Towcester Vets on Gentler Care for Older Pets
As pets grow older, their needs can change in ways that aren’t always obvious. Many senior cats and dogs continue to enjoy their daily activities, but the same routines that once thrilled them may start to become challenging or uncomfortable. In the article below, our team at Towcester Vets explain how observing your older companion carefully and adapting their routine can make a real difference to their wellbeing, comfort and confidence.
For support with your senior pet’s changing needs, book an appointment and our vets in Towcester will give you tailored advice and a nose-to-tail check-up for your furry friend.
Is your senior pet struggling? How to adjust their routine
Physical ‘slowing-down’
Our vets share how one of the first things to notice is a change in how your pet moves. Slower walks, hesitancy when climbing stairs or reluctance to jump onto favourite furniture may indicate that joints or muscles are feeling the effects of age. Even if your pet still seems happy to go outside, they may benefit from shorter, gentler outings around Northamptonshire with more frequent rest breaks.
Observing changes in your pet’s behaviour
According to our vets in Towcester, behavioural changes can also signal that a routine needs adjusting. An older pet might be less eager to play, show signs of anxiety during previously familiar activities, or appear withdrawn. These subtle cues are important: they may not always indicate illness, but they do suggest that comfort and reassurance should be a priority.
Dietary indicators
Diet and feeding routines are another area to consider. Senior pets often benefit from meals timed to their energy levels, softer food if dental issues are present and careful portion control to support a healthy weight. Maintaining hydration is equally important, particularly if exercise levels have changed.
Introducing new routines
Gentle modifications can make a huge difference. Incorporating low-impact play, providing supportive bedding and creating easy-access spaces helps your pet continue to enjoy favourite activities without strain. Maintaining mental stimulation through interactive toys or short training sessions also supports wellbeing and keeps them engaged.
Routine veterinary care from our team at Towcester Vets becomes even more essential as pets age. Regular check-ups allow us to assess mobility, detect early signs of discomfort or illness and provide guidance on exercise, diet and environmental adjustments tailored to your pet.
By recognising when an older pet needs a gentler approach, you’re not reducing their quality of life – you’re enhancing it. Small changes to routines, combined with ongoing attention and care, help ensure that your senior companion stays happy, comfortable, and confident, enjoying each day to the fullest.
If you’d like guidance on caring for an older pet, book an appointment and our vets in Towcester can offer personalised advice alongside a thorough health check.
Nose Work Training for Dogs: Get Towcester Vets’ Tips
Wherever you are, and whatever treat you’re trying to sneakily eat away from twitching noses, your pooch will come running—that’s just one of the many charming perks of being a pet parent. But there’s a science behind the sniffing—our loyal canine companions have up to 300 million olfactory sensors in their snouts compared to about six million in humans!
Nose work training is an enriching way to harness this sensory superpower, and our vets at Towcester Vets have a few ideas that will help keep your favourite scent sleuth on the case.
Want tailored advice on your dog’s capabilities or to explore more ways to keep your dog mentally stimulated this winter? Pop in and chat to our vets in Towcester.
Contact us for tailored dog enrichment advice
The Nose Knows: How to train your dog’s sense of smell
Follow the nose to the prize
Towcester Veterinary Centre’s team share that any new training works best when you start slow. Place a treat in a box for your dog to discover and reward them for finding it. As you progress, add more boxes and switch the location of the treat, leaving it up to your sniffing superhero to find. This keeps their busy nose and mind working.
Mysterious munchies
We’ve already established they simply love nosing about your food, so turn this into a game. Our team advise hiding dog-safe treats around your home when they’re out of sight and leaving it up to your four-legged detective to find. If your pooch has a skilled snout, change things up and make it progressively harder by hiding them in places that are difficult to find!
Operation: Find the food
Transform mealtimes into a scent training session by scattering your dog’s food across wipe-clean mats in different locations or hiding it in a snuffle rug. This encourages them to use their nose to seek out every morsel, turning dinner into a rewarding game. Our vets in Towcester suggest sprinkling in a few extra treats occasionally for bonus sniffing motivation—it may not be the same as heading out to a fancy restaurant, but they’ll love it just as much!
