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August 2026
Staff update

 

We would like to wish Nurse Rachel all the very best as she begins her maternity leave at the start of the month. We hope she enjoys a well-earned rest before welcoming her new arrival, and we look forward to hearing her exciting news when the time comes. We wish Rachel and her family all the very best for this special time.

We are delighted to share that Henry has been awarded RCVS Advanced Practitioner status in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging, following the successful completion of his Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) in Diagnostic Imaging with distinction earlier this year.
RCVS Advanced Practitioner status recognises veterinary surgeons who have undertaken additional postgraduate training and demonstrated a high level of expertise in their chosen field.

This achievement means Henry joins Sarah and Lorna as Advanced Practitioners at Acorn House, further enhancing the specialist knowledge and diagnostic imaging expertise available to our patients.
Congratulations, Henry, on this well-deserved achievement!
 
 
Keyhole Spay Surgery at Acorn House Veterinary Hospital

Spaying is an important part of responsible pet ownership, helping to prevent unwanted pregnancies and reduce the risk of reproductive health problems. 
At Acorn House Veterinary Hospital, we have offered laparoscopic (keyhole) spay surgery as an alternative to traditional open surgery since 2019. While most commonly used for spaying female dogs, it can also be used for removing undescended testicles and taking liver biopsies. Currently vets Sarah, Henry and Rebecca are able to perform keyhole spays.
 
During a traditional spay, a single incision of approximately 3–12 cm is made to remove the ovaries and womb, with surgical thread used to tie off the blood vessels. With keyhole surgery, three very small incisions (two measuring 0.5 cm and one measuring 1 cm) are made. A tiny camera and specialised instruments allow the surgeon to remove the ovaries using heat-sealing technology, meaning no surgical thread is left inside the abdomen. 
 
The smaller wounds mean most dogs are back to their normal selves within 24 hours, with a lower risk of wound complications and a much quicker return to normal off-lead exercise—usually after around 48 hours, compared with approximately three weeks following a traditional spay. Dogs undergoing either procedure are usually able to go home the same day. 
 
Keyhole surgery is suitable for most healthy dogs over 5 kg, although it may not be appropriate for dogs that are very small, overweight, have significant lung disease, have had previous major abdominal surgery, or where removal of the entire reproductive tract is recommended. Your veterinary surgeon will assess whether it is the safest option for your dog. If the procedure needs to be converted to a traditional spay, the keyhole supplement will not be charged. 
 
Due to the specialist equipment, training and additional preparation required, keyhole surgery carries a £327 supplement in addition to the standard spay price. If you are interested in keyhole surgery for your dog, please let our reception team know when booking so we can ensure the appropriate equipment and trained surgeon are available.

 
Holidays
During the summer months, many of us are preparing our pets for holidays, staycations, or time spent with friends and family. It is always worth planning ahead to ensure you are prepared for all eventualities.
Make sure your pet’s vaccinations and parasite treatments are up to date, pack familiar items such as their favourite toys and bedding, and try to keep their routine as consistent as possible to help reduce stress.

Travelling with pets can be a wonderful experience, but safety should always come first. Ensure your pet is secured safely using a suitable carrier, harness, or restraint, plan regular breaks on longer journeys, and never leave pets unattended in vehicles, particularly during warm weather. When booking accommodation, look for places that welcome pets and consider whether they will provide a comfortable environment for your companion. It is also a good idea to research veterinary practices local to where you are staying, just in case you need them.

If your pet becomes anxious when travelling, short practice journeys can help them become more familiar with travelling and reduce stress. Bringing along familiar blankets, toys, or treats can also provide reassurance. For pets with more severe travel anxiety, we recommend booking a consultation before your trip so we can discuss ways to make journeys calmer and more comfortable.
If you are planning to travel abroad with your pet, please see our pet travel information on our website: https://www.acornhousevets.co.uk/services/pet-travel/

If your pet will be staying with family, friends, or at a boarding facility while you are away, please ensure the person caring for them has all the information they need. It is also important that we have your most up-to-date contact details and know who to contact if your pet requires veterinary care while you are away. You can give permission for someone else to bring your pet to us for treatment in your absence, helping us to provide seamless care when you cannot be there.
 
National Check the Chip Day 
National Check the Chip Day takes place on the 15th of August and is a reminder for all pet owners to check that their pet’s microchip details are accurate and up to date. A microchip is only useful if the information linked to it is correct, allowing lost pets to be reunited with their owners as quickly as possible.

Microchipping is a legal requirement for dogs in the UK, and since 2024, cats over 20 weeks old must also be microchipped. It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure their contact details are registered with the correct database and updated whenever they change, such as after moving house or changing telephone numbers.

In recent weeks, we have sadly seen several pets brought into the practice whose microchips were either not registered or contained outdated information. This can significantly delay reuniting pets with their families and, in some cases, can mean we are unable to contact owners at all.

Checking your details is simple. You can contact your pet’s microchip database provider to make sure your information is correct, and if you are unsure whether your pet’s chip is working or where it is registered, we can scan it for you during a visit.
For extra peace of mind, consider adding a second contact, such as a trusted family member or friend, who can be reached if you are unavailable.

A few minutes checking your pet’s microchip details could make all the difference if they ever go missing.
 
Summer Health Checks and Parasite Prevention 
The warmer months bring plenty of opportunities to enjoy time outdoors with our pets, but summer also comes with seasonal health risks. A routine health check is a great opportunity to review your pet’s preventative care, check for any changes, and ensure they are protected against common summer problems such as fleas, ticks, lungworm, allergies, and flystrike in rabbits.

During the summer, it is important to regularly check your pet’s skin and coat for any changes, including flea dirt, irritation, redness, lumps, bumps, ticks, or grass seeds that may become lodged in paws, ears, or fur. Warmer weather can also trigger allergies caused by grass pollen, weeds, and insect bites. Signs to look out for include increased scratching, licking or chewing of paws, sore or inflamed skin, hot spots, ear problems, head shaking, sneezing, or watery eyes. If you notice any of these symptoms, please contact us for advice.

Keeping your pet’s weight and hydration monitored is also important during warmer weather. Ensure fresh water is always available and speak to us if you have any concerns about your pet’s weight or body condition.

Parasite prevention remains particularly important during the summer months. Fleas and ticks become more active in warmer temperatures, so regular preventative treatment and checking your pet after walks can help reduce the risk. Always use products suitable for your pet’s species — never use dog flea treatments on cats, as some ingredients can be extremely toxic.

Lungworm is another important consideration for dogs. Dogs can become infected by accidentally swallowing slugs or snails, which may happen when playing with toys outdoors, drinking from puddles, or exploring the garden. Regular prescription preventative treatment can help protect against this potentially serious parasite.

There are also simple steps that can help reduce seasonal skin problems and allergies, including wiping your pet’s paws and coat after walks, keeping bedding clean, and avoiding exercise during peak pollen times where possible. Regular preventative care and early advice can help keep your pets comfortable and healthy throughout the summer months.


 
Recommend a friend - Share the Care

 

We are delighted to introduce our new Recommend a Friend scheme. If one of our existing clients recommends a friend, and that friend registers with us and attends an appointment, both of you will receive £20 credit added to your accounts as a thank you. 

We are incredibly proud of our loyal and supportive client community. If you know someone who is looking for a veterinary practice, we would be very grateful if you would recommend us. 

New clients complete our registration form via the QR code you will have received to share. Thank you for helping us continue to care for pets in our local community. 

 
Space Etiquette for Dogs 
Not all dogs are comfortable with close interactions, and some need a little extra space when out and about. Even if your own dog is friendly and enjoys meeting new people and dogs, they may react differently depending on the situation, environment, or other factors. The dog approaching them may be nervous, undergoing training, recovering from illness or surgery, or could be in season.

Every dog and owner deserves to have their boundaries respected. Dogs should only be allowed off lead if they have reliable recall and should never be allowed to approach another dog that is on a lead without permission. Retractable leads should be shortened and locked when approaching other dogs, as this allows owners greater control.

Some dogs may wear collars, leads, harnesses, or coats indicating that they need space, are nervous, or should not be approached. These signs should always be respected. If another owner asks you to give their dog space, please do so — a little consideration can help make walks safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
 

 
Hedgehogs
We have had several hedgehogs brought into the practice in recent weeks, and this is a timely reminder of the ways we can help protect these much-loved British mammals. Did you know that hedgehogs are now listed as vulnerable to extinction on the UK Red List for Mammals? They face many challenges, including habitat loss, roads, litter, and hazards within our gardens.

Garden and sports netting can be particularly dangerous, as hedgehogs can become trapped or injured. Litter such as elastic bands, plastic containers, and empty tins can also pose a risk. Lawn mowers and strimmers can cause serious injuries, so please check areas of long grass, compost heaps, and other potential hiding places before carrying out gardening.

There are lots of simple ways we can make our gardens more hedgehog-friendly. Providing fresh water in a shallow dish and offering meaty cat or dog food can provide a valuable source of nutrition, especially during warmer months. Leaving areas of your garden a little wild encourages insects for hedgehogs to feed on and provides safe places to shelter. Creating a small gap (around 13 cm x 13 cm) in fences allows hedgehogs to move between gardens, while hedgehog houses and feeding stations can offer additional shelter and support.

If you find a hedgehog that is injured, trapped, unsteady on its feet, or out during the daytime and appearing lethargic, it may need help from a wildlife rescue or veterinary practice.

For more information and advice on helping hedgehogs, please visit the British Hedgehog Preservation Society: www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk
 
Meet the Team 
Meet the Team – Carla Gelder, Registered Veterinary Nurse

Carla has always had a love for animals for as long as she can remember, so becoming a Registered Veterinary Nurse felt like a natural career path. Her passion for caring for animals and supporting them through their veterinary journey is at the heart of everything she does. 🐾

Her favourite part of the role is seeing the results of the team’s hard work and dedication, especially when patients recover from illness or major surgery. Carla loves seeing the animals she has cared for return to the practice happy and healthy again — every patient leaves a little pawprint on her heart. ❤️

Outside of work, Carla enjoys drawing and painting, going for walks, and camping. As a family, they especially enjoy camping at car shows and making memories together. 🎨⛺

At home, Carla lives with her husband Andy, their children Leigha and Logan, and their two much-loved cats. Angel is a white, deaf cat who first came into the practice as a stray kitten, and Lolly is a tabby and white cat who also found her way into Carla’s family after arriving at the practice. 🐱
 
Petplan Veterinary Awards
There is still time to nominate in the Pet Plan Veterinary Awards, which run until the 4th of September. The five nomination categories are:

· Practice of the Year (RVC Veterinary Practices Ltd T/A Acorn House Veterinary Hospital)
· Vet of the Year
· Vet Nurse of the Year
· Practice Manager of the Year (Paul Harris-McCulloch)
· Practice Support Staff of the Year (Admin, Insurance and Client Care teams)

These awards are a great opportunity to recognise the hard work and dedication of Acorn House and its team members. Please follow this link https://www.acornhousevets.co.uk/our-practice/our-team/ to see all our staff, and please visit the Pet Plan website here: https://www.petplanvet.co.uk/veterinary-practice-insurance/veterinary-awards/
 
 
August Bank Holiday Reminder 
Our practice will be closed on Monday 31st of May for the bank holiday. Please make sure your pets have enough medication and supplies to see them comfortably through the long weekend. Planning ahead helps avoid any last-minute stress and keeps your furry, feathered and scaly friends happy and healthy!  

