As we head into fireworks season, there are a few practical things you can do to help your dog cope:

🐾Exercise and toilet your dog earlier in the day, before fireworks are likely to start.
🐾Keep the rest of the day calm and avoid unnecessary stressful activities.
🐾Prepare a quiet area in the place your dog already chooses to rest or hide. Add familiar bedding, toys and water, but do not force them to use it.
🐾Prepare familiar food-based activities, such as a stuffed Kong, lick mat, safe long-lasting chew or treats for sniffing. Try these in advance, as food activities can make some dogs more excited and ultimately increase their anxiety.
🐾Practise a short, enjoyable game with a favourite toy several times a week so it is familiar when needed.
🐾Check that doors, windows and garden gates are secure, and keep your dog’s collar on and their microchip details up to date.

If your dog is really suffering, please do book an appointment to talk to one of our vets or behavioural nurses about the next steps we can take to support them.

Cats can also find fireworks very stressful so there are a number of things you can do to help:
🐱 Ensure your cat is safely indoors before dark on evenings when fireworks are expected (it is worth practising this a few times if your cat is not used to be confined to the house).
🐱 Provide your cat with a safe and comfortable hiding place – a cardboard box turned into a den is perfect. Some cats prefer to be up high when they are stressed so if you can elevate this (to the top of the wardrobe for example) it can help.
🐱 Plug in a pheromone diffuser in the room where your cat spends the most time a few days before you expect any fireworks. These pheromones can help cats feel more secure. Ensure it is kept switched on throughout the firework season.
🐱 Don’t try to cuddle your cat unless it comes to you of free accord – unwanted attention can sometimes add to stress.
🐱 Lastly, ensure your cat is microchipped – if fright leads them to leave the area and get lost, this can help you be reunited.
If your feline friend is very anxious and the above tips are not sufficient, please make an appointment to come and speak to us as there are medications we can prescribe to help.

There has been a lot of talk in the media recently about vet pricing – prompted by the final report from the Competitions & Markets Authority (CMA) into the industry.

Whilst some of the headlines are misleading, there is a lot of good change coming in order to ensure that you, as pet owners, have transparency with your vet practice and can easily compare prices for routine care. At Larkmead, our prices have been published on our website for a few years now and we work hard to ensure that these balance the needs of our business (to pay our staff fairly, keep our premises well maintained, pay our taxes and ensure that we invest in staff training and our equipment) with those of pet owners wanting to give their pet’s the best care possible. And to this means, we encourage our clients to take out a good lifetime pet insurance policy when your pet is young. When they are healthy, your policy is unlikely to have any exclusions added, meaning you will be covered (to the policy limit) for any unexpected diagnostics, treatment and long term conditions that may arise.

At Larkmead, we partner with Pet Proactive who only work with independent vet practices and through this partnership, can offer greater clarity to customers and take away the hassle of claiming. Our collective aim is that you don’t waste time worrying about pet insurance, you deal with us, and we focus on your pet.

Whichever Pet Proactive lifetime policy you choose comes with the following good to know features:

• A clear and simple policy which confirms any exclusions from the start
• Based upon trust in our practice, so any treatment or referral we prescribe is covered up to your policy limit *
• Premiums are based on the fair pricing at Larkmead Vets and making a claim will not affect your premium
• Unlike most policies where you may need to pay an excess per condition per year, with a Pet Proactive policy, you only pay one excess per year irrespective of how many conditions you are claiming for, up to your annual claim limit. Larkmead will process your claims upon request with payment made directly to Larkmead. **
• Covers treatment through another vet practice if you are away from home
• Lifetime cover so your policy limits refresh every year

*excluding any pre-existing conditions

** Provided monthly premiums are up to date with Pet Proactive. If you are referred to another veterinary practice for treatment, you may need to make payment and claim this back. 

To take out a policy with Pet Proactive you must already be registered with Larkmead Vets, commit to your primary care with Larkmead Vets and your pet must be less than 6 years old (when taking out the policy). To find out more please visit the Pet Proactive website.

As summer starts to wind down, and thankfully the heat waves seem to be behind us 🤞, it is a good time to give our pets a little seasonal health check. Warmer weather, longer walks and time spent outdoors can all leave their mark, so a few simple checks now can help dogs, cats and small pets move comfortably into autumn.

