Cats are well known for going off and exploring, yet thankfully they tend to be fairly cautious around plants. There’s usually a greater risk of picking up pollen or sap from poisonous plants on their fur or paws, and ingesting it whilst grooming.

To help keep your furry feline friends safe, we’ve put together this useful guide about what plants are harmful to cats and what to do if you suspect yours has eaten something poisonous.

Symptoms of plant poisoning in cats

Although most symptoms of plant poisoning are mild, the severity will depend on the type of plant and the amount digested.

Here’s some key symptoms of plant poisoning in cats to watch out for:

• Changes in drinking, urinating and appetite
• Salivation
• Inflammation or swelling of the skin
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Twitching and fitting
• Shock or collapse
• Depression
• Coma

Why can cats react badly to poisoning?

It’s mainly due to their biological make-up and size, even a small dose of something poisonous can be fatal. Cats can sometimes struggle to process toxic substances and eliminate them from their body.

Also, cats lead an adventurous outdoors lifestyle; it’s hard to know what they’ve come into contact with, or when it happened, making it more difficult to react quickly.

Avoid lilies: the most dangerous plant to cats

Sadly, lilies can be deadly for cats. All parts of lilies are toxic, including its pollen, and it is the most commonly reported poison in cats and kittens.

Within minutes of ingesting the plant, your cat can become lethargic or start to vomit, it can also lead to kidney failure. Even small amounts can cause poisoning in cats.

Common toxic plants

Most of these plants will only cause mild symptoms, unless very large amounts are eaten. These plants are less toxic than lilies but can still harm your cat if ingested.

This list is not exhaustive, but covers a wide range of plants to stay clear of:

• Amaryllis (bulbs) (Hippeastrum species) – can cause tremors, seizures, vomiting and changes in blood pressure.
• Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale) – may result in drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea.
• Azaleas (Rhododendron occidentale) – can cause vomiting, abnormal heart rate, tremors and seizures.
• Castor Bean (Ricinus communis) – can be fatal and cause twitching, tremors, seizures and comas.
• Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum) – can cause lack of appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea.
• Cyclamens (Cyclamen species) – can cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea.
• Daffodils (Narcissus) – can cause drooling, increased heart rate, vomiting and diarrhoea.
• Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia) – can cause mild irritation to the throat and mouth and in rare cases difficulty breathing due to the swelling caused in the cat’s airways.
• Dragon tree (Dracaena species) – can cause drooling, dilated pupils, weakness and vomiting.
• Foxgloves (Digitalis species) – even a small amount can be fatal and cause muscle weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea and heart failure.
• Hyacinth (bulbs) (Hyacinthus orientalis) – can cause oral irritation and pawing at the mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive drooling, depression and increased heart rate.
• Ivy (Hedera helix) – can cause drooling, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and vomiting.
• Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe) – can cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea.
• Oleander (Nerium oleander) – can cause food aversion, excessive drooling, hypothermia, slow heart rate, diarrhoea (may contain blood) and vomiting.
• Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) – can cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea.
• Pothos, Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum) – can cause pawing at the face, excessive drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing.
• Rhododendrons (Rhododendron species) – can cause vomiting, abnormal heart rate, tremors and seizures.
• Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) – needs to be treated quickly as it can cause liver damage, as well as paralysis, bleeding, seizures, vomiting, diarrhoea and blood in faeces.
• Spanish Thyme (Plectranthus amboinicus) – can cause strange behaviour, drooling, lack of appetite, weakness, pawing at the mouth, vomiting and diarrhoea (which may contain blood).
• Spring Crocus (Crocus vernus) – can cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
• Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) – although classed as non-toxic for cats, spider plants can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and have a mild hallucinogenic effect.
• Tulips (Tulipa species) – can cause lethargy, loss of coordination, salivation, vomiting and diarrhoea.
• Yew (Taxus baccata) – can be fatal and cause drooling, weakness, rapid breathing, dilated pupils, changes in heart rate and blood pressure, vomiting, tremors, seizures and comas.
• Yucca plants (Yucca species) – can cause lack of coordination, vomiting, diarrhoea and convulsions.

