Wimbledon Veterinary Surgery

28/08/2026

🐱✨ DID YOU KNOW THIS ABOUT CATS?

Did you know that cats can't taste sweetness? 🍰🚫🐱

Unlike humans (and dogs!), cats don't have functioning taste receptors for sweet flavours. This is because cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies are specially adapted to get the nutrients they need from meat.

So when your cat ignores your biscuit, cake or other sweet treat… they're not being fussy — they genuinely can't taste the sweetness! 😂

Cats can, however, taste bitter, sour, salty and savoury flavours, which helps them identify and enjoy the foods that are most important to them. 🐟🍗

❤️ Fun fact: Your cat's tongue is covered in tiny, backward-facing hooks called papillae. These help them groom their fur and strip meat from bones!

🐾 How many of these cat facts did you know?

27/08/2026

🐾 What Should You Do If You Find a Stray Dog or Cat? 🐶🐱

Finding a lost or stray pet can be worrying, but there are some simple steps you can take to help get them safely back home. ❤️

🐶 If you find a dog:
• Approach calmly and carefully — frightened dogs may be nervous or defensive.
• Check for a collar or ID tag if it is safe to do so.
• If possible, keep the dog somewhere safe and secure while you look for their owner.
• Contact a local veterinary practice or dog warden. A vet can scan for a microchip to help identify the owner.
• You can also report the found dog to local lost-and-found pet services.

🐱 If you find a cat:
• Don't automatically assume a cat is stray — many cats spend time outdoors and may simply be exploring! 🏡
• Check for a collar or ID tag.
• Ask neighbours if they recognise the cat.
• A veterinary practice can scan for a microchip if you are concerned the cat may be lost.
• If the cat is injured, unwell or in immediate danger, contact a veterinary practice for advice.

📱 Social media can also be incredibly helpful. Take a clear photo and share details in local lost-and-found pet groups, but avoid sharing too much personal information.

❤️ And remember — microchipping is one of the best ways to help reunite lost pets with their families.

If you find a dog or cat and you're unsure what to do, give your local veterinary practice a call for advice. 🐾

26/08/2026

🚨🐶 XYLITOL: A Hidden Danger for Dogs

Did you know that xylitol can be extremely toxic to dogs? 🐾

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener. You may also see it listed on packaging as birch sugar, wood sugar or E967.

It can be found in a surprising number of everyday products, including:

🍬 Sugar-free sweets and chewing gum
🥜 Some peanut butters and other nut butters
🦷 Toothpaste and some dental products
🍪 Sugar-free biscuits and baked goods
💊 Certain supplements and medicines
🥤 Some sugar-free drinks and products

⚠️ Always check the ingredients carefully, as products containing xylitol may not always be obviously labelled as "sugar-free".

Even a relatively small amount can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar, and larger exposures can cause serious liver problems.

Signs of xylitol poisoning can include:

🐶 Weakness or wobbliness
🤮 Vomiting
😴 Extreme tiredness
🫨 Tremors or seizures
💔 Collapse

🚨 If you think your dog has eaten something containing xylitol, contact your veterinary practice immediately. Don't wait for symptoms to appear.

📌 Save this post and share it with another dog owner — it could help save a life! ❤️🐾

25/08/2026

🕷️ TICKS – Small Parasites, Big Problems! 🐾

Ticks may be tiny, but they can cause some BIG problems for our pets. 😟

Ticks attach themselves to your pet and feed on their blood. They can be found in long grass, woodland, parks and gardens, so even pets who don't venture far can pick one up.

🐶🐱 Regularly check your pet, particularly after walks. Pay close attention to:
• Around the ears
• Between the toes
• Under the collar
• Around the face and neck
• Armpits and groin

Ticks can also transmit diseases, so year-round parasite protection is an important part of keeping your pet healthy. 🩺❤️

If you find a tick on your pet, don't panic and don't try to burn, squeeze or smother it. Using an appropriate tick-removal tool, remove it carefully and completely. If you're unsure, our team can help.

Not sure if your pet is protected against ticks? Speak to our team today and we can recommend the most appropriate parasite protection for your pet's lifestyle. 🐾

24/08/2026

🐾 Senior Pets Deserve Extra TLC ❤️

As our pets get older, their needs can change — and sometimes the signs of ageing can be easy to overlook.

