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Christmas opening hours and out of hours procedures
Under normal circumstances we are open for emergencies in the mornings on bank holidays including Christmas and New Year’s day.
This year, however, has been (and continues to be) a particularly challenging and stressful time for all our staff. In a break from tradition we will be taking a short break over the Christmas and New Year period by closing whilst there is cover provided by our colleagues at Vets Now.
We will be closed from 12pm on Christmas Eve until 8:30am on Tuesday 29th December.
We will be open as normal from the 29th until 6pm on New Year’s Eve. We will then be closed until 8:30am on Monday 4th January.
If you have an emergency or need advice whilst we are closed please contact one of the Vets Now clinics below:
Click here for Vets Now Doncaster (01302 215 189) – open 7pm Christmas Eve until 8am 29th December and 7pm New Year’s Eve until 8am 4th January.
Click here for Vets Now Sheffield (0114 242 1929) – open 12pm Christmas Eve until 8:30am 29th December and 6pm New Year’s Eve until 8:30am 4th January.
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Calming tips for dogs during fireworks
Photo by Vets Now via https://www.vets-now.com/fireworks-and-pets/
Bonfire night is almost upon us and fireworks are already going off most nights – here are some tips brought to you by our colleagues at Vets Now for helping to keep our dogs calm during this time!
1. Keep your dog indoors
There is a chance your dog could run off if they are spooked by loud bangs and sadly our vets regularly see pets who have been hit by cars as a result of this. During fireworks, make sure they are safely indoors with windows and doors securely closed. Be sure to walk them well in advance of fireworks starting and keep them on a lead.
2. Leave internal doors open
The inescapable booming sounds are distressing enough for your dog without them feeling trapped. Help them feel more in control by keeping internal doors open so they can settle themselves wherever they want.
3. Provide a safe space
Ensure your dog has access to a comforting place they can settle in if they’re distressed, (their usual bed or a quiet spot with some of your old clothes are usually good bets).
4. ‘Soundproof’ your house
Help block out the noise as much as possible, by drawing the curtains, for example.
5. Play background noise
Playing “white noise” such as the TV, radio or other music, in advance of the fireworks starting, can help drown out the noise.
6. Provide your dog with nutritious treats
Offering tasty, healthy treats while the fireworks are going off may distract and help calm your dog down.
7. Offer praise and comfort
If they are scared of the fireworks this can help calm and reassure your dog that there is nothing to worry about. Stroking and cuddling is fine if they need comforting, but if they choose to hide it’s best to let them.
8. Act natural
While it’s ok to praise and comfort your dog if they are scared of the fireworks, be sure to stay calm to avoid reinforcing their behaviour. In other words, if you act worried your dog will think there is a reason for them to be worried. Acting as normal as possible is key.
9. Try a thundershirt
Thundershirts, or pressure vests, provide consistent pressure on a dog’s core and are designed to have a calming effect. Studies suggest they may have a small but beneficial impact on anxiety. However, it’s unlikely your dog’s anxiety will be fully alleviated by wearing a thundershirt, and, in some cases, these products may have no beneficial effect at all.
The original article by Laura Playforth at Vets Now can found here.
There’s also some great tips for cats and rabbits during firework season which can be found by clicking here.
Rabbits – combined RHD, RHD-2 and Myxo vaccination
In the last decade a new strain of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD) has become prevalent in the UK. This variant strain is known as RHD-2 and is now responsible for a significant proportion of all RHD cases across the country.
All breeds of rabbit, including both pet and wild rabbits, can be affected by both strains of RHD as well as myxomatosis. Both fatal diseases are endemic to the UK.
Most rabbits affected by RHD die rapidly often without showing obvious clinical signs apart from a short period of dullness and lethargy. If the rabbit does show symptoms, these can include widespread haemorrhages, fever and organ dysfunction before they die.
Myxomatosis causes puffy swellings around the head, face and genitals as well as a high fever. These swellings can be so severe that they can cause blindness. Affected rabbits typically cease eating and drinking and death typically follows within 12 days.
Ultimately, both diseases are typically fatal. The diseases are spread by insects, meaning contact with other rabbits isn’t necessary for disease transmission.
These diseases cannot be cured, only prevented.
We are now able to vaccinate against Myxomatosis and both strains of RHD in a single vaccine.
Cats and arthritis
As they get older cats often begin to suffer with arthritis.
This can have a negative impact on their quality of life – affecting their ability to move and jump around comfortably and keep themselves clean and tidy by grooming themselves. Being less active and not grooming properly can cause a range of secondary issues such as loss of muscle mass and tone, fur matting and skin infections.
Osteoarthritis is usually a painful condition but being a predatory species cats can be very good at hiding obvious signs of being in pain. This means that cats don’t recieve treatment as often or as early as dogs where the problem is much easier to spot.
The chart below shows a number of signs you can watch out for that might suggest your cat is suffering with arthritis – if you start to see any of these changes it can be worth getting in touch to have your cat checked over as there are things that can be done to help and treat the condition.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or concerns about your cat!
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