Towcester Vets on Ear Infections in Dogs
Summer swimming in Northamptonshire is one of life’s great joys for water-loving dogs – bounding into lakes, splashing through streams, and emerging absolutely sodden and thoroughly pleased with themselves.
But while the fun is undeniable, those post-swim ears are worth a closer look. Trapped moisture in the ear canal creates the perfect environment for bacteria and yeast to thrive, making ear infections one of the most common issues our team at Towcester Vets, sees in dogs during and after summer.
If your dog has been swimming regularly this summer, it’s worth booking a check-up sooner rather than later – book an appointment with our team today.
Why swimming increases the risk of ear infections
A dog’s ear canal is shaped differently to ours – it runs vertically before turning horizontal, which makes it naturally harder for water to drain out. When moisture becomes trapped, it creates a warm, humid environment that bacteria and yeast find very inviting. Our team in Towcester explain that floppy-eared breeds such as spaniels, Labradors, and golden retrievers are particularly prone, as their ear flaps reduce airflow further – but any dog who swims regularly may be affected.
Our veterinary team at Towcester Vets highlight that the risk tends to increase with repeated exposure – so a dog who swims several times a week throughout summer may be more vulnerable by August than they were in June.
Signs of an ear infection to watch for
Ear infections in dogs can develop quickly, so knowing what to look for makes a real difference. Our vets in Towcester suggest keeping an eye out for the following:
- Frequent head shaking or tilting to one side
- Scratching at one or both ears
- Redness, swelling, or discharge inside the ear
- An unusual or unpleasant odour coming from the ear
- Sensitivity or discomfort when the ear is touched
- Changes in behaviour such as irritability or reduced appetite
If you notice any of these signs in your dog, it’s worth getting them seen sooner rather than later. Ear infections can worsen quickly if left untreated, and early intervention tends to mean a faster recovery. Get in touch with our team in Towcester as soon as you notice any of the above.
How to dry your dog’s ears after swimming
One of the simplest ways to reduce the risk is to dry your dog’s ears thoroughly after every swim. Towcester Vets’ team suggest the following approach:
- Use a soft, absorbent cloth or cotton wool to gently dry the outer ear and just inside the ear opening – avoid pushing anything deep into the canal
- Allow your dog to shake naturally after swimming, as this helps shift some of the water
- Avoid using cotton buds, which can push debris further in and cause damage
- If your dog swims frequently, ask our team in Towcester about ear cleaning solutions that can help reduce moisture and maintain a healthy ear environment
When to seek treatment
Prevention goes a long way, but if an infection has already taken hold, home care won’t be enough. At Towcester Vets, we advise that if your dog is showing any of the signs above – especially if they’ve been swimming regularly – it’s always better to get them checked sooner rather than waiting to see if things improve on their own.
Ear infections in dogs are very treatable, particularly when caught early. Dog owners across Northamptonshire can book an appointment with Towcester Vets to get their dog’s ears checked and get ahead of any issues before the season ends.
Towcester Vets’ Guide for New Puppies and Kittens
Bringing a new puppy or kitten home is one of those moments that’s equal parts exciting and often slightly overwhelming too. If you’re wondering whether their needs are really all that different – the short answer is yes, in some important ways. Here’s what Towcester Vets’ team think every new owner should know.
If you haven’t yet registered your new pet, our team at Towcester Vets are always happy to welcome new patients. Register today.
Book a puppy or kitten appointment
What puppies and kittens have in common
Despite their differences, both benefit from a calm, safe space to retreat to, a consistent routine for feeding, play, and rest, and early socialisation to build confidence. Both also need prompt registration with a vet for their first health check, vaccinations, and parasite prevention. Register your new pet with us.
Training and behaviour
Puppies
Puppies generally need more active, structured training from an early age – toilet training, lead work, and basic commands all take time and consistency. Towcester Vets’ team suggest starting as early as possible – the window between 8 and 16 weeks is particularly valuable for shaping good habits.
Kittens
Kittens tend to be more independent learners and will pick up litter tray habits quickly, but benefit from plenty of enrichment to keep them stimulated and out of mischief. Our team in Towcester are always happy to offer advice on kitten enrichment and settling in.
Nutrition
Puppies
Puppies need food specifically formulated for their life stage and breed size, with the right balance of protein and fat to support healthy growth. Adult food simply won’t provide what a growing puppy needs.
Kittens
Kittens have a higher protein requirement than adult cats and benefit from smaller, more frequent meals. If you’re unsure what to feed your new pet, our team in Towcester are happy to advise.
