End Cottage Vets in Howden

Quality Care for Your Pets in Howden, East Yorkshire

01430 431758

Call Now

Howden – East Yorkshire – DN14 7TA

Pet travel updates – Brexit

By

New rules for pet travel

Pet owners wishing to travel abroad with their pets will need to follow new guidelines from January 2021.

There is only one new requirement for EU travel and that is the issue of an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) rather than using a pet passport.

Here is a summary of the requirements for travel with dogs, cats and ferrets to the EU for the first time after 1st January 2021:

  • Your dog, cat or ferret must be microchipped.
  • Your dog, cat or ferret must be vaccinated against rabies.
  • You must allow 21 days after vaccination before travelling (day 22 is first suitable day of travel)
  • Visit the vets to be issued with your Animal Health Certificate (AHC), no more than 10 days before travel. The AHC is valid for onward or return travel for 4 months. A new trip (within or after the 4 months) requires a new AHC.
  • For entry into certain countries, your dog may require treatment against tapeworm. Please check before booking travel. The tapeworm treatment must be administered 24-120 hours before landing and recorded on your AHC. It is your responsibility as the owner to check the entry requirements for country you are travelling to.

For further info and for updates, please visit the Gov website https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-rules-for-pet-travel-from-1-january-2021

If you are planning a trip with your pet, please do call to arrange on 01430 431758.

Facebooktwitterpinterestlinkedinmail

Looking after your pets on bonfire night

By

Below are a few simple ways to help comfort your pets and keep them calm over the bonfire night period. Every pet is different and will react in different ways but hopefully there are some useful tips!

 

Dog under blanket

 

 

Dogs

 

 

Take your dog for a walk during the day, well before fireworks are due to begin.

Keep doors and windows closed and draw curtains where possible.

Play music, put the radio or TV on – anything to mask the sound and also distract your pets.

If your dog is seeking reassurance, comfort them and cuddle as you would normally.

Stay calm and try to keep your behaviour as normal as possible. Limit your reactions to the noises too.

Make sure your dog is microchipped! If they do run away because of the fear, there is a much higher chance you will be reunited.

 

Cat Undercovers

 

 

Cats

 

 

Don’t pick up or restrain your cats if they are scared. Cats prefer to cope using their own methods and be in control.

If they come to you, reassure and comfort as normal but do not overcrowd.

If they go and hide – leave them to alone as this is their coping mechanism. You can go check on them and offer reassurance if they allow but don’t try to move them.

Stay calm and try to keep your behaviour as normal as possible. Limit your reactions to the noises too.

Make sure your cat is microchipped! If they do run away because of the fear, there is a much higher chance you will be reunited.

 

Hedgehog

 

Smaller pets/outdoor pets

 

 

Partly cover hutches and cages with blankets or towels – this will limit visibility of flashing lights and dull the loud noises.

If possible, move hutches and cages into sheds or car-free garages a few nights before.

Make sure there is plenty of bedding for hiding!

Keep bonfires away from any pets.

Check under your bonfires for hedgehogs! Build them as late as possible and ensure you check underneath before lighting.

Facebooktwitterpinterestlinkedinmail

A Quick Trip to Microchip!

By

Microchipping your pets

If you follow us on social media, you will see we help clients and local families by posting about their missing animals to help spread the word. We see a high number of lost pets who are not microchipped and this does make it more difficult to reunite – microchipping can help to change that.

Collars and tags are also useful but can get caught or removed – microchipping identifies your pet permanently and effectively.

We strongly advise microchipping your pets for security and peace of mind.

Firstly, let us explain what a microchip is… ( it is not as scary as it sounds!)

Microchips are tiny (similar to a grain of rice!) implantable computer chips that carry vital contact information about your pet. They each have a unique identification number so no two are the same and identifying lost pets is very simple.

How vets use them:

When a lost or stray animal is brought into the practice, after checking over its health and wellbeing we will use our scanner to check for a microchip. The information stored on the chip will help us reunite pets with their owners as soon as possible.

Implanting the microchip:

Bubble End Cottage Microchip

Here you will see Bubble being microchipped

Bubble sat very still while we implanted the chip in the back of the neck using a syringe. It is a very quick and simple procedure and Bubble & family were on their way in no time. 

You can also see the scanner we use to check for microchips on the table too! 

 

It is VERY IMPORTANT to keep this information up to date with a new address should you move home or contact numbers. It is a legal requirement in the UK for owners to microchip their dogs (by 8 weeks old). It is strongly advised for other pets too such as cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas. If they are likely to wander if they leave their home, it is wise to microchip! You can find out more information here: https://www.gov.uk/get-your-dog-microchipped

It isn’t just the vets that can scan for microchips – rescue centres and dog wardens will also use a scanner should they need too.

End Cottage Vets offer microchipping for all your small animals. The cost of microchipping is £15.00 and could one day reunite you with your pet. It is a very simple procedure and can be done at a single appointment.

