Coming Home Veterinary Services

02/06/2026

⚠️ PLEASE BE AWARE

Please help raise awareness by sharing this information with fellow dog owners.

Recent reports have highlighted an increase in sightings of Oak Processionary Caterpillars in parts of the UK.

These caterpillars carry thousands of tiny toxic hairs that can cause serious reactions in both people and animals. Even contact with a nest, shed hairs, or contaminated surfaces may trigger symptoms.

Signs of exposure in dogs may include:
Excessive drooling
Swelling of the tongue, lips or face
Vomiting
Difficulty swallowing
Breathing difficulties
Pawing at the mouth

The caterpillars are most commonly found on oak trees, often travelling in distinctive nose-to-tail processions or gathered in silken nests on trunks and branches.

If you are walking in woodland, parks or areas with oak trees:

Keep dogs away from caterpillars and their nests.
Avoid touching nests or affected trees.
Keep dogs on paths where possible.
Contact your vet immediately if exposure is suspected

Source: Forestry England and recent national media reports.

31/05/2026

GESTURES OF COMFORT FOR SOMEONE WHO IS GRIEVING A PET

Small gestures of kindness can make a big difference, giving comfort to someone who is grieving a pet. Here are eleven ideas:

http://theralphsiteshop.com/eleven-small-gestures-that-will-comfort-someone-whos-grieving-for-a-pet/

30/05/2026

☀️Supporting Cats with Kidney disease during hot weather☀️

Cats with kidney disease lose the ability to concentrate their urine properly, meaning they pass more water than healthy cats. This makes them much more prone to dehydration — especially during hot weather.

Dehydration can make cats feel lethargic, reduce appetite, worsen nausea and place extra strain on the kidneys. Keeping your cat well hydrated helps support kidney function, comfort and overall wellbeing.

Small changes at home can make a big difference:
💧 Provide multiple fresh water bowls around the house. Cats may prefer drinking from a cat water fountain.
🍽️ Feed wet food to help increase fluid intake
🧊 Add ice cubes or chilled water to encourage drinking
🌬️ Keep your cat cool with shaded areas and good airflow
☀️Supportive products such as Oralade Advanced RF+ can help encourage fluid intake while providing essential electrolytes and nutritional support for cats with renal disease. We stock this in practice, pop in or get in touch if you would like a bottle for your cat.
🛏️ Offer cool resting spots such as tiled floors or cooling mats
🐱 Monitor appetite, energy levels and litter tray habits closely
🚫 Avoid stressful travel or overheating during the hottest parts of the day

If you notice vomiting, reduced appetite, weakness or increased lethargy, contact your vet.

29/05/2026

The changes happen so slowly that most days we hardly notice them.

A little more resting.
A gentler walk.
A face turning softer with gray.
And suddenly you realize the one who spent years comforting you is quietly growing older beside you.

That’s why the ordinary moments matter so much.
The slow mornings.
The familiar routines.
The simple joy of having them near.
Because one day, those little moments become the memories we hold closest. 🐾❤️

29/05/2026

Where we need your help in June 🙏

As we head into the summer months, blood stocks can come under pressure. With holidays, events, and busy diaries, fewer dogs are often able to attend donation sessions, but the need for lifesaving blood never takes a break 🩸

We currently need more dogs booked in to attend the following sessions in June to make sure we have blood for every dog who needs it:

📍 Oakham, Oakham Vet Hospital – Tuesday 2 June
📍 Kendal, Highgate Vets – Saturday 6 June
📍 Shrewsbury, Copthorne Vets – Sunday 7 June
📍 Chichester, Arun Veterinary Group – Sunday 7 June
📍 Banbury, Hawthorne Lodge Veterinary Practice – Tuesday 9 June
📍 Biggleswade, Elizabeth Smith Veterinary Practice – Saturday 13 June
📍 Tunbridge Wells, The Well House Veterinary Clinic – Saturday 13 June
📍 Wellington, Mount Vets Veterinary Hospital – Saturday 20 June
📍 Worsley, PetMedics Veterinary Surgeons – Saturday 20 June
📍 Alton, Lumbry Park Veterinary Specialists – Sunday 21 June
📍 Hartford, Willow Vet Centre – Sunday 21 June
📍 Loughborough, Pet Blood Bank UK – Tuesday 23 June
📍 Quedgeley, AAS Vets – Saturday 27 June
📍 Bradbury, Wear Referrals – Saturday 27 June
📍 Eastwood, Lawrence Veterinary Centre – Sunday 28 June
📍 Bletchingley, North Downs Specialist Referrals – Sunday 28 June
📍 Kirkliston, Mackie and Brechin Vet Surgeons – Sunday 28 June

If you can make it, please book now via our mobile app, send us a message, or call 01509 232 222.

Thank you for helping to save lives ❤️

28/05/2026

Grass seed season is here 🌾🐾

These tiny seeds can cause painful problems for dogs and cats, especially in paws, ears, eyes and noses.

Check your pets after walks and if you’re worried your pet may have a grass seed, please give us a call 💙

26/05/2026

25/05/2026

No dog ever died from missing one walk🚨

If the pavement is too hot for your hand for five seconds, it's definitely too hot for paws. During the heatwave, stick to walks at dusk and dawn to avoid burnt paw pads and heatstroke, and if in doubt, don't go out.

Please share this vital reminder to help protect four (and three!)-legged friends in hot weather.

Find more expert advice on keeping dogs safe in summer: https://bit.ly/3GydWem