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Monday 07:30 - 18:00 Tuesday 07:30 - 18:00 Wednesday 07:30 - 18:00 Thursday 07:30 - 18:00 Friday 07:30 - 18:00 Saturday 08:00 - 12:00

St Helier Veterinary Hospital

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St Helier Veterinary Hospital

St Helier Veterinary Hospital is a full service veterinary hospital providing advanced veterinary care.

14/07/2025

🐾 The Staffordshire Bull Terrier — The Pocket Rocket With a Smile

Next up, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier — or as any proud owner will tell you, “He’s not aggressive, he’s just very passionate!” 😅💥

🧬 Origin: Bred in the UK for bull-baiting (rude) and later as a family companion. These days, they specialise in zoomies and sofa snuggles.

📏 Size:
0.35–0.40 metres tall
11–17 kg of densely packed muscle, sass, and snuggles

🩺 Health Notes:
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Skin allergies (especially in the summer — they’re like spicy little meatballs 🌶️)
Watch their weight — they’ll hoover up dropped toast like it’s a Michelin-star meal 🍞

😄 Fun Fact:
Staffies are known as “nanny dogs” for their loyalty and love for children… and also for being slightly unhinged when the postman arrives 🚪📬

💡 Bonus Quirk:
Their grins. If joy were a dog breed, it would be this one. 24/7 toothy grin, even when they're up to mischief 🐶😈

11/07/2025

The American Staffordshire Terrier — The Gentleman Tank

Next in the Power Breed line-up: the dapper, dashing American Staffordshire Terrier (or AmStaff, if you’re in the know) 🐕🎩
Basically, if the Pit Bull is the gym bro, the AmStaff is the bodyguard in a bowtie.

🧬 Origin: Cousin to the American Pit Bull Terrier, but bred with a more refined temperament for show and companionship. Think less scrappy, more snazzy.

📏 Size & Weight:
43–48 cm tall at the shoulder
23–36 kg — all muscle, no fluff

🩺 Health:
Hip dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia
Skin issues (especially if they’re white or light-coloured — bring the sunblock!)
Watch those knees: they may look tough, but they can be clumsy goofballs 🦴💥

😄 Fun Fact:
AmStaffs are drama queens. Forget tough — they’re lap dogs in denial. Want to go to the loo alone? Too bad. This unit is following you.

💡 Bonus Quirk:
They do this thing where they sit like humans on the couch, one paw draped casually. It’s giving: "Tell me about your day, Sharon."

10/07/2025

📅 10 July – Kitten Day

😻🐾 Kitten Day: Paws, Whiskers, and Chaos!

Today’s the purr-fect excuse to celebrate all things small, fluffy, and mildly destructive. 🧻🐈

On 10 July, we honour kittens — those mischievous little bundles of joy who climb curtains, knock over plants, and somehow still melt your heart. 💕🌱

Whether you’re adopting, fostering, or just endlessly scrolling through cat videos (guilty! 🙋‍♀️), today’s a great day to:

Support your local shelter 🏠
Spoil your cat with an extra treat 🐟
Or finally admit the kitten runs your house now 😼👑

And remember: behind every cute meow is a tiny tiger in training. 🐯❤️

09/07/2025

🐾 Meet the American Pit Bull Terrier — The Gym Bro of the Dog World

Right! First up in our Power Breed Profiles is the one, the only... American Pit Bull Terrier! 🎤🐶
(Or as they’re known at the park: "Oi! Is that a Pit Bull?!")

🧬 Origin: Bred in the 19th century for bull-baiting (yep, sounds as bad as it is) — but today, they’re more about couch-baiting and belly rubs.

📏 Size & Weight:
Medium-sized, stocky powerhouse
43–53 cm tall at the shoulder
13–30 kg of pure muscle and marshmallow

🩺 Health:
Prone to skin allergies (they’re sensitive, okay? 🥺)
Hip dysplasia
Watch out for sunburn on their pink noses — they’re basically gym bros who forgot their SPF.

😄 Fun Fact:
Despite the tough guy image, many Pit Bulls are absolute lovebugs who’ll flop over for a tummy tickle faster than you can say “walkies”. In fact, they once had the nickname "nanny dogs" for being so good with kids 👶🐕

💡 Bonus Quirk:
They can JUMP. Like, over fences. Like, Olympic-level. Like, “I swear I shut the gate” kind of jump.

07/07/2025

🐾 What Exactly Are Power Breeds?

Hello hoomans! 🐶✨
Let’s talk about power breeds — not because they bench press at the gym (though have you seen those muscles? 💪), but because these dogs are known for their strength, stamina, and solid build.

"Power breed" is a nickname often given to dogs that are:

Physically strong 🏋️‍♂️
Protective by nature 🛡️
And sometimes (unfairly!) assumed to be aggressive 😔

Breeds like Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Cane Corsos, and Bullmastiffs make the list — not because they’re mean, but because if they wanted to wrestle a lion, they might win (don’t try this at home, please).

They’re often misunderstood and sometimes even restricted in certain places because of their big bark and even bigger bite potential. But with the right love, training, and cuddles (yes, they’re secret softies), they’re as loyal as they come 🐾💞

Let’s show them the respect — and snuggles — they deserve!

06/07/2025

📅 6 July – World Zoonoses Day

🐾🦠 Wait... What’s a Zoonosis?

Nope, it's not a new yoga pose for animals! 🧘‍♂️🐶
A zoonosis is any disease that can pass from animals to humans — think rabies, tick-bite fever, or even (gulp) bird flu.

On 6 July, we honour the brilliant discovery of the rabies vaccine 🧪 and raise awareness about keeping both humans and animals safe and healthy.

