Requirement for Vet Visit Documentation
Changes to EU Animal Health Regulations mean that from 13th December 2023 UK producers sending animals to market or to slaughter must be able to demonstrate that a veterinary visit has taken place in the past 12 months and can no longer self-declare. At least some portion of most carcases is exported which means that most farm businesses will need to ensure compliance. Farms that are Red Tractor assured or when a visit has taken place as part of the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway for England do not need to complete the declaration, however, non-assured farms will need to ensure that a declaration has been signed.
Declarations will be valid for a year after the date of the visit and will need to be renewed annually. For cattle units, this visit will be covered by annual TB tests unless the farm is in a 4 year testing area. For cattle units with other enterprises, we will be asking to see the rest of the livestock at the TB test to ensure the declaration can be signed for all species. For sheep, commercial pigs and goats, it is likely that a visit will need to be arranged for us to complete this document. This visit will also cover the requirements for a medicine check. Please be aware that all sites registered under the CPH number will need to be assessed.
Please be aware the you will need a completed declaration in time for 13th December 2023 so if we are unlikely to be on the farm before this time and have not been out recently, please contact the surgery to arrange a visit.
Silver is the New Blue!
Have you tried Aluspray yet? As we look to reduce antibiotic use on farms, you can use this silver aluminium powder spray in most of the same situations as the blue Cyclospray/Terramycin Spray – on caesarean wounds, after de-horning and on damaged skin following diarrhoea or urine scald. The spray contains no antibiotic but forms a barrier against bacteria, fungi, dirt and flies to help prevent infection whilst allowing the skin to breathe.
Medicine Hub Tutorial Sessions
AHDB Medicine Hub
Many of you will have seen the AHDB Medicine Hub advertised in the farming press or in communications from us. The system provides an online platform for recording antimicrobial use and can also be used as a full medicine record compliant with Red Tractor assurance.
It can be tricky to get to grips with any new system so Els will be offering FREE one-to-one or two-to-one tutorials on how the Hub works during August. During these sessions we will show you how to log on and input medicine records and how this links to the annual submission and report. The teaching will be at your pace and we would encourage you to bring any laptops/other devices that you will use to access the Hub at home. Notes will be provided to take away. Although we would love the whole farm team to attend, these sessions will be of most use to those that will be using the Hub regularly and inputting the data.
Sessions will last for 45 minutes and take place on the mornings of 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th and 22nd August 2023 at our equine site at Paulerspury near Towcester (NN12 6LQ).
To book, please phone the surgery on 01327 350239.
Our veterinary team share important considerations for multi-cat homes
Being the owner of multiple cats can be extremely rewarding, yet it does come with its own set of challenges. Our veterinary team has put together some tips and advice on how owners of multiple cat households can ensure their pets are happy.
Contact our surgery if you have any concerns on health and welfare, we can advise on cat care and products that can help.
Provide enough resources
A simple way to reduce tension amongst cats is to ensure each has their own food bowl, water bowl, sleeping area and litter box. These will prevent your cats competing against each other.
Exercise
To help release energy, ensure each cat has plenty of opportunities for playtime and exercise whilst at home with you. This will help to reduce the territorial behaviour and any aggression they could be feeling. Cats also love vertical spaces, so anything you can provide for them to climb – such as a cat tree or shelves – will help to provide each cat with their own space.
Socialisation
Whether you are introducing a new cat to your household, or encouraging your pets to become comfortable with each other, patience is key. Try using positive reinforcement training methods with each cat and don’t rush this stage. Taking the time to enforce positive interactions amongst your cats now will benefit your family in the long run.
Neutering & Vet Checks
By choosing to neuter your cats, it prevents unwanted litters and reduces territorial, aggressive behaviour. Ask our team for more information on cat neutering.
Our Vet also recommends 6 to 12-month veterinary consultations for your cats. These health checks are essential in helping them to stay healthy for longer and stay up to date with annual vaccinations.
In conclusion, owning multiple cats can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to take steps to ensure that all cats are happy and comfortable in their living situation. Following the advice above can help to create a harmonious household.
