This month we welcome our newest member to the practice team. Simona brings our veterinary team back up to 7 vets. Simona is enthusiastic about being part of our ever evolving practice, and we are sure clients will agree she is an asset to our surgery.
In response to recent devastating dog attacks the government has stated that XL bully dogs will be added to the list of banned breeds in the UK. From 31st December 2023 it will be illegal to breed, sell, advertise, rehome, abandon or allow an American Bully XL dog to stray. We at Holmer, along with a vast majority of veterinary professionals and dog advocates are concerned about the focus on breed not deed, as many XL bully's are good natured and not dangerous. The government has published an official XL bully definition but because the XL bully is a dog type not a specific breed, with characteristics similar to many other common dog breeds, there is concern that non XL bully's will get mistakenly identified as one. For our registered clients who are concerned this may happen to their dog we are happy to provide an opinion as to the likely breed and whether it fits the XL bully description.
Currently, as it stands, by 1st February 2024 XL bully owners will legally need a certificate of exemption from DEFRA to own an American XL bully dog. To apply for a certificate of exemption under the Dangerous Dogs Act, an application form will need to be submitted to the Index of Exempted Dogs with proof that the dog is neutered, microchipped and has third-party liability insurance (one way to obtained this is by joining the Dogs Trust Companion Club). Full details of how to acquire a certificate of exemption have not yet been made available but it is understood that there will be an application fee of £92.40. XL bully dogs will need to be muzzled and kept on a lead when going out into a public place. Whilst we at Holmer are happy to help owners ensure their dogs are legal we cannot support the euthanasia of healthy well balanced dogs regardless of breed.
For more information please see the following useful links:
We would like to advise clients, who are not already aware, that recent changes to prescribing regulations (enforced by our veterinary governing bodies) has led to our need to change practice policy on our supply of flea, tick and worm treatments. As all the products we supply for endo and ectoparasite treatment are POM-V (to be prescribed by a vet only) we must demonstrate that a patient is 'under our care' to enable us to supply any of these medications. This means that we must have recently seen, weighed and assessed the pet within the last 12 months.
Therefore, we are not able to supply these drugs for pets which have never been seen, or have not seen in the last year. We understand this may be frustrating but if you require flea, tick or worm treatment/prevention we encourage you to bring your pet in for assessment, so that we can provide them with safe and effective products, rather than you buying less effective products over the counter elsewhere. We understand the changes to guidance are aimed at improving prescribing practices for individuals and to help try and reduce the environmental impact of anti-parasiticides. As always we aim to optimise the care of your pet/s and thank you for your understanding on this matter.
This week, September 25th-29th September, is Guinea Pig Awareness Week. For 2023 GPAW focuses on the 5 welfare needs of guinea pigs as well as providing advice on rehoming guinea pigs. GPAW aims to help owners optimise the care of their Guinea pig/s, better understand their behaviour and why the correct environment and companionship are so important. Advice is free to access and download on the GPAW website, where you can also test your knowledge and/or enter into a competition with a chance of winning a mega bundle of guinea pig prizes. What are you waiting for?!
Separation related disorders are not uncommon in dogs with potential signs including destructive behaviour, inappropriate toileting or vocalisation when an affected dog is left alone. To help owners better understand and address their dogs separation related problems Sarah Heath, one on the UKs top veterinary behaviourists, has help devise a simple 4 step training program. The CALM program is free and easily accessible, delivered in bite-sized webinars. The 4 steps to training go through: Creating emotional stability; Altering expectations of interactions; Leaving predictive signals which give your dog certainty of your return; Modifying underlying emotional health where necessary.
Short videos are also available on preparing your new puppy to be left alone and recognising separation related problems. These videos are a must for anyone trying to manage a dog with separation related anxiety or anyone just interested in canine behaviour. Click on the link view the CALM program . Remember as with all training programs time and patience are imperative to achieve the desired outcome. Please do not hesitate to speak to one of our vets if you feel you need our help and/or support with this or any other behavioural related issues.