Upton-upon-Severn 01684 592606
Lower Wick 01905 422294

Pet Advice

Great advice from our wonderful team

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Dentistry

Just like people dogs, cats and rabbits need regular dental care and checks.

For dogs and cats regular brushing and dry food can help keep their teeth in good condition. Rabbits need plenty of forage and vegetation to chew on for their teeth.

Our nursing team offer free dental checks for any pet, and can show you how to clean their teeth at home. Checking of the mouth and teeth is also part of the full health check given to your pet during their annual booster vaccine with one of our vets, and for members of the Pet Health Club during their free 6 monthly check.

The important things to remember are that dogs and cats must have special pet toothpaste (minty toothpaste with fluoride is not advised!) and also to introduce a new teeth cleaning regime slowly so as not to scare your pet. They should first get used to you looking at their teeth, and then introduce a finger in around their teeth and gums before introducing toothpaste and finally the brush. The earlier in a pets life that you begin this the better, it will keep their teeth clean, their breath fresh and help to delay or prevent dental procedures later in life.

We have a dental machine at both practices. The Upton upon Severn surgery has a new, state of the art dental machine which is excellent for complicated tooth extractions which are often needed.

We are also able to perform dental x-rays at the Upton surgery which enables us to assess your pet’s mouth just as your own dentist would when you go for checks. We are then able to monitor any issues and plan any extractions carefully.

Leptospirosis

There have been recent reports of leptospirosis cases in dogs in the local area. In the last few years, new varieties (strains) of leptospirosis have emerged and newer vaccines (including the L4 vaccine) target four strains of the disease rather than just the two strains which were included in the older vaccines.

What is Leptospirosis?
It is a widespread bacterial disease affecting a number of species of animals.

How is it Transmitted?
It can be transmitted by contact with infected urine, either directly or indirectly from a contaminated environment e.g. stagnant water supplies, ponds or lakes (wild rodents such as rats can carry the disease, and without ever showing signs of illness, shed it in their urine).

What Should I Look Out for?

  • Anorexia          
  • Lethargy
  • High Fever
  • Acute Renal failure
  • Vomiting and Diarrhoea    
  • Jaundice (due to liver impairment)

How Can I Prevent my Dog Getting it?
Vaccination is considered the best way to protect your dog.

At Stocks Vet we have been using the L4 vaccine, which includes protection against two new strains, since the summer of 2014.

If your dog has not been vaccinated (either via an initial course or booster) since then please contact Stocks Vets to arrange an appointment.