Worming (or not!) ewes at lambing

Traditionally, most flocks have wormed ewes at lambing. This practice is designed to combat the drop in immunity to worms that ewes experience from around 2 weeks before lambing to 6 weeks afterwards. By worming during this time, when ewes may be shedding more eggs onto pasture, we were aiming to reduce the levels of pasture contamination for new, susceptible lambs.

Only target thin or immature ewes for worming

HOWEVER! Recent studies have shown that this practice has limited effect on egg output onto pasture in adult ewes, especially those in good body condition score. It is therefore recommended that worming treatments are targeted only to thinner ewes or immature ewes (ewe lambs and shearlings). Previous advice was that 10-20% of ewes should be left untreated around lambing. While this is still a good target for a number of flocks, within the practice we are aware of a number of flocks now only treating a small number of ewes and some none at all! As treatment is targeted around body condition score, good grazing and nutritional management is key to reducing the need to worm.

When leaving a number of ewes untreated, make sure these are spread throughout grazing groups to reduce the selection for resistance. Selection for resistance will be increased if, for example, all single bearing ewes are left untreated but then all graze together in one group. Faecal egg counts can be used to assess the need to treat in flocks and these should be carried out very close to lambing or just after ewes have lambed to ensure we are testing during the drop in immunity.

Avoid using Cydectin products

Cydectin products should be avoided for ewes at lambing. Due to the persistent nature of these products, they are highly selective for resistance. If being used, they should never be used in repeated years for ewes at lambing, nor used again that year in any sheep on the farm. If they are used for worming then 10-20% ewes must be left untreated to reduce the selection for resistance and if sheep scab treatment is required later in the year, then dipping should be used rather than repeat use of Cydectin.

Red Tractor Standards Update

Red Tractor introduced a number of changes in November 2021 for Beef and Lamb standards which we would like to make our clients aware of.

In addition to the antibiotic and health and performance reviews we have already been completing, all farms must now have a farm health plan in place that is reviewed, signed and dated by their vet annually.

BVD control plans will be required from October 2022

For all cattle farms, this health plan must include details of how BVD is managed on farm. This is currently a recommendation but will be a full requirement in October 2022. For finishing units, it may be that you only buy cattle from farms that are testing for BVD. For any breeding herds, BVD testing of calves will need to be undertaken. There are a range of options to suit all units so please do give us a call to discuss this.

All Red Tractor farms must also now receive a visit from a vet at their vet practice at least once during the year. If a vet hasn’t been on your farm during the year, please let Debbie know when booking in a review session as it may be best to carry this out on farm rather than over the phone.

Medicine administration training requirement

At least one person who is responsible for administering medicines on farm must have a certificate of competence/attendance from training undertaken since October 2016. We are currently taking names of anyone who needs to complete this training and will be looking to run a course in the New Year. Please let Debbie know if you would like to be added to this list.

There are additional recommendations around pain relief for disbudding and castrating calves. The need for these procedures should reviewed and reduced where possible. Guidelines now state:

  • In addition to local anaesthetic, additional pain relief (such as meloxidyl or pyroflam) is required when carrying out any disbudding or dehorning. Dehorning is only permitted by a stockperson up to 5 months of age.
  • Cauterising paste is only allowed for calves under 1 week of age and the use of pain relief is recommended for beef calves and required for dairy calves.
  • Pain relief (such as meloxidyl or pyroflam) is required if castrating calves using burdizzo techniques up to 2 months of age. Over 2 months of age, a vet is legally required to castrate calves.

There is also an updated appendix on what is and is not acceptable in livestock handling. Electric goads are not permitted and it is not permitted to:

  • Strike or kick any animal
  • Apply pressure to any particularly sensitive part of the body in such a way as to cause pain or suffering
  • Lift or drag in any way that may cause pain or suffering
  • Use prods or other implements with pointed ends
  • Twist, crush or break the tails of animals or grasp the eyes of any animal
  • Throw or drop animal

Please book a Red Tractor review session

As there are now additional requirements for documents to be produced before inspections, please do book in Red Tractor review sessions in plenty of time before your inspection and be prepared with completed health plans and health and performance reviews (templates can be sent out to be completed before your appointment). Please also remember that these are meant to be annual reviews, not ‘just before your inspection’ reviews! It is much better to review data at the same time annually to be able to compare data….and it means one less thing to worry about when the letter informing you of an inspection arrives!

