Chocolate Toxicity Calculator for Dogs

Chocolate Toxicity Calculator for Dogs | Vista Vets Chelmsford

Worried your dog has eaten chocolate?

With this unique tool, you can get an instant toxicity rating based on your dog’s weight and how much chocolate they’ve eaten.

Whether the rating is negligible, mild-moderate or a possible emergency, you will automatically receive guidance on what to do next.

Try the Vets Now chocolate toxicity calculator below:

Need a vet?

If you are at all worried your pet has consumed too much chocolate, please contact us as soon as possible by calling 01376 786 732

5 Potential Poisons to Protect Your Pet From This Easter

Easter and Spring are celebrated times across the country and bring fresh growth in our gardens, lighter nights, bank holidays and of course…. visits from the Easter Bunny. But it’s also a time we should be wary of some potentially nasty poisons that could make our pets quite unwell.

The number 1 most common poisoning over Easter is chocolate and the one we will devote the most time to in this toxic round-up. Fortunately, most people are now aware of the dangers, but this isn’t the only seasonal hazard to be wary of in our homes:

1. Chocolate

Chocolate is considered by many of us humans to be one of life’s best treats, but for our pets, it’s highly toxic. In some cases, ingestion can even prove fatal.

Chocolate contains something called theobromine. This is a molecule made by plants and is found in cocoa beans amongst others such as tea and cola.  It has lots of different effects on the body – it widens blood vessels, aids urination (diuretic) and is a heart stimulant. Humans can quickly and easily metabolise this substance so it very rarely builds up enough to cause a problem, but dogs (and other animals, but pets such as cats, hamsters and rabbits are much less interested in sweet foods than dogs!) can suffer a build-up. This causes digestive problems, dehydration, internal bleeding, excitability, irregular or abnormal heart beat and muscle tremors. If this poisoning is left untreated, it can then result in seizures and death.

 

How much chocolate is too much chocolate?

The amount of Theobromine in chocolate products varies. There’s a much higher concentration in dark chocolate than in chocolate milk shake for example, but it doesn’t take much to negatively affect your pet. As little as 1.8oz of milk chocolate is enough to poison a small dog.

 

HELP! My dog has eaten some chocolate. What should I do?!

Don’t panic! Call us and we can advise you over the phone and if necessary, we’ll see your pet as soon as possible. Obviously, if you have a small dog and they’ve eaten a whole Easter Egg or box of chocolates, bring them to us straight away calling on the way to let us know you’re coming.

There is no antidote for theobromine so the usual way we treat them is to get them to vomit – ideally within the first two hours after they’ve eaten the chocolate. We might also wash their stomach out and give them some activated charcoal which is really good at absorbing toxins left in their digestive system.

Depending on the severity of the poisoning, we might also need to put your dog on a drip and give them some medication to calm their heart, control their blood pressure and stop seizures from happening.

With prompt treatment, the outlook is generally good for most dogs, even those who have eaten large amounts.

 

My dog is exhibiting the symptoms listed above as side effects, but I’m not sure if they’ve eaten chocolate or not. What should I do?

Call us. We can take a look at them and find out what’s going on. Whilst they may not have eaten any chocolate, these symptoms are always signs of something so it’s best to get them checked out as soon as possible and not wait and see.

 

What can I give as a treat instead of chocolate?

There are lots of options available for sale in the practice if you’d like a handy packet in your pocket. Alternatively, you could use apples, peanut butter stuffed in a Kong, cubed beef, or carrots. You can buy doggy chocolate, but it has little or no nutritional value so it’s not really worth it for the amount of time it’s in their mouths for.

Try our Chocolate Toxicity Calculator

With this unique tool, you can get an instant toxicity rating based on your dog’s weight and how much chocolate they’ve eaten.

