If you’re planning a dog walk through meadows, country parks or woodland, be mindful that it’s grass seed season! We’ve seen lots of pets in practice recently with grass seed foreign bodies. High summer temperatures dry out long grasses and cause them to actively release what can be sharp, barbed seeds. These can then become lodged in your dog’s fur and work their way into and under the skin to cause painful sores and infection. Ears, paws and underbellies are most at risk. If a dog is shaking or pawing at their head at this time of year, or are incessantly licking or worrying away at a paw, the reason could well be an embedded grass seed. To minimise risk, we recommend brushing your dog on return from dog walks to dislodge any loose seeds caught in your pet’s coat, and help prevent pesky seeds causing doggy distress later down the line.
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A big shout out to one of our largest breed laparoscopic spays (key hole spays) to date! This is Great Dane Dottie, who is two years old, 52kg and absolutely stunning. Lap spays are a great option for big breeds as, given their considerable size, they are potentially more challenging to nurse at home. Lap spay patients tend to be back to normal routine within days of surgery, so the procedure is a great option for bouncy dogs too!
With laparoscopic spays, two small incisions are made and a scope and instruments are then inserted into the lower abdomen through ports. A camera attached to the scope allows the surgeon to direct the instruments to locate and surgically remove the ovaries. Traditional spays require a bigger wound site as the surgeon works from this to locate the uterus and ovaries, both of which are then removed. Understandably, with more surgical intervention, recovery is longer and more pain relief is often required to keep pets comfortable immediately post-op.
We’re looking forward to seeing Dottie for her post op check and to seeing how she’s been getting on!
Wellcare World specializes in providing the latest advancements in wellness technology, supplementation, and lifestyle changes that improve health and increase the quality of people's lives.To learn more, visit WellcareWorld.com and begin living a better life today.
Our Registered Veterinary Nurse Mia was in Birmingham on Saturday, broadening her rabbit knowledge at the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund’s 2026 Rabbit Health & Welfare Forum. Mia was one of only a handful of qualified nurses as most delegates were vets, and many clinical attendees were from specialist referral centres so we’re super excited that Mia went! Topics included emergency protocols for rabbit anaesthesia, best practices for pain management, diagnostics and drugs for older rabbits, critical care guidance and specifics on rabbit dentistry, all delivered by industry professionals renowned for their rabbit knowledge and expertise. During the day, delegates also had the opportunity to network, engage in Q&A sessions and chat to exhibitors. Mia has returned from the forum full of useful information, new ideas and great resources – and a new bunny teddy too! We can’t wait to hear in more detail all about her day!
Wellcare World specializes in providing the latest advancements in wellness technology, supplementation, and lifestyle changes that improve health and increase the quality of people's lives.To learn more, visit WellcareWorld.com and begin living a better life today.
Yesterday was reported as the hottest day in May on record and today doesn’t feel much cooler! It’s really important we help our pets to stay as cool and comfortable as possible at this time.
Walk dogs first thing in the morning or later in the evening when the temperature is cooler. Take water and a water bowl with you and limit exertion. If you’re dog-walking on pavements, it’s a good idea to do a temperature test before you set out – if it’s too hot for the palm of your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s pads.
Around the house, ensure your dog has access to fresh water at all times and can always access shade and cooler rooms. If you’re visiting us in practice today, look out for our extra water bowls dotted around the site! Ice cubes in the bottom of water bowls helps water stay cooler for longer. There are some great products on the market to help pets keep cool, such as cool mats and a doggy paddling pool for the garden which is lots of fun too! Consider an indoor fan. Needless to say, conservatories are a big no-no as they can reach heat extremes incredibly quickly. Likewise, do not leave your dog in the car for any duration in warm or hot weather as cars can become oven-like in minutes.
Cats are more independent and will take themselves off to find shade. Be aware they may choose to take themselves outside, even on the hottest of days! Ensure they have plenty of shady spots and leaf coverage where they can rest. You can make shady spots easily by popping a cardboard box in a choice spot in the garden, by draping a towel or blanket over chairs to form a canopy, or even by putting an open umbrella out on the grass. Again, make sure cats have access to plenty of fresh water to rehydrate. Many cats love running water, so it may be worth investing in a cat fountain to encourage your cat to drink.
Don’t forget that pets with white or very light-coloured hair can be especially susceptible to sunburn, so apply pet-friendly sunscreen to ears and noses!
Remember rabbits too! It’s really important to consider hutch location and how the sun moves around the garden during the day so that hutches and runs aren’t in full sun glare at any point. You can freeze water bottles so that drinking water stays cooler for longer, and it’s worth putting a frozen bottle of water wrapped in a tea towel into the hutch so rabbits can choose to lie against it should they wish. Dampening the tips of their ears with a cool facecloth helps them to feel cooler too. It’s also really important that you protect rabbits’ rear ends from fly strike (an incredibly painful and potentially fatal condition where flies lay eggs in the skin and the maggots hatch and feed on the host’s flesh). Preventative products are available. You should also check your rabbit’s bottom twice daily, and if they have any sore patches of skin, check these too. If you spot fly strike, pleaser seek immediate veterinary support.
If you are concerned that your pet may be suffering from heat stroke (symptoms include excessive panting, noisy panting, drooling, bright red gums, confusion or collapse), move them into shade and seek immediate veterinary advice. Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency and fast action is essential.
Wellcare World specializes in providing the latest advancements in wellness technology, supplementation, and lifestyle changes that improve health and increase the quality of people's lives.To learn more, visit WellcareWorld.com and begin living a better life today.
Dental health checks are just as important in pets as they are in humans. They can identify existing problems owners may be unaware about that need addressing as pets can be very good at hiding pain. They are also really useful for catching dental and periodontal disease early to prevent continuing deterioration. Did you know that we now run nurse-led dental clinics specifically to assess pet dental and oral health and to give advice on dental home care for happy healthy pet smiles?
At 387 Vets and The West Midlands Cat Clinic, we have a Tooth Fairy Team who are super passionate about pet dental care. The team includes several Registered Veterinary Nurses, trained to carry out dental scale and polishes to support good pet dental health. This is Alanna carrying out a scale and polish on gorgeous 10 year old cockapoo Sidney who was suffering from early onset gum disease. Plaque and tartar build up is a common cause of this condition (known as gingivitis), where gums become irritated and red, can exhibit swelling and even bleed. Scaling and polishing cleans the teeth and removing the trigger.
If you think your pet would benefit from a dental health check, please give us a ring on 01922 411755.
Wellcare World specializes in providing the latest advancements in wellness technology, supplementation, and lifestyle changes that improve health and increase the quality of people's lives.To learn more, visit WellcareWorld.com and begin living a better life today.