 

Facebooktwitterpinterestlinkedinmail

VACCINATION AMNESTY

By

We understand how difficult it has been for our clients to book appointments during the current restrictions and appreciate that some pet’s boosters may have lapsed but please don’t worry.

We are gradually opening up our appointment slots and will be running a vaccination amnesty to give you the opportunity to bring your pets injections up to date at no additional cost. The restart course consists of two injections and will be charged the same price as a booster.

Although we are able to offer more appointments, availability will be prioritised in order of clinical urgency and scheduled to certain times. 

To book an amnesty vaccination please email The Practice at endcottagevets@gmail.com with your name, address and pets’ details and our staff will then contact you with the date and time of your appointment.

It has been a very strange few months for everyone and we have missed seeing you all. We hope that you are keeping safe and well and look forward to seeing you and your pets soon.

Warm regards from all the team at End Cottage Vets

Facebooktwitterpinterestlinkedinmail

CORONAVIRUS CLIENT UPDATE 3rd May 2020

By

In light of the current Covid-19 pandemic it is important for us to put measures in place to help protect our team and our clients.

With IMMEDIATE effect as directed by our governing body, we will be restricting appointments to EMERGENCY and urgent treatment only although we are now able to offer primary vaccination courses to puppies and kittens and yearly vaccinations to rabbits. If you are concerned, staff will be available between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday by telephone.  We ask that you only contact the practice outside these hours if you have an EMERGENCY. We will be closed on Saturdays and Sundays but our vet and nurse on call will be available in case of emergencies.

We ask that you DO NOT attend existing appointments but should you have concerns our staff can be contacted between 9am and 4pm (Mon -Fri) by phoning 01430 431758

As per Public Health England Advice to self-isolate for 7 days. We politely ask that anyone who is potentially symptomatic (cough/fever) DOES NOT attend the practice. Please arrange for a friend or relative to bring your pet to the surgery on your behalf.

We are able to arrange the supply of ESSENTIAL repeat medication by post and ask that you email the practice at endcottagevets@gmail.com for further details and fees.  Alternatively a collection point will be available outside the front door for clients to collect medication but only by prior arrangement with the clinic.

On arrival to the practice please DO NOT enter the building, instead call 01430 431758 to inform reception of your arrival.  The vet will then come out to you in the car park.

Only ONE person should accompany the pet at any time.

Hand sanitising facilities are available in the waiting area. We ask that all visitors to the practice sanitise their hands on entry to the premises.

We are now providing a clinic for only those individuals who are at higher risk from the Coronavirus (clients over 70 or pregnant) where more stringent measures will be implemented to further reduce the chance of infection.

We are currently only accepting card payments and ask you use the handgel provided before touching the card machines.

Please note our facebook page is not monitored 24 hours a day and enquiries should be sent to endcottagevets@gmail.com instead of using Facebook messenger.  Please include your full contact details so we can get in touch with you.

As the situation evolves we may need to update our advice. Any changes will be circulated. We thank you for your co-operation and patience and ask that all staff and clients keep themselves up to date with current NHS guidance, on how to avoid catching or spreading Covid-19.

We hope you all keep safe and well. Thank you again, for your understanding and help in implementing these measures.

Facebooktwitterpinterestlinkedinmail

Myxomatosis Disease

By

Unfortunately, we have seen a lot of cases of myxomatosis recently and we would like to take a little time to talk about what you can do to make sure your bunnies are well protected!

Myxomatosis is a serious disease that is endemic to the wild rabbit population in the UK, and it is caused by a very contagious virus that can easily find itself in your bunnies. It can be transmitted by blood-sucking insects, such as fleas and mosquitoes as well as by contacting with infected rabbits or their bowls/beddings.

Sick rabbits may become lethargic and will develop characteristic swellings around the eyes, face, ears, lips and genital area. Unfortunately, it’s usually fatal!

Good news: There is a vaccine that protects your bunnies and there are also several other ways to make sure insects aren’t bothering your pets.

Not sure if your rabbits are adequately protected? Give us a call and schedule an appointment with us!

 

Facebooktwitterpinterestlinkedinmail

Petplan Veterinary Award Nominations

By

We are delighted to have been nominated as Practice of the Year in the Petplan Veterinary Awards 2019

Also nominated are:

Julie Bielby – Support Staff of the Year

Andrea Abba – Veterinary Nurse of the Year

Scott Kerss – Vet of the Year

We are incredibly proud of our End Cottage team and wish all our nominees the very best of luck. It would be fabulous if we made it to the finals!