What can I do to prevent plant poisoning?

Be mindful when you are gardening to keep spring bulbs and other poisonous plants out of paw’s reach and, if you are pruning any poisonous plants, dispose of them straight away. The best way to keep your cat safe is to avoid planting poisonous plants at all.

It’s not just outdoor plants that can be a danger to cats, unfortunately cut flowers can have the same harmful effects. Picking a bouquet that is safe for cats will eliminate the risk of poisoning. As we know, daffodils and tulips can be harmful when eaten and lilies should always be avoided. Instead, it would be better to opt for pet friendly flowers like freesias, roses and snapdragons.

Worried your cat has been poisoned by a plant?

If you suspect your cat has come into contact with a poisonous plant, seek advice from your vet immediately. Getting emergency care will increase the likelihood of your pet making a full recovery.

If you have any concerns about your pet, please get in touch with your local St Kitts practice.

St Kitts Veterinary Centre: 01252 844044
Basingstoke Veterinary Centre: 01256 844944
Crookham Park Veterinary Centre: 01252 913990
Firgrove Veterinary Centre: 01252 877799

It’s no secret that dogs are curious and can get tempted to lick and chew plants and trees wherever they go. But some plants are particularly harmful to dogs and need to be avoided.

To help keep your dogs safe, we’ve put together a handy guide to harmful plants and what you should do if dog eats one of them.

Symptoms of plant poisoning in dogs

It’s always worrying if your dog is showing signs of becoming unwell. In most cases, digesting plants will only cause mild symptoms, but some plants are dangerous, especially if your dog eats large quantities in a short space of time.

Here are some key symptoms of plant poisoning look out for:

• Low energy
• Drooling
• Drinking or urinating more
• Eating less or not eating
• Agitation
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Rashes
• Red skin
• Mouth ulcers
• Pale gums
• Changes in heart rate (faster or slower)
• Changes in body temperature
• Blood in stools
• Weakness
• Twitching or seizures
• Struggling to breathe
• Collapse
• Extreme sedation
• Coma

If your dog is showing symptoms of plant poisoning, seek veterinary help as soon as possible.

Toxic plants

Not all parts of plants are toxic, for some it’s only the bulbs or berries that will cause problems. But it’s better to keep your dog away from the whole plant to be safe.

The below list is not exhaustive, but covers a wide range of plants to stay clear of.