To ensure you have sufficient medication to cover the bank holiday weekend, please place any repeat medication requests by Wednesday 26th of August. This allows the required 48 hours for processing, veterinary authorisation and dispensing.
 
 Our out of hours emergency service is available on-site at Acorn House between 8pm and 11pm Mon-Fri; 4:30pm-11pm Sat, and 8am-11pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays. Calls after 11pm are taken by the Royal Veterinary College OOH service. 
https://www.acornhousevets.co.uk/emergencies/
 
Medication Labels 
Did you know that our medication dispensing labels feature a handy link to the data sheet for the prescribed medication? Just enter it into your internet search engine and it will come up with information regarding the medicine that your pet has been prescribed.
 
Medication Requests & Repeat Medication   
To order a repeat prescription for your pet simply visit our website, www.acornhousevets.co.uk and click on the link Repeat Medication Request  where you can fill in your details to make your request. The form can be used on a mobile, tablet or computer. For all repeat medication and written prescriptions, we must ask you to give us 48 hours' notice so that you request can be processed, authorised by a vet and a written prescription prepared or medication dispensed and checked.
 
 

 
 
We would Love Your Feedback 
Did you know that you can leave us a Google review quickly and easily using our QR code?

You can scan the code on this newsletter and let us know what you think of the service that we provide.

There is also a QR code on reception and QR code cards available, in addition to the paper questionnaires so please feel free to scan whenever you visit! Leaving us feedback helps us to continuously improve or service and pass on lovely feedback to our hardworking team.

July 2026
Staff update

 

We are delighted to welcome Registered Veterinary Nurse Olivia back from maternity leave following the arrival of her beautiful baby girl. It is wonderful to have her back with the team, and we know many of our clients will be pleased to see her again.
We have said a fond farewell to our wonderful Client Care Advisors, Vasilia and Katie, who have both moved on to pursue careers working with children. We would like to thank them for all their hard work, kindness, and dedication during their time at Acorn House, and we wish them every success and happiness in their new roles.
 
Hot Weather Safety 
With warm weather continuing through the summer, it is important to remain vigilant for signs of heat-related illness. Heatstroke can develop quickly and may present as excessive panting, drooling, restlessness, rapid breathing, red gums, or increased heart rate. In more severe cases, collapse, vomiting, confusion, or seizures may occur. If you are concerned, begin cooling your pet and contact us immediately.
Dogs should be exercised only during the cooler parts of the day, and hot pavements should always be avoided. Small pets should be kept in shaded, well-ventilated environments, with outdoor enclosures moved throughout the day as the sun shifts. Cooling aids such as frozen water bottles wrapped in towels, ceramic tiles, cooling mats and damp towels to lie on and safe use of fans can all help.
Cats should always have access to cool areas within the home and should never be confined to conservatories or poorly ventilated rooms. Ice cubes in water bowls, cooling mats, and damp towels may also provide relief. Pet-safe sun protection can be used on lightly haired areas such as ears and noses where appropriate.
Reptiles are also at risk of overheating, even though they rely on external heat sources. Vivarium temperatures should be closely monitored using thermostats and thermometers, ensuring a gradient of warmer and cooler areas is available. During heatwaves, enclosures may need to be moved to cooler rooms, with heating and lighting adjusted as necessary. Increased ventilation, dampened substrates, and shaded areas are important, while care should always be taken to avoid rapid temperature changes.
Birds housed indoors or outdoors should always have access to shaded areas as the sun moves throughout the day. Indoor birds may benefit from closed curtains and indirect airflow from a fan, while bathing or light misting can help with cooling. Poultry should also be provided with shade and dust bathing areas.
Never leave any pet in a car, conservatory, shed, or other confined space during warm weather.
 
Travelling to Appointments 
During periods of hot weather, please also consider how your pet will travel to the practice. We do not recommend walking dogs to appointments during the hottest parts of the day, as high temperatures and hot pavements can quickly lead to overheating or burnt paw pads.
If possible, please travel by car with air conditioning or another suitable form of transport. If you are unable to travel safely in the heat, please contact the practice and we will be happy to rearrange your appointment for a cooler time or day where appropriate. Your pet's safety and wellbeing are always our priority.
 
Blue-Green Algae 
During the warmer months, blue-green algae blooms are more likely to occur in lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and slow-moving water. These algae are actually cyanobacteria, which can produce toxins harmful to pets. Dogs are most commonly affected due to their tendency to swim in or drink from open water sources.
Exposure can occur through drinking contaminated water, swimming, or grooming after contact. For this reason, dogs should be kept away from stagnant or discoloured water, and any warning signage in public areas should always be followed. If you suspect your pet has come into contact with blue-green algae, seek veterinary advice immediately.
 
Grass seeds 
Grass seeds are a common seasonal problem during the summer months. These sharp seed heads can become embedded in fur and skin, and may migrate into ears, eyes, noses, or paws, sometimes causing significant irritation or infection.
Any breed can be affected, but dogs with long ears, feathering, or fluffy feet—such as spaniels—are particularly at risk. Signs may include limping, persistent licking of a paw, head shaking, sneezing, or watery eyes.
Prevention includes avoiding long grass where possible, trimming feathered areas, and thoroughly checking pets after walks. Early removal is important to reduce the risk of complications.
 

 
Recommend a friend - Share the Care

 

We are delighted to introduce our new Recommend a Friend scheme. If one of our existing clients recommends a friend, and that friend registers with us and attends an appointment, both of you will receive £20 credit added to your accounts as a thank you. 

We are incredibly proud of our loyal and supportive client community. If you know someone who is looking for a veterinary practice, we would be very grateful if you would recommend us. 

New clients complete our registration form via the QR code you will have received to share. Thank you for helping us continue to care for pets in our local community. 

 
Flystrike
Flystrike is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that mainly affects rabbits but can also affect guinea pigs and other small animals, particularly during the warmer months.
It occurs when flies lay eggs on damp, soiled, or injured skin, most commonly around the rabbit's back end. Once the eggs hatch, the maggots rapidly damage the skin and underlying tissue, making this a veterinary emergency.
Rabbits that are overweight, elderly, have dental disease, arthritis, urinary problems, or dirty rear ends are at greater risk. The best prevention is to check your rabbit's bottom at least twice a day, keep their living area clean and dry, feed a high-fibre diet based mainly on hay and grass, and groom long-haired rabbits regularly.
Preventative products such as Rearguard can also help during the high-risk months but should be used alongside good husbandry. If you notice any soiling, eggs, maggots, or changes in your rabbit's behaviour, please contact us immediately, as prompt treatment is essential.
 
 
Lost Pet Prevention Month 
July marks Lost Pet Prevention Month, highlighting the importance of reducing the risk of pets going missing and improving the chances of safe return. This applies to all species, including dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, reptiles, and small mammals.
Ensuring your home, garden, and enclosures are secure is essential, along with regular checks of hutches, runs, sheds, and fencing. Neutering can help reduce roaming behaviour in cats and dogs, lowering the risk of them straying.
Microchipping is a legal requirement for dogs and cats in the UK, and is also available for many other species, including rabbits, birds, and tortoises. It is vital that microchip details are kept up to date, including telephone numbers and addresses, so owners can be contacted quickly if a pet is found. Identification tags, collars, and good recall training also provide additional protection for dogs.
If a pet does go missing, contact your local council dog warden (for dogs), local veterinary practices, and update your microchip database immediately. Social media and local community groups can also be useful in helping reunite lost pets with their owners.
 
Snakes in the UK 
Although uncommon, encounters with snakes can occur during countryside walks in the summer. The UK is home to three native species: grass snakes, smooth snakes, and the adder. Only the adder is venomous.
Adder bites are rare and usually occur if a snake is accidentally disturbed. If a bite is suspected, keep your pet as still as possible, avoid touching the area, do not apply a tourniquet or attempt home treatment, and contact the practice immediately. If possible, identify or photograph the snake from a safe distance.
Snakes play an important role in the ecosystem and are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Avoiding long grass and keeping dogs on leads in known adder areas can help reduce risk.
 
 
Petplan Veterinary Awards
Nominations for the Petplan Veterinary Awards are now open until the 4th of September. These awards provide an opportunity to recognise outstanding contributions across the veterinary profession. 
Categories include Practice of the Year (Acorn House Veterinary Hospital), Vet of the Year, Vet Nurse of the Year, Practice Manager of the Year, and Practice Support Staff of the Year. 
The Veterinary Awards are a great opportunity to recognise the hard work and dedication within your practice, whether that is a whole team or an individual. If you know someone who consistently goes above and beyond in their role, this is your chance to nominate them. It may be their positive, can-do attitude, their professionalism, or the exceptional level of care and service they provide to every client and patient. 
We are proud of the dedication shown by our entire team and encourage clients to take part in recognising the people who make a real difference every day. Further details can be found on the Petplan Veterinary Awards website. 
 
Medication Labels 
Did you know that our medication dispensing labels feature a handy link to the data sheet for the prescribed medication? Just enter it into your internet search engine and it will come up with information regarding the medicine that your pet has been prescribed.
 
Medication Requests & Repeat Medication   
To order a repeat prescription for your pet simply visit our website, www.acornhousevets.co.uk and click on the link Repeat Medication Request  where you can fill in your details to make your request. The form can be used on a mobile, tablet or computer. For all repeat medication and written prescriptions, we must ask you to give us 48 hours' notice so that you request can be processed, authorised by a vet and a written prescription prepared or medication dispensed and checked.
 
 

 
 
We would Love Your Feedback 
Did you know that you can leave us a Google review quickly and easily using our QR code?

You can scan the code on this newsletter and let us know what you think of the service that we provide.

There is also a QR code on reception and QR code cards available, in addition to the paper questionnaires so please feel free to scan whenever you visit! Leaving us feedback helps us to continuously improve or service and pass on lovely feedback to our hardworking team.

June 2026
Staff update

 

At the end of the month, we will be saying goodbye to Ola, as she moves on to a senior position at a practice closer to home. We will miss her enthusiasm, sense of humour and of course, her no holds barred dog fussing in reception! The whole team, clients and pets alike will miss her, and we all wish her all the best for this exciting next step in her career. We hope that her new practice is ready for her dramatic love of the dachshund! 
 
