SPRING POISONS
Spring is a lovely time of year, full of new growth and hope; we just need to be mindful that some things related to Spring are not good for our pets!
CHOCOLATE
Easter eggs are delicious to us but can also be tempting to dogs and sometimes cats too! Chocolate contains Theobromine, which is toxic to pets. The darker the chocolate (the higher the cocoa %), the more dangerous; but if your pet has eaten any chocolate at all, please call us for advice.

RAISINS & SULTANAS
Often found in hot cross buns; these are toxic to cats and dogs. Along with grapes, there is no ‘safe dose’ so it’s important to get treatment, even if only one raisin/grape/sultana is eaten!

FLOWERS AND BULBS
Some Spring flower bulbs, i.e. daffodils, are also toxic if ingested by pets – vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy can occur after ingestion of the leaves or flower heads too.

Lillies may look beautiful in the house but are best avoided if you own a cat or dog as they are very poisonous – if any  part of the plant is eaten you must get them to a vet ASAP.

All parts of the bluebell plant are toxic as well and ingestion should be avoided
As the pollen count increases, pets with allergies and sensitivities may become itchy – keep an eye on their skin and if you notice any changes to this or, or if they are scratching more than normal – come and see us to get them checked over!
Human medicines such as anti-histamines are toxic to pets and while our use of these increases with the pollen count – they should be kept well out of reach of our furry friends!

ADDER BITES
The adder is the only venomous snake here in Scotland – they only bite when provoked but veterinary assistance is required immediately if this occurs. Things to look out for: Swelling at bite area, pale gums, bruising, salivation and vomiting and diarrhoea. Collapse may occur if treatment is not sought rapidly.

If you are ever concerned that your pet may have come into contact with anything potentially dangerous – please call us straight away on 0131 331 3451 (South Queensferry),  01506 844 165 (Linlithgow) or 0131 317 8150 (Drumbrae, Edinburgh).

 

Easter Egg Competition

 We are holding a Design an Easter Egg competition for all kids that want to take part!!!

To do so, click the following link: Click here

Pick a design, print it off, colour it in, and send a photo to vet.competition@gmail.com

There will be a yummy prize for the most creative eggs!!!

Entries close at 5:00pm on Easter Monday (Monday 13th April 2020).

 

Christmas Bauble Competition

In December 2019, our Linlithgow branch had a design a Christmas bauble competition for all local schools to take part in.

Here is the winning entry, designed by Katie aged 9.

 

Sheep Worrying

The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 was put into place to allow the public to have access to land and inland water over Scotland. Part of the Act is to prevent dogs from being uncontrollable and causing destruction when they are roaming with their owners.
In Scotland, Sheep Worrying is increasing and is trending. We are blessed to have the freedom to roam with our dogs but unfortunately our dogs can be a danger. 

Sheep Worrying is known as the following:
Attacking sheep
Chasing them in a way that may cause injury, suffering, abortion or loss of produce
Not being on a lead in a field or enclosure where there are sheep

Sheep Worrying is most devastating during lambing season. Lambing season generally occurs in Spring but can start as early as December depending on the part of Scotland. Caution around sheep should take place throughout the whole year.
During lambing season, stress can cause the mother to abort her lambs and potentially create medical issues for her.  Physical injuries are very common throughout the year. These usually occur from dogs attacking the sheep or can happen if the sheep is being chased i.e. break their leg in a hole whilst running away or catch themselves on a fence.

The Animals Act 1971 states that it is the owner who is liable for any damage the dog causes. This Act also provides statutory defence to livestock owners who injure or kill a dog that is a threat to their livestock. This is usually a result from being shot with an air rifle or a shotgun. In order for this to protect the farmers, they must be able to prove that there was no other means of protecting their livestock.

The Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC) informs the responsibilities of people who use the freedom to roam with their dogs. They state that your dog should always be kept under control. This is seen as walking to heel and responding to your commands.

When around sheep they advise:
Not to take your dog into any fields that house sheep and lambs
To keep your dog on a short lead when you are near sheep or lambs and to stay away from them
In open country, the dog should be kept on the lead
To prevent any alarm to the sheep or lambs

It is important that we follow the SOAC as it is in place not only to keep livestock safe, but ourselves too.

 

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

As you are aware, the constant spread of COVID-19 has had a massive impact on everyday life.

This means we have had to change how we see patients in practice, as well as the collection of medications and foods. This is to keep in line with advice from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and British Veterinary Association.

For updates on what is going on regarding COVID-19 and Westport Vets, please click the following link: 

https://www.westportvets.com/covid-19-updates/

We will also keep posting updates on our social media platforms!

Westport Vet Shining Stars

We would like to welcome new Student Veterinary Nurses to Team Westport:

Paige at our Linlithgow branch!

Ellen and Georgy at our South Queensferry branch!

We would also like to welcome back Student Veterinary Nurses to Team Westport:

Vicky at our Linlithgow branch!

Rachel at our South Queensferry branch!

In December, Liesbeth had a beautiful baby boy called Elwyn!

Christmas Stars
RVN Carena’s Miss Darcy and Mr Flash were enjoying the Spring flowers!
 SVN Vicky’s Porridge enjoying a Spring walk!

Receptionist Gail’s Louie is Springing into action!

Friends of Westport

Friends of Westport Clients receive all their routine preventative healthcare as part of their plan. This includes vaccines, year round flea and worm control, and a 6 monthly health check. The plan also includes a 10 % discount on in house services and medications, should your pet require them.

Click here or ask at reception if you would like more information.