• Amaryllis (bulbs) (Hippeastrum species): Can be fatal, causing lethargy, upset stomach, coma and shock.
• Asparagus fern (Asparagus setaceus): Contains a wide variety of poisons resulting in a large range of symptoms.
• Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale): Can cause vomiting, nervous excitement and dermatitis.
• Azalea (Rhododendron occidentale): Can be fatal if eaten in large quantities, causing diarrhoea, depression, difficulty breathing and coma.
• Bluebells (Hyacinthoides): Can affect the dog’s heart if large quantities are eaten, causing the heartbeat to slow or increase. Some dogs may experience sickness, stomach pains or have an upset stomach, which may contain streaks of blood.
• Cyclamen (Cyclamen species): Can affect the gastrointestinal tract and cause convulsions and paralysis.
• Daffodils (Narcissus species): Can cause salivation, upset stomach, vomiting and collapsing. In more serious cases, it causes fits and changes to heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure. Dogs can also become unwell if they drink water from a vase containing daffodils.
• Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna, Solanum dulcamara and related species): Can be fatal and cause digestive issues.
• Delphinium (seeds, young plants) (Delphinium species): Harmful if eaten in quantity.
• Foxgloves (leaves, seeds) (Digitalis species): Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
• Geranium (Pelargonium species): Can cause vomiting, reduced appetite, depression and irritated skin.
• Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum): Can cause serious problems in both pets and humans, including skin burns and blisters. It’s important to seek medical advice if you or your pet has come into contact with giant hogweed.
• Grape vines (Vitis vinifera): Grapes can be highly toxic to dogs.
• Heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica): Can be fatal if sufficient quantities of its bright red berries are ingested.
• Hemlock (Tsuga species): Can be fatal, symptoms include: difficulty breathing, seizures, drooling, cardiac abnormalities, agitation and twitching.
• Holly (berries) (Ilex aquifolium): Causes upset stomach, tremors, seizures and loss of balance.
• Horse chestnut (nuts and leaves) (Aesculus hippocastanum): Harmful if large quantities are eaten. Chestnuts can cause stomach problems or a gut blockage.
• Hyacinth (bulbs) (Hyacinthus orientalis): Harmful if eaten in quantity, can cause a skin allergy.
• Hydrangea (Hydrangea species): Can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and confusion.
• Ivy (Hedera helix): The entire plant is harmful when eaten in large quantities.
• Laburnum (leaves and seeds) (Laburnum anagyroides): Toxic when eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
• Laurel (including Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) and other laurel species): Harmful if large quantities are eaten.
• Lilies (Lilium species): Harmful if eaten in quantity.
• Lily of the valley (leaves, flowers and roots) (Convallaria majalis): Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting.
• Lupins (leaves and seeds) (Lupinus species): Harmful when lots is eaten.
• Mistletoe (berries) (Phoradendron flavescens): Affects dog’s gastrointestinal tract and may cause dermatitis. It can be fatal for puppies who eat a few berries.
• Morning glory (seeds and roots) (Ipomea species): Harmful when vast amounts are consumed.
• Mushrooms/Fungi (Many species): Some types of fungi can be fatal, causing abnormal heart rhythms, fits or organ failure, others can cause diarrhoea and vomiting. Identifying mushrooms can be difficult, so we advise you to stop your dog from eating any mushrooms.
• Oak (foliage and acorns) (Quercus pedunculata): Can affect the kidneys. Acorns can cause stomach problems or a gut blockage.
• Oleander (Nerium oleander): Is extremely poisonous and can be fatal. It affects the heart and digestive system, and may cause dermatitis.
• Onions and garlic plants (Allium species): All parts of the plant, especially the bulbs, can be toxic and cause anaemia. Onions should not be fed to dogs in any form.
• Poison Ivy (leaves, bark and fruit) (Toxicodendron radicans): Is poisonous and can cause severe blistering dermatitis when it comes into contact with the skin.
• Potato plant (Solanum tuberosum): The leaves on potatoes can be toxic. Raw, green or sprouting potatoes can also be harmful.
• Ragwort (Senecio Jacobaea): Minute doses can be fatal, causing irreversible kidney failure and liver damage.
• Rape (Brassicus napus): Can cause anaemia, blindness, damage to the nervous system, digestive system and breathing problems.
• Rhododendron (Rhododendron species): Can be fatal, causing nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing and coma.
• Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum): Can be fatal, rhubarb leaves are poisonous whether they are cooked or raw and can cause convulsions and coma.
• Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia): Can cause excess saliva, vomiting and diarrhoea.
• Snowdrops (Galanthus species): Can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, or if large amounts are consumed, slow heart rates and fits.
• Sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus): Harmful if eaten in quantity.
• Tomato (green fruit, stem and leaves) (Solanum lycopersicum): Leaves and unripe fruit on tomato plants can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, drowsiness and abnormal heart rate.
• Tulips (Tulipa species): Can cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea. Serious cases are rare, but symptoms could include heart problems and breathing difficulties
• Wisteria (pods and seeds) (Wisteria): Can cause nausea, repeated vomiting, stomach pains, severe diarrhoea, dehydration and collapse.
• Yew (berries and foliage) (Taxus baccata and related species): Can be fatal, symptoms include dizziness, dry mouth, abdominal cramps, salivation and vomiting. Foliage is more fatal than berries, death can be sudden without warning or symptoms.

Tips for preventing plant poisoning

To help keep your dog safe at home, fence off the areas where you keep your plants and keep poisonous plants out of your dog’s reach. Or even better, remove toxic plants from your garden entirely and use non-toxic or artificial plants instead.

