Travel sickness is a common occurrence, affecting 1 in 6 dogs of all ages. It is more common in puppies, but for some dogs it may persist as they grow into adults. Your pup may come to associate car trips with nausea after a bad experience, with anxiety and stress also exacerbating travel … [Read more...] about Car Sickness in Dogs
Conjunctivitis in Pets
What is conjunctivitis? Conjunctivitis is an itchy, uncomfortable inflammation of the 'conjunctiva', which is the membrane which covers the eyeballs and lines the eyelids. It can be just as common in pets as it is in humans, so it's always best to get it checked if you suspect your pet may be … [Read more...] about Conjunctivitis in Pets
Microchipping
The importance of microchipping We often have stray and lost dogs or cats brought into us to the surgery in the hopes we can reunite them with their family. It can happen to the most vigilant owner - cats and dogs (or rabbits and ferrets!) can make a break for it and decide to go on an adventure … [Read more...] about Microchipping
Getting Rid Of Fleas
Fleas! Just the thought of them can make people itch! These nasty critters can cause a host of problems for man and beast in summer (and winter thanks to central heating), but why are they so hard to get rid of? Fleas are blood sucking parasites with the ability to jump up to 13 inches onto … [Read more...] about Getting Rid Of Fleas
Buying A New Puppy
What are the Rules when Buying a Puppy? Last month "Lucy's Law" was passed by parliament; this bans the sale of puppies and kittens through a third party, such as pet shops or dealers and will come into force in April next year. This means that potential buyers must deal directly with the … [Read more...] about Buying A New Puppy
Feline Hypertension
Feline hypertension or high-blood pressure is a common problem for older cats over the age of 10 years. It can be difficult to tell whether your cat has hypertension as there is usually no outward sign until organ damage has occurred; the best way to identify the illness is with a blood pressure … [Read more...] about Feline Hypertension
Seasonal Allergies
Spring is a wonderful time of year, or at least it is if you’re not an allergy sufferer! Whilst we humans suffer from sneezing and sniffing thanks to allergens, our pet’s allergies take the form of skin irritation or inflammation. If your cat or dog seems itchy at only certain times of year, they … [Read more...] about Seasonal Allergies
Food Allergies and Intolerances
Food allergies in pets are not all that common, but we do see occasional cases here at Heathfield Vets. Unlike humans, an animal’s reaction to an allergen is usually seen through the skin, as a chronic itch. Pets with food allergies usually show signs before the age of 3 and may suffer from … [Read more...] about Food Allergies and Intolerances
The Dangers of Adder Bites
This is the time of year when your pet could be vulnerable to a bite from an adder, Britain’s only poisonous snake. It’s easily identified by the zig-zag pattern on its skin and can be found with different colour combinations. Adders are shy creatures and will usually disappear long before you … [Read more...] about The Dangers of Adder Bites
The Dangers of E-Cigarettes to Pets
In recent years, e-cigarettes have become increasingly popular as an alternative to smoking. But did you know they pose a risk to your pets? The risks The liquid cartridges used in e-cigarettes are poisonous if ingested. The smell of liquid nicotine in the e-cigarettes is incredibly tempting … [Read more...] about The Dangers of E-Cigarettes to Pets
