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 Call us for a pre-holiday health check!
With the school holidays fast approaching you may already have your holiday plans sorted – but are your pets ready for that "restful" break you are planning?
We love a break from routine but it can be a very stressful time for pets who view change as unsettling and may become anxious. Heightened excitement within the home as suitcases are dusted off can cause cats especially some uncertainty which may lead to a change in their behaviour and appetite. Consider leaving your cat at home and organise daily visits by a neighbour or reliable pet sitter.
If you are planning to board your pet whilst away, now is the time to check that vaccinations are up to date. Your pet will deal with their change in routine far better if they are fit and healthy and a veterinary check beforehand can be helpful in spotting any problems that may arise whilst you are away. If your pet has medication, make sure you have a good supply and the kennel or cattery staff are happy to administer it.
Rabbits and guinea pigs also need help surviving the hot weather. If housed in the garden, it is vital that they have day-long shade from the heat of the sun, plenty of fresh water and regular, daily care whilst you are away.
 Many dogs will be travelling within the UK on family holidays this year. If the weather is hot make sure you take precautions against heatstroke whether out and about or in the car.
- Always have a supply of fresh water with you.
- Never leave a dog alone in the car - even with windows open.
- Never leave your dog in a glass conservatory or caravan.
- Exercise gently at cooler times during the day.
- Always provide a shady spot for your pet on a hot day.
Canine blood donation - could your dog be a lifesaver?
 Our appeal to find canine blood donors has brought many ideal candidates through our doors and helped immensely with the collection of blood for needy cases.
We would like to add to our register of local canines so if you think you may have a dog who fits the criteria and you can spare a couple of hours every three months please, please read on.
We hope to host blood drives four times a year. The charity Pet Blood Bank UK will send their team to us here at the surgery, collect the vital supplies and process and store the donations, each of which can help up to four animals in need.
What are the criteria?
Your dog must be:
- Over 25 kg
- Between 1 and 8 years old
- Fully vaccinated
- In good health and not on certain medications
They must not have travelled outside the UK and most not have had a transfusion themselves.
It is vital that your dog has a good temperament and will be happy to comply with the procedure - we don’t want to cause stress to any dog that may already be nervous.
What will happen on the day?
 Your dog will have a health check and a blood test prior to the donation.- They will also have a microchip implanted (if they don’t already have one). This is to identify the animal and the donation on the Pet Blood Bank records and will be done free of charge.
- During the actual blood taking you are encouraged to stay with your pet (if you would like to).
- Most dogs are comfortable and happy whilst this procedure is carried out but if, for any reason, they become stressed - we will stop - the dog’s welfare and comfort are paramount!
 After the donation your pet will be checked over, given a meal and a goody bag. There’s also a bandana to show off at the park and a special toy.- The whole procedure will take no longer than an hour and the whole atmosphere of the session is very friendly and relaxed.
How can you help?
If you think you have a dog who fits the criteria and you would like to find out more, call our nurses on 01189 57 4488 or email admin@castle-vets.demon.co.uk
Even if it’s not straight away, or you have a younger dog – please bear us in mind – it’s for a great cause! More information from the Pet Blood Bank is available at www.petbloodbankuk.org or join them on Facebook!
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