With firework season around the corner, check out our top tips on keeping your pet safe, happy and calm. 🐾🎆
For more support and advice:
vetcollection.co.uk/health/pets-and-fireworks
Did you know that 11 human years is equivalent to 60 cat years? 🐱🐾🐱
If your cat is over 7 years old, call us so we can get your cat’s blood pressure checked. 🩺
Happy Black Cat Appreciation Day! Today we are celebrating all our black feline friends - but how good is your black cat knowledge? Make sure to show us how your black cats are celebrating their day in the comments below.
Why are grass seeds aka Foxtails so dangerous?! In this video our head nurse Becky shows us how quickly this type of grass seed can move through swabs. 🌾
Foxtails are a type of wild barley that can grow anywhere including cracks in concrete. We are increasingly seeing large clumps pop up in urban areas. Grass seeds have a pointed end that grips into swabs and then burrows through the layers as the swabs are moved back and forth. This mimics what can happen in our pets when they pick up a grass seed and the continue to walk - typically dogs will pick these up in between their toes or in their ears. The barbed 'wings' of the grass grip onto the fur and the seed can quickly enter the skin and become invisible as it burrows deeper.
In rare but serious cases, grass seeds have been known to travel into the abdominal cavity when entering the skin or even travelled through the lungs having been inhaled!
So what can we do to protect our pets? Avoid walking where there are clumps of foxtails or long grasses. If you do see them on the street, move to one side to ensure your dog doesn't stick their head in to sniff or walk directly over them. During the summer months, check your dogs paws carefully after each walk. Some people find that getting long hair groomed back can make this easier. Watch out for any signs of discomfort such as head shaking (ears), weepy/itchy eyes or excessive licking (paws/body). If you see any of these signs, call and book an appointment. Most grass seeds can be removed under sedation before they cause much damage and we often catch them before they embed too deeply.
Why does your dog eat grass? 🌿
It is a common misconception that dogs eat grass to make themselves sick. There is in fact lots of reasons why your dog maybe munching on the lawn.
Some dogs simply like the taste and texture of grass, whereas others maybe bored and simply be looking for something to do. Some research supports that dogs seek out additional fibre in grass if their body needs more than their diet provides.
A survey of over 1500 dogs held in 2008 actually showed that as little as 1 in 10 dogs who consume grass have any ill health. Although some dogs where sick after eating it, it was very uncommon. Also, a huge amount of pet owners (70%) said their pets eat grass on a daily basis or at least once a week.
We would advise that if your dog eats grass but not their usual diet, eats excessive amounts of grass, is frequently vomitting, or appears unwell then you should see a vet to raise concerns. We also advise to ensure the grass that is being consumed has NOT been treated with any chemicals (fertilisers, pesticides etc) as these can be toxic. Finally we would advise you ensure your pets flea and worming treatment is kept up to date, as lungworm is passed on through slugs and snails.
Here is a video of Nova who belongs to our Lead Nurse Jenny having a good graze on some fresh grass like a little sheep 🐑 😅
A bundle of cuteness ❤️
These 4 wild baby bunnies where found in a farmers field after accidently being dug up. The farmer contacted a rescue for advice after no mother was seen returning. Considering they where believed to of been a matter of days old at the time they where found, it was crucial they where collected as soon as possible for the best chance at survival.
Thankfully our clinical director Jennifer was quick to rescue the babies and hand rear them until they made the transfer to the rescue centre. And this is no easy task! Hand feeding every 2 hours (even during the night), helping them to pass urine, monitoring their growth, ensuring they are kept warm, all whilst trying to keep them suitable for re-release.
We are proud to say 3 of the 4 went on to the rescue center and have continued making progress in their rehabilitation journey ❤️
May marks Veterinary Nurse Awarenessmonth - and this month, we are championing the incredible nurses in the veterinary profession worldwide! A hugethank you for everything you do for the nations pets. #VNAM2024 #thisisCVS 🙏😆
Here is a very useful trick to teach your dog, as demonstrated by Holly who belongs to our Head Nurse Becky. ❤️
Muzzle training is an invaluable lesson for your dog to learn. This is preparing them for times in their life where they may be required to wear one. Whether it be on day to day walks, to prevent scavenging or just when at the vets, all dogs can benifit from this useful skill.
It's important to remember that whilst we have dogs who haven't shown and signs of aggression or reactivity in the past, dogs in new environments, experiencing new situations or in pain/discomfort may lash out in ways that don't reflect their usual behaviour. So ensuring that they feel comfortable, safe and not scared of muzzles is key!
Making our dogs feel at ease, making us feel safe, and protecting our dog from making choices under pressure. ❤️
Ode to Veterinary Professionals
You may never have seen behind the consultation room in a veterinary practice.
So take a look at the work our vets and nurses do on the front line every day to look after animals in veterinary practices, hospitals, in the field and on call - so that they receive the best possible care.
Thanks to Molly Case for the poem you have written about our profession.
#careforanimals #veterinaryprofession
This is Nando who belongs to one of our patient care assistants, Chloe. He has come in today for his monthly arthritis injection and a general health check. 🐱
As you can see, he's very happy in his kennel with some catnip! 🐈
Antibiotic Amnesty
This month, we’re working with the vet sector
and the NHS to encourage the return of outof-date and unused antibiotics to help tackle
the growing issue of antimicrobial resistance.
During our amnesty, we are asking our clients to
return out-of-date and unused medicines to our
practices for safe disposal
Antibiotic Amnesty
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a worldwide health threat, as bacteria are becoming
resistant to many antibiotics we use. Throughout
November we are holding an antibiotic amnesty
where we are asking our clients to return any
unused antibiotic medications for safe disposal.
