Signage information for the resurfacing of the Roman Road indicates road closures will be in place until 31/07/20. Vehicles may now gain access to the practice car park but will need to request this from the roadworkers.
Month: July 2020
Roman Road Closure
We would like to make clients aware that, unfortunately, current Roman Road closures mean that there will be no daytime (8.30-15.30) vehicular access directly into the practice car park for a few days. We had been advised by the council that work was scheduled for Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th of July, however today Thursday 23rd July the road is already closed. We have been advised that during the period of the road closures clients should park in Old School Lane and that there will be a marshal on hand to safely aid you across the road. We are extremely sorry for any inconvenience caused but sadly this is a situation completely out of our control. We will endeavour to keep you updated about the situation as best we can.
Ongoing effects of the Covid crisis on our pets.
As the UK, and the rest of the world, cautiously move forward into a new normal after the Covid crisis, for many there are still many ongoing consequences. Behavioural issues have been a common consequence for many of our canine, and some feline, companions. During lockdown behavioural issues have tended to be the consequence of changes in routine, restricted exercise and increased human interaction. Whilst many dogs will have welcomed the increased human contact for some this may have inadvertently led to overdependency, for these dogs, when normal working routines resume there is a real risk of separation related issues.
Separation related issues often involve vocalising, destructive behaviour and soiling. To try and prepare pets for when the family go back to work and/or school it is advisable to accustom them to being physically separated from you for extending periods of time during the day. This may start as periods spent in a separate room then move onto gradually increased periods of time when you leave the house. Providing a safe cosy den with rewards (toys, kongs) can help your dog settle whilst he/she is left. If you are able to provide your dog with a good period of exercise before you leave the house this can also help. For some dogs the level anxiety experienced when they are left is so severe that, during the initial adjustment/behavioural modification period, veterinary prescribed anxiolytic medication is needed. If you have concerns that your dog may be suffering, or at risk of developing, separation related issues please do not hesitate to contact one of our veterinarians for advice, it may be necessary to make an appointment if it is considered that your pet needs medication. In some instances referral to a veterinary behaviourist may be warranted.
Keep your garden dog friendly
The Dogs Trust have launched a new campaign to help raise dog owner awareness of some of the dangers dogs may face in the back garden. Given that during the Covid crisis so many more people, and their pets, have been spending more time in the garden, it is hoped this timely advice can help owners keep their gardens as dog friendly as possible. Contact with some plants can cause skin irritation, ingestion of other plants can make your dog unwell in a variety of ways including vomiting and diarrhoea, excitation/disorientation. For further information please visit the Dogs Trust Website. If you are concerned that your pet has developed a rash or become unwell whilst being out in the garden please do not hesitate to contact the surgery for advice and/or to arrange an appointment to be seen. Please note that the practice opening hours are currently 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday-Friday, 9.00am to 1.00pm Saturdays due to the ongoing effects of the Covid crisis on practice protocols, which remain in place to maintain the safety of both clients and staff. If you need advice outside these times please do not hesitate to phone the on call vet, remember help is available 24/7.