We like to think we know when our pets are in pain – and often we do, when they’re limping or making a noise. But as they age, they experience many of the same health challenges we do, and one of the most common issues is osteoarthritis (OA). This chronic condition affects the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility and sometimes we don’t notice until someone asks us to really look. While arthritis can occur in any pet, it’s especially common in aging dogs and cats. Here’s what you need to know:

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that involves the breakdown of cartilage—the smooth tissue that cushions the ends of bones in a joint. Over time, this cartilage wears down, causing bones to rub against each other, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. This condition can affect any joint, but it’s most commonly seen in the hips, knees, elbows, and spine.

Some common signs to watch out for are:

• Stiffness, especially after resting: You might notice your pet is slow to rise after a nap or reluctant to move around after lying down.
• Limping or favouring a particular leg: Pets with arthritis may walk unevenly or show reluctance to put weight on a particular limb.
• Decreased activity or playfulness: If your once-energetic pet seems less interested in walks or playtime, arthritis could be a factor.
• Difficulty with stairs or jumping: Dogs might hesitate before climbing stairs or jumping into the car, and cats may avoid jumping onto furniture or may choose to nap on the floor.
• Behavioral changes: Pain can make pets irritable, and they might resist being handled or picked up.

If you suspect your pet may be suffering, please book to see a vet for an assessment. Diagnosis involves a physical exam to assess pain and range of motion, and potentially X-rays or other imaging may be recommended to confirm joint deterioration.

There are a range of options we can offer to help your pet feel more comfortable, making their senior years more enjoyable for the whole family.

As we approach fireworks season, many of us look forward to the dazzling displays that light up the sky. However, for our pets, these loud events can be a source of anxiety, stress, and even danger. At Larkmead, we understand how important it is to keep our pets calm and safe during these times. Here are some tips to ensure your pets are protected and comfortable when fireworks are in full swing.

1. Create a Safe Space

Animals can become very frightened by the loud booms and bright flashes of fireworks. To help them feel secure, create a designated safe space where they can retreat to if they get scared. This could be a quiet room, a cosy crate, a box (cats particularly like these – especially when placed high up) or even a secluded corner of the house with their favourite bed or blanket. Try playing calming music (some radio stations play pet friendly specific shows) or using a white noise machine to drown out the sound of fireworks.

2. Keep Pets Indoors

While it might seem like a good idea to let your pets accompany you to outdoor displays, it’s best to keep them indoors when fireworks are expected. Pets can panic and run off, increasing the risk of them getting lost. Ensure all windows and doors are securely closed, and if possible, draw the curtains to reduce the impact of flashing lights. Move walks to before dark so there is less chance of your pet being spooked whilst outside.

3. ID and Microchips

Accidents happen, and in case your pet does manage to escape, it’s important they can be easily identified. Double-check that your pet’s collar and ID tags are secure and up to date with your current contact information. Ensure that their microchip registration details are also up to date. A microchip is one of the best ways to ensure a lost pet can be returned to you quickly. You can check which microchip company your pet is registered with, visit Check-a-Chip. If you are unsure of their microchip number, please give us a call.

4. Medication

If your pet has a history of severe anxiety during fireworks, talk to us about calming medication. There are a variety available including pheromone diffusers, and prescription medications that can help reduce stress. A video consultation can be an easy way to discuss this with a vet and can be booked online.

5. Desensitization and Training

Most pets can benefit from gradual desensitization to loud noises. This involves playing recordings of fireworks at a low volume and gradually increasing the sound while offering positive reinforcement like treats or distracting with a game. Over time, this can help reduce their fear of loud sounds. Take a look at the Sounds Scary resources at the Dogs Trust. This is particularly useful to start puppies off on the right foot.

6. Stay Calm and Reassuring

Pets are highly sensitive to our emotions. If you remain calm and composed, your pet is more likely to feel secure as well. Avoid fussing over them too much if they seem anxious, as this can reinforce their fear. Instead, offer gentle reassurance if they approach you and let them settle into their safe space.

7. Plan Ahead

Check local event schedules for fireworks shows and plan accordingly. Keep an eye out for any neighbourhood celebrations that might catch you and your pet by surprise. If you know fireworks are likely, plan to stay home with your pet or arrange for someone to keep them company.

