A 'heat' or 'season' is when a female dog is fertile and can become pregnant. During this time you may notice physical and behavioural changes in your dog. At what age will my dog have their first season? This can vary depending on your dog's breed and size but we would expect a first season at … [Read more...] about The female dog season and related conditions
Cat microchipping to be compulsory
The government has finally announced the date from which cats must be microchipped. This is good news for cats and their owners, as it significantly increases the likelihood that they will be reunited with their family should they ever become lost. Owners will have until 10th June 2024 to ensure … [Read more...] about Cat microchipping to be compulsory
Spring Dangers
Spring is a wonderful time of year; we can get outside for sunnier dog walks and our cats and bunnies enjoy the warmer weather. However, it is important to remember the dangers that the season brings, so we can keep our pets healthy and happy. Easter Chocolate Chocolate poisoning can cause … [Read more...] about Spring Dangers
The Dangers Of Easter Chocolates
At this time of year it seems that chocolate is everywhere! Whilst we may enjoy tucking into our Easter eggs, if our pets get into it, it can spell disaster! Chocolate is incredibly toxic to our pets. Cats and dogs can’t metabolise the theobromine in chocolate, which can lead to a fatal build … [Read more...] about The Dangers Of Easter Chocolates
Urinary Disease In Cats
There are several conditions that can affect a cat's urinary system and, unfortunately, these issues are fairly common among felines. Clinical signs of urinary disease are usually similar, regardless of what is causing them, and include: Straining to urinate, even crying out when urinating, … [Read more...] about Urinary Disease In Cats
Puppy Vaccinations
When should I vaccinate my new puppy and why? Here at Heathfield, we follow guidelines laid out by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association with a protocol of vaccinations at 8, 12 and 16 weeks. Puppies can socialize 2 weeks after their 12-week vaccination. Why do we recommend this? In … [Read more...] about Puppy Vaccinations
Written Prescriptions
Written prescriptions are available from this practice. You may obtain Prescription Only Medicines (Veterinary) (POM-Vs) from your veterinary surgeon OR ask for a written prescription and obtain these medicines from another veterinary surgeon or a pharmacy. There are a small number of … [Read more...] about Written Prescriptions
Canine Obesity
In simple terms, being overweight will impact your pet's health. Obesity increases the risk of health problems and can shorten your pet's life. It is an incredibly common for us to see overweight dogs, but it can be prevented and rectified. How can I tell if my dog is overweight? A 'body … [Read more...] about Canine Obesity
Flea Treatments and Prevention
Fleas and the itching they cause are one of the worst things to deal with. Although we think of fleas as a mainly summer problem, this isn't the case. Central heating allows fleas to flourish in the winter months, so although many of us have turned down our heating this winter, this is still … [Read more...] about Flea Treatments and Prevention
Distemper in Cats
What Is Feline Distemper? The formal medical name for feline distemper is feline panleukopenia. This is a disease caused by a member of the parvovirus family. This is a nasty, highly contagious and potentially fatal disease, but thankfully it is now quite rare due to vaccinations. The virus … [Read more...] about Distemper in Cats
