Remember remember the 5th November

Did you know that 80% of pets suffer some degree of noise / firework phobia, and ... November is nearly here again. Firework season can be such a scary time for our pets. In this week’s blog we have put together a few hints that will hopefully reduce the stress levels in your household.


Before the firework season starts, provide your dog with a ‘doggy play area, where they can feel safe’. This should be a quiet area, so choose one of the quietest rooms in your home. Train your dog to associate the play area with positive experiences, e.g. by playing games with it. Use a variety of toys and swap them regularly, putting them away when not in use so that your dog doesn’t become bored with them.

Some dogs and cats also appreciate being able to hide when frightened, so providing a ‘pet den’to help them to cope. For example, this could be a wardrobe or a cupboard, packed with old duvets and blankets to make it more comfortable and to help sound-proof the area. It is important that your pet has access to its ‘den’ at all times, even when you’re not at home.

In the run up to fireworks night walk your dog when it is still light outside. This reduces the possibility of fireworks being let off and your dog becoming worried.

Make sure all windows, doors and cat flaps are securely closed during fireworks night. This will reduce the chances of your pets escaping. Have your pet microchipped in case they do escape – Broad Lane Vets is offering microchips at only £10 throughout October 2012.

Provide extra litter trays for cats. Litter trays will be used more as your cat is confined to the house.

Provide distractions, in the form of new toys and chews, during periods when fireworks are occurring. Draw curtains and put the TV on to mask the noise of fireworks being let off. Ignore the firework noises yourself. Play with a toy to see if your dog wants to join in, but don’t force them to play.

If your pet shows any signs of fear, try to ignore their behaviour. Please do not punish your pet! This will only make your pet more distressed, and worse in the long run.

Try not to leave your pets alone when fireworks are going off. Do not try to tempt your cat out of their hiding place. Your pet may hurt themselves during this time.

In the long term, your dog needs to learn to be less afraid of loud noises. With proper treatment this is possible so that the next firework season will be less stressful for you and your dog. We recommend Sounds Scary! - An easy to follow CD therapy pack for dogs which includes CDs, an information booklet and an easy to follow guide. The amount of training needed will vary from dog to dog so owners should start training with the Sounds Scary! CD well in advance of the firework season. Planning ahead can help your dog cope with the firework season. Talk to us now about pheromone diffusers. These disperse calming chemicals into the room and may be a good option for your dog. In some cases we need to prescribe medication. If either of these options is used, we will talk to you about using the in conjunction with behavioural therapy.

And finally don’t forget small animals…

If your pets live outside, partly cover cages, pens and aviaries with blankets so that one area is well sound-proofed. Make sure that your pet is still able to look out. Provide lots of extra bedding so your pet has something to burrow in.

Do come and talk to us there is lots you can do to help your pet.

The colder weather is on its way

Just like us, the winter months can challenge your pets health and wellbeing. While some will bound through the chillier months in full health, we need to be mindful that changes in temperatures and shorter days can have a real impact on the health and happiness of your family pet.

Just as we will wrap up before going out, take precautions against cold temperatures with your pets. Obviously some pets will grow thicker coats to cope with the cold, older pets and some breeds are not quite as lucky so buy them a winter coat to survive the colder temperatures. If you suspect that your pet has caught a chill, quickly wrap them in a warm towel or blanket and rub them down vigorously.

Pets that usually live outdoors, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, should be brought indoors if the temperature falls to single figures or below. Extra bedding and a towel or blanket placed over the top of the hutch will help keep your small furry snug and warm.

Darker mornings and evenings, coupled with colder temperatures, makes it tempting to stay inside but it is still important that your pet gets plenty of fresh air and exercise. Here are a few of our ideas for winter workouts:
◦ Dogs – play games such as tug of war and Frisbee because the more aerobic the activity, the warmer your dog will be; go for walks in a local wood as the trees will shelter you from wind and rain; enrol your dog in indoor agility classes
◦ Cats – use pieces of string, ping pong balls and wind up toys to encourage object play; invest in a scratching post or indoor climbing frame; use large cardboard boxes to play hide-and-seek
◦ Rabbits (and small rodents) – ensure they have a pen available that is big enough for them to run and jump; build a sandpit that they can dig in; play with a ball and let them push it with their noses

Staying warm in the winter takes more energy and so pets spending a lot of time outside, will be burning more calories in order to generate body heat. It may be necessary to increase their calorie intake to account for the cold but please speak to a member of our practice team for more advice on the correct amount to feed your pet, as over-feeding can be just as dangerous as under feeding. And while you monitor their food, it’s also important to check that your pet has access to fresh clean water and that water bottles and dishes haven’t frozen overnight for pets living outside.

