St Helier Veterinary Hospital

27/12/2024

🐾 Dental Health Awareness: Stage 4 – The Final Chapter 🐾

Hello, pet parents! Dr Crosson here from St Helier Veterinary Hospital 🩺🐕🐈. We’ve reached the final post in our dental health series, and we’re talking about Stage 4 dental disease—the most severe stage. 😞 But don’t worry, there’s always hope to get your furry friend feeling better! 🌟

🦷 Stage 4: Severe Periodontal Disease
At this stage, your pet’s mouth is in serious trouble:

Tooth roots are infected and abscessed.
The surrounding bone is so damaged that teeth are loose.
The mouth is highly infected, causing systemic illness. 😟
✨ What You Might Notice:

Breath that smells...well, let’s say it’s less “doggy breath” and more “bin day.” 🤢
Struggling to eat or pawing at their mouth due to pain.
Drooling, loose teeth, and red receded gums.

Unfortunately, Stage 4 cannot be reversed. At this point, removing most (or all) teeth is often the best option to restore health. And trust us, a toothless pet can live a happy, pain-free life—and still enjoy their dinner! 🍖🐾 This surgery is significant and will include hospitalisation, antibiotics, and top-notch pain management.

🐾 What’s Next? 🐾
Stay tuned! Our next post will feature Dr Crosson’s toothbrushing tutorial—yes, we’ll show you how to brush your pet’s teeth! 🪥🐶🐱 Trust us, it’s easier than you think (and absolutely worth it!).

Thanks for sticking with us through this series—let’s keep those tails wagging and those mouths healthy! ❤️🐾

23/12/2024

🍗The festive feasting is in full swing, but when it comes to your pets, some Christmas treats are a big NO-NO! Here's a quick guide to keeping them safe while you enjoy your Christmas dinner:

🍗 DO:

🌟 Give them a little turkey! But leave out the skin, bones, and any seasonings (no garlic, no onions – they’re toxic!). Plain, cooked turkey is a pet-friendly treat.
🌟 Carrots, peas, and green beans are paw-some as a festive snack! Just make sure they’re cooked and plain – no butter, salt, or spices.
🌟 A small piece of cheese is okay for most pets (but not for the lactose-intolerant ones – poor things!).

🚫 DON’T:

🌟 Chocolate – Don’t even think about it! This festive favourite is deadly for dogs and cats alike. Keep those chocolates on a high shelf! 🍫❌
🌟 Xylitol – A sugar substitute found in sugar-free sweets and gum. It’s extremely toxic to pets, so keep those treats out of reach.
🌟 Grapes and raisins – They can cause kidney failure in pets, so no festive fruit bowls for them! 🍇
🌟 Alcohol – As tempting as it may be to share a sip of your festive drink, alcohol is dangerous for pets – it can cause vomiting, breathing issues, and even coma.

🎅 Bonus tip: If you're enjoying some extra goodies, keep your pet's plate full of their own tasty treats or chew toys to keep them busy and satisfied! 🐾

Wishing all our furry friends a merry and safe Christmas! 🎁🎄 Let us know what festive food your pets love (that’s safe, of course!). 🐱🐶

20/12/2024

🐾✨ Welcome Back to Dr Crosson’s Dental Series! 🦷🐶 ✨🐾

Here we are again, diving into another stage of dental disease to help you understand what’s happening in your pet’s mouth and how to keep them happy and healthy. 💕 Today, we’re tackling Stage 3—a critical point where prompt action is a must!

Let’s jump right in! 🐾✨

🔴 What’s happening?
👉 At Stage 3, there’s significant bone loss around the teeth—up to 50%! 😧
👉 Gums are very red, swollen, and may bleed.
👉 Teeth might detach from the gums, feel loose, or move when touched. 🦷
👉 Your pet’s breath will smell bad (we’re talking dragon-level bad 🐉), and you may notice:

Excessive drooling 💧
Food falling out while chewing 🍗
💡 What’s the solution?
At this stage, your pet needs urgent treatment, including:
✔️ A dental scale and polish above and below the gum line.
✔️ Identifying teeth that can be treated versus those that must be extracted.
✔️ Possible antibiotics post-surgery to prevent infections.

❗ Prevention is better than cure! Stage 3 is irreversible, but starting a home care plan early can keep your pet’s teeth healthy for longer.