Vaccinations and health checks
Puppies and kittens need a course of vaccinations starting from around 8 weeks, followed by regular boosters, microchipping, and flea and worm treatment. The sooner they are seen, the sooner a tailored health plan can be put in place. Our team at Towcester Vets can talk you through what your pet needs and when, so nothing gets missed.
When to book your first appointment
Ideally, your new puppy or kitten’s first vet visit should happen within the first week or two of bringing them home – even if they seem perfectly healthy. New pet owners across Northamptonshire are always welcome to get in touch with Towcester Vets to arrange a first appointment.
New for August 2026! Towcester Vets Pet Health Plans
We are very excited to announce that we have launched a health plan that can help spread the cost of your pets routine health care!
This new option is available for all sizes of dogs and puppies, cats and kittens and rabbits.
Our registered clients can sign up now!
For a set monthly fee, members will receive the below included for their much loved pet:
- An annual vaccination and health check
- A further VHD vaccine 6 months later (for rabbits)
- Monthly Flea and Worming medication delivered to your home quarterly (for cats and dogs)
- One veterinary surgeon consultation to attend during the year
- Four veterinary nurse consultations to attend during the year
- A new microchip if required
- 10% discount on neutering
- 10% discount on dentals (excluding any anaesthetic)
- 10% discount on Kennel Cough vaccines (dogs)
- 10% discount on Fly Strike prevention (rabbits)
- No administration fee for processing any insurance claim through Towcester Vets
Opportunities to sign up will be available at all clinics. With the exception of the included ‘veterinary surgeon consultation’, all other benefits of the plan can be claimed as soon as you sign up as a member.
We look forward to welcoming you onto the plan and hope it helps with budgeting for your pets veterinary care more effectively.
Please get in touch if you have any further questions after reading the information provided.
Paddling Pools for Dogs: Are They Safe?
Summer in Northamptonshire is all about keeping cool, staying active, and finding safe ways for your dog to enjoy the warmer weather. Water play, including paddling pools, can be a great option, but it can come with risks that aren’t always obvious.
If you’re planning water play at home, our veterinary team at Towcester Vets share practical advice to help keep it safe and stress-free.
If you’re ever unsure whether water play is right for your dog, or you notice anything unusual after playtime, you can always speak to our vets in Towcester for advice.
Keeping water play safe and fun
Whether it’s a paddling pool or gentle splashing with a hose, a bit of planning goes a long way. At Towcester Vets, our team explain that while many dogs enjoy water, others may feel unsure or overexcited, and both situations can come with risks if not managed carefully.
Top tips for safe water play
- Start slow and keep it positive:
Not all dogs are natural water lovers. We recommend introducing water gradually and letting your dog explore at their own pace.
- Choose the right setup:
Use a shallow, sturdy paddling pool with a textured or non-slip base where possible, and place it on a stable, non-slip surface. Slippery conditions can lead to injuries, especially during excited play.
- Always supervise:
Even shallow water can pose risks, particularly during energetic play, as dogs may slip, swallow water, or overexert themselves. Always keep a close eye on your dog during water activities.
- Avoid drinking pool water:
Dogs often gulp water during play, which can lead to swallowing excessive amounts. In some cases, this can cause water intoxication, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that affects electrolyte balance. Our team at Towcester Vets advise supervising closely, limiting prolonged water play, and providing plenty of fresh drinking water nearby to reduce the risk.
- Keep it clean:
Standing water can quickly become unhygienic. Regularly empty and refill paddling pools to prevent bacteria build-up.
- Watch for signs of tiredness or stress:
Heavy panting, slowing down, or avoiding the water can all be signs your dog has had enough. Our veterinary team in Towcester advise ending play sessions before your dog becomes overtired.
- Protect skin and ears:
Frequent or prolonged water exposure can lead to skin irritation or ear issues, as moisture can become trapped. Dry your dog thoroughly after play (and re-apply dog-safe sunscreen), particularly around the ears, and avoid extended periods in the pool.
- Be mindful of slips and injuries:
Excited dogs can easily slip around wet areas. Keep the play space as safe and uncluttered as possible.
By following these tips from Towcester Vets, you and your furry friend can enjoy a safe and fun-filled day outside in the water. So, lather on that sunscreen and get ready to make unforgettable memories together!
Need advice? We’re here to help
If your dog shows signs of heat stress, irritation, or discomfort after water play, it’s best to seek veterinary advice straight away by calling 01327 350239.
A summer health check can help to make sure your dog is fit before water play and to spot any potential issues after, so do book an appointment at Towcester Vets to have your dog checked over.