Upside-down Sheep

This sheep is apparently living a normal life, despite the fact that it was born with an upside-down head. The animal, named Terry, can be seen happily grazing a field in North Yorkshire.

It is thought that the sheep was born with a twisted spine. The farmer reports he lives happily and has been checked by a vet to ensure he is in no pain. He can eat, sleep and do everything other sheep can.

A flea in the ear

There’s little doubt that fleas are very unwelcome guests on our pets or in our homes. As is the case with worms, your pet is likely to be at risk of flea infestation if you do not treat it with an appropriate product on a regular basis. And it’s not just the issue of fleas on your pet, if you spot adult fleas on your cat or dog, it is really only the beginning of the problem and most likely signifies that, eggs, larvae and pupae are already in the home.

Unfortunately the flea lifecycle doesn’t just involve the pet, it is also prevalent within the animal’s environment. Indeed, adult fleas on your pet only represent 5% of the problem, the remaining 95% (eggs, larvae and pupae) are in bedding, carpets, cracks and crevices in floors or furniture.


Most cats and dogs will suffer with flea infestation at some point in their lives so be sure to ask us for the best advice, treatment and prevention regimes to keep your pet and home flea-free.

Allesly Park Clean Up 2012

Keeping pets in any environment, urban or rural, requires a degree of consideration to ensure that your pet isn’t a nuisance or danger to other members of society. Following a few simple rules helps to ensure that your pet, whatever the species, can live happily alongside us humans.

• Leave only paw-prints; if you exercise your pet in public spaces, be sure to pick up the faeces which can carry disease. Most busy spaces will have ‘poo bins’ but if not, collect in a bag and dispose of safely in your dustbin.

• Respect others; Not everyone is an animal lover, for a variety of reasons people can be are scared of pets of all shapes and sizes. When you are exercising your pet, be considerate of those in the park or on the path. If someone appears nervous, keep your pet under control and step aside letting them pass.

• Respect other people’s property; this is especially true in rural environments where public footpaths run across private land. Always keep your pet on a lead, and the absolute golden rule – close gates behind you. A gate that is not properly closed can see livestock and people being put at tremendous danger.

With poo in mind have you heard about the big Clean Up in Allesley Park, in conjunction with Channel 4 TV. The community need as many people as possible in Allesley Park, with their dogs, as possible on Saturday 13th October from 10am. Watch the local press and our website www.broadlanevets.co.uk for updates, and further information.

Radio Snail

Vet Elly was on BBC Radio Coventry & Warwickshire on Sunday, discussing the dangers of using slug/snail pellets around pets. "Metaldehyde" is the toxic ingredient. If eaten, it can can cause neurological signs ranging from twitches and tremors to full-blown convulsions, and can be fatal, even in relatively small quantities. Always seek prompt veterinary attention if you think your pet may have eaten slug/snail pellets, and remember to take the packaging with you so your vet has as much information to go on as possible.

Spot The Difference!

Dalmation adopts lamb with spotty coat!

A lamb born in South Australia’s Barossa Valley has been adopted… not by another sheep, but by the breeder’s pet Dalmatian named Zoe! At first glance, the lamb looks much like its “mother” as it sports a black and white coat. It takes most onlookers by surprise on second glance when they realise that the pup is a lamb!

Much to the amusement of breeders John and Julie Bolton, the pair are now inseparable after the spotty lamb was rejected by its mother. Fortunately for the little ewe, who got her markings from the mating of a pure-bred white Dorper ram
with a cross-bred Dorper-Van Rooy ewe, the Dalmatian was happy to adopt her.

It's difficult to tell which is the most confused but Zoe was quick to show the abandoned lamb love and affection; licking her adoptive son affectionately and generally taking care of him. The little lamb happily follows Zoe around the farm and even sleeps inside the dog kennel.

Mrs Bolton said the confused little lamb had even tried to suckle from Zoe, but had to make do with a bottle instead.

Happy Birthday!

                     Happy Birthday, Sarah K!

(We won't tell anyone how old you are tomorrow.... well not here anyway!)

Princess gives birth

A young stray female cat (now named "Princess") was brought in to us by a member of the public heavily pregnant last week. We took her in, and she gave birth on Friday night , waiting until most people had gone home - the night cleaner noticing something and alerting us she'd gone into labour! Vet Elly stayed and watched her as she had the first kitten no problem, then the 2nd with a helping hand due to being breach position. She then hung onto her 3rd kitten 'til morning, and Vet Nurse Cheryl assisted her in this final birth. All 3 kittens and mum seem happy and healthy, and are doing well!

A new member for the Olympic Swimming Team?

