Nigel took a trip out to the London Vet Show last week to keep up to date with all things new in the Veterinary Industry.
Along the way he came across a few familiar faces including Jerry Moloney and Emily Nightingale 😊
26/11/2025
They’ll sleep through chaos, toys, and the recycling… but your tiniest 4am noise? Instant full alert mode 😹
Does anyone else get this kind of selective attention at night? 👇
23/11/2025
Taking your dog to the vet doesn’t have to be stressful! 🐾
Every dog is different…some love car rides, while others can feel anxious or even travel sick. Our latest guide shares 10 top tips for safely transporting your dog to the vets, from getting them used to the car, keeping them secure, managing travel anxiety, and making waiting room visits easier for both you and your pet.
Read the full article for advice to make vet trips calmer, safer, and more comfortable for your furry friend!
As temperatures drop, it’s important to know when it’s too cold to walk your dog❄️
Fit and healthy dogs with thick fur should be fine in all but the most extreme cold weather but our young and old dogs are more susceptible to the cold, so please read the below:
Signs that your dog may be too cold:
❄️ shivering
❄️ lifting paws off the ground
❄️ whining, slowing down
❄️ trying to turn back home
You can help keep them safe by keeping walks shorter in the cold, protecting their paws with dog booties and ensuring they have a warm coat. Always monitor your dog closely and bring them inside if they show signs of discomfort.
17/11/2025
⚠️ Antifreeze: Sweet-Tasting But Deadly
As the temperatures drop, many of us start using antifreeze in our cars… but did you know it’s one of the most dangerous winter toxins for pets?☠️
Antifreeze (which contains ethylene glycol) is often sweet-tasting to cats and dogs, but cats are most sensitive meaning even one teaspoon can be fatal.
📌 Key precautions:
- Store antifreeze well out of reach
- Clean up any spills immediately
- Don’t let your pet drink from puddles or driveways
- Avoid using products containing ethylene glycol - or better still any chemicals; try an ice scraper or windscreen cover instead.
⏱️ If you suspect your pet has licked or ingested antifreeze or screen wash, call us immediately. Time really is critical with this one.
15/11/2025
Cats sleep in the weirdest ways! 😹
How does your feline nap? 💤 Comment below! 👇
13/11/2025
Kindness isn’t just for humans; it’s for every creature we care for. 💞
11/11/2025
Today we remember the bravery and sacrifice of those who served and honour the animals who stood beside them🌹🐾
07/11/2025
Fireworks can be stressful for pets, and it’s important to know the signs that your furry friend is scared. Trembling, hiding, trying to escape, excessive vocalisation, panting, or drooling are all common indicators of anxiety.
Here are some top tips to help keep your pets calm and safe during the fireworks:
🐾Create a Safe Space: Set up a cosy, quiet room with their favourite toys and blankets.
🎶 Noise Distraction: Play calming music or turn on the TV to help drown out the loud bangs outside.
🐕 Walk Earlier: Take your dog for a walk before dark, before the fireworks start.
🏠 Keep Them Indoors: Make sure windows, doors, and pet flaps are closed so your pet can't escape if they get spooked.
🐰 Don’t Forget the Small Pets: Move rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small pets indoors or cover their enclosures to muffle the noise.
If your pet gets distressed, speak to us about how we can help.
Let's make sure our pets enjoy a peaceful, stress-free night!
30/10/2025
Halloween can be a great time for us, but the changes in routine and potential dangers can be stressful for our pets😱
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Welcome to The Forge Veterinary Centre page. The Forge has been the centre of veterinary care in Halstead for the last 150 years. During that time, the practice has changed and developed and is now dedicated to the love and care of companion animals. We are a caring Veterinary Surgery with a dedicated team of staff which provide exceptional service with a friendly smile.
We at The Forge are proud of our history, and are committed to offering the best possible service to you and your pet from the moment you book an appointment, to the completion of your animal's treatment. Nigel Sproule took over the running of the practice in October 2005, and with 5 other vets and a dedicated support team aim to deliver the highest standards in veterinary general practice.
Give our lovely reception staff a call on 01787 472666 or use our new online booking facility at www.forgevets.co.uk
We look forward to welcoming you to our practice, and for our familiar furry faces and friends we look forward to welcoming you back.
Waggy tailed wishes, from Nigel and the team at The Forge x