Village Vet West Hampstead, 292 West End Lane, London (2024) (2024)

Happy World Chocolate Day! 🍫Although World Chocolate Day is a joyous occasion for chocolate enthusiasts, it's essential to be mindful that chocolate can be highly dangerous to pets, especially dogs and cats. 🐶😺Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are harmful to animals. The darker the chocolate, the more harmful it can be. Even small quantities can lead to serious health problems such as vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid breathing, elevated heart rate, and, in severe instances, seizures or, worse, death.By taking a few simple precautions, we can ensure a safe and enjoyable World Chocolate Day for all, including our pets. Here are some pet-friendly tips to consider:🍫Keep chocolate out of reach: Store your tempting chocolates in secure containers or cabinets to prevent dogs from reaching them.🍫 Educate friends and family: Inform your loved ones about the dangers of chocolate for dogs and ask them to keep chocolate products away from your dog.🍫 Avoid sharing: Refrain from sharing chocolate with your pet, as even a small amount can be detrimental.🍫 Stay alert: Be observant of signs of chocolate ingestion in your dog, such as restlessness, increased heart rate, vomiting, or diarrhoea. If you suspect your pet has consumed chocolate, contact your vet without delay.If you suspect your pet has ingested chocolate and is experiencing vomiting or any of these symptoms, please get in touch with us immediately.#WorldChocolateDay #PetHazards

🐰🐹🐇🐭The loud bangs and flashing lights of fireworks can be distressing for small animals. As Bonfire Night approaches, ensuring that your pets are well-prepared for the occasion is important. If you own small animals like rabbits or guinea pigs, here are some tips to help them remain calm and happy.🧶Provide extra bedding if your pet lives outdoors so they can burrow down and feel safe from any bright lights and loud noises. This will give them a comfortable and secure space to hide away from the excitement.🏡Consider bringing your pet indoors for the night to shield them from the noise and commotion of the evening. Playing some relaxing music can also help to muffle the sound of fireworks and create a calming atmosphere.🚪If your pet already lives indoors, close curtains and windows to dampen the sound of loud bangs and create a more peaceful environment.If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.#BonfireNight #Fireworks

🍂 🐱 As autumn sets in and the nights grow longer, it's time to prepare for Bonfire Night. However, while fireworks bring us joy, they can be distressing for our feline friends.As clever creatures, cats require extra care during this time. Here are some tips to help keep your cat safe and comfortable:🏠 Keep your cat indoors where possible and make sure they are microchipped🤫Create a cosy and quiet space inside where they can relax and avoid the noise.🐱Consider giving them calming treats or supplements to help them stay calm. A pheromone diffuser may also be beneficial, particularly to start using ahead of the celebration season.Do you have any additional tips to help fellow cat owners? Share your top tips in the comments below.If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us.#BonfireNight #Fireworks

The fireworks season is just around the corner, but for many dogs, this time of year can be quite distressing. To ensure that your canine companion feels safe and secure during this period, it's essential to prepare them ahead of time.Here are our top three tips for keeping your pet as comfortable as possible:🚪Keep your dog from escaping the house by securely closing all doors and windows.🎆Close curtains and blinds to help muffle the sounds and flashing lights of fireworks.🦮Walk your dog before it gets dark.🔒 In case of an unexpected event, ensure your pet has an up-to-date microchip with current information.❤️Give your dog plenty of love, attention, and fun activities to distract them.🐶 Avoid leaving your dog alone during this time.🎶 Have some calming music playing in the background to mask out the loud bangs of fireworks.If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us.#BonfireNight #Fireworks