Whether the rating is negligible, mild-moderate or a possible emergency, you will automatically receive guidance on what to do next.
Use the calculator
2. Artificial sweetener
Don’t think you’re doing your pooch a favour by giving them diabetic or sugar-free treats. Some of these as well as sugar replacements, chewing gums and even some medicines contain xylitol. This artificial sweetener can cause mild stomach upset in humans, but can be very poisonous to dogs.  If your dog eats it, it can cause their blood sugar levels to quickly drop to dangerous levels. Larger amounts can even cause liver failure in extreme cases. If you think your dog has eaten sweeteners or if they appear weak, tired, collapse or have fits you MUST bring them in straight away. Other store cupboard dangers include:
  • Blue cheese
  • Onions
  • Raisins and grapes
  • Tuna in large amounts
  • Coffee and coffee grounds
  • Raw fish
  • Raw eggs
  • Excessive amounts of liver
  • Raw bread dough
  • Cooked bones (not poisonous, but can cause damage if swallowed)
  • Excessive quantities of sugar
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Mouldy food
3. Spring bulbs
All bulbs – and often what grows out of them – are poisonous to pets. Dogs are most likely to be affected by bulbs as in the garden they do like to sniff them out,  root them up and eat them – especially when freshly planted in the Autumn of coming into flower in the Spring. Daffodils and tulips are the most common bulbs found to have poisoned dogs during these seasons. Inside, cats are most likely to be poisoned by lilies. These flowers are highly toxic to cats, and poisoning generally occurs when the cat walks across a surface where lilies are and brushes against or walks over pollen that they then groom off and ingest. It is recommended that households with cats don’t have lilies in the house unless you can be sure your cat isn’t going to go into that room or have any contact with where they have been. Signs of poisoning can include red gums, drooling, upset stomach (vomiting and/or diarrhoea), wobbly gait, tiredness and collapse.
4. Antifreeze
This is a particularly nasty poison, especially for cats as for some reason it smells delicious to them and they will lap it up if it’s found puddled on roads and drives. It contains something called ethylene glycol and an amount of as little as a teaspoon of antifreeze can cause fatal kidney failure in a cat. It’s estimated that 90,000 animals are poisoned by it each year, so it’s a big problem. An antidote does exist, but to be effective it must be given within three hours of the cat drinking the poison. As finding out what has happened within this timeframe is unusual, treatment is sadly often ineffective. It’s vitally important that we keep antifreeze in sealed containers locked away from pets and children and don’t allow it to pool on the floor when using it. Regularly check under your car to see if your radiator is leaking or not, and if so wash the area down thoroughly and take your car to be fixed as soon as possible. You could also look for an antifreeze that contains propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol as this is less poisonous. Signs of antifreeze poisoning are: Stage 1: (Within 30 minutes – 12 hours of the poisoning): stumbling, thirst, vomiting Stage 2: Symptoms seem to subside but huge internal damage is now taking place Stage 3: Loss of appetite, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea, irregular heartbeat, possible seizures. These all indicate acute kidney failure.
5. Slug bait
As temperatures warm up and lush green shoots appear, so do the slugs and snails. Gardeners often reach for slug pellets to control them without realising they are also toxic to pets who roam through the garden. Dogs are particularly attracted to the pellets. Slug pellets vary in toxicity depending on what’s in them. Some are fairly safe, others contain metaldehyde which is highly toxic to dogs. Even small amounts of this substance can cause significant poisoning, so make sure you wash your dog’s feet and mouth if you think they might have come into contact with them even if they haven’t eaten any. This will stop any of the substance from being ingested next time they wash. Symptoms of slug pellet poisoning are similar to antifreeze and initially include wobbling and being unusually uncoordinated, tremors and fits. These can happen within the first hour after poisoning so you must seek help from a vet as soon as you think your pet might have come into contact with pellets or eaten some even if symptoms haven’t yet started to appear.

Worried your pet has consumed something dangerous?

If you are at all worried your pet has consumed something dangerous, please contact us as soon as possible by calling 01376 786 732

Try our Chocolate Toxicity Calculator

With this unique tool, you can get an instant toxicity rating based on your dog’s weight and how much chocolate they’ve eaten.

Whether the rating is negligible, mild-moderate or a possible emergency, you will automatically receive guidance on what to do next.
Use the calculator

Ticks: Disease Transmission Symptoms and Removal Techniques for Pets

Ticks are external parasites, and globally they rival only mosquitos as carriers of disease.  

Their natural habitat is thick grass – fields, meadows, farmland and woods are all favourite locations. If you or your pet visit areas such as this, be extra vigilant. 

Parasites live by feeding off a host, and as they move from one to another they quickly and easily pick up and spread diseases. Some of these diseases are not only dangerous to your pet, but also to the rest of your family (see below) so it’s really important to give your pet continuous year-round protection against ticks.  We offer a monthly spot-on treatment for fleas and ticks and you can save money on this if you’re a member of our Healthy Pet Club.

What do ticks look like and can I spot them whilst out?

Ticks change shape as they feed, starting off the size and shape of a small seed but growing to the size of a baked bean once they’ve fed from their host. They vary in colour as well as shape and size, but are often a dull brown or grey. 

Whilst in their natural environment and are waiting for their next host to walk by (they often climb to the top of a blade of grass and wait for any passing animal or human) they’re so tiny that they’re unlikely to be spotted and avoided.

What diseases do ticks carry and can they cause other problems?

Problems range from itchiness and local infection to disease that can have lifelong consequences for your pet – and for your family if a tick decides to make you it’s host.

