Sanatorium Road Cardiff CF11 8DG Tel: 029 2038 2211
www.park-vets.com
The Vets
Simon Moat
Welcome to our Autumn Newsletter. We have had such a busy
summer doing events and our Open Day that we are looking
forward to some cosy winter nights, although your pets may not
feel the same!
Remember Remember the 5th of November
…. And several weeks before and after and Christmas and New Year…As the
firework season seems to get longer each year.
Suzanne Baxter
This can be such a stressful time for both pets and their
owners.
Is Your Dog Afraid Of Fireworks?
Mary Walters
Help is at hand….
If our dogs don’t experience loud noises as pups, they often are unable to cope with
novel frightening sounds such as fireworks or loud engine noises as they get older.
Some breeds are more sensitive to others. Ignored, noise phobias tend to get worse
with time, not better, so you really need to act to help your dog if he’s scared of
fireworks.
When the event is imminent:
Andy Wales
 Don’t fuss or try to reassure your dog when it is scared as
this will simply reward the fearful behaviour.
 Remember “ignore unwanted fearful behaviour, but reward
calm behaviour”
 Don’t ever punish your dog when he is scared as this only confirms that there is
something of which to be afraid.
 Do ignore the noises themselves and try to keep your dog busy with some form of
active game.
 Do feed a small but stodgy high carbohydrate meal (e.g. pasta, potato, rice) in the
mid to late afternoon. This will help make him feel calm and sleepy during the
evening. Make sure you take him outside to the toilet before it gets dark and the
fireworks start!
 Do make sure the dog is kept in a safe and secure environment at all times so that it
doesn’t bolt and escape if a sudden noise occurs.
 Before dark, make sure your dog is in a familiar but blacked out room that contains
his toys and other favourite objects. Blacking out the room removes the additional
problem of flashing lights which often accompany the noise. Turn up the volume of
the radio or television.
Andy Jeffers
 Do provide a refuge for your dog to hide in, for example blankets thrown over the
back of the settee to form a dark safe place.
 Don’t leave your dog alone as he may panic and injure himself.
 If you know of a dog that is not scared by these noises who gets on well with the
problem dog, try keeping them together during these evenings may help. Playing
with the non-fearful dog may help the other dog to relax.
HELPFUL PRODUCTS
There are many helpful products on the market, but they must be
used in conjunction with behaviour therapy to have any success.
Morgan Richards
We have available ADAPTIL, a plug-in diffuser, spray or collar
that can comfort your dog and help him cope with his fears. It produces a scent that only
your dog can smell, and mimics the pheromone produced by bitches when they suckle their
pups. The effect is not immediate, so the diffuser needs to be plugged in continually for up
to 2 weeks before the scary event. This is an extremely effective product; useful in a
variety of anxiety related situations
ADAPTIL also produce natural palatable tablets to help your pet manage firework stress.
CALMEX capsules are a similar product also available from Park Vets. Both contain
amino acids and B Vitamins which act to reduce anxiety naturally.
Thomas Searle
Jonny Faire
Both ADAPTIL and CALMEX can help your pet manage firework stress, but also can
facilitate any training programmes to help your dog deal with its fear of noise in the future.
They can both be given in combination with any prescribed ‘Anti Anxiety’ medications…
These Products are available at Reception without a veterinary prescription
ANTI ANXIETY MEDICATIONS: For severely affected pets we can prescribe various
medicines. Depending on the chosen drug, your dog may need to start these tablets some
time before the fearful event. Please contact the surgery for advice.
Remember that if Diazepam (or a similar anxiolytic) is prescribed it may well help reduce
fear during the fireworks but it will cause short term memory loss, so although this drug
may help stop the cycle of fear becoming worse it cannot be used as part of a noise
desensitisation programme as the dog will not remember the event!
Don’t forget fireworks happen every year… and it is likely that your dog’s fear will get
worse each time. Why not think ahead to next year (fireworks are no longer confined to
November 5!) and prepare in advance?
If your dog has extreme noise phobia, please contact Park Vets.
We can arrange an extended consultation and explain the principles of Noise
Desensitisation.
Ryan Francis
Information sheets on Noise Desensitisation and CDs of Firework noise are available at
Reception. Although this programme requires major owner commitment, it will certainly
reap dividends for the well-being of your pet.
Please ask at reception if you have any queries or concerns. We realise that this can be an
extremely distressing time for our more sensitive pets.
Useful Websites: www.adaptil.com/uk
And don’t forget our garden creatures:
Matthew Pack
Who might be hiding in your bonfire pile thinking it’s safe
