Help & advice.

SEASONAL ADVICE

Keeping your pets safe this Spring

As flowers bloom, Spring can bring hidden risks for pets. Here’s some help on what to avoid this Spring:

• Chocolate is toxic to both cats and dogs, so be extra vigilant around Easter with all those eggs! Be sure to keep all sweets out of your pet’s reach and contact your vet if you suspect your pet has been poisoned.
• Spring temperatures can rise quickly, so watch for signs of heatstroke, such as excessive panting, drooling or lethargy. Seek veterinary care immediately as heatstroke can be life-threatening.
• Warmer weather brings fleas, ticks and worms. Check your dog for ticks after walks or if your cat has been outside exploring. Use preventative treatments regularly and keep a tick removal tool on hand, just in case.
• Check your pets for ringworm. This fungal infection is highly contagious (to both pets and humans), so look for signs of hair loss, scaly skin or raised bumps and if you are worried, contact your vet.
• Your pets can suffer allergies just like us – usually to pollen and plants. Please speak to your vet before giving any medication to your pet.
• If you are planning a spring clean, try to use pet-safe products, as many are toxic to pets if ingested or come in contact with their skin.
• Some spring flowers are toxic – such as daffodils, tulips, bluebells, foxgloves, lilies, azaleas and rhododendrons – most case stomach upset, vomiting, drooling and, in some cases, heart failure. Pets can be affected even if they don’t eat them – just licking pollen off their paws or fur can cause a reaction. Avoid bringing these cut plants indoors to protect your pets.
• Cats get an energy boost in the Spring and tend to explore further afield – and cats hunt wildlife. If you find injured wildlife in your garden, follow our advice here.

Wildlife awareness

Help our wildlife thrive

Here are some top tips for wildlife this Winter:

• Help hedgehogs during the harsh winter months. Provide hedgehog food or tinned dog or cat food and crushed cat or dog biscuits (never bread or milk), and shelter to hedgehogs in your garden. Small acts of kindness can help increase the hedgehog population that is close to extinction.
• If possible, build bonfires close to the time of lighting and check them thoroughly for animals before lighting. This can help save the lives of hedgehogs and other small animals.
• Pumpkin flesh and seeds can be used to make tasty meals and treats for us to enjoy. However, sadly they’re dangerous for some wildlife, such as hedgehogs. If you have any leftovers, please don’t leave them on the ground.
• As the nights grow longer, we see more injured wild animals who’ve been involved in road traffic accidents. Take note of warning signs, drive with extreme caution (especially early morning and evening) and report collisions with deer to the police.
• September to December is the breeding season for grey seals. Pups are born with a fluffy white coat and don’t enter the sea for the first two to three weeks. Don’t approach a seal pup on its own, or allow dogs or other animals to harass them, as they can give a nasty bite – and if a seal pup is scared into the water, it could be washed out to sea and get lost.
• If you can safely transport an injured wild animal to your local vet, they should treat them free of charge.

Cost of living crisis

Help we can offer

If you are finding it tough to care for your pet at the moment, we may be able to help.

We offer support to low-income families within our branch area. If you are receiving benefits or have a household income under £15,000 per year, you can access the following services.

• Vet consultations for just £25 at our Welfare Clinic in Ipswich, and £15 at our mobile clinics in Stowmarket and Bury St Edmunds
• Heavily subsidised prescription medications for your pet
• Potential financial support for veterinary care (limitations apply)
• Low-cost microchipping from just £15 per cat, £35 per dog
• Sale of low-cost food and pet supplies at our Animal Centre, Ipswich Welfare Clinic and shops
• Pop-up pet food banks (keep an eye on our Facebook page for more details)

DEADLINE WAS 10 JUNE 2024

Cat microchipping becomes law

Since 10th June 2024 it is a legal requirement that all cats are microchipped.

Don’t worry, we’re here to help and are offering cat microchipping for just £10 for one animal, £15 for two at our Martlesham Animal Centre; or £15 per cat and £35 per dog at our Ipswich Welfare Clinic. A friendly, fast and professional service to ensure your cats are up to date!

You don’t have long, so book today! Call us on 0300 999 7321 or email us to get your cats booked in ASAP. Same-day appointments may be available.

BREED SPECIFIC LEGISLATION

XL bully dogs

As of 1 February 2024, it is illegal to own an XL Bully unless the dog is exempted. The deadline for exempting XL Bullies has now passed.

The change in the law means that it is illegal for animal charities to rehome an XL Bully.

Follow the link below for the latest guidance from the RSPCA.