Bard Vets

19/07/2025

🐦

Every year, many fledglings are mistaken for being abandoned and in danger simply because they are alone and on the ground - this is normal! Gulls are excellent parents and keep a close watch on their chicks, only interacting with them a few times per day.

If you see a fledgling (a young gull which has gained all it's feathers) alone on the ground, it's likely just gaining independence and the parents are monitoring close by. Taking them away from their natural environment can do more harm than good.

Unless the chick has an injury, appears ill or is in immediate danger, you don't need to do anything.

If you're concerned the chick has been abandoned, monitor from a safe distance. If you still think help is required, please call our helpline who can provide guidance on whether the chick needs to be uplifted or whether you should leave it in place.

📞The helpline number is 03000 999 999

03/07/2025

⚠️ Dalbeattie Road Closure ⚠️

Please be aware for anyone travelling to our Dalbeattie branch between the 7th July and 15th August that there is road closures in place.
Keep updated on the council’s website for times and diversion routes - https://www.dumfriesandgalloway.gov.uk/roads-transport-parking/roads-footpaths-pavements/roadworks

Please allow extra time for travelling to appointments as traffic is likely 🚙

20/05/2025

Story Time - The Merlin 🦅

Earlier this year we had a very unusual patient, a wild Merlin - Britain’s smallest Falcon. Yes he really is pocket sized!
The Merlin was handed into the practice by a member of the public as he had been found injured. Upon examination he was very thin, weighing only 115g and had damaged his left wing. Keith, one of the partners in the practice, being a falconer himself was the best person to care for the Merlin. Having established that there were no major bone breaks through taking multiple x-ray images, he was then carefully rehydrated and hand fed. Once the Merlin had enough energy he then started to eat himself. After 5 weeks of intensive care he had increased his weight to a much more normal 190g. Due to this weight gain and rehabilitation he was then able to tentatively start using his left wing again. At this point Keith reached out to friends in the British Falconers Club. The Merlin then found himself another site where he could be kept for a longer period of time under licence in a large aviary with a variety of different height perches. This is allowing him to continue his rehabilitation and eventual release.

We all have our fingers crossed for a full recovery and have had an update that he is well and progressing greatly 😁

16/05/2025

Hicup would like to wish everyone a happy weekend and to enjoy the sunshine ☀️ - he was a very brave lad after his vaccination today 💉🐱

04/05/2025

May Day Bank Holiday 🌞🐾

We will be closing at 4pm tomorrow in Dumfries and the Dalbeattie branch will be closed - normal opening times for the rest of the week.
As always, if you have an emergency please call the surgery on 01387 255295 📞

We would love to see everyone’s spring pictures- feel free to leave them in the comments 🐰🐈🐶

(Image taken from google images)

19/04/2025

One of our handsome patients Louie would like to wish everyone a very happy Easter 🐶🐣

Louie was having a busy day out at Drumlanrig Easter Trail, of which he said isn’t just for children 😉😂🐾

16/04/2025

🐣🍫🐰Easter Weekend 🐣🍫🐰

Opening times are as follows:

Good Friday (18th) - Dumfries - 8.30am-6pm

Good Friday (18th) - Dalbeattie - 3.30pm-6pm

Easter Monday (21st) - Dumfries - 8.30pm-4pm

Easter Monday (21st) - Dalbeattie - CLOSED

Opening times only changing for Easter Monday, normal surgery times apply otherwise. For emergencies please call 01387 255295 📞

We hope all our clients and pets have a safe and happy Easter weekend 🌞
Please take extra care/ attention to Easter treats & flowers, keeping them out of reach from your furry loved ones 🍫🍬🌺

(Image taken from Google images)

20/02/2025

We have another birthday today 🥳🐶
Wishing Cooper a very happy 12th birthday! He is looking fabulous with his fresh groom. Cooper was in this evening for his annual booster vaccination and some birthday treats 🦴💉

Is your pet up to date with vaccinations ❔💉
If you aren’t sure or can’t find their vaccination card to check, give us a call and a member of staff will be able to advise you 😁

23/01/2025

‼️Weather Warning‼️

With the upcoming weather warning that has been issued for tomorrow, we ask that clients attending appointments to please allow extra time and take further precautions when travelling to see us 💨🚗🌧️

If you can’t attend your appointment, please call the surgery on 01387 255295 from 8.30am onwards tomorrow to cancel or reschedule 🐾

Stay safe ☔️🐾

(Image taken from google images)

14/01/2025

Little Minnie was in today getting her monthly injection of Librela. We would like to wish her a very happy 14th Birthday! 🥳🐾

23/12/2024

And the winner is …. 🎄✨

We would like to say a massive thank you for everyone’s efforts in the Christmas competition. All the pictures are fabulous and it was a very tight competition 🏆
The winners are:

1st place best dog - Jess Greiner 🐶
1st place best cat - Wynter Moir 🐈‍⬛
1st place best small furry - Shade Smith 🐰

Prizes can be collected from Dumfries reception during working hours🤩🥇

A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone when it comes! 🥳🎄🐾

22/12/2024

🎆🎇 Fireworks at New Year’s Eve 🎇🎆

With New Year’s Eve approaching, it is time to think if your pet needs any additional support to help them cope with what can be a scary and stressful time 🫣
Please contact us on 01387 255295 to discuss ordering any calming medication or alternatively, a member of staff will be able to advise you on stress/anxiety relieving measures to take during this time 😃

Here are some helpful tips ✨:

- keep pets indoors
- give them a safe/quiet place to hide
- close any blinds/curtains
- walk your dog earlier in the day
- check that microchip details are up to date
- play soft music in the background to cancel out loud bangs
- give distractions and keep them busy

(Image taken from Google Images)