The Minster Veterinary Practice

🎆Firework Ready?🎆 Get prepared sooner rather than later.

Does your dog scare when Thunder happens? Has your puppy not heard thunder yet? Here are some active tips to help with loud noises 👉 https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice/understanding-your-dog/scared-loud-noises

ADDER BITES: Here’s what to do! 🐍🐍 👉Keep your dog close to you or on a lead around areas known for Adder populations – this will stop them from bothering the snakes and the likelihood of the snakes striking. 👉If an Adder has bitten your pet, call your vet immediately, and if possible, carry your pet to stop the venom from spreading. 👉 Even if you have been on a walk and haven't seen your pet get bitten but are acting out of character or notice any swellings, call your vet to be safe. As we go through these warmer months, we will likely see more Adders basking in the sun, where they are likely to be bothered by your pets!

⭐⭐Inca⭐⭐ Such a clever girl 🥰 She has mastered the art of sitting on the weighing scales, waiting and the best bit is receiving the treat at the end 😋👏

⭐❤️Veterinary Receptionist Week❤️⭐

🐾True or False?🐾 "Wait until they're 6 months old before leaving a puppy alone." ⭐Fact Check: Early independence training is key! Here's the scoop: 1️⃣ Start Young, Start Gradual: Waiting until 6 months can make this training more difficult. Begin teaching your puppy to stay alone early to prevent separation anxiety down the road. Gradually build up the time. 2️⃣ Short and Sweet Sessions: Leave them alone for short periods initially. It can be as simple as stepping into another room for a few minutes. Gradual exposure is the key. 3️⃣ Chews and Comfort: Provide distractions like chews or toys to keep your pup occupied. Make the experience positive, associating alone time with enjoyable activities. 4️⃣ Listen to Cues: If your puppy is distressed, start with very short intervals, even as brief as 10 seconds. Gradually increase as they become more comfortable. 5️⃣ Seek Professional Help: If leaving your puppy is a challenge, don't hesitate to reach out to an accredited dog trainer or behaviourist for personalised guidance. Building independence early fosters a confident, well-adjusted pup!🐶

🐾True or False?🐾 "Your dog needs to play with dogs when they are young to prevent them from being reactive." 🚫 ⭐Fact Check: While letting your puppy interact with other dogs is crucial, it's not just about quantity, but QUALITY! Socialisation goes beyond playdates – it's about introducing them to a wide variety of safe dogs and to new experiences like novel objects, sounds, smells, and surfaces. 👉So why not just endless play with furry friends? Socialisation is a well-rounded approach and many older dogs will not want to play with them. Controlled and positive interactions with dogs, humans, and diverse environments are key. Remember, it's about setting the stage and putting in the time for a well-adjusted, friendly companion. 🐶💛

⭐️ Meet Chico ⭐️ Just look at him, isn’t he gorgeous 🥹🥰 He was very much loving his chin/neck scratches post-op 😻

🚫Muzzle stigma needs to go!🚫 Muzzle training is an important skill for every dog! Although some people think dogs that wear muzzles are scary, this stigma needs to go! They are a fantastic tool which have plenty of benefits and when done properly, should be a fun engaging training session for you and your dog. Benefits and uses of muzzle training: -Stops dogs eating dangerous items when on walks -Stop high prey drive dogs catching and hurting wildlife -Helps reduce anxiety for owners when working with their nervous or reactive dog -Dogs can’t talk and so only have a limited way to communicate, if they are injured or scared enough it is only natural for them to bite, muzzle training means people can be kept safe in emergency situations and can allow examination of poorly pets. -Following the law - If your dog has been exempted but is a breed or type which is listed under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, then they must be kept on a lead and muzzled in public. See Holly& Fig - some of our staff dogs fashioning a muzzle, they are happy and content after positive reinforcement training to desensitise them to the muzzle. Muzzle training should be a fun activity for you and your dog, just as teaching something like “paw” or “rollover”, if you need further advice regarding muzzle training please get in touch. "Share this video if you found it helpful"