Unfortunately, naturally more anxious pets or those who have previously suffered a severe, painful illness or injury may develop a fear of vet visits. This can manifest as “fight or flight” behaviour, where pets try to escape handling or show defensive aggression to...
When our vets see puppies for vaccinations (usually at 6–8 weeks, 10–12 weeks, and around 16 weeks old), we’re not just giving them a quick jab and sending you on your way. Puppy consultations are an important opportunity to check for common health issues and ensure...
(This fictional story is for educational purposes only and does not depict a real pet or owner. It highlights the risks of buying pets from unregulated sources and the importance of vaccinations in preventing parvovirus.) When Michelle saw an advertisement online...
When asked about the F3 feline vaccination, most owners are aware that it provides protection against two of the common causes of cat flu — feline herpesvirus and calicivirus. But what’s the third component? Here’s the low-down on feline panleucopaenia (FPL), the...
To help prevent our beloved patients from suffering the effects of preventable diseases, we generally recommend regular vaccinations for every cat and dog. However, there are a few medical exceptions where a pet’s vaccines may need to be temporarily postponed or...
You’re cuddled up with your pet on the couch, watching your favourite TV show. All is well until an unpleasant odour wafts up to your nostrils… Sound familiar? If your pet has a reputation for nastier-than-usual flatulence, read on for our top tips on how to tame...
Wallace, the eleven-year-old British Shorthair cat, was a polite and dignified little gentleman. When he was found passing urine in the bathroom sink, his owner, Frances, was startled, to say the least. On closer inspection, Frances noticed that Wallace seemed to be...
As part of your cat’s regular wellness examinations, our vets will assess the rate, sounds, and rhythm of its heart. Atypical heart sounds include murmurs (abnormal “whooshing” sounds) and gallop sounds (extra sounds in addition to the usual “lub dub” rhythm). What...
When we run blood tests on your pet, we have the option of checking their liver values. While knowing about a pet’s liver health is always helpful, these tests can be particularly useful in certain situations. Read on to learn more. Why might we want to check a pet’s...
In terms of emergency unwellness episodes, watching your pet have an unexpected seizure can be highly distressing. In this article, we’ll discuss common causes of seizures, how to recognise them, and what to do if your pet experiences one. What is a seizure? A seizure...
Are you planning on introducing a new puppy or adult dog sibling to your current canine companion? Whilst there is a good chance that both pets will benefit from each other’s company in the long term, it’s best not to just assume that a beautiful friendship will...
“Why has my dog started barking when I leave the house?” Changes in your daily routine, such as returning to the office after a holiday period, can unfortunately trigger anxiety in pets that previously seemed OK being left alone. Here’s how to recognise separation...
“Help! My dog is prone to ear infections AND they hate having ear medications administered!” Unfortunately, this is a reasonably common issue. Pets prone to recurrent ear infections may become very “head shy” (or even aggressive) for any attempts at handling their...
Ouch! Cat bites and scratches are not only painful but can also lead to dangerous infections requiring medical treatment or even hospitalisation. Here’s why cats may start to lash out at their owners, and how we can calm your kitty. “Why has my cat started attacking...
If you have questions about a few common “weird” dog behaviours, our team is here to help with quick answers! “Why does my dog lick their paws?” This is a common query that owners will raise with us, with many being unsure whether it is a relaxation- or...
Do you and your pet enjoy getting outdoors for some adventures in nature? So that the fun times can keep on rolling, we’d recommend preparation for and vigilance against a few potential summer hazards. 1. Ticks If you and your pet will be travelling to a tick-endemic...
Jerry the Burmese cat was enjoying his very first Christmas! There were decorations to bat around, wrapping paper to scrabble around in, and present bags to hide in and then spring out of unexpectedly. Best of all was the real Christmas tree that his owners brought...
If your pet chokes on a piece of food or a toy, do you know how to best help them? Here’s our team’s top first-aid advice for choking pets. What to do if you think your pet is choking If you think your pet is choking, try to keep calm. If you can do so without getting...
Whilst heatstroke is a particular risk during summer, some pet owners are sadly unaware of the fact that it doesn’t have to be particularly hot for their pet to suffer from this issue. Here’s how to help recognise and avoid heatstroke in your pet. What is heatstroke?...
Uh oh, your cat has come home limping – what could be the problem? And what should you do? Common causes of limping in cats Some of the most common causes of sudden limping in outdoor cats include soft tissue injuries from cat fights or orthopaedic (bone and joint)...
Planning to head off on holidays soon? We’d recommend ticking off these pre-vacation pet care tasks before you go! 1. Checking that your pet has enough prescription medication If your pet is on a prescription medication or diet, ensure that you have enough of this...
Planning to take your dog on a road trip or driving holiday? With good preparation, you can help ensure smooth sailing (in the car!) for you and your pet. Health care In the couple of weeks before you leave, you should check that your pet is healthy and up to date...
Is your cat going into boarding over the holiday period? Check out this helpful pre-boarding checklist that will help ensure that your cat’s stay is as purr-fect as possible! Vaccinations Unless your cat has been exempted due to a documented medical issue (e.g. they...
Have you heard of Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC)? This is the newer name for the illness commonly known as “kennel cough”. Whilst it’s a mouthful to say, the term CIRDC better reflects the fact that dogs can be exposed to this illness in a...