The Woodbridge Vets July 2025 Newsletter!
- The Woodbridge Vets
- Jul 10
- 4 min read
Hello everyone, and welcome to our July practice newsletter!
We hope you have been able to enjoy the lovely weather.
As many of you know, the summer months are often our busiest time of year. With that in mind, we’d like to share some summer advice to help keep your pets safe and healthy during the warmer weather.
This month’s newsletter also includes updates from our practice - welcoming new team members, how to keep your pets cool, and sharing a few interesting stories from our in-patients that we think you’ll enjoy.
Meet The Team
Bryony joined our Nursing team at The Woodbridge Vets in late April 2025. When she was training to become a qualified Veterinary Nurse, Bryony worked at another local first-opinion practice, gaining lots of practical skills and experience. She went on to successfully graduate from Writtle College in 2023.
Since graduating, she is now very keen to take her skills and knowledge base even further to help benefit her patients. Emergency and critical care is an area that Bryony is particularly interested in, and so she is hoping to be able to start working towards her certification as soon as possible.
Outside of work, she enjoys working on new sewing projects and spending time outdoors with her two dogs, a Cockapoo and Patterdale Terrier.
Keeping Cool:
Summer Heat Safety Tips
When the sun is shining here in Woodbridge, it’s tempting to head out for a walk with your dog. But on hot days, it’s important to adjust your routine to keep your pet safe and comfortable.
Dogs don’t sweat like humans do - they mainly rely on panting to cool down. With their thick coats acting as natural insulation, they can overheat quickly, putting them at risk of serious heat-related illnesses like heatstroke.
To help avoid overheating:
Walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening
when it’s cooler.
Avoid walking during the hottest part of the day - sometimes,
it’s best to skip the walk entirely.
Shorter outings or rest days are perfectly fine when temperatures soar.
Keep them hydrated - Always bring fresh water and take regular breaks in the shade.
Always check the ground temperature before heading out: place your hand or bare foot on the pavement for 5 seconds - if it’s too hot for you,
it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
Cool-down tricks – Use cool mats, damp towels, or even a shallow paddling pool to help them chill out at home.
Most dogs can feel a little uncomfortable on warm days - just like us! But some are more vulnerable to the heat due to their breed, body type, or health conditions. At The Woodbridge Vets, we always encourage extra care for dogs who fall into one of these groups, especially during peak summer temperatures.
Here are a few types of dogs that may need extra care in the heat:
Flat-Faced (Brachycephalic) Breeds: Struggle with effective panting due to shorter airways, increasing heatstroke risk.
Thick-Coated Breeds: Dense coats act as insulation; regular brushing helps.
Large or Giant Breeds: Generate more body heat and often have heavier coats; need more breaks and water.
Senior Dogs & Those With Health Conditions: More sensitive to high temperatures; contact us if they seem unusually tired.
Overweight Dogs: Extra weight increases insulation; stick to light activity in cooler times.
Energetic Dogs: Don't always know when to stop; limit vigorous games in hot weather.
If you're ever unsure whether it’s safe to walk, or if you have concerns about how your dog is coping with the heat, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team at The Woodbridge Vets is always here to help.
Summer Parasite Prevention
Fleas & Ticks Warm weather means fleas and ticks are at their peak, putting your pets at a higher risk of infestations and disease. These parasites can cause intense itching, skin problems, and even serious illnesses such as Lyme disease and tapeworms.
The best way to protect your pet is by using vet-approved parasite prevention treatments regularly. These come in the form of tablets or spot-on applications. You can purchase these directly from our practice, but please ensure your pet has been seen by one of our vets before starting treatment. If you're a member of The Woodbridge Pet Club, parasite treatment is already included in your plan - just one of the many benefits of being part of the club!
Top Tips for Protection:
Check your pet daily for ticks, especially after walks through long grass or wooded areas.
Wash bedding regularly and vacuum frequently to help prevent fleas and their eggs from settling in warm, dark corners of your home.
If you're unsure which parasite treatment is right for your pet, give us a call or stop by the practice. The team at The Woodbridge Vets is here to help keep your pet safe, happy, and protected all summer long.
If you would like to read more on patient's stories and get a glimpse of what's happening behind the scene at The Woodbridge Vets, please give us a follow on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
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