The Pennard Vets Blog

Keeping Your Dog Safe
https://www.pennardvets.com10 Mar 2021
22 Apr 2021
There have been increasing news reports of dogs being stolen. We thought we would write a few tips to help keep your dog safe.
Preparing your dog for normality...
https://www.pennardvets.com24 Feb 2021
15 Apr 2021
How can you prepare your dog for our return to a new normal? We’ve written a few tips…
Winter Fitness
https://www.pennardvets.com25 Nov 2020
15 Apr 2021
With the winter just outside our door we often feel like staying at home, and for some of us, with the current virus, we have to.

Christmas Gift Ideas for your Pet
https://www.pennardvets.com25 Nov 2020
15 Apr 2021
The market is awash with gifts for your pet and it’s often difficult to decide on what to buy. We’ve separated our top gifts into four categories to help that decision making a little easier.

What if my pet goes missing?
https://www.pennardvets.com09 Sep 2020
15 Apr 2021
When pets go missing it can be extremely stressful for all involved but we’ve written some tips to help reunite you with your pet.

Lockdown and your cat
https://www.pennardvets.com24 Aug 2020
15 Apr 2021
Recently we have seen a rise in the number of cats suffering from stress, and it’s mostly to do with lockdown. Lockdown has not only had a huge effect on our mental health but our pets too.
Dogs and Face Masks
https://www.pennardvets.com18 Aug 2020
15 Apr 2021
It’s already difficult for us to see expressions on other's faces or hear them at the moment and our dogs are no different. Many of our pets are finding things confusing.

Taking your dog on a Great British Holiday
https://www.pennardvets.com12 Aug 2020
15 Apr 2021
With lockdown easing, we are now able to take our faithful canine companions on holiday with us to various locations around the UK. Here are some of our tips and what to look out for in various holiday spots…

New all-in-one Rabbit Vaccination
https://www.pennardvets.com17 Jun 2020
15 Apr 2021
With the emergence of a new strain of virus affecting rabbits in the UK a few years ago we had to make some changes to our protocols to ensure they were protected. The good news is now we have an all in one vaccine for them.

Dogs and the importance of sniffing...
https://www.pennardvets.com02 Jun 2020
15 Apr 2021
Does your dog sniff at every opportunity? It has been calculated that dogs sniff 33% of the time they are moving and can identify at least 1,000 smells better than us.

Painkillers and your Pet...
https://www.pennardvets.com04 May 2020
15 Apr 2021
We are receiving many questions asking if you can give your pet paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin. We understand that during lockdown combined with the difficulty of bringing your pet to the vets that the easier option may be to medicate them yourselves. Unfortunately, poisoning is common and we advise strongly against this.

Coronavirus Update...
https://www.pennardvets.com25 Mar 2020
25 Mar 2020
After the Prime Minister’s instructions last night, we thought we would update you on all the changes we will be putting into place.

Meet our Cat Pet Slimmer Winner!
https://www.pennardvets.com09 Mar 2020
09 Mar 2020
When Timmy was rescued he weighed 14.4 kg and rather liked his food... this is his journey so far.

Coronavirus and Pets
https://www.pennardvets.com05 Mar 2020
09 Mar 2020
The spread of the new coronavirus, COVID-19, continues to dominate the news headlines, and understandably some people may be concerned about the risk of transmission between humans and animals.

Frosty Feet & Keeping Your Dogs Safe in the Winter
https://www.pennardvets.com26 Feb 2020
26 Feb 2020
When the skies are blue and the air is crisp there's nothing better than a walk with your dog. We've written a few tips on what to watch out for in this cold spell.

Alabama Rot and your Dog
https://www.pennardvets.com18 Feb 2020
26 Feb 2020
We are sad to say there has been a confirmed case of Alabama Rot in Paddock Wood.
This brings the total number of cases to 216 since 2012.

Vomiting outbreak in dogs
https://www.pennardvets.com12 Feb 2020
18 Feb 2020
Not only have we seen a re-emergence of Alabama Rot recently there has been reports of dogs with vomiting episodes.

Dora's Dental Issue
https://www.pennardvets.com20 Nov 2019
20 Nov 2019
Dora the 10-year-old spaniel came to see our vet Sarla at Langley Park one Wednesday morning looking rather sorry for herself, with a swelling below her left eye.