Want to see a magic trick?
Get ready to perform some magic for the furriest audience member. Start simple: hide a treat under one cup and let your dog tip it over to claim their prize. Once they’ve got the hang of it, add two more cups and shuffle them around. If they sniff out the right one, you’ve got yourself a magician’s assistant! Why not make our team’s day by showing off your dog’s new skills next time you pop into our vet practice in Towcester?
The vanishing act
This is hide-and-seek with a twist—you’re the prize! Slip into another room and wait for your dog to track you down using their powerful sense of smell. When they find you, reward them with praise and plenty of fuss. As they get better, make it trickier by hiding further away or behind furniture, or even outside behind trees. We bet they’ll still sniff you out!
Ready to explore more enrichment ideas for your dog? Our team in Towcester would love to help you create a tailored plan that keeps your pup’s nose—and mind—engaged all winter long
Contact us for tailored dog enrichment ideas
How to Bond with Rabbits and Guinea Pigs
Winter can be a quiet time at home in Northamptonshire, making January and February the perfect months to focus on building a stronger bond with your small pets. Rabbits and guinea pigs are social, intelligent animals that thrive on routine, gentle interaction and mental stimulation. Spending quality time with them not only strengthens your relationship but can also enhance their overall wellbeing.
Our team at Towcester Vets have compiled some great tips on how to build trust and encourage play.
If you’re experiencing any difficult behaviours and need help, just contact our vets in Towcester for advice on how to build a positive relationship, as well as a health check to ensure your pet is well.
Contact us for tailored advice
Bonding with your rabbit or guinea pig: building trust with gentle activities
Start with a calm environment
According to our vets in Towcester, small pets can be easily startled by loud noises or sudden movements. Create a calm and safe space by dimming harsh lights, moving slowly and speaking softly. This encourages your rabbit or guinea pig to approach you willingly, rather than feeling anxious or threatened.
Gentle handling and patience
Rabbits and guinea pigs need to feel secure in your hands. Begin with short handling sessions, letting them sniff and explore your hands while you pet them gently. Avoid sudden lifts; instead, support their body properly, keeping one hand under the chest and the other supporting the hindquarters. Over time, these gentle interactions will build trust.
Interactive play and foraging
Mental stimulation is essential for small pets. Towcester Veterinary Centre’s team recommend setting up indoor foraging activities using toilet paper rolls, cardboard boxes or puzzle feeders. Hide a few of their favourite treats inside to encourage natural digging and exploring behaviours. These activities provide enrichment, satisfy curiosity and allow you to observe your pet’s personality in a relaxed setting.
Bonding through routine
Rabbits and guinea pigs appreciate consistency. Daily routines, such as regular feeding times, gentle play sessions, and safe handling, help them feel secure and more willing to interact. Incorporating bonding activities into your usual care routine strengthens trust over time.
Speak their language
Pay attention to your pet’s body language. Our vets in Towcester share that a relaxed rabbit may flop onto their side, while a content guinea pig may purr or make soft chirping sounds. Recognising these cues helps you respond appropriately and build a positive, trusting relationship.
When to seek advice
If your rabbit or guinea pig shows persistent fear, aggression or unusual behaviours, it’s a good idea to speak with our team at Towcester Vets. Call us on 01327 350239 and we can book an appointment in which our team can provide guidance on safe handling techniques and enrichment strategies to ensure your pet is happy and thriving.
By investing a little time each day in gentle interactions, now can be the start of a stronger, more rewarding bond with your rabbit or guinea pig. Small, consistent efforts now can lead to a lifetime of trust and companionship!
Why not start with a new year health check for your small pet? Just contact our vets in Towcester to book an appointment.