If you would like to vote for any other member of our team simply click on the link below. There’s still time!

https://www.petplan.co.uk/about-petplan/vets/awards/

Thank you to those who have nominated us already 🙂

 

Facebooktwitterpinterestlinkedinmail

Flea Control for Cats

By

Check out our latest advice on controlling cat fleas from the team here at End Cottage Vets

Fleas and worms are pretty nasty, for you and your family, as well as your cat – flea bites are equally irritating and painful for both of you.

What can fleas do to my cat?

First of all, flea bites sting and itch and can be painful.

In addition, many cats become sensitised to flea bites – which leads to intense itchiness and severe scratching – causing infections and even injuries.

Finally, fleas are also responsible for passing some tapeworms to cats.


How can I avoid my cat getting fleas?

It is practically impossible to prevent your cat coming into contact with fleas. They breed throughout the year in centrally heated homes, even ones without cats. In fact only about 5% of the fleas in your house are adult and living on your cat; 95% are eggs, larvae and pupae, waiting to develop.

So regular treatments are essential to control the problem and prevent a build up within your home as well as on your cat. This means using a combination of products, to attack both the adult fleas on your cats AND the immature ones within your home.

We strongly recommend that you use flea control products from a vet. We still find that many non-prescription products are simply not up to the job or are not as good as the latest products. There is no point getting products that do not control fleas effectively.


How flea control products work

Flea products are applied on the skin in the neck region and quickly kill the fleas on your cat.

Some products also control mites, including harvest mites and ear mites.

Separate environmental products can then be used to ‘break’ the flea breeding cycle in your home.

Flea Control is an important part of your cat’s health care routine.

Please do Call Us if you need to top up your supplies of flea control products, or if you have any concerns about your pet’s health and want to book an appointment – 01430 431758

End Cottage Vets, Howden – Quality Care For Family Pets

Facebooktwitterpinterestlinkedinmail

Dental Care For Dogs

By

Our Top Tips on Dental Care for Dogs

dental care for dogs

Excellent dental care really is just as essential for your dog as it is for you.

Dental disease is one of the very common problems we just keep seeing – and sadly, much it is totally preventable.

So what are the problems?

Just as with us humans, plaque is the main cause of problems. It builds up on the teeth throughout the day. As it builds up, the gums are pushed back, exposing the roots of the teeth. This often leads to infection in the gums and bones. Eventually your dog’s teeth can even fall out.

It doesn’t just stop there though. The worst problem of all is that dental disease is like a launch pad for infections which travel via the blood to other parts of the body, including the heart, liver and kidneys. It really can be very serious.

Common problems to watch out for

  • Gum disease – it’s largely preventable with good routine care – the priority is removing plaque.
  • Puppies’ temporary teeth sometimes don’t fall out, so the permanent teeth then become misaligned. This can also create pockets where food accumulates, which leads to gum infections. Don’t worry, the temporary teeth can be removed, if they are causing problems.
  • Abnormal jaw development – this can lead to irregular growth of teeth.

Problems eating food is one of the first signs of a major problem with your dog’s teeth – if this happens you need to bring him or her in so we can check out the cause asap.

So how do I avoid problems?

Just like with humans, dogs need to have the plaque removed – which means they need their own toothbrush and toothpaste.

However, you’ll need to give your dog a helping hand – we haven’t yet found anyone who’s managed to train their dog to do this for themselves!

For dogs we recommend

  • Daily tooth-brushing with a toothbrush and pet toothpaste (never use human toothpaste!).
  • Special dental care diets – these are complete, balanced diets that also use unique fibre technology to clean the teeth while eating and can reduce plaque. This is equivalent to brushing once a week.
  • Dental chews (for dogs)

Occasionally there are individual health reasons that may mean special dental diets are not suitable for your dog. So please do discuss the options with your vet at your regular healthcare review.

Top tips for tooth brushing

  • Start when your puppy is young, so that brushing becomes part of the normal daily routine
  • At first, spend a few moments every day, just touching in and around your puppy’s mouth.
  • Progress to rubbing the outside surfaces of the teeth with your finger.
  • Next, cover your finger with a damp cloth and rub the teeth.
  • Once your puppy is comfortable with this, move onto a finger brush and then to a toothbrush with puppy toothpaste
  • Don’t rush it.  Remember – always quit while you’re ahead!
  • End on a high by praising your dog when it’s all over

If you’ve not yet got in the habit of cleaning your dog’s teeth every day, as well as your own, don’t worry, we can help you and show you exactly what to do.

Checking your dog’s teeth is one of the things we look at during our regular health reviews and examinations.

The good news is that we can do everything your dog needs to keep his teeth healthy – even if he needs serious treatment or surgery, you don’t need to take your dog to a separate dentist.

If you think your dog’s teeth may need attention, please do book an appointment asap with Michelle or Emma, our oral care nurses – you know yourself how painful toothache is!

So just Call Us on 01430 431758.

End Cottage Vets

End Cottage Vets, Howden – Quality Care For Family Pets

Facebooktwitterpinterestlinkedinmail
MENU