🐕 How you can help:
Keep your pets vaccinated 💉
Wash those hands after cuddles with farm animals 🐐🧼
Avoid smooching stray wildlife (we know, they're cute, but...) 😘🦝🚫

It’s all about loving our furry, feathered, and scaly friends responsibly.
Because good hygiene = fewer sniffles for everyone. 😷💚

’tLickThem

04/07/2025

🐶🐱 Wow — we've had such a great response to our brachycephalic breed posts! Thanks to everyone who liked, shared, and messaged us 💬💕

A few of you have been asking, “What about the other breeds?” — and we hear you! 👂😉 So by popular request, our next series will be all about the power breeds 💪🐾

Think strong, bold, and sometimes misunderstood — we’re diving in soon, so stay tuned! 📢

😄

02/07/2025

🏴‍☠️👑 English Toy Spaniel (King Charles Spaniel) – The Royal Lapdog with a Smooshy Face! 🐾🎩

The English Toy Spaniel, also known as the King Charles Spaniel, is all elegance, squish, and snuggle. This little royal pup is delightfully brachycephalic with its short nose and big soulful eyes 👀❤️

🐾 Size: Toy (3.5–6.5 kg of pampered pooch)
💖 Personality: Gentle, loving, quiet — the perfect little lap warmer! ☕💤
🎭 Fun Fact: A favourite of royals — they’ve lived in palaces and posed in portraits for centuries 🏰🖼️

⚠️ Health Watch:
Breathing problems are common due to the flat face 😔
Eye issues (those big eyes need protection and vet checks!) 👁️🩺
Watch their weight — chubby spaniels struggle more with brachy traits ⚖️

Top Tip: Treat your English Toy Spaniel to gentle strolls, cosy blankets, and royal treatment. They’ll reward you with timeless love 💘🐾

30/06/2025

🇮🇹🐾 Neapolitan Mastiff – The Wrinkly Wonder of Naples! 🐘❤️

A living, slobbery tank with a heart of gold! The Neapolitan Mastiff is a true brachycephalic giant — their big jowls, wrinkled face, and droopy eyes make them instantly unforgettable 😍🐾

🐾 Size: Giant (50–70 kg of majestic drool)
💖 Personality: Gentle, protective, and a bit lazy — a dignified nap enthusiast 🛏️💕
🎭 Fun Fact: They were used in ancient Roman times as guard dogs. Today? They’re professional cuddlers (and sofa hogs) 🇮🇹🐾

⚠️ Health Watch:
Short muzzle = heat sensitivity and snoring 😴
Lots of facial folds – clean regularly to avoid infections 🧼👃
Prone to drooling... a lot. Keep towels handy! 💦😅

Top Tip: Gentle training, cool shady spots, and lots of affection will help your Neapolitan live a happy, slobber-filled life 🐶💧

27/06/2025

💎 Chinchilla 💎

Move over, royalty—the Chinchilla Cat is here to dazzle 😻 A type of Persian, they’re all about elegance, sparkle, and turning heads with their silvery fur and emerald eyes.

🐾 Size: Medium (3–6 kg)
💖 Personality: Quiet, gentle, and classy
🎭 Fun Fact: Not related to the rodent, but just as soft! 🐭✨

⚠️ Health Watch:

Flat-faced features can lead to snorting and snuffling
Watch for tear staining (they’re not crying, just glamorous) 😢💎
Dental issues due to short muzzles—regular vet checks are a must 🦷

Top Tip: They don’t like chaos. A calm, peaceful palace suits them best 👑🛋️

25/06/2025

🐶 Lhasa Apso – The Regal Little Watchdog 👑🔔

Don't let the size fool you – the Lhasa Apso is basically a palace guardian in a pint-sized package! 🏰 Originally bred to protect Tibetan monasteries, this flowy fluffball is alert, loyal, and just a touch dramatic. Think of them as the glam rockers of the dog world – all hair, flair, and "don't mess with me" energy 🎸💅.

🐾 Size: Small (5–8 kg)
💖 Personality: Independent, devoted, a little suspicious of strangers 🧐
🎭 Fun Fact: Their coat is floor-length fabulous and naturally weatherproof – it kept them warm in the Himalayas! ❄️🧣

⚠️ Health Watch:

Mildly brachycephalic – they can snore like a freight train 🚂😴
Prone to eye issues and skin irritations in their folds
Regular grooming is a must–unless you're into the tangled mop aesthetic 🧼✂️

Top Tip: They may be small, but their confidence is colossal. Train with patience, and you'll have a loyal little lion at your side 🦁💕

23/06/2025

🇪🇸🐕 Presa Canario – The Canary Islands Guardian with a Soft Spot! 🌴💪

Powerful, protective, and striking to behold, the Presa Canario (aka the Canary Mastiff) is a large, muscular dog that can sometimes have mild brachycephalic features — especially that strong, square muzzle! 🦴🐾

🐾 Size: Large (up to 65 kg of loyal muscle!)
💖 Personality: Calm, confident, and devoted to their family — but not for first-time dog owners! 🛡️🏡
🎭 Fun Fact: Originating from the Canary Islands, they were traditionally used to guard livestock and homes 🐄🌺

⚠️ Health Watch:
Possible brachy-style breathing issues in shorter-muzzled types 😮‍💨
Hip dysplasia and joint concerns due to their size 🦴
Strong-willed — they need firm, positive training and responsible ownership 🎓🐕

Top Tip: With the right care, socialisation, and space, a Presa Canario is a devoted guardian and gentle giant. Respect earns their love! 🐶🖤

Address

Hillcrest

Opening Hours

Monday	07:30 - 18:00
Tuesday	07:30 - 18:00
Wednesday	07:30 - 18:00
Thursday	07:30 - 18:00
Friday	07:30 - 18:00
Saturday	08:00 - 12:00

Telephone

+27317656492

Website

http://www.shvh.co.za/

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