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.

Information correct at time of publication – please check the Government Website for the latest guidance and advice. 

As the colder weather brings birds migrating to the UK, the cases of Avian Influenza begins to rise and as such, DEFRA has issued a mandatory housing order for the whole of England to help prevent spread.

What does this mean?
Anyone who has a flock of more than 50 birds (this includes chickens and captive birds like pigeons or budgies) OR anyone who sells or gives away eggs, must ensure their birds are housed, preventing access by wild birds. Further information on this is available on the Government website.

In addition to this, all bird keepers must adhere to strict biosecurity measures such as:

Keep feed and bedding inside

Cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with captive birds.

Carry out vermin control

Reduce movement around captive birds and thoroughly clean and disinfect housing and concrete walkways on a regular basis. Keep fresh disinfectants at entry and exit points.

Make your premises unattractive to wild birds

What about other animals?
Current recommendations are to keep pets from having close contact with dead or sick wild birds, their droppings or feed/water bowls.

It is also not recommended to feed your pet non-commercial raw poultry meat, game or other wild bird meat. This also includes some chews or treats that may contain raw meat or unprocessed animal products.

Further information is available on the Government website.

What about if I find a sick or deceased bird?

Birds infected with the most serious strain of bird flu (highly pathogenic avian inflenza – HPAI) usually show some of the following signs and contact should be avoided:

• swollen head
• closed and runny eyes
• lethargy / lying down
• lack of coordination, drooping of wings, dragging legs
• decreased appetite/increase or decease in water consumption
• sudden death
• head and body shaking
• twisting of the head and neck
• breathing difficulties, sneezing, coughing etc
• discoloured or loose watery droppings
• swelling and blue discolouration and/or bruising and redness on the legs/neck

Sick birds showing any symptoms should not be taken into to a veterinary surgery (or wildlife rescue etc) without prior communication, to prevent exposure to other animals and humans. At Larkmead, we can examine the bird(s) but only once staff have been pre-warned and are wearing appropriate PPE, so please give us a call before visiting.

Please contact us to discuss any concerns, particularly if you wish one of your flock to be seen by a vet.

You should report any deceased birds to DEFRA via their website.

For some dogs, firework season can be a scary time. Not only is it dark outside but the loud noises can feel sudden and unpredictable. Whilst we do recommend desensitising and counter-conditioning your dog to firework noises using the Dog’s Trust Sounds Scary free online program, it is always a good idea to prepare safe and appropriate coping strategies for them – such as a Safe Den.

When dogs are nervous, they go into what we call a ‘protective’ state. During this time, they will use one of four coping strategies: Inhibition, Appeasement, Repulsion or Avoidance. During firework season, we mostly see avoidance being used – when we see dogs trying to hide to get themselves as far away from the noise as possible.

Why should I build my dog a Safe Den?
It is really important that your dog is allowed to do this as hiding will increase their general sense of security. Offering your dog somewhere safe to ride out the fireworks helps keep their fear at a low enough level that they won’t panic and try to run away, or cause damage in the home from attempting to hide somewhere inappropriate. It is also important that the Safe Den is created in advance of firework season so that it is already an established safe space for your dog.

Where should I create my dog’s Safe Den?
A Safe Den should be somewhere your dog is comfortable spending time in. They may already have a crate or a bed they like to rest in, or it might be a room they spend most of their time in. If your dog does not enjoy a crate, using the side of a favourite sofa, under a bed or beneath a table works just as well. A small space generally works best to give them that sense of security they are after.

How should I create my dog’s Safe Den?
If you are using a crate, you can start by covering it with blankets to help soundproof the area, and to make it feel safer. Take their favourite bed inside and lots of blankets for comfortable layering. If you are using a separate area, make sure there is plenty of comfortable bedding on the floor and if possible, cover with a blanket. This really works over a table to make a hidey space for your dog underneath. Make sure your dog has their favourite toys in the Safe Den to help them feel comforted and to also include any long lasting chews that they might enjoy. Chewing is a good activity for your dog to engage in when, and if, they feel ready to do so, as it helps calm them down and process the negative emotions they are feeling. Finally, ensure your dog’s water bowl is within close range so that they can safely access it.

How can I introduce my dog to their Safe Den?
Start by offering yummy treats inside the den. Give them their favourite chews and toys and allow them to have free access to it in advance. You might also want to do some fun training within the Safe Den to help build a positive association with it.