Recommend a friend - Share the Care

 

We are delighted to introduce our new Recommend a Friend scheme. If one of our existing clients recommends a friend, and that friend registers with us and attends an appointment, both of you will receive £20 credit added to your accounts as a thank you. 

We are incredibly proud of our loyal and supportive client community. If you know someone who is looking for a veterinary practice, we would be very grateful if you would recommend us. 

New clients complete our registration form via the QR code you will have received to share. Thank you for helping us continue to care for pets in our local community. 

 
National Microchipping Month: Are your pet's microchip details up to date?
It is essential that your pet’s microchip details are kept up to date so that you can be contacted quickly in the event of an emergency. In recent weeks, we have sadly seen several pets brought into the practice whose microchips were either unregistered or linked to outdated owner details. This can significantly delay reunification and, in some circumstances where a pet has been seriously injured or has sadly passed away, may mean we are unable to contact their owners at all. 
While microchipping is a legal requirement for cats and dogs in the UK, it is equally important that owners ensure their contact details are correctly registered with the microchip database and updated whenever they change, including changes to telephone numbers, addresses, or ownership. 
A few moments spent checking your details are current could make all the difference in helping your pet return home safely. 
 
Warm Weather Safety 
With temperatures expected to rise over the coming weeks, it is important to take extra care to keep pets safe during warmer weather. Young, elderly, overweight pets, and those with underlying health conditions can be more vulnerable to heat-related illness. Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds, such as pugs, bulldogs, Persian cats, and Netherland dwarf rabbits, are also at increased risk. 
All pets should have constant access to fresh, cool water and shaded, well-ventilated areas both indoors and outdoors. Remember that the position of the sun changes throughout the day, so outdoor enclosures and shaded areas may need to be adjusted regularly. During periods of very hot weather, it may be safest to move small pets indoors to a cooler room. 
Dogs should only be exercised during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening, and hot pavements should always be avoided. If the ground feels too hot for your hand, it is too hot for paws and may cause burns. On particularly hot days, missing a walk can be safer. Cats should always be able to move freely to cooler areas and should never be confined to conservatories or excessively warm rooms. 
Small pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, and ferrets can be particularly susceptible to heatstroke. Cooling aids such as frozen water bottles wrapped in towels, ceramic or slate tiles chilled in the fridge, and fans positioned safely away from enclosures can all help. Good ventilation is essential, but care should be taken to avoid placing enclosures in direct sunlight or strong draughts. Rabbits and guinea pigs may also benefit from lightly misted leafy greens and extra water sources during hot weather. 
Reptiles require particular attention during warm spells. While they rely on external heat sources to regulate body temperature, overheating can occur if enclosures become too warm. Vivarium temperatures should be monitored carefully using reliable thermometers, ensuring pets can move between warmer and cooler zones as needed. Enclosures should never be placed in direct sunlight, as temperatures can rise dangerously quickly. Fresh water should always be available, and some species may benefit from increased humidity or opportunities to soak, depending on their natural habitat requirements. 
Additional cooling measures for dogs and cats can include cooling mats, frozen treats, paddling pools, and ice cubes added to water bowls. Lying on damp, wet towels can help, but do not cover pets with damp towels as, as they dry, they can trap the heat. Pet-safe sun cream may also be useful for pets with thin or pale fur, particularly on the nose, ear tips, and sparsely haired areas. 
Never leave any pet unattended in a car, conservatory, shed, or poorly ventilated room during warm weather, even for a short period of time. 
Early signs of heatstroke can include excessive panting, drooling, restlessness, and an increased heart rate. More advanced signs may include lethargy, weakness, vomiting, collapse, confusion, or seizures. If you are concerned that your pet may be overheating, please contact us immediately for advice. 
 
 
Grass Seeds 
During the warmer months, grass seeds become a common seasonal hazard for dogs and cats. These sharp seed heads can become trapped in fur or penetrate the skin, and may travel into the ears, eyes, nose, or paws, sometimes requiring veterinary treatment. 
All pets are at risk, but those with long ears or feathering between the toes, such as spaniels, are particularly prone. Signs of a problem may include limping, swelling between the toes, excessive licking, head shaking, sneezing, or watery eyes. 
Preventative steps include avoiding long grass where possible, trimming fur around the ears and feet, and thoroughly checking pets after walks. Protective snoods may also be helpful for dogs that tolerate them. 
 
Wild birds and Fledglings
Fledgling season is now well underway, and at this time of year we often see young birds being brought into the practice by well-meaning members of the public. Although fledglings may appear vulnerable or abandoned, this is often a normal stage of development. Once fully feathered, many young birds leave the nest before they are fully able to fly and spend time on the ground or in low bushes while their parents continue to feed and monitor them nearby. 
If a fledgling is uninjured, the best course of action is usually to return it to the area where it was found, ideally somewhere safe nearby such as under a bush or out of immediate danger. In most cases, the parents will return to continue caring for it. 
However, if a bird appears injured, collapsed, weak, or has obvious wounds or fractures, veterinary attention or assessment by a wildlife rescue may be required. Where possible, we would encourage members of the public to contact or transport the bird to a dedicated wildlife rescue organisation promptly, as young birds require highly specialised care and very frequent feeding throughout the day. 
As a veterinary practice, we are able to provide initial assessment and emergency treatment where appropriate, but we are not equipped to provide the intensive long-term rehabilitation that fledglings require. 
If you are unsure whether a young bird needs help, please contact us for advice before intervening. 
 
Mature Moggies Day 
Every year on the 16th of June we celebrate Mature Moggies Day, founded by Cat’s Protection, recognising senior cats aged 11 and over to encourage more people to consider offering them a home. 
When people look to adopt a cat, kittens and younger cats are often chosen first, which means older cats can wait much longer to be rehomed despite having just as much affection and companionship to offer. At Acorn House and across rescue centres, we are committed to helping every cat find a home, and we would love to see our mature cats settled more quickly where they can enjoy a stable, comfortable life. 
Cats are generally classed as mature from around seven years of age, and as seniors from 11. With advances in veterinary care, many now live well into their late teens. As they age, cats often become calmer and less active, preferring a quieter home environment and more time indoors. With the right care and understanding, senior cats can make extremely rewarding companions. 
Older cats are sometimes overlooked due to common misconceptions, such as assuming kittens are more appealing, easier to care for, or that older cats are more likely to have health issues. In reality, many senior cats remain healthy, affectionate, and playful, and often require less supervision than kittens. While they may need more regular health checks, early veterinary care and insurance can help manage any conditions that arise. 
Adopting an older cat has many benefits. Their personalities are already established, so you know what to expect, and many are calm, independent, and enjoy relaxed companionship. They can settle well into new homes when given time and patience and often make wonderful family pets when interactions are managed appropriately. 
Senior cats have so much to offer and deserve to be celebrated not only on this day, but throughout the year. 
 
 
Equality, Diversity and Inclustion (EDI)
June is Pride Month, and Acorn House is proud to be an inclusive practice with an active Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) committee. Our EDI representatives help ensure that voices from across the nine protected characteristics outlined in the Equality Act 2010 are represented and supported. 
These include age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. The committee’s aim is to promote understanding, awareness and inclusivity within our practice and wider community. 
 
Petplan Veterinary Awards
Nominations for the Petplan Veterinary Awards are now open until the 4th of September. These awards provide an opportunity to recognise outstanding contributions across the veterinary profession. 
Categories include Practice of the Year (Acorn House Veterinary Hospital), Vet of the Year, Vet Nurse of the Year, Practice Manager of the Year, and Practice Support Staff of the Year. 
The Veterinary Awards are a great opportunity to recognise the hard work and dedication within your practice, whether that is a whole team or an individual. If you know someone who consistently goes above and beyond in their role, this is your chance to nominate them. It may be their positive, can-do attitude, their professionalism, or the exceptional level of care and service they provide to every client and patient. 
We are proud of the dedication shown by our entire team and encourage clients to take part in recognising the people who make a real difference every day. Further details can be found on the Petplan Veterinary Awards website. 
 
Medication Labels 
Did you know that our medication dispensing labels feature a handy link to the data sheet for the prescribed medication? Just enter it into your internet search engine and it will come up with information regarding the medicine that your pet has been prescribed.
 
Here to Help
If you have any concerns about your pet this Spring or would like advice on any of the topics mentioned, please contact the practice team. We are always happy to help and to support you in keeping your pets safe and well.
 
Medication Requests & Repeat Medication   
To order a repeat prescription for your pet, please visit our website at www.acornhousevets.co.uk and click on the Repeat Medication Request link.

You can fill in your details using a mobile, tablet, or computer to make your request.

Please allow at least 48 hours for all repeat medication requests so that they can be processed, authorised by a vet, and dispensed.
 
 
We would Love Your Feedback 
Did you know that you can leave us a Google review quickly and easily using our QR code?

You can scan the code on this newsletter and let us know what you think of the service that we provide.

There is also a QR code on reception and QR code cards available, in addition to the paper questionnaires so please feel free to scan whenever you visit! Leaving us feedback helps us to continuously improve or service and pass on lovely feedback to our hardworking team.

 

May 2026
Staff Update 

 

We were very pleased to welcome Dr Claire Hogg to the practice at the end of April, and we are sure that many of you will already have had the chance to meet her.

Claire graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2021 and initially worked in first opinion small animal practice in Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire. She then spent two years working in Australia before returning to the UK and joining Acorn House in 2026. Claire enjoys all aspects of general practice, with particular interests in dermatology and surgery. She is also passionate about geriatric and end-of-life care, supporting pets and their families through every stage of life. Outside of work, Claire enjoys spending time outdoors with her Border Collie, Donnie, as well as running and going to the theatre.

Sadly, our client care advisor Melissa will be leaving us at the end of the month to pursue her career as a qualified person-centred therapist. We would like to thank her for her dedication during her time at the practice, and we wish her every success in this exciting new chapter. She will be greatly missed by both the team and our clients.

We are so pleased to welcome client care advisor Sasha to our reception team. She has already settled in well and is enjoying meeting clients and their pets, offering a warm welcome and answering your calls with a friendly smile.
 
Recommend a friend - Share the Care

 

We are delighted to introduce our new Recommend a Friend scheme. If one of our existing clients recommends a friend, and that friend registers with us and attends an appointment, both of you will receive £20 credit added to your accounts as a thank you. 

We are incredibly proud of our loyal and supportive client community. If you know someone who is looking for a veterinary practice, we would be very grateful if you would recommend us. 

New clients complete our registration form via the QR code you will have received to share. Thank you for helping us continue to care for pets in our local community. 

