This week we're celebrating 40 years of Volunteers' Week! 🤩
Each and every one of our volunteers plays a massive part in what we're able to achieve every single day! Without them, we simply couldn't treat as many poorly pets as we do.
From sorting through stock donations and getting them ready to be displayed on the shop floor, to helping our lovely customers find their perfect second-hand pieces, there’s always something fun to do and new skills to learn 👏
Why not give volunteering a go for yourself? http://pdsa.me/DQma
[Visual description: A series of clips of volunteers in various PDSA charity shops. The clips involve them sorting through clothes on the shop floor, sorting through donated books, arranging the shops displays and steaming clothes.]
Don't wait until your pet falls ill before you think about getting Pet Insurance 🐾
PDSA Pet Insurance offers a range of policies to suit your pet's needs and your budget!
It's important to choose the Pet Insurance cover that's right for you and your furry companion ❤️🩹
Take a look at PDSA Pet Insurance policies here: pdsa.me/ueeM...
[Visual description: Vet Nurse, Nina, talking about the different types of pet insurance and why it's important to have it. She is wearing pink PDSA scrubs, holding a large white and grey fluffy dog teddy, standing against a teal coloured wall.]
We're the vet charity for pets in need… Of course we employ over 400 Veterinary Nurses! 🩺
From carrying out consultations and bandaging up wounds, to taking blood samples and x-rays, Veterinary Nurses are such a vital part of the team in all 49 of our Pet Hospitals.
Join us and BVNA (The British Veterinary Nursing Association) in celebrating Veterinary Nurses and all that they do in the name of saving pets 🥹
[Visual description: Video of Veterinary Nurses at PDSA Pet Hospitals. Clips show Veterinary Nurses in action, bandaging wounds, taking x-rays and checking blood samples.]
#20YearsOfVNAM #VNAM2024 #WhatVNsDo #VNAM #VeterinaryNurseAwarenessMonth
Have you ever imagined what 24 hours in a PDSA Pet Hospital looks like? 🏥
Each day, we see an average of 249 pets with emergency conditions. That’s over 90,000 every year. But to put it bluntly, we’re struggling right now.
With help from generous supporters like you, we can continue to be there for pets, like Ziggy, across the UK. Every donation you give goes towards saving pets’ lives and gives owners more time with their best friends. Will you save a pet’s life today with a donation to our #CriticalCareAppeal? 👉 http://pdsa.me/26LL
It’s your support that keeps our 49 Pet Hospitals in motion.
[Visual description: PDSA Vet, Leia, doing a tour of one of our Pet Hospitals to show the behind the scenes of what 24 hours looks like for our veterinary teams.]
You should always let your dog sniff on a walk, and here's why! 🐕
1. Sniffing helps lower dogs stress levels and helps them know what's going on in their environment.
2. Dogs enjoy and take pleasure in sniffing their surroundings.
3. Sniffing helps dogs feel more secure, as they know they're in a safe place.
4. Sniffing is as important as mental and physical exercise for your dogs.
5. Even on a familiar walk, scents are changing all the time, so they won't get bored of the same routes.
Next time you're out and about on a walk, let your pooch sniff! 🥰
[Visual description: Hester, Veterinary Surgeon, wearing pink scrubs, talks through the reasons why you should let your dog sniff on their walks, whilst she is talking through the points there are various clips of different dogs on their walks.]
Knowing what to do when your pet is in crisis could be the difference between life and death ⚠️
From breathing difficulties and choking to broken bones and bleeding wounds, our FREE Pet First Aid Guide offers actionable tips on how to spot and provide first aid for injuries at home: http://pdsa.me/SwVf 🐾
[Visual description: A video of Vet Nurse, Nina, demonstrating pet first aid on a large plastic dog, to pet owner Lucie, to show what to do in case of an emergency at home. This mirrors what is in our free pet first aid guide, including checking their airways, breathing and circulation.]