How to Keep Your Pet’s Routine Stable During School Holidays
When school holidays arrive in Northamptonshire, homes often become busier, noisier and more unpredictable, especially with younger children! While this can be a valued period of family fun, it can come with its own set of challenges, changes in routine, and extra stress for both you and your pet.
At Towcester Vets, our veterinary team often speak to owners about how changes at home, such as children being off school, can affect pets’ behaviour and wellbeing. In this article, our veterinary team in Towcester share practical advice on helping pets adjust during the summer holidays and keeping routines as consistent as possible.
If you’re concerned about your pet’s behaviour, contact us to book a behaviour appointment.
Book a behaviour consultation today
How do school holidays affect pets?
Most pets benefit from consistent routines, with feeding, exercise and quiet rest time happening at similar times each day to help them feel settled. However, during the holidays when your routine changes, so does theirs. While for some pets, it may be exciting to have more humans around, different waking times, irregular meals and increased noise can sometimes lead to stress.
Our vets in Towcester explain that dogs may become overexcited or unsettled with extra activity, cats may withdraw or hide, and rabbits can become anxious if their environment becomes too busy or unpredictable.
Signs your pet may be stressed
At Towcester Vets we often see that many pets are good at hiding signs of stress, so look out for:
- Withdrawing or hiding (common in cats and rabbits)
- Changes in appetite or sleep
- Increased vocalisation or attention-seeking (often in dogs or cats)
- Destructive behaviour or toileting accidents
- Signs of anxiety, such as pacing, overgrooming or thumping in rabbits
Pets stressed by children or routine changes may also become less tolerant of handling, so the team at Towcester Vets recommend a bit of extra supervision.
Managing a pet school holiday routine
Here are some of our top tips for reducing stress in your pet for the holidays.
- Stick to feeding times: Feeding at similar times each day helps support all pets, particularly rabbits who rely on consistent digestion.
- Maintain exercise and enrichment: Dogs benefit from regular walks, while cats and rabbits benefit from daily play and stimulation.
- Protect rest time: Cats and rabbits especially benefit from quiet, undisturbed spaces to retreat to.
- Keep familiar setups: Avoid moving litter trays, hutches or sleeping areas where possible.
Encouraging positive interactions with children
Living with both pets and children can be especially lively during school holidays, and a bit of gentle guidance goes a long way in keeping things calm for everyone.
Encouraging children to be kind and attentive to a pet’s body language can help them understand when an animal is happy to play and when they might prefer a bit of quiet time.
Dogs often enjoy energetic play, though supervision can be important in busy moments. Cats may prefer space to move away or take breaks, while small pets like rabbits benefit from calm, gentle handling and being approached in a way that feels comfortable.
Our vets in Towcester recommend creating a few simple boundaries at home like giving pets space when they’re eating or resting.
By keeping a gentle eye on routine, space, and interaction, you can help your pets feel more settled even during the busy school holidays.
If you’re ever unsure about changes in your pet’s behaviour, the team at Towcester Vets are here to help. Contact us to book a behaviour consultation.
Summer Enrichment Ideas for Indoor Cats
When the sun is out in Northamptonshire, many of us spend more time outdoors enjoying the warmer weather. For indoor cats, however, this can mean longer periods at home alone. Many owners ask our veterinary team at Towcester Vets how to recognise boredom in cats and what they can do to provide the right enrichment.
In the article below, our vets in Towcester, shares simple, fun enrichment ideas to keep your cat happy and stimulated all summer long. Have a health query? Book your cat’s check-up today.
Book a check-up to get tailored advice
Is my cat bored?
Our veterinary team at Towcester Vets explain that while cats are often seen as independent pets, they still need mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy. When left alone for long periods, especially during the summer when routines change, boredom can set in.
Some subtle signs can include:
- Sleeping more than usual or seeming withdrawn
- Overgrooming or excessive licking
- Destructive behaviour, such as scratching furniture
- Increased vocalisation or attention-seeking
- Weight gain due to inactivity
- Becoming less engaged with their surroundings or losing interest in toys they once enjoyed.
If you notice these signs, it may be time to introduce more cat enrichment ideas into their daily routine.
’Cattifying’ your home
Our veterinary team in Towcester explains that the first step to keeping your cats happy is to ‘cattify’ your space. This means designing it in a way that supports your cat’s natural behaviours, such as climbing, scratching and playing. Cats value autonomy, so giving them access to different heights, spaces and private areas can make a real difference to their wellbeing. This is especially important in multi-cat households, where providing enough territory can help reduce tension.
Here is our cattification checklist at Towcester Vets:
- Vertical space – Provide shelves, cat trees or perches for climbing and resting
- Scratching areas – Provide posts or mats to support natural scratching.