🐾 Top Tip: Try Hill’s t/d (tooth diet) as treats or part of your pet’s meals—it’s a delicious way to support dental health! 🍖🦷

Let’s work together to stop dental disease in its tracks. Stay tuned for the next stage in our series! 💕🐾

🐾✨

18/12/2024

16/12/2024

The holiday season is here, and while we love to decorate, our pets can’t always tell what's safe. Here are some quick tips to keep your furry friends safe this Christmas:

🌟 1. Tinsel, Ribbons & Baubles – Keep them out of reach!
Tinsel and ribbons can cause serious blockages if swallowed, and baubles can shatter. Stick to pet-safe, shatterproof decorations!

🎄 2. Candles – Fire hazard alert!
Pets can accidentally knock over candles, so keep them out of paw’s reach or opt for LED candles.

🍪 3. Sweets – Keep them away from pets!
Chocolate, raisins, and sugar-free sweets (with xylitol) are toxic to pets, so keep them safely stored!

🧸 4. Pet-friendly Decorations
Use fabric garlands, chew-friendly toys, and pet-safe stockings to include your furry pals in the festivities.

Enjoy a festive, pet-safe season! 🎅 What are your favourite pet-friendly holiday decor ideas? Share below! 🐾🎁

13/12/2024

🐾✨ Yes, It’s Time for Dr Crosson’s Dental Series! 🦷🐶 ✨🐾

That’s right, we’re back again! 🎉 Today, we’re diving into Stage 2 of dental disease—what it looks like, what it means for your furry friend, and how we can help keep their smile bright and healthy. 💕🐾

Let’s get started! 🪥🐶

At this stage, there’s mild to moderate loss of the bone and ligaments holding your pet’s tooth. But what will YOU notice? Here’s what to look for:

🔴 Redder, swollen gums – your pet’s gums might look more inflamed.
🦷 Increased plaque and tartar – a noticeable build-up on their teeth.
👀 Receding gums – the gums pull back, exposing more of the tooth.

💡 What’s the solution?
👉 A dental scale and polish is a must at this stage—ideally within 1-2 months of diagnosis. Don’t delay!
👉 In some cases, extractions may be needed to prevent further damage.
👉 After treatment, starting a home cleaning plan can make a HUGE difference, slowing down any further progression.

🪥 Fun Fact: A dental scale and polish involves using an ultrasonic scaler to create vibrations that break down plaque. Once removed, the teeth are polished with dental pumice to smooth the enamel, preventing tartar from reattaching—because plaque can start building up again within 24 hours! 😲

Let’s keep those tails wagging and mouths healthy! 🐾 Stay tuned for the next stage in our series. 💕

🐾✨

11/12/2024

🐾 Cat Behaviour Challenge: Answers & Insights! 🐾

Hey there, fellow feline fanatics! Dr Crosson here from St Helier Veterinary Hospital 😺🩺. Thanks for getting involved in our cat behaviour challenge—it’s time to reveal the answers (and have a laugh along the way)!

1️⃣ Happy & Relaxed – Yes, this was a bit of a trick! Well done to those who nailed it—this cat is happy and relaxed, even though it’s not lying down and showing its tum. Cats can keep us guessing! 😹☀️
2️⃣ Happy & Relaxed – Yes, again! This kitty is living their best life. Probably dreaming about world domination or the perfect sunbeam. 😹☀️
3️⃣ Anxious or Stressed – Wide-eyed and crouched low? They’ve either spotted a cucumber or heard you mention the vet. 🥒👀
4️⃣ Fearful & Defensive – Classic Halloween cat! All puffed up like a hairy balloon animal. 🎃🐈 “Stay back, human, or face the wrath of my floof!”
5️⃣ Annoyed or Overstimulated – Tail flick? Back twitch? That’s a firm “DO NOT PET ME!” Translation: “I warned you, Dave…” 😾⚡
6️⃣ Aggressive – This kitty means business. They’ve officially entered “Get off my lawn!” territory. Proceed with caution—or treats. 🛑🍗

🐾 Happy Cats = Happy Life!
Relaxed posture, slow blinks, soft purring, and that adorable bunting on your legs? These kitties are feeling safe and secure! 🛋️🐾 Keep the belly rubs on hold—some exposed tummies aren’t an invitation!

😟 Anxious Cats
Look out for hiding, crouched bodies, or those iconic “aeroplane ears.” Stress can lead to behavioural changes like over-grooming or avoiding the litter box. Yawning or lip-licking? That’s their way of calming down. 🐾

🎃 Fearful & Defensive Cats
The puffed-up Halloween pose, wide pupils, and hissing means they’re scared but ready to defend themselves. Best to step back and let them feel safe again. 🚷

⚡ Annoyed Cats
Petting overload? You’ll know when their tail flicks, back twitches, or they give you that sharp “stop it” look. Respect their boundaries to avoid a hissy fit! 😾

🐈‍⬛ Aggressive Cats
When a cat feels threatened, they go into full defence mode—ears back, tail stiff, and ready to lash out. These kitties need space to cool off and calm down. 🛑

✨ Golden Rules for Harmony
✔️ Let your cat nap undisturbed.
✔️ Teach kids to be gentle—no teasing or rough play!
✔️ Respect their space, especially when they’re eating or unwell.

