Dowding Vets

07/06/2026

RED CARD FOODS
While you’re enjoying the big games this
summer, keep an eye on what your pets might
“substitute” off your plate
These are toxic to pets and should be avoided
completely:
Chocolate
Grapes & raisins
Onions & garlic
Alcohol
Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum & sweets)
Corn on the cob (choking hazard)
Cooked bones (risk of splintering)
Play it safe this season and stick to pet-safe
treats. If your pet sneaks a “foul play” snack,
contact your vet immediately!

07/06/2026

YELLOW CARD FOODS
While you’re enjoying the big games this
summer, keep an eye on what your pets
might “substitute” off your plate
Still avoid. Not always toxic, but can cause
illness or issues if shared:
Cheese & dairy (many pets are lactose
intolerant)
Fatty foods (risk of pancreatitis)
Cooked BBQ foods / processed meats
Bread & baked goods (especially dough)
Salty snacks like crisps
Play it safe this season and stick to pet-safe
treats. Foul play snack? Watch closely and if
in doubt, call your vet.

06/06/2026

Jack Russell tearing apart the
competition in the middle of
the pitch!
What position do you reckon
your dog would play?

06/06/2026

03/06/2026

It means choosing the best for you and your pet. 💛

🌟 Quality Care: Accredited practices undergo rigorous assessments to ensure they provide great quality care.🌟 Peace of Mind: Knowing your vet meets the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme standards gives you confidence in their expertise and dedication.🌟 Always improving: Accredited practices are reviewed and encouraged to continually improve their knowledge and services.

02/06/2026

As temperatures rise, so does the risk of flystrike for
our fluffy companions. Flystrike, a potentially fatal
condition, occurs when flies lay eggs on a rabbit's fur,
which then hatch into maggots and feed on their flesh.
Keep a close eye on your rabbit's hygiene and living
environment, especially during warmer months.
Regularly check for any signs of soiled fur, wounds, or
unusual behaviour.
Prevention is key: ensure your rabbit's living space
is clean and dry, and consider using flystrike
prevention methods recommended by your vet.
If you suspect flystrike, seek veterinary assistance
immediately. Early detection and treatment are crucial
for the well-being of your furry friend !!

01/06/2026

VAR BBQ CHECK
Decision: Safety first.
If you’re hosting a BBQ, remember:
Keep pets well away from hot BBQs to
prevent burns
Never leave BBQs unattended while lit
Avoid feeding fatty scraps – these can
cause stomach upset or pancreatitis
Keep bones, skewers and corn cobs
out of reach – they can cause choking or
blockages
Make sure all food and rubbish is
securely cleared away
Keeping hazards out of reach helps keep
your pet out of trouble!

01/06/2026

We checked the pocket for pens and found a puppy instead! 🐶😂 This tiny visitor was pocket-sized and absolutely adorable. Needless to say, they were the highlight of our day at the practice 🐾❤️

30/05/2026

Happy Veterinary Nurse Awareness Month 💚🩺👩‍⚕️

To end the month of May, we’re celebrating the incredible veterinary nurses who work tirelessly behind the scenes and on the front line to care for our beloved pets.

From comforting nervous patients and supporting worried owners to assisting in surgery, monitoring recovery, and providing expert care every single day, veterinary nurses are the heart of every veterinary team.

Their compassion, dedication, skill, and endless patience make a difference to countless animals and families every day.

Thank you to all veterinary nurses for the amazing work you do. Your commitment to animal welfare does not go unnoticed, and we are so grateful for everything you do for our pets and our community 🐶🐱🐭🐹

Here is our incredible team!

28/05/2026

Looks like someone really got hooked on fishing… 🎣🐶

“Was it a good idea?”
Dog: ❌
“Would you do it again?”
Dog: …maybe 👀

This lovely chap ‘Milo’ underwent a gastrotomy after swallowing fish hooks. Thankfully, surgery was successful, and he’s recovering very well under the watchful eye of our team. 🐶💙

Fishing equipment can be extremely dangerous to pets, so please ensure hooks and lines are stored securely.

We’re very pleased with this patient’s progress — although we suspect he may have some unusual culinary tastes!