To celebrate #WorldVeterinaryDay, we asked some team members from different Pet Hospitals to share their story about how they got into their roles! 🩺
The veterinary teams work tirelessly every day, doing everything they can to save pets' lives and improve the health and well-being of our furry friends. We'll never be able to say thank you enough for the vital job they do 👏
🔗 If you would like to be a part of our wonderful team, look at our current vacancies here: http://pdsa.me/XWJi
[Visual description: Six clips of members of staff at PDSA, talking about how they got into their job roles, the fist clip is Emma, Student Vet Nurse, the second clip is Catherine, Veterinary Surgeon, the third clip is of Kathy the Vet Nurse Team Leader, the fourth clip is of Kelly, Veterinary Surgeon, the fifth clip is of Sam, Grad Veterinary Surgeon and the final clip is of Shauna, Veterinary Care Assistant.]
This week is #AllergyAwarenessWeek, so we want to spread awareness of allergies in our four-legged friends 🐕
Here are signs that you’re likely to see if your dog has an allergy: 👇
1. Licking or biting their paws
2. Red, sore skin around the eyes, ears, in between the paws and on their tummies
3. Upset stomach
4. Lots of scratching and head shaking
5. Rubbing their ears or muzzle
[Video description: Various members of the veterinary team at our Leeds Pet Hospital, talking into a mini microphone, explaining the five signs of allergies to look out for in your dog.]
It’s time to rethink sharing your cuppa with your furry pal ⚠️
Although it may not seem like much, the calories in milk (and the odd biscuit end) do add up over time and can lead to your pet gaining weight.
It’s also important to remember that tea does also contain caffeine, which dogs should always be kept away from. If they end up having a toxic dose, it can cause unwanted health issues that you’d rather avoid 🙁 And even decaf tea does have small amounts of caffeine, so it’s best to steer clear from it altogether when it comes to sharing with your pet.
If they want a drink, stick to water! It’s the best option for them as it’s safe.
[Video description: PDSA Veterinary Care Assistant, Donna, stood in the staff kitchen at our Leeds Pet Hospital, wearing her branded teal scrubs, whilst making a cup of tea. Whilst holding her cup, she’s talking about why it’s not the best idea to share the end of your cup of tea with your pet.]
Regular exercise for dogs is essential, it benefits their physical and mental health 🐾
Many things can affect how much exercise your dog needs including:
1. Breed
2. Age
3. Health
4. Fitness
5. Personality
As it’s #ActiveDogMonth, Vet Nurse, Billie, has shared how much exercise your dog typically needs! 🐕
[Visual description: A video of Billie, Veterinary Nurse, standing outside with a greyhound running around her, coming in and out of shot, talking through how much exercise different breeds should have, and factors that change how much exercise your dog needs.]
Caring for your dog when she’s in season is so important, as she’ll be feeling a little hormonal, out of sorts and maybe a bit confused 😔
Despite feeling this way, some dogs are still really active during their season, and there are lots of ways you can keep her happy and distracted during this time. Try playing games and giving her things to do in the house (such as a treat-filled toy or a licky mat), and taking her on walks (away from other dogs if possible) to keep her calm. It’s good to keep up with these normal routines!
You can comfort her if she comes to you, but if she wants time by herself, then it’s best to let her rest 🐶
Sometimes the bleeding during a season can make your house a little bit messy. If that’s the case, you can pop a doggy nappy on her. Each season will last for around two to four weeks, but she won’t bleed for that whole time. Dogs in season only tend to bleed for around seven to 10 days. If the bleeding continues past her normal season, do contact your vet for advice.
[Video description: PDSA Veterinary Nurse Team Leader, Kathy, stood in the recovery ward at our Leeds Pet Hospital wearing her branded teal scrubs. She’s talking into a mini microphone, explaining what you can do to help care for your dog that’s in season.]
Here are five signs that you’re likely to see if your dog is in season: 👇
1. A red swollen vulva
2. Red or brown discharge from the vulva
3. Licking her back end more than usual
4. She may be urinating more frequently
5. Behavioural changes such as being over friendly to other dogs, roaming to find male dogs and trying to mount
Remember, not every dog will show these symptoms all the time. So always be cautious as she can still get pregnant by other male dogs ⚠️
Stay tuned for part three to find out how to care for your dog when she’s in season!