and secure? Always check for that missing tortoise or
garden hedgehog who mistakenly might think this is a safe
place to hibernate…Not!
A sad fact of life is that many of these animals are cooked
by mistake every year! Don’t let this happen in your garden
or local playing field.
Did you know that the native British Hedgehog is now on the endangered list and if
numbers continue to decline as they have since 1950, they will be extinct by 2020!
As for our pet tortoises – they are slowing down now as the days get colder and
the day length decreases. If you need advice on how to hibernate or even if your
tortoise is fit for hibernation, please get in touch. If we can’t answer your query, our
visiting specialists Lance Jepson & Sophie Jenkins of Origin Vets certainly can.
Suzanne
Petplan Veterinary Awards 2017
Petplan has worked closely with the veterinary profession for over 40
years and sees first hand each day the fantastic work that goes on in
veterinary practices across the UK.
We recognise that keeping customers happy and pets healthy is a team
effort from the receptionist and support staff right through to the vets and
nurses themselves. These awards provide an opportunity for pet owners
to recognise the hard work and dedication of veterinary staff and say
'thank you'.
Visit http://www.petplan.co.uk/vetawards/ to register vote or ask at
reception.
If you feel you have had a particularly helpful consult with one of our lovely vets why not nominate them!
PARK VETS OPEN DAY 18TH SEPTEMBER 2016
In September we opened our gates to the general public. They were able to
look behind the scenes of a very busy veterinary practice and see what we do
on a day to day basis to help sick and injured animals.
PARK VETS HELPING CHARITIES
Macmillan Coffee Morning
We had another wonderful response this year from staff and customers. We
managed to raise an amazing £280.00 for Macmillan Nurses. Well done
everyone !!
Cardiff 10K for LATCH
Park Vets took part in the cardiff 10K this year to raise money for LATCH (Welsh
Children’s charity) which is a wonderful charity and very close to our hearts.
12 Vets and Nurses took party and raised a massive £800.00
Well done to those who took part!!
CASE REPORT: MOSS’ Encounter with a Horse
This is our Cardiologists’ dog Moss who had a lucky escape a few weeks ago when he was injured by
a horse whilst out on a walk. He had fractured ribs and a pneumothorax (air present between the
lungs and chest wall). However after several days staying in our hospital for repeated chest drains
and lots of TLC he pulled through and is out enjoying his walks again. Not bad for a nearly fifteenyear-old boy! Well done Moss!
Sian Santini - RVN
Diabetic Dogs and Cats
Did you know that Diabetes is common in dogs and cats. It can develop for no particular reason although it is more
common in older overweight pets. Signs to look out for include an increased thirst and weight loss despite an
increased appetite. Diabetes is diagnosed by the presence of abnormal amounts of glucose in your pet’s blood and
urine. Unfortunately unlike us, all dogs and cats need twice daily injections of insulin to control their blood sugar, as
dietary changes alone will not be successful. Don’t worry most clients (and their pets!) cope remarkably well once
we’ve explained and demonstrated the technique. Our vets and vet nurses will patiently
hold your hand through the initial unfamiliar daily injections.
Here’s Fergus Jenkins, at the grand old age of 18
and ½ years, having his insulin injection:
Fergus has been diabetic for 2½ yrs now, and
associates his injections with being fed so actually
looks forward to the process according to Andy
his owner!
This is Bobby Beer, a 9 year old Westie, again coping
well with his Diabetes after being diagnosed 12
months ago.
Suzanne
FREE NURSE ADVICE ON NEUTERING
It is important to neuter your pet
at the right time, book one of our
FREE nurse clinics to talk about
having your pet neutered.
This is Sancho Panzo, he was so
brave after he had been castrated!
He is one of our lovely clients who
comes in regularly for nurse clinics
Muddy Pups Competition
Have you got a mucky pup?
If so enter our competition, email your photos to
[email protected] and you could win a free
health check for your pet.
Here is Suzanne’s mucky pup Daisy enjoying a soak
in a Mud Bath!
NEW STAFF MEMBERS
We have three new vets working at
Park. Lorien Waterer who has been with
us for a few months and fitted in really
well. Stewart Wilson who is a small and
farm vet and Sian Porter who is a small
animal vet who have both started in the
last two weeks.
Sian
Lorien
Stewart recently graduated for the Royal Veterinary College in
2016, and will be working as a mixed vet. He comes from a small
dairy farm in East Kent and is looking forward to visiting the farms
of South Wales. His particular interests include cattle reproduction
and small animal surgery.
Stewart
When not at work Stewart enjoys trekking, skiing and rugby, as well as
going home to help out on the family farm.
PUPPY AND KITTEN GOLD PACKAGES
Give your puppy the best start in life
with our NEW GOLD Puppy Packages!!