When to Call the Vet

If your pet experiences extreme anxiety or shows signs of distress—such as excessive panting, drooling, pacing, or trying to escape, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Severe stress can lead to health problems, and we’re here to help you manage your pet’s well-being during this time.

Fireworks might be fun for humans, but they can be terrifying for pets. By taking the right precautions, you can ensure that your pets stay safe, comfortable, and anxiety-free.

September is National Pet Health Insurance Month! As vets, we believe that pet insurance enables owners to budget for the unexpected, and if the worst happens, it enables our vets to carry out the most effective treatment.

Traditional pet insurance, however, can be very frustrating and leave customers with an unexpected bill to pay. Dealing with insurance providers refusing to pay claims properly also costs our team valuable time that could be spent focussing on our patients.

In March 2023 we were one of the first vet practices in the UK to launch a simpler, fairer approach to pet insurance with Pet Proactive. Their policies are designed to avoid surprises, and they settle claims directly with us.

Lots of our customers are now benefiting from their policies and their track record has been great:

• Every claim settled has been paid in full.
• Claims have been consistently paid quickly – averaging 5 working days every month.
• Over 90% of our customers get cheaper premiums versus comparable pet insurance products*.
• 93% of our customers have gone on to renew their policy with Pet Proactive*.

Some of the features that we like best about their policies are as follows:

• Any treatment or referral we prescribe is covered, up to the policy limit.
• Medical exclusions (pre-existing conditions) are confirmed at the start of the policy so no nasty shocks when a claim is made.
• Premiums are based on our fair pricing and Pet Proactive will never increase your premium just because you have made a claim.
• 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 of £100 irrespective of how many conditions you are claiming for, up to your annual claim limit.
• With the exception of routine scale and polish treatments, all dental work is covered too.

* as of end of August 2024

Sarah, Larkmead customer and Buddy’s owner commented on our social media:

“We made the move – We have been with PetPlan for nearly 20 years. What made our final decision –

• • one £100 excess per year
  • direct payments
  • much cheaper
  • the winning one EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE.

Thank you to Larkmead for making us aware. Great concept!”

Pets need to be under 6 years old to take out their first policy with Pet Proactive, this enables Pet Proactive to keep the premiums affordable as the pet gets older. To get prices for all of your registered pets under 6 years old, please visit their website here.

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August is officially ‘Itchy Pet Awareness Month’ so we’ve been sharing some info on our social media regarding some of the key pests that can affect our pets:

Fleas
This is probably the most common problem for our domestic pets and can be a real pain to get rid of. Understanding the lifecycle of a flea can help – find out more on our website here.
Humid weather makes an ideal breeding ground for fleas (and this also includes when we all put our heating back on!) who will jump onto your pet to feed, so a prescription strength anti-parasitic treatment is the best tool we have to prevent infestations in your home.
Fleas feed on blood so young or elderly dogs or cats can become weak or even anaemic with prolonged flea infestations but of course, all pets find them very itchy and uncomfortable and the constant itching can cause sores on their skin which can become infected over time.
Routine flea prevention treatments are included with our Lifetime Care Club membership – find out more here.

Mites
Although there are many species of mites, the main ones we see in practice are harvest mites, canine scabies and ear mites.
Harvest mites are common at this time of year and are red/orange in colour. They are picked up in the environment and their bite leaves behind enzymes that cause itching. You may even see some on your own legs/ankles and feel the same!
The good news is that their lifecycle is 10-14 days so may not require any treatment. There are a few parasite treatments that will kill Harvest mites (included with our Lifetime Care Club).
Ear mites are most common in puppies and kittens (although dogs and cats can get them at any age) and they are usually transmitted between infected animals. They cause intensely itchy ears and often lead to ear infections. Your pet will be regularly trying to scratch their ears, rubbing them on the ground or shaking their head.
Ear drops are available to treat infestation but these must be prescribed by a vet and are usually needed for around 3 weeks to ensure any eggs do not hatch.
Canine Scabies is a form of mange cause by a parasite and spread through contact. Skin often becomes red and crusty with hair loss and intense itching, often around ears, elbows and ankles.  Scabies can sometimes spread to humans and so direct touch should be avoided.
Treatment is usually via a specific medicated shampoo and dip and should be used on all animals (including cats) that are in regular contact with the infected pet. This may need to be repeated and further treatment may be required if any skin areas have become inflamed.