Ticks produce a mucous that they use on the feeding site to help them stay on, and this can be really irritating for your pet. If they then scratch themselves in response to this and to get the tick off they can make themselves bleed, get an infection in the broken skin, and possibly scratch the tick off but leave part of it inside them that can then become infected. There have also been cases of anaemia in badly infested pets, and reports of some female ticks releasing a toxin that can result in paralysis. Thankfully these are so far very rare in this country. 

One of the biggest and most serious threats is from Lyme disease which is caused by very resilient bacteria. The symptoms of this are arthritis, painful swollen joints and lameness.  In humans the symptoms are often a rash, joint pain, fever, and headaches. As these are all common to many different diseases, diagnosis can sometimes take a while or be missed completely.  If this disease is left untreated, it can lead to an extremely serious debilitating chronic illness with permanent complications.

Are ticks a seasonal problem?

Ticks are often more active in spring and autumn when it’s warm and damp, but they can be found all year round. With a 75% increase in pets coming in to the UK, we are now seeing the emergence of foreign ticks such as the kennel tick on recently travelled dogs, so it’s now even more important to protect your pet all year round.

I’ve found a tick! What should I do?

Regular grooming and vigilance should help you identify any unwelcome visitors. Always brush your pet against the hair growth as well as with to help you identify any embedded ticks, and carefully check awkward areas such as their ears, face and paw pads. 

If you spot one, don’t panic, and don’t pull it straight off as embedded mouth parts can be left behind and cause further problems.  It’s also important not to do anything that makes the tick feel stress, as they can often regurgitate their meal back into the host along with any diseases they’re carrying. Traditional ways to remove them include burning them with a match or flame, pulling hard on them or covering them in Vaseline to suffocate them and all of these would cause stress to them that could further harm your pet. 

How to safely remove a tick

Always have a ‘tick removal kit’ ready at home so you don’t have to spend time getting everything together if you do identify a tick. This kit should include a tick removal tool (available relatively cheaply from your vet or online, although you could use tweezers), gloves, a jar with a lid, rubbing alcohol and some antiseptic wipes.

  1. Put on your gloves. As ticks spread disease through the bloodstream they could infect you through any broken skin. 
  2. Hold your pet and make sure they are calm. They’re going to have to remain still for a minute or so to allow you to remove the parasite. Get someone to hold the pet for you if you can. 
  3. Place your removal tool or tweezers around the part of the tick closest to your pet’s body, being careful not to pinch your pet’s skin.
  4. Using a steady pressure, gently twist the tick until it releases its grip. Try not to move suddenly, or twist too hard as you don’t want the tick to regurgitate whatever is inside it back in to your pet, or for any of it to be left behind.
  5. Put the tick in the jar and examine it to check it’s still in once piece and nothing has been left inside your pet. 
  6. Add some rubbing alcohol (vodka would do but it seems a waste!) to kill the tick. Keep it in the jar somewhere for a few days until you’re sure your pet is well. If you pet starts to display any symptoms such as a reluctance to move, fever, extreme tiredness, loss of appetite and swollen lymph nodes then bring both your pet and the tick to us straight away so we can check them over and be sure of the parasite that infected them. 
  7. Disinfect the bite site with disinfecting wipes or some fresh rubbing alcohol. Keep an eye on the site and contact us if it becomes red or inflamed.
Can I stop my pet getting ticks, and if not isn’t it enough to just regularly check my pet?

When they first attach they are usually only the size of a sesame seed and are often hiding between toes and under ears. They can be almost impossible to spot until they’ve been on there for long enough to grow bigger, become irritating to your pet, and have potentially transmitted disease. 

There is no tick repellent, but a spot-on treatment works in the same way as flea protection. The substance will penetrate the fatty, subcutaneous layer just under the pet’s skin and give the tick a dose of the anti-parasitic drug as soon as they first feed.  As ticks pass on disease within the first 24 hours of attaching to a host, it’s important to kill them off as soon as possible. The only reliable way of doing this is through a continuous protection programme. 

Call us on 01376 786 732 to talk about the options, and don’t forget to ask about the cost savings as a Healthy Pet Club member if you aren’t already a member.

Never forget your pet's tick treatment again with the Vista Pet Club

We’ve specifically developed the Vista Pet Club to make it simple for you to look after your pet. Get access to annual flea and tick treatments and much more, all designed to ensure your pet stays healthy.
join the club

The Itchy Issue of Fleas: A Risk for Your Pet and Your Family

Fleas – putting your family at risk all year round

Fleas are often considered to be a seasonal nuisance that are annoying for your pet, and annoying for you when you get nipped by one at home.  But they’re a more serious problem than this, are a year-long threat, and can cause serious distress to your pet and spread disease.  