Max has just been swimming, and so is sporting his smart green dressing gown, which we think rather suits him! He goes to Corley Canine Pool every Saturday or Sunday for his weekly dip. This Hydrotherapy helps with his arthritis, by enabling him to have non-weight-bearing exercise to keep his muscles working and his joints moving. Plus he rather enjoys it, having been a strong swimmer in the sea off the coasts of Devon and Cornwall during holidays in his younger years. Max and his mom (Vet Elly) want to say a big "Thankyou" to Elaine of Corley Canine Pool, for Max's swimming lessons, his dressing gown, and of course his biscuits at the end of the session!

Doberman watches Boxer at Olympics!

As Nicola Adams fought her way to an Olympic Gold medal yesterday, her biggest and most loyal supporter was unable to attend, instead having to settle for watching her on the TV back in their home town of Leeds. This was Dexter, her 10month old pet Doberman! Whilst his owner boxed her way to history, Dexter was being boarded at a luxury kennels, where Nicola made sure he had his own TV on which to watch her progress. During the fourth round he watched particularly intently, mascot in mouth, and pawed at the glass partition separating him from the screen! Ahhhh..

Snout-to-mouth

Ever kissed your pet? Admit it, lots of us have, or at least have come close, intentional or not! Sometimes when we're examining dogs on the consult room table at the practice, and our heads are at the same height, those big canine tongues get us just when we're not expecting it, right on the face with a lovely big schmackeroo! (Just think where those tongues have been..ewww!)

But on a more serious note, could you give your pet the kiss of life in an emergency? Our Senior Vet Elly was on BBC CWR's Vic Minett Show today discussing just this. It was after a news article about a man, in fact a human GP, who resuscitated his tortoise after he found it head down in a bowl of water! Believe it or not, you can indeed do CPR on your pet, but its mouth-to-snout for pets, rather than mouth-to-mouth! Of course, never try it unless your pet has actually stopped breathing, as it can cause harm, and always seek a vet's advice as soon as you can.

Charlie Cheers on Team GB!

Pictured is a photo emailed to us by Charlie's owner. This shows Charlie all decked-out and ready to support Team GB during the London 2012 Olympics. He looks very smart indeed, if somewhat disappointed - perhaps he'd just watched Tom Daley and Pete Waterfield miss out on a medal? Cheer-up, Charlie, things are looking up now, with 4 Golds and counting...!

Tuesday is Acupuncture Day

Well hello there again fans, Bracket here. Now them humans at Broad Lane Vets have a new puppy and three pesky kittens to adore I am not getting a look in. I told them I would not go away... so finally I spy an empty computer... I can blog. Richard Webb comes in today. He's a Veterinay Surgeon (and has been at Broad Lane hundreds of years, well... just over 38 years) and has a further qualification making him a qualified Veterinary Acupuncturist - He must be special as he has his own room, and a page on our practice website http://www.broadlanevets.co.uk/ .Mmmm I must ask for one of those, as my mum says I am special, and we all now how adored I am!

Anyway Tuesdays I have planned - I keep asking to go to the toilet so I can chat to the dogs arriving for the acupuncture clinic. They are always a friendly lot, and as they attend regularly we've become great friends - a couple of them use the local woods, and being a looottttttt older than me know all the best places to sniff and chase squirrels. Bliss. Martha's in today, what a character. She has something called arthritis. She sees one of the other vets for tablets, which make her feel much better, but also comes to have acupuncture with Richard. You can use it to treat all sorts of ailments. It works by sticking small needles in certain areas of the body. Richard is sooooooooo clever knowing just where to place these needles. I hate needles but Martha says they don't hurt. She actually enjoys coming along as she gets loads of fuss, treats and apparently a sleep; as the acupuncture makes her so relaxed! She leaves feeling more comfortable - crazy to think needles can make you hurt less?
Oh no spotted ...... Must blog off and pretend to be a normal dog. Booiiinnggggg, bbboooiiiinnnggg, time for walkies is it mum??

What a busy Sunday!

Well, we thought we'd have a quiet one, given the Summer seems to have finally arrived, but we were wrong... Instead, we had a record-breaking Sunday here at Broad Lane - seeing the most pets for a Sunday so far this year. Don't forget, we are open late on weeknights, with the last appointment being 7:30pm, and we're open all day on Saturdays (8:30am - 5pm) as well as 11am-3pm on Sundays, and 9-10am on Bank Holidays, so we're here when you need us!

Party on!

Have you got a new puppy?
Choosing your puppy and bringing them home is so much fun, and then there is feeding, vaccinations, insurance, house-training and everyones lack of sleep to think about.
As well as your pup's physical development it is important to remember their mental development is progressing fast. He will probably learn more about life before the age of 13 weeks than after. As well as learning lots of training instruction in these early weeks, it is important that he has as many life experiences as possible to prevent him becoming worried of different people, dogs and places.
He also needs the opportunity to learn to play, not just with you but with other puppies too. We can help you achieve this at our Puppy Parties.