Eco-friendly treats for overweight dogs

We are all for new year resolutions that will help pets and planet. Our dog-loving Veterinary team in Towcester have some thought-challenging ideas to share with you on the topic of dog treats.

Before we dig in, if you think your dog could be overweight, our nursing team can help. Book a weight check and get a body condition score, advice, and support for your dog’s weight-loss journey ahead.

What are overweight dog problems

Carrying excess weight will affect your dog’s health and quality of life. Overweight dogs can struggle with mobility, sore joints, and injuries. They are also at risk of developing diabetes and other serious health complications. A large contributing factor to weight gain is treats – to be more accurate, people giving dogs treats.

As January is a common time for new year weight-loss resolutions, we thought we would encourage pet owners to focus on their dog’s weight too… whilst trying to live more sustainably of course. Read our team’s top tips below for better treat options.

Seven dog treat ideas for 2022

  1. Dogs do not ‘need’ treats; there is an interesting thought! Here is another – your dog will not love you any less if you do not give them a treat. Be more purposeful with them i.e., use treats in training and to reward positive behaviour, such as recall on walks. Keep an eye on how many you are giving as they quickly add up when you are having fun.
  2. Your dog will still enjoy a treat if it is not of the high-calorie, artificially coloured variety. Choose a low-fat dry kibble to use as treats, or, switch to carrots, cucumber, apple (not the core), and other healthy fruit and vegetables that are not toxic to dogs. Here is a guide on fruit & veg your dog can eat from the PDSA.
  3. When buying dog food and treats from a shop check for eco-friendly packaging. Is it recyclable? Is there a better option? Also ask yourself, “does my overweight dog need it?”
  4. Avoid the pick & mix stand in your local pet shop as you cannot always check the ingredients and fat/sugar content and it is easy to get carried away. If you do use it, take your own tubs.
  5. If you are switching to carrots and other healthy veg & fruit treats, buy loose items without plastic packaging. Alternatively, why not buy some seeds and grow your own in Northamptonshire?
  6. Can you walk to the shop for treats? Lower your carbon footprint and give your overweight dog some exercise. You could also take a backpack to avoid plastic shopping bags.
  7. Have you thought about making dog treats at home? You would be in control of the ingredients and baking goods often come in recyclable packaging (flour, eggs, etc.). Search for ‘healthy dog treat recipes’ and grab your apron.

If you have any more tips for switching to healthier and more sustainable dog treats, we would love you to share them on our Facebook page to help other dog owners. Share on Facebook.

Not sure if your dog is overweight? Book a weight check with our Towcester nursing team and let us help you make 2022 a healthier year for your dog.

Pet-proof your home this Christmas to avoid these hazards

One of the best things about Christmas is the volume of yummy and exciting things around the house – and our pets tend to agree. Towcester Vets’ team of experienced veterinary nurses have pulled together a list of festive pet hazards to be aware of this Christmas. We also have a handy tick list to help you pet-proof your home and avoid these dangers.

Download our pet-proofing tick list

Just in case your cat, dog, or rabbit does get into trouble, we have included the symptoms to look out for below too. You can always call us in an emergency on 01327 350239.