Our centrally heated homes are the perfect year-round breeding ground for fleas who are attracted to the warm environment, so they aren’t just a spring and summer issue. Eggs can lay dormant in pet beds, carpets, rugs and upholstery for months before finding a host. In fact much of the life cycle of the flea takes place in the animal’s environment, not on the animal itself. Protecting your pet and your family requires this life-cycle to be broken by year round protection, and ideally by using a treatment that renders the eggs unable to hatch, so any that do transfer to the environment don’t start the cycle all over again.

Disease

Heavy infestations may lead to iron deficiency, anaemia and death, particularly in young animals. Diseases transmitted by fleas include pruritus (intense chronic itching), cat scratch disease, murine typhus, plague, flea typhus, tapeworm infection and flea bite allergies.

Why ad-hoc treatments just don’t work

By the time you notice fleas on your pet, they have already bitten their host and injected their saliva in to their blood stream and started laying eggs. In the same way, ticks transmit disease within the first 24 hours of being attached to a host, so once they are discovered and removed it’s too late to stop this transmission.  The chances are that they will already have laid eggs before treatment, and these are sitting in a warm and cosy environment just waiting to hatch and infest your pet all over again. Even if you use a treatment that remains active for a month, it’s possible that some eggs and/or fleas will be lurking for longer than this period and will get to work once the treatment has worn off.

So, reactive and one-off treatments are both insufficient in preventing the spread of disease AND do nothing to prevent the initial attack or to break the life cycle. We recommend monthly treatments with an integrated product which not only kills any fleas that attack your pet, but also stops the development of eggs and therefore breaks the life-cycle. This approach will stop any initial infestation and protect your home, your pet and your family throughout the year.

Never forget your pet's flea treatment again with the Vista Pet Club

We’ve specifically developed the Vista Pet Club to make it simple for you to look after your pet. Get access to annual flea and worming treatments and much more, all design to ensure your pet stays healthy.
join the club
Just discovered your pet has fleas?

1. Treat your pet

You will need to treat them with a product that kills the fleas and preferably one that contains a growth regulator to prevent eggs from hatching. Call us and we can let you know which products these are.

3. Vacuum soft furnishings, bedding and carpets thoroughly

You will need to treat them with a product that kills the fleas and preferably one that contains a growth regulator to prevent eggs from hatching. Call us and we can let you know which products these are.

2. Treat your environment

The house (and car) will need to be treated with an insecticide spray. Indorex is the most effective mild insecticide for this and will kill and live fleas and stop eggs hatching. If your infestation is or becomes more severe, you will need to contact your local pest control agency who will have insecticides not generally available to the general public and will be able to come out and treat your house.

4. Wash anything such as pet beds, rugs, blankets and cushions

Fleas and eggs are unlikely to survive a once round in the washing machine and it is another good way to make sure none have escaped treatment. (It’s still  important to treat first to kill as many as possible this way as movement and transfer is likely to make any unwelcome visitors spread around your home).

1. Treat your pet

You will need to treat them with a product that kills the fleas and preferably one that contains a growth regulator to prevent eggs from hatching. Call us and we can let you know which products these are.

2. Treat your environment

The house (and car) will need to be treated with an insecticide spray. Indorex is the most effective mild insecticide for this and will kill and live fleas and stop eggs hatching. If your infestation is or becomes more severe, you will need to contact your local pest control agency who will have insecticides not generally available to the general public and will be able to come out and treat your house.

3. Vacuum soft furnishings, bedding and carpets thoroughly

You will need to treat them with a product that kills the fleas and preferably one that contains a growth regulator to prevent eggs from hatching. Call us and we can let you know which products these are.

4. Wash anything such as pet beds, rugs, blankets and cushions

Fleas and eggs are unlikely to survive a once round in the washing machine and it is another good way to make sure none have escaped treatment. (It’s still  important to treat first to kill as many as possible this way as movement and transfer is likely to make any unwelcome visitors spread around your home).

Managing treatments

Monthly application of product involves some organisation – remembering the date to treat, when they were last treated and making sure you have to product to hand. To make this simpler (and cheaper!) for you, membership of our Healthy Pet Club ensures you have the product every month without fail. From the day you join you know when each month to treat, and can do so without having to order your treatment and wait for it to arrive which is time consuming, liable to fail if only through the weight of our busy lives, and can be costly. It also ensures that you and your family are protected year round.

Never forget your pet's flea treatment again with the Vista Pet Club

We’ve specifically developed the Vista Pet Club to make it simple for you to look after your pet. Get access to annual flea and worming treatments and much more, all designed to ensure your pet stays healthy.
join the club

5 Top Tips for Keeping Pets at Christmas Happy and Healthy

One of the most exciting things for us over the festive period is all the different things happening. We see people we don’t get to see often, socialise more, eat food we only ever have at this time of the year, and even decorate our houses with things that usually live packed away in lofts and cupboards. Whilst this all adds to the excitement of the season for us, it can present a few potential problems for our pets that we should all be aware of.