If you know there are certain dog walk routes where there are lots of poisonous plants, it’s best to avoid them and take another.

What to do if your dog eats something it shouldn’t

If your dog eats or chews a poisonous plant, you should call your vet immediately and take them in as soon as possible. You don’t need to wait for your dog to become unwell.

If you’re not sure what your dog has eaten, call your vet for advice.

It’s useful to pick a sample of what has been eaten so it can be identified later. Just make sure to package it carefully and wash your hands, as it could be toxic to humans too.

If you have any concerns about your pet, please get in touch with your local St Kitts practice.

St Kitts Veterinary Centre: 01252 844044
Basingstoke Veterinary Centre: 01256 844944
Crookham Park Veterinary Centre: 01252 913990
Firgrove Veterinary Centre: 01252 877799

The days are longer, the sun is shining, and the heat is rising – that must mean BBQ season is upon us! While there isn’t much better than getting together with family and friends during the great British summer, the tempting treats and hot grills can pose a danger to our beloved pets.

To help make sure your summer get-together is fun for everyone (including your four-legged friends), we’re sharing some of our top BBQ safety tips for pet owners.

Pet proof the area

Burning coals, hot wire racks, utensils and food can all cause serious burns to your pet if they get too close – not to mention the scorching open flame and the BBQ itself.

When setting up your BBQ, make sure it’s on a flat surface and out of the way to prevent it from falling over. When the BBQ is lit, never leave it unattended when your pets are around as their curiosity can often get the better of them.

Keep harmful items or substances out of reach

Many BBQ items and accessories should always be kept out of your pet’s reach, especially products like lighter fluid or firelighters. Alcohol can also be dangerous to your pets, so if you’re serving drinks, make sure any spillages are mopped up quickly and that bottles and cans aren’t left lying around.

Bin the leftovers

Pets are opportunists and will take their chances if they can easily get hold of something they shouldn’t! Things like skewer sticks or the cores from corn on the cobs can be extremely dangerous and sometimes life-threatening when ingested, as they can cause gut blockages and other injuries.

Be sure to throw away any leftovers or rubbish into a lidded bin that your pet can’t access when your back is turned.

Skip any scraps

Don’t give in to the puppy eyes! BBQ food can be especially dangerous to our pets; greasy or fatty foods can upset their stomach, while bones can cause blockages.

While people are eating, try to give your pet a healthy chew or a fun toy to play with to occupy them instead.

Keep it cool

Cats and dogs can overheat very quickly on hot days, so it’s important to provide them with a shaded area and plenty of clean drinking water. Where possible, try to keep them indoors in the cool during the hottest times of the day.

Keep an eye on your pet for signs of heat exhaustion, such as heaving panting or excessive drooling. Those that are larger, older, energetic, overweight, flat-faced or have a thick coat will be more at risk than others.

Slather on the suncream

Did you know your pet can get sunburnt just like us? If they have white fur, a thin or patchy coat or are completely hairless, we recommend you put some sun cream on them, paying careful attention to exposed areas like the tips of the ears or on the end of their nose.

If you’re unsure what sun cream to use, talk to the team at your local St Kitts practice who will be able to recommend a pet-safe option.

Stay relaxed

A house full of strangers can be both exciting and stressful for your pet, so try to give them plenty of opportunities to have time to themselves to relax in peace.

For pets that live in the garden, such as rabbits or guinea pigs, big groups of people and loud noises can be frightening for them. Before people arrive, try to cover part of their cage or move it to a quieter part of the garden.

If you have any concerns about your pet or would like to ask us a question about BBQ safety, please get in touch with your local St Kitts practice.

St Kitts Veterinary Centre: 01252 844044
Basingstoke Veterinary Centre: 01256 844944
Crookham Park Veterinary Centre: 01252 913990
Firgrove Veterinary Centre: 01252 877799

Summertime can be full of fun for everyone, including our four-legged friends. However, when the temperatures rise, the risks to our pets can too.