Understanding your cat’s behaviour brings you closer to a purr-fect relationship! 🐾💖 Thanks for playing along, and keep those kitties happy and healthy!

09/12/2024

🐾🌍 Happy International Day of Veterinary Medicine! 🌍🐾

Today, we celebrate the incredible work of veterinarians and their teams who care for our furry (and not-so-furry!) friends. 🐶🐱 From ancient times, when veterinary care began in Egypt and Mesopotamia, to today’s modern, cutting-edge treatments, veterinary medicine has always played a vital role in the health of both animals and humans. 🌿✨

Veterinarians don’t just heal pets; they work with wildlife, tackle zoonotic diseases, and contribute to public health. 🐾🩺 Whether it's a routine check-up or a life-saving surgery, these professionals dedicate themselves to improving animal welfare. 🏥💙

Today, let’s show our appreciation! 💌💐 Drop a thank-you note, or simply give a big thank you to the vets who help keep our pets healthy and happy. 🎉👏

06/12/2024

🐾✨ Dental Disease: Stage 1 – The Early Signs 🦷🐶 ✨🐾
We’re back with our dental series! 🎉

🪥 What to do?
👉 In the early phase, brushing is your best friend! 🐾 Regular brushing can stop dental disease in its tracks.
👉 If it progresses, a scale and polish might be needed at your vet. Afterwards, a solid home care routine and 6-monthly check-ups are key to keeping those teeth healthy.

💡 Not a fan of the toothbrush?
We know some pets just won’t tolerate brushing (cue the dramatic escape 🐕💨). For them, there are supplements and dental treats that can help. 🦴 While they’re not as effective as brushing, they’re definitely better than nothing!

💕 Let’s work together to keep those tails wagging and those smiles sparkling! 🐾✨ Stay tuned for the next stage in our series!

🐾

04/12/2024

🐾 Dog Behaviour Challenge: Thank You for Joining In! 🐾

Hey there, dog lovers! Dr. Crosson from St Helier Veterinary Hospital here 🩺🐶. A massive THANK YOU for participating in our challenge! Here are the answers you’ve been waiting for:

1️⃣ Calm & Relaxed – 💤 A chilled-out pup, showing contentment.
2️⃣ Playful & Friendly – 🐕 In the iconic play bow, ready for fun!
3️⃣ Passive Submission – 🐾 A belly-up display, saying, I mean no harm!
4️⃣ Alert – 🧐 Focused and tuned in to their surroundings.
5️⃣ Passive Submission Again – ✌️ A sign of trust and peace.
6️⃣ Dominance – 🐺 Confident posture, holding their ground.

We love seeing how much you care about understanding your furry friends! 💖

🐕‍🦺 Tail Talk
Tail position & movement say a lot! Fast wags mean excitement or tension, while relaxed, slow wags show calmness. The direction matters too—right for happiness, left for unease. Helicopter tail? That’s pure joy! 🚁🐾

👂 Ear Expressions
Perky ears? They’re intrigued! Flattened ears? They’re feeling unsure or submissive. Droopy ears? Aww, they’re all about showing submission. 😌

🚶 Posture Clues
A play bow = Let’s play! 🐕 A cowering dog feels scared 😟, while a forward-leaning stance could mean curiosity or asserting dominance.

🐶 Barks & Growls
Alert: Sharp & focused 🛑.
Playful: Happy & spontaneous 🥳.
Distressed: Repetitive & high-pitched 🆘.
Growls? They’re not all bad! Playful growls mean fun, while warning growls mean back off!
Every tail wag, ear flick, and bark helps us understand our pets better. Keep watching, learning, and bonding with your beloved dogs 🐾💕. Let’s keep building that paw-some connection!

29/11/2024

🐾✨ Dental Disease: Let's Talk About Those Pearly Whites! 🦷🐶 ✨🐾

Did you know dental disease is the second most common reason pets visit the vet? 🐕🐈 Only skin conditions beat it to the top spot! Over the next few weeks, we’ll take you through the stages of dental disease—from sparkling smiles to not-so-fresh breath (we can all relate, right? 😅).