13 Festive Pet Hazards

  1. Chocolate – This much-loved treat contains theobromine, which is poisonous to pets. Symptoms of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, hyperactivity, and seizures, which can be seen 4-24 hours after ingestion and in extreme cases can be fatal.
  2. Onions, Garlic & Chives These contain thiosulphate, which is poisonous to cats, dogs, and rabbits whether eaten raw or cooked into meals. Signs of poisoning are seen 2-4 days after ingestion and include lethargy, breathlessness, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
  3. Alcohol – This is much more toxic to animals than humans. Ingestion of food or drink containing even small amounts of alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, co-ordination issues, depression, tremors, coma, and death.
  4. Raisins, Currants & Grapes – These fruits are toxic whether eaten alone or in cakes, mince pies, and other foods. They can cause kidney failure so do not give your pet any. Symptoms can take several days to appear and include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and excessive drinking.
  5. Nuts – The fat in nuts can make them difficult for pets to digest. Swallowing nuts whole can cause internal obstructions and serious clinical problems. Macadamia nuts are toxic to pets and can cause weakness, depression, tremors, vomiting, and a high temperature. Signs develop within 12 hours of ingestion and can last 12-48 hours, but should be treated immediately.
  6. Fats, Spices & Seasoning – Poultry skin, pigs in blankets, roast potatoes, and gravy are usually high in fat (and some contain onion and garlic) and can cause pancreatitis in cats and dogs. Anything heavily spiced or seasoned can also cause problems, as your pet’s stomach is not used to it. Stuffing typically contains several harmful ingredients.
  7. Cooked poultry bones – Chicken and turkey bones especially become brittle during cooking and can splinter. This can cause injuries to your pet’s mouth, tongue, oesophagus, windpipe, stomach, or intestines.
  8. Poinsettia – The leaves of this plant contain a sap that is irritating to the mouth and oesophagus tissues. Ingestion causes nausea and vomiting. Poisoning would only occur if large amounts are ingested, which is unlikely due to the irritation.
  9. Holly – Another festive favourite, holly leaves and berries are toxic and if ingested will cause severe intestinal upset, resulting in vomiting and diarrhoea.
  10. Mistletoe – Ingesting the leaves or berries can cause mild signs of digestive irritation, such as drooling, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Large amounts can lead to more severe issues, including low blood pressure, abnormal heart rate, collapse, and seizures.
  11. Christmas trees – The oils produced by fir trees can cause irritation to your pet’s mouth and stomach, leading to excessive drooling or vomiting. The needles alone can cause great pain to your pet if eaten. The water your Christmas tree is sitting in contains bacteria, mould, and fertilisers from the tree that can make pets very sick.
  12. Christmas decorations & gifts – Anything your pet can break and step on, get stuck in, eat or drink (if not for them), or choke on is a hazard. Eating string and socks can cause severe stomach issues, and tinsel consumption can lead to dehydration, diarrhoea, lethargy, appetite loss, abdomen pain, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, and weakness.
  13. Essential oils – It is important to do your research as many oils are toxic to pets. If your pet has ingested, inhaled, or got essential oils on their paws or coat, they might appear depressed, unsteady, and have a low body temperature. In severe cases there may be vomiting and diarrhoea as well.

With all of these hazards in the home this time of year, our nursing team at Towcester Vets advise that it is best to be prepared. As well as keeping the above list to hand, be sure to grab our Festive Pet-Proofing Tick List for your home. By having everything covered now, you and your pets can safely enjoy the rest of the holidays.

Download our pet-proofing tick list

How to become a more sustainable cat owner

UK pet owners spend £7.9million a year on their pets according to the most recent figures published by the Office for National Statistics (2020). As we move into 2022, there has never been a better time to think about spending some of those pounds on more sustainable cat products. The team at Towcester Veterinary Centre have some ideas for you below.

If you are a cat owner in Northamptonshire, you can help others in your area by sharing your top eco-friendly cat products and tips on our Facebook page.

Share eco-friendly cat tips on Facebook

Our Burcote Road team have created two lists of helpful ideas to get you started.

Eco-friendly cat products

You can find a wide range of eco-friendly cat products on Amazon, and in pet shops and other online retailers. Here are three our team picked out:

  • Biodegradable cat litter

    These contain natural raw and recycled materials that are biodegradable and much better for the environment. As well as being more sustainable, they also produce less waste, less dust, and have a good natural odour. You may have to do a bit of trial and error to see which your cat prefers though: biodegradable cat litter

  • Biodegradable litter tray liners

    If you cannot do without your no-hassle-no-mess cat litter tray liners, then try switching to biodegradable ones. These liners come in recyclable packaging too: litter tray liners

  • Eco-friendly cat bowls

    Bamboo cat bowls will last for years and are made without plastics and lacquers, meaning the materials used in manufacturing are much less harmful to the environment. Try these out for size: bamboo cat bowls. You can also get bamboo litter trays and poop scoops!

Eco-friendly cat owner tips

  • Recycle cat food pouches

    We bet a lot of people throw cat food pouches away as they are not glass, plastic, paper, or metal. Check the back as many are now recyclable – remember to empty them first!

  • Make your own cat toys out of unwanted household items

    String, toilet roll tubes and cardboard boxes will give your cat hours of fun! Why not get super creative and build your cat a home gym? You can still recycle this ‘rubbish’ when your cat is done with them.

  • Give your cat’s unloved toys away

    If your cat has too many toys and no longer plays with them, ask a fellow cat owner if their cat might like them, or donate to a cat rescue centre.

