Village Vets Clondalkin

30/08/2024

How do I handle emergencies with my pet?

If you are ever concerned about your pet give one of our clinics a call and we will do our best to advise and reassure you. If it is a serious emergency (e.g. seizing, blood loss) then you can get straight in your car and make your way down to our clinic.

It would be best if you can give us a call on the way however as some emergencies might need to be redirected to another clinic and we can discuss this with you by phone. If your usual clinic is closed you might also be transferred to one of our other clinics that are open or to the Pet Emergency Hospital located on the premises of the UCD Vet Hospital

27/08/2024

Hairballs are not just gross but can indicate digestive issues in cats. Regular grooming and a high-fibre diet can help manage this. No amount of vomiting is normal for cats so if your kitty is getting hairballs or vomiting a vet visit is a must!

25/08/2024

Arthritis is not just something your pet has to suffer with because they are old! In fact, we are seeing arthritis in dogs from as young as the age of 2!

There are lots of treatment options available now, from pain relief to supplements, that often have our clients telling us their pets are acting like their younger selves again!

So if you notice your dog or cat has become reluctant to jump up or play, being slower and less mobile or any limping give our clinics a call.

And remember, old age is not a disease!

22/08/2024

Myth: Cats Always Land on Their Feet

Fact: While cats have a righting reflex that usually helps them land on their feet when they fall, this is not always the case. Cats can still suffer serious injuries from falls, especially from greater heights. Veterinary care is crucial if a cat falls, as they might have internal injuries or fractures that aren't immediately obvious.

19/08/2024

We know many vets dream of owning their own practice but are intimidated by the next steps. Others make the leap, and then find the administration, compliance and management burdensome.

That’s why we’re proud to offer a new, innovative Irish solution at Village Vets.

We partner with ambitious, passionate vets to set you up your own practice, or to help you with your existing practice. We’re offering an equity partnership where you co-own the business and we provide the vital infrastructure to give you the best chance of success while focusing on doing what you do best – caring for pets and their owners.

As the first and only partnership model available in Ireland, we’ll use our extensive experience of growing and developing veterinary practices to boost your journey. We will provide ongoing support on HR, marketing, finance and all the other support functions you need, while empowering you to run your practice as you see fit.

Interested? Drop Aoife Caulfield, our Partnerships & Acquisitions Lead, a WhatsApp on 0896073386, email [email protected] or give her a call for an informal, confidential chat about whether this is the right next step in your career.

19/08/2024

Rabbit teeth grow continuously throughout their life making them prone to dental disease! Look out for reduced appetite, change in faeces quantity or size, any lethargy or abnormal jaw noises, movement or drooling and weight loss. Regular check-ups and a diet high in hay (85%)can prevent these issues.

16/08/2024

Myth: Dogs Eat Grass When They Are Sick

Fact: Many people believe that dogs eat grass to induce vomiting when they feel unwell. However, research suggests that most dogs eat grass because they simply like the taste or because it’s part of their natural behaviour.

It's also possible that eating grass helps with digestion or provides some necessary nutrients. Regardless, frequent grass eating accompanied by vomiting should be checked by a veterinarian to rule out underlying health issues.

13/08/2024

Hot Spots on Dogs

Have you noticed your dog scratching, licking, or biting at one specific area more than usual? It could be a hotspot!

What Are Hot Spots?

Hot spots are painful, inflamed areas on your dog's skin caused by excessive licking, scratching, or biting. They can appear quickly and spread fast!

Common Causes:

- Underlying uncontrolled food or environmental allergies
- Ear infections (hot spots around the head or near the ear)
- Fleas or other insect bites
- Small wounds or areas of inflammation that are tickly as they heal that cause your dog to scratch at them triggering a hot spot
- Areas of tangled or matted fur

Give us a call - these are usually simple to treat and we can make your dog feel much better very soon with specific treatment. In the meantime, before your appointment, put a buster collar on your pet or doggy pyjamas to prevent your dog from scratching or licking which can make it worse.

11/08/2024

Have you noticed your cat peeing outside its litter box or spending a long time inside it? Or maybe there is some blood in the urine? These are signs of painful inflammation of the bladder which is very common in cats.

There are lots of possible causes though interestingly, infection is rarely one of them!

Always provide a litter box per cat, plus one extra, and lots of sources of freshwater (away from the litter box and their food!)

If you notice any of these symptoms, call your local Village Vets for an appointment!

09/08/2024

What should I do if my pet eats something toxic?

If you suspect your pet has eaten something toxic, call one of our clinics immediately.

For some toxins, such as chocolate, we can often work out the toxic dose by phone and advise owners signs to watch for but for others we may advise you to bring your pet to the vet for assessment and treatment. This might include making your pet get sick (which is most effective the sooner it is done!) or fluid therapy to flush out any toxins.

