Here is part 2 of Beckys Muzzle Training series! 🐾🐶
In this clip she speaks about how to start off training your dog to comfortably offer their nose to objects, into objects and then into your chosen muzzle.
January is National Dog Training Month! 🐕
In aid of this, our Head Nurse Becky has put together a little series talking about muzzle training with some top tips and tricks.
This is to ensure that your dog feels safe, secure and comfortable when wearing a muzzle. This is a really important tool for our dogs, as there are a range of reasons as to why all dogs may require a muzzle at some point in their life. This doesn't necessarily mean they have aggressive tendencies, it could be for dogs that scavenge on walks, that play in a boisterous manner, that are required to wear one for legal reasons, or if they are ever in pain, stressed or anxious when visiting the vets.
Here is Becky doing part 1 of this series, talking about what muzzles are appropriate for your dog. 🐶
Following the closure of our Hassocks branch and also a little clear out of some items from our Burgess Hill Clinic, we chose to donate to a wonderful charity who deliver Veterinary items to Ukraine.
Today we recieved this video showing the arrival of our old preparation table from Hassocks. 💛
🎁🐾Happy Boxing Day from all of us at The Ark! 🐾🎁
We hope you and your pets are enjoying the festive season and taking time to relax after the Christmas excitement! Whether its extra cuddles, a winter walk or snoozing by the fire we hope today is filled with joy and warmth. 🐱🐶❤️
We cannot believe how many lovely donations we have had for the wonderful RSPCA in Brighton. 💚
Our final day to take in these generous donations will be Monday the 16th of December as they will be delivered on Tuesday the 17th!
Thank you again for all your support in giving these rescue animals the Christmas treat they so much deserve 💚
Here is a video showing off just some of the wonderful gifts so far! 🎁
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 🙏😆