What else can I do during firework displays?
It is essential that every family member and visiting person is aware of your dog’s Safe Den and knows not to go inside it, especially when your dog is using it. Your dog must be left alone when using it, but it is okay if they approach you to offer some reassurance by giving a gentle pat and some calming words.

You can also play music to aid in relaxation. Classical or Reggae music can work well for some dogs. It may also be a good idea to use a more continuous noise to help cover the sound of fireworks, such as white noise. Try to get your dog used to this noise beforehand as this can be quite overwhelming for some.

If your dog really struggles with fireworks, or you find that they take more than a day to recover, please contact us to arrange an appointment with one of our vets so we can discuss medication and behavioural options.

We’re also sharing tips on our Facebook page this month.

Our pets are more than just animals—they’re part of the family and we do everything we can to keep them happy, healthy, and safe. But just like us, pets can face unexpected health challenges, and emergency veterinary care can soon mount up. That’s where pet insurance comes in.

Pet insurance helps cover the cost of medical care, emergency surgery and long-term conditions. Having the back up of a good insurance policy means we can recommend what is clinically the best option for the situation, and you won’t have to make difficult decisions about your pet’s health based solely on finances.

Coverage Options
There are so many options for pet insurance and unlike insurance policies for cars/houses etc, generally if you move insurance provider, any conditions that your pet has been seen for (even if you have never claimed from the insurance policy), may not be covered due to terms & conditions and exclusions. If you’ve never had pet insurance before, you can read more about the types of policies available (and why they’re not all the same!), on our website here.

In 2023, we were one of the first vet practices in the UK to launch a simpler, fairer approach to pet insurance with Pet Proactive. Over 600 of our clients are now benefiting from their policies – including the fact that once you have paid us your £100 annual excess, we accept all direct claims (e.g. Pet Proactive pay us directly for your bill) and (with your instruction) can make the claim on your behalf.

If you already have pet insurance, and your dog or cat is under 6 years old, unlike with the majority of pet insurance providers, you can ask Pet Proactive for a free Switch Check. Pet Proactive will provide you a quote and (with your permission) will check your pet’s clinical history and let you know in advance if there are any exclusions to your cover. You can then make an informed choice as to where to switch providers or not.  It is also worth noting that you do not need to wait for your annual renewal to do this – provided you have not made a claim during the policy year, insurers should allow you to cancel your policy at any time and provide a pro-rata refund of any unused months left on the policy term.

If you don’t yet have pet insurance, you can get a quick and free quote online.

Ultimately, pet insurance is about providing security and support when it matters most. It’s a proactive step to ensure your pet receives the best possible care throughout their life. It could be one of the best investments you make for your pet’s health—and your peace of mind.

Find out more about pet insurance and why we partner with Pet Proactive here.

On the weekend of the 6th and 7th of September, we are having some work done in our reception to improve appearance and operational efficiency.

During this weekend, we will be moving services temporarily to other practices in order to be able to continue to offer routine appointments and of course, our 24-hour emergency service.
All of our phone lines will be diverted to where the team are, so you can continue to use your usual preferred phone number should you need to call us.

Daytime Appointments

We will be providing routine appointments at our Great Western Park branch. We will be in touch to move any existing appointments if needed. All other daytime appointments for urgent care, will be directed to our Cholsey branch on both Saturday and Sunday.

Pre-booked Saturday appointments at Cholsey are unaffected.

24-hour Emergency Provision

This will operate from our Cholsey branch from the evening of Friday 5th September to the morning of Monday 8th of September. Cholsey has full hospitalisation facilities, along with separate cat and dog kennels for inpatients. Our team will remain on-site with any inpatients as usual.

We are doing our best to ensure that all services remain available during these works and we apologise for any inconvenience.

At Larkmead, we have several vets with a specific interest in treating ferrets, and there are several ways we can help owners to care for them. As well as providing treatment for unwell ferrets, there are several preventative healthcare measures that are well worth considering as part of routine pet husbandry. An appointment with one of our exotics team is a great way to start, as it gives us an opportunity to examine your ferret and discuss the various options, find out more: Ferret care | Larkmead Vets

At this time of year, we see a noticeable rise in cases involving grass seed injuries. While they may look harmless, these small, dart-like seeds can cause major problems when they become lodged in your pet’s fur, ears, eyes, paws, or even get inhaled.

🚨 Why Are Grass Seeds Dangerous?