To make sure we all have a good time, can relax with family (fluffy and otherwise) and get on with enjoying ourselves, we’ve put together a list of our Top Tips to ensure a safe and merry Christmas for all.

1. Keep decorations out of reach – and as non-toxic as you can
  • Baubles and tinsel are as attractive to curious pets as they are to us. The temptation to play and pull them down may well be strong, so try to avoid this if you can by moving things out of their reach. Swallowing glass or plastic decorations can cause some nasty problems, and tinsel can be hazardous if they get wrapped up in it while playing.

  • Don’t put edible decorations on your tree. The temptation will be too much in the dead of night! The tin foil and chocolate aren’t going to give their intestines the treat they expect!
2. Keep cables for fairy lights out of reach or get a cable guard.
  • Loose cables can tempt cats, dogs and rabbits to chew on these new, rubbery items that appear in the house. They could give themselves a nasty shock and unwittingly create a fire risk.
3. Be toxin aware
  • Lots of traditional Christmas plants and foliage are poisonous to our pets, so make sure poinsettias, holly, pine, mistletoe, and amaryllis are in rooms they can’t access or are out of reach. Vacuum regularly to get rid of any pine needles – plastic or real!
  • Some foods are toxic for our pets despite being delicious to us. This list includes chocolate, mince pies and Christmas pudding (in fact, anything with raisins or grapes in), onions including onion gravy, broccoli, salty foods, avocado, coffee, cauliflower, nutmeg, peppers, garlic and alcohol. Bones from bird carcasses such as turkey and chicken are also dangerous as they pose a choking hazard and can splinter when chewed and get stuck in the digestive system.
  • Don’t put presents that include food under the tree. These will be sniffed out and eaten – probably including the ribbon and paper. We can all do without the destruction, and certain types of wrapping paper contain harmful chemicals. The ribbon used to tie gifts can also cause an intestinal obstruction if swallowed.
  •  Some pets are more intelligent than others when sneaking food while no one is looking. Keep an eye out for any changes in behaviour that might indicate this is the case – changes in their breathing, twitching, vomiting and diarrhoea, for example – and call us if you have any concerns.
4. Make your pets feel safe and stress-free
  • If you have visitors coming, make a safe space away from all the commotion for your pet to escape to. A familiar bed and some toys in a quiet room will be an excellent refuge for them if it all gets too much. Make sure guests know which doors and gates need to remain closed for your pet’s safety

  • Give your dog a good walk before any excitement, and they’ll be much calmer and more content. Keeping up regular feeding and exercise routines helps with a sense of security too

  • Fireworks are often around again over the festive period, so if this is an issue for your pet, make sure they are kept in, have a safe area to hide in, keep the curtains closed and that you have the radio or TV on as a distraction. If the fear extends beyond understandable anxiety, book an appointment to talk to us about how we can help. There are some nutraceuticals such as pheromone plug-ins and food supplements that might help as well as some additional techniques we could talk to you about
5. Don’t forget to have some fun

All of this makes Christmas for your pet sound pretty dull, but it doesn’t have to be. As long as common-sense rules, then you can all have a great family time, including your pet.

We sell a range of toys and chews that make lovely gifts for your pet, and just because they can’t eat the same food as us doesn’t mean they have to miss out. There are lots of safe treats and bones available to keep them healthy and happy. You could organise a treat trail as a treasure hunt and could even have a go at making your own ‘pupcakes’! Google has many ideas for dogs’ baked goods (and a few for cats!). If you make anything and post it on social media, be sure to tag us so we can see!

Our Christmas and New Year opening hours are available here, but if you need us day or night over Christmas (or any time), we’re here for you. Just call us on 01376 786 732

Why Dental Health Is Key to Your Pet’s Health

Vista Vets Chelmsford | Why Dental Health is Key to Your Pets Health
Do I need to look after my pet’s teeth?

Yes! Your pet isn’t able to perform the simple oral care tasks that we as humans know are essential for dental health such as tooth brushing. They need to visit us regularly for dental treatment in the same way we should visit a dentist.

Poor dental health can result in long term (chronic) pain for pets. Infections in the mouth can also cause infections elsewhere in the body as bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and travel elsewhere, and can be responsible for heart, kidney, liver and lung infections. 

Our pets are very good at hiding any pain they feel, and the way they show this – tiredness, aggression, slowing down – can often be mistaken for the normal aging process, so it’s really important that we keep an eye on what’s going on in their mouths to prevent not only pain, but also to stop any issues from occurring before they go on to cause permanent damage.

If you have your pet from a young age it really helps to get them used to having their mouths looked at right from the start. Once a week gently encourage them to let you in for a quick look, and reward them with lots of fuss for being obliging. Teeth brushing can be introduced then too.

