issue 32 Get your entries ready for the Ark House Photo Competition! Save money & keep your pets healthy & happy with our special seasonal offers Get your rabbits & guinea pigs winter-ready
Welcome to the latest issue of Paws - Ark House Vets quarterly magazine Hello to all our readers, whether old friends or new clients of Ark House Vets! In this issue of Paws we ve got seasonal advice for those of you with outdoor pets - a checklist to help your bunnies and piggies keep warm and cosy as the weather gets colder on pages 8-9. We also feature a reminder of some common household items and foodstuffs that can cause problems to overly-inquisitive cats and dogs - please do have a look so you know which ones to keep your pets away from this festive season on page 7. For your peace of mind we ll be running a full emergency service over the Christmas period with our professional partners at VetsNow - you can find details on our website at www.arkhousevets.co.uk and detailed advice will also be available by calling the practice on 01525 373329. At Ark House we are committed to keeping every pet in the very best of health, which means promoting routine preventative care as standard for every cat, dog and rabbit that we are privileged to care for. We work hard to keep our prices fair and bring you ways in which to save money - our Paws Club, the First Steps programme and our regular special offers are all ways in which we help you take the best care of your pet, whilst offering great value - find out more on page 5. As always, we love to hear from you with updates on our patients progress, news or photos of your own pets. You can speak with our reception team, give us a ring, or email at enquires@arkhousevets.co.uk. There are some fantastic pictures in the Gallery section of our website, but we ve always got room for more! We hope to see you very soon, either in the practice or on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/arkhousevets EMERGENCY SERVICE With very best wishes to all our friends, from Kate Semple and the Ark House Vets team Because we use dedicated emergency services to give your pet the best care when we re not open we are able to provide emergency clinics in 4 locations to suit your needs. In an emergency call our normal number 01525 373329 You will be given a choice of four clinics who can help. We will connect your call to them directly. Vets Now Milton Keynes, Vets Now Luton, Beds Vets Barton, Vets Now Hemel Hempstead All of these clinics email through any notes to us at 7am each morning so we will always know what may have happened if you need to visit them. 2
Practice Mews It s been a busy summer, so there s a lot to tell you! The team were out and about throughout July and August, attending several local events and raising 280 for local pet charities in the process! It was fabulous to see so many of you with your furry family members at the Linslade Canal Festival, Rushmere Fayre and Appledown Kennels Open Day. Practice Mews cont... Here for you, whenever you need us We continue to work hard to ensure that we are able to see your pet quickly when needed, so we offer long opening hours and a comprehensive emergency service. Our opening hours are currently: 8.00am - 8.00pm Monday to Friday & 8.30am - 3.00pm on Saturdays, whilst our emergency service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 3
Our team have been working really hard to further their qualifications and we re pleased to report that they have been duly rewarded! We are so proud of you all! Congratulations to Emma Hart who passed all her exams and is now a fully qualified RVN. Vet Jenny made her this amazing cake to celebrate. Emma s cake A massive well done to RVN Lisa who has passed the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) Certificate in Feline Friendly Nursing (ISFM CertFN) with a very well deserved Distinction! Lisa s achievement means that we all know more about how best to care for and understand cats in practice. Congratulations too to Student Veterinary Nurse Becca, who passed her first big nursing exams with flying colours! Becca The team have also attended training courses on communication, internal medicine, senior pets, rabbit medicine, heart disease and skin disease. Lisa And finally... The Ark House Photo Competition is back! After the popularity of this feature in recent years, we are once again running a Photo Competition in conjunction with Bridget Davey Photography. Send us a brilliant, daft or just plain gorgeous photo of your furry family member this November and you could win a photo shoot with Bridget, including a complimentary print of your pet. Closing date for photos to reach us is November 30th (please be aware that photo entries will be featured on our facebook page). The easiest way to enter is to message us on facebook, or you can post your photo(s) on our facebook page or email them to kate@arkhousevets.co.uk Did you know that you can book many appointments directly online through our live online booking system? Go to www.arkhousevets.co.uk/ book-online 4 Good luck! We can t wait to see your entries!
