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
Dental Care
What can I do to help look after my dog’s teeth? What is dental disease? Dental disease is very common in dogs – recent surveys show that it affects more than three-quarters of dogs over four years old. It usually begins with a plaque deposit on the teeth (as with humans). This hardens to … [Read more...] about Dental Care
Worming in Cats and Dogs
Cats and dogs, as predatory and naturally inquisitive animals, can pick up all kinds of parasites on their travels. For the sake of human as well as pet health, these parasites should be controlled by regular use of worming products, available from the surgery. Lungworm (Angiostrongylus … [Read more...] about Worming in Cats and Dogs
Vaccinations
Why are vaccinations important? There are a number of highly infectious (and potentially fatal) diseases that can affect your pet. Many of these diseases have no effective treatment, and in extreme cases, young animals may die. However, for many of these conditions there is a simple protection … [Read more...] about Vaccinations
How To Avoid Ticks
What are Ticks? Ticks are small 6-legged blood sucking insects, which can spread some nasty blood-borne diseases to our pets. They attach to the skin, usually when out walking in long grass. It’s important to check your dog after every walk and cats too when they come indoors – and remove any … [Read more...] about How To Avoid Ticks
Beware Long Grass …
At this time of year, long grass can cause all sorts of problems for pets, especially dogs, but cats too - and it's not just down to insects and parasites, such as fleas and ticks. Grass Darts (Seeds) Grass dart seeds can be a real problem too - and we've seen several examples … [Read more...] about Beware Long Grass …
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