- Hiding spots – Create quiet spaces like boxes, tunnels or covered beds.
- Multiple resources – Provide enough food bowls, litter trays and beds, especially in multi-cat homes.
- Window views – Position resting areas near windows for visual stimulation, ensuring windows are safely closed or on the latch.
- Safe outdoor access – If possible, consider a secure catio – an enclosed outdoor space that allows your cat to enjoy fresh air and outdoor sights safely.
Cat enrichment ideas
Cat enrichment doesn’t need to involve elaborate or expensive gadgets. Many owners relate to buying a new cat toy, only for their cat to enjoy the box more than the toy itself! The team at Towcester Vets suggest these easy cat enrichment ideas:
- DIY treat box – Poke holes in a cardboard box and hide treats inside for your cat to discover.
- Paper sock toy – Stuff a sock with scrunched paper for a lightweight toy your cat can bat or ‘bunny kick.’
- Ribbon play – Tie ribbons or fabric strips to safe, fixed areas.
- Toy rotation – Swap toys in and out every few days to keep them feeling new and interesting.
- Puzzle feeders – Use or make simple food puzzles to encourage natural foraging behaviour.
- Cardboard hideouts – Repurpose boxes into tunnels or hiding spots for exploration and comfort.
- Interactive play – Use wand toys or string toys to mimic prey and encourage active play sessions.
Our team at Towcester Vets highlight that when we welcome a cat into our home, supporting their natural behaviours and biological needs is key to their wellbeing. If you want tailored advice on your cat’s behaviours, get in touch with our friendly team.
Anaemia in Camelids
Anaemia
Anaemia is a common clinical presentation in alpacas. Anaemia can be assessed by checking eye membrane colour regularly. We would recommend checking eye colour at least monthly, but with increased frequence during high-risk periods.
The most common cause of Anaemia in camelids is Haemonchus (barber pole worm) but this isn’t the only cause.
Haemonchus contortus
Haemonchus contortus, also known as Barber’s pole worm, lives in the C3 and feeds on blood. Each worm can ingest up to 0.05ml/day so an alpaca with 5000 worms may lose 250mls blood daily. Each adult female worm can produce 5000-15,000 eggs so high levels of infection and blood loss can happen quickly. A dry spell followed by warm, wet weather creates perfect conditions for a sudden surge in Haemonchus. Weekly eye membrane checks can help pick up affected animals so treatment can be started as early as possible. Larvae can suck enough blood to cause disease, which means that worm egg counts can be negative as adults have not developed yet to produce eggs.
Treatment requires an appropriate anthelmintic, and in some cases blood transfusions to help replace blood lost.
Prevention is the best cure – regularly poo picking will reduce eggs on the pasture. Eggs hatch every 3-5 days, therefore poo picking at least every 3 days is important to reduce larvae. Everyday poo picking would reduce this further; the more you pick, the less there is to find!
Mycoplasma
Mycoplasma haemolamae is a bacterium which attaches to the red blood cells of camelids. The majority of alpacas infected with this bacteria show no signs of infection. However if your animal becomes immunocompromised through other diseases, or is stressed from a move, birthing, weaning, shearing or through other environmental changes (like extreme heat), MH can rear its ugly head.
Quite often we see and treat alpacas with Haemonchus which don’t respond fully to treatment. In these cases, Mycoplasma is then often subsequently found. There is no cure, but treatment can be given to suppress it to a more controlled level.
The exact mode of transmission is not fully understood, but is generally believed to occur through:
- Blood transfer: Contaminated needles, surgical equipment, or shared shearing tools.
- Vector-borne: Potential transmission by arthropods such as biting flies, fleas, or ticks.
- Vertical transmission: In utero transmission from dam to cria can occur
Therefore it is very important to use fresh needles for every animal when vaccinating and injecting all drugs.
C3 Ulcers
Camelids have a third stomach compartment (C3), 80% of which is non-glandular and the distal 20% of which is glandular and secretes acid. There is a distinct line of demarcation between the two zones, which is where ulcers tend to form. Ulcers vary in size, number and depth.
Camelids with C3 ulceration may present with vague signs of colic. Weanlings, more than any other group, may regurgitate frequently with excessive salivation. It is not easy to definitively diagnose these ulcers, since it is not possible to pass an endoscope all the way to C3. Thickening and oedema in the wall of C3 on ultrasound is suggestive of ulceration. Treatment involves suppressing the stomach acid to allow C3 to recover. Unfortunately we can get fully perforated ulcers which leads to fatal peritonitis.
