Dos & Cat Vaccine Special Offer
During these difficult economic times, it is easy to think that skipping the annual booster for your pet is an option. However, by doing this, you will leave your pet unprotected against potentially fatal diseases. Chandlers Ford is a high risk area for Canine Leptospirosis which requires annual re-vaccination. There is also an outbreak of a new strain of parvovirus in the Midlands and we are aware of a dog visiting this area whilst incubating this disease. For cats there is an ongoing risk of virulent cat flu nationally.

So to try and assist you during the credit crunch, we have successfully negotiated with our vaccine manufacturers the following special prices with effect from 1st May 2009 on all our vaccinations for dogs and cats – CATS Booster - £39.99 (Including Leukaemia) Course - £49.99 (Including Leukaemia) CATS Booster - £27.99 (Excluding Leukaemia) Course - £37.99 (Excluding Leukaemia) DOGS Booster - £31.99 Course - £45.99

If you would like more information or would like to make an appointment please contact us on 023 8026 8001.

RECOMMEND A FRIEND
to register their pet(s) at Village Veterinary Centre And receive a FREE GOODY BAG for YOU and YOUR FRIEND*

Just ask your friend to write your name and address on their registration form You will then be able to claim your goody bag at your next visit. Your friend will be able to claim their goody bag at their first visit.

Contact us for more information or call in and collect a leaflet. *Conditions apply

Rescuing Baby Wild Birds
Valley Park and surrounding areas support a wealth of wildlife and every summer, many baby birds are brought in to the practice for us to rear and therefore, we felt it may be helpful to pass on some tips:

Before you pick up an orphaned bird (and if it is not in immediate danger from pets or traffic), watch it from a distance for an hour or two to see if the mother will return.Replace a fallen, featherless, baby bird to its nest. It is a myth that once you touch a baby bird the parents will not accept it. Birds do not have a well-developed sense of smell.If you can't locate or reach the nest, use a small, plastic berry basket or margarine container. Cut drainage holes, add grass or pine straw, and use wire to attach to the shady side of the closest tree or bush. Gently place the baby bird in the new nest and, from a distance, check it periodically to make sure the parents return.

Some fledglings (teenage birds with feathers and short tails) may hop around on the ground in a covered area near their nest for several days while parents feed them. Fully feathered birds with short tails hopping around should be left there. Don't put them back in the nest; they will only jump out again and could injure themselves. The parents protect and feed them on the ground until they can fly.If parents do not return within two hours or if the baby is injured, then this is the time to intervene. Bring the bird in to the practice or telephone us on 023 8026 8002 and we may be able to put you in touch with a local rehabilitation specialist.

The Heat Is On – Summer Survival Guide!
Cats are notorious sun worshippers and skin cancer is a particular risk for cats with white ear tips and noses. The key to reducing this risk is blocking sunlight with non-toxic high factor sunblock. Look out for the earliest signs of skin cancer - reddening of the skin, similar to sunburn. When out and about, meadow grass seeds are another summer problem. They become easily attached to dogs’ coats and can work their way into their pads or become trapped in dog’s ears causing severe head shaking. Therefore, we recommend inspecting your dog after every walk.

Bee stings are another seasonal problem. Pets are by nature inquisitive and if they try and make friends with bees and wasps they are likely to be stung for their efforts! Prompt veterinary attention may be required as some dogs are allergic to stings.

And remember – NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET IN A CAR ON A HOT DAY!!! For more information, contact us on 023 8026 8001.

Is your dog at risk from Kennel Cough?
Infectious bronchitis (commonly called "kennel cough") is a highly infectious cough that can be picked up wherever dogs meet - on walks, at training classes, dog shows and of course in boarding kennels. And during 2007, a nasty outbreak was apparent in Valley Park, Romsey and surrounding areas.

Affected dogs typically start sneezing, usually progressing to a harsh dry hacking cough that can last several weeks and often requires antibiotic treatment. The disease is caused by a complex mixture of viruses and a bacterium - Bordetella bronchiseptica. Although regular booster vaccinations offer protection against many of the airborne viruses, it is only intranasal vaccines that can offer protection against Bordetella.

Don’t take any chances with kennel cough - contact us now on 023 8026 8001 to ensure your dog is adequately vaccinated.

“Spring” into action against fleas and ticks!
With warmer winters and central heating, fleas are a year round problem. The little horrors get onto your pet and into your home causing problems ranging from sore bites to skin irritation, infections, hair loss and anaemia.

Worse still, a female flea can lay 50 or more eggs a day! These fall off your pet and are deposited around the house in carpets and bedding where they can remain dormant for many months or more before developing via larval and pupal stages into adult fleas. In just a few weeks two fleas can multiply into several thousand!

By contrast ticks live in woodland and heathland waiting to attach themselves to passing pets. Once attached they feed on your pet’s blood. Ticks cause two problems. Firstly they can cause a tissue reaction at the attachment site and secondly they can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and Babesiosis. Contact us now on 023 8026 8001 for your FREE flea & tick consultation with our practice nurse.

Does my pet have worms?
Dogs and cats commonly play host to two major types of worms – roundworms and tapeworms. Roundworms are spaghetti like in appearance and live in the small intestines. They shed thousands of tiny eggs which pass out in the faeces and infect the environment. As well as re-infecting our pets, the eggs – if swallowed – can also pose a serious risk to children.

Tapeworms are long and flat and have a segmented body. Segments (containing eggs) are shed in the faeces and break down releasing the eggs into the environment. The eggs are then ingested by an intermediate host – these include fleas and mice. Both cats and dogs swallow fleas when grooming, and in doing so, re-infect themselves with the tapeworms.

To keep your pet worm free, worm your pet regularly (we recommend every three months), use regular flea control and clear up faeces. If you would like a FREE worm consultation with our practice nurse, please give us a call on 023 8026 8001.