Pet Care Information and Advice
At Drove we believe in the importance of preventative healthcare.
Preventative healthcare is high on the agenda, as we believe in working with our clients & pets to provide information & help on all aspects of pet health.
The cost of aiding prevention is often a fraction of the cost of treating a disease or problem once it has become more advanced. Early diagnosis and treatment can increase the likelihood of a positive outcome.
Preventive healthcare involves a combination approach that includes veterinary evaluation of your pet’s overall health and risks of disease or other health problems. Based on the findings, we will provide you with recommendations for your pet’s nutrition, dental care, vaccinations and heartworm/flea/tick prevention, as well as recommendations specifically tailored to your pet’s health status and risk factors.
Big enough to cope, small enough to care
Animal health certificate (AHC)
If you plan to travel abroad with your pet, your vet will need to issue an Animal Heath Certificate before you travel.
Dental health
A dental hygiene consultation can be arranged by appointment with a qualified Veterinary Nurse, where your pet’s mouth will be individually assessed as to the best prevention or treatment program.
Fireworks
The firework season may go with a bang for you and your family, but it is estimated that approximately 60% of pets become stressed and fearful. Ensure the experience is as stress free as possible for your pet.
First aid
Animal first aid is the immediate treatment of the injured animal, using facilities or materials at hand to help you. Contact a Vet as soon as possible.
Kidney disease
Kidney disease can occur in cats and dogs and, unfortunately, by the time it is detected usually 75 – 80% of the kidney function has been lost already. Many animals, however, can go on to live comfortable lives with the help of medical support and careful monitoring.
Microchipping
If your animal goes missing and is handed in, most vets, local authority dog wardens and animal welfare groups can scan the chip with a hand-held scanner and identify the owner within a matter of hours.
Age Related Behavourial Problems
Senior behavioural changes are well recognised in dogs & cats. The medical condition is known as cognitive dysfunction disorder however it is important to establish if their condition is due to this dysfunction or a medical problem. Common problems are:
- Disorientation
- Loss of house training
- Irregular sleep patterns
- Reduced interaction
- Irritability
If you are concerned about your pet, please get in contact with us, one of our Nurses or Vets will be able to talk through your concerns.
Arthritis
Arthritis means inflammation of a joint and can affect both cats and dogs.
What can you do to help your pet?
- Weight control is essential to ensure minimal load is put on the damaged joints
- Regular exercise, little and often, every day keeps the joints mobile and maintains muscle mass.
- Hydrotherapy
- Acupuncture
- Nutritional supplements, in the form of glucosamine/chondroitin
- Pain killers/anti-inflammatories. These do not improve the joint condition, but help to ease discomfort
For more information please download:
Ear Cleaning
Ear disease is one of the most common conditions encountered at Drove.
When your pet has itchy ears it is essential for them to be examined by a vet to try and ascertain the cause and the appropriate treatment necessary.
To try and ensure that your pets ears are kept clean and disease free a maintenance program should be followed. There are different ear cleaners for the type of wax you are trying to remove so check with your vet to ensure you are using the correct cleaner.
Maintenance program (to be followed every 2 weeks more if needed):
- Apply cleaner liberally to both ears
- Massage base of ear to aid distribution
- Allow pet to shake head
- Wipe away any excess with dry cotton wool
- If ear medications are also being used leave at least 30 minutes in between each application
Please contact your usual branch for an appointment to discuss your concerns.
Feeding and Nutrition
There is a huge variety in the quality, digestibility and consistency of pet foods.
The food vets and nurses recommend will be based on the importance of diet has in preventing many common ailments and diseases.
It is important that your pet receives a balanced nutritional diet that is appropriate for their age & breed.
Save money on feeding your pet by joining our Drove Pet Health Club, speak to a Veterinary Nurse in our practice for advice on feeding.
Heart Disease
A number of factors may contribute to heart & circulatory disease in dogs & cats including old age & obesity. Some breeds are pre-disposed to heart disease.
