We now have lots of Christmas stock in all our surgeries – treat your furry friend this Christmas!

Come on in and have a look at what’s on sale including:

Dog and Cat Christmas stockings

Catnip Toy ‘Christmas Puddings’

Turkey Wobbler Toys for cats

Lots of themed squeaky toys

Turkey and Cranberry filled bones for dogs

Chewable Santas and other Christmas characters for dogs

And much much more!!!

Our latest special offer is

BUY ONE GET ONE FREE

on Canine Royal Canin Mobility Support 12kg

Place your order whilst stocks last!

Telephone 01308 862312

GOING SOMEWHERE HOT FOR CHRISTMAS?

THE RULES FOR TAKING PETS ABROAD ARE CHANGING…

Now taking the family dog, cat or even ferret couldn’t be easier!  After the 1^st January 2012, dogs, cats and ferrets will need to be micro-chipped then vaccinated against rabies; however they will not need to have a blood sample taken.  You will then be able to return to the UK 21 days after the vaccination.  There is no longer a 6 month wait to re-enter the country.  A passport can be issued by the veterinary surgeon on the day of the microchip and rabies vaccination.

On re-entering the country there is no compulsory tick treatment but there is still some debate whether or not there will be mandatory worm treatment.  We still advise that you consult DEFRA to check the rules on the specific country you are planning to visit in case any extra tests have been carried out and they have any specific instructions you will need to follow. Visit our website and click on Pet Travel Scheme via our Related Links section for more up to date information.

Many pets become very scared of sudden loud bangs and any unusually loud noises. This can develop into a full-blown phobia, often most apparent in response to the sounds of fireworks. Dogs in particular might tremble pitifully, while attempting to hide in wardrobes/under the stairs, or chew through doors and the like to try and escape. Cats and other small pets (living indoors or outside) will often sit wide eyed and terrified, not knowing what to do or where to go.

There are a number of things which can be done to help. Some of these are simple and easy, others involve more planning and preparation. Here are some of the things to bear in mind:

1. Firstly keep animals safe. They are much better kept indoors. Cats should be locked inside (remember the cat flap) and dogs should be exercised before the noises start. Ideally have pets microchipped, so that if they do get out and try and escape, they can be traced more easily.
2. Close all doors and windows to help keep the noise out. Close curtains where possible, to help muffle sounds and control flashes of light.
3. Try and stay with your pet, and be as calm and relaxed yourself as possible. Do not try to reassure your dog or cat, or make a fuss over him/her, it does not help. Also never show any anger, or try to tell him/her off. Ideally you should shut your pet into a safe area, and stay there yourself. Have something to do, such as read a book or interact quietly with other family members, and ignore what is going on as much as possible. If a dog comes over to you, it is OK to give him/her a quiet
   stroke, then stop and get back with what you were doing. Making any sort of fuss about things just signals to your pet that there really is a problem and it is worth getting scared about it.
4. Try to provide a hide-away area or den. It should be enclosed and have lots of soft bedding. A wardrobe or cupboard might work. Lots of blankets or old duvets will help to make it cosy and absorb some of the sound. Cats like to get up high and be out of the way. If possible try to leave them in a hiding place. They are best left there if this is what they choose, but try to remain quietly nearby if you can. Being there and being relaxed is a great help.
5. Dog Appeasing Pheromones (DAP) or Feliway(the equivalent for cats) can be a significant help. Diffusers which release these calming chemicals into the room are not noticed by us, but are picked up by the animals’ more sensitive noses, encouraging a feeling of being at ease.
6. Zylkene is a non-prescription food supplement which is available for dogs and cats. It can have a dramatic calming effect on some individuals, and can be given for the whole of the firework period.
7. Sometimes mild tranquilising drugs are appropriate, and the vet can probably prescribe useful medication if it is needed. We can also provide contact details with qualified animal behaviour therapists, who might be able to help. (Please note: we try to avoid prescribing tranquilising drugs wherever possible as they only work to quieten your pet; animals are still fully aware of firework sounds
   and are still able to become distressed however, the effects of the distress is somewhat supressed by the medication, therefore the phobia still exists and will still need to addressed in the future).
8. If you know your dog is going to be scared of fireworks, then you can buy the Sounds Scary DVDs/CDs. These come with a lot of helpful information and can be used to teach your dog to be less afraid of loud noises, including fireworks. It
   is advised to use this along with a DAP Diffuser well in advance of expected fireworks; it is ideal to start using these DVDs/CDs no later than 3-4 months before the event/desired effect.

If you are going to let off fireworks yourself, then you can buy the less noisy varieties, and make sure your pets are well out of the way first. (Rabbit/Guinea pig hutches can be moved away and partly covered with old blankets.)

