Our November newsletter!

 Hello everyone, and welcome to our November newsletter!

As the days grow shorter and the chill of winter begins to settle in, we at The Woodbridge Vets hope you and your pets are keeping warm and comfortable.

November is a month for reflection and gratitude, and with the colder weather upon us, it’s more important than ever to ensure our furry companions stay happy, healthy, and cosy. 

With a little preparation and seasonal awareness, the colder months can be a wonderful time for crisp walks, quiet evenings indoors, and plenty of extra cuddles. In this newsletter, we’ve included helpful tips, seasonal advice, and health updates from the team at The Woodbridge Vets to help you and your pets enjoy the best of the season’s warmth.

Weight Clinic Consultation 

We’re also excited to introduce our Weight Clinic Consultation, led by our experienced and dedicated veterinary nurses. Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important steps you can take to support your pet’s long-term health and wellbeing. Carrying excess weight can put strain on joints, increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, respiratory issues, and even reduce lifespan. Our Weight Clinic Consultation is designed to address these concerns proactively, helping pets live longer, healthier, and happier lives.

During the consultation, our veterinary nurses work closely with you and your pet to create a fully personalised plan that fits your pet’s individual needs, lifestyle, and preferences. This includes tailored diet advice, portion control guidance, safe and effective exercise recommendations, and practical tips to encourage healthier habits at home.

Follow-up check-ins allow us to monitor progress, adjust the plan as needed, and celebrate every milestone - no matter how small.

Booking a Weight Clinic Consultation isn’t just about losing weight; it’s about improving your pet’s overall quality of life. Pets on a healthy weight plan often experience increased energy, improved mobility, better mood, and a renewed zest for life.

Our veterinary team provides ongoing support, encouragement, and expert advice every step of the way, ensuring that both you and your pet feel confident and motivated throughout the journey. Ultimately, the Weight Clinic Consultation is more than just a one-off appointment - it’s a partnership between you, your pet, and our veterinary team, working together to achieve lasting health benefits and a happier, more active future for your furry companion.

If you think your pet would be a good candidate for the clinic and have been recommended for a Weight Clinic Consultation by your nominated vet, please give us a call or email us. We’ll be more than happy to book your consultation and help you begin the journey to a healthier, happier pet.

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Keyhole Spaying: A gentler, safer option for your pet

Did you know The Woodbridge Vets was one of the first veterinary practices in the area to offer laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery for pets, providing a less invasive option with quicker recovery times? That means you’re not just choosing a modern surgical option - you’re choosing a compassionate, experienced team trusted by local pet owners as leaders in keyhole procedures in Suffolk, with a proven track record of excellent care and results. 

And now, science is backing it up…

A recent major study has confirmed what we’ve seen for years: keyhole spays result in significantly fewer complications and a much smoother recovery for pets compared to traditional open surgery.

🔎 What the research shows:

✔ Less wound swelling and redness – just 16% of keyhole spays, compared to 36% with open surgery

✔ Fewer intra- and post-operative complications

✔ Less licking, discomfort and restlessness during recovery

✔ Smaller incisions = faster healing + less pain

Why choose The Woodbridge Vets?

We’re proud to still be leading the way in minimally invasive surgery, using modern laparoscopic equipment and techniques - with years of experience behind us.

Your pet deserves the safest, most comfortable experience possible - and at The Woodbridge Vets, that’s exactly what we deliver.

www.thewoodbridgevets.com

Laproscopic (Keyhole) Surgery | The Woodbridge Vets

Keyhole surgery, or laparoscopic surgery, is a minimally invasive technique used in various medical procedures. It involves making small incisions through which a camera (laparoscope) and specialised instruments are inserted. The surgeon views the internal area on a screen, allowing for precise movements without the need for large cuts. Commonly used in procedures like spaying, keyhole surgery offers several benefits.

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Fireworks Warning

As we approach the fireworks and Bonfire Night celebrations, here are some reminders for those of you with nervous or anxious pets.

Getting Ready for Fireworks Season

• Ensure your pet’s microchip details are up to date, giving you a better chance of being reunited if they run away from home.

• Check the dates of any nearby firework displays or large gatherings with firework celebrations.

• Make sure you have curtains or blinds on all your windows to block out flashes from fireworks.

  
  

How to Keep Your Pet Calm on Fireworks Night

• Walk your pet while it is still light, ideally getting home before dark, to avoid being out when fireworks are likely to be set off. A longer walk with plenty of opportunities to sniff and explore will tire your pet and help them relax.

• Playing music can help drown out some of the fireworks noises. Classical music works well, or something with a deep bass to cover bangs and loud noises - just ensure it’s at a comfortable volume for your pet. It’s worth starting this a few days or weeks ahead so your pet gets used to the music before fireworks night.

• Stick to normal routines and behave normally, but if it helps, try to distract them with something fun, such as a chew, a game, a puzzle feeder, or a toy stuffed with food.

• Make a den or safe space for them to hide if they wish.

• Comfort them if they come to you for reassurance - don’t ignore them. If they prefer to be alone, let them, but keep a close eye on them.

• Use a stress relief supplement if needed.

Everyday Care Tips for Healthy Teeth

We recommend Nutracalm sprinkle capsules to help support stressed or anxious pets. Nutracalm provides a novel and natural alternative for behavioural management, offering a unique high-strength formula to support pets during stressful events. For more extreme anxieties please speak to your nominated vet for advice on other products which are available. 

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