Welcome to our September newsletter!

  Hello everyone, and welcome to our September newsletter!

We hope you're keeping well and had a good summer. We’re very slowly stepping into the colourful season of autumn, we have plenty of updates, tips, and exciting news to share with you and your furry family members. Here’s what’s happening this month at the practice and what to keep in mind to keep your pets happy and healthy.

This month’s newsletter includes some exciting updates from The Woodbridge Vets: we’re welcoming a new Client Care Team member, celebrating International Dog Day, sharing news about our successful First Aid Event, and highlighting a few interesting stories from our in-patients that we think you’ll enjoy.

Meet The Team 

We’re delighted to welcome Courtney as our newest Client Care Team and a great addition to our team at The Woodbridge Vets.

Courtney joined our Client Care Team in June 2025 with a genuine passion for animal welfare, she has earned both Level 2 and Level 3 Diplomas in Animal Care. Her experience spans various settings, from doggy day care through to rescue environments having worked for The Blue Cross, where she developed a strong foundation in compassionate, hands-on care.

Together with her husband, Courtney has a very energetic two-year-old daughter - who definitely knows how to keep the household on its toes, and they also have a rescue cat called Hobbit.

Outside of work, Courtney enjoys gardening, cooking, and exploring the countryside and coastline during long walks.

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Back To School Blues and Helping Pets Adjust 

As the school term begins and households settle into new routines, many pets may feel the effects of sudden changes - especially if they’ve become used to having the family around over the summer holidays. With quieter homes and longer periods spent alone during the day, some pets may experience anxiety, boredom, or changes in behaviour. While some pets adapt quickly, others may find the transition more difficult.

 Stick to a consistent routine - Try to keep feeding times, walks, and playtime at the same time each day. A predictable schedule can help your pet feel secure, even when the household becomes busier or quieter.

 Ease them into alone time - If your pet isn’t used to being left alone, start by leaving them for short periods and gradually increasing the time. This helps build their confidence and reduces stress.

 Consider doggy daycare or a pet sitter - For dogs that really struggle with being alone, a local daycare or a midday visit from a dog walker or friend can break up the day and offer much-needed social interaction.

 Watch for signs of separation anxiety - Common signs include barking or howling when left alone, destructive behaviour, toileting indoors, or changes in appetite.

 Provide mental stimulation - Keeping your pet’s mind active is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle feeders, interactive toys, or frozen KONGs are brilliant for providing enrichment, especially when your pet is left alone. These activities challenge their brains, reduce boredom, and can even help ease anxiety.

Even a trip to the vet can be a positive experience when approached the right way. At our practice, we’re not the typical “old-school” vets. We believe in creating a calm, friendly, and pet-centred environment. Our team genuinely enjoys interacting with your pets - whether that means offering a tasty snack at reception, having a gentle fuss, or even sitting on the floor with them for a few minutes to help them feel more at ease.

Every visit is an opportunity to build trust, and we always go the extra mile to make sure your pet feels safe, seen, and supported - not just medically, but emotionally too.

If you're noticing any of these behaviours, don't worry - there’s plenty that can be done to help. Speak to your nominated vet here at The Woodbridge Vets about behaviour support or anxiety management options - we’re here to help both you and your pet feel at ease.

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 First Aid Event - A Huge Success!

We’re thrilled to share that we hosted our very first First Aid Event last week - and it was a huge success!

Held at The Woodbridge Vets, this event welcomed clients and their family and friends for an informative and hands-on session covering how to handle pet emergencies and provide first response care. The feedback we received has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re so pleased that so many of you found it helpful, engaging, and empowering.

We’re feeling incredibly proud of the whole team for pulling together to make this event happen. From planning and setting up, to presenting and supporting attendees in the evening, it was a real team effort - all made worthwhile by the enthusiasm and support from our amazing clients.

If you missed out this time, don't worry! We’re already planning more events in the near future.

 You can join the waiting list by dropping us an email, and be sure to keep an eye on our social media platforms and monthly practice newsletter for updates on future dates and events.

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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.