To help keep them safe, we’ve pulled together a list of the most common dangers to pets over the summer, as well as some top tips to help you avoid them.

Heatstroke and dehydration

Our pets (dogs especially) aren’t as good as humans at dealing with higher temperatures as they find it harder to cool down. While any pet can develop heatstroke, those that are large, older, energetic, overweight, flat-faced or have a thick coat will be more at risk than others.

Signs of heatstroke include:

• Heavy panting
• Breathing problems
• Lethargy / stiffness
• Drooling
• Vomiting & diarrhoea
• Confusion
• Fitting

If you think your pet may have heatstroke, it is vital that you contact your vet immediately and try to cool them down.

How to prevent heatstroke:

• Walk dogs at cooler times of day – early morning or evening (avoid midday sun)
• Check your pet has constant access to fresh water
• Bring portable water bowls on walks and when travelling in the car
• Attach leads to harnesses rather than collars to prevent pressing on airways
• Put down a cool mat or damp towels for pets to lie on at home
• Ensure pets always have shaded space
• Never leave pets in the car by themselves, even on a mildly warm day
• Move small pets into a cooler part of the house or garden and keep enclosures out of the sun
• Keep long or heavy coats clipped

Hot pavements

Pavements can be deceptively hot on sunny days and will usually be much warmer than the air outside. Sometimes, the ground can become hot enough to burn your dog’s paws. If it’s too painful for you to place the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds, then it’s too painful for your dog to walk on.

Insect bites and stings

The severity of an insect bite or sting will depend on the type of insect, the location of the bite/sting and whether your pet is allergic to them. Typical signs can include redness, pain and swelling.

If your pet is stung in the mouth or throat, or you think they may be having an allergic reaction to a bite or sting (symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, large swelling, weakness, breathing problems and disorientation), speak to your vet immediately.

Ticks

Remember to check your pet for ticks every day, taking extra care with any thicker coated animals where the ticks may not be immediately obvious.

If you haven’t organised tick treatment for your pet yet, consider signing up for our Pet Care Plus Plans. Tick treatments, as well as flea and worming, are included and will be posted directly to your door with simple low monthly payments. Find out more and sign up today.

Barbecues

We all love a barbecue in the summer, but they can actually pose quite a few risks to your pets. Food is generally more easily accessible, so your pet may use every opportunity to sneak a snack off your plates or the floor!

Some surprising foods such as grapes, raisins, onions and garlic can be toxic to dogs and cats if consumed in large quantities and should stay off their menu.

Beaches

Most people will assume that their pets (especially dogs) are excellent swimmers; however, the fact remains that even the best swimmers can struggle to get out of water safely. If you decide to take your dog into the sea, always make sure you assess the conditions first and avoid if it is rough.

Not all dogs will like the sea, so always take their lead on what they want to do. Always start in shallow water first and remember not to throw toys into deep areas.

Lakes, ponds and rivers

As with the sea, you need to assess if the lake or river is calm before letting your dog swim. You should also look out for any dangers, such as trees, branches boats or rubbish first.

Blue-green algae can be found in many bodies of water throughout the UK, which can produce toxins that may be harmful to pets. Water that contains blue-green algae may appear a different colour or could be recognizable from the coloured blooms that will appear on the surface of the water or close to the shore. It’s impossible to know if there are any toxins in the water without testing so, on these occasions, it will be best to avoid letting your pet near.

Flowers and plants

It’s lovely watching the flowers in your garden and out on your walks bloom in the summer, but it’s important to remember that certain species can be toxic to your pets.

Some of the most common toxic summer plants include:

• Lillies
• Daffodils
• Irises
• Tulips
• Azaleas
• Hyacinths
• Hydrangeas
• Foxgloves
• Geraniums
• Mushrooms/funghi
• Giant hogweed
• Yuccas

Flystrike

Flystrike in rabbits is particularly common during the warmer months and is caused by flies laying eggs on their body. The condition can be fatal so it’s important you check your rabbit’s fur (particularly around their bottom and tail) at least twice daily over summer.