Restraining your Dog in the Car
https://www.pennardvets.com18 Sep 2019
18 Sep 2019
Research has revealed that one in five dog owners regularly travel with their dog unrestrained in the passenger seat of their car and 10% place their pooch in their lap whilst at the wheel.

Pet BBQ Safety
https://www.pennardvets.com15 Aug 2019
15 Aug 2019
We are well into summer and the BBQ season so we wanted to remind you of a few things for pet safety while you are grilling.

Cat-Friendly Gardens
https://www.pennardvets.com07 Aug 2019
07 Aug 2019
Just like us, most cats love the great outdoors, especially in the summertime. Here are our top tips to ensure your cats are safe and happy when outside...

Cats and Sunburn
https://www.pennardvets.com31 Jul 2019
31 Jul 2019
It's not just humans who need protection from the sun – did you know that cats can also get sunburn?

Adder Bites and your Dog
https://www.pennardvets.com08 May 2019
08 May 2019
We have received reports of the first adder bite of the year, in a dog walking in the Ashdown Forest. Luckily he made a full recovery, but here is some useful information about these dangerous snakes.

The issue of weight and your cat
https://www.pennardvets.com24 Apr 2019
24 Apr 2019
One of the most common problems we see is obesity. When pet owners are recommended that their pet should lose weight, 90% fail without support. We all know ourselves how difficult weight loss can be but overweight pets have a shortened life span and are prone to conditions such as osteoarthritis, diabetes mellitus, heart disease and certain cancers.
Have you heard of Feline Foraging?
https://www.pennardvets.com09 Apr 2019
09 Apr 2019
How many of us place our cat’s food in a bowl and walk away? But according to experts, that’s not how we should be feeding our feline friends. By simply placing their food in their bowl our cats are failing to engage their natural hunting instincts and more likely to become overweight.

'Lance' Canine Tooth
https://www.pennardvets.com04 Apr 2019
04 Apr 2019
Have you ever heard of Lance Canine Tooth? One of our veterinary surgeons had a case recently in an eight-month-old labrador puppy and we thought you may be interested.

Feline Resorptive Lesions
https://www.pennardvets.com29 Jan 2019
29 Jan 2019
Feline resorptive lesions (previously known as feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions, FORLs or neck lesions) are a very common cause of dental pain in cats. Studies have shown that at least 50% of cats over the age of 5 years are affected.

Some final tips for a stress-free Christmas…
https://www.pennardvets.com23 Dec 2018
23 Dec 2018
Just a quick last-minute post with a few reminders on how to keep your pets calm over this festive period.

The 12 Hazards of Christmas
https://www.pennardvets.com12 Dec 2018
12 Dec 2018
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…but there are a few things to consider in order to keep your pets happy and safe over the festive season.

Brrrrrr... it's getting colder...
https://www.pennardvets.com05 Dec 2018
05 Dec 2018
What can you do to keep your small furries warm as the temperature begin to drop? We've written some hints...

Lethal Lilies
https://www.pennardvets.com21 Nov 2018
26 Nov 2018
We all love to receive flowers, but did you know that lilies are extremely toxic to cats?

Antifreeze Poisoning in Cats
https://www.pennardvets.com06 Nov 2018
07 Nov 2018
Ethylene glycol, or antifreeze, is used in car radiators and in some screen washes and de-icers to prevent freezing. Unfortunately, it is extremely toxic to cats, and every year many cats die from antifreeze poisoning.

Walking your dog safely in the dark
https://www.pennardvets.com24 Oct 2018
09 Oct 2019
At this time of year, the majority of us are walking our dogs in the dark.

Firework Fears and your Pets
https://www.pennardvets.com18 Oct 2018
02 Oct 2019
The firework season can be an incredibly stressful period for our pets, these days it doesn’t just happen over one weekend but rather a series of weeks, followed by the New Year’s Eve celebrations. It can be relentless for our stressed-out pets.
We have written some tips to help relieve your pet of their worries.

Autumn Changes
https://www.pennardvets.com04 Oct 2018
04 Oct 2018
Autumn is a beautiful time of year with the change in colour and falling leaves.
But are you aware of the potential dangers to your pet?