Keep your puppy healthy with a full course of puppy vaccinations (given at 8 and 12 weeks).

Keep your puppy healthy with a Kennel Cough Vaccination

A Free Puppy Health Check by one of our caring qualified vets

Free Microchip keeping your pet safe should it go missing.

One free dose of Nexgard to keep fleas at bay.

Free four weeks pet insurance for those unexpected vet fees.

10% discount off Neutering (valid up to 12 months of Age).

Take advantage of a 25% discount off Milbemax worming pack
(i.e 4 for the price of 3).

Join our free Youth Club with one of our qualified Nurses (*Only available at our Cardiff Surgery).

Free food vouchers for Royal Canin
All for £84.00 inc VAT
Give your kitten the best start in life
with our NEW Kitten GOLD Packages!!

Keep your Kitten healthy with a full course of Kitten vaccinations (given at 8 and 12 weeks).

Your pet neutered at 6 months of age.

A Free Kitten Health Check by one of our caring qualified vets

Free Microchip keeping your pet safe should it go missing.

One free dose of Broadline a combination flea & worming treatment

Free four weeks pet insurance for those unexpected vet fees.

10% discount off Neutering (valid up to 1 year of Age).

Join our free Youth Club with one of our qualified Nurses (*Only available at
our

Cardiff Surgery).

Free food vouchers for Royal Canin.
Male £110.00 Female £122.00
Pet Health Club
Why it makes perfect sense to join our Pet Health Club
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It helps you provide essential routine care for your pet, which is all part of being a responsible pet owner
You save money on the cost of treatments and services that keep your pet healthy and happy
You can spread the cost of routine care by convenient Direct Debit, making it easier to manage
Save money and spread the cost with convenient direct debits
Included in your GOLD Health Club
- Your Annual booster vaccination & Kennel Cough Vaccination
- 12 months Flea and worm treatment
Check out the extra benefits of membership:
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Free micro chipping for dogs
25% off micro chipping for cats
£30 annual voucher for out of hours treatment
10% off repeat prescriptions
10% off routine dentals and dentistry products
10% off routine neutering
15% off diets including prescription diets
10% off additional parasite control
And it’s so easy to join
Ask at reception and join our Pet
Health Club today. There is no
joining fee so just ask for an
application form and we’ll get
you started on a program of
affordable life-long veterinary care
for your pet.
FREE health checks
with our nurses for nail
clips, weight checks,
ear cleaning and
general advice DOGS
Cost Per Month for our
GOLD Package which
includes Annual Booster
and KC Vaccination
Toy
0 - 3kg
£10.61 per month
Small
4 - 10kg
£10.92 per month
Medium
11kg - 25kg
£12.46 per month
Large
26kg - 40kg
£13.91 per month
Very Large
41 - 65kg
£20.29 per month
Cats
Less than 10kg
£9.53 per month