 
Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month
May marks Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month (VNAM), an annual campaign led by the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA). Now running for over 20 years, VNAM celebrates what it means to be a veterinary nurse, raising awareness of the significant contributions veterinary nurses make to animal health and welfare, as well as to the wider public. 

This year’s theme, ‘Compassion and Empathy’, reflects the dedication and passion required to both train and practise as a veterinary nurse, while also highlighting the compassion shown towards patients and the people who care for them. 

At Acorn House, we have an amazing nursing team who are dedicated to their role in caring for their patients and supporting the practice as a whole. Our nurses play a pivotal role in the day-to-day running of the practice, and VNAM provides a valuable opportunity to raise awareness of the important role that veterinary nurses play within practices. 

Our team is an invaluable asset, assisting our vets and providing ongoing support to their colleagues. Nurses fulfil many roles, including running nurse consultations, providing clients with welfare advice, managing weight clinics, and carrying out nail trims, second vaccinations, monthly injections, and vet-agreed procedures such as anal gland emptying. 

Our nurses also prepare patients for procedures, administer medication and fluid therapy, and carefully monitor the vital signs of inpatients. They run blood and urine samples, arrange external laboratory testing, and ensure that clinical areas and surgical instruments are kept clean and ready for use. 

During procedures, nurses are vital in monitoring anaesthesia and vital signs, as well as caring for patients throughout recovery and their inpatient stay. All of these responsibilities, and much more, help ensure that your pet receives the best possible care whilst at Acorn House. 

Throughout the month, VNAM 2026 will focus on key themes, beginning with compassion, followed by mental health, then empathy, and finally celebrating the passion that underpins the work veterinary nurses do every day. Much of this crucial work often goes unseen by the public, making this campaign an important opportunity for the profession to come together and highlight the true impact of veterinary nursing. 

As a practice, we would like to say a sincere thank you to our Registered Veterinary Nurses and student nurses for their continued dedication, professionalism, and commitment to providing exceptional care. 

 
Dog Friendly Clinic Membership
Acorn House is proud to be reaccredited as the only practice in Bedford to be approved as a "dog friendly clinic" by the Dogs Trust! The Dog Friendly Clinic Membership is an initiative that is run by the Dog’s Trust and by the British Veterinary Behaviour Association (BVBA). 

Vet visits can be a source of anxiety for some dogs, and the aim of this membership is to enhance our skills, knowledge and resources to help each dog have as positive experience as possible with us. We want to provide a comfortable experience for you, your dog, and our staff. 

The scheme provides tools to promote positive experiences for our four-legged friends and for our clients. The Chair of the BVBA states that ‘encouraging welfare-friendly treatment of dogs in veterinary practices is one of our primary objectives so every additional practice means many more dogs will benefit’ and this is something that we, at Acorn House want to advocate. To find out more about the Dog Friendly Clinic Scheme visit www.dogfriendlyclinic.org.uk
 
Travelling to the EU with Your Pet
If you are planning to travel to the EU (this includes Southern Ireland) with your dog, cat or ferret, there have been some recent changes to be aware of. While travel is still straightforward, it is important to ensure you have the correct documentation in place before you go.

Pet owners whose primary residence is Great Britain can no longer use EU-issued pet passports for travel into the EU. Instead, an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is required for each trip. Once issued, an AHC is valid for up to six four months for onward travel within the EU and re-entry into Great Britain, provided your pet’s rabies vaccination remains valid. A new certificate will be needed for each new trip from Great Britain.

Requirements can vary slightly between countries, so it is important to check the specific entry rules for your destination in advance. If someone else is travelling with your pet, they will require written authorisation, and your pet must travel within five days of you. There is also a limit of five pets per private vehicle, unless travelling for specific events such as competitions.

Animal Health Certificates can be issued at the practice. We recommend booking your appointment well in advance of your planned travel date to allow plenty of time for preparation. If you would like further information or to arrange an appointment, please contact our reception team who will be happy to assist.

More information about the services offered can be found at: https://www.acornhousevets.co.uk/services/pet-travel/

For full guidance, please visit the UK Government website:
https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad
 
Meet the Team 
Meet the Team – Louise Randall, Registered Veterinary Nurse

After spending time working in retail and within the police force, a change of career was needed. Animals have always been a passion, along with a strong desire to learn, and an opportunity to begin an apprenticeship at a local practice allowed this dream to become a reality. This led to qualifying as a Registered Veterinary Nurse and following a true passion for the care and welfare of animals.

Outside of work, Louise enjoys travelling whenever possible. In her spare time, she also loves spending time with her family and her beloved dogs, Pablo and Bruce, as well as helping out at a local farm during spring and summer with lambing and general husbandry tasks.

At home, she is married to her husband Steve and is a proud mum to two daughters, Holly and Sammie, who she is incredibly proud of. Her family also includes her two chihuahuas, Pablo and Bruce. Bruce originally came to her as a foster from her previous practice after being found abandoned and later required an eye removal due to trauma.

A fun fact about Louise is that during her time in retail she had the opportunity to meet many celebrities as an event coordinator. She has also completed multiple charity skydives, spent time in the Territorial Army after college, and is a huge Sherlock fan (Benedict Cumberbatch version, of course). She has travelled extensively around the UK and particularly loves Scotland, completing the NC500 last year and meeting amazing people along the way while taking in incredible sights.
 
Late May Bank Holiday Reminder
To ensure you have sufficient medication to cover the bank holiday weekend, please place any repeat medication requests by Wednesday 20th of May. This allows the required 48 hours for processing, veterinary authorisation and dispensing.

Opening Hours
Friday 22nd May 2026 – 8 am – 8 pm
Saturday 23rd May 2026 – 8 am – 4:30
Sunday 24th May 2026 – EMERGENCY SERVICE
Monday 25th May – Bank Holiday - EMERGENCY SERVICE
Tuesday 26th May – 8 am – 8 pm

Our practice will be closed on Monday 25th of May for the bank holiday. Please make sure your pets have enough medication and supplies to see them comfortably through the long weekend. Planning ahead helps avoid any last-minute stress and keeps your furry friends happy and healthy!  

Our out of hours emergency service is available on-site at Acorn House between 8pm and 11pm Mon-Fri; 4:30pm-11pm Sat, and 8am-11pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays. Calls after 11pm are taken by the Royal Veterinary College OOH service. 
 
 
 
Medication Labels 
Did you know that our medication dispensing labels feature a handy link to the data sheet for the prescribed medication? Just enter it into your internet search engine and it will come up with information regarding the medicine that your pet has been prescribed.
 
Here to Help
If you have any concerns about your pet this Spring or would like advice on any of the topics mentioned, please contact the practice team. We are always happy to help and to support you in keeping your pets safe and well.
 
Medication Requests & Repeat Medication   
To order a repeat prescription for your pet, please visit our website at www.acornhousevets.co.uk and click on the Repeat Medication Request link.

You can fill in your details using a mobile, tablet, or computer to make your request.

Please allow at least 48 hours for all repeat medication requests so that they can be processed, authorised by a vet, and dispensed.
 
 
We would Love Your Feedback 
Did you know that you can leave us a Google review quickly and easily using our QR code?

You can scan the code on this newsletter and let us know what you think of the service that we provide.

There is also a QR code on reception and QR code cards available, in addition to the paper questionnaires so please feel free to scan whenever you visit! Leaving us feedback helps us to continuously improve or service and pass on lovely feedback to our hardworking team.

April 2026
Parasite Protection - The right protection for the life they lead 

 

At Acorn House, we are proud to offer risk-based prescribing of parasite treatments, an approach that’s all about giving pets the parasite protection they need, based on the lifestyle they lead. A pet’s lifestyle and behaviour does not always stay the same, so we want to make sure every pet under our care has an up-to-date parasite risk assessment. 
Parasites don’t just sound horrible, they can pose serious risks to your pet and your family. From fleas and ticks to worms, these unwanted guests can carry diseases, cause discomfort, and pose a risk to pet and human health. 
It’s important to know that parasite risks are not the same for every pet. Your pet’s age, lifestyle and behaviour, contact with other animals, travel history and even diet, can all influence their level of risk. For example, a dog that is walked off lead and likes eating slugs may be more exposed to lungworm, while a cat who hunts outdoors is more likely to pick up tapeworms. 
That’s why it’s important that we work with you to understand your pet’s lifestyle, and at Acorn House we are taking extra steps to ensure risk-based prescribing of parasite treatments. 
The first step is to know your pet’s individual parasite risk. You can find this out in just a few minutes using Parassess®, the free, easy-to-use online parasite risk checker. Parassess® allows you to generate a personalised report for your dog or cat that you can discuss with us. 
We can then create a tailored parasite control plan for your pet for effective protection against the parasites they’re most likely to encounter. So, whether your pet is a stay-at-home companion or an adventurous explorer, Parassess® will help us to understand the right parasite protection option for them. 
Keep your pet healthier, reduce your family’s risk and help protect the environment we all share. Check your pet’s parasite risk now, or speak to us for more information. 
Let’s all take parasite protection to the next level, and ensure your pet is getting the parasite protection they need for the life they lead. 
You can find more information by visiting the Parassess website: www.petparasiteprotection.co.uk/ 
 
Recommend a friend - Share the Care

 

We are delighted to introduce our new Recommend a Friend scheme. If one of our existing clients recommends a friend, and that friend registers with us and attends an appointment, both of you will receive £20 credit added to your accounts as a thank you. 

We are incredibly proud of our loyal and supportive client community. If you know someone who is looking for a veterinary practice, we would be very grateful if you would recommend us. 

New clients complete our registration form via the QR code you will have received to share. Thank you for helping us continue to care for pets in our local community. 

 
Spring Hazards 
As spring arrives, it brings with it a number of seasonal hazards that pet owners should be aware of, particularly in the garden. Many common spring bulbs — including daffodils, tulips, crocus and hyacinths — contain naturally occurring chemicals (alkaloids) that can be toxic to pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs. The highest concentration is found in the bulbs themselves, but all parts of the plant can pose a risk, including the water from cut flowers. Signs of toxicity may include drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, and changes in breathing or heart rate. Lilies are also a significant concern, especially for cats, where even small amounts of exposure can lead to serious kidney damage. 
With improving weather, more time is often spent outdoors, and care should be taken when using garden products such as fertilisers, weed killers and slug pellets. These substances can be harmful not only to wildlife but also to our pets. Exposure may occur through direct contact, ingestion (including grooming contaminated fur or paws or drinking contaminated water), or inhalation. Where possible, choosing pet-safe alternatives can help reduce these risks while also protecting the wider environment. 
If you believe your pet has ingested or come into contact with a potentially harmful substance, please contact us immediately, providing as much information as possible about what they were exposed to and when. 
 