Why Do Cats Knock Things Over? Insights from Towcester Vets
If you’re a cat owner in Northamptonshire, you’ve probably experienced it: you leave your morning coffee on the kitchen counter, turn around and your cat has sent it tumbling to the floor. While it can be frustrating (and sometimes messy!), this behaviour is completely normal, and understanding why cats do it can help you manage it better.
In this article, Towcester Veterinary Centre’s team reveal the reasons your cat may be displaying some frustrating behaviours and what you can do to avoid it in the first place. If you need more tailored advice for your feline friend, book an appointment and we’ll be happy to help and advise.
Why does my cat knock things off tables? Understanding feline behaviour
Curiosity and Exploration
Our vets in Towcester explain that cats are naturally inquisitive animals. Knocking objects over allows them to explore their environment and investigate unfamiliar items. Your cat may be testing what an object is, how it moves or whether it can be played with. Think of it as their way of ‘researching’ their surroundings.
Hunting instincts
Domestic cats still retain their ancestral hunting instincts. Small objects on tables or shelves can trigger their predatory behaviour, prompting them to bat, swipe or push items. Even though your cat isn’t hunting for food, the action of knocking items over mimics stalking and pouncing behaviour from the wild.
Attention-seeking
Cats are smart and quickly learn which behaviours get a reaction. Towcester Vets’ team reveal that if knocking your mug or phone off a table leads to a reaction – whether it’s laughter, scolding, or even being picked up – your cat may repeat the behaviour to get your attention.
Boredom and energy release
Indoor cats in Northamptonshire especially may have excess energy to burn. Knocking items off surfaces can be an outlet for this pent-up energy. Ensuring your cat has plenty of playtime, toys and mental stimulation can help reduce unwanted ‘tabletop adventures’.
Communication and territory
Cats use movement and scent to communicate. By pushing objects off tables, your cat may be marking territory or expressing a message, especially in multi-cat households where hierarchy plays a role.
Tips to reduce “knock-off” behaviour
- Provide Enrichment: Use toys, scratching posts, and puzzle feeders to keep your cat engaged.
- Vertical Space: Offer cat trees or shelves as safe climbing areas to satisfy their curiosity and climbing instincts.
- Limit Access: Keep fragile or valuable items out of reach.
- Positive Reinforcement: Reward your cat for playing with toys instead of objects on counters.
- Interactive Play: Daily interactive play sessions can help burn off excess energy and reduce mischief.
When to seek advice
Our vets in Towcester share that while knocking objects off tables is normal, sudden changes in behaviour, aggression or signs of stress may indicate an underlying health or behavioural issue.
Understanding why your cat behaves the way they do can strengthen the bond between you and your feline friend and might save a few mugs in the process! If you’re concerned about your cat’s behaviour, book a consultation with our team at Towcester Vets.
Camelid Blood Drive
We will be holding our annual Camelid Blood Drive @ Onley Grounds Farm CV23 8AJ on Monday 26th January 2026.
On this day we take blood from donor alpacas which is then transported to the Pet Blood Bank for processing to produce plasma. Plasma is a vital part of treating crias who don’t get enough colostrum at birth. At risk crias should be blood sampled at 36-48 hours old to assess whether they have had enough colostrum and if not, plasma can be given to boost antibody levels and try to prevent infections. Plasma is also an important part of treating any crias who do get sick.
At risk crias include those who are: low birth weight, premature, dysmature, those born to maiden girls who may not have as much colostrum and assisted births who may take time to suckle due to stress.
Plasma is not commercially available so this is our only way of producing this product and as we want to pass on antibodies that are specific to your farm, it’s important that each farm has its own supply. There is a disease risk in using plasma from other herds.
If you would like to register your interest in attending this day or for more information, please call the surgery.
Affordable Pet Gifts Ideas for Christmas
New research reveals that pet owners in Northamptonshire are set to spend up to £1.1 billion on their pets this Christmas.
