We are now implementing new guidance, from our governing body (the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons), which affects the prescribing of medicines.
The new guidance, that came into effect on 1st September, states that Vets must now undertake a physical examination of every pet before we can prescribe any antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral or anti-parasitic treatment.
How will this affect you?
Below, our head vet Jürgen outlines the effect of the new regulations. If you read their review and have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our team on 01621 828381.
Prescribing prescription medications
The new regulations state that a physical examination of every pet must take place before any antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral or anti-parasitic treatment can be prescribed. That means that your pet must be seen by one of our vets if we suspect that they have conditions like …
- Eye or ear infections
- Long-term skin conditions where antibiotics are required
- Suspected urinary tract infections
- Gastrointestinal upsets that may require antibiotic treatment
- We / you decide to change from one flea / worm /tick product to another
Our vets will make the relevant notes to allow us to dispense those specific flea and worm treatments for 12 months from the date of the initial consultation. We can dispense either 3 or 6 months’ worth of flea and worm treatment in one go. For flea and worm treatments you will need to request repeat prescriptions over the following 12 months via our repeat prescription service, either via telephone or via our website. In most cases, an annual examination at the time of your pet’s vaccination should be adequate for flea and worm treatment. Should you wish to change this treatment during the 12-month period, a repeat physical examination by one of our vets will be required.
The change in the Code of Conduct means that you may be asked to bring your pet in more regularly for check-ups to allow us to abide by this new guidance. The guidance is an important step towards ensuring responsible use and reducing the veterinary impact on the wider issues of global antibiotic resistance and decline of insect populations.
Due to the increased number of vet consultations that will be required to satisfy the RCVS guidelines for prescribing flea and worm products, we are unable to sustain free-of-charge consultations. We have now introduced a reduced flea and worm consultation charge to allow clients to purchase proven and efficacious flea and worm products.
The new RCVS regulations
The RCVS have published a detailed article that explains the full extent of the new regulations and you can read it here.
Independent vets best practice in Essex
We believe that the changes to the prescribing regulations were inevitable and are essential, as they are designed to address the rise in resistance to and environmental impact of the uncontrolled use of certain medicines, such as antibiotics.
However, in a world that’s already facing a cost-of-living crisis, we do understand that the new regulations may not be welcomed by some, as in certain circumstances they may drive an increase in care costs for your pet.
We want you to know that as a local independent veterinary practice we remain committed to offering our clients transparency, choice and value.
As autumn approaches, Edgewood Vets recommends that Purleigh pet owners should be concerned about several factors that can affect their pets’ health and wellbeing. Our pet-loving team have put together a list of the most common concerns to keep in mind.
Before we dig in… to combat seasonal changes and make sure your pet is in tip top condition before winter arrives, September/October is the ideal time to get your pet checked over by one our of friendly vets.
11 Autumn Concerns for your Pets
And what to do about them!
- Weather changes: Autumn in Essex can bring cooler temperatures, rain, and wind. Make sure your pets have a warm and dry place to rest, especially if they spend time outdoors. Consider providing cats with an outdoor shelter containing cosy blankets or beds to keep them comfortable. For outdoor small furries, start planning their winter indoor break.
- Falling leaves and plants: Besides strong autumn winds bringing down tree branches, some plants and trees shed leaves, seeds, or berries that can be toxic to pets if ingested. Be aware of any hazardous plants in your garden or nearby parks and prevent your pets from chewing or consuming them. Toxic berry varieties include:
- Deadly Nightshade – glossy black berries
- Bittersweet Nightshade – red when unripe and turn shiny black when mature
- European Spindle – bright pink or orange berries
- Mistletoe – white berries
- Antifreeze and chemicals: As the weather gets colder, people tend to use antifreeze in their vehicles. The team of vets at our Purleigh practice can’t stress this enough – antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, which is highly toxic to pets. Ensure that any chemicals or substances harmful to pets are securely stored out of their reach.
- Seasonal allergies: Just like humans, pets can suffer from seasonal allergies in the autumn. Vet Jürgen Theinert recommends keeping an eye out for signs such as excessive scratching, licking, or sneezing. If you suspect your pet has allergies, make an appointment at Edgewood Vets for a diagnosis and treatment.
- Decreased daylight hours: With the days getting shorter, it may be more challenging to find time to walk or exercise your dog during daylight hours. Ensure your pets are visible and wear reflective gear if walking them in the dark to enhance their safety. Cats are particularly at higher risk of accidents on dark nights; try to get them to wear a reflective collar or encourage them indoors with earlier mealtimes.