Your Pet and Malassezia...
https://www.pennardvets.com26 Sep 2018
26 Sep 2018
What is Malassezia?
Malassezia pachydermatis is a type of yeast found on the skin and ears of most dogs. In most cases, these yeast organisms cause no harm. However, in some dogs, an abnormal overgrowth of Malassezia can result in the skin and/or ears becoming inflamed and sore.

Harvest Mites and your pet...
https://www.pennardvets.com12 Sep 2018
12 Sep 2018
What is a harvest mite?
Trombicula Autumnalis is a small orange coloured mite that can cause skin irritation to dogs, cats and other animals.

Animal Pain Awareness Month
https://www.pennardvets.com06 Sep 2018
06 Sep 2018
The International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) has proclaimed September as Animal Pain Awareness Month.
Animals suffer from pain just like people do.

Dog Walking Etiquette
https://www.pennardvets.com23 Aug 2018
23 Aug 2018
How often when you’re walking your dog do you encounter another dog – that’s on the lead? How do you respond?

Urine Testing
https://www.pennardvets.com15 Aug 2018
15 Aug 2018
Have you been asked to provide us with your pet's urine sample recently? Do you know what tests we run and what your pet's sample can show?

Feline Asthma and Chronic Bronchitis
https://www.pennardvets.com25 Jul 2018
25 Jul 2018
Cats with asthma or bronchitis can present with signs similar to those seen in people, such as coughing, wheezing or difficulty breathing. If you suspect your cat suffers from asthma, or your cat has already been diagnosed then do read on...

Blood Pressure Testing
https://www.pennardvets.com25 Jul 2018
25 Jul 2018
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common problem in people, but did you know that animals, particularly cats, can also be affected?
Grass Seeds
https://www.pennardvets.com25 Jul 2018
25 Jul 2018
It’s that time of year where grass seeds are becoming a problem. Shaped like darts, they cling to your pet's coat with their bristly fibres, and their pointed shape means they easily pierce the skin. They cannot escape so push their way forward burrowing deeper and deeper.

Taking Your Pet Abroad
https://www.pennardvets.com25 Jul 2018
25 Jul 2018
More and more people are choosing to take their pets with them on holiday.
Here are our top tips to make your holiday with your pet as stress-free as possible:

Cool Cats...
https://www.pennardvets.com25 Jul 2018
25 Jul 2018
Many cats love the warm weather, but too much sun can lead to problems such as dehydration, sunburn and even skin cancer.
Here are our top tips for keeping your cat safe in the sun:

Charlie's Weight Loss
https://www.pennardvets.com18 Jul 2018
18 Jul 2018
We love hearing success stories from our clients, and here is a lovely letter from Charlie’s owner Dawn, telling his weight loss story...

Blue Green Algae - What Exactly Is It?
https://www.pennardvets.com11 Jul 2018
11 Jul 2018
You may have seen reports of blue-green algae contamination in ponds and lakes during this hot spell of weather.
Here is an update on what you need to know about this potentially fatal toxin.

Wispa's Worries - Desensitisation
https://www.pennardvets.com10 Jul 2018
10 Jul 2018
Coming to the vets is not meant to be stressful for either the owner or the pet. However, there are many pets which fear coming to see us and as such owners’ dread bringing them in. At Pennard Vets, we try and make your pets visit as stress-free as possible, but sometimes they simply have a disliking for a place. To help we run desensitisation clinics.

Seasonal Skin Disease - and what you need to know.
https://www.pennardvets.com05 Jul 2018
05 Jul 2018
Now the summer is here you may find that your pet is itching more than normal. This could be the result of things such as Parasites or Antigens.