Chronic Anaemia
Any illness which suppresses the bone marrow or spleen will affect the production of red blood cells. Alpacas can get blood cancers such as lymphoma. Its always worth getting those not responding to typical treatments checked by us.
Worm Egg Count Machine: UPDATE!
We have officially named our new Ovacyte machine: Scooby Poo!
Thank you to everyone who came to our Christmas Market event and took part in the naming competition.
Scooby Poo is used regularly for worm egg counts and can provide highly sensitive detection of eggs in faecal samples. Last year we offered farms their 10th worm egg count free of charge, and we will be repeating this offer for 2026!
The Ovacyte machine also allows us to offer further speciation of parasites. It is already able to speciate for Haemonchus, making this test more accessible due to lower costs and quicker turnaround.
Coccidia Speciation
Coccidia are parasites that can cause diarrhoea and weight loss in young animals, usually 1-2 months old. Some species are pathogenic whereas others cause no disease; it is not possible to differentiate them on normal worm egg counts, making treatment decisions difficult.
Our Ovacyte machine uses AI technology (artificial intelligence- not insemination!) to identify which oocysts are pathogenic, which will allow us to determine when treatment is likely to be beneficial.
Routine samples can be dropped off at our Weedon or Burcote Road clinics, we kindly ask you contact Debbie in our farm office so we know when they are arriving.
Are you EID ready?
Electronic identification (EID) ear tags become compulsory for all calves born from January 2027. The tags, which contain a microchip which stores a unique 15-digit animal identification number, can be read from up to 1m away, in the dark or when dirty via an EID reader. The scheme is designed to help improve biosecurity by allowing faster, more accurate tracing of livestock movements in the event of a disease outbreak. The tags will need to be applied as one of the two required ear tags from the new year onwards. Cattle already tagged will not need to be re-tagged, the scheme only applies to newborns.
Whilst we are on the topic of tagging calves, especially now they are out at grass – please remember that calves need to be registered with BCMS by the day the calf is 27 days old. Registering after this deadline is a more complicated process requiring DNA testing of the dam and calf to prove parentage so there is definitely an incentive to getting everyone registered in time.
Can Cats, Dogs and Rabbits Get Sunburned? Towcester Vets Explains
As the temperature rises in Northamptonshire, most of us are reaching for the SPF, but what about our furry friends? While your pet’s fur provides a level of natural protection, many owners don’t realise that pets can get sunburned too.
At Towcester Vets, we want to ensure your companions enjoy the summer safely, so our team in Towcester has put together this guide on solar safety for cats, dogs, and rabbits.
If you are worried about your pet’s skin this summer, you can book a skin assessment with our friendly team.
Sunburn in pets: yes, it happens
Our vets in Towcester warn that pets are just as susceptible to UV damage as we are. Sunburn in pets isn’t just uncomfortable; it can lead to more serious health issues, including skin cancer if not managed correctly.
Is my pet at risk of sunburn?
While any pet can suffer in extreme heat, those with white or light-coloured coats, or very thin fur, are at the highest risk. Specifically, keep a close eye on:
- Cats: White and light-coloured cats or those with white ears and noses.
- Dogs: Breeds with short, thin coats or pale skin (like Dalmatians or Bull Terriers).
- Rabbits: Especially those with white fur and pink ears.
Vulnerable areas
Sunburn usually strikes where the skin is most exposed. the team at Towcester Vets advises owners to pay particular attention to:
- Ear tips and noses
- The belly and inner thighs
- Pale or thin-furred patches
How to protect your pet from the sun
Keeping your pet safe during a Northamptonshire heatwave doesn’t have to be complicated. The team at Towcester Vets suggest these simple steps:
- Pet-safe sun block: Use a waterproof, zinc-free sun cream specifically designed for pets on exposed areas like ear tips, noses and tummies.
- Seek the shade: Ensure your pet always has access to shaded areas, especially when the sun is strongest.
- Protective clothing: For dogs with very thin hair, lightweight sun-protective shirts can act as a great barrier against UV rays.
- Keep hydrated: Give your pets constant access to fresh, cool water. You can even put ice cubes in their water bowl to keep it chilled for longer.
- The “Five Second Rule”: Pavement burn risks are high in summer. If the ground is too hot for your hand to touch for five seconds, it is too hot for your pet’s paws.
- Cooling aids: Provide damp towels for your pet to lie on. This helps them regulate their body temperature.
If you have questions about pet sunburn prevention or need to top up on summer essentials, our vets are here to help. You can book a skin assessment at our Towcester practice to ensure your pet stays healthy all summer long.