These allow your pup to meet other pups, and people, at an early age and in a safe environment. They can learn to develop social skills, helping them to deal with other dogs during their exciting lives.
There is lots more information on the Puppy Parties page of our website, or you can give Sarah a call on 02476 464789 to learn more about our parties.   

Our latest wildlife casualty

Tuesday evening saw the arrival of our latest wildlife casualty. Two members of the public arrived with a very distressed fox entangled in temporary plastic fencing. Lucy and Karina had to anaesthetise him to examine the extent of his injuries, and remove the plastic that was now restricting his breathing, so tight was it around his throat. 

Handling gloves and towels were needed as even in his debilitated state this frightened fox was threatening a nasty bite. 
After treatment with antibiotics the fox's weakened state required rehabilitation before he could be released. Geoff at Nuneaton and Warwickshire Wildlife Sactuary once again came to our rescue and took him in. Thankyou Geoff!

If you find a sick or injured fox, do not touch it. Even when incapacitated, foxes will regard your presence as aggressive, and could give you a nasty bite.
The thing to do is to keep an eye on the fox, or get somebody else to stay with it, whilst you phone
your local vet, or wildlife sactuary, for advice.
Foxes are subject to injury all the year round, but injury is particularly common between December and February, when they become territorial in preparation for breeding and begin to get reckless and take more chances.
The most commonly sustained injuries we see are;
* Road traffic accidents
* Caught in fencing or wire mesh
* Caught in snares
* Poisonings
* Self inflicted damage as a result of mange
Remember to never drop litter, as these fellas can get into all sorts of scrapes with the most insignificant piece of rubbish. 

The offending rubbish

Layla joined us at Broad Lane Vets last week. She is the latest addition to our 'animal management team'. We are still deciding where her strengths lie so watch our website for her job title - http://www.broadlanevets.co.uk/ Talking of websites have you visited our new site yet? We are really pleased with it - there is lots of information at your fingertips and lots new pages. Have a look at our offers, newsletter and on-line shop.

Anyway back to Layla. She is a 10 week old Belgian Shepherd Dog and belongs to Kate, a final year student nurse at the practice. Following 3 years of hard work training, Kate will qualify as a Registered Veterinary Nurse next year and join our team of 8 qualified nurses.
Layla is a real character, but so well behaved already. She starts school next week, attending training classes in Allesley Park with Niki at http://www.soundhoundsdogtraining.co.uk/ . Kate brought Layla to our Puppy Party last Monday, at the Broad Lane Surgery, where she met 7 other puppies. She learnt some basic puppy care, had a go at brushing Layla's teeth, tried some basic dog training and enjoyed puppy playtime. After the party she, of course, had a party bag holding lots of goodies to enjoy at home.
If you would like to know more about the free of charge Puppy Parties, held each week at the surgery give us a call on 02476 464789.

He is sooooo naughty

o        He was only left alone for a few minutes on Sunday. The surgery was really busy and... so was Stumpy. He is so mischievous (and destructive!). Not finding anything edible to eat he went in hunt of well.... take a look for yourself. Previously he has eaten till rolls, a boardgame, credit cards, shoes, a mobile phone, handcream but never anything quite so iridescent. On this occasion his mum, Elly, found it rather hard to be annoyed with him - we cannot imagine why.Obviously his favourite colour is pink! He would however like you all to know that he sat beautifully for his bath.

Max is having swimming lessons

Thankyou to Elaine at Corley Canine Pool who is teaching Max to swim. He may be an old man but he is really benefitting from his hydrotherapy sessions.
Hydrotherapy is used to help in many such as arthritis, CDRM, spondylosis, cruciate ligament injury, dysplasia and to help with general weight loss. Max, who belongs to Veterinary Surgeon Elly, has Degenerative Joint Disease, leaving him with reduced mobility. Alongside his medication Max goes swimming and has acupuncture, both proven to help with his medical condition. 

Hydrotherapy is non-weight bearing exercise, proven to have therapeutic effects. He swims once a week as well as having acupuncture from Richard Webb, Veterinary Surgeon and qualified acupuncturist, who holds clinics at Broad Lane Vets in Coventry.
Max's owners, and staff at the surgery, have seen a real improvement in Max's mobility since receiving these complementary medicines. He is certainly more comfortable and eager for a walk. But... his favourite part, being a Labrador, is the food treat he receives at the end of his session.
Interesting fact:
Did you know a six minute swim is equivalent to a five mile walk, in toning the muscles of the body.