamb vs chicken etc and whether that protein has been broken down in processing or not, (most standard foods aren’t).

Special diets for food allergy sufferers start with having restricted or specially processed ingredients to reduce the chance that a food allergy reaction is likely and help deal with issues that lead to gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhoea, vomiting and flatulence, malabsorption and colitis. They can also help prevent or reduce allergy responses that cause skin breakouts too but it’s best to discuss that with your vet to make sure there isn’t something else going on. Special allergy diets tend to use ingredients that are less allergenic such as egg, fish, lamb and rice for example and they may have added fibre or water absorbing qualities.

In summary, dietary allergies can take some time to pin down since every case is different but once you have your pet can live a happy life.

28/04/2024

Compulsory microchipping for cats – Jan 24

Compulsory microchipping for owned cats has been in the works for a while now but here’s a reminder that the date is,

June 10th 2024

After this date any OWNED cat not microchipped will be have to get chipped within 21 days or the owner may be fined up to £500. So now’s a good time to,

• check your microchip details are up to date or
• think about getting your pets chipped if they aren’t.

If anyone would like to read the government website here is the most recent post we could find about it linked below,
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/treasured-pets-now-safer-as-microchipping-for-cats-becomes-compulsory
and
https://www.gov.uk/get-your-dog-cat-microchipped #:~:text=You%20must%20make%20sure%20your,they%27re%2020%20weeks%20old.
For those who have joined our Pet Health Club microchipping if free of charge for pets registered with the scheme.

19/08/2022

Happy Friday!

What are you and your fur babies up to this weekend?

21/07/2022

It's back for the Summer! 3 for 2 on all Vetpro products! Mix and match your favourites.

Shop now on the My Family Vets Shop!

*Cheapest item free, offer valid until 31st August 2022.

12/05/2022

Heatwave incoming! 🌡️ Are you planning on taking your dog away to the beach this weekend? Does your dog get nervous whilst travelling? Or perhaps your cat or dog will be staying in a kennel or cattery if you are away this weekend.

All of these situations can cause anxiety in pets, however Vetpro can help! Vetpro Stress & Anxiety Capsules:

🌿 Calms behaviour
🌿 Are fast acting
🌿 Helps reduce stress
🌿 High strength
🌿 No sedative effect
🌿 Easy to administer sprinkle capsules

And for a limited time, we have 3 for 2 on all Vetpro products over on the My Family Vets Shop! Follow the link below to shop

https://bit.ly/38nq9lq

04/05/2022

OFFER ALERT! 🤩 IT'S BACK! Get 3 for 2 across the WHOLE Vetpro range on the My Family Vets Shop!

You can mix and match any Vetpro products, including; Stress & Anxiety, Joints & Mobility with Omega-3s and Healthy Skin & Glossy Coat! Follow the link below to shop!

http://bit.ly/34QoqY1

28/04/2022

It's International Guide Dog Day! 🦮

A day to celebrate all of the amazing service dogs out there who help their owners every day. Do you know any service dogs who you will celebrate today?

20/04/2022

When you realise it's already Wednesday! *Two more sleeps until it's Friday again*

11/04/2022

11/04/2022

It's National Pet Day! Will you be doing anything special for your pet today?

03/04/2022

Hit like if you agree 💗

30/03/2022

🐶💗