Over two-thirds of pet owners (68%) are prepared to spend up to £50 to make sure their furry friends have a special day. From treats to toys and cosy accessories, it is clear pets are very much part of the family. But Christmas can also stretch budgets and you don’t need to spend a fortune to bring joy to your pets this festive season in Northamptonshire.
Our reception team at Towcester Vets have put together some budget-friendly gift ideas to keep tails wagging and whiskers twitching – all without breaking the bank.
Got some ideas you’d like to run by us? Contact our team and let’s chat about gifts!
Christmas pet gifts on a budget
Festive fun for dogs
Dogs don’t need expensive toys to enjoy Christmas – tasty treats and your company are what really matter.
- Frozen treat: Fill a rubber toy with plain yoghurt and a few blueberries, then freeze for a refreshing snack.
- DIY treat jar or stocking: Create a personalised gift filled with small, affordable treats.
- Affordable festive goodies: Check out our reception area at Towcester Vets for a selection of budget-friendly dog treats perfect for the holiday season.
Festive treats for cats
Cats love small surprises and cosy spots more than wrapped gifts.
- Cardboard castle: Transform delivery boxes into a multi-level hideout. Also a fun craft to do with the kids.
- Simple teaser toy: Tie a feather or scrunched foil ball to a string for endless play.
- Tuna topper: Add a spoonful of tuna in spring water to their dinner for a special Christmas meal.
Festive delights for rabbits & guinea pigs
Small pets appreciate enrichment and interactive play over expensive presents.
- Foraging roll: Hide hay and pellets inside a cardboard tube for a fun hunt.
- Natural chews: Twigs from untreated apple or willow trees are ideal for nibbling.
- Seasonal snacks: Offer a slice of carrot or a few fresh herbs like parsley or coriander.
Even on a tight budget, your pets can have a joyful, festive Christmas. With a little creativity, some recycled materials, and a sprinkle of love, you can make their holiday season special.
Our veterinary team in Towcester are always happy to help with ideas and festive treats for dogs, cats and rabbits—just drop us a line.
From all of us at Towcester Vets, we wish you a Merry Christmas filled with wagging tails, purrs and happy hops!
Festive Feasting: What’s on the Menu for Furry Friends?
We all love a Christmas treat, and it’s only natural to want our pets to share in the fun. But while some festive foods are safe, many traditional dishes can be harmful to dogs and cats.
Our team at Towcester Vets have put together two simple menus of safe Christmas food so cats and dogs can enjoy the celebrations safely. If you’re wondering what your pet can and must not eat at Christmas, ask our vets in Towcester for tailored nutritional guidance.
Contact us for nutrition advice
Planning a Christmas dinner for pets
Paws…to read this disclaimer: Changing a pet diets suddenly can cause upset tummies and anything new should always be given in small portions. Ensure any extras form part of your pet’s normal daily diet and adjust portion sizes to avoid overeating.
Now, to the good stuff!
Christmas Menu for Dogs
Towcester Vets’ team explain that dogs can enjoy small portions of plain, cooked foods – just keep things simple and skip the seasoning.
- Starters: A few slices of cooked carrot, green beans or broccoli make crunchy, low-calorie snacks.
- Main course: Lean white turkey or chicken (boneless, skinless and unseasoned) with a spoonful of plain mashed or boiled potato. Avoid gravy, onions and stuffing.
- Dessert: A few blueberries or apple slices (no cores or seeds) are packed with antioxidants and fibre.
- Festive extras: A spoonful of plain pumpkin purée or natural yoghurt can help digestion, but only in moderation.
Want more nutrition advice for your dog? Pop in to see us at Towcester Vets or call us on 01327 350239 – we’re happy to help plan a satisfying and healthy menu for your pet.
Christmas Menu for Cats
Cats are true carnivores, so their festive feast should be high in protein and free from seasoning or sauces.
- Starters: A little plain, cooked white fish such as cod or pollock.
- Main course: Small pieces of cooked turkey, chicken, or beef with no skin, bones, or gravy.
- Festive extras: Offer a spoonful of cooked pumpkin or a catnip toy for a fun, safe indulgence.