To help prevent flies from laying eggs, keep your rabbit’s hatch and run clean with fresh bedding every day. Also, keep an eye out for sores or open wounds and ensure they’re kept clean and dry.

There are products available to help protect rabbits, including spot-on formulas and sprays that prevent the eggs from developing. Get in contact with your local St Kitts branch to discuss the options for your pet.

Slug and snail pellets

Many slug and snail pellets are dangerous to your pets, with the active ingredient in most, metaldehyde, being highly toxic to both cats and dogs. Eating even just a small amount can cause severe problems, so it’s best to find an alternative to eliminating slugs and snails from your garden.

Toads

Common and natterjack toads are native to the UK and are largely found in forests and wet locations. Try to keep your pet away from them as when ingested or mouthed, they can cause issues such as vomiting, frothing/foaming at the mouth, hypersalivation and shaking.

If you are concerned about your pet and would like some advice, please contact your local St Kitts branch.

St Kitts Veterinary Centre: 01252 844044
Basingstoke Veterinary Centre: 01256 844944
Crookham Park Veterinary Centre: 01252 913990
Firgrove Veterinary Centre: 01252 877799

Cases of lungworm in dogs are on the rise in the UK, with thousands of cases being reported. As a result, it’s important that pet owners are aware of the symptoms and how it can be prevented.

What is lungworm?

Lungworm is a parasite which is carried by slugs, snails and frogs. It lives in the heart and blood vessels of infected animals, where it lays eggs that get carried to the lungs. If left untreated, it can be deadly to dogs.

How can dogs get lungworm?

Lungworm in dogs is caused by eating infective lungworm larvae that are found in the slimy coating of slugs and snails. Whilst it’s more common to contract by eating slugs or snails, the slime trail they leave behind can also present a threat for transmission. Because of this, eating grass, playing with toys that have been left outside and drinking from puddles and outdoor water bowls can pose a risk too.

What are the signs?

Diagnosing lungworm can be difficult; the symptoms vary and are usually vague as many dogs won’t show signs for some time. However, the most common things to look out for include:

• Coughing
• Breathing difficulties
• Tiredness/lethargy
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhoea
• Poor blood clotting
• Vomiting with blood present
• Nose bleeds

If you’re worried that your dog may have lungworm, you should get in touch with your vet who will be able to run tests. We offer blood testing and chest x-rays if required for our patients here at St Kitts.

Can lungworm be treated?

Many cases of lungworm in dogs are relatively simple to treat with a regular monthly deworming product.

How can I prevent lungworm?

There are a handful of ways to prevent your dog from picking up a lungworm infection, including:

• Regular worming treatments (included in our Pet Care Plans)
• Picking up your dog’s faeces quickly (helps prevent the spread of lungworm)
• Removing toys and bowls from your garden overnight
• Changing the water in water bowls frequently

Can humans get lungworm?

No, lungworm is not known to infect humans. There are, however, other types of worms that can be transmitted from pets to humans, including roundworm and tapeworm, so it’s important that regular worming is carried out on your dog.

If you have any concerns about your pet or would like more information about our worming treatments, please get in touch with your local branch.

St Kitts Veterinary Centre: 01252 844044
Basingstoke Veterinary Centre: 01256 844944
Crookham Park Veterinary Centre: 01252 913990
Firgrove Veterinary Centre: 01252 877799

We know how much it pulls on your heartstrings to leave your pet while you go on holiday, no matter how excited you are to be jetting off! As soon as the suitcase comes out, so do the puppy eyes from your furry friend.

Before you can even start thinking about sunny skies and sandy beaches, you want to make sure your pet will be safe and happy while you’re gone. The good news is that with some planning and preparation, they’ll be well taken care of and you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your trip.

Who will look after your pet?

Friends or family

Pets can get stressed while you’re away due to the change in their usual routine. Having a friend or family member who can look after them in your home will usually be the best option, helping to keep things familiar for them.

A pet sitter

If you’re not able to find a friend or family member who is available to look after your pet, consider getting a pet sitter – someone who will stay in your home to look after your pet while you’re away.

