Fleas! Just the though 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
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
Rabbit Friendly Vets
It's Official - Heathfield Vets are a Rabbit Friendly Vet Practice. We are delighted to have been accredited as a silver Rabbit Friendly Practice, having been assessed by the RWAF in everything from the facilities we provide, to the way that we administer anaesthesia to rabbits. We know that … [Read more...] about Rabbit Friendly Vets