Our vital guide to dog health this summer
The veterinary team here at Burcote Road in Towcester regularly sees similar cases, year after year, once the summer months roll around. Our veterinary team discuss below some of the most common conditions that can affect your pet with advice on how to avoid these and keep your pet healthy.
To share our advice with other pet owners ahead of summer, use the social media share buttons in this article.
Contact us if your dog needs treatment
1. Heatstroke
When exercising your pet, the outside temperature isn’t the only thing you should think about; your dog’s breed, coat type, anatomy, health, and activity levels should all be considered.
As a general rule of thumb, all dogs should avoid exercising during the hottest part so of the day when it’s reaches upwards of 20 degrees Celsius. However, our vets ask owners of large breeds, overweight dogs, older dogs, overly active dogs, thick coated or brachycephalic (flat faced) breeds to be aware that these dogs may suffer more and in lower temperatures too.
Heatstroke is not just limited to the summer months; however, it is much more likely to affect your pet when it’s warm.
Heatstroke occurs when your dog’s body cannot cope with the rise of their internal temperature, this in turn starts to damage their soft tissues and organs. In fatal cases, these damaged organs will fail, causing death. Be vigilant with your pet’s summer management and keep a close eye on them for the following symptoms: vomiting, panting, lethargy and your pet collapsing.
2. Dehydration
Your dog may suffer from dehydration if they do not consume enough water. Whether this is because they are overactive, they are not big drinkers, or they could be suffering from an undiagnosed, underlying health condition, if your dog becomes dehydrated, they will need veterinary attention. Treatment usually involves fluids being given intravenously to quickly replace any they have lost and a course of antibiotics, anti-pain medication and anti-sickness medication may also be prescribed.
In general, dogs should consume daily approximately 50-60ml of clean water per kilogram of their body weight. For example, a 10kg dog should be consuming 500 – 600ml of water a day.
Keeping an eye on your pet’s drinking habits in the summer is a good way to reduce the risk of dehydration. Symptoms to look out for are a dry nose, loss of appetite, dry gums, loss of skin elasticity and in more severe cases, sunken eyes and your dog may collapse.
Top tip from our team: Add some water to your dog’s meals to encourage them to take in more fluids.
3. Sunburn
Many owners who are registered with Towcester Vets always seem shocked that their dog can suffer from sunburn. The most commonly affected areas are noses, ears and other exposed areas not protected by fur.
If your dog’s ear tips are dry, cracked or misshapen, or you spot ulcers, wounds or rashes on your pet, they could be suffering from sunburn. If your dog becomes severely sunburnt, they may seem generally unwell or may have a slight fever.
We often have to treat pets for infections that have developed at the sunburn site. Our vets warn all dog owners to look out for skin blistering or/and pus oozing from the site – if this is the case, your dog will need emergency veterinary intervention to help get on top of the infection promptly.
The easiest way to avoid sunburn is to keep your pet out of the sun during the hottest part of the day and invest in a pet-safe sunscreen.
4. Summer parasites
During the warmer months, pet parasites are often more active, resulting in a higher risk of disease for your dog. The concentration of ticks usually increases due to the natural increase in dog footfall at common areas, such as the park or local woodland. These carry a number of diseases, but the most common disease affecting both dogs and humans, is Lyme Disease. Fleas also love to thrive in warm, yet damp conditions – so the warmer months when your dog is hot, and the weather is humid, is when you should be on high alert for potential flea infestations.
Keeping your dog up to date with their parasitic treatments throughout the year will help to keep them safe and reduce the need for veterinary treatment this summer. Contact us about parasite prevention.
Other seasonal parasites, such as horse flies and mosquitos are seen during the summer and autumn months and can bite both dogs and humans alike. This can sometimes cause dangerous allergic reactions which may need to be treated by a vet. Always keep an eye on your pet for any new lumps and bumps they may have and contact us if you notice anything unusual.
