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.

Did anyone hear Vet Tim (our Managing Partner) recently on Radio Oxford? You can listen here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0hcswcs (he’s at 0722am).

The subject (and you may have seen reports in the press) was a review the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) are conducting on the pricing of veterinary services.

We, as an independent practice, welcome this review. We strive to offer our clients clarity on pricing (and as such publish our routine pricing on our website and although we regularly provide estimates, we encourage our clients to ask if they would like clarity. Many of our team hold certificates in advanced veterinary care and this allows us to perform many of the services often passed to more expensive referral centres, in-house.

As a proudly independent practice, we are owned by the veterinary partners who work within the business. This gives us complete control over how we operate with the on-the-ground view of our clients at the forefront of our decisions.

We are committed to remaining independent, a practice where clients want to bring their pets, and to providing an excellent standard of care, including our own 24-hour emergency service.

At some time during your pet’s lifetime, we may need to check a urine sample to help us diagnose a problem. When that time comes it is useful to know a few things to understand why we do this and how to make the process slightly easier.

How useful are urine samples? 

We often look at urine samples at the same time as checking blood profiles. Together they are essential for staging and monitoring the progression of problems such as kidney disease. We can also get important information from urine samples on their own for other medical problems such as diabetes, haemolytic anaemia, bacterial cystitis, urinary crystals and Cushing’s disease to name a few.

A urine sample can be a good place to start an investigation particularly if you think your pet is doing either of the following:

• Showing signs of cystitis (inflammation of the bladder, which can be very uncomfortable) signs include urinating more frequently or struggling to urinate. Sometimes you may notice a change in smell of the urine or see blood or pink tinges in their urine.
• Drinking more than usual: this may indicate diabetes, infection or kidney disease for example.

Assessing a urine sample is a relatively stress-free way of beginning a work-up. It can tell us a lot about what may be going on and what we do next. It is also a very good thing to monitor when checking the progress of certain treatments.

There are two types of urine sample that we may consider using: 

1. A free catch sample (collected when the animal urinates). In dogs (male and female) it can be caught directly in a CLEAN sample pot or jam jar (we also have special urinary collection pots that come with a small funnel – please ask your vet or at reception if you would like one of these). In cats we recommend collecting it via a litter tray using non-absorbent cat litter (such as  Katkor which can be purchased from us or pet shops). ADVANTAGES: can be done at home in a relaxed environment DISADVANTAGES: Some contamination inevitable, incorrect storage or delay in processing may affect accuracy of results.
2. Cystocentesis (urine taken via needle and syringe directly from your pet’s bladder)
   ADVANTAGES: A ‘clean’ sample with no contaminants from the environment. This can be collected directly from your pet when they visit the surgery and processed without delay for accurate results.
   DISADVANTAGES: Requires a full bladder at the time of collection. Some patients not keen on having it done.

What should I do with a home caught urine sample to get the best results? 

1. Make sure your litter tray/collection pot is as clean as possible. Cat litter trays should be rinsed with warm soapy water and dried. Sterile sample pots are available free from the practice or use a well washed jam jar or leak proof plastic pot.
2. Aim to collect the sample as close to the time you plan to deliver it to the surgery as you can – first urination of the day is best if possible as it is most concentrated and can therefore give us the most information.
3. If there is a delay between collection and delivery store your sample in the fridge, samples should be delivered to the practice within 24 hours of being collected.
4. Label the sample with your pet’s name and surname, date and time of collection. When you deliver it to us, please let us know why you have collected the sample, plus any symptoms/changes you have noticed.

Usually, preliminary results will be available to you within 24-48 hours of collection as we have our own lab machines at the practice. If samples are being sent away to an external laboratory for tests that cannot be done with us (ie. bacterial culture and sensitivity testing), results will take slightly longer.  Please ask your vet for clarification.

As we embrace the festive season, it’s essential to ensure that our furry friends enjoy a safe and joyful Christmas too. At Larkmead, we want to keep you informed about potential hazards that can affect your pets.

1. Festive Decorations: Deck the Halls with Care

The allure of shiny ornaments, twinkling lights, and fragrant greenery can be irresistible to pets. However, these festive decorations can pose various risks:

• Decorations: Glass ornaments, tinsel, and small decorations can be choking hazards or cause intestinal blockages if ingested. Opt for pet-friendly decorations and place delicate items out of your pet’s reach.
• Christmas Trees: Secure your tree to prevent it from toppling over. Pine needles, if ingested, can be harmful to your pet’s digestive system. Regularly sweep up fallen needles and discourage your pet from drinking water from the tree stand.
• Lights and Cords: Pets may be tempted to chew on electrical cords, leading to electric shocks or burns. Keep cords out of reach or use protective covers. Supervise pets around festive lights to prevent accidental entanglements.