Lice
Lice are small insects often found in fur and louse species typically stay with their host mammal (e.g. cat to cat or dog to dog) and do not cross species. They can however live on fabrics and bedding and often lay eggs in these areas.
Female lice glue their eggs (nits) to your pet’s hair (near to the skin) and washing alone is not enough to remove them. Therefore treatment via specific products is required and these are available in spot-on, shampoo or sprays and should be used on all pets in contact with the infected host.

Right, now we are all feeling itchy, we’d like to reassure you that severe infestations from these pests are quite rare, provided you react promptly to noticing your pet’s repeated scratching and identify the cause/commence treatment. Please do give us a call if you are concerned!

Summer is upon us, hopefully bringing with it lots of long, sunny days perfect for outdoor adventures. However, the season also comes with potential hazards for our beloved pets. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind to make this summer safe and enjoyable for everyone.

1. Heatstroke: A Serious Risk

Just like us, pets can suffer from heatstroke. Dogs and cats can’t cool themselves as efficiently as humans, making them more susceptible to overheating. Signs of heatstroke include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, and collapse. To prevent this:

Never leave pets in a parked car: Even with the windows cracked open, temperatures inside a car can soar dangerously high in minutes.

Provide plenty of fresh water: Make sure your pets stay hydrated, especially during outdoor activities.

Create cool spaces: Ensure there are shaded or air-conditioned areas where your pets can escape the heat.

In extreme heat, do not walk your pet in the middle of the day, however much they give you ‘that look’.

2. Paw Protection

Hot pavement can burn your pet’s paw pads. Before taking your dog for a walk, test the pavement with your hand. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Opt for early morning or late evening walks when the ground is cooler and choose a shaded route with plenty of grass underfoot.

3. Beware of Parasites

Summer is peak season for fleas, and ticks, which can cause significant health issues for your pets.

Use preventative treatments: Regularly apply flea and tick preventatives according to the product instructions.
Regular checks: After outdoor activities, thoroughly check your pet’s fur for ticks and other pests. If you do find a tick, ensure it is removed correctly using a tick remover tool. Watch this video to find out how. You can find out more about ticks on our website.

4. Sunburn Isn’t Just for Humans

Pets, especially those with short or light-colored fur, can get sunburned. Protect your pet by applying pet-safe sunscreen to vulnerable areas like the nose, ears, and belly. Limit their sun exposure, particularly during peak hours.

5. Water Safety

Many dogs love swimming, but it’s important to ensure their safety around water:
Supervise swimming: Never leave your pet unsupervised around pools, lakes, or the sea.

Life vests: Consider a pet life vest for added safety in strong water currents, especially if your pet isn’t a strong swimmer.

Rinse after swimming: Always rinse off your pet after swimming to remove chlorine or saltwater that can irritate their skin.

Algae Blooms: Algae are naturally found in inland waters, however, when conditions are warm it is ideal for growth, and an algal bloom can occur which releases toxins that can be fatal to wildlife and pets.  During a bloom, the water becomes cloudy and may look green, blue-green or greenish-brown. Scums can form when bloom forming species rise to the surface – this can look like paint, mousse or small clumps. If the water does not look clear, it is safest to keep yourself and your pets out. Visit the government website for further information.

6. Grass Seeds

Grass seeds, particularly those from longer weedy grasses, are small, arrow-shaped seeds that can easily become lodged in your pet’s fur, skin, ears, eyes, nose, and even paws. Their shape allows them to move in only one direction, making them particularly dangerous as they can burrow deeper into your pet’s body over time.

Signs to look out for are Persistent licking or chewing of paws/legs, Head shaking or scratching at ears, sore areas on the skin that may have discharge, limping, persistent sneezing or coughing.

Find out more on our website.