5. Poisonous plants
As our gardens start to look more beautiful this time of year, many plants are toxic to dogs when ingested. For example, foxgloves and lilies contain cardiac glycoside toxins, which will interfere with the electrolyte balance in your dog’s heart muscles which can be fatal. Symptoms include, tremors, seizures, nausea, drooling, dilated pupils, and your vet will be able to detect abnormalities when listening to your pet’s heart.
Always monitor your dog whilst they are outside and contact us immediately if you suspect your dog could have ingested something poisonous.
6. Open water
If your dog loves open water, our Towcester team understands that they will definitely want to go swimming once summer is here. However, as an owner, it is important to consider the safety of your pet before they even begin paddling. Hidden hazards underneath the water could cause your pet injury, and open water may be subject to currents and undercurrents. Blue green algae (cyanobacteria) is usually found in lakes, ponds and streams around the UK and is toxic to dogs. It’s not always visible so can be a big risk even if the water looks safe.
Ingesting either sea water or water containing cyanobacteria is a big contributor to dehydration – after ingesting the water, dogs will often experience vomiting or diarrhoea. Always ensure you have fresh drinking water to hand for your dog.
Ear infections and skin irritations from sand are also two other conditions we tend to treat in the summer. Always make sure you thoroughly hose your dog with fresh water after any type of swimming and invest in a veterinary approved ear rinse solution.
7. Barbeques and fireworks
Even with our unpredictable British weather, most people in the UK will attend a barbeque over summer. However, taking your pet could put them at risk.
As well as the risk of burning, many BBQ dishes contain sauces high in levels of salt/sugar, garlic or onion, both of which are toxic to dogs. Foods high in salt/sugar are contributors to kidney failure and salt can also cause dehydration. Furthermore, the different cooking method may upset your dog’s stomach whilst large pieces of meat could lead to obstruction or choking – both needing veterinary help.
Fireworks, festivals and other outdoor celebrations near to where you live could frighten your dog. Chat to our team here at Towcester Vets to discuss what options are available to help your pet cope with their fear of loud noises.
Book a consultation with one of our vets to discuss any of the risks listed above. If you believe your pet is suffering from one of these conditions.
Summer Safety Guide for Cats
With summer upon us in Northamptonshire, it’s important for cat owners to take steps to ensure their feline friend stays safe in the heat.
Our vet team at Towcester Veterinary Centre have created this article on summer safety checks, plus a downloadable guide on common summer first aid situations & tips for you to share with other cat owners, helping to keep all cats in Northamptonshire safe this summer.
Download our Summer Cat First Aid Tips
10 Summer Safety Checks for your Cat
- Keep your cat cool: Cats can suffer from heatstroke, so make sure they have access to cool, shaded areas and plenty of fresh water to drink.
- Provide a litter box: Cats may spend more time indoors during hot weather, so make sure they have access to a clean litter box at all times.
- Keep your cat indoors during the hottest parts of the day: If you can, keep your cat indoors during the hottest parts of the day, especially if they are an older or indoor-only cat. If they really want to go outside though, they should, but for shorter periods.
- Regular grooming: Regular grooming can help to keep your cat cool and prevent hairballs. Consider brushing your cat more often during the summer months to cool them down.
- Watch out for fleas and ticks: Fleas and ticks are more active during the summer so make sure your cat is up to date on flea and tick prevention. Contact us at Towcester Veterinary Centre for more help with flea and tick treatments or browse our website for more information on this topic.
- Provide plenty of entertainment: Cats may be less active during the summer so provide plenty of toys and activities to encourage them to move more.
- Keep harmful substances out of reach: In summer, many household items, such as sun cream and insect repellent, can be harmful to cats if ingested. Make sure to keep these items out of reach. Contact us immediately if you suspect your cat has ingested any of these substances.
- Watch out for poisonous plants: Some common garden plants, such as lilies and foxgloves, can be toxic to cats if ingested. Make sure to keep these plants out of your cat’s reach. Contact us immediately if you suspect your cat has ingested any of these plants. Check out our Summer First Aid Tips downloadable guide that covers poisons.
- Watch out for open windows: Cats love to sit in the sun by open windows but make sure that bug screens are secure to prevent your cat from falling out when relaxed!
