Cottage Vet

13/11/2026

**FLEA MYTHS BUSTED! HOW MUCH DO YOU REALLY KNOW ABOUT FLEAS?**

Think your indoor cat can't get fleas? Or that you only need to treat your pets when you actually see fleas?

Think again!

Fleas are clever little parasites, and there are plenty of myths that make keeping them under control more difficult.

**MYTH 1: "My cat never goes outside, so it can't get fleas."**

**FACT:** Indoor cats can absolutely get fleas! Fleas may enter your home on other animals, clothing or belongings. Even cats who spend their lives on the couch aren't completely protected.

**MYTH 2: "I'd know if my pet had fleas because they'd be scratching."**

**FACT:** Not necessarily! Some pets show very little irritation, and cats are particularly good at grooming fleas away before you spot them. Others develop severe flea allergy dermatitis after relatively few bites.

**MYTH 3: "I've treated my pet, so all the fleas should be gone."**

**FACT:** Adult fleas on your pet are only a small part of the problem. Flea eggs, larvae and pupae can be hiding in bedding, carpets and furniture. New fleas may continue emerging for weeks after treatment.

**MYTH 4: "I only need to treat the pet that has fleas."**

**FACT:** All suitable dogs and cats in the household need appropriate flea protection. Otherwise, untreated animals can help keep the infestation going.

**MYTH 5: "Fleas are only a summer problem."**

**FACT:** In our relatively mild Western Cape climate, fleas can remain active throughout the year. Warm indoor environments also allow their life cycle to continue during cooler months.

**MYTH 6: "Dog flea treatment is fine for cats too."**

**FACT:** Absolutely not! Some dog flea treatments contain permethrin, which can cause life-threatening poisoning in cats. Always use a product specifically approved for your cat's species, age and weight.

**The bottom line?**

Good flea control isn't just about killing the fleas you can see. It's about preventing new infestations, protecting every pet in the household and understanding the flea life cycle.

At Cottage Vet Clinic, we can help you choose safe, effective flea prevention for both your dogs and cats.

**Which of these flea myths have you heard before?**

Read our latest blog, *“Flea Control: Why Does My Pet Still Have Fleas?”*, for more practical advice. https://www.cottagevet.co.za/fleas

11/11/2026

**GOING AWAY IN DECEMBER? HAVE YOU MADE PLANS FOR YOUR PETS?**

The festive season is approaching quickly, and while we're busy booking accommodation and planning holidays, it's easy to forget a few important things for our four-legged family members.

Before the December rush, make sure you've checked:

- Vaccinations — especially if your pet is going into boarding.
- Flea, tick and worm prevention.
- Chronic medication — do you have enough for the entire holiday?
- Microchip details — is your contact information up to date?
- Travel arrangements — will your pet be travelling safely?
- Emergency contacts — does your pet sitter know who to call?

And if your pet is frightened by fireworks or thunderstorms, now is the time to discuss a plan with your veterinarian rather than waiting until New Year's Eve.

**A little preparation now can prevent a lot of stress later.**

We've put together a complete guide to preparing your pet for the December holidays.

Read it on the Cottage Vet website, and book any necessary vaccinations or health checks before the holiday rush. https://www.cottagevet.co.za/holiday-prep

09/11/2026

**YOUR DOG IS TRYING TO VOMIT, BUT NOTHING COMES UP.**

This could be a life-threatening emergency.

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), commonly known as bloat, occurs when a dog's stomach becomes distended and twists.

It can progress rapidly, interfering with circulation and causing shock.

**Know the warning signs:**

- Repeated attempts to vomit without producing anything
- Sudden restlessness or pacing
- A swollen or painful abdomen
- Excessive drooling
- Weakness or collapse

Large, deep-chested breeds are particularly at risk, but GDV can affect other dogs too.

**If you suspect GDV, don't wait. Seek veterinary attention immediately.**

We've recently published an article explaining what happens during GDV, how it's treated and what owners of high-risk breeds should know about prevention.

