The Woodbridge Vets: June newsletter!

Hello and welcome to our June newsletter from The Woodbridge Vets!

As the weather starts to warm up again, we've put together some useful tips to help keep your pets safe and comfortable during

the hotter days ahead.

In this month's newsletter, we'll also be sharing important information about the new ANPR parking cameras being installed at Riduna Park, as well as highlighting the seasonal hazards of grass seeds and why they're something every pet owner should be aware of.

So, grab a cup of tea, take a few minutes to relax, and read on for the latest news, advice, and updates from the team at The Woodbridge Vets.

Heatstroke Awareness

As temperatures begin to rise, it's important to remember that pets can struggle to cope with the heat. Unlike humans, dogs cannot regulate their body temperature as efficiently and can overheat very quickly, even on moderately warm days.

Some pets are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness, including flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds such as Bulldogs and Pugs, older pets, overweight animals, and those with underlying health conditions.

Heatstroke is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, so we strongly encourage all pet owners to be mindful of the weather and take extra precautions during warmer periods. Avoid exercising your dog during the hottest parts of the day, ensure they always have access to fresh water and shade, and never leave a pet unattended in a vehicle,

even for a short time. 

If you notice signs such as excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, difficulty breathing, vomiting, or collapse, seek veterinary advice immediately.

By taking a few simple precautions, we can help keep our pets safe, comfortable, and happy throughout the summer months

Signs of heatstroke include:

Excessive panting or difficulty breathing

Lethargy or weakness

Drooling more than usual

Bright red gums or tongue

Vomiting or diarrhoea

Collapse or seizures

If you suspect your pet is suffering from heatstroke, move them to a cool area, offer small amounts of water, and contact your veterinary practice immediately. As temperatures increase, it's important to adjust your pet's routine.

Top summer exercise tips: Walk dogs early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are lower.

 Avoid vigorous exercise during the hottest part of the day.

 Always carry fresh water for your pet.

 Check pavements before walking - if it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for their paws.

 Choose shaded routes where possible.

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Grass Seed Season

Whilst most of us enjoy the summer months, they can be a challenging time for our pets. Not only do they have to cope with warmer weather in a fur coat, but they may also encounter seasonal hazards such as snake bites, wasp and bee stings, and grass seeds.

This year, we have already seen a significant increase in the number of grass seed cases at The Woodbridge Vets, particularly involving paws and ears. Although small, grass seeds can cause considerable discomfort and, if left untreated, can lead to more serious complications.

Grass seeds are designed by nature to work their way into the ground and stay there. Unfortunately, these same characteristics mean they can easily become trapped in a pet's coat, ears, paws, eyes, or even nose. Once lodged, their pointed shape allows them to move forwards through the skin and tissues, but makes them difficult to remove. In some cases, grass seeds can migrate deeper beneath the skin, creating painful tracts and causing inflammation, infection, swelling, and discomfort.

Whilst allowing grass to grow longer can be beneficial for local wildlife and biodiversity, it can present a risk to our canine companions, especially when seed heads are present. A grass seed lodged anywhere on your dog is likely to cause irritation and discomfort, and there are often tell-tale signs that something is wrong.

After walks, particularly through long grass, fields, or meadows, we recommend checking your pet's paws, ears, between their toes, and around their coat for any signs of grass seeds. Common symptoms include excessive licking of the feet, limping, head shaking, ear scratching, sneezing, swelling, redness, or sudden signs of discomfort.

If you suspect your pet may have a grass seed lodged in their paw, ear, nose, or elsewhere, please contact the practice as soon as possible. Early treatment can prevent further complications and help keep your pet safe and comfortable throughout the summer.

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New Parking System at Riduna Park

We would like to inform all clients that a new Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) parking system will be introduced across Riduna Park. The system is scheduled to go live on 22 June and is intended to help ensure that parking spaces remain available for genuine visitors and employees. Please note that a 3-hour parking limit will apply, with clear signage displayed throughout the car park.

This system is being introduced to ensure that parking remains available for employees and genuine visitors, and to prevent the car park from being used as free parking for the nearby train station.

If you are a client of The Woodbridge Vets and plan to stay for more than three hours, please notify our reception team upon arrival. We will need to record your vehicle registration number in the system to ensure that you are exempt from the parking time limit and to avoid any fines.

Thank you for your cooperation, understanding, and continued support.

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