Remember, a festive meal should always be small and simple as too many rich treats can upset sensitive stomachs. If you’re unsure whether something is safe, call our vets in Towcester for advice.
Contact us for nutrition advice
How to Help Pets Stay Calm This Holiday Season
The festive season is a time of joy for families, but for pets, the sudden changes and excitement can sometimes be overwhelming.
Whether it’s dogs reacting to noisy gatherings, cats unsettled by visitors or small furries startled by new scents and sounds, the holiday season can easily unsettle our animal companions. If you have a busy household, a nervous pet or one who hasn’t encountered a festive period yet, contact our vets in Towcester for advice on how to keep them calm and happy.
Contact us for tailored advice
Veterinary tips for stress-free pets in the holidays
Dogs and the festive season
Dogs are typically creatures of routine, and all the extra commotion during the holiday season—from visiting relatives to fireworks around Northamptonshire and parties—can cause anxiety. Look out for signs such as trembling, pacing, excessive panting or hiding.
Our team at Towcester Vets recommend giving your dog a quiet, safe space away from the bustle and avoid forcing them to join in when they’d rather not. Simple steps can reduce pet stress during the holidays, such as using pheromone diffusers, playing gentle background music or working on calm behaviour training in advance.
Cats and Christmas chaos
Cats thrive on predictability and personal space. Rearranged furniture, new decorations or guests can leave them feeling insecure. If your cat starts hiding more often, toileting outside the tray or over-grooming, these are likely signs of stress. Keep food, water and litter trays in their usual places and provide quiet hideaways where they can retreat undisturbed.
Our vets at Towcester Vets advise slow introductions to visitors and helping anxious pets at Christmas with pheromone diffusers or calming sprays can make a big difference.
Caring for rabbits, guinea pigs and other small pets
Small furries are particularly sensitive to noise and handling. Frequent disruptions, loud music or over-enthusiastic visitors can cause distress. Keep their enclosures in a calm, quiet area of the house, maintain normal feeding and cleaning routines and handle them gently and minimally during busy periods.
A peaceful season for everyone
By creating peaceful spaces and maintaining familiar routines, you can help your pets feel safe and secure during the festivities. If you notice changes in behaviour or appetite, talk to our veterinary team at Towcester Vets and they’ll help you find the best ways to keep your pets calm and happy over the holiday season.
Talk to us for tailored advice
Winter Walk Preparation for Senior Dogs in Towcester
As winter approaches, many pet owners focus on keeping their elderly companions warm, but mobility safety deserves equal attention. Senior pets face unique challenges navigating icy pavements and slippery surfaces, making winter walks around Northamptonshire potentially hazardous for our four-legged friends.
Below, our vets at Towcester Vets have compiled some tips on how to prepare your dog for winter walks to avoid accidents or illness. Should your pet injure themselves while outside, our emergency services are available 24/7 in Towcester.
Understanding senior pet vulnerabilities
Ageing affects pets much like humans – joints stiffen, balance deteriorates and reflexes slow. Arthritis, common in older dogs, reduces flexibility and makes recovery from slips more difficult. Combined with decreased muscle mass and potential vision problems, these factors create a perfect storm for winter accidents. Senior pets also tend to be less confident on unfamiliar surfaces, making them more cautious but paradoxically more likely to stumble when they encounter unexpected ice patches while outside in Northamptonshire.
Pre-walk preparation
Before venturing outdoors, Towcester Vets’ team advise that you examine your pet’s paws carefully. Trim overgrown nails that might catch on uneven surfaces, and clip excess fur between paw pads that could collect ice balls. Consider protective booties – whilst many pets initially resist them, they provide excellent grip and warmth. For dogs reluctant to wear boots, paw wax offers an alternative. Apply a thin layer to paw pads before walks to improve traction and prevent ice accumulation.