- Regular check-ups: Regular check-ups with one of our vets can help to ensure that your cat stays healthy and happy throughout the summer months. Contact us at Towcester Veterinary Centre to book your cat in for a health check-up this summer.
Why not share this article on your socials AND download and share our Summer Cat First Aid Tips with other cat owners? They’ll be happy you did!
Towcester Vets advice about non-microchipped pets
As a pet owner, you want to do everything possible to keep your furry friend safe and secure. One essential step in this process is microchipping your pet. Microchipping is a quick and affordable procedure that involves inserting a tiny chip under your pet’s skin, containing unique identification information. This can be done in an ordinary vet consultation at any of our small animal clinics so contact us today to get your pet booked in.
Book a microchipping appointment
Our veterinary team have put together the following article on why you should microchip your pet. It is the law for all dogs to be microchipped. The law is soon changing to make it essential that cats are microchipped too, and we also recommend microchipping your rabbit, in case they break out of your garden.
Why un-microchipped pets are at risk
Difficulty finding your lost pet
Losing a pet is a stressful and emotional experience. Without proper identification, finding a lost pet can be challenging, if not impossible. Collars and ID tags can fall off or be removed (although dogs must wear them in public by law), leaving your pet without any form of identification. Plus, if your pet escapes from your home, it’s unlikely they will be wearing a collar and ID tag. Microchipping your pet ensures that they have a permanent form of identification, making it easier for you to locate them if they become lost and get handed in to a veterinary practice, the police, or an animal shelter.
Increased risk of pet theft
Pet theft is a growing problem, and without proper identification, stolen pets may be challenging to locate and return to their rightful owners. Microchipping your pet provides a permanent form of identification, making it more difficult for thieves to sell or keep a stolen pet.
Delayed medical treatment
Our veterinary surgeons urge owners to think about what would happen if your pet becomes injured or ill after escaping from home or whilst out on a walk? In this situation, finding the owner is crucial so the animal can receive timely medical treatment. Without proper identification, your pet’s medical treatment may be delayed, potentially causing them further harm. Microchipping your pet ensures that they can be quickly identified, and as their owner you can be contacted to make the necessary treatment decisions.
Difficulty proving ownership
If your pet is found and taken to a shelter or veterinary clinic without proper identification, proving ownership can be challenging. Microchipping your pet provides permanent proof of ownership linked to a database containing your information, making it easier to reclaim your lost pet.
Legal requirements
As stated above, microchipping your dog is a legal requirement and failure in doing this will result in fines and other legal consequences should your dog become known to the authorities. Additionally, if your pet bites someone, proper identification can help prove ownership and reduce the risk of legal action against you.
In summary, not microchipping your pet can lead to a range of problems, from difficulty finding your lost pet to delayed medical treatment and legal consequences. Microchipping your pet is a simple and affordable procedure that provides permanent identification, giving you peace of mind and ensuring your pet’s safety and security. If you haven’t already, consider microchipping your pet at Towcester Vets today.
Towcester Vets advice for cat owners about heatstroke
Cats bring joy and companionship to millions of people around the world. One of their favourite activities is to lay out in the sun or on a sunny window ledge. However, during hot weather, cats can be susceptible to heatstroke, a condition that can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. In this article our veterinary team discuss how to prevent heatstroke in cats and the signs to look out for.
Top Tips for Keeping Cats Safe this Summer
Keep your cat indoors
Although we may not get as much warm weather as we perhaps desire in Northamptonshire, when it does heat up it’s best to keep your cat indoors in a cool and well-ventilated room. This will help prevent them from overheating and keep them safe from outdoor hazards such as cars, predators, and toxic plants. If your cat is an outdoors wanderer, try to encourage them back indoors as often as possible.
Provide plenty of water
Make sure your cat has access to clean and fresh water at all times. Our vets suggest placing multiple water bowls throughout your home, especially in cooler areas like the bathroom. You can also add ice cubes to their water to keep it cool. You may want to place a bowl or two outdoors as well if your cat does like to venture out.