It can be difficult to find the right pet-sitter, as you want to be sure that they are properly suited to care for your pet (and your property). The National Associated of Registered Pet Sitters & Dog Walkers has a handy list of registered members that is a great place to start your search.

Remember this checklist when choosing your pet sitter:

• Meet them first
• Ask to see a copy of their DBS
• Check their references
• Make sure they have insurance
• Introduce them to your pet

Animal boarding or kennels

When it comes to finding the perfecting boarding or kennel facility for your pet, research is key. Take some time to look at your options and consider making a list so that you can compare the ones in your area and the services they offer.

The RSPCA suggests asking these questions when choosing your animal boarding or kennel facility:

• Do they have an up-to-date licence?
• Are facilities clean, dry, secure and draught-free?
• Do they have insurance cover in case your pet needs emergency care?
• Will they exercise your pet?
• Do they offer introductory sessions for your pet?
• Will staff spend time with your pet each day?
• Do they ask for proof of vaccination?
• Do they ask about your pet’s diet and health?
• Can they accommodate any medical issues your pet has?
• Is there a suitable system to monitor your pet?
• Do you feel welcome?
• Are all animals up to date with flea and worm treatments?
• Do animals in their care look clean, happy and healthy?
• Are small animals kept well away from dogs and cats?

Things to remember before you go

Keep things familiar

Does your pet have any particular items that usually help them to relax? Think favourite bedding, toys and treats that will help them feel more comfortable while you’re away.

Check their tag and microchip

Make sure that your pet’s tag and microchip details are up to date with your current address and phone number so that you can always be reached should your pet go missing.

Stay positive

It’s natural to feel anxious about leaving your pet in the care of someone else, but it’s important that you stay calm and positive in the run-up to your holiday. This will prevent your pet from picking up on any emotional cues that may cause them stress.

Make a note of your pet’s routine

You should share your pet’s routine with whoever they’ll be staying with, whether that’s a friend or boarding facility, to help keep things as normal for them as possible. Include their usual food and treats (plus feeding instructions), exercise schedule and any medication instructions.

Pack supplies

Remember to take leads, collars, toys, litter trays, cages, scratching posts etc. if dropping your pet off at a boarding facility to help keep things familiar for them.

Make sure vaccinations are up to date

If leaving your pet at a boarding facility or kennels, make sure their vaccinations are up to date, especially for kennel cough, which can be passed on easily from other dogs.

For more advice on leaving your pet when you go away, or for any other concerns you may have, please contact your local St Kitts branch.

St Kitts Veterinary Centre: 01252 844044
Basingstoke Veterinary Centre: 01256 844944
Crookham Park Veterinary Centre: 01252 913990
Firgrove Veterinary Centre: 01252 877799

National Microchipping Month is supported every June and provides a great opportunity for us to remind dog and cat owners about the importance of getting your pet microchipped.

Microchipping your pets plays a significant part in your care for them and helps to ensure that you are happily reunited if they ever go missing. It has been mandatory to microchip all dogs in the UK since 2016, with the same set to apply to cats from 2023.

What is the procedure?

Microchipping is quick and safe and to your pet, will feel like getting their normal vaccinations. It only takes a few seconds, so there’s minimal discomfort. The chip itself is very small – about the size of grain of rice – and is implanted just under the skin on the back of your pet’s neck.

Why is microchipping important?

There are a handful of reasons why your pet can go missing; even the homeliest of dogs or cats can easily find themselves lost and confused if they wander a bit too far. If that ever does happen, your pet’s microchip will have a unique number that can be scanned by a vet, animal warden or police station in the UK to identify the animal’s details, including your emergency contact number so that they can be reunited with you safe and sound.

Unlike collars or tags that can be removed or lost, once your pet has been microchipped, their unique code will be linked to the national database and will last their lifetime.

Remember: If your contact details change for any reason (including your address), you need to make sure this information is updated.