World Veterinary Day 


The 25th of April marks World Veterinary Day, a celebration of the entire veterinary profession. From vets and nurses to receptionists, managers, administrators and support staff, every member of the team plays an essential role in supporting the health and wellbeing of our pets. 
The theme for this year is “Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health,” which highlights the role of veterinary professionals in protecting food safety, food security, public health, and animal health across the globe. 
Working in the veterinary field is incredibly rewarding, but it also requires great dedication, compassion and resilience. It is a valuable opportunity to recognise the knowledge, skill, time and care that goes into every patient, as well as the emotional challenges that can come with the role. 
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the entire Acorn House team for their continued hard work and commitment. Their passion and dedication are what make the practice what it is. 
 
National Pet Month 
National Pet Month 2026 runs from 1st of April to the 5th of May and focuses on “supporting and celebrating the pets in our care.” The campaign highlights the importance of pet welfare, responsible ownership, and the positive role that companion animals play in our lives. There is no doubt that pets enrich our lives and support both our mental and physical wellbeing, and it is important that we ensure the same high standard of care for them. 
This year’s campaign also coincides with an important time for UK pet owners, with the new Renters’ Rights Act introducing changes around pets in rented accommodation. Alongside this, it is important to remember that pet owners have a legal responsibility to meet their pet’s welfare needs under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (England and Wales) and the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006. 
Companionship needs vary between species. Many animals thrive with company, either from humans or others of their own kind. Dogs and cats often seek human interaction, and dogs in particular may enjoy the company of other dogs. Rabbits, guinea pigs and rats are highly social and should be kept with suitable companions. In contrast, some species such as hamsters, pygmy hedgehogs, and most reptiles are naturally solitary and can become stressed if housed together. 
Providing an appropriate environment is essential for allowing pets to express natural behaviours. Dogs benefit from opportunities to explore and sniff on walks, while cats enjoy climbing and resting in elevated spaces. Rabbits require large areas where they can move freely, stand upright, and dig. Reptiles need carefully controlled environments that reflect their natural habitats, including appropriate temperature, lighting, and substrate. 
A suitable diet is fundamental to good health. All pets should receive a balanced diet appropriate to their species, along with constant access to fresh water. Commercial diets for dogs and cats are widely available, including specialised veterinary diets where needed. For small mammals, pelleted diets can help prevent selective feeding, alongside appropriate fresh foods. Guinea pigs, for example, require additional vitamin C in their diet, as they cannot produce it themselves. 
Maintaining good health involves both prevention and early detection of problems. Keeping up to date with vaccinations and parasite control, as well as providing a clean and safe environment, helps reduce the risk of illness. Regular home checks — including monitoring weight, checking for lumps, and observing any changes in behaviour — alongside routine veterinary visits, can help ensure that any issues are identified and treated promptly. 
Early May Bank Holiday Reminder
Our practice will be closed on Monday 4th May for the bank holiday. Please make sure your pets have enough medication and supplies to see them comfortably through the long weekend. Planning ahead helps avoid any last-minute stress and keeps your furry friends happy and healthy!  
Our out of hours emergency service is available on-site at Acorn House between 8pm and 11pm Mon-Fri; 4:30pm-11pm Sat, and 8am-11pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays. Calls after 11pm are taken by the Royal Veterinary College OOH service. 
 
Medication Labels 
Did you know that our medication dispensing labels feature a handy link to the data sheet for the prescribed medication? Just enter it into your internet search engine and it will come up with information regarding the medicine that your pet has been prescribed.
 
Here to Help
If you have any concerns about your pet this Spring or would like advice on any of the topics mentioned, please contact the practice team. We are always happy to help and to support you in keeping your pets safe and well.
 
Medication Requests & Repeat Medication   
To order a repeat prescription for your pet, please visit our website at www.acornhousevets.co.uk
and click on the Repeat Medication Request link. You can fill in your details using a mobile, tablet, or computer to make your request.
Please allow at least 48 hours for all repeat medication requests so that they can be processed, authorised by a vet, and dispensed.
 
 
We would Love Your Feedback 
Did you know that you can leave us a Google review quickly and easily using our QR code? You can scan the code on this newsletter and let us know what you think of the service that we provide. There is also a QR code on reception and QR code cards available, in addition to the paper questionnaires so please feel free to scan whenever you visit! Leaving us feedback helps us to continuously improve or service and pass on lovely feedback to our hardworking team.

 

March 2026
Tick Bite Prevention Week 25th - 30th March 
 

As the weather warms, ticks become more active and can pose a risk to pets. These small parasites feed on blood and are commonly found in long grass, woodland, heathland, and gardens visited by wildlife such as deer or hedgehogs. They can be hard to spot, and often attach around the head, neck, legs, and between the toes. After outdoor walks, it is important to check your pet carefully by feeling for small lumps and parting the fur.
While the overall risk of tick-borne disease in UK pets is low, ticks can transmit infections such as Lyme disease and Babesiosis. Symptoms may include lethargy, fever, joint discomfort, reduced appetite, or anaemia. If your pet shows any of these signs after a tick bite, contact us promptly.
If you find a tick, remove it carefully using a purpose-designed tick removal tool, which we sell in our shop. Slide the tool under the tick and twist gently to lift it away, avoiding squeezing or using creams or heat, which can increase infection risk. Our nursing team is always available to assist if needed.
The best way to protect pets is with preventative treatment. Prescription options, including spot-on products, tablets, and collars, kill ticks rapidly. Our vets can recommend the most suitable option based on your pet’s lifestyle and local tick exposure
If you would like guidance on tick prevention or removal, please contact the practice — our team is always happy to help.
 
Recommend a friend - Share the Care

 

We are delighted to introduce our new Recommend a Friend scheme. If one of our existing clients recommends a friend, and that friend registers with us and attends an appointment, both of you will receive £20 credit added to your accounts as a thank you. 

We are incredibly proud of our loyal and supportive client community. If you know someone who is looking for a veterinary practice, we would be very grateful if you would recommend us. 

New clients complete our registration form via the QR code you will have received to share. Thank you for helping us continue to care for pets in our local community. 

 
Easter Hazzards 
Easter falls very early in April this year. However, with Easter eggs, hot cross buns and other seasonal treats already filling the supermarket shelves, we are sure that many of these goodies will have found their way into homes well before the long weekend arrives.
We hope that everyone enjoys a lovely Easter, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks these treats can pose to our pets. This links closely with March being Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month, a timely reminder to consider the hazards that can arise at this time of year and to keep both food and decorations safely out of reach of curious paws and noses.
 
 
March is Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month


This time of year, is a time when many of us enjoy special meals and seasonal treats, but it is important to remember that some of the foods we enjoy can pose a serious risk to our pets.
Ingredients commonly used in roast dinners, such as onions, leeks and garlic, are part of the allium family and are toxic to dogs and cats. These can damage red blood cells and may lead to gastrointestinal upset, dehydration and anaemia. Cooked bones should also never be given to pets, as they can splinter easily and cause choking or internal injury.
Chocolate is another common Easter hazard. Both dark and milk chocolate contain theobromine, a substance that dogs are unable to metabolise effectively. Theobromine affects the nervous system, gastrointestinal tract and heart, and ingestion can result in restlessness, vomiting, diarrhoea, an increased heart rate and, in severe cases, seizures.
Traditional treats such as hot cross buns and simnel cake often contain raisins, sultanas, currants or grapes, all of which can be highly toxic to dogs. Even small amounts may cause vomiting, lethargy, abdominal pain and, in some cases, acute kidney failure. Some sweets and baked goods may also contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in certain confectionery, drinks and chewing gum. In dogs, xylitol can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar levels, leading to weakness, collapse and seizures.
With the arrival of spring, gardens can present additional risks. Many spring bulbs and flowers, including daffodils, tulips, crocus and hyacinths, contain naturally occurring chemicals called alkaloids that are toxic to dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs. The bulbs contain the highest concentration, but all parts of the plant can be harmful, including the water from cut flowers such as daffodils. Clinical signs may include drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea and changes in breathing or heart rate. Lilies are of particular concern for cats, as even small amounts of pollen or plant material can cause severe kidney failure.
As more time is spent outdoors, care should also be taken with fertilisers, weed killers and slug pellets. Garden chemicals can be ingested directly, absorbed through the skin, inhaled, or taken in during grooming after contact with treated areas. These products can pose significant risks to pets as well as wildlife. Where possible, consider using pet safe alternatives and always store chemicals securely out of reach.
If you believe your pet has ingested or come into contact with any potentially toxic substance, please contact us immediately. Providing details about what your pet has been exposed to, how much, and when it occurred will help us advise you as quickly and appropriately as possible.
You can also contact Animal Poison Line (01202 509000), which is run by the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS). It is a 24-hour specialist emergency telephone service supporting pet owners who are concerned about possible poisoning. They can advise whether your pet requires immediate veterinary treatment.
Prompt action is vital where poisoning is suspected, so please seek advice without delay.
 
 
Easter Opening Hours 
With Easter falling in very early April this year, please take note of our opening hours over the Bank Holiday weekend

Thursday 2nd April: 8am - 8pm
Friday 3rd April: (Good Friday) Emergency service only
Saturday 4th April: 8am - 4.30pm
Sunday 5th April: (Easter Sunday) Emergency service only
Monday 6th April: (Easter Monday) Emergency service only
Tuesday 7th April: 8am - 8pm

To ensure you have suffcient medication to cover the Easter period, please place any repeat medication requests by Tuesday 31st March. This allows the required 48 hours for processing, veterinary authorisation and dispensing. 
Mother's Day - Choosing Pet Safe Flowers and Plants 
At the end of the month, we celebrate Mother’s Day, and many homes will be filled with beautiful bouquets and thoughtful gifts. While flowers and chocolates are a kind gesture from children, pets, and loved ones, it is important to ensure that any plants brought into the home are safe for the animals in our household.
Mother’s Day, traditionally known in the United Kingdom as Mothering Sunday, falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent. Historically, it was a day when people returned to their “mother church”, the main church or cathedral in their area. Over time, it became a celebration of family life and an opportunity to show appreciation for mothers and caregivers.
When selecting flowers, there are several popular options that are generally considered non-toxic to pets. Roses, snapdragons, and sunflowers are commonly included in bouquets and are regarded as safe choices. Freesia and lisianthus are also widely used in arrangements and can be suitable for households with cats and dogs. For those choosing houseplants rather than cut flowers, spider plants and Boston ferns are often considered pet friendly options.
Even with plants that are considered safe, it is sensible to discourage pets from chewing them, as eating large amounts of any plant material may still cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Extra care should always be taken to avoid highly toxic flowers, particularly lilies, which can cause severe kidney failure in cats.
If you believe your pet has ingested or come into contact with a potentially toxic plant, please contact your veterinary practice immediately for advice.
We hope you enjoy a wonderful and safe Mother’s Day.
 