Provide a cool environment
Ensure that your cat’s environment is cool and well-ventilated. Use fans or air conditioning to keep the air circulating and the temperature comfortable. You can also provide cool surfaces for your cat to lie on, such as a tile or marble floor.
Avoid exercise during the hottest parts of the day
Avoid exercising your cat during the hottest parts of the day, such as midday when the sun is at its peak. Instead, exercise your cat in the early morning or late evening when the temperature is cooler.
Groom your cat regularly
Regular grooming can help prevent heatstroke by removing excess fur that can trap heat and make your cat uncomfortable. Brush your cat daily to remove loose fur and matting.
Signs of heatstroke in cats
If your cat is exhibiting any of the following signs, they may be experiencing heatstroke and require immediate attention. Call our team to speak to one of our vets.
- Rapid heart rate
- Reddened gums or tongue
- Lethargy or weakness
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Confusion or disorientation
- Seizures or collapse
If you suspect that your cat is experiencing heatstroke, contact your vet for advice immediately. In the meantime, try to cool your cat down by providing them with cool water to drink, wetting their fur with tepid (not cold) water, and placing them in front of a fan.
Our veterinary team at Towcester say that following these simple tips and knowing the signs to look out for can help keep your cat safe and comfortable during hot weather. Remember to always provide plenty of water, keep your cat cool, and seek veterinary attention if you suspect your cat is experiencing heatstroke.
Use the button below to book your own cat’s summer health check and don’t forget to share this article with other cat owners.
Dos and Don’ts for your dog when it’s hot in Northamptonshire
When it’s hot outside in Northamptonshire, it’s essential to take extra precautions to ensure your dog’s safety and wellbeing. Below are some fun and safe activities, as advised by Towcester Vets dog-loving nursing team, you can do with your dog to keep them active and engaged while staying cool.
How hot is too hot for dogs we hear you ask?
Our vets advise
- Above 19 degrees Celsius can cause your dog to overheat and become dehydrated
- Above 25 degrees Celsius is too hot for dog walks
- 22 degrees Celsius in a car could reach 47 within the hour
However, some dogs, perhaps if they are overweight, have lots of fur or have health issues, may struggle in lower temperatures.
We also have a helpful guide on what not to do with your dog in the heat – download our infographic and remember to share it with your friends and family.
5 things NOT to do with your dog when it’s hot
7 Dog Activities for Hot Weather
- Swimming: If your dog loves the water, swimming is an excellent activity to keep them cool and active. You can take your dog to a dog-friendly beach or pool or set up a (supervised) paddling pool in your garden. We’d love to see photos of your dog enjoying a splash about – go ahead and share them on our Facebook page!
- Indoor Playtime: When it’s too hot to play outside, bring the fun indoors. You can set up an obstacle course or play hide and seek with your dog.
- Frozen Treats: Make some homemade frozen treats for your dog to enjoy. You can freeze some of their favourite treats or dog-safe fruit in ice cubes or create a DIY dog-friendly ice cream.
- Morning/Evening Walks: When planning your dog’s daily walks, our veterinary team recommend opting for early morning and/or evening walks when it’s cooler outside. Dogs won’t die from missing a few walks, but they could easily die from heatstroke…
- Interactive Toys: Interactive toys, such as treat-dispensing puzzles, can keep your dog mentally stimulated and engaged while they stay cool inside.
- Shade and Rest: Make sure your dog has plenty of shade and access to cool water when they’re outside. Encourage them to rest and take breaks when they need it.
- Grooming: Keep your dog’s coat well-groomed to prevent heat retention. Regular brushing can help remove excess fur and keep your dog’s skin healthy. With most dogs loving a good brushing and extra attention from their favourite humans, our nurses suggest that grooming will be a bit hit with your pet!
Remember to always keep an eye on your dog’s behaviour and look out for signs of heat exhaustion, such as excessive panting, drooling, and lethargy. By taking these precautions and engaging in fun and safe activities, you and your dog can enjoy the summer while staying cool and comfortable.
Also, remember to check out Towcester Vets guide on,
Towcester Vets explains what to do if your cat or dog has vomited
As owners you can sense when your pet is feeling unwell and witnessing them vomit is an unpleasant experience. Seeing their sad face and hunched over posture can be a worry, but how do you know when it’s an indication of something serious?