What are the signs of a dental problem in my pet?

One of the most common signs – and is often a reason owners bring their pet in for a dental check up – is bad breath. If your pet is willing you should look inside their mouth to see if there are any visible signs of infection or decay, but it’s often easier if your vet and a trained helper do this for you!

Another visible sign that your pet needs some help is tartar. This is a hard brown substance that can be seen where the teeth join the gum, and it then builds up from there. It’s caused by plaque on the teeth going hard (mineralising). Tartar causes gum inflammation (gingivitis) and a red and sore mouth that bleeds easily. This then leads on to dental disease, infection and a destruction of the tooth and tissues around it. The tooth will then become loose and possibly fall out or need to be removed surgically.

Signs that your pet might have disease at this stage might be eating in a different way – slowly, with their head on one side, eating on one side of the mouth only or refusing biscuits. They might also lose weight and generally show signs that they aren’t thriving.  Cats can exhibit this through deterioration in the quality of their coat where they stop grooming themselves as efficiently to prevent mouth pain.

If you suspect any dental problems, you must see your vet to stop whatever deterioration is occurring as soon as possible. Situations only get more serious for the pet, and more complicated and expensive.

How can I remove Tartar and Plaque from my pet’s teeth?

To remove any buildup of plaque or tartar from your pet’s teeth, and prevent further damage or disease, the best option is to book a dental descale and polish with your vet. The vet will use an ultrasonic descaling instrument, combined with specialist hand tools to remove the plaque and tartar from the teeth. Once the tartar has been removed, the surface of the tooth is then polished using a high-speed polishing tool. Polishing offers some cosmetic benefits like brighter teeth, but most importantly it also smooths away any rough areas on the tooth to help prevent plaque from building up in the future.

SPECIAL OFFER! Descale and Polish for only £164 £99!
In order to help keep your pet’s teeth healthy and clean, we are currently offering a huge discount (£65) when you book a dental descale and polish before the end of February 2022. Click here to find out more.
What happens when I bring my pet in for a dental examination?

The vet will talk to you about the general health of your pet as well as performing an oral examination. This is to assess signs of secondary problems caused by any dental issues picked up during the check up, and to ensure they are well enough for a general anaesthetic should any work need to be carried out.

The vet will look for tartar and any gum redness, swelling and infection. If this is identified then dental disease will also be checked for as well as any gum recession or overgrowing, which are common secondary problems to gingivitis. Gum swelling is sometimes also due to a lump forming which is either benign (and more common in some particular breeds), or a more serious tumour.

Cats have specific problems which will be checked for. Unfortunately it is very common for them to develop erosions of their teeth – called lesions – and these can be very painful and hard for an owner to detect. They are caused by the cat’s own immune system attacking the enamel of the teeth and causing holes in them.  

Pets can develop cavities in their molars in the same way we can, and these can cause infection and be really painful. Tooth fractures are also common. These are easy to spot if some tooth is missing, but if there’s a crack that extends to the nerve pulp then this is only visible by xray, and will be causing significant pain.

Less common problems include milk teeth not falling out, or falling out late resulting in adult teeth growing through in the wrong place, and misaligned jaws which whilst often purely cosmetic can cause problems if they result in teeth digging in to the palate.

What can I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth healthy?

One simple way you can help your pet is through their diet. In their natural state where they hunt and kill, their teeth are naturally cleaned by chewing on bones and hard body parts. For this reason cats who like the odd mouse or rabbit as a supplement to their diet sometimes have better teeth than those animals who chose not to hunt.  That said, as this is no longer their natural way of eating our domesticated animals would struggle if you were to introduce bones to their diet. Cooked bones can splinter and cause serious problems in their mouths, throats and guts, and raw bones can result in stomach upsets and enamel chipping as well as splintering.

There are some dental chews available for dogs that can be effective at plaque removal, although these don’t work if your dog has already developed tartar and dental disease. They can also be quite rich, so only give them occasionally and make sure they aren’t too big for your pet. You don’t want to replace dental concerns with diarrhoea!

For domestic animals, a biscuit diet is best as chewing on these can help safely replicate the benefits of gnawing on bones and tissue. Wet food also tends to stick to teeth which can cause plaque and subsequently tartar.

There are some pet foods specifically designed to encourage oral health, so do speak to us if you’d like to know more. It’s also always advisable to change your pet’s diet gradually.

Tooth brushing is the most effective way to prevent dental problems as long as it’s started before any conditions occur. You will need to use a pet toothpaste as ours would be harmful to them, and they also prefer a meaty flavour! You can use baby toothbrush – either a standard one or one that you put on your finger.

 If your pet already has some inflammation or other dental problems then wait until treatment has been completed and their mouth is no longer sore before resuming or starting brushing.