Rabbit and Small Pet Waiting Area
Did you know that we have a dedicated waiting area for rabbits and small pets within our reception? This space is located to the left as you enter through the main door and is designed to provide a quieter, less stressful environment for small animal visitors.
This area is intended for rabbits, rodents, reptiles and birds, helping to keep them separate from dogs and reduce anxiety during their visit.
We kindly ask that ferret owners continue to use the dog waiting area. As ferrets are naturally predatory, their presence may cause unnecessary stress to other small pets.
If you are unsure which waiting area to use, a member of our reception team will be happy to guide you.
 
Meet the Team - Remi Vet RCVS

Remi originally qualified in 2019 with a BSc in Veterinary Nursing before deciding to change career and train as a vet. She first became interested in working with animals after taking her own cat to the vets and seeing how gentle and caring the team were with her often-grumpy cat — from that moment, she loved the idea of combining science with helping animals in such a practical way.
Her favourite part of the role is seeing patients get better and getting to know them as they grow up.
Outside of work, Remi enjoys dancing and learning Spanish. She doesn’t have any pets at the moment, but she has a soft spot for ginger cats, having previously owned a male ginger cat.
Remi was born and raised in London. A fun fact about her is that her first job was as a track marshal at a go-kart track — even though she knew nothing about go-karting at the time!
 
Medication Labels 
Did you know that our medication dispensing labels feature a handy link to the data sheet for the prescribed medication? Just enter it into your internet search engine and it will come up with information regarding the medicine that your pet has been prescribed.
 
Here to Help
If you have any concerns about your pet this Spring or would like advice on any of the topics mentioned, please contact the practice team. We are always happy to help and to support you in keeping your pets safe and well.
 
Medication Requests & Repeat Medication   
To order a repeat prescription for your pet, please visit our website at www.acornhousevets.co.uk
and click on the Repeat Medication Request link. You can fill in your details using a mobile, tablet, or computer to make your request.
Please allow at least 48 hours for all repeat medication requests so that they can be processed, authorised by a vet, and dispensed.
 
 
We would Love Your Feedback 
Did you know that you can leave us a Google review quickly and easily using our QR code? You can scan the code on this newsletter and let us know what you think of the service that we provide. There is also a QR code on reception and QR code cards available, in addition to the paper questionnaires so please feel free to scan whenever you visit! Leaving us feedback helps us to continuously improve or service and pass on lovely feedback to our hardworking team.

 

February 2026
Staff Update 

During February, we will be saying a temporary farewell to Nurse Lindsey as she begins her maternity leave. We would like to wish Lindsey and her husband all the absolute best as they prepare to welcome their baby girl. We look forward to hearing their wonderful news and welcoming Lindsey back in the future. 

This month we will also be saying goodbye to Nurse Kelly, who is moving on to start a lecturing role at The College of Animal Welfare. We are confident she will be fantastic at sharing her extensive knowledge and experience with students as they begin their journeys into the animal care profession. While we will miss her greatly, we wish her every success in this exciting new chapter.  
Recommend a friend - Share the Care
 

We are delighted to introduce our new Recommend a Friend scheme. If one of our existing clients recommends a friend, and that friend registers with us and attends an appointment, both of you will receive £20 credit added to your accounts as a thank you. 

We are incredibly proud of our loyal and supportive client community. If you know someone who is looking for a veterinary practice, we would be very grateful if you would recommend us. 

New clients complete our registration form via the QR code you will have received to share. Thank you for helping us continue to care for pets in our local community. 

 
Dental Health Awareness Month 

February is Dental Health Awareness Month, and we will be sharing advice and information throughout the month on our Facebook page about how to care for your pet’s teeth at home. 

For cats and dogs, we recommend brushing their teeth once or twice daily using a pet-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. Regular brushing is the most effective way to prevent plaque build-up and dental disease. We stock a range of dental care products in our shop, and our team is always happy to offer guidance on getting started. 

Dental health is not just important for cats and dogs. Rabbits and rodents have continuously growing teeth and require appropriate diets and enrichment to maintain good dental condition. Rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas need constant access to fresh hay, while rats, gerbils and degus require safe items to gnaw on to help keep their teeth worn down. 

If your pet requires dental treatment, this is conducted under general anaesthetic to ensure a thorough examination and cleaning can be performed safely and with minimal stress. Anaesthesia-free procedures, such as ultrasonic scaling without sedation, are not recommended by the British Veterinary Association or the RSPCA, please see the RCVS statement below 

https://www.rcvs.org.uk/document-library/a-statement-on-anaesthesia-free-dental-procedures-for-cats-dogs/ 

You can book a dental check with one of our vets or nurses at any time. For further information, including a toothbrushing demonstration video, please visit the dental care section on our website. 
World Spay Day

The 27th of February marks World Spay Day, a campaign supported by animal charities worldwide, including the RSPCA, Cats Protection, and the Blue Cross. 

Neutering plays a key role in protecting the long-term health and welfare of pets. There are many benefits to spaying female dogs and cats and castrating male cats. Castration in male dogs is not routinely performed and is assessed on an individual basis following discussion with a vet. 

For female pets, spaying can significantly reduce the risk of mammary tumours and prevent serious womb infections such as pyometra. It also prevents unwanted pregnancies and can reduce the likelihood of false pregnancies. 

Castrating male cats can help reduce spraying within the home and prevent unwanted litters. Neutering also reduces roaming behaviour, which in turn may lower the risk of road traffic accidents, becoming lost, or injuries from fighting. It may also reduce the risk of contracting FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus), which is most commonly spread through bite wounds. 

If you would like to learn more about spaying or neutering, further information is available on our website, or you are welcome to speak to a member of our team for advice tailored to your pet. 

 
Meet the Team - Heidi, RVN 

Our Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) Heidi has a love for theatre, thrills & the beautiful game! Heidi thrives in the fast-paced world of theatre and emergency care — where no two days are ever the same and teamwork makes all the difference. 

Outside of work, she swaps scrubs for riding boots as a keen horse rider, and she is also a huge football fan — proudly supporting Liverpool FC. Home life is just as lively, living with her mum, dad, and brother, plus her four-legged family: Ronnie the dog and her horses, Buster and Charlie. 

Fun fact: She is a HUGE Stranger Things fan — so if you have a question about Hawkins, she is your go-to expert! 

  
Written Prescriptions - Reminder 

When ordering written prescriptions from Acorn House, following a few simple steps will help ensure your request is processed quickly and without unnecessary delays. 

First, please request your written prescription from the veterinary practice in the usual way. This can be done using the online form at our repeat prescriptions page or by telephone if you prefer. When making your request, be sure to provide the name of the medication, the dose you are giving, and the quantity you require. 

Our vets will then review your pet’s records and issue the written prescription in line with standard guidelines. Once this has been done, you will receive an email from the practice confirming the name, dose, and quantity of the prescribed medication, along with details of any repeats. 

You can then place your order with the pharmacy of your choice according to the information in the email. The pharmacy will provide you with a purchase order number for your order. Please send us the name and email address of the pharmacy, along with the purchase order number, so that we can process your prescription efficiently and send it directly to your chosen pharmacy. 

Following these steps helps us ensure that your pet’s prescriptions are processed accurately and promptly, making the experience as smooth as possible for both you and your pet. 

 
Re-examination is required every six months, or sooner in some cases. The charge for re-examination ranges from £59.90 - £64.90 and the charge of each a written prescription is £24.68.
 
Medication Requests & Repeat Medication   
To order a repeat prescription for your pet, please visit our website at www.acornhousevets.co.uk
and click on the Repeat Medication Request link. You can fill in your details using a mobile, tablet, or computer to make your request.
Please allow at least 48 hours for all repeat medication requests so that they can be processed, authorised by a vet, and dispensed.
 
 
Emailing Invoices 
We are introducing emailed invoices after each visit to help keep things simple and transparent. You’ll receive an itemised breakdown of any treatment and medication straight to your inbox shortly after your appointment. This also applies to members of our Acorn Health Club—your included products will show as £0.00 due, as they are covered by your monthly payment. This update makes it easier to review what was done, keep accurate records, and contact us with any questions, helping us provide a clearer and more convenient service for everyone.
 
We would Love Your Feedback 
Did you know that you can leave us a Google review quickly and easily using our QR code? You can scan the code on this newsletter and let us know what you think of the service that we provide. There is also a QR code on reception and QR code cards available, in addition to the paper questionnaires so please feel free to scan whenever you visit! Leaving us feedback helps us to continuously improve or service and pass on lovely feedback to our hardworking team.

January 2026
Happy New Year 
 
As we begin the year ahead, we would like to thank you for your continued trust and support. We look forward to another year of supporting our local community and providing the very best care for your pets, while continuing to work closely with you to keep them happy and healthy throughout every stage of their lives.  
 
Staff Update 

 
This month we have seen our vet, Lorna, begin her maternity leave. We would like to wish Lorna and her partner all the very best as they prepare for their first adventure as parents. 
We hope that Lorna is able to enjoy some well-earned rest and relaxation ahead of her new arrival, and we very much look forward to welcoming her back to the practice following her maternity leave. 
 
Walk your dog month 

 
January is Walk Your Dog Month! Walking your dog benefits them in so many ways and will benefit you too! Walks give your dog exercise, which helps to combat obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, as well as keeping joints mobile. During walks, dogs are provided with mental and sensory stimulation, through sniffing, socialising with other dogs and interacting with people. It uses excess energy to allow better rest and can help limit destructive or unwanted behaviours.   
 For us humans, we can gain the same benefits, plus reducing stress levels and improving our mental health. Dependant on breed, age and health status, walks should vary from 30 minutes a day up to more than two hours each day. For example, healthy greyhounds and shih tzus require up to an hour of exercise daily, whereas Labradors and huskies require over two hours a day! You can plan new routes, and involve your family too, walks help to build the bond with your dog and has a positive impact of you and your dog.  
 Ensure your safety on walks, by dressing in visible colours, and choosing reflective collars or coats for your dog. You should always carry a mobile phone and let others know where you are walking. During cold weather be wary of anti-freeze and salt from gritting and wash your dog’s paws after walks. Enjoy the scenery and fresh air with your four-legged friend(s) and vary your walks and you can even add in some training during walks or join local dog walking groups if you prefer to walk in company.  
 
Cold Weather
 
During January and February, we often see some of our coldest temperatures and most inclement weather. During these periods we must consider our pets. When walking dogs, we should take care that they don’t go near frozen lakes and ponds and ensure if there is snow that their pads do not get impacted with snow. 
 
Both cats and dogs can pick up salt and grit on their paws which can be irritating or toxic in high doses as well as antifreeze which is poisonous. Consider washing dog's paws after exercise.  
Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is commonly found in screen wash or functional water features and is often attractive to pets as it tastes sweet. Please ensure spills are cleaned up immediately as ingestion of even small amounts can be fatal. If you think your pet has had contact with antifreeze, please contact your vet immediately. 
 
