The Village Animal Hospital

15/08/2024

Unlike us, pets have no understanding that hot weather can beharmful. We control their environment, their access to water and their exercise, and they can’t speak up if they start feeling unwell.

Heat stroke can rapidly progress and, even with veterinary treatment, is often fatal. Find out more about keeping your pet safe in hot weather here:

When the temperatures rise, it's important to ensure our pets stay safe. Read up on some tips and tricks to keep your furry friends cool in the heat.

14/08/2024

Take care in the heat everybody ♥️

While all dog breeds need to be careful, flat-faced breeds struggle to regulate their temperature even more. 🌡️

Don't take the risk today; keep them cool and entertained indoors.

More on how to keep your dog cool 👉 https://bit.ly/46H6jQ6.

12/08/2024

Imagine you are deaf. You can’t hear your smoke alarm or alarm clock. You can’t hear your text messages. You miss out on social interactions. That’s what life is like for deaf people, and it can be very isolating. A hearing dog can make a big difference. You can help our charity of the year – Hearing Dogs for Deaf People – help a deaf person leave loneliness behind, by adding a donation via Pennies when you pay by card. Just a small donation can help deaf people escape isolation and reconnect with life. Thank you.

07/08/2024

Did you know you could benefit from 20% discount on selected lifetime care medications for your cat or dog when you’re a member of The Healthy Pet Club?

Your pet can be signed up in your local practice, or find out more at:
vetcollection.co.uk/health-plans-and-products/healthy-pet-club

06/08/2024

We have had two black female approx 3 month old kittens brought in to our Caterham practice. Sadly no chips or collars, found in Plumstead and brought in by a member of public last night. If you know anything, please give us a call on 01883 348483.

22/07/2024

We have had a black and white male kitten brought in to our Caterham practice. Found in the Raglan Precinct car park in Caterham on Sunday. If you know anything please give us a call on 01883 348483.

09/07/2024

We have had a female kitten about 2 months old brought into us as a stray - she is cream coloured with grey stripes on her tail and face. She was found on Sunday by Merstham pond, no chip or collar. If you think you know anything about her, please give us a call on 01883 348483.

28/06/2024

Microchipping rabbits is not a legal requirement but is strongly recommended. Rabbits are excellent escape artists and, if they manage to escape the garden, it can be difficult to identify where they have come from.

Find out more about getting your rabbit microchipped here:
vetcollection.co.uk/health/microchipping-rabbits

27/06/2024

Neutering means removing the reproductive organs; this is either the ovaries in females (known as spaying) or the testicles in males (known as castration). Neutering is a routine procedure that does not require overnight hospitalisation, with an average recovery time of 5-10 days.

Find out more about the benefits and risks of neutering your rabbit here: vetcollection.co.uk/health/should-i-neuter-my-rabbit

26/06/2024

Since you cannot check your rabbit’s teeth at home, it is important to look out for signs of dental disease.

There are many things that you can look out for that might indicate that your rabbit has some sort of dental health issue.

If you notice any of these signs, it is important that you bring your rabbit to your vet for an oral assessment as soon as possible. Stopping eating altogether is an emergency.

For more information about Dental Disease:
vetcollection.co.uk/health/dental-disease-in-rabbits

25/06/2024

Both indoor and outdoor rabbits require vaccinations to keep them safe from infectious disease. Young rabbits are particularly vulnerable to serious illnesses, so it’s important to get them vaccinated early.

Rabbits can be vaccinated from five weeks old and will need yearly booster vaccinations throughout their life to maintain immunity.

Find out more about vaccinations for rabbits here:
vetcollection.co.uk/health/vaccinations-for-rabbits/

24/06/2024

Flystrike happens more often in warm weather, and in rabbits who have soiled fur (often due to poor diet, obesity or arthritis).

Throughout the spring and summer rabbits must be checked twice daily and any soiled fur cleaned. If you find any sign of fly eggs or maggots you must arrange for your rabbit to see a vet as soon as possible.

For more information about Flystrike:
vetcollection.co.uk/health/conditions/flystrike

21/06/2024

There is no denying the fact that dogs can help to alleviate stress in the workplace. In fact, a survey conducted by The Kennel Club revealed that 70% of people think dogs reduce stress within a working environment, and even stroking a dog is said to reduce blood pressure.

Is your four-legged friend taking a trip to your workplace today?

19/06/2024

Donations raised through Pennies when you pay by card help support Guide Dogs. Just a small donation can make a big difference!

