News

The Christmas season brings joy, decorations, and Christmas trees into our homes. However, as a pet owner, it's crucial to know if these festive additions are safe for our dogs. At Chess Vets, we often get asked, "Are Christmas trees toxic to dogs?" The answer is yes, certain aspects of Christmas trees can pose risks to dogs.

This blog explores why dogs might find Christmas trees enticing, why they can be toxic, and how to keep your dog safe during the Christmas season.

Pets, much like humans, can experience anxiety. Recognising and addressing this anxiety is crucial for their wellbeing. At Chess Vets, we understand the challenges of managing anxious pets and are here to provide you with practical advice to help soothe your anxious dog or cat.

If your pet has been to see the vet and they have been given a treatment plan, you may want to continue this at home to ensure your pet’s ears fully recover. Our guidance on caring for your pet’s ears below is based on post-treatment and after your pet has had a full examination on their ears.

We do not recommend that you clean your pet’s ears if they have not been examined by a vet or nurse. Regular ear cleaning for no reason can damage the canal or cause irritation that can result in further problems.

At Chess Vets, we understand the importance of pet ear care and are here to provide you with tips and products that work for cleaning your pet's ears, whether you have a cat or a dog.

Travelling with your dog can be an exciting adventure, but it requires some planning to ensure a smooth journey for both you and your dog. Whether you're embarking on a road trip, flying to a new destination, or simply heading to Chess Vets for a check-up, preparing your dog adequately is key to a stress-free experience. Here, we share some top tips to make sure your dog is travel-ready and comfortable throughout your journey.

Treats and Hidden Threats: Protecting Your Dog from Xylitol Poisoning 

We love sharing the good times with our dogs, and sometimes that means indulging them in a special treat from time-to-time.  

However, together with the fun, it's crucial to be aware of hidden dangers that can be in seemingly harmless snacks. One of those dangers is xylitol, a sugar alcohol commonly used as a sweetener in many everyday products, which is perfectly safe for humans, but extremely toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. 

PRESCRIPTIONS UPDATE

On 1st September 2023 our regulatory body, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) introduced new guidance on prescribing prescription-only medicines. There was a grace period until 1st January 2024 for some classes of medication including parasiticides (flea, tick and worming treatments). The new guidance requires that a clinical assessment, which usually entails a physical examination of your pet, be performed every time antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals and parasiticides are prescribed.

Understanding the impact of stress on your pet's health 

We all know stress can take a toll on our health, but did you know it can also significantly impact your pet's wellbeing? Just like us, pets experience stress and anxiety in response to various situations. Chronic stress, however, can have a detrimental effect on your pet’s physical and mental health. 

Summer is a time for fun in the sun, and many of us enjoy spending time outdoors with our pets, however, on the surface of ponds and lakes can be a hidden danger: blue-green algae. While not all algae are harmful, blue-green algae (also known as cyanobacteria) can produce extremely dangerous toxins and be fatal to dogs.  

The silver years: Special considerations for senior pet wellness 

Our pets bring us countless moments of joy and unconditional love throughout their lives. As they enter their senior years, however, their needs can change. They may become less energetic, require adjustments to their diet and environment, and be more susceptible to certain health concerns. 

Summer is a time for fun in the sun, but it's important to remember that the warm weather can be just as uncomfortable for our pets. As dog owners, it's our responsibility to ensure they stay safe and stay cool in the warm weather.

Don't let the heat slow you down! With a few essential tips and tricks from Chess Vets, you can make summer walks enjoyable experiences for you both.