[Video description: PDSA Veterinary Nurse Team Leader, Kathy, stood in a medical room at our Leeds Pet Hospital wearing her branded teal scrubs. She’s talking into a mini microphone, explaining the five signs to look out for that tell if your dog is in season.]
Spring is finally here, which means more adventures with your canine companions in the countryside. Here are our top tips on keeping your dogs safe out there 🐕
[Visual description: Video of Amy, Apprentice Vet Nurse, and Courtney, Veterinary Care Assistant, talking through eight top tips on how to keep your dogs safe in the countryside. These include: Make sure they’re microchipped, and wearing a collar with an ID tag, make sure they’re on lead when they’re around livestock, check the weather before you head out, plan your route, pack all of your essentials, make sure they are secure in the car and never leave them by themselves in a car, make sure their worm, flea and tick treatment is all up to date and make sure you always follow the countryside code.]
This is your reminder to keep your Easter chocolate well away from prying paws and snooping snouts 🍫
[Visual description: Vet Nurse, Nina, wearing her pink PDSA scrubs, talking through the reasons why you should keep your Easter chocolate hidden away from pets.]
This #WorldWaterDay, here are two easy tips to encourage your dog or cat to drink more water 💧
Whilst it's important your pets stay hydrated, make sure you're not making them drink more than they need to. Too much of a good thing (even water) can be bad! Also make sure to only use tuna in spring water, avoid brine and sunflower oil 🐟
[Video description: A black and white cat called Lucy has spring water from a tuna can mixed in with her water. The clips change over to a golden Cockapoo called Ella, who has a drop of salmon oil for dogs put into her water.]
Rabbits are NOT just for Easter 🙅♀️
On average, they live for around seven-10 years and they require a lot of looking after to keep them happy and healthy!
If you’re thinking about getting rabbits for Easter this year, but you’re not sure you can provide everything they need, then a chocolate bunny or a cuddly toy may be more suitable 🐰
[Visual description: Vet Nurse, Nina, wearing her pink PDSA scrubs, talking through the reasons why rabbits are not just for Easter. They are a long term commitment and require a lot of looking after for their health and welfare needs.]
n honour of #NationalNutritionMonth, we thought we’d treat the piggies to some fruit and vegetable kebabs, full of a variety of vitamins and minerals 🍅
Your little piggie pals need fresh vegetables every day to help them get enough vitamin C as they can’t produce it themselves!
These kebabs are a perfect, fun choice for the occasional healthy treat. Just remember to use non-toxic, untreated wood kebab sticks and that you supervise your piggies eating as all times ⚠️
Treat kebabs are just that, our vets advise one teacup of greens and vegetables, per guinea pig, per day. Fresh fruit is also a nice treat, but only in very small amounts because it’s high in sugar and can cause weight gain.
[Video description: Two Guinea Pigs, eating various fruits and vegetables from a kebab stick, one Is white, tan, black and fluffy and the other is black, tan and smooth.]
Are your pets getting enough shut-eye? 💤
Adult dogs and cats need around 12 to 16 hours plus per day, but some cats may sleep up to 20 hours a day. Puppies and kittens will need around 20 hours, so don’t be surprised if your new addition prefers to nap, especially after playtime!
Ensuring your pets get enough sleep is crucial for their health and wellbeing ❤️
#WorldSleepDay
[Visual description: Vet Nurse, Nina, wearing her pink PDSA scrubs, talking about how much sleep dogs, cats, puppies and kittens need per day and what to do if you think your pet is sleeping too much.]
What do you picture when you think of the Easter bunny? 🐰
The look of rabbits has changed quite a lot since the traditional Easter bunny. And we’re now used to seeing them with long, floppy ears, a rounder face and a shorter nose.
Here’s what you need to know about this new look ⚠️
[Visual description: Vet Nurse, Nina, wearing her pink PDSA scrubs, talking about how the look of rabbits has changed drastically over the years. As she’s talking about their appearance, pictures of rabbits are popping up in the background to show the different looks being talked about. For example, rabbits with long tall ears and long noses compared to rabbits with long floppy ears, short noses and rounder faces.]