Rabbit Awareness Week - HEAT STROKE
https://www.pennardvets.com27 Jun 2018
27 Jun 2018
One of the biggest dangers for rabbits in the summer months is heatstroke. Here are our tips for preventing heatstroke in your rabbits;

Rabbit Awareness Week - Flystrike
https://www.pennardvets.com20 Jun 2018
20 Jun 2018
One of the biggest dangers for rabbits in the summer months is flystrike. Here are our top tips on how to prevent it;

Rabbit Awareness Week - Vaccinations
https://www.pennardvets.com07 Jun 2018
12 Jun 2018
Here are our top tips about vaccinating your rabbits;

Rabbit Awareness Week - Companionship
https://www.pennardvets.com07 Jun 2018
07 Jun 2018
Rabbits are highly social animals and require both rabbit and human company.
Here are our top tips on providing appropriate company for your rabbits;

Rabbit Awareness Week - A Focus on Diet
https://www.pennardvets.com06 Jun 2018
06 Jun 2018
To coincide with Rabbit Awareness Week (2-10 June), here are some tips for feeding your rabbits.

Bringing Your Rabbit To The Vets
https://www.pennardvets.com14 May 2018
14 May 2018
A visit to the vets does not have to be stressful for you or your rabbits.
Here are a few helpful tips:

What can you do to help your ageing cat?
https://www.pennardvets.com02 May 2018
04 Sep 2019
One of our vets has written some tips on how to make your cat's autumn years that little bit easier.

Bringing Your Cat To The Vets
https://www.pennardvets.com25 Apr 2018
01 Oct 2018
A visit to the vets does not have to be stressful for you or your cat.
Here are a few helpful tips;
Low Impact Activities for our Golden Oldies...
https://www.pennardvets.com11 Apr 2018
11 Apr 2018
As our pets grow older exercising can become increasingly difficult. They are more reluctant to go outdoors, play and can develop conditions such as osteoarthritis which can make it challenging. It is still, however, important to encourage the right kinds of exercise to help sustain a healthy weight and to maintain mobility.

Bringing Your Dog to The Vets
https://www.pennardvets.com03 Apr 2018
03 Apr 2018
A visit to the vets does not have to be stressful for you or your dog.
Here are a few helpful tips:
Easter Warnings
https://www.pennardvets.com25 Mar 2018
25 Mar 2018
So spring is apparently upon us, and with the lengthening daylight hours, and increasing temperatures comes the first of the spring bank holidays to be celebrated.

Alabama Rot
https://www.pennardvets.com12 Mar 2018
09 Apr 2018
A lot of you will already have heard or read about Alabama Rot, but as so little is known about it we wanted to give you the facts that are available to date.
Obesity
https://www.pennardvets.com10 Jan 2018
09 May 2018
As vets, it is one of the most common conditions we come across on a day to day basis, and it is one which is sometimes very difficult to discuss. Obesity is not just a condition affecting humans, but is now being seen far too often within our pet population. However, there seems to be a great stigma when it comes to discussing pet's weight, understandably, as no-one wants to hear their beloved pet is overweight.

Dental Caries
https://www.pennardvets.com20 Dec 2017
13 Feb 2018
Caries are formed due to the decay of dentine of the tooth following demineralization of the surface enamel of the tooth. They have a similar pathology to tooth decay in humans.

Christmas Poisons
https://www.pennardvets.com13 Dec 2017
13 Feb 2018
It’s Christmas again; the time of year when we have a spike in patients coming through the door after having eaten something they shouldn’t. For us it is a time for festive treats, but a lot of these can be toxic to our pets.

Fractured Teeth
https://www.pennardvets.com07 Dec 2017
09 May 2018
Teeth can fracture just like bones. If there is exposure to the sensitive pulp of the tooth this can be extremely painful for our animals, and, as such, will create a reluctance for them to eat.

Oliver's Oral Issue
https://www.pennardvets.com28 Nov 2017
09 May 2018
Gingivitis is a term to describe inflammation of the gums, where stomatitis is inflammation of any of the other soft tissues within the mouth, including lips, back of the throat, tongue etc. Combined they lead to a painful and often debilitating disease in cats called Chronic Feline Gingivostomatitis, where they are often too painful to eat anything.

Case Study: Rosie's Rosy Cheek
https://www.pennardvets.com06 Nov 2017
09 May 2018
Rosie presented to Pennard Vets with a large red swelling on her cheek. After several bouts of antibiotics which seemingly helped, but did not fully resolve the swelling, further investigation was indicated.
Oral Hygiene
https://www.pennardvets.com06 Oct 2017
09 May 2018
There are many ways in which we can keep our pet's mouths healthy and clean for as long as possible. These range from chews to toys, to specially formulated diets, to the gold standard – dental treatment.