Avoid the firecracker types if possible. Products like DAP, Feliway and Zylkene are very
safe and worth trying if you have had problems in the past. Most animals get worse with the fear of loud noises as they get older (until they begin to go deaf!) so it is worth doing something for your pet. The Sounds Scary DVDs/CDs can also help with other fear-associated loud noises, such as thunder and gunshots.

We hope you enjoy preparing for your Halloween and Bonfire Night celebrations – but please don’t forget to prepare your pets too!

Have you ever wished you could spread the cost of your pet’s annual vaccination over 12 months? Do you occasionally struggle to keep up with worming and flea treatments throughout the year?

Our new Pet Health Plan will make it easier to budget for the vital preventative care your pet needs…

Routine check-ups and preventative healthcare keep your pet in the best
possible health enabling them to lead a longer, happier life.

Joining our scheme allows you to benefit from generous discounts on
vaccinations and year round worming and flea control with extra discounts on
many other products and services such as neutering and dental work. Another advantage is payment by monthly direct debit, keeping things hassle-free, giving you peace of mind.

What the plan includes

◆ Annual vaccinations

◆ Vet health check every year

◆ Flea control throughout the year

◆ Worm control throughout the year

◆ Blood and urine test (with senior Plans)

◆ Nurse health check every year

◆ Nail check/clip every year

PLUS

◆ DISCOUNTED Royal Canin & Prescription food

◆ DISCOUNTED routine pet neutering

◆ DISCOUNTED Identichip

◆ DISCOUNTED dental work

How to register

Membership forms can be completed at the surgery at your next visit – please remember to bring your bank details.

You may also sign up by calling in to reception to complete your
application form.

Please note: if you are within 4 weeks of your pet’s vaccination date,
please wait to register at the time of vaccination.

Join the plan today!

Joining is easy, and you start to qualify for benefits straightaway. Please call in at the practice to register or contact us with any questions you may have. This is a 12 month
plan. Full terms and conditions are available on request.

DOGS from £11.00/month     CATS from £10.35/month

Christmas will shortly be arriving once again and with it
comes several risks to your pet’s health. I am sure you are aware of the usual
suspects including chocolate but I’d like to highlight a few less well known
Christmas problems.

Grapes are toxic to dogs and occasionally to cause causing
kidney failure. Therefore any products containing dried fruit such as Mince
Pies, Christmas Pudding or Fruit Cake may be damaging. As the toxic dose varies
widely between individuals it is best to avoid giving your pet any of these
things.

Peanuts and Macadamia nuts have been shown to cause various
problems in dogs and cats including vomiting and diarrhoea. In severe cases
this can progress to twitching or fitting. These nuts often come covered in
chocolate which would make things even worse!

Turkey or other bird carcasses can be very interesting to an
inquisitive dog or cat but don’t forget that cooked bones can be very dangerous
and cause obstructions or damage to the guts. These same inquisitive animals
may also be drawn to shiny decorations and most vets will have a story of the
most unusual objects being removed from a dog’s stomach!

Don’t forget that plants themselves may be toxic if eaten or
chewed. Christmas trees, holly berries, mistletoe and ponsettias may all cause
a variety of symptoms from a simple tummy upset to fitting. It’s best to keep a
very close eye on your pets and keep plants away from them wherever possible.

One of our nurses, Steph, will be preparing her tortoise, ‘Mr. T’ for hibernation over the next six weeks!

Is yours ready?

For advice on hibernating tortoises and pre-hibernation checks please contact Steph at the surgery on:

01308 862312

We will soon be introducing to our clients Pet Health Plans which we have designed to be the best way to ensure your pet enjoys a happier, healthier life, whatever their age.

Our Pet Health Plan will provide your cat or dog with the routine healthcare they need, that isn’t covered by insurance including the following:

.   Vaccinations and boosters

.   Year-round flea, worm and parasite treatment

.   Twice yearly 10-point health checks and advice

.   Discounts on procedures and food

So, instead of facing a bill each time you visit the practice for routine care, being part of our Pet Health Plan will mean you can simply pay a predetermined amount each month!

Keep your eye on our news section for when this service becomes available, alternatively you may telephone Karen at the Beaminster surgery for more details.

Thank you to everyone who has sent us their competition art work, it’s going to be a very hard decision when choosing our winners!

The Paint Your Pet competition closes on 30th September – hurry and submit your entries if you would like the chance to win!

October will see the return of Hayley to the team who has been on maternity leave following the birth of her second daughter Madeleine – we wish her a warm welcome back to the fold!