Cats should have access to a warm, dry environment and bedding areas should be away from any draughts. Cats will also seek out warm places outside, which means we should be checking our cars, under wheel arches and bonnets before starting.  
 
  Outdoor animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets should be brought inside if possible or moved to a more sheltered area such as a garage or shed. They should be given extra bedding, and their accommodation should be well insulated, but good ventilation must be ensured also. Extra food can also be offered, and all animals checked on regularly. You can also get pet-safe heat pads which can be used in addition as per the manufacturer’s instructions.  
  
Many of us keep birds, such as chickens and other poultry, budgies, finches and birds of prey. During colder spells we should ensure our pets have additional species appropriate bedding and their enclosures should be protected from the elements and insulated where possible, whilst still allowing for good ventilation. Extra food can be provided, and it should be ensured that water sources do not freeze over.  
  
If you have a pond in your garden, please ensure that it is not frozen over, as this can lead to a build-up of poisonous gases. A bowl or saucepan of hot water can be added to the surface so that any ice melts slowly so as not to harm fish and wildlife. Extra food can be put out for birds, and any water sources should be fresh and unfrozen.  
 
 
Dog Friendly Toileting Accidents 
 
Please do not worry if your dog has an accident while visiting our clinic. 
New, unfamiliar or worrying situations can sometimes cause dogs to need the toilet, and this is a completely normal and natural response. 
As a Dog Friendly Clinic, we understand that accidents can happen and that dogs cannot help it in these circumstances. Our team is always happy to clean up promptly so that everyone can remain comfortable. 
If an accident does occur, please do let a member of the team know so we can take care of it — there is absolutely no need to feel embarrassed. 
 
Insurance Claims
We are very fortunate to have a dedicated and hardworking insurance team, Michelle and Clare, who work both part time, both on site and remotely to support our clients.
Many pet owners have insurance policies that help cover the costs of ongoing treatment, medication, and unexpected visits to the practice. We really appreciate clients keeping us informed of any changes to their insurance details, as this helps us keep your pet’s records up to date and avoid delays with claims.
If you would like us to process an insurance claim on your behalf, simply let our friendly reception team know. They will ensure all the necessary information has been provided before passing the request on to the insurance team.
Claims are usually processed once your pet has been signed off by the vet following a procedure or course of treatment, or when requested for ongoing conditions or repeat medications. Please note that it can take up to two weeks for a claim to be submitted.
 
Meet the Team - Clare Munyard, Insurance Administrator 
Clare combines a love of animals with a talent for helping people in her role as our Insurance Administrator — though around Acorn House she’s affectionately known as the Insurance Fairy. She adores giving visiting dogs a cuddle and can’t resist sneaking into the cat ward when there are kittens in need of some love 🐶🐱.
A proud history graduate, Clare achieved her BA (Hons) after starting her degree at the age of 42 — juggling part-time study with reception shifts, family life, and everything else a busy wife and mum does. Her dissertation was even published by the Open University, making her a published historian! 🎓
When she’s not working her insurance magic, Clare loves travelling (especially to Italy), exploring historic houses, going to the theatre, and curling up with a good book. At home, she lives with her husband, two teenage boys (who “eat for England”), and two much-loved rescue cats: Rupert, a big fluffy boy found living with chickens at just 7 weeks old, and Elsie, a mischievous tabby who was hand-reared after being found as a tiny kitten.
  

  
 
Written Prescriptions 
After examination, where clinically appropriate, written prescriptions are available to order certain medications online. Once requested, an acknowledgement will be sent to you via email with the medication information and the number of repeats.
 
Once you have ordered according to your acknowledgement and provided us with your order number the prescription is sent to your chosen online pharmacy on your behalf. You can then order the repeats directly from the pharmacy as they will hold your prescription until it’s expiry.
 
Re-examination is required every six months, or sooner in some cases. The charge for re-examination ranges from £59.90 - £64.90 and the charge of each a written prescription is £24.68.
 
Medication Requests & Repeat Medication   
To order a repeat prescription for your pet, please visit our website at www.acornhousevets.co.uk
and click on the Repeat Medication Request link. You can fill in your details using a mobile, tablet, or computer to make your request.
Please allow at least 48 hours for all repeat medication requests so that they can be processed, authorised by a vet, and dispensed.
 
 
Emailing Invoices 
We are introducing emailed invoices after each visit to help keep things simple and transparent. You’ll receive an itemised breakdown of any treatment and medication straight to your inbox shortly after your appointment. This also applies to members of our Acorn Health Club—your included products will show as £0.00 due, as they are covered by your monthly payment. This update makes it easier to review what was done, keep accurate records, and contact us with any questions, helping us provide a clearer and more convenient service for everyone.
 
We would Love Your Feedback 
Did you know that you can leave us a Google review quickly and easily using our QR code? You can scan the code on this newsletter and let us know what you think of the service that we provide. There is also a QR code on reception and QR code cards available, in addition to the paper questionnaires so please feel free to scan whenever you visit! Leaving us feedback helps us to continuously improve or service and pass on lovely feedback to our hardworking team.

December 2025
Staff Update
 
In December, after 19 wonderful years with the practice, Sally, a familiar and much-loved face on reception, will be moving on to pursue her dream of living by the seaside. During her time with Acorn House, she has seen the practice grow from a single Client Care Advisor to a team of twelve and has been part of our journey from treating all creatures great and small, including farm animals, to specialising in companion animal care. Sally has shared her wealth of knowledge and experience with her colleagues and offered countless clients and their pets a listening ear, a friendly smile, and unwavering support. She will be deeply missed by everyone at the practice, and we wish her every happiness and success in this exciting new chapter of her life.
During December, we are excited to welcome Nikki to our Client Care team. We look forward to introducing her to our clients and their pets and sharing the festive season together.
 
 
Season's Greetings from all of us

 
As the year comes to a close, we would like to take a moment to thank all of our clients for their continued support throughout 2025. It has been a pleasure caring for your pets and sharing in their lives. From everyone at Acorn House, we wish you a joyful holiday season filled with happy memories and best wishes for the New Year.
 
Travel Safety for Pets During the Holidays

 
The holiday season often means travelling to visit family and friends, and it is important to ensure your pets stay safe and comfortable along the way. When travelling with companion animals, plan ahead by packing a winter emergency kit, including blankets, food, water, and any necessary medications or first aid supplies. Make sure pets are safely secured in carriers or seatbelts, take regular breaks on longer journeys, and avoid leaving animals in cold cars. Preparing in advance will help ensure that your festive travels are enjoyable and stress-free for both you and your pets. For pets that struggle with travel, please contact our team to arrange a vet consultation to explore strategies to help reduce stress during journeys.
 
Managing Pets During Festive Gatherings
 
With the holiday season often comes a house full of visitors, which can be stressful for many pets, including dogs, cats, and smaller animals. Sudden noise, unfamiliar people, and increased activity can lead to anxiety, hiding, or changes in behaviour. To help your pets feel safe, consider creating a quiet, secure space where they can retreat, such as a separate room, a cosy crate, or a raised area for cats. Providing familiar bedding, toys, and background noise, such as a radio or television, can also help reduce stress. Encouraging guests to respect your pet’s space and not force interactions will make the festive season more enjoyable for everyone, including your four-legged family members.
 
Christmas Hazards for Pets 
 
With Christmas fast approaching, many of us will be looking forward to the festivities and spending time with our families. While this can be a joyful time, it is also a period when our pets are at increased risk of accidental harm. Throughout December, we will be sharing further information on our Facebook page to help you keep your pets safe.
At this time of year, there are several common hazards in the home. Chocolate, both dark and milk, contains theobromine and caffeine and is toxic to both dogs and cats. Decorative items and fairy lights can cause cuts, choking or intestinal blockages if chewed, and may even result in electric shock. Salt dough decorations are also highly toxic to pets. Xylitol, which is found in some sweets, cakes, jams, peanut butter and chewing gum, is extremely dangerous for dogs, even in small amounts.
Seasonal plants such as poinsettia, mistletoe, lilies, holly, and amaryllis can be harmful if ingested. Mouldy food can produce toxins that cause severe neurological symptoms and may prove fatal. Batteries pose a serious risk as they can cause both intestinal blockages and internal chemical burns. Grapes and dried vine fruits, including sultanas, currants and raisins, can lead to kidney failure in dogs amd cats even when eaten in small quantities.
Alcohol should always be kept well out of reach of pets, along with foods containing alcohol and unbaked bread dough, which can have similarly dangerous effects. Onions and other alliums, such as garlic, spring onions, chives and leeks, can damage red blood cells in pets, and it is important to remember that many gravy granules contain onion powder. Finally, all medications should be stored safely out of reach of both pets and children at all times.
If you believe your pet has had access to or ingested any of these items, please contact the practice immediately with details of what was consumed, how much and when. Prompt action can make a significant difference to the outcome. We will continue to share helpful advice and reminders on our Facebook page throughout December.
 
Winter Hazards for Pets
 
As the weather becomes colder, many people begin using antifreeze in their vehicles. Antifreeze is extremely toxic to pets, particularly cats, and even a small amount can lead to organ failure and can be fatal. Symptoms of poisoning may include vomiting, difficulty breathing, appearing uncoordinated or intoxicated, and seizures.
If you believe that your pet has come into contact with or ingested antifreeze, please contact your veterinary practice immediately. Prompt treatment is critical.
Many incidents can be prevented by taking simple precautions. Always store antifreeze in a clearly labelled, sealed container and keep it well out of reach of pets. Ensure any spills are cleaned up straight away and dispose of empty containers in accordance with your local council’s guidance.
It is also important to be aware that grit and road salt used on pavements and roads can irritate your pet’s paws and can be harmful if licked off the feet. After walks in gritted areas, we recommend wiping or washing your pet’s paws to reduce the risk of irritation and ingestion.
 
 
 
New Year Fireworks and Pet Safety
 
New Year is often a time for celebration, and fireworks are commonly used to mark the occasion. Unfortunately, many animals, as well as people, find fireworks extremely distressing. It is important that we do all we can to keep our pets, livestock, and local wildlife as safe as possible during this period.
Where possible, attending an organised display — particularly one using low-noise or silent fireworks — can help to reduce the number of private displays and limit overall disturbance. If you are planning to hold your own display, choosing silent fireworks will cause the least distress. Any used fireworks should always be disposed of safely, ensuring they do not pose a risk to animals.
Practical steps can also be taken at home. Walking dogs during daylight hours and ensuring cats are brought indoors before dark will reduce the likelihood of them encountering fireworks. Partially covering outdoor hutches and aviaries can help with soundproofing and provide a more secure environment. Creating a safe space or ‘den’ for cats and dogs can be very helpful, with cats often feeling more secure in a raised, enclosed area. Closing curtains and using a television or radio to provide background noise may also reduce anxiety.
Ensuring your pet is microchipped and that your contact details are up to date significantly increases the chance of being reunited with them should they become frightened and run off. If your pet struggles during fireworks season, we recommend booking a consultation with a vet to discuss appropriate support, which may include anxiolytic medication or other management options.
 