Parasite Control
https://www.pennardvets.com23 Aug 2017
09 May 2018
The term parasite describes any creature which uses another ‘host’ to live. They range from endoparasites (within the body), including lungworm and tapeworm, to ectoparasites (outside the body), including fleas, ticks and mites. Our pets are very prone to being infected by any of these parasites, but with effective parasite control it is preventable.

Flystrike
https://www.pennardvets.com02 Aug 2017
08 Feb 2018
Flystrike (aka Myiasis) is a condition which can affect any animal. It is incredibly distressing and if not caught early enough it can progress rapidly and lead to death. Rabbits are predominantly affected, especially if they have a pre-existing illness which limits their ability to clean themselves, primarily over their rear-end. As owners we need to be particularly vigilant through the summer months.

Stings
https://www.pennardvets.com25 Jul 2017
08 Feb 2018
Unfortunately, it’s that time of year where we see plenty of pets with swollen faces or paws. Some of you will see your pet being stung, which means you can identify the type of sting, but many of you will simply notice a swelling.

Grass Seeds
https://www.pennardvets.com13 Jul 2017
09 May 2018
It’s that time of year where grass seeds are becoming a problem. They cling to your dog’s coat with their bristly fibres, and their pointed shape makes it easy for them to dive deeper and deeper. Shaped like darts, once they pierce the skin they can’t get out so push their way forward.

Mycotoxicity
https://www.pennardvets.com09 Jun 2017
11 Sep 2019
Mycotoxicity has been highlighted recently on the BBC Programme 'Trust Me, I'm a Vet' and we are incredibly sad to announce that we have recently had two cases. The first patient we managed to successfully treat and after lots of intensive care eventually went home. The second patient unfortunately we couldn’t save.

It’s Acupuncture Awareness Week
https://www.pennardvets.com06 Mar 2017
09 May 2018
As its acupuncture awareness week, we thought it would be good to highlight how acupuncture helps a lot of pets.

It's Heart Month
https://www.pennardvets.com31 Jan 2017
08 Feb 2018
Every February the British Heart Foundation celebrates heart month encouraging everyone to make small contributions to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

Its Chrismas!
https://www.pennardvets.com22 Dec 2016
08 Feb 2018
As with many posts this Christmas, it’s all about those goodies and decorations that are toxic to our pets. So we’ve written just a quick reminder of a things to help keep your four legged friends safe this festive season.

Saying Goodbye
https://www.pennardvets.com25 Nov 2016
08 Feb 2018
I’m sure most of you have seen the recent press coverage lately of ‘Walk with Walnut’ BBC Walk with Walnut. We’ve talked about this in the practice and thought it was a wonderful, kind gesture from a heartbroken owner to his ageing best friend.

New Rabbit Vaccination Now Available
https://www.pennardvets.com02 Aug 2016
08 Feb 2018
We have had some enquiries regarding the new variant of Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (RVHD) and wanted to give a brief overview for those that haven’t come across it before.

Microchipping and the Law
https://www.pennardvets.com29 Mar 2016
08 Feb 2018
There are two parts to the new legislation on microchipping in the Animal Welfare Act 2006 that take place on the 6th April 2016 that we want to ensure you are aware of
- Dog owners in England will have to have their pet microchipped from the 6th April 2016
- Owners need to maintain up to date contact details on an authorised commercial database
TIcks and Babesiosis
https://www.pennardvets.com18 Mar 2016
08 Feb 2018
There has been a lot of talk in the media recently about a possible small outbreak of a relatively new disease in dogs in the UK, Babesiosis, caused by the bite of a specific tick which transmits the protozoal parasite which causes the disease. At the moment the affected cases are mainly in Essex, but they could potentially spread.
You CAN teach an old dog new tricks!
https://www.pennardvets.com30 Nov 2015
08 Feb 2018
Boris is a 12.5 year old springer spaniel who used to hate coming to the vets for any treatment or vaccinations. No matter how gentle we were with him it didn’t matter as he was so scared and used to tremble as soon as he walked into reception until he left.
Boris’ owner thought there was no hope for him ever being able to enjoy coming to the vets as he was now a senior dog and she thought you could not teach an old dog new tricks.