18/06/2024

Our pets are part of the family and we want to share fun experiences with them – including taking them on holiday!

While this often results in great fun and wonderful memories, there are a few things to consider first. A bit of planning beforehand goes a long way towards making it a positive experience for everyone.

For further information on travelling with your pet in the UK,
visit: vetcollection.co.uk/health/travelling-with-your-pet

18/06/2024

You know your pet is covered day to day with their routine parasite treatment, but what about if you take your pet abroad?

There are many different diseases and parasites that our pets can come into contact with when travelling to foreign countries.

To find out more about the health considerations when travelling abroad with your pet, visit: vetcollection.co.uk/health/travelling-with-your-pet

17/06/2024

To travel with your pet to an EU country or Northern Ireland, there are some requirements your pet will need before you travel. We would recommend that you start the process at least four months before your journey.

To find out more about pet travel requirements abroad, visit:
vetcollection.co.uk/health/travelling-with-your-pet

17/06/2024

Are you looking to travel abroad with your pet this summer? If you are, you will be required to obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for them.

An AHC needs to be issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV). Check with your veterinary practice to see if they have a qualified OV because not every practice will have one.

For more information about pet travel abroad visit:
vetcollection.co.uk/health/travelling-with-your-pet

14/06/2024

Advice on ‘Walking in the Countryside With Your Dog’ in British Sign Language, with our Animal Health Care Assistant, Julie Beckett.

For more pet advice in British Sign Language and to use our SignVideo service visit: vetcollection.co.uk/deaf-bsl-service

12/06/2024

Live independently. The advice and skills Guide Dogs provides will give people the freedom to live life on their own terms, in their own way, so that they can achieve their hopes and ambitions.

Press GREEN to make a micro-donation when paying by card at our practice and help support the charity Guide Dogs. Just a small donation can make a big difference!

11/06/2024

Did you know you get 10% off all vet fees and products with a Healthy Pet Club membership?

Your pet can be signed up in practice, or find out more at:
http://vetcollection.co.uk/health-plans.../healthy-pet-club

10/06/2024

Today marks the start of Diabetes Awareness Week - did you know your furry friends can get diabetes too?

Diabetes causes levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood to be persistently high. Normally when blood glucose levels increase, the pancreas releases a hormone called insulin which adds in a number of ways to lower the blood glucose and prevent it from getting too high.

Want to know what to look out for in your pets? For more information on diabetes in cats, please visit: https://www.vetcollection.co.uk/health/conditions/feline-diabetes/

For more information on diabetes in dogs: https://www.vetcollection.co.uk/health/conditions/canine-diabetes/

10/06/2024

From today, all pet cats will legally need to be microchipped in England.

Are you looking to get your cat microchipped? Give us a call to book your cat in for an appointment, and don’t forget, for Healthy Pet Club members microchipping is one of the benefits included!

To find out more about microchipping your cat:
vetcollection.co.uk/health/microchipping-cats

08/06/2024

The 8th June is National Best Friends Day, and we believe there is no greater friendship than the one that you share with your furry friend.

How will you be celebrating Best Friends Day? Comment below and share a picture of your animal companion; whether it’s a kitty, canine or critter!

07/06/2024

It is still” business as usual” whilst we get used to our improved systems although processes such as booking appointments may take us a little longer than usual. Thank you for your patience. Once we are up to speed, our improved system will open up more, exciting developments to ensure you and your pet have the best customer and patient experience.

30/05/2024

Our pets are part of the family and we want to share fun experiences with them – including taking them on holiday!

While this often results in great fun and wonderful memories, there are a few things to consider first. A bit of planning beforehand goes a long way towards making it a positive experience for everyone.

29/05/2024

With the new cat microchipping legislation in England coming in on 10 June 2024, if you have a new kitten, you may be wondering when you would need to get them microchipped by.

All cats need to microchipped by the time they are 20 weeks of age, this could be done during their neutering procedure so it can be placed easily and they do not feel it.

Give us a call to book your cat in for an appointment and to find out more about microchipping your cat: vetcollection.co.uk/health/microchipping-cats

28/05/2024

To travel with your pet to an EU country or Northern Ireland, there are some requirements your pet will need before you travel. We would recommend that you start the process at least four months before your journey.

To find out more about pet travel requirements abroad, visit: vetcollection.co.uk/health/travelling-with-your-pet