We hope our article on how to be a sustainable cat owner has inspired you to do more research on the topic. If you have your own tips and eco-friendly products you use, remember to,

Share on Facebook

Dog owners need Towcester Veterinary Centre’s eco-friendly new year fitness ideas

“New year get fit” and “live more sustainably” – if these are your new year resolutions, our team at Towcester Vets have just the thing for you. Keep reading to discover some exercise ideas you can do with your dog, ways to stay motivated, and tips on being more sustainable at the same time.

If your dog is overweight, very young, a senior, or just not used to doing much physical activity, it is best not to do too much too quickly. Email us for advice on the right type of exercise for your dog.

Email us for advice

New year fitness motivation tips

Sticking with a new year fitness challenge is much easier if you do not do it alone. Who better to motivate you than your dog? Dogs are almost always up for exercising with their humans!

Finding an activity that you enjoy together will also help with motivation. Why stick at just one? You will both benefit from a varied exercise routine as it gives overused muscles, joints, and ligaments a chance to rest and recover. It will also make your fitness journey more interesting and more likely to continue past the end of January for longer term benefits.

Six ways to get fit with your dog

  1. Upgrade your daily walk – A one-hour walk can burn up to 200 calories and can be very rewarding for you both. Warm up in winter months by exploring new routes that you and your dog can enjoy together. Have less time? You can also upgrade shorter walks by changing the speed, adding hills, using obstacles, and incorporating some play time.
  2. Doggy jogging – It might take a bit of training to get the pacing right and make sure you avoid tripping over each other, but dog jogs are a great bonding activity and exercise.
  3. Dog agility classes – Agility training is fun, energetic, and stimulating for both you and your dog. You can buy (or make) equipment for your garden, or start visiting a dog club or training centre with all the right gear. Search dog agility classes near Towcester, Weedon or Paulerspury or in Northamptonshire.
  4. CaniX (Canicross) – If you have not heard of this, CaniX involves running with your dog attached to a harness around your waist. There are running events countrywide, starting at 2K. Find out more about this activity and find a CaniX weekend event near you.
  5. Bikejoring – Also new to you? Bikejoring means you get on your bike and cycle while your dog runs ahead, pulling you in a harness. It is typically geared towards medium to large dogs, and is a high-intensity workout. Discover more about bikejoring.
  6. Doga – Doing yoga with your dog can benefit body and mind, for you both. Dogs pick up on human emotions and can suffer the same stress. Doga lets you spend quality bonding time being calm and reassuring your dog. Plus, yoga has been proven to be good for heart health in humans, so why not dogs too? Learn more about the practice of doga.

Six ways to make your dog activities more sustainable

  • Can you walk to your activity location? Save on carbon emissions and get a warm-up.
  • Use eco-friendly dog poop bags – biodegradable poop bags will help reduce plastic pollution, as will compostable ones (just don’t put these on compost used for food crops!)
  • Did you know you can get eco-friendly dog collars, leads, and harnesses?
  • Take a re-usable water bottle with you. Here are some eco-friendly options our Towcester team found at Ocean Bottle and wearthlondon.com
  • Need new gear? Search for ‘sustainable sportswear UK’ and find a range of active brands.
  • Instead of throwing away your old sportswear and dog leads, try donating them instead.

Why not invite friends and local dog owners to join you on your 2022 fitness journey? Just hit the share button in this article or copy the link to your Facebook page.

Remember, we are here if you want any further advice on this topic.

Get in touch

Why you need dog friendly days out in Northamptonshire this December

The run-up to Christmas is usually a busy time spent out and about shopping for gifts & decorations and seeing friends & family. But does this mean your dog has to spend more time home alone? Dogs thrive on attention and time with their favourite human companions. A bored and lonely dog can develop behavioural issues like destroying your belongings, excessive barking, and soiling indoors.

The solution? Dog friendly days out!

This way, you can spend time with your dog AND tick off your pre-Christmas to-do-list at the same time. Our Burcote Road team have listed some ideas for dog friendly places below; it’s a good idea to check the website and reviews to ensure they are dog friendly before setting off.

Share dog friendly places on Facebook

You can help other dog owners in and around Weedon, Paulersbury, and Stony Stratford, by sharing your favourite dog friendly days out on on our Facebook page.

