Latest news from Garston Veterinary Group
Read on for a host of preventative pet care news that is free and updated monthly. In the articles below you’ll find seasonal advice, local tips and other information on how to keep your pet healthy, as well as interesting ways to exercise and entertain them.
Pets, much like humans, can experience anxiety. Recognising and addressing this anxiety is crucial for their wellbeing. At Garston Vets, we understand the challenges of managing anxious pets and are here to provide you with practical advice to help soothe your anxious dog or cat.
This blog will explore what makes dogs and cats anxious, how to manage their anxiety, and offer tips for keeping them calm.
Travelling with your dog can be an exciting adventure, but it requires some planning to ensure a smooth journey for both you and your dog. Whether you're embarking on a road trip, flying to a new destination, or simply heading to Garston Vets for a check-up, preparing your dog adequately is key to a stress-free experience. Here, we share some top tips to make sure your dog is travel-ready and comfortable throughout your journey.
If your pet has been to see the vet and they have been given a treatment plan, you may want to continue this at home to ensure your pet’s ears fully recover. Our guidance on caring for your pet’s ears below is based on post-treatment and after your pet has had a full examination on their ears.
Treats and Hidden Threats: Protecting Your Dog from Xylitol Poisoning
We love sharing the good times with our dogs, and sometimes that means indulging them in a special treat from time-to-time.
However, together with the fun, it's crucial to be aware of hidden dangers that can be in seemingly harmless snacks. One of those dangers is xylitol, a sugar alcohol commonly used as a sweetener in many everyday products, which is perfectly safe for humans, but extremely toxic to dogs, even in small amounts.
This blog post aims to provide you with the knowledge to keep your dog safe from xylitol poisoning. We'll delve into what xylitol is, why it's dangerous for dogs, the signs and symptoms of poisoning, and the crucial steps to take if you suspect your dog has ingested xylitol.
Understanding the impact of stress on your pet’s health
We all know stress can take a toll on our health, but did you know it can also significantly impact your pet’s wellbeing? Just like us, pets experience stress and anxiety in response to various situations. Chronic stress, however, can have a detrimental effect on your pet’s physical and mental health.
The silver years: Special considerations for senior pet wellness
Our pets bring us countless moments of joy and unconditional love throughout their lives. As they enter their senior years, however, their needs can change. They may become less energetic, require adjustments to their diet and environment, and be more susceptible to certain health concerns.
Understanding these changes and making adjustments to their care routine is essential for ensuring their continued happiness and wellbeing in their golden years. Senior pet insurance can also play a valuable role in providing financial security for their potential future veterinary needs.
Summer is a time for fun in the sun, and many of us enjoy spending time outdoors with our pets, however, on the surface of ponds and lakes can be a hidden danger: blue-green algae. While not all algae are harmful, blue-green algae (also known as cyanobacteria) can produce extremely dangerous toxins and be fatal to dogs.
At Garston Vets, we want to ensure you and your dog have a safe and enjoyable time outdoors, so, here’s what you need to know about blue-green algae and how to keep your dog safe.
Cats commonly experience four types of allergies: insects (fleas), food allergies, atopic dermatitis (triggered by house dust, pollen, and moulds) and contact allergies. While they exhibit shared physical expressions and signs, each allergy type also presents unique features. If you believe your cat is showing signs of an allergy, then speaking to a vet at Garston to help you find a solution for making your cat more comfortable and improving their quality of life.
Ask most veterinary practices and they will tell you that their Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs) are at the very heart of everything they do.
A patient care assistant works alongside and supports the whole practice team to achieve the highest standards of patient care. Under the direction and supervision of a veterinary surgeon or registered veterinary nurse (RVN) they will assist with monitoring of inpatients, infection control and handling animals safely for procedures such as injections, blood samples, bandage changes and nail clipping.
The sun is out, everything is in flower, and everyone has come out of hibernation: gardening season has begun! While this is a lovely time of year to spend with your pet, there are potentially poisonous plants in your garden that will affect cats and dogs.
From skin irritations to digestive issues, understanding and addressing common allergies in dogs is essential for ensuring their wellbeing. In this blog, we delve into the world of canine allergies, exploring their types, symptoms and effective management strategies.