Grass seeds (often from wild grasses) are designed by nature to burrow into the soil — but unfortunately, they can also burrow into your pet’s body. Due to their sharp shape and barbed texture, they can easily penetrate skin and tissues, leading to painful infections and abscesses.

Common problem areas include:

• Ears: Seeds can get deep into the ear canal, causing head shaking, scratching, ear infections and even deafness.
• Paws: They often become embedded between the toes, causing limping, swelling, or sudden lameness.
• Eyes: A grass seed can scratch the eye or hide beneath the eyelid, which can lead to discharge, damaged corneas or even blindness.
• Nose: Inhalation of a grass seed can result in sneezing fits, nasal discharge, or even serious respiratory issues if they migrate into the respiratory tract.
• Skin & Coat: Seeds can embed anywhere on the body, sometimes traveling under the skin and causing deep infections.

👀 Signs to Watch For

• Sudden, persistent head shaking or ear scratching
• Excessive licking or chewing at a specific paw
• Limping without an obvious injury
• Swelling or discharge from any part of the body
• Sneezing or nasal discharge after a walk
• Visible redness or discomfort in the eyes

If your pet shows any of these signs, don’t wait — contact us right away. Early treatment can prevent more serious complications.

🐶 What Can You Do?

Prevention is key. Here’s how you can protect your pet:

• 🧹 Check daily: Inspect your pet’s ears, paws, armpits, and coat after walks — especially if you’ve been near long grass or fields.
• ✂️ Keep fur trimmed: Particularly around paws, ears, and underarms, especially for breeds with long or curly coats.
• 🚶 Stay on paths: Avoid tall grass and wild fields during peak seed season (late spring to early autumn).

🩺 When in Doubt, Check It Out

Grass seeds can cause serious harm quickly, so prompt action is always the best response. If you’re unsure, give us a call.

Wishing you and your pets a happy, healthy summer!

As the sun shines brighter and temperatures soar, it’s important to make sure your furry family members stay safe, happy, and healthy. Just like us, our pets can struggle in the heat — but with a few simple precautions, you can help them stay cool and comfortable.

🌡️ Watch for Signs of Heat Stress

Unlike humans, pets cannot sweat so they rely on panting and limited sweating through their paws to cool down. Signs of heat exhaustion include:

• Excessive panting or drooling
• Weakness or lethargy
• Vomiting
• Bright red gums or tongue
• Collapse

If you notice any of these symptoms, move your pet to a cool place immediately, wet them with cold water and contact us or your nearest emergency vet.

🚫 Never Leave Pets in a Parked Car

Even on a mild day, a parked car can turn into an oven in minutes. Leaving a window cracked is not enough to keep the temperature safe. When in doubt, it’s best to leave your pet at home in the cool with the curtains closed – this is particularly important for elderly, overweight, or brachycephalic (short nosed) breeds. Similarly, never leave a pet in a conservatory.

🐶 Hydration is Key

Make sure your pet always has access to fresh, clean water. If you’re heading out for a walk (outside of the main heat of the day), take a portable water bowl and extra water. You can even add ice cubes to their bowl for a refreshing treat!

🏖️ Walk Smart

Try to walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler. Hot pavement can burn paw pads — if you wouldn’t walk barefoot on it, neither should they! Finding walks with shaded grassy paths helps to keep them safe and we are lucky to live near to such lovely green spaces.

Avoid playing ball games as this is very high energy play and can easily cause overheating. If you have multiple dogs, you may need to restrict inter-dog play as they often don’t know when is a good time to stop and rest.

❄️ Create Cool Zones at Home

Whether you have a dog, cat, or small furry, make sure they have a shaded place to rest. You can also use fans, pet cooling mats, or damp towels to lie on for extra relief. Do not cover pets, even with damp towels, as they quickly radiate heat back and increase the body temperature.

🐕‍🦺 Grooming for Comfort

Regular brushing helps remove excess fur, which can help your pet stay cooler. But don’t overdo it — some breeds rely on their coat for insulation. Check breed specific guidelines.

🐇 Small Furries

Ensure cages and enclosures are kept out of the direct sun and are well ventilated. Rabbits in particular, are prone to flystrike (when flies lay their eggs in their fur) and this can very quickly become fatal once the maggots hatch. Keep spaces clean and check your rabbits bottom at least once a day and clean and dry if needed.

💙 We’re Here for You

Whether you need advice, a summer check-up, or just want to say hello, we’re always happy to see you and your pets. Give us a call or book an appointment online!