Free Clinics

Weight Clinicsback to top

Just as in the human population, obesity in companion animals is a growing concern for vets and owners.  We all know that an overweight pet is at greater risk of developing arthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, bladder problems and more.  And being overweight can also reduce your pet’s quality of life and even shorten their life expectancy.

Two factors contribute to obesity in animals (just like humans): too much food and too little exercise.  Our vet nurses can help you to help your pet by offering an initial consultation to devise an appropriate diet plan and exercise regime.  You can then attend regular clinics to monitor weight loss and, once at a healthy weight, help you to maintain this for a happier pet.

Dental Clinicsback to top

Dental health is as important to an animal’s wellbeing as your own.  Unlike you however, your pet can’t complain of toothache and may even appear to eat well despite being in considerable pain.  Left undetected and untreated, dental disease can ultimately lead to distressing heart, liver and kidney problems.

That’s why we recommend that, alongside a good dental hygiene regime, perhaps incorporating appropriate chew toys, teeth brushing and a balanced diet, you attend a dental clinic once every 6/12months.

At each free clinic, our vet nurses can check your companion animal’s teeth and gums, provide advice on preventative dental care and tips on teeth brushing as well as describing a good dental regime. 

If, during a check-up, your vet nurse believes she has discovered signs of dental disease, she can refer your pet to your vet for treatment, for example to remove tartar, to maintain his/her health and happiness.

Flea and Worm Clinicsback to top

We know you know about the necessity of regular flea and worm treatments but we also understand that administering worming tablets, especially to cats, can be easier said than done.

At these clinics, our vet nurses are on hand to administer any treatments your vet has prescribed, to ensure that your pet is properly protected.  While your pet is here, we can check for flea dirt or fleas and provide advice on the most appropriate flea treatment to suit your pet and your lifestyle. 

We can also give your pet a general check-up,and provide information about the prevention and detection of parasites.

Puppy Clinicsback to top

Your puppy’s first few weeks are just like a child’s early years.  Their experiences during this important period could shape their behaviour for life.

Our puppy clinics provide a fun environment in which you can learn to socialise your puppy appropriately with other dogs and humans, to help him/her mature into a well adjusted, well behaved adult. They also help your puppy to become accustomed to (and not fearful of) visits to the surgery.

Puppy clinics are also a great opportunity for you to ask questions about looking after your puppy and any problems you might need to look out for, so that we can address these before they become serious.

Laura and Sophie, our dedicated veterinary nurses, will be happy to discuss behaviour matters, training your puppy, socialisation, diets, neutering, vaccination and worming and de-fleaing programmes.

It’s important that your puppy learns about socialisation so talk to your vet nurse about bringing your puppy along to a clinic as early as 2 weeks after your puppy’s second vaccination, right up until he/she is a year old.  Then come along and join the fun and claim your free goodie bag stuffed with helpful leaflets and food samples.

If you have any questions with regard to the puppy clinics please contact Laura or Sophie by telephoning 01530 836654 or, for non-urgent queries, please use our contact form.

Ante-natal clinicback to top

Kathryne, one of our senior nurses, has a wealth of both professional and personal experience of breeding dogs.  She now shares her expertise in free ante-natal clinics for inexperienced breeders or for clients who are considering breeding and would like to learn what it entails.

The clinics run through the breeding process from start to finish, including; the responsibilities of a breeder, knowing the right time to get a mating, care of the bitch during pregnancy, the whelping and the care of neonates.

Clients are given an information pack and Kathryne is happy to take follow up phone calls if you have any further queries.

If you'd like to read up on your subject, Kathryne recommends The Book of the Bitch (J Evans/K White) which is available to purchase from our reception.