Changes such as:
🐾 Sleeping more than usual
⚖️ Weight loss or gain
💧 Drinking or urinating more
🦴 Stiffness or difficulty getting around
🍽️ Changes in appetite
😺 Changes in behaviour
🧡 Grooming less or struggling to keep clean

aren’t always simply “part of getting old”. They can sometimes be signs of an underlying health problem.

Regular health checks can help us spot changes early and keep your senior pet comfortable, happy and enjoying life for as long as possible. 🩺🐶🐱

Because getting older doesn't mean your pet should stop enjoying the things they love! ❤️

If you have a senior pet, speak to our team about their next health check. 🐾

21/08/2026

🌞 SUMMER VIP HEALTH PLAN OFFER! 🐾💚

Looking after your pet’s health has never been easier — and for a limited time, we’re making it even better!

🎉 NEW VIP HEALTH PLAN MEMBERS CAN GET 6 MONTHS’ FREE HOME DELIVERY! 🎉

Our VIP Health Plan is designed to make preventative healthcare simple, convenient and affordable, with benefits including:

💉 Annual vaccinations
🪱 Year-round flea & worm protection
🩺 Regular health checks
💷 Monthly payments to help spread the cost
💚 10% OFF ALL treatments and services, including our 24 Hour Vet Care service
🥣 30% OFF Hill’s, Royal Canin & Virbac food purchased through our online shop

🏡 Plus, with home delivery, your pet’s preventative treatments can be delivered straight to your door — no last-minute trips to the practice!

Whether your pet is due their vaccinations, parasite treatment or you simply want an easier way to stay on top of their preventative healthcare, our VIP Health Plan could be perfect for you.

⏰ This is a LIMITED-TIME summer promotion, so don’t miss out!

📞 Speak to our reception team or visit our website to find out more and sign up.

🐶🐱 Healthy pets. Happy owners. One simple plan. 💚

20/08/2026

✈️🐾 Planning a holiday with your pet? Don’t forget their travel preparations! 🐶🐱🌍

If you're planning to take your furry family member abroad, it’s important to start preparing well in advance. Pet travel requirements can vary depending on where you're travelling, so leaving things until the last minute can cause unnecessary stress.

Before you travel, make sure you check:

🐾 Microchip – your pet must be correctly microchipped and the details kept up to date.

💉 Vaccinations – make sure your pet's vaccinations are current and check whether any additional vaccinations are required for your destination.

🪱 Parasite treatments – depending on where you're travelling, specific flea, tick or worming treatments may be required.

📋 Travel documentation – your pet may need the appropriate travel documents, certificates or an animal health certificate.

🩺 Pre-travel health check – a check-up with your vet can make sure your pet is fit to travel and give you the opportunity to discuss any concerns.

🚗✈️ Travel safely – use an appropriate carrier, crate or restraint and make sure your pet is comfortable and secure throughout the journey.

🌍 Don't forget to check the rules for your destination AND your return journey to the UK.

Requirements can change, and different countries have different rules, so always check the latest government guidance before travelling.

Planning a trip with your pet? Speak to our team early so we can help you get organised! 💚🐾

19/08/2026

🐾💗 Meet lovely Gloria! 💗🐾

Beautiful Gloria came in to see us for an ACTH stimulation test – but what exactly is that? 🩺🐶

An ACTH stimulation test is a blood test used to assess how well the adrenal glands are working. The adrenal glands produce important hormones, including cortisol, which helps the body respond to stress and plays a role in maintaining normal blood pressure, blood sugar and metabolism.

During the test, we take a small blood sample to measure Gloria’s baseline cortisol level. She is then given a small dose of a hormone called ACTH, which stimulates the adrenal glands. Another blood sample is taken afterwards to see how her cortisol level responds. 🩸✨

This test can be particularly useful when investigating conditions such as Addison’s disease or Cushing’s disease.

Gloria was such a brave girl throughout her procedure! 🥰 She was given lots of cuddles, gentle reassurance and plenty of TLC from our team to help her feel safe and comfortable every step of the way. 💕🐾

Well done, gorgeous Gloria! 👏💗

18/08/2026