Grapes or raisins are a particularly common toxicity that we see, and whilst pretty to look at, lilies are extremely toxic for cats & can cause severe kidney damage.

06/08/2024

Did you know that ear infections are a common issue in dogs? 🐶 Signs include scratching, head shaking, and a bad smell. Regular vet check-ups can help keep your pup's ears healthy!

01/08/2024

30/07/2024

28/07/2024

Our Pet Health Plan includes annual blood & urine tests for your pet? Allowing us to stay on top of their health and spot any abnormalities early!

For more info visit: https://www.villagevets.ie/free-visits

26/07/2024

If you find yourself in an emergency situation with your pet, ring us straight away so that we can advise you on the best course of action to take, and to arrange for you to visit us.

We provide an emergency veterinary service for all of our clients, with our team of veterinary surgeons and nurses working from our Clonsilla and Dundrum hospitals seven days a week, including bank holidays.

For more information; https://www.villagevets.ie/emergencies

23/07/2024

21/07/2024

Don't worry, we speak fluent meow, bark, and even squeak. No pet language barrier here!

19/07/2024

It's important to keep our furry friends protected with regular vaccinations. Let's ensure they stay healthy, happy, and ready for all the adventures ahead!

12/07/2024

Try freezing yoghurt, or pureed fruits like berries into ice cube trays or silicone moulds for a refreshing snack.

Remember to use pet-safe ingredients and avoid anything toxic. Share your pet's favourite frozen treat recipe with us!

09/07/2024

Meet Ireland's premier exotic vet service, led by the renowned Dr. Bairbre O'Malley.

With over 40 years of experience, Dr. O'Malley and her expert team have successfully treated more than 120 species of exotic pets, from rabbits and guinea pigs to parrots and snakes.

As a respected Associate Lecturer in Exotic Species at UCD, Dr. O'Malley ensures our team is highly skilled in caring for these unique animals.

For more info, visit: https://www.villagevets.ie/bray-vets/exotic-pets

05/07/2024

You can book an appointment in any of our clinics online?

Simple!

https://www.villagevets.ie/book-an-appointment

30/06/2024

Meet the Team Member – Amber

Q - What is your role at Village Vets and at which clinic are you based?
A - I am an Animal Care Assistant at our Sandyford clinic

Q - How long have you been with the company?
A – Over a year now

Q - What is your favourite part of the job?
A – Looking after animals

Q - What is something you’re particularly proud of?
A - My progress in communication skills and knowledge

Q - What’s something you like to do outside of work?
A – Read and walk

Q - Do you have any pets at home?
A - Yes

Q - What's one piece of advice you have for pet owners?
A - To try and make coming to the vets a positive experience for your pet.

27/06/2024

Who needs superheroes when you have vets? We save the day, one pet at a time. 💪🦸‍♂️

26/06/2024

Here are some snippets from the Village Vets Summer Staff Party! 🎉

It was a night to remember as we came together to celebrate our achievements, our journey, and our bright future.

As our CEO, Charles Cosgrave, said in his speech, "It’s been quite a journey to get VV where we are today." From his days cycling from vet college in Ballsbridge to work experience in Cabra, to now having a team of 275 across 18 clinics seeing 135,000 patients annually, it’s been incredible.

This wouldn’t be possible without our team’s dedication to client and patient care that has remained constant since the early 1980s.

Thank you to everyone who celebrated with us, both in person and in spirit, and to all our dear customers who supported and trusted us over the years and put the health of their pets in our hands. Without you all, VV wouldn’t be the place it is today.

25/06/2024

Ticks can carry serious diseases so it's best to get them removed ASAP.

Firstly, call your local Village Vets clinic - we can remove the tick for you and administer any treatment needed.

If you can’t make it into one of our clinics in a timely fashion, follow these steps:

1. Remove the tick promptly with tweezers, grasping it as close to the skin's surface as possible - Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking to prevent breakage.

2. Dispose of the tick by flushing it down the toilet or sealing it in a bag.

3. Clean the bite area and your hands thoroughly.

4. Monitor your pet for any signs of illness, such as fever or lethargy, and book a checkup in your local Village Vets clinic.

Regularly check your pet for ticks, especially after outdoor adventures, and consider using tick preventatives recommended by our team.

23/06/2024

There’s always a treat on hand at our clinics! Extra cuddles included!!

22/06/2024

As temperatures rise, remember to keep your pets cool and comfortable! Provide plenty of shade and fresh water, take your pet for their walk at cooler times of the day, and never leave pets in a parked car—even for a few minutes. Let's keep our pets safe this summer!