As always, if you have any questions regarding your pet’s dental health, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the practice by calling 01376 786 732
Vista Vets Dental Scale and Polish | Dental Offer £99 Dental Scale and Polish
To help keep your pet’s teeth healthy and clean, we are offering a huge discount (£65) when you book a dental descale and polish before the end of February 2022.
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Case Study: Treating Condylar Humeral Fracture in Dogs

Case Study

Treating a Condylar Humeral Fracture in Dogs

Dutchess,a 16 week old French Bulldog who Vista Vets treated for Humeral Fracture

Dutchess is only 16 weeks old! She is a lovely French Bulldog puppy who was presented to Vista Vets as an urgent appointment after she started to limp on her front right leg. Dutchess’s owners described her accident as tumbling off the sofa during playtime in the house.

Dutchess was examined by our Vet Peter Brigant, and from this examination, he could see that her elbow was very painful and unstable. She was immediately admitted, and her left limb was x-rayed while under general anaesthetic.

Radiographs revealed a left condylar humeral fracture! 

Dr Peter Brigant holding Dutchess
X Ray showing the Condylar Humeral Fracture vista-vets-chelmsford-case-study-dutchess-Condylar-Humeral-Fracture-in-dogs-5

Condylar humeral fractures are relatively common in young growing pups; however, they are also one of the most challenging to treat! Dutchess’s owners were very dedicated to getting her broken leg fixed, so they booked her for surgery the next day.

Dutchess underwent the fracture repair under general anaesthetic, monitored by our Veterinary Nurse Abby. The surgery was very successful, so Dutchess was discharged home with some important post-operative instructions.

Dr. Peter Brigant performing surgery
Dr. Peter Brigant performing surgery

Upon rechecking, only ten days after the surgery, Dutchess was using her left limb with minimal lameness – she was pain-free and very happy!

7 Ways to Help Your Petrified Pet Get Over Their Fear of the Vets

Fear and anxiety are cited as the number one barrier to people accessing the vet services their pet needs. In fact, it’s a much bigger health risk to our pets than even common problems such as dental disease, obesity and pain.

You – as much as us – want to give your pet the best care possible.

In an ideal world, this involves seeing a vet for a routine annual check-up and vaccinations, popping in every few months to collect worm and flea treatments and to discuss any concerns, ad-hoc visits for dental and nail clips, and whatever else is required to keep your pet in tip-top condition.

But sometimes fear and stress about a visit to the vets can make it feel not worth the hassle for them or you.

Feeling terrified of the cat carrier, the smell of the practice, or people in scrubs is not pleasant, and if your pet is stressed, the chances are you will be feeling it with them. Even if you CAN get your pet through the door and into the consulting room, consultations are often trickier as your pet is less willing to be handled and examined, and routine care such as nail clips, anal gland care and blood tests can be virtually impossible.

Some things can therefore be overlooked and remain undetected, putting your pet at risk of ill health that could have been prevented. Diseases that need constant monitoring, such as diabetes, suddenly become a lot trickier too.

So what can you do to help calm your pet and turn a dreaded event into something more positive?

Whether they’ve already had a tough experience at another practice or seems like irrational anxiety, talk to us, and we’ll come up with a plan to start to make things better for your frightened pet and you.

Depending on the severity of the anxiety, some tricks we suggest include:

  1. Carrying out a few mock examinations at home. Look in their ears, examine their teeth if you can play with their toes, stroke around their tail if they’ll let you just so they know it’s ok being touched and examined, and that they then get lots of fuss and treats for it.
  2. Leaving any pet carrying cases out for a few weeks in advance of an appointment so they can sniff them, go freely in and out, and not associate it with anything worse. You could occasionally pop a treat in there for them and make sure bedding smells of them and/or you.
  3. Doing something relaxing with your pet before you travel to the vets is often a good idea to calm both them and you. Play games, go for a walk, sit and have some cuddles… whatever you and your pet like doing together.
  4. Ask us about plug-ins and food supplements that might help in the days leading up to a visit. Some products are available that mimic the pheromones found in mother’s milk and can help calm your pet down both in advance and on the day.
  5. Maybe consider missing a meal or take them hungry, so you can reward them at each stage with a treat they’ll really appreciate. We’ve won a lot of dogs over with some doggy biscuits in our pockets!
  6. The smell is everything to dogs. Make the most of it and spray some lavender or other natural calming scents in the car and at home, and only any bedding you’ll take with you.
  7.  If your pet displays sign of anxiety during the visit, try not to make a fuss of them. It’s difficult not to offer what feels like reassurance when we see our pets distressed, but all this does is reinforce their nervousness because they’ll think you’re rewarding their behaviour, and there is actually something to be afraid of.