🐾

27/11/2024

😺 Dr Crosson here, back for round two! 😺

After the pawsome fun we had with the dogs 🐶, it’s time to let the feline royalty take centre stage. 👑🐈 This time, it’s a Cat Behaviour Challenge! 🎉🐾

📸👇 Check out the pictures below and tell me what these sassy cats are saying with their body language. Are they annoyed? Playful? Planning world domination? 😼✨

Pop your answers in the comments 🗨️💬—and don’t forget to add some creative captions for extra points! 😉 I’ll be sharing some insights (and maybe some laughs) soon. 🐾❤️

Let’s see if you’re in tune with our mysterious whiskered friends… or if they’re just playing mind games with you! 🐈‍⬛👀

Let the Cat-titude Challenge begin! 🐾👇
~ Dr Crosson xx

😺

23/11/2024

🐾 Happy Day! 🐾

Today, we're celebrating the unconditional love, wagging tails, and happy barks that make every day brighter. 🌞🐶 Share a photo of your furry friend with us, and tell us why they make your heart melt! 💖

Whether it's their puppy eyes 🥺, silly antics 🤪, or the way they’re always there when you need a friend, our dogs remind us to be grateful every day. 🥰

🐕🐩🐾

22/11/2024

📣 Keep Those Smiles Bright! 🐾🦷

Did you know that dental health is just as important for your pets as it is for you? 🐶🐱 Neglecting oral care can lead to bad breath, gum disease, tooth loss, and even serious health problems affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys.

Here’s why dentistry matters for your beloved cats and dogs:
✨ Prevents Pain – Dental issues like broken teeth or infections can be very painful for your pets, even if they try to hide it.
✨ Improves Overall Health – A healthy mouth means a healthier body. 🩺
✨ Better Quality of Life – Eating, playing, and cuddling all become more enjoyable when their teeth and gums are in top shape.

At St Helier, we’re passionate about keeping those tails wagging and whiskers twitching with joy! 🐕🐾 Whether it’s a routine check-up or advanced dental care, we’re here to help.

💡 Top Tip: Brush their teeth regularly and look for signs like bad breath, drooling, or difficulty eating. If you notice anything unusual, book a dental check-up with us straight away!

🗓 Call us today to book your pet’s dental health check.

Let’s keep those furry smiles bright! 😺💖🐾

20/11/2024

🐾 Dr Crosson's canine behaviour challenge: 🐾

Alright, lovely people! Let’s have a bit of fun today 🥳✨ I’ve got a little doggy behaviour challenge for you. 🎉🐕 Can you tell what these pups are thinking or feeling based on their body language in the pictures below? 👀🐶
📸👇 Take a good look, then drop your best guesses in the comments! 🗨️💬
Are they happy? Anxious? Excited? Let’s see who’s got the best dog-whispering skills out there! 🐕‍🦺✨
I’ll be checking your answers and sharing some insights later. 🧐🐾 Bonus points for anyone who can make me laugh with their captions! 😂💯
Ready… set… GO! 🎯👇
🐶🦴🐾❤️
~ Dr Crosson xx

17/11/2024

🐾✨ Happy Black Cat Day! ✨🐾

Today we celebrate our sleek, mysterious, and oh-so-lovable black cats! 🖤🐱 Despite the superstitions, these beautiful felines bring nothing but joy, charm, and a little extra magic to our lives. Let's show some extra love to our ebony-coated companions today! 💫🐾

🖤🐱 How can you make a difference?

🖤🐱 Adopt, foster, or advocate for black cats at your local shelter! Share posts on social media to help dispel myths and encourage people to adopt black cats. By spreading awareness, you’re giving these cats the opportunity to find a family that will love and appreciate them. 🖤🐱

If you have a black cat, please post a pic of them to admire 🖤🐱

15/11/2024

Say hello to Iggy and Mazi! 🐾💖 These two adorable fur babies are the beloved companions of our very own Dr Crosson! 😻

👑 Iggy is the princess of the house at 7 years old—sweet as can be, but don’t even think about asking her to share her toys or food! 😼🍖 She definitely knows how to rule the roost! Oh yes, she has selective hearing...😂

🤪 Mazi, on the other hand, is a total nutcase at just 2 years old! She reminds Dr Crosson of Ed from The Lion King—a bit wild, always up to mischief, but never fails to keep everyone laughing with her antics! 😂🎉She is definitely Dr Crosson's wife's "velcro" puppy. 🤪

We’re lucky to have these two funny, lovable furballs as part of the St Helier family! 💕