LITTLE PAWS FIRST STEPS FOR YOUR PUPPY, KITTEN OR BUNNY Getting a new bundle of fun is so exciting and just as you want to do what s best for your little one, so do we! Our FIRST STEPS packages help you to get your furry friend on the right track, right at the beginning, and will save you money in the process! KITTEN PUPPY FIRST STEPS includes: FIRST STEPS includes: Vaccination course Flea treatment Worming treatment Barking Heads puppy food Health check at 7 months Advice, vouchers and r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s plus a gorgeous bandana Vaccination course Flea treatment Worming treatment Microchip Miaowing Heads kitten food Health check at six months Advice, vouchers, recommendations plus a fabulous cat nip mini cushion And with all this for just 50, you ll enjoy savings of more than 20 too! And with all this for just 60, you ll also enjoy savings of 29! BABY BUNNY FIRST STEPS includes: Vaccination against Myxomatosis and RHD1 Vaccination against new variant RHD2 Supa Rabbit Excel 2kg Health Check at 6 months old Advice, vouchers and recommendations! And with all this for 45, you ll also be saving 10! Don t forget that you ll find lots more advice and information on new puppies and kittens on our website, arkhousevets.co.uk the smart way to keep your pet & your purse healthy in 2017 and beyond... At Ark House Vets, we know that prevention is always better than cure. And we understand that sometimes when all those essential treatments and vaccinations are due at once, the cost can be significant. What s included? That s why we created our Paws Club; helping you keep your pets in the best of health whilst also keeping costs manageable. So it s better for your pet, and better for you! Four routine worming treatments per year A year s supply of flea treatments (dispensed every 6 months) Vaccinations and boosters o For dogs: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza and Leptospirosis o For cats: Flu, Enteritis and Leukaemia o For Rabbits: Myxomatosis and Classic RHD1 only A fantastic 10% discount* on all other Annual vaccination and clinical examination with a Vet, maintaining good general health and highlighting any problems early One additional Consultation with a Vet when your pet is unwell every year OR a routine health check between booster vaccinations Preventative treatment for Fly strike (rabbits) Specialist dietary advice Convenient monthly payments by Direct Debit products and services at Ark House Vets You can find out much more online at www.arkhousevets.co.uk/about-us/paws-club or ask at reception for more details. 5
As you may know, dogs and cats can be very good at hiding the fact that they feel under the weather, and so your pet may be suffering with mouth pain without you knowing. And sadly dental disease is very common in pets, with an estimated 80-85% of dogs and cats over the age of three affected. Dental disease begins when bacteria and food particles in the mouth develop into plaque and tartar, triggering gum inflammation or gingivitis. As the tartar builds up, the gum separates from the teeth, developing pockets where further bacterial accumulation takes place. Bacteria from the infected mouth can spread to other areas of the body and cause general health problems, particularly in older pets or those with compromised immune systems - another reason for your pet to have regular checks. 6 We recommend that you book an appointment for your pet to be checked over by one of our vets if you spot any or all of the following signs of dental problems: Bad breath Increased salivation or constant licking Reluctance to play with chew toys or carry objects in the mouth Pawing at the mouth Dropping food or chewing only on one side Avoidance of hard foods, such as biscuits Jaw chattering, especially in cats Facial swelling General sluggishness Sudden aggression What should I do to protect my pet s teeth? You might like to consider one of our cost-effective Dental Treatment options - more details can be found on page 10 of this issue of PAWS. Daily brushing is the best way to keep your pet s teeth clean, and whilst it sounds tricky, most cats and dogs will happily tolerate this, especially if it is part of their routine from an early age. If you have a new puppy, it s a good idea to include a gentle oral examination in his / her training (along with regularly looking in the ears and holding the paws) so that your dog becomes used to this type of handling and will not become stressed when a vet or nurse does the same in the future. Use specially formulated pet toothpaste and brush the teeth daily either with a baby s finger brush or a child s toothbrush - if you do need any help then our nursing team will be only too happy to share their expertise and clever tips! We also recommend that you book your pet in for a FREE dental check up at our Dental Clinic every six months to keep on top of any potential issues - our wonderful team of Nurses will advise on the best oral care routine for your pet.