Keep an eye out for itchy skin, sore ears, grass seeds, ticks and fleas, especially if your pet has been running through long grass or woodland. Fleas and ticks can remain active into autumn, and central heating often gives fleas a helpful boost indoors, so keeping parasite protection up to date is still important.

Late summer can also bring changeable weather. Some days may still be warm enough for heat-related problems, so continue to walk dogs during cooler parts of the day, provide plenty of fresh water, and avoid strenuous exercise in the heat. As evenings draw in, reflective collars, leads or lights can help keep pets and owners visible on walks.

Autumn hazards are worth thinking about early too. Conkers, acorns, mushrooms, slug pellets, rodenticides and antifreeze can all be dangerous to pets, so take care in gardens, sheds, garages and on walks. If you think your pet may have eaten something harmful, please contact your vet promptly for advice.

Finally, now is the ideal time to start preparing anxious pets for fireworks season. Creating a safe den, using background noise, checking microchip details are up to date and speaking to the practice early about calming support can make a real difference before the bangs begin.

If you have any concerns about your pet’s skin, ears, weight, parasite protection or seasonal anxiety, our team will be happy to help. Now, does anyone know where they put their coat? 😂

Now we’ve finally got a bit a sun, it feels like the UK is officially moving into holiday season – we’ve seen an increase in bookings for Animal Health Certificates from those taking their pets abroad, especially as (for many), Pet Passports are no longer valid (full details here). AHCs can only be completed a maximum of 10 days before travel but please do book in advance as the paperwork takes some time to complete.

Even if you’re staying in the UK, there are some things to think about when taking your pet on holiday with you:

🌴Try to take some familiar bedding with you so your pet knows they are staying in this new ‘house’. Whilst their full bed may not be possible, the cushion part or a blanket from home, can all help their holiday bed to feel more familiar. Don’t forget to pack their usual food and bowls.

🌴If your pet is on regular medication, ensure you have enough to cover your holiday and for your return – you can order repeat medication from us online for collection within a few days.

🌴Ensure your pets’ microchip details are up-to-date:
If you are not sure which microchip database your pet is registered with, visit Check-a-Chip and this will tell you which DEFRA compliant database your pet’s details are with. This is the primary tool that vets/dog wardens/emergency services will use to reunite you with your pet. Some companies allow you to add a temporary address for when you are away.

A top tip is to create a contact in your phone for your pet – use this record to keep their Microchip Number, the Lost Pet Number of your chip company and any other useful details to hand. This can help if you have become separated from your pet and need the information quickly. You can also add their insurance details for easy reference.

🌴A pet first aid kit is always helpful. Here are our top recommendations for contents:

• Bandaging materials
• Sterile saline (for cleaning wounds)
• A foil blanket
• A thermometer
• Blunt end scissors
• Tweezers
• Tick Remover
• Gloves
• Cleansing wipes

🌴Finally, remember that your pets cannot cope with the heat as well as we can. Paler skin animals need (pet-friendly) suncream and ensure they always have access to shade and fresh water. There are some more hot-weather tips on our social pages.

We hope you and your pet’s have a lovely holiday, even if you’re staying in good-old Oxfordshire!

As warmer months approach, ticks become an increasing threat to our pets. These tiny parasites lurk in grassy areas, woodlands, and even urban parks, ready to latch onto warm blooded animals passing by – particularly in places where deer and foxes roam. Whilst these tiny blood-thirsty pests might seem harmless at first glance, ticks can pose serious health risks to both dogs and cats.

Ticks can transmit a range of diseases, including Lyme disease, babesiosis, and ehrlichiosis. Symptoms in pets may include lethargy, fever, loss of appetite, and joint pain, but some infections can lead to more severe complications without prompt treatment. It’s important to check your pets thoroughly after walks and to remove any ticks as soon as possible using proper techniques – Vet Liz shows us how here.

Preventative measures are key in keeping pets safe. Consider tick prevention treatments (included with our Lifetime Care Club membership), keep your garden tidy, and be vigilant when pets roam in overgrown, long-grass areas. If you notice any unusual behaviour or signs of illness following tick exposure, seek veterinary advice immediately. Protecting your pets from ticks not only preserves their health but also ensures peace of mind for you and your family.

You can check your dogs risk using this free online tool which only takes a few minutes to complete. Bring the results in to your next appointment to discuss with your vet.