For more information please download our leaflet on Heart Disease in Dogs and Cats. As always if you have any concerns whatsoever about your Pet please contact us.
Neutering
Neutering (Neuter) is the removal of an animals ‘means to reproduce’, called Castration in Males- (removal of the Testicles) and Spaying in Females (removal of the ovaries and / or Uterus)
Save money on Neutering your pet by joining our Drove Pet Health Club
Castration – Cats
Male cats are castrated routinely from 5 -6 months old however they can be done before this if there is a specific need.
Castration helps to stop cats wandering, fighting & spraying urine
It is a very easy operation for males; there are no stitches and no after effects.
Castration – Dogs
Male dogs can be neutered from 6 months of age but it is recommended that you speak to our behaviourist first as this may not be the most suitable time for your dog, as they are all so individual as to when is the right time to be castrated..
Castration prevents testicular tumours in males, anal adenomas & reduces prostatic problems.
Spaying- Cats
Cats are spayed routinely from 6 months old but can be done from 14 weeks if there is a specific need.They may be spayed while in season or the very early stages of pregnancy.
If a female cat has had a litter of kittens, the kittens need to be weaned i.e. no longer feeding from the mother before she can be spayed.
Spaying – Dogs
Dogs can be spayed 3 months after their first season, or in between seasons.
First season may occur anytime from 6 months depending on breed and they last approximately 3 weeks.
Bitches should be strictly rested for 48 hours and only allowed gentle exercise on the lead until re-examination a week after the operation.
- Benefits of spaying:
- Stops seasons & unwanted puppies
- Attraction of males
- Prevents pyometra (womb infection)
- Reduces the chance of mammary cancer
- Prevents false pregnancies (a hormonal condition of dogs)
*There is now an option to choose a Laparoscopic bitch spay*.
Please download the below leaflets for more information and speak to us in practice.
Atopy (skin disease) in dogs
Disease of the skin can have a number of causes including infection and parasites but allergic skin disease is very common in dogs and cats. It can cause itching, hair loss, skin inflammation and redness, secondary infection and skin trauma. It can be very irritating to both pet and owner.
Vaccinations
A number of dangerous diseases can still affect our pets in the UK, and some of these can even be transmitted to humans. Vaccination is the only safe way to provide immunity against many of these diseases.
If carried out regularly according to your vet’s advice, it can protect your pet for life. Regular boosters are vital to maintain protection
Save money on your pet’s vaccinations by joining our Drove Pet Health Club
Cats
Kittens should be vaccinated from 9 weeks of age. They have a course of 2 injections, 3 weeks apart. The vaccine protects against: flu, enteritis and leukaemia.
The protective effects of vaccination are not immediate and the veterinary surgeon will advise you when your kitten may be allowed outside safely.
Immunity to these diseases does not last indefinitely and will gradually fall, leaving your cat at risk.
Yearly boosters are vital to maintain the immunity which will protect the cat from these infections and provide an opportunity for a yearly health check by our veterinary surgeon.
Dogs
Unless properly vaccinated, your dog runs the risk of contracting one of several possibly fatal infectious diseases. Parvovirus and Hepatitis probably represent the most widespread threat, but it is also necessary to protect against Distemper and Leptospirosis.
Puppies
Puppies can start their vaccinations anytime from 6 WEEKS of age followed by the second part 2-4 weeks later. We currently recommend vaccinating from 8 weeks of age. Puppies cannot have their second vaccination before they are 10 weeks of age).
Immunity to these diseases does not last indefinitely and will gradually fall, leaving your dog at risk. Yearly boosters are vital to maintain the immunity which will protect your dog from these infections and provide an opportunity for a yearly health check by one of our veterinary surgeons.
For more information please download our vaccinations guide
Weight Watchers
We offer a Weight clinic that is run by our Veterinary Nurses. These clinics are run individually and tailor made for your overweight dog or cat.
