November 7, 2021

Should you give your dog human foods like roast dinner, mince pies, Christmas pudding, and trifle? No, is the short answer, as our team of Vets will tell you.

If you think your dog may have eaten something concerning, call us for advice or to arrange emergency care straight away.

Call us on 01530 270 170

Many foods and drinks we consume over Christmas are toxic to dogs. Depending on the item, amount consumed and how long ago, combined with the size and health of your dog, the situation could be life-threatening. To put it into context, a single raisin could potentially kill a dog – they are that toxic.

To help you avoid harmful foods and find treats your dog can have this holiday season, our Appleby Magna Vets have created these lists to help you.

Christmas foods your dog SHOULD NOT eat:

• Christmas roast dinner – Skinless, plain turkey is fine in small quantities. However, most festive dinners are laden with fat and can include onion (gravy), chives, garlic, pepper, and lots of salt – none of which will do your dog any good. Likewise, your dog shouldn’t chew on cooked bones as these can splinter and damage your pet’s mouth and gut.

• Pigs in blankets – The sausage meat may contain onion and spices, and along with the bacon will be very fatty. Eating foods high in fat can lead to a painful condition called pancreatitis.

• Mince pies and Christmas pudding – These usually contain dried fruits like raisins and sultanas, which are highly toxic to dogs and consumption can be fatal.

• Chocolate – All chocolate is toxic to dogs. However, dark and cooking chocolate are the most toxic as they contain the most theobromine per gram. Call 01530 270 170 immediately and keep the wrapper if they didn’t eat that too.

• Trifle and other sweet treats – Many dogs are lactose intolerant, and an overdose of dairy cream can cause an upset stomach. Fatty and sugary foods can cause weight, dental, and other health issues so it’s best to just avoid these types of human foods as dog treats.

• Other harmful Christmas goodies include macadamias and other nuts, bread dough (yeast), cookie dough, grapes, corn-on-the-cob, alcohol, and anything containing Xylitol – an artificial sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs.

Treats your dog CAN have:

• Dog treats! It might sound simple, but dog treats are typically made to be nutritionally balanced, tasty, and safe for dogs. You can usually buy festive-themed treats at most pet shops in and around Leicestershire, Staffordshire, and North Warwickshire, or make your own!

• Safe human foods like raw carrots, cucumber, banana, and blueberries, and cooked butternut squash, green beans, and plain pasta in small amounts can make excellent dog snacks. They can also be heathier alternatives to some manufactured dog treats.

Try to remember that your dog won’t love you any less if you don’t give them some of your food, or if you swap cream cakes for carrots. And most importantly, dogs are cunning enough to help themselves if you leave them and food unattended…

Some final tips from our Appleby Magna Vets – Always research new foods online to check they are safe for dogs – if in doubt, leave it out. Give new foods in small amounts first to check they agree with your dog.

If you have any dog food health scares over the festive season, contact us straight away.

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August 21, 2021

If you’ve been enjoying lots more walks, playtime, day trips and holidays with your dog already this summer, chances are they’re starting to feel a little frazzled. Don’t worry though, we’re here to help.

STAR Vets’ nursing team has some end-of-summer tips to share with you that will give your dog a well needed boost. Keeping them safe from the perils of summer stresses like Kennel Cough and Heat Stroke is still a necessity too. Read our nurses’ handy tips below.

A late summer check-up can be a good idea so our vets can pick up any issues that have occurred over the busy summer.

Book a dog check-up

Six end of summer tips for dogs who need a boost:

1. Refresh your pet heat safety knowledge

August and early September can be just as hot as June and July. Now’s a good time to give yourself a refresher on pet heat safety, to avoid heat stroke and other issues:

• Don’t leave your dog in a parked car on a hot day – “not long” is too long.
• Do use pet-safe sunscreen on noses, ears, and bellies.
• Don’t exercise your dog too much during the hottest part of the day.
• Do touch the pavement before you walk – too hot for hands is too hot for paws.
• Don’t leave your dog shut in a ‘hot spot’ e.g. conservatory, caravan, tent, porch, garden…
• Do take water and a bowl with you wherever you go together.

2. Keep your dog protected and enjoying summer

Fleas, ticks & worms are more active during warmer months. Even infectious diseases such as kennel cough can be more problematic in summer too. So that your dog can carry on enjoying the rest of the season, make sure their parasite treatments and vaccinations are up to date. Ask us if you’re unsure.