This National Microchipping Month, please ensure your dog or cat is microchipped. Not only is it important for their welfare, but it will also give you peace of mind. Microchipping is included free with our Pet Care Plans, making it the purrfect time to sign up! Prices start from as little as £10.50 per month.

Get in contact with your local St Kitts branch to book an appointment today.

St Kitts Veterinary Centre: 01252 844044
Basingstoke Veterinary Centre: 01256 844944
Crookham Park Veterinary Centre: 01252 913990
Firgrove Veterinary Centre: 01252 877799

Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month (VNAM) was originally launched back in 2005 by the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA). Its aim was simple: to raise awareness about the importance of the work veterinary nurses do within practice and the wider industry.

Because of this, we’ll be celebrating our wonderful veterinary nurses throughout May and would love you to join us!

What do our veterinary nurses do?

Our veterinary nurses are integral to the team here at St Kitts Veterinary Group. They have the technical knowledge and expertise to ensure the smooth running of our four practices, caring for our customers’ pets with skill and empathy. They also:

• Prepare, monitor and recover animals during and after surgical procedures
• Care for inpatients and administer medication
• Perform nurse consultations
• Dispense medication
• Perform in-house lab work
• Carry out x-ray positioning and exposure
• Maintain practice hygiene standards
• Provide preventative healthcare advise to pet owners
• Provide support owners during bereavement
• Keep up with compliance and health and safety standards
• Provide lots of love and cuddles for animals!

How can you become a veterinary nurse?

There are two main pathways you can take to train as a veterinary nurse – vocational training or higher education. Regardless of which route you choose, you’ll need to make sure your course is accredited by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).

Vocational training

A vocational qualification is the fastest way to become a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN). You can complete a Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, which can take as little as 2 years to complete full-time.

This route means you’ll spend time both in the classroom and working in practice, so you’ll get plenty of hands-on experience.

Higher education

A Degree in Veterinary Nursing often takes between 3-4 years to complete. This path is more academically focused, but you will still need to complete a minimum amount of practical work experience on placements with approved practices.

This route is great if you want to experience life at university and gain a degree, potentially opening up different career paths or further study down the line.

Keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram pages throughout May, as we’ll be sharing more insight into our veterinary nurses and what they do at our practices!

At St Kitts Veterinary Group, we are looking for a motivated and passionate Registered Veterinary Nurse to join our team of ANAs, SVNs and RVNs at our independent small animal practice in Hartley Wintney, North Hampshire.

The practice:

We have been caring for the small animal community since 2000, when the doors were opened to our first practice in the picturesque village of Hartley Wintney. Since then, our group has blossomed into a large family of modern surgeries, including locations in Basingstoke, Yateley and Fleet.

We pride ourselves in high levels of client and patient care and have a great team of staff who are keen to use their skills and qualifications to their full potential. Our experienced veterinary surgeons are trained in advanced surgical techniques and are supported by our brilliant nurses and receptionists

The role (key responsibilities):

• Preparing, monitoring and recovering animals during and after surgical procedures
• Caring for inpatients including administration of medication
• Performing nurse consultations
• Dispensing of medication
• In-house lab work
• X-ray positioning and exposure
• Dental scale and polishes
• Schedule 3 work as appropriate
• Light reception work when receptionists on annual leave
• Maintain practice hygiene standards
• Awareness of and compliance with practice health and safety regulations

The ideal candidate:

• Minimum of 1 year RVN
• Proactive and enthusiastic
• Ability to multitask
• Thrive under pressure
• Excellent communication, organisation and problem-solving skills
• Clinical Coach Qualification ideal; however, training will be provided

Hours:

Full-time, 40-hour week (part-time would be considered for the right candidate)

Shift patterns:

8am-7pm, with a share of the weekend rota (with time off in lieu)

Salary:

Competitive, dependent on experience

Benefits:

• No night duties
• Cost price veterinary care for two animals
• 6 weeks paid holiday
• Social events
• CPD allowance

If you would like to apply for this role, please send your CV, along with a covering letter, to practicemanager@stkittsvet.co.uk.