The aim of these clinics is to provide your animal with a real chance of significant weight loss. At the first consultation the nurse will take weight and waistline measurements and decide on the best possible route.
A goal date and target weight which will be mutually agreed by you and the nurse. Regular weigh in clinics will then be arranged to track the weight loss. Also remember an estimated 50% of dogs and cats are clinically obese.
Worms
Heavy worm infestations can result in vomiting and severe diarrhoea and cause a loss of blood, weight and condition. Worms weaken the immune system, and by migration through major organs can cause further problems e.g. pneumonia.
What can worms do to my family?
The greatest threat to human health is from the roundworm Toxocara. Children can pick these up from the environment, and then put dirty fingers in their mouths, and although serious consequences are rare, they can cause blindness, heart problems and epilepsy.
How can I treat my pet for worms?
To avoid worms reaching maturity and affecting your pet’s health, and to reduce public health risks, you should worm your pet regularly.
Please ask one of our vets who will be able to evaluate your pet’s health and your family’s requirements and advise you on a specific worming routine for your pet.
There are a number of different forms of worming available so even if administering medication is difficult; there will be a solution for you. Some are even available combined with flea preparations providing an all-in-one treatment!
Over-the-counter, shop bought, wormers simply lack the efficacy of the prescription wormers.
Save money on your pet’s worming regime by joining our Drove Pet Health Club
For more information please read some information below and get in touch to find out the best treatment for your pet.
Animal Rehoming
Dogs
Dog Warden – Swindon Borough Council
Dog Warden – Wiltshire Council
Kennel Club Blue Cross – Burford
Cats
International Cat Care (Formally Feline Advisory Bureau)
The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy
Wiltshire and district cat club
Wildlife
If you find an injured wild animal watch it for a short while to assess how badly hurt it is.
You can then contact us and we will be able to advise you on the best course of action for the animal.
All wild animals will become very stressed when being handled by a human so care should be taken when picking up these animals.
We have dedicated wildlife rescue centres that will be able to help and rehabilitate wild animals.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a common condition of dogs and cats but can be managed very easily.
A combination of diet, exercise and insulin therapy alongside careful monitoring of the condition ensures your pet can have a normal happy life.
Clinical signs:
- Increased thirst, increased volume and frequency of urination
- Appetite is usually increased but this is usually accompanied by weight loss
- Tiredness, poor coat condition
- In the more advanced, and sometimes life threatening stages of the disease, animal show severe depression, vomiting and inappetance.
Our diabetic clinics are an ideal way for you to receive support and understanding of the disease and its management.
Please read the leaflet below and contact us for more information.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a disorder in which seizures (‘fits’) occur repeatedly. There can be many causes of seizures and it is important that we check for these underlying conditions.
Sometimes the fit begins as a result of damage to the brain, but usually there is no apparent reason for the fits and the animal is otherwise completely healthy – in this situation the condition is known as epilepsy.
As the owner of an epileptic animal, you may have experienced the distressing sight of your animal having a fit.
It is important to remember that in typical epileptic fits the animal is unconscious and not aware that he/she is having a fit.
Also, in most instances effective treatment is possible, and many epileptic animals enjoy a pain-free, long and happy life.
For more information please download this leaflet and contact your usual branch for an appointment to discuss your pets condition in more detail.
Fleas
Flea bites cause discomfort and irritation. Many pets become sensitised to flea bites which leads to intense itchiness, and severe self-inflicted trauma flea allergy. Fleas are also responsible for transmitting tapeworms to our pets
Please consult us – we have found that many non-prescription preparations simply do not work well enough to achieve effective flea control.
It is practically impossible to prevent your pet coming into contact with fleas so regular treatments are necessary to control the problem and prevent a build-up within the home.
An effective flea control programme may involve the use of a combination of products. These attack both the adult flea stage on your pets AND the immature stages within the home.
Save money on your pet’s Flea treatment by joining our Drove Pet Health Club. For more information Please download some information below.