3. Time for a trim

Did your dog have a pre-summer hair cut? It’s probably time for another trim. Keep your companion looking sharp and feeling cool for the rest of the summer.

4. The ‘D’ word…

If you’ve allowed your dog to over-indulge “because it’s summer”, it may be necessary to make some changes sooner rather than later. The word ‘diet’ doesn’t have to mean less enjoyment; cucumber and carrots are tasty treats and make excellent meal fillers if your dog needs to cut back. Plus, extra exercise is a great way to shift some extra pounds. Pop into our Atherstone Road practice and check your dog’s weight.

5. Watch out for holiday blues

Going back to work after a holiday can feel a bit rubbish. Your dog may feel it too. Less interaction with their favourite human and more time alone can cause separation-anxiety and destructive behaviour to develop. Try dedicating some time every day to hang out with your dog – play ball, groom & massage them, or just cuddle – they’ll appreciate every minute! Boredom-busting toys and going out with a friend or dog walker while you’re at work, will help to break up their day.

6. Book an end of summer check-up

Summers are usually ‘Extra’ and this can take its toll on your dog. Book an end of summer health check with our expert vets. A thorough nose-to-tail examination can pick up issues early, meaning vital treatment can commence straight away.

Book an end of summer check-up

August 7, 2021

If you are thinking about breeding your female dog for the first time, or there has been an ‘unexpected incident’, you’ll need to know some facts about dog pregnancy.

STAR Vets’ head vet Caroline Ward, is here to help. Read Caroline’s answers to frequently asked questions on the subject, from pet owners in Derbyshire.

Book a dog pregnancy consultation

How did my dog get pregnant? – Besides the obvious ‘birds & bees’ explanation, it’s helpful to know that female dogs can’t get pregnant all the time. An unneutered female’s ‘heat’ season typically starts between 6 – 36 months of age, lasting 3 weeks at a time, about twice a year.

Female dogs ‘in heat’ can be impregnated by an ‘in-tact’ male dog when you least expect it i.e., out on a walk, visiting someone’s home, doggy day-care, and even in your home or garden. Unneutered male dogs are known to stop at nothing to reach a female.

How long are dogs pregnant for? – A dog pregnancy can vary between 56 – 70 days. Typically, puppies should arrive about 63 days (just over 2 months) after conception.

Are there any tell-tale dog pregnancy symptoms? – Like humans, some dogs can suffer from ‘morning sickness’ and will vomit in the early stages of pregnancy. Other early dog pregnancy symptoms can be subtle including changes to appetite, slightly enlarged nipples, clear vaginal discharge, increased tiredness, and more affectionate behaviour.

During the latter stages, expect weight gain, increased appetite, and behaviour changes. Her teats may become darker, stand out more, and produce a semi-clear discharge. An enlarged abdomen with visible puppy movement is a great sign that puppies are on the way.

Can I buy a dog home pregnancy test?

There is no shop-sold home dog pregnancy test available, like those you can buy for humans. One of our experienced vets may use a hormone test, ultrasound, or a physical examination of the abdomen, to confirm whether your dog is pregnant.

How can I prepare for my dog giving birth?

1. Create a nest: Make a quiet, relaxing, and private space for your dog to give birth and nurse puppies in. Line a large cardboard box or whelping box with puppy pads and clean bedding. Add her own clean toys/bedding to get her used to it.
2. Prep in advance: Gather clean towels, nail scissors, and small blankets. Microwavable bean bags can provide warmth if you need to move puppies away from mum for any reason.
3. Talk to our experienced vets: Know the signs of labour and distress to look out for. You should be as hands off as possible, but always there to support and intervene if needed.
4. Be ready for an emergency: Dogs often give birth at night, and sometimes an emergency caesarean is required. Caroline recommends a) popping our emergency contact information in your phone, b) having transport available, and c) packing anything you’ll need to take with you (wallet, keys, blankets, puppy carrier etc.), in advance.

How long is a dog in labour?

Depending on the number of puppies, labour normally lasts between 3 – 12 hours. When you book your dog pregnancy appointment at our Appleby Magna practice, ask us about the three stages of dog labour.

Think your dog could be pregnant? Book a vet consultation so we can run some tests and help you understand what happens next.