News

The Christmas season brings joy, decorations, and Christmas trees into our homes. However, as a pet owner, it's crucial to know if these festive additions are safe for our dogs. At Eastcott Vets, we often get asked, "Are Christmas trees toxic to dogs?" The answer is yes, certain aspects of Christmas trees can pose risks to dogs.

This blog explores why dogs might find Christmas trees enticing, why they can be toxic, and how to keep your dog safe during the Christmas season.

Pets, much like humans, can experience anxiety. Recognising and addressing this anxiety is crucial for their wellbeing. At Eastcott Vets, we understand the challenges of managing anxious pets and are here to provide you with practical advice to help soothe your anxious dog or cat.

This blog will explore what makes dogs and cats anxious, how to manage their anxiety, and offer tips for keeping them calm.

Travelling with your dog can be an exciting adventure, but it requires some planning to ensure a smooth journey for both you and your dog. Whether you're embarking on a road trip, flying to a new destination, or simply heading to Eastcott Vets for a check-up, preparing your dog adequately is key to a stress-free experience. Here, we share some top tips to make sure your dog is travel-ready and comfortable throughout your journey.

If your pet has been to see the vet and they have been given a treatment plan, you may want to continue this at home to ensure your pet’s ears fully recover. Our guidance on caring for your pet’s ears below is based on post-treatment and after your pet has had a full examination on their ears.

We do not recommend that you clean your pet’s ears if they have not been examined by a vet or nurse. Regular ear cleaning for no reason can damage the canal or cause irritation that can result in further problems.

Treats and Hidden Threats: Protecting Your Dog from Xylitol Poisoning 

We love sharing the good times with our dogs, and sometimes that means indulging them in a special treat from time-to-time.  

However, together with the fun, it's crucial to be aware of hidden dangers that can be in seemingly harmless snacks. One of those dangers is xylitol, a sugar alcohol commonly used as a sweetener in many everyday products, which is perfectly safe for humans, but extremely toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. 

This blog post aims to provide you with the knowledge to keep your dog safe from xylitol poisoning. We'll delve into what xylitol is, why it's dangerous for dogs, the signs and symptoms of poisoning, and the crucial steps to take if you suspect your dog has ingested xylitol. 

Understanding the impact of stress on your pet’s health

We all know stress can take a toll on our health, but did you know it can also significantly impact your pet’s wellbeing? Just like us, pets experience stress and anxiety in response to various situations. Chronic stress, however, can have a detrimental effect on your pet’s physical and mental health.

We are delighted to announce that once again we have been awarded a coveted gold award by the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM). 

The silver years: Special considerations for senior pet wellness 

Our pets bring us countless moments of joy and unconditional love throughout their lives. As they enter their senior years, however, their needs can change. They may become less energetic, require adjustments to their diet and environment, and be more susceptible to certain health concerns. 

Understanding these changes and making adjustments to their care routine is essential for ensuring their continued happiness and wellbeing in their golden years. Senior pet insurance can also play a valuable role in providing financial security for their potential future veterinary needs. 

Summer is a time for fun in the sun, and many of us enjoy spending time outdoors with our pets, however, on the surface of ponds and lakes can be a hidden danger: blue-green algae. While not all algae are harmful, blue-green algae (also known as cyanobacteria) can produce extremely dangerous toxins and be fatal to dogs.  

At Eastcott Vets in Swindon, we want to ensure you and your dog have a safe and enjoyable time outdoors, so, here's what you need to know about blue-green algae and how to keep your dog safe. 

Summer is a time for fun in the sun, but it's important to remember that the warm weather can be just as uncomfortable for our pets. As dog owners, it's our responsibility to ensure they stay safe and stay cool in the warm weather.

Don't let the heat slow you down! With a few essential tips and tricks from Eastcott Vets, you can make summer walks enjoyable experiences for you both.