7. Travel Safely

If you’re planning a summer road trip, make sure your pet is secured in the car. Use a pet seat belt, carrier, or crate to keep them safe and ensure they have shade. Make regular stops for bathroom breaks, water, and a bit of exercise.

By taking these precautions, you can help ensure your pet stays healthy, happy, and safe throughout the summer.

Wishing you and your pets a fantastic summer!

We’re so lucky living in Oxfordshire and having so many lovely green spaces on our doorsteps. The downside of these, is the hazard of grass seeds to our pets and recently, we’ve seen lots!

Grass seeds, particularly those from longer weedy grasses, are small, arrow-shaped seeds that can easily become lodged in your pet’s fur, skin, ears, eyes, nose, and even paws. Their shape allows them to move in only one direction, making them particularly dangerous as they can burrow deeper into your pet’s body over time.

Why Are They Dangerous?

Inflammation: Once embedded, grass seeds can track into the tissue, leading to painful inflammation.

Abscesses & Infection: If a grass seed becomes lodged under the skin, it can create an abscess, a painful, swollen area filled with pus. Abscesses often require medical intervention, including draining and antibiotics. Infections can be difficult to treat especially if the seed has travelled far into the tissue (and of course, grass seeds are not visible using x-ray).

Organ Damage: In extreme cases, grass seeds can migrate through the body, potentially reaching vital organs such as the lungs, heart, or brain. This can cause life-threatening conditions that require emergency veterinary care.

Respiratory Issues: If inhaled, grass seeds can become lodged in the nasal passages or lungs, leading to breathing difficulties and severe respiratory distress. Watch out for sneezing and trying to rub their nose – this can be an indicator that something is stuck!

Ocular Damage: Seeds can easily enter the eyes, causing irritation, redness, and even corneal ulcers, which can impair vision if not treated promptly.

Signs to Look Out For:

Persistent licking or chewing: Especially on paws, legs, or other areas.

Head shaking or scratching: Particularly the ears.

Red, swollen, or discharge-producing areas: On the skin or in the eyes, nose, or ears.

Limping: Or any signs of discomfort while walking.

Sneezing or coughing: Especially if it is persistent or severe.

Prevention Tips:

Regular Inspections: After your pet has been outside, especially in grassy or weedy areas, thoroughly check their fur, paws, ears, and other vulnerable areas for grass seeds.

Grooming: Keep your pet’s fur trimmed, particularly around the paws, ears, and other areas where seeds are likely to get caught. Regular grooming can make it easier to spot and remove any seeds before they cause harm.

Avoidance: Try to avoid areas with tall, weedy grasses during peak seasons. Stick to well-maintained paths and lawns when walking your pet.

What to Do If You Suspect a Problem:

If you notice any signs that your pet might be affected by grass seeds, contact us. Early intervention is crucial to prevent more serious health issues. Your vet may need to perform a physical examination, imaging, or even minor surgery to remove the seed and treat any resulting infections.

By staying vigilant and taking a few preventative measures, you can help ensure that your pet enjoys the great outdoors safely and comfortably.

Did you know there are over 800 types of ticks? When the weather warms up, the ticks start to breed and feed, potentially putting you and your pet at risk.

Groom your pet regularly checking for any ticks, particularly after walking through long grass or areas where deer/sheep may have been. Check around the head, neck and ears which are common areas for ticks to attach, but as they can latch on anywhere on the body, a full check is recommended. And most importantly, ensure your pet has adequate protection – this prevents the ticks from latching on and kills the tick once it begins to feed.

Ticks change colour when they have fed – they are usually red/brown when unfed and dark grey when fed and can be mistaken for a small blood blister type lump.

Tick bites can be uncomfortable for your pet, especially if they are not removed properly but worse, infections can develop, and many diseases like Lyme disease, Babesiosis, various tick-borne fevers, encephalitis and Anaplasma can all be contracted from feeding ticks, some of which can be life threatening.

Come and chat to us about the most appropriate type of protection for your pet – you can even spread the cost (along with lots of other member benefits) by joining our Lifetime Care Club!

If your pet does get a tick, don’t panic but ensure it is removed promptly and correctly. Vet Liz shows us how here. You can always bring your pet in to see one of our nurses if you need help.