Wicstun Vets News
Welcoming the New Year with resolutions for both you and your pets
As we step into a brand-new year, many of us will set new year resolutions to make positive changes in our lives. Why should this be any different for our family pets? Making resolutions for yourself and your pets can create healthy and happy habits and goals for the future. So, why not start the year with resolutions that cater to both you and your beloved pets?
At Wicstun Vets in East Riding, we are here to help you discover the significance of including your pet's needs in your resolutions and how these changes can boost your pet's mental and physical wellbeing.
Wicstun Vets have featured on a popular children’s TV series on Channel 5.
On 1st September 2023 our regulatory body, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) introduced new guidance on prescribing prescription-only medicines. There was a grace period until 1st January 2024 for some classes of medication including parasiticides (flea, tick and worming treatments). The new guidance requires that a clinical assessment, which usually entails a physical examination of your pet, be performed every time antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals and parasiticides are prescribed.
The guidance is an important step towards ensuring responsible antimicrobial use and reduces the veterinary impact on the wider issues of global antibiotic resistance and decline in insect populations.
Your pet will need to have seen a Veterinary Surgeon for an in-person consultation to make an appropriate parasiticide treatment plan personalised to their lifestyle and risk. We will aim to do this at regular, routine vaccination and health check appointments to reduce the need for additional appointments. However, a separate 'parasiticide check up' consultation may be required.
We will enter a prescription 'authorisation' of our recommendations onto your pet's clinical notes, which can then be used to issue medication for the following 12-months. Once this authorisation is in place you can order parasiticide treatment as you previously have done so.
We are offering a reduced consultation fee of £39.00 for a 'parasiticide check up' consultation. This is free for members of our Pet Health for Life (PH4L) plan.
For long term prescription medication which is not an antimicrobial/antiparasitic, our usual policy of requiring a regular examination usually every 3-6 months continues to apply. The medication review consultations will be charged at our usual fees.
You can read the full guidance from the RCVS on their website
Here at Wicstun Vets, we are committed to providing the best quality healthcare for your pet.
Essential research
There are many things to consider before you commit to a new pet and research is one of the best ways to prepare yourself. If you already have pets, then understanding how introducing a new pet could impact or affect your current animals is one important consideration. When choosing a pet, your decisions should be based on what best suits your lifestyle and living situation. Doing research on the different species and breeds will help you find a pet that matches your preferences and will teach you about their specific needs.
Caring for your senior pet
A dog or cat is considered senior after around 7 years of age, depending on the breed. Their needs may change as they get older, and you may need to care for them in different ways and make things more accessible. A senior pet may need more rest and comfort. They may also need easier access to their bed, food and water, especially if they develop arthritis or hip dysplasia. As every pet is unique, they show signs of ageing differently so it’s important to make some considerations where you can.
Over the last year, we have seen our costs increase significantly and we have absorbed the majority of these additional costs to try and support our customers during difficult times. However, with costs continuing to escalate, our prices need to increase to offset at least some of these higher costs.
What does antibiotic resistance mean?
Antibiotics can be effective at treating bacterial infections. However, over time bacteria can evolve to become resistant to some antibiotics, making them less effective. The more we use antibiotics then the more quickly bacteria may adapt.
Alabama Rot, also known as Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy (CRGV), is a rare but serious and potentially life-threatening disease that affects dogs. While it’s relatively rare, it’s crucial for dog owners to be aware of this condition, understand what it is, and learn how to protect their furry companions from it. In this blog, we’ll delve into what Alabama Rot is, its symptoms, and most importantly, how you can take preventive measures to keep your beloved dog safe.
Navigating autumn’s hidden hazards: Can dogs eat conkers?
As the vibrant autumn leaves begin to fall, our canine companions eagerly join us in exploring the wonders of autumn. Amidst this picturesque backdrop, one common autumn sight is the iconic conker - the intriguing, shiny chestnut-like seed from horse chestnut trees.
Conkers possess a charming allure for children, adults, and animals alike. However, as dog lovers, it's crucial to be informed about the potential risks that these seemingly innocent seeds pose to our furry friends. In this article, we explore the question, “Are conkers harmful to dogs?”
Bringing a new puppy into your home can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it's important to be prepared for the behaviours that may come with it. Here are 7 behaviours to look out for in a new puppy, to get you better prepared for your new family addition…