2. Seasonal Foods: Share Safely

While indulging in holiday feasts, be cautious about sharing table scraps with your pets. Some common festive foods can be harmful:

• Chocolate: A holiday favourite, but it contains theobromine, which is toxic to pets. Keep chocolate treats well out of reach.
• Sweets: Often contain Xylitol (a sugar substitute) which is toxic to pets – keep well out of your pet’s reach.
• Christmas Cake/Mince Pies: Contain currants and raisins which whilst we don’t conclusively know what is toxic to cats and dogs in grapes (in any form – including raisins), we do know that sometimes digesting just one can be fatal and cause kidney failure. For this reason, our first course of action is to remove the toxin – the quicker we can make your pet sick, the better.
• Fatty Foods: Rich holiday dishes can lead to pancreatitis in pets. Avoid sharing fatty meats, gravy, and other high-fat foods. Onion and garlic (often present in stuffing and gravy) causes damage to red blood cells and should be avoided, even in small quantities.
• Bones: Poultry bones can splinter and cause serious injuries. Keep bones and other leftovers securely disposed of.

3. Gift Wrapping and Packaging: Hidden Dangers

The excitement of unwrapping presents can be contagious, but the materials can pose risks to curious pets:

• Ribbons and Bows: Cats especially are drawn to these items, which can cause choking or intestinal blockages if ingested. Keep gift-wrapping supplies away from pets.
• Plastic and Packaging Materials: Discard packaging promptly, as plastic, Styrofoam, and other materials can be hazardous if chewed or swallowed.

4. Noisy Celebrations: Mind the Volume

Fireworks, loud music, and enthusiastic celebrations can be distressing to pets. Create a safe and quiet space for them to retreat to if the festivities become overwhelming – never force your pet to participate or dress them up if they clearly feel uncomfortable.

By taking these precautions, you can ensure that the holiday season remains a time of joy and festivities for both you and your pets. If you suspect your pet has ingested something harmful or is experiencing distress, don’t hesitate to contact us on 01235 814991 – we’re here 24/7.

We all know that as lovely as our dogs are at home where they feel secure, they can behave differently in stressful situations. And for many dogs, visiting the vets can be high on that list!

At Larkmead we offer Confidence Clinics with our nurses to help reduce your dog’s stress when visiting and we welcome owners to pop in if they are passing and just sit for a few minutes, chat to the team or use the weighing scales – all of this helps dogs to learn that visiting the vets isn’t always scary.

That being said, for some dogs the fear never wears off and it can easily turn into aggression during stressful situations (including those who dislike meeting other dogs).

For these owners and of course, those who own an XL Bully (or other similarly built dog), getting your dog used to wearing a muzzle in a relaxed way is a good idea, should one be needed.

On Tuesday 31 October 2023, the Government announced that the American Bully XL type dog has been added to the banned breeds list in England and Wales. To an owner who has an XL bully or any other similarly built dog as a pet, this is a major concern (please note that vets are not involved with enforcement of this law or defining the breed). As part of the requirements to fulfil the criteria outlined in the legislation, these dogs are required to wear a muzzle each time they are taken for a walk; and that alone is an upsetting prospect for some owners. Larkmead Vets aim to support their clients with dogs affected by this new legislation, to reduce stress and make the transition as simple as possible.

It is very important that the muzzle your dog will wear, becomes as familiar as using a lead. Putting it on should become a routine, stress free process before going out for a walk or into public spaces, including visiting the vets. To help with this, some dogs need to be trained to wear a muzzle.

Successful muzzle training takes time and patience, so it really helps to start as soon as you can.  Muzzle training should be carried out at home or in a space where your dog is relaxed and feels safe. It evolves from being happy around the muzzle, to becoming comfortable wearing the muzzle without pawing at it to get it off.

For advice and a video on muzzle training please visit the Blue Cross website where you will find some very useful information.

The Dog’s Trust also offer a range of muzzle training options, including free muzzle training webinars providing information about the most suitable types of muzzle; how to ensure a good fit and how to teach your dog to enjoy wearing their muzzle.

If you need further support, please do not hesitate to book a video consultation to chat with one of our vets.

Finding a flea on your pet is horrible – but knowing the lifecycle of the flea can help you get rid of them, and also explain why you can sometimes see them on pets regularly treated with anti-parasitic medication.

Fleas only jump onto the pet to feed – the rest of their lifecycle is in the environment. Most flea products work when the flea feeds and will either kill the flea before it can lay eggs or stop any eggs laid reaching adulthood – whilst this is an invaluable tool in the fight against them, it is not the only response needed when you do see an adult flea on your pet.

Flea pupae can take up to 2 months (in ideal conditions) to develop into adult fleas so it can be normal to see adult fleas appearing on a correctly treated pet for 2-3 months after initial treatment.

So what should you do when you discover fleas?

1) Reduce levels of fleas in the home environment:

Wash all pet bedding weekly at a minimum of 50 degrees Celsius.

Invest in a good quality household flea spray but BEFORE you use it: increase humidity and vibrations (this will trigger pupal stage of flea life cycle to hatch) – this can be done by hanging up wet towels to dry overnight and vacuuming carpets thoroughly before spraying.

2) Ensure all household pets are treated with veterinary strength anti-parasitic medication and follow the dosage instructions provided carefully.

We also recommend that any pets found with live fleas are treated for tapeworm. Fleas can carry a bacteria (Bartonella) which is transmissible to humans causing ‘Cat scratch disease’ AND can carry tapeworm eggs. If any human members of the household start to feel unwell, it is recommended to see your doctor and mention flea infestation.

You may need to repeat all of these steps to ensure that all eggs are eradicated.

The recent unseasonable humid weather we experienced will have been an ideal breeding ground for fleas so remain vigilant and unfortunately with central heating, the danger never really goes away!