Read the full article on our website: https://www.cottagevet.co.za/gdv/

07/11/2026

26 runners. 414 kilometres. A few tired legs and a whole lot of heart. 🐾💛

Today our K’s for Spays team took on the Winelands Marathon race to raise funds for a community sterilisation day, helping local families who would otherwise struggle to afford to have their dogs and cats sterilised.

To everyone who ran, cheered us on or sponsored a kilometre, thank you for making today possible. We hope you enjoy the before-and-after photos as much as we do!

**The race is over, and there’s still time to sponsor!** R50 sponsors half a kilometre and R100 sponsors a full kilometre. Every contribution helps us sterilise more pets.

To sponsor head over to: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/395583-ks-for-spays/ #/

05/11/2026

**FOUND A BABY BIRD IN YOUR GARDEN? PLEASE DON'T RESCUE IT JUST YET!**

At Cottage Vet Clinic, we're seeing so many baby birds being brought in by kind-hearted people who are worried they've been abandoned.

But here's something important: **a baby bird sitting on the ground isn't necessarily in trouble!**

Many young birds leave the nest before they can fly properly. These are called *fledglings*, and their parents are usually nearby, continuing to feed and protect them.

**So what should you do?**

- If the bird is fully feathered, hopping around and appears healthy, leave it where it is.
- Keep cats, dogs and children away.
- If it's in immediate danger, gently move it into nearby sheltered vegetation, close to where you found it. The parents will NOT reject it if you touch the bird to move it to a safe place.
- Watch from a distance. The parents may be waiting for you to leave before returning.

**When does a baby bird actually need help?**

If it's injured, bleeding, weak, cold, has been caught by a cat or dog, or is a very young, unfeathered nestling that cannot be returned to its nest, contact a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian for advice.

Please don't try to feed it or give it water.

We absolutely love that our community cares about wildlife. But sometimes the kindest thing we can do is simply leave a healthy fledgling with its parents.

**Please share this post — it could save a baby bird from being unnecessarily separated from its family.**

03/11/2026

02/11/2026

Please help us get all of our km's sponsored before race day! For every 0.5km sponsored you stand a chance to win amazing prizes in the lucky draw. To sponsor 0.5km please use the following link: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/395583-ks-for-spays/

02/11/2026

A DEAL TOO GOOD TO MISS THIS FESTIVE SEASON! 🐾🎁
Get 25% off ANY Hill’s dog & cat food with and SAVE UP TO R1000! Visit www.SaveOnHills.co.za to get your coupon and Beat Santa to it! Ts & Cs apply.

28/10/2026

Domestic Shorthairs may not come with a pedigree, but they certainly don’t come without personality.

With an incredible variety of colours, markings, shapes and personalities, no two are quite the same. They can be playful, independent, affectionate, mischievous – and sometimes all of the above before breakfast!

They may be one of the most familiar cats around, but anyone who shares their home with one knows there’s nothing ordinary about them.

Discover more about the wonderfully unique Domestic Shorthair👉 https://www.cottagevet.co.za/domestic-shorthair/

Do you have a Domestic Shorthair running your household? Show us their best photo in the comments and tell us their name!

23/10/2026

Is it an emergency? Know when your pet needs a vet right away.

Some symptoms shouldn’t wait for a routine appointment. Seek urgent veterinary care if your pet is experiencing:

• Difficulty breathing
• Collapse, severe weakness or loss of consciousness
• Seizures, especially prolonged or repeated episodes
• Uncontrolled bleeding or serious injury
• Suspected poisoning
• Repeated vomiting with a swollen or painful abdomen
• Inability to urinate or severe straining

When something feels seriously wrong, don’t wait and watch. Contact a vet for guidance.

Learn more about recognising a pet emergency and when to seek immediate veterinary care: https://www.cottagevet.co.za/emergency/

Save Cottage Vet’s number somewhere you can find it quickly: (021) 856-2746.