If you’d rather arrange a behavioural consultation before deciding how to tackle the issue, we can arrange that for you. We can come up with a step-by-step plan that will hopefully soon get us all to the point where we can get a cuddle from your pet every time they’re in for an appointment – or even just passing the practice. We all love our cuddles! And most importantly, they’ll be working towards a time when they allow us to take the very best care of them when they’re here.

I’ve just got a puppy/kitten. How can I make sure they don’t become scared of visits to the vet?!

We take the mental side of health as seriously as the physical, and we aim right from day one to make every visit enjoyable and reassuring for your pet. Once they have been held down for vaccination, wrangled to the floor to get a wormer in or to listen to their heart, they associate that fear with the people and the situation, and pets don’t forget these things! From day one we will cuddle your pets when they arrive, offer a treat bowl you can help yourself to, and treat them respectfully and gently.

We encourage all of our clients no matter what life stage they’re at to pop in whenever they want for a cuddle and a treat (for your pet – not you – unless you ask particularly nicely). Just coming in for a sit-down and some fuss for a while before leaving to continue their day shows your pet that nice things happen around us.

How worms can risk the health of your pet – and your family.

Where worms come from, and what to do about them.

Even outwardly healthy-looking animals can have worms, and they can cause suffering, illness and sometimes even death. Animals can also transmit some of the diseases they carry to humans, so it’s essential to worm regularly regardless of whether you think your pet has worms or not.

 

What kind of worms can infect my cat or dog?

Roundworms and tapeworms are the most common threats. They can also have hookworms and whipworms, and these are more common in dogs than cats.

Lungworm is becoming a more significant problem – although it only infects a small percentage of animals at the moment, lungworms can cause life-threatening illness and, in some cases, can be even fatal. These parasites are transferred to your pet through ingesting a slug or snail, or grass with their slime tracks.

I haven’t been regularly treating my pet for worms, and now I’m worried they are infected. What are the signs?!
  • You may see worms in faeces or vomit or around your pet’s bottom.
  • Your pet might have lost weight recently
  • Their fur might have changed and become dry and coarse
  • They might have an increased appetite and have diarrhoea
  • They may appear weak
  • In severe cases, infected puppies and kittens can have a distended abdomen (also sometimes known as a pot belly)

 

How does my pet catch worms?

Your pet is exposed to worms in several ways, and it’s almost impossible to prevent exposure.

Fleas can carry tapeworm eggs, so a continuous flea protection programme must run alongside a worming programme.

Your pet may well come in contact with other infected animals – wild animals or domesticated – who use the same outdoor areas as your pet. They might also inadvertently eat the larvae or eggs of worms in faeces or contaminated grass and can also get them from eating raw meat. If you have a dog who enjoys the occasional carcass in a hedge or a juicy slug, or a cat who hunts, kills and eats, then they will probably be exposed to the worms these wild animals undoubtedly host.

Female roundworms can produce 200,000 eggs in just one day. These eggs are protected by a hard shell, which means they can survive in the soil for years.

Can I catch worms from my pet?!

Unfortunately, you can, and the diseases they transmit can be very dangerous to humans, particularly from the roundworm. The eggs can hatch in the human intestine, then the immature worms can travel to various tissues in the body, including the eyes and brain. Severe infections can result in damage to these organs and can cause blindness.

Basic cleanliness measures such as washing hands before meals, leaving shoes at the door, and avoiding the faeces of animals whilst out (and bagging and binning those of your own!) should all help keep you safe.

 

How can I stop my pet from getting worms?

A thorough and continuous worming programme from an early age is the best way to ensure your pet and your family are safe from worms. It is also a good idea to make sure your pet’s water, food bowls and bedding area regularly cleaned and disinfected, using a disinfectant suitable for use around animals.

 

My dog/cat is pregnant. Should I continue to worm them?

Pregnant cats and dogs who have worms pass them on to their puppies and kittens while still in the womb. The microscopic larvae migrate through the mother’s tissues into the womb.

Roundworm larvae can also be given to the puppy or kitten from the mother’s milk. They then travel to the intestine, where they can grow up to five inches long, so worms can be a really serious issue for a tiny animal.

Most wormers are only effective on adult worms existing in the intestinal tract and wouldn’t kill off larvae lurking in other tissues ready to migrate to the womb during pregnancy. If you plan on breeding from your animal, it’s essential to make sure they are continuously wormed before pregnancy occurs.

 

Always speak to your vet before administering any drugs such as wormers to pregnant animals so they can recommend a suitable product use during this time.

Never forget your pet's worming treatment again with the Vista Pet Healthcare Club
The most effective way to make sure you offer unbroken protection to your pet and your family is regular worming. If you are a member of our Health Plan, you will be covered year-round and pay less for your wormers too! If you aren't already a member, contact us to find out more and sign up.
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