- Wildlife encounters: Autumn in Essex is a time when some wild animals, like hedgehogs, may be preparing for hibernation or seeking food before winter. Keep an eye on your pets during outdoor activities to prevent any unwanted interactions with wildlife.
- Halloween hazards: During Halloween, be mindful of potential hazards such as chocolate, sweets, and decorations. Chocolate, in particular, is toxic to pets, and decorations may pose choking or ingestion risks. There’s also the risk of pets getting scared and bolting due to trick-or-treaters in costumes, so be sure to keep your pets indoors around Halloween night.
- Joint problems: Older pets or those with joint issues may experience increased discomfort in colder weather. Vet Jürgen suggests owners consider providing their pets with extra padding or support to help alleviate any pain. It’s also wise to book your pet in for a pre-winter health check if they are having joint problems so our team can help them cope with the colder months ahead.
- Changes in routines: The back-to-school season and upcoming late summer/autumn holidays can disrupt your pet’s routine, leading to stress or anxiety. Try to maintain a consistent schedule for feeding, playtime, and exercise, even if they are being looked after by someone else.
- Grooming needs: Some pets may experience excessive shedding as they transition from summer to winter coats. Regular grooming can help manage shedding and keep their coat in good condition. If you are unsure how to groom your pet, book a nurse appointment at our Chelmsford Road vet surgery and they will be happy to show you how.
- Behaviour: Always pay attention to your pet’s behaviour and health during autumn, and if you notice any unusual symptoms or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us for advice.
So, there you have it, eleven top tips from our vets to help you ensure your pet sails through autumn 2023 unscathed. Before the winter cold snap arrives though, make sure to bring your pet to see us for their pre-winter check-up.
You can book a check-up online, or call us on 01621 828381.
If you live in Essex, the school holidays are just around the corner. For many of you, that may mean having a new furry friend joining your family! If you do plan on investing in a puppy or kitten this summer, read Edgewood Vets’ guide below on why this is an ideal time and how best to prepare for this exciting change.
Remember to contact our team to register your new pet and book their vaccinations, weigh-in & parasite prevention appointments, or you can start this process on our website – register your pet online
We also have a helpful guide on what to look out for when buying a new puppy or kitten – download it here.
Tips for purchasing a new Puppy or Kitten
Why the school summer holidays are ideal
At Edgewood Vets we typically see an uplift in new puppy and kitten registrations during July and August – good reasons for this include:
- You may have an extended period of time at home (depending on your profession and family setup) meaning you’ll have more time to properly care for, train, and socialise a young pet. Remember to ensure they get used to spending time alone though to reduce separation issues down the line.
- If you have children, they can be more involved with the early stages of your new pet’s development and acclimation to your home during the 6-week school summer holidays – the perfect time to teach them about pet care responsibilities!
How to prepare your home for a new pet
1. Pet-proof your home
Puppies and kittens are curious and love to explore their environment, so it’s important to make your home safe for them. This may include removing any hazardous items, securing loose electrical cords, and ensuring that all cleaning chemicals and medications are safely locked away. You may also want to install a stair gate to ensure your puppy’s safety. It is wise to check your garden too for hazards, including poisonous plants as young pets like to explore with their mouths.
2. Purchase supplies
Before bringing your new pet home, make sure you have all the necessary supplies such as food & water bowls, a collar, lead, a pet crate, bedding, toys and food suitable for a puppy/kitten. Talk to the breeder and try to stick with the same brand of food they were feeding the litter to minimise the risk of tummy upsets. Stock up on puppy/kitten treats and register your new pet with us at Edgewood Vets.
3. Plan for toilet training
Toilet training is an important part of your new pet’s early training, so plan ahead for this. Decide on a designated area in your garden (or home for litter trays) and establish a consistent schedule for potty breaks. It’s also worth investing in puppy/kitten training pads to use in your house in case of accidents!
4. Make arrangements for your absence
Puppies and kittens require a lot of attention and care when they’re young. If you’re going to be away during the day, make arrangements for someone to take care of your pet or consider using a dog day care service for puppies or a pet sitter at your home. Our team at Edgewood Vets will be able to advise on local pet sitters/walkers in Purleigh for you.
5. Research training techniques
Start researching training techniques and consider enrolling your puppy in a regular training class. This will help to socialise your puppy and you will both learn basic obedience commands. You can actually train cats to respond to some commands too!
6. Prepare your family
Getting a new pet is an exciting time, but it’s important to prepare your family, especially children, for the responsibilities that come with owning one. Teach them about the importance of gentle handling, proper feeding and exercise, and encourage them to be part of your pet’s daily care. By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to welcome your new furry friend into your home during the school holidays. Remember, patience and consistency are key to successful ownership and don’t forget to register your pet with Edgewood Veterinary Group.