It only seems two minutes since we were writing about the potential perils of Christmas-time last year, but here we are again! We make no apologies for repeating our advice on festive hazards - nobody wants to be rushing to see a vet on Christmas Day with a poorly pet. Many of the foods we enjoy at this time of year can cause cats and dogs serious problems, so please do be wary of the following: Chocolate is poisonous for all pets - even a tiny amount of chocolate (for example, a couple of squares of dark chocolate for a small dog) is likely to make them ill. It causes vomiting and diarrhoea, and sometimes even fatal convulsions. Keep chocolate well out of reach, but if your pet still manages to get hold of some, contact us for advice straight away. Grapes (also raisins, sultanas, currants) are incredibly toxic to some dogs and cats, causing serious kidney failure, whilst others appear to be fine. It s not worth the risk to find out. Don t forget that Christmas cake, Christmas pudding and mince pies all contain lots of raisins, currants and sultanas. Nuts can cause stomach upsets, twitching and convulsions. Onions (raw or cooked, also garlic, leeks, shallots) can cause an upset stomach and can trigger anaemia. Remember that stuffing and gravy may contain onions too. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener, which is often found in sugar free chewing gum, medicines and processed foods (including some peanut butters). It s really dangerous for dogs even in small amounts, causing fatal liver failure. Fatty foods of many kinds will give your pets an upset stomach. With a particularly excessive amount they could even get pancreatitis - a very painful inflammation of the pancreas. Bones, especially cooked poultry bones, can get stuck in the throat or intestines. This is very painful, and is likely to need an anaesthetic and operation for the bone fragments to be removed. Make sure that the bones from your turkey are disposed of safely, and that the bin is secure! Position all candles and tea lights out of reach of pets and children Pick up all the little fiddly plastic bits and tags left after unwrapping presents - these can easily get stuck in an inquisitive pet s mouth or throat Make sure that scissors and batteries are not left lying around when wrapping and unwrapping presents Human medicines should always be kept out of reach of your pets - whilst all should be avoided, Nurofen in particular is toxic to dogs and paracetamol is lethal for cats, so make sure Granny s handbag is put somewhere safe on Christmas Day! Also, some psoriasis creams can be fatal, even the small amount that can be ingested when a pet licks a hand. If your pet does accidentally eat any of the foods or items listed above, or is unwell at all over Christmas, please call us on 01525 373329. We partner with VetsNow to run a full emergency service throughout the holiday period and more details can be found at www.arkhousevets.co.uk 7
Get your rabbits & guinea pigs winter-ready As many of you know, rabbits and guinea pigs make great pets and can live long and happy lives when their basic behavioural, dietary and housing needs are well provided for. Now that the nights are drawing in and temperatures are starting to drop, it s important to review any outdoor hutches in order to ensure that they are warm and waterproof for the winter ahead. Damp and draughty conditions can easily lead to illness or arthritis, especially in older animals, and so we d like to share some simple steps you can take to help your rabbits and guinea pigs stay cosy through the colder months: We love seeing your bunnies and piggies for regular cuddles when they visit for their health checks, and we are always happy to offer advice or reassurance to owners, whether you are new to small animal keeping or have loved them for many years. Need help with chewing? biting? jumping? And the rest! These behaviours are really common and part of your puppy's normal development but can be hard to cope with at home. Let us help you manage this behaviour in a positive way. Call us on 01525 373329 8
Check the hutch for any signs that water is getting in and fix any leaks you find by blocking up gaps Ensure that the roof slopes towards the back of the hutch so that rainwater and melting snow will not drip into the hutch (you can place a brick under each of the front legs if the angle of the roof is too shallow) Remember that the base of the hutch should be raised at least 10cm above the ground in order to avoid damp and rot rising up the wood Check and re-apply waterproofing paint and/or covers (plastic sheeting, tarpaulin etc.) regularly, making sure to leave space for air to get in Position the hutch away from the wind. Ideally, move it into a shed or garage, but only if vehicles are not regularly driven in and out - the carbon monoxide in exhaust fumes can quickly be fatal to small animals. Guinea pigs should be housed indoors once temperatures drop below 15ºC, whilst bunnies tend to be a bit more tolerant of lower temperatures (although they should never be left outside in below zero conditions). Common sense is always a good guide - if you think it s too cold for your pet, then move him / her indoors Cover with an old blanket, a piece of carpet or a fitted protective cover at night Provide plenty of fresh hay and straw, along with scrunched-up newspaper for bedding Microwaveable heat pads can be placed in the hutch at night (do check that they are not too hot) Store straw, hay and wood shavings in a dry place so that they do not become damp and mouldy; eating these could cause your pets to become ill Check water bottles