Firework Fears in Cats
https://www.pennardvets.com02 Nov 2015
09 May 2018
Animals have very acute hearing, (particularly cats) so loud bangs and whistles will startle them and cause them stress.
Firework Fears in Dogs
https://www.pennardvets.com12 Oct 2015
08 Feb 2018
We all know Firework season can be a stressful and scary time for a lot of dogs so why not try building a den to hide away in, it can really help. Starting preparing this now in advance giving your dog plenty of time to get used to using it.
Good Dental Care is Essential
https://www.pennardvets.com02 Apr 2015
06 Feb 2018
Dental disease is a problem that affects many of our pets both young and old and studies have estimated that 80% of cats and dogs have some degree of dental disease, from the age of 3 onwards.

Arthritis, my dog and me
https://www.pennardvets.com20 Jan 2015
08 Feb 2018
Arthritis only happens in old pets… right? Not all the time, it can happen in the young too. If your pet is diagnosed with it, what are your options?

Its Chrismas….
https://www.pennardvets.com16 Dec 2014
08 Feb 2018
We’re not sure about you but it seems Christmas has arrived early this year. We all know it’s the most wonderful time of the year, but it’s also a time when we need to take steps to avoid any harm coming to our beloved pets. A recent survey revealed 1 in 10 Dog lovers have had to go to the vets over the christmas period due to feeding them human food. Here at Pennard Vets we’ve put together a top five list of things to watch out for.
Mucky Pups
https://www.pennardvets.com24 Apr 2014
08 Feb 2018
I’m not sure about you but this past winter has played havoc with my carpets. Having a long haired young dog means I’ve had towels at the ready to wipe his feet the moment we arrive home. On the right is a picture of my boy who always, always finds the mud!
We get asked a lot about how to go about washing dogs so we’ve listed ten steps to make bathing your dog as easy as possible;

Mxyomatosis outbreak starts early this year
https://www.pennardvets.com01 Apr 2014
08 Feb 2018
Sadly we have just seen our first case of myxomatosis this year, some what earlier than normal with the unusual weather over winter.
Flooding spreads disease
https://www.pennardvets.com04 Mar 2014
08 Feb 2018
With dogs now starting to go back on the areas that have recently been flooded we have been asked a lot of questions regarding any concerns about going on these areas.
Pennard Vets Pet Slimmer of the Year 2013
https://www.pennardvets.com20 Feb 2014
08 Feb 2018
Last year was the first year of running the pet slimmer of the year competition, over the year nurses see many clients regularly for weight checks to help support them with their animals in loosing weight. With the help of hills we decided to give them something back and an incentive to really get to grips with helping their animals loose weight and so came up with Pet Slimmer of the Year. The winners were chosen and given the good news in January
Helping Hendrix
https://www.pennardvets.com16 Nov 2013
08 Feb 2018
Laser therapy helps Hendrix get back on his feet.

What happened to Winston?
https://www.pennardvets.com07 Oct 2013
08 Feb 2018
Winston was a 3 Month old British Bulldog puppy who came to the practice on the 17th July as his owner was very concerned about him.
Winston had vomited that morning and did not want to go for a walk at all; his owner also noticed he was breathing differently and just wanted to lie down.

Spring has finally sprung!
https://www.pennardvets.com24 Apr 2013
08 Feb 2018
Spring is in the air and new life will be arriving soon. This can sometimes be a stressful time for animal loving cat owners, as their companions bring in feathered and furry ‘presents’ to surprise them.
Easter Warnings
https://www.pennardvets.com22 Mar 2013
08 Feb 2018
To most of us this Easter will involve enjoying a chocolate egg or two! Please remember that chocolate is also delicious to dogs, less so to cats, but potentially lethal to both.
Felix finds his confidence
https://www.pennardvets.com18 Mar 2013
08 Feb 2018
Felix is a 2 year 8 month old Labrador who has a sad story with a happy ending!
Ivan and the mysterious object
https://www.pennardvets.com15 Mar 2013
08 Feb 2018
Ivan a 7 month old puppy, training to be a guide dog, was brought in to the practice after being sick and refusing his food. This was very unusual for Ivan particularly as he is a Labrador!