With Halloween at the end of this month (and, dare we say it, shops getting ready for Christmas!), chocolates are currently on sale in even more abundance! If you are buying in for trick or treating, please be sure to keep chocolatey treats well away from inquisitive canines. Milk and dark chocolates are made with cocoa solids which contain theobromine, a substance toxic to dogs. And the darker the chocolate, the higher the concentration of theobromine. The severity of chocolate poisoning depends on how much chocolate your dog has eaten, how big your dog is and the concentration of cocoa solids.
We strongly advise contacting your vet for advice if you know your dog has eaten chocolate. It’s really helpful if you have the wrapper with the ingredients list to hand. Here are Rolo and Mars who were in to see us recently for this very reason. We were able to act quickly and make them sick to prevent the toxins from taking effect. Even though they are fabulously named, no chocolate-eating allowed!
Use our poisons checker on our 387 Vets’ Advice 24/7 page for guidance on chocolate poisoning and a whole range of other toxins too.
And don’t forget, registered clients can use our VidiVet service to touch base with a vet for free. Great for concerns out of hours if you are unsure whether your pet needs to be seen as an emergency.
We wish all pets a happy, healthy chocolate-free Halloween!
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.
Happy British Veterinary Receptionist Appreciation Day to our amazing reception team! Here are Laura, Angie and Nikki, today’s front of house reception team superstars! A shout out to Clare too who is off today, and Beth who is on maternity leave. We love you all!
The recognition day was first championed by the British Veterinary Receptionist Association (BVRA) in 2019 to recognise the importance, diversity and challenge of the veterinary receptionist role. As well as being the first port of call for owners contacting the practice, booking pets in, dealing with owner queries and following up appointment reminders, receptionists liaise with our clinical teams to offer administrative support and update records when pets join us from other practices. They unpack orders, rotate stock, help with preparation of items (food and meds orders) for collection, help with managing clinicians’ diaries and so much more. It’s an incredibly rewarding job seeing pets at set intervals on their life journey and getting to know pet owners. As well as being here to celebrate pet highs, team are also here to offer support at sadder times.
Thank you to our fabulous team for all you do to help support pets and pet owners and the rest of our 387 team. We would be truly lost without you.
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.
Maggie came in to see us as her owner suspected she had eaten a plum that had fallen into the garden from the neighbour’s tree and was anxious about the plum stone. As Maggie had potentially ingested the plum the day before, we scanned her to see if there was any evidence of seasonal snacking. Sure enough, the plum stone showed up nice and clearly on the scan. We gave poor Maggie something to make her sick and out came a 3.5cm long plum stone! Even though she didn’t think it at the time, it was lucky for Maggie that the stone emerged so easily as, had it become lodged, she would have needed surgery.
Do watch out for windfalls in the garden as eating plums and greengages can lead to problems further down the line for pets. Wasps are also partial to over-ripe fruit, and now we’re also coming into apple season, there will be more about to catch out unsuspecting inquisitive noses and paws.
If your pet is stung on the face, and especially in the mouth, please ring for veterinary advice immediately as swelling can restrict breathing and be dangerous for our four legged friends.
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.
We hope you and your pets have a happy, healthy long weekend wherever you may be and whatever you may be planning.
Both 387 Vets and The West Midlands Cat Clinic will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday. If you need to see a vet urgently when we’re closed, please continue to phone the practice and follow the answer machine instructions.
If you have a non urgent query, check out the advice pages on our websites for lots of guidance and support. All our registered clients also have access to our complimentary VidiVet facility – a 24/7 vet-led triaging service. You should have a PetsApp message or e-mail from us detailing how to set this up if you haven’t already. Great for checking if your pet needs to see a vet and how urgently.
We’re open as normal on Tuesday morning. Have a great weekend and fingers crossed the sun shines!
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.
Petloss can be one of the most difficult experiences in life. These six steps will help you prepare yourself and your family for losing a beloved animal companion.
Whether your furry friend has been with you for a couple years, a decade, or more, saying goodbye is never easy. Here are some steps you can take to help yourself and your family cope with the grief that comes with pet loss.
Friends, family, and professionals are excellent support networks. Losing an animal can be as painful as losing a human loved one, and talking about your feelings can help. Reach out to a therapist or counselor specializing in grief or join a pet loss support group.
Sometimes, you might know when your dog or cat is living their final days. Create a bucket list of what you think their favorite things would be and start checking them off. Take them on their favorite walk (you can use a stroller or wagon if necessary). Give them their favorite treats. Bring over their favorite people. Let them nap in their favorite spot. The important thing is to spend as much quality time with them as possible—for the memories and to show them comfort and love. And don’t forget to take photos and videos.
3. Plan for Aftercare
Aftercare is about deciding what to do with your dog’s or cat’s remains. Some options include cremation, burial, or donating them for research. Cremation is the most common option, but you’ll still need to decide how to handle the cremains. Some people scatter the ashes in a special location, while others prefer to keep them in an urn. You can also opt for communal cremation, and the crematorium will scatter the remains.
4. Consider Euthanasia When Necessary
If your pet is suffering and their quality of life has deteriorated significantly, it may be time to consider euthanasia. It’s the most difficult decision a pet parent may ever have to make, but it may be the kindest choice for your furry friend. Discuss this with your veterinarian to better understand what to expect and prepare yourself mentally and emotionally. Euthanasia is considered a gentle death, especially when done in the comfort of your home.
5. Prepare Your Family
Be honest with children and family members about your companion’s condition and what will happen when they pass away. Encourage them to express their feelings and offer support as they grieve. It’s important to support each other during this difficult time. There are resources for preparing children for pet loss. Seek them out beforehand and choose a strategy that best suits your family. Some children and even teens may benefit from writing a letter to their dog or cat, coloring a picture, or picking flowers that can be sent with them when they go.
Get enough rest, eat well, and take time for self-care activities that help you cope with stress. You might even want to take time off work. Remember that everyone grieves differently, so don’t be hard on yourself if you’re struggling to cope.
Preparing for pet loss is never easy, but these steps can make the process a little less painful. Consider enlisting the help of a pet hospice or palliative care service. These organizations can provide support and guidance, help manage your pet’s pain, and provide emotional support for you and your furry friend.
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.