Insurance
Pet insurance will cover the cost of accident and illness so giving you peace of mind.
Drove offers FREE Direct Pet Insurance Claims!
See below our top tips to choosing Pet Insurance:
- Be mindful to check that the amount of the veterinary fee cover is adequate.
- Check that there is a no limit on how long you can claim for each illness. Chronic conditions can go on for life, not just for 12 months.
- Check your pet will be covered in later years when they are most likely to need it.
- Like you home and car insurance, pet insurance will have an excess which you will pay for each condition.
- Our staff will be able to give you completely impartial advice on what to look for when choosing pet insurance. Our only interest as a Veterinary Practice is to ensure we never compromise the quality of veterinary care on the basis of cost.
Please download the guide below for more information.
Pet Donation Scheme
We know there is never a good time to say good by to a beloved pet but did you know that Drove work closely with the Pet Gifting Programme to help qualified Veterinary professionals perfect the latest techniques. We appreciate its always a sensitive subject, but by donating your pets body to science it helps vets and vet nurses across the UK learn new skills and develop new procedures immediately benefiting individual practices and improve operational advancement in the industry as a whole.
The Veterinary Education Pet Gifting Programme is one way of ensuring that the loss of your pet helps sick animals in the future, using pets after the have been put to sleep to make a lasting contribution to the training of Veterinary surgeons and improve techniques in a surgical environment.
When the time comes to say goodbye Drove will give you the option of donating their body for educational purposes. This is entirely your choice and must do what is best for you and your family.
For more information visit www.apricelessgift.com
Thyroid Problems
Cats
Hyperthyroidism is over production of thyroid hormone and can be one of the most common hormonal conditions affecting older domesticated cats.
The most common presenting symptoms are:
- Rapid weight loss
- Increased appetite
- Rapid heart rate
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
Other symptoms include hyperactivity, possible aggression, an unkempt appearance, and large, thick nails. About 70% of afflicted cats also have noticeably enlarged thyroid glands.
If left untreated hyperthyroidism can be fatal but it can be very easily controlled and treated with medication or surgery.
For more information please download:
Overactive thyroids in cats 20220922.pdf
Dogs
Dogs tend to suffer more from under-active thyroid. This results in a wide range of clinical symptoms but commonly:
- Lethargy
- Poor coat condition
- Weight gain
It can be easily controlled and managed with medication once a diagnosis is made.
Vomiting and Diarrhoea
Vomiting and Diarrhoea can be caused by a variety of things:
- Disease within the gut
- Infections
- Eating spoiled foods or rubbish
- Foreign bodies or blockages
- Food allergies or hypersensitivity
- Disease elsewhere in the body that affects the gut:
- Liver disease
- Uterine infection ( Pyometra)
- Kidney disease
- Pancreatitis
- Hormonal conditions
- Some diseases of the brain
If your pet has eaten a toy / sock or any other foreign body or ingested chocolate or other poison they should always see a vet.
If the pet is vomiting or passing blood or looks otherwise ill, or is elderly/weak, or the vomiting has persisted for more than 24 hours, or if you are worried then you should always see a vet.
It’s always best to give us a call, and then we will be able to assess the situation and advise you accordingly.
Download our leaflet for more information Gastroenteritis 20220922.pdf
Whelping
Parturition (or whelping) is the act of giving birth. The gestation period (pregnancy) in the bitch lasts between 63 and 65 days. As an owner, you need to be aware of all the different stages of parturition and understand signs of difficulty or normality to guide you and your bitch through the process.
Care of the Neonate
The initial steps after parturition (birth) are to initially provide a warm environment and ensure that the puppies or kittens are able to suckle from their mother.
Weaning
As soon as they are able to eat it is worthwhile weaning them on to one of the complete foods of which there are many to choose from, but do make an appointment with us and we can advise you.
Drug Data Sheets
For more information on your pets prescribed medication please