Dog walking advice
1. Route planning and timing
Choose familiar routes around Northamptonshire your pet knows well, avoiding steep slopes and areas prone to black ice. Stick to gritted paths when possible, though be mindful that rock salt can irritate sensitive paws. Time walks strategically. Mid-morning often provides the safest conditions as overnight frost begins melting but hasn’t yet refrozen into treacherous evening ice.
2. Walking techniques for safety
Towcester Vets’ team advise keeping your senior pet on a shorter lead for better control but avoid sudden tugs that might unbalance them. Walk at their pace, allowing extra time for cautious navigation. If your pet seems hesitant about a particular surface, trust their instincts and find an alternative route. On particularly icy days, consider carrying smaller dogs over the worst patches, or invest in a supportive harness that allows you to provide stability without straining their neck.
3. Post-walk care
Always rinse and dry paws thoroughly after winter walks to remove salt and debris. Check for cuts, cracks or signs of frostbite, particularly between the toes.
Indoor alternatives for dogs
Don’t feel guilty about skipping outdoor adventures on treacherous days. Senior pets often appreciate gentle indoor activities – puzzle feeders, hide-and-seek games or simply extra cuddles can provide mental stimulation without physical risk. Remember, a cautious approach to winter walks around Northamptonshire ensures many more happy adventures together once spring returns.
In case of an emergency this winter, call us on 01327 350239 – take a look at our emergency vet service in Towcester information.
Understanding Hoof Abscesses
With the weather getting wetter foot abscesses are becoming more common. Knowledge of the common signs can help to catch abscesses early and treat them swiftly.
What causes foot abscesses?
Although abscess can occur year-round, changes in the weather especially in the spring and fall can increase the risk of hoof cracks or damage which allows bacteria to enter. When bacteria becomes trapped within the hoof wall, an abscess (pocket of pus or exudate) forms. The pressure build-up leads to pain and the clinical signs listed below.
What are the signs of a foot abscess?
Signs of foot abscess can vary from mild to severe but usually consist of the following:
- Lameness
- Reluctance to weight bare on the affected foot
- Swelling of limb
- Warmth to the touch of the hoof wall or limb
- Bounding digital pulses (to feel place hand over sesamoid bones at the back of the fetlock with gentle pressure)
- Discharge coming from the hoof or near coronary band
- Foul smell coming from hoof
- Object punctured in hoof such as a stone or nail can create a foot abscess so management may be necessary for and hoof penetration injuries
How are foot abscesses diagnosed?
Abscesses are diagnosed based on history and findings on clinical examination. Usually, an abscess that is near the sole can be located using hoof testers to apply pressure to areas of the hoof. Due to the high pressure within the abscess pain will be elicited when the affected area is pressed.
In some cases of chronic abscesses diagnostic imaging (x-ray) will be used to identify the abscess tract and guide drainage. Recognising signs and treating early can avoid the need for diagnostic imaging.
How are foot abscesses treated?
Foot abscess treatment can be frustrating dependent on location. If the abscess is easy to access, then the vet can open the abscess with a hoof knife to allow it to drain.
To encourage draining or help draw out an abscess, these strategies could be utilised:
- Application of a poultice pad to the foot (over the abscess location if known)
- Soak the hoof in a bucket of warm water and Epsom salt for 15-20 minutes 1-2 times daily.
Pain relief (such as phenylbutazone) may be dispensed by the vet to manage the horse’s comfort. The hoof should be kept clean and dry during treatment to prevent re-infection.
How can I reduce the risk of hoof abscesses?
Although it isn’t possible to completely prevent a foot abscess there are some strategies that can lower the risk of you horse developing a hoof abscess, these include:
- Ensure your horse’s environment is clean and dry by picking up manure and urine daily and keeping horses of very wet/muddy pasture.
- Keep your horse on a routine farrier schedule.
- Ask your farrier about your horse’s hoof health and whether it needs any additional care.
- Clean hooves out daily and check for any foreign objects. Always pick up any nails, metal, glass, or other sharp objects.
Danielle Bowles BVMedSci (Hons) BVM BVS MRCVS