Towcester Veterinary Centre’s top ideas for places you can take your dog:

  • Cafés, restaurants & pubs – With so many dog-friendly options in Northamptonshire, why not persuade your friends to meet you at one of them so your dog can hang out too? Remember though, six hours sat under a table in a rowdy pub while you drink and talk with your friends isn’t ideal either. We suggest reading some reviews first to see if the establishment is a good fit for you all.
  • Pet shops – Pottering around your local pet shop is a great way to make both you and your dog happy. While you’re buying pet products for your dog and as presents for your pet-loving friends, your dog can be basking in the heavenly smells a pet shop has to offer.
  • Garden centres – Many garden centres these days are dog friendly and of course free to visit. You can often get some lovely Christmas gifts there and enjoy some tea & cake. Your dog will enjoy wandering around, taking in the interesting sights and smells.
  • Markets & shops – Some fantastic Christmas gifts can be purchased at outdoor markets. Dogs are normally welcome but be careful if they are wary of large crowds. Plus, we bet there are more dog-friendly shops in Northamptonshire than you might think, where you can take your pal for a walk while you shop.
  • Dog parks & countryside walks – Catch up with friends and family by going for a dog walk. Everyone gets some fresh air and exercise, and your dog gets to be by your side.
  • Dog friendly attractions – You may be surprised how many places you can find to take your dog by searching for ‘dog friendly days out near me’. Perfect for that festive fix!
  • Dog friendly holidays – If you’re planning a Christmas break, check out the wide variety of dog friendly accommodation on websites like Airbnb and dogfriendlycottages.co.uk research local dog friendly attractions before you visit too.

To ensure you are welcomed back to these places time and time again, our team recommends:

  1. Cleaning up and disposing of your dog’s poops.
  2. Keeping your dog on a lead (unless you see a sign saying otherwise) and under control.
  3. Being courteous to business owners and other visitors by not letting your dog eat or urinate on any goods, furniture, or decorations.

We hope you enjoy some fun times with your canine companion this Christmas. Don’t forget to share your favourite dog friendly places on our Facebook page.

Share your favourites on Facebook

If your dog has been spending more time home alone lately and you notice any unusual behaviours, book a Vet appointment with our team.

Towcester Farm Vets winter meetings

** The first Winter meeting was a roaring success, thank you for all of those that attended. We are sad to report that the remaining meetings are postponed due to Covid. We are hoping to re-schedule them for this Summer.**

You’re invited to attend the three winter meetings we’ll be hosting this season.  Our meetings are designed to inform and be social (with a hot dinner included) which makes them extremely popular so please…

Book your place now, by calling the office on 01327 350 239

Sheep lameness – Learn about the causes, prevention and treatment

Monday 29th November 2021

(Please book by Wednesday 24th November)

Top tips – Things every farm vet wants you to know

Monday 20th December 2021 – TO BE RE-SCHEDULED.

Calf sour – How to prevent, spot and treat scour

Monday 24th January 2022 – TO BE RE-SCHEDULED.

View Flyer_2021 for more information.

Book today by contacting us on 01327 350 239

 

 

 

 

 

Six common concerns for cat owners in Northamptonshire at Christmas

You’ve seen the memes with cats stuck in Christmas trees, but what else can go wrong during the festive season when you have cats? Our Veterinary team shares common causes of Christmas cat injuries and advises how to avoid them.

Given how curious cats are, it makes sense to keep our number in your phone just in case your cat gets into any bother.

Call 01327 350239 for cat advice

Six common cat concerns at Christmas in Northamptonshire:

Road traffic accidents

With all the noise and commotion that comes with Christmas, including extra guests at your home, cats often roam outdoors to escape the mayhem. As it gets darker earlier during winter, your cat is more at risk of being hit by a car. We recommend fitting your cat with a reflective collar and providing ‘safe spaces’ indoors for your cat to take solace in when it gets too much.

Consuming harmful food & drink

Christmas can be a fun time of year for cats, with tasty morsels of food and leftover drinks all over the place to try. Some items such as pigs in blankets could give your cat an upset stomach, whereas toxic treats like chocolate or mince pies (containing dried fruit) could cause them severe harm. It’s wise to keep food, alcohol, and paracetamol (for the Boxing Day hangover) behind a closed cupboard, pantry, or fridge door and away from curious cats.

Plant poisoning

Poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe are festive favourites for many households. Unfortunately for cats, they can cause a variety of health problems ranging from nausea and vomiting, to collapse and seizures. Our Veterinary team recommends keeping harmful Christmas plants out of reach, or not keeping them at all.