As devoted pet owners, we naturally want our pets to live long, happy and healthy lives. While regular exercise, a balanced diet, and plenty of love are vital, there is another aspect of pet care that is often overlooked: dental health. Just like humans, dogs, cats, and other pets need proper dental care to maintain their overall wellbeing.

Common Dental Problems in Pets

Poor oral hygiene can lead to a range of health issues for pets, including gum disease, tooth decay, bad breath, and pain. These problems are not only uncomfortable but can also affect your pet’s behaviour, and in severe cases, their internal organs, reducing their overall life span.

Signs Your Pet May Have Dental Issues

• Persistent bad breath
• Red or swollen gums
• Difficulty eating or chewing
• Pawing at the mouth or rubbing their face on the ground
• Loose, broken or discoloured teeth
• Excessive drooling

If you notice any of these signs, it is important to consult your vet promptly.

How to Care for Your Pet’s Teeth

1.      Regular Brushing: Use pet-safe toothpaste and a suitable toothbrush to brush your pet’s teeth – small, thimble like rubber toothbrushes are available in branch and these can be a great starting point. Ideally, this should be done daily, but even a few times a week can make a big difference.

2.      Dental Chews and Toys: Provide dental treats and toys designed to help clean teeth and massage gums while your pet chews. Ensure chews are not too hard to risk breaking a tooth – you should be able to use your thumb to indent the product easily. Monitor your pet with chews/toys for breakages that could become a choking hazard and ensure toys are cleaned regularly.

3.      Routine Vet Check-Ups: At your pet’s vaccination and health check appointments, our vets will examine your pet’s teeth and gums to check for any issues. They may recommend a dental descale and polish – although some groomers and other pet care providers may offer this service, a veterinary dental is performed under general anaesthetic. This allows us to fully clean underneath the gum line (which should not be done conscious as it can be very uncomfortable!) to remove all bacteria and build up.

4.      Healthy Diet: Feed your pet a balanced diet and avoid sugary snacks, which can contribute to tooth decay.

Long-Term Benefits of Good Dental Hygiene

Looking after your pet’s teeth is about more than just preventing bad breath. Good dental care supports a longer, happier life for your pet, reduces the risk of painful infections, and can even help prevent costly treatments down the line. By making dental hygiene a part of your regular pet care routine, you are giving your companion the best chance at excellent health.

Conclusion

Caring for your pet’s teeth is an essential part of responsible ownership. By being proactive and making dental care a priority, you will not only ensure your pet’s comfort but can also prevent serious health issues.

If you would like support on getting started with brushing your pet’s teeth (it is never too late to start!), please give us a call on 01235 814991 / 01491 651379 / 01235 633820.

January is the month when many of us make resolutions to increase our fitness and/or lose a few pounds. Whilst these good intentions may not last, we can certainly help you with the same aims for your dog.

Obesity in dogs is more than just a cosmetic issue and can lead to serious health issues like arthritis, diabetes, respiratory problems (especially with short-nosed breeds), and kidney disease. If your pet has gained weight, it is definitely worth seeing a vet and ensuring there is nothing underlying that may need addressing.

Once this has been ruled out, there are a few tips that can really help to get you on the road to success:

Look at the treats you give:
Treats should be less than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Try low-cal swaps by offering carrots and other dog-safe veggies as treats (these are good for teeth too!). If these are not palatable, then put aside some of your dog’s usual food to use as treats. Ensure no one is sneaking more treats to the dog!

Measuring is King!
Use a scale (or an old mug/measuring spoon once you’ve identified the right amount) to ensure you are feeding the right amount for their weight.

Seek help:
A healthy weight loss program reduces body weight by about 1-2% per week. Changing their food to one designed to support weight loss, whilst helping them to feel full can help but this needs to be introduced slowly. Our veterinary nurses offer weight loss clinics where they can support you and your pet to shed the pounds safely, and without too many “puppy eyes” pulling at your heart strings. Find out more on our website.

If you would like support on helping your pet to lose weight, please give us a call on 01235 814991 / 01491 651379 / 01235 633820.

As we embrace the festive season, it’s essential to ensure that our furry friends enjoy a safe and fun Christmas too. We’ve compiled a little video of hazards to be aware of in our busy houses at this time of year. You can watch it here.

As always, our team is on-call 24h should something happen so please do not hesitate to give us a call if needed. Out of our routine hours (which can be f0und on our website here), care is provided at our Didcot branch on Park Road ☎️01235 814991.