Download and share our guide on the do’s and don’ts of buying a new puppy or kitten this summer.
In accordance with the governments new rules set to be enforced on Monday 4th January 2021 which will create a 3rd lockdown we have had to make some changes to our set up as a business.
According to the latest BVA guidance we are able to continue seeing people inside and we will be doing this as the weather conditions are getting worse and it will be unfair to have both our team, clients and patients standing out in the cold and wet over what could be more than 8 weeks. Please make sure you dress appropriately for the weather as you may be asked to wait outside or in your car until we have less people in the building.
What we will do instead is tighten our set up inside and the following rules will apply:
– Clients can come into the branches but with reduced numbers (1 client at Maldon or Burnham at any time / 2 clients at Purleigh at any time) and clients will now NOT be permitted inside the consult rooms to allow for a better social distancing ability.
We will consult in the waiting areas and with one person in at the branches privacy shouldn’t be as much of an issue. At Purleigh we will be organising a few privacy shields to enable a nicer consulting experience for our clients.
– Appointments will be lengthened again to allow for more cleaning in between clients and an elongated consult process so appointments don’t overlap. Please help us achieve this by arriving on time for your appointment (not any earlier or later).
– Children will not be permitted inside and we will be strict with having only one person per pet – if this creates any issues for you please do just call in advance and ask to speak to the manager so we can organise an alternative.
– Clients will only be allowed in with a face covering with no exception. Again as above please call in advance if this is genuinely an issue for you. We can discuss the matter and organise an alternative which may mean being seen outside under shelter.
– The doors will be manned so if you are arriving for an appointment please knock/ring and wait, if you are collecting a prescription please do call in advance so we have it ready for you.
– Treatment wise we are back to seeing cases which are considered essential only. So any regular check-ups, nail clips and anal glands (unless causing a real problem) should be left where possible. We have had to suspend our nurse clinics so anything you may see them for may also have to be postponed.
We haven’t luckily had to change too much and are operating as a more cautious “business as usual”. We understand that all of the changes this year have been difficult and Covid for one reason or another has affected our community greatly. Please do continue to help us by abiding by the rules set for us by the government and being respectful of our team who have to enforce them.
To Summarise:
If your pet needs treatment, call our veterinary team for advice on 01621 828381.
Talk to our team at Chelmsford Road, Purleigh, Essex, CM3 6QR about what’s best for your pet at this time.
Reasons YOUR PET should go to the vets include:
- Emergencies such as wounds, shock, stings, snake bites, poisons, toxic food consumption, seizures, GDV (bloat), trauma, etc.
- They are undergoing treatment for a serious illness.
- Unusual loss of appetite or a detrimental change in behaviour.
- Their anal glands need emptying – blockages can be painful and lead to infection.
If your pet experiences any of the above, call us for advice on 01621 828381.
Make sure you don’t over walk your dog
If you’re staying home due to COVID-19 self-isolation or social distancing, it might be tempting to spend newfound free time going on long and energetic walks with your dog. So far so good, but if there’s a whole family and everyone’s looking for an excuse to get out…Can too much exercise be bad for your dog?
The simple answer is yes. Dogs of different breeds and ages, and in different states of health require an exercise routine that’s right for them.
Ask our friendly team for advice on the right amount of exercise for your dog.
Here are some examples where caution is key:
- When it comes to Puppies, a ratio of 5 minutes of exercise per month of age (up to twice a day) will help protect their growing bones and joints e.g. 15 minutes (up to twice a day) for a 3-month old, 20 minutes at 4 months, etc.
- Large/Giant Breed Dogs (Great Dane, Greyhound, Boxer, etc) can be prone to joint issues so excessive land-based exercise isn’t always advisable.
- For Dogs in Recovery post-surgery, injury or illness, you should follow your vet’s guidelines which may include short walks little and often, and limited ‘ball play’.
- Seniors and Dogs with Health Problems such as heart disease, arthritis, and obesity do need to exercise, but not more than they can manage.
How to safely exercise your dog more
You should increase your dog’s exercise regime gradually, and allow time for a warm-up and cool-down period to avoid health issues. Exercise should be fun, happily tiring, but not exhausting. Remember, extra exercise may require extra food – allow 1 hour before and 2 hours after exercise for big meals.
Mental stimulation is equally important and exercise can include things like agility work, scent training, puzzle games and feeders. Why not try a new walking route or introducing toys to your dog’s routine?
If you have any questions about your dog’s exercise and nutritional needs during these extraordinary times, the Edgewood Veterinary Group team is always happy to help so get in touch.