at least twice a day as these can easily freeze, and your pet will drink more during the colder weather when access to fresh grass and greens is reduced. You can also add a water bowl inside the hutch as well as the usual bottle Neither guinea pigs nor rabbits hibernate, so if you do notice that your pet looks unusually limp or sleepy, please call us as soon as possible to arrange an urgent check up. Old and infirm pets particularly should be housed indoors when temperatures fall Remember that you should never keep guinea pigs in the same hutch or run as rabbits, as there is a risk the guinea pigs will be bullied and seriously injured. Rabbits and guinea pigs both require company of their own kind - the best combinations are either a pair of the same sex or a neutered male and female Just call 01525 373329 to book an appointment or visit our website www.arkhousevets.co.uk, where you can book online. 9
At Ark House we always aim to provide the very best treatment at a fair price, and with regular dental checks and preventative oral care being so important to the health and wellbeing of your pets, this seemed like a good time to remind you of our excellent value Dental Treatment packages. There are two treatment options, depending on the amount of work required. Both are available all year round and offer comprehensive dental care at a great value, fixed price. There s even a discount for Paws Club members: Dental Treatment - routine 225 for Paws Club members ( 250 for non-members) covers all this: Free dental clinic checks Scale and polish and up to three extractions Pre-surgery blood screening, as required Digital dental x-rays, as required Antibiotics, as required Pain relief, as required All post-operative dental check ups and advice Dental Treatment - advanced For pets with advanced dental diseases, or more complex dental issues, 342 for Paws Club members ( 380 for non-members) covers all this: Free dental clinic checks Scale and polish and more than three extractions Pre-surgery blood screening, as required Digital dental x-rays, as required Antibiotics, as required Pain relief, as required All post-operative dental check ups and advice For more information on dental treatment, or to book an appointment, please call 01525 373329 Puppy Playgroup is an hour-long session of fun and advice on Wednesday mornings from 11am at Ark House Vets. We'll help you to socialise and train your puppy so that you both become happy, secure and confident together. You will learn a wide range of skills in a friendly and safe environment, invaluable in helping your new arrival to settle in, both into your home and your life. They are a unique opportunity for early socialisation - puppies are welcome as soon as they have had their first vaccination (from 8 weeks old). A course comprises four weekly hour-long sessions and offers fantastic value at just 25, including a FREE worming treatment. Please call 01525 373329 to find out the next start date and register for a place - we'd love to meet you and help your new puppy on the next stage of his or her journey! 10
Here comes Santa Paws! Once again we ll be giving out some special Christmas treats to your pets when you come to see us during December, so we hope they ve been good?! We always like to welcome new faces to Ark House, so when you recommend a friend, we ll give you both a 10 voucher to spend in the practice! Once your friend registers with us, we ll give you a 10 voucher and they will also receive the same discount off their first transaction. Ask at reception for further details, or your friend can fill in their details quickly and simply online at www.arkhousevets.co.uk mentioning your name on the registration form. *Refers to vouchers for 10 off when you spend 40 or more on professional services. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Visit our website for full terms and conditions. At Ark House we re here to help at every stage of your pet s life, and we know that in the early days you might need a little more help and advice than usual! FREE health checks - Is your puppy, kitten or rabbit less than 8 weeks old? They might be too young for his or her vaccinations, but we d love to see them anyway! Bring your newest family member along for a FREE veterinary health check and plenty of advice our friendly team are always on hand with handy tips to help settle your new pet into the family and keep them happy and healthy! Simply call reception on 01525 373329 to arrange a convenient time to drop by. Online advice You ll find lots of help and advice for your new pet on our website, www.arkhousevets.co.uk. You can download a simple check list with tips, ideas and a list of key health care needs for your new bundle of joy! Also see details of our FIRST STEPS packages on page 5, we can help you to get your furry friend on the right track, right at the beginning, and will save you money in the process! 11
issue 32 Surgery hours Monday to Friday Saturday 8.00am - 8.00pm 8.30am - 3.00pm www.arkhousevets.co.uk 22 Hockliffe Street, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 1HJ Tel: 01525 373329 Fax: 01525 852354 Email: enquiries@arkhousevets.co.uk Out of hours emergencies In an emergency call our normal number 01525 373329. You will be given a choice of four clinics who can help. We will connect your call to them directly. Vets Now Milton Keynes Vets Now Luton Beds Vets Barton Vets Now Hemel Hempstead All of these clinics email through any notes to us at 7am each morning so we will always know what may have happened if you need to visit them. Designed and produced by Onswitch Limited 2017. www.onswitch.co.uk