Vomiting is a common occurrence in cats and dogs, and the good news is that most of the time the sickness will pass over the course of 24 hours without any medical treatment. However, occasionally it can be the start of something more dangerous, depending on the situation.
Our experienced team at Towcester Vets in Northamptonshire have put together a helpful guide on this topic, highlighting some of the common reasons for vomiting, how to care for your pet when they are feeling sick and when you need to contact the vet.
Contact us if your pet is unwell
The dangers of everyday items
As veterinary professionals, the first thing we associate with vomiting pets is puppies and kittens. Young animals are the number one culprit for sicky symptoms, and this is because their curious behaviour means they like to chew everything they can get their paws on.
Common items that puppies and kittens chew and sometimes swallow include:
- Toys
- Socks
- Shoes
- Sticks
- Blankets
- String or ribbon
- Hairbands
- Underwear
- Items from the rubbish bin
Luckily, in most cases this activity doesn’t cause damage, but sometimes these ‘foreign bodies’ can aggravate the digestive system, or even cause toxicity or an obstruction. Unsurprisingly, one of the first symptoms of stomach irritation is vomiting, and this happens as the body tries to reject and push out the unfamiliar substance or item.
Common causes of vomiting
Another common reason for your cat or dog vomiting may be that they are eating their food so quickly that they bring it back up undigested. This is regurgitation rather than true vomiting and is often behavioural and most prevalent in puppies. Sometimes cats will regurgitate to bring up hairballs. Neither of these symptoms are serious unless they become frequent; please call our veterinary team if you suspect your pet is regurgitating and we will happily advise you on how best to prevent it.
Vomiting can also be a sign of a serious underlying condition such as kidney disease or pancreatitis, so further investigations may be needed. Other reasons your pet may be vomiting include:
- Gastroenteritis
- Food allergies
- Travel sickness
- Worms
- A change in diet
- A reaction to a medication
- An infectious disease
- Ingesting something poisonous
When to call the vets if your pet has vomited
Our veterinary team explains that for most one-off cases of vomiting, emergency veterinary treatment is not required, and the symptoms will pass through in a few hours. There are situations that warrant emergency help and can be serious if left untreated. You should call us immediately if your pet experiences any of the following:
- Vomiting often and frequently, for example, more than once in 24 hours
- Unproductive vomiting – where nothing comes up or frequent retching
- Your pet is vomiting and is very young or very old and therefore more vulnerable
- Your pet has other serious diagnosed conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease
- Your pet has a bloated and/or tender tummy
- The vomit is a red/brown colour or contains specks of red, indicating blood
- Your female dog is vomiting and is pregnant and/or has vaginal discharge
- The vomiting is accompanied by diarrhoea
- Your pet is wobbly or unsteady on its feet
- Your pet collapses or seizures
It is important to stress that if you think your pet has eaten something poisonous or toxic, even if they have not vomited, do not wait until your pet shows symptoms, call us immediately.
See our emergency care details
How to care for your pet when they are sick
If your pet has been or is about to be sick, they will likely feel nauseous. Signs may include:
- Salivating or dribbling
- Licking lips
- Shying away from food
- A hunched posture
- Restlessness and pacing around (dogs)
- Sitting still with eyes closed or half closed (cats)
- Being ‘clingy’ and not wanting to leave your side
- Hiding away
- Eating grass (dogs)
Here are some tips on how to best care for your pet if you notice these signs:
- Ensure they have calm, safe, quiet surroundings so they can rest
- Keep warm and comfortable
- Offer them small amounts of fresh drinking water but do not force them to eat or drink
- Do not walk or exercise them for 24 hours except to go to the toilet
- If vomiting has stopped and they seem brighter it is safe to offer them a small amount of bland food such as plain boiled chicken, however it is best to call us first for feeding advice
If you are unsure of what to do if your pet is vomiting and unwell, please call the Towcester Vets team on 01327 350239 and we will advise you on the best course of action.
