Family Announcements Page 24,25 NEW - Ask Anna the Vet

Ask Anna..

Your local Vet - In associaltion with Henlow Vets Your local Independant Veterinary Centre

Each month we invite readers of the Stotfold News Magazine to ask Anna Marshall-Brown of local independent Veterinary Centre Henlow Vets some advice on their family pet:

Dear Anna, Is it better to go to a vet where you regularly see the same vet and they get to know your pet or is it just as good going somewhere where my dog will see a different Vet each time? Hi Hannah, That’s a really interesting question! There are many benefits to seeing the same vet, as they get to know your individual animal’s personality and health concerns, and this also allows rapport and trust to be built up with you. Having said that, having other vets involved widens our professional perspective and can lead to different ideas and treatment options, as all vets have slightly different areas of expertise. A good practice will also have a team of vets who communicate with each other regarding cases, so even if seeing a different vet on occasion they will often know about your animal. There are many other factors to take into account when choosing a vets that is right for you- the experience of the veterinary surgeons, whether they have vets with advanced qualifications, the level of services offered, standard of care, the facilities available, opening hours, out of hours availability and so on. I always think it’s a good idea to visit a few that are close to you and get a feel for them, ask about all of these things, and check out their website too! Henlow Veterinary Centre 22 Bedford Road Lower Stondon Beds SG16 6EA (01462) 416416

My dog has a lump under his eye above his top teeth - causing no pain but it’s rock solid. he’s been on 7 days antibiotics and it’s reduced by half, we are having the antibiotics extended to hopefully clear it up. It is a good sign that it’s reducing and does this mean it’s less likely to be something we were dreading? Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8.30am - 18.30pm Sat 9am -12 noon

Gosh, your poor dog, I totally understand your concern for him. Unfortunately I cannot comment on specific cases that I haven’t seen, however a reduction in size is encouraging. I would recommend a checkup at the end of the antibiotic course with your vet, who can guide you further depending on the response to the treatment course. Good luck.

We currently feed our dog Wainwright’s food, standard turkey dry mix. He goes to the toilet 3-4 times a day. Is this normal? Many thanks Hannah.

Every dog has a slightly different habit when it comes to their toileting, and it can vary depending on the food they’re eating! My dogs poo 2-3 times a day on their regular food, but 4 times on some foods! If the poo is firm, with no blood or mucus, and your dog isn’t straining then it’s most likely normal. I would start to worry if the frequency of pooing increases along with a change in its appearance, and also if your dog is losing weight despite no change in food.

Name: Tina the tortoise Type: Hermanii tortoise Age: 10 Sleep pattern: Tina hibernates during the winter months in a house in a shed. Likes: Tina enjoys eating weeds and flowers, pansies are her most favourite! Tina also enjoys sunbathing during the summer months!

We want to see your pets! Send us in details of your family pet to stotfold.news@yahoo.co.uk

Stotfold Art Group News..

Welcome to the latest news from Stotfold Art Group.

Geoff Hoile's paintings have been featured before, but here his versatility is shown with these works in the medium of pastels. Many people have commissioned him to paint their pets - dogs, cats and other animals. Jessie and Starbrighter are two prime examples of his ability to show the character of an animal through attention to detail with pastels. These pet portraits are extremely popular and have resulted in many sales. For more information on our club contact us on 07734 304590

Starbrighter painted by Geoff Jessie

Established 1971