ANTIFREEZE ALERT – This substance is highly toxic to cats but tastes sweet (so we hear). Clean up any spills and keep the container somewhere your cat can’t get to it – remember cats can climb!

Christmas tree injuries

Saying cats and Christmas trees don’t mix well is an understatement in some households. Cats love to play with delicate baubles and wires, climb the tree, eat the needles, and rub themselves against the branches – all of which can end badly. Our Veterinary team has this advice for cat owners:

  • Consider choosing an artificial tree – real fir trees produce toxic oils that can harm cats when eaten or absorbed through the skin and eating pine needles can cause a lot of pain.
  • Smaller Christmas trees should cause less damage to your cat if they fall over – secure your tree to a wall or ceiling or use a heavy base to steady it.
  • Choose shatterproof or soft hanging tree decorations and nothing edible if you have pets.
  • Keep wires contained so they don’t look like string to play with to your cat.
  • Decorate your tree without your cat in the room and avoid leaving your cat alone with it.

Burns & scalds

Cats can easily get burned or scalded accidentally at Christmas time, with knocked over candles and cooking pans being the common causes. Avoid injuries by keeping candles out of reach, or your cat out of the room, especially the kitchen when you’re cooking.

We hope you found our advice useful. As always, if you have any concerns about your cat, get in touch with us here at Towcester Veterinary Centre.

See our contacts, location and opening hours

Towcester Veterinary Centre’s list of Christmas foods your dog can and can’t eat

Should you give your dog human foods like roast dinner, mince pies, Christmas pudding, and trifle? No, is the short answer, as our Veterinary team will tell you.

If you think your dog may have eaten something concerning, call us for advice or to arrange emergency care straight away.

Many foods and drinks that we consume over Christmas are toxic to dogs. Depending on the item, amount consumed and when it was eaten, combined with the size and health of your dog, the situation could be life-threatening. For example, a single raisin could potentially kill a dog – they are that toxic.

To help you avoid harmful foods and find treats your dog can have this holiday season, our Veterinary team have created these lists to help you.

Christmas foods your dog SHOULD NOT eat:

  • Christmas roast dinner – Skinless, plain turkey is fine in small quantities. However, most festive dinners are laden with fat and can include onion (gravy), chives, garlic, pepper, and lots of salt – none of which will do your dog any good. Likewise, your dog shouldn’t chew on cooked bones as these can splinter and damage your pet’s mouth and intestines.
  • Pigs in blankets – The sausage meat may contain onion and spices and the bacon may be very fatty. Eating foods high in fat can lead to a painful condition called pancreatitis.
  • Mince pies and Christmas pudding – These usually contain dried fruits like raisins and sultanas, which are highly toxic to dogs and consumption can be fatal.
  • Chocolate – All chocolate is toxic to dogs. However, dark and cooking chocolate are the most toxic as they contain the most theobromine per gram. Call 01327 350239 immediately and keep the wrapper where possible.
  • Trifle and other sweet treats – Many dogs are lactose intolerant, and an overdose of dairy cream can cause an upset stomach. Fatty and sugary foods can cause weight, dental, and other health issues so it’s best to just avoid these types of human foods as dog treats.
  • Other harmful Christmas goodies include macadamias and other nuts, bread dough (yeast), cookie dough, grapes, corn-on-the-cob, alcohol, and anything containing Xylitol – an artificial sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs.

Treats your dog CAN have:

  • Dog treats! It might sound simple, but dog treats are typically made to be nutritionally balanced, tasty, and safe for dogs. You can usually buy festive-themed treats at most pet shops in and around Weedon, Paulersbury, and Stony Stratford, or make your own!
  • Safe human foods like raw carrots, cucumber, banana, and blueberries, and cooked butternut squash, green beans, and plain pasta in small amounts can make excellent dog snacks. They can also be heathier alternatives to some manufactured dog treats.

Try to remember that your dog won’t love you any less if you don’t give them some of your food, or if you swap cream cakes for carrots. And most importantly, dogs are cunning enough to help themselves if you leave them and food unattended…

Some final tips from our Veterinary team – Always research new foods online to check they are safe for dogs – if in doubt, leave it out. Give new foods in small amounts first to check they agree with your dog.

If you have any dog food health scares over the festive season, contact us straight away.

If you think your dog may have eaten something concerning, call us for advice or to arrange emergency care straight away.

Call us on 01327 350239