Christmas and New Year Opening Times 
With the Christmas and New Year holidays fast approaching, here are our opening times should your pet require assistance over the festive period:

•    Monday 22nd December 2025 – 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
•    Tuesday 23rd December 2025 – 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
•    Wednesday 24th December 2025 – Christmas Eve – 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
•    Thursday 25th December 2025 - Christmas Day- Emergency Service Only
•    Friday 26th December 2025 – Boxing Day – Emergency Service Only
•    Saturday 27th December 2025 – 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
•    Sunday 28th December 2025 – Emergency Service Only
•    Monday 29th December 2025 – 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
•    Tuesday 30th December 2025 – 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
•    Wednesday 31st December 2025 – New Year’s Eve – 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
•    Thursday 1st January 2026 – Emergency Service Only
•    Friday 2nd January 2026 – 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
 
Written Prescriptions 
After examination, where clinically appropriate, written prescriptions are available to order certain medications online. Once requested, an acknowledgement will be sent to you via email with the medication information and the number of repeats.
 
Once you have ordered according to your acknowledgement and provided us with your order number the prescription is sent to your chosen online pharmacy on your behalf. You can then order the repeats directly from the pharmacy as they will hold your prescription until it’s expiry.
 
Re-examination is required every six months, or sooner in some cases. The charge for re-examination ranges from £59.90 - £64.90 and the charge of each a written prescription is £24.68.
 
Medication Requests & Repeat Medication   
To order a repeat prescription for your pet, please visit our website at www.acornhousevets.co.uk
and click on the Repeat Medication Request link. You can fill in your details using a mobile, tablet, or computer to make your request.
Please allow at least 48 hours for all repeat medication requests so that they can be processed, authorised by a vet, and dispensed.
 
 
Last Dates for Ordering Medication Over Christmas
If your pet requires repeat medication, please note that Friday 22nd December is the last date to request it before Christmas, and Monday 29th December is the final date to request it before the New Year. This allows the 48 hours needed for the prescription to be processed, authorised, and dispensed.
 
Emailing Invoices 
We are introducing emailed invoices after each visit to help keep things simple and transparent. You’ll receive an itemised breakdown of any treatment and medication straight to your inbox shortly after your appointment. This also applies to members of our Acorn Health Club—your included products will show as £0.00 due, as they are covered by your monthly payment. This update makes it easier to review what was done, keep accurate records, and contact us with any questions, helping us provide a clearer and more convenient service for everyone.
 
We would Love Your Feedback 
Did you know that you can leave us a Google review quickly and easily using our QR code? You can scan the code on this newsletter and let us know what you think of the service that we provide. There is also a QR code on reception and QR code cards available, in addition to the paper questionnaires so please feel free to scan whenever you visit! Leaving us feedback helps us to continuously improve or service and pass on lovely feedback to our hardworking team.

The Latest Advice for your Pet from Acorn House Vets

October 2025
Staff Update
 
At the end of this month, we’ll be saying a temporary goodbye to Nurse Leigh, who is heading off on maternity leave. We wish Leigh and her partner all the very best for this exciting new chapter and can’t wait to hear news of their new arrival when the time comes.
Nurse Chelsea originally joined us as temporary maternity cover, but we’re delighted to announce that she will be staying on with us permanently!
Farewell to Sharon

 
At the end of this month, we will be saying a fond farewell to our longest-serving team member, Deputy Head Nurse Sharon, as she begins her well-deserved early retirement.
Sharon began her veterinary nursing career straight after school in 1988, training in her hometown of Plymouth before qualifying and working as an RVN in Berkshire. She joined Acorn House in 1993, back when the practice was based on De Parys Avenue and has been an integral part of the team ever since.
Over the years, Sharon has seen Acorn House grow from just four vets and three nurses to the thriving practice it is today. She served as Head Nurse for many years before becoming Lead Clinical Coach, guiding countless student nurses through their training — many of whom have gone on to work in referral centres, universities, and even abroad. Sharon takes great pride in having played a part in their journeys, and we know they will remember her encouragement and expertise fondly.
Sharon has always been a constant source of support, knowledge, and kindness — both to her colleagues and to the many clients who have known her over the decades. From the days of large animal visits to the busy small animal practice we are today, she has seen and helped shape it all.
Sharon says, “I really will miss Acorn House and wish everyone all the best for the future.”
We will miss her just as much. On behalf of the whole team, we wish Sharon every happiness in her retirement and all the adventures this next chapter brings.
Meet the Team 

 
Each month, we’ll introduce you to the wonderful people working behind the scenes at Acorn House, sharing a little about their roles, passions, and personalities so you can get to know them better.
Marianna joined Acorn House in 2019 as a Client Care Advisor after being inspired by the care and attention her own puppy received. Since then, her role has grown and evolved into Client Care Manager — and she hasn’t looked back! With qualifications in leadership, mental health first aid, counselling, and even Reiki, Marianna brings a wealth of skills and empathy to her work.
Her favourite parts of the role? Problem-solving, meeting clients and their pets, and making sure the shop is stocked with the very best toys and treats for our furry friends.
Outside of work, Marianna enjoys socialising with friends and family, baking, and has recently discovered a love for cruising. She lives with her husband of 25 years, two grown-up children, and Willow — a much-loved 7-year-old Cockapoo who keeps life lively.
Fun fact: Marianna is bilingual, once studied A-Level Law with dreams of becoming a lawyer, and has a soft spot for anything sparkly.
 
 
Clocks Changing 
 
At the end of this month the clocks will change, which can disrupt our daily routines — and our pets’ too. Many animals thrive on consistency, so it is helpful to adjust gradually. Begin by moving mealtimes, walks and bedtimes in small increments over one to two weeks. Older pets or those with cognitive changes may need extra time to adapt.
The darker evenings also mean safety precautions are more important. Consider altering your walk times to earlier in the day and use reflective collars, leads and harnesses or small lights for both pets and owners to improve visibility. Always carry a charged mobile phone and let someone know where you are going and your expected time of return.
Seasonal Treats
 
Our practice shop is fully stocked with a wide selection of toys, treats, accessories and our ever-popular pet-friendly candles. This month you will also notice a range of spooky Halloween toys and, over the coming weeks, a selection of seasonal items making their way onto the shelves — dare we even mention Christmas! Pop in and see what’s new; there’s something to delight every pet.
Autumn Hazzards
 
Autumn is a beautiful season, but it also brings some hidden hazards for pets. Acorns, conkers (horse chestnuts) and pinecones can pose a choking risk or cause blockages if ingested. Conkers contain a toxin called aesculin, while acorns contain tannins, which can also cause illness in dogs. These items should be avoided on walks and kept out of reach in gardens.
As the weather cools and becomes damp, mushrooms become more common. Although most species are harmless, some are poisonous, so it is best to prevent pets from eating any mushrooms they encounter. Finally, as colds and flu become more prevalent at this time of year, remember to keep all human medicines well out of paw’s reach.
 
 
Halloween
 
Halloween can be exciting for us but challenging for our pets. Many traditional Halloween treats are dangerous for animals. Sweets containing xylitol (also called birch sugar) can cause a dangerous drop in a dog’s blood sugar, and both dark and milk chocolate contain theobromine, which is toxic to pets. If you suspect your pet has eaten any of these, remove access to the hazard, keep the packaging and contact us immediately for advice.
Trick-or-treating can also be stressful. Costumes, door knocks and strangers arriving at the house can be overwhelming, and even familiar family members may look different to pets when dressed up. If you would like to reduce the disturbance, you could leave a bowl of treats outside with a note inviting visitors to help themselves. It is also best to only visit homes clearly welcoming trick-or-treaters, usually indicated by decorations or a lit pumpkin.
If you plan to dress up your pet, consider whether the costume restricts movement, affects temperature regulation or prevents normal body language. Watch for signs of stress such as lip licking, drooling, shaking, a tucked tail or rolling over with tension.
Walking dogs earlier in the day and keeping cats indoors during Halloween can also reduce stress and keep them safe. Creating a safe space or den, somewhere dark, quiet and comfortable away from busy areas, can give pets a place to retreat. Cats particularly benefit from access to a higher space where they feel secure.
Finally, be mindful when decorating for Halloween. Fake spider webs can ensnare wildlife such as birds and hedgehogs. Carved pumpkins are great fun, but candles pose a fire and burn risk; LED lights are much safer but keep the batteries out of reach of pets. Once your pumpkin has served its purpose, it can be chopped up and placed on bird tables or branches for wildlife to enjoy but avoid leaving it on the ground where it can make hedgehogs ill.
Bonfire Night and FIreworks 
As October draws to a close and November begins, fireworks and bonfires become more common. Loud noises and bright flashes can be very distressing for pets. Attending an organised display, especially one using silent or low-noise fireworks, helps reduce the number of private displays and the impact on animals. If you do hold your own event, opt for silent fireworks and dispose of spent fireworks safely so they do not harm wildlife.
Walking dogs earlier in the day and ensuring cats are indoors before dark helps minimise their exposure to fireworks. Covering hutches and aviaries provides additional soundproofing and security for outdoor pets. Creating a safe, comfortable den indoors allows your animals to retreat, and cats often prefer higher spaces where they feel safer. Closing curtains and playing the television or radio can help mask the noise. Make sure your pet’s microchip details are up to date in case they panic and run off, and if your animal struggles badly at this time of year, speak to us about pheromone diffusers or other supportive options. Finally, always check bonfires thoroughly for hedgehogs and other wildlife before lighting them.
 
Tortoise Hibernation 

Hibernation is a natural part of many tortoises’ yearly cycle, helping to slow growth and regulate hormones. However, it also carries risks such as dehydration, freezing, or illness, so careful preparation is essential. Only species that naturally experience colder conditions—like Mediterranean tortoises, Horsfields, and Desert tortoises—should hibernate. Species such as Leopards, African spurred (Sulcata), Red-foots, Yellow-foots, and most turtles should not.

Preparation begins in late summer with veterinary checks, faecal screening, and gradual reduction of feeding. Tortoises should be well-hydrated before hibernation, and temperatures should be lowered slowly to mimic natural conditions. Hibernation can be done in secure, insulated boxes or, with careful monitoring, in a fridge or chiller, keeping temperatures around 5°C. Regular weight checks are vital, as sudden loss can indicate health issues.

After hibernation, tortoises should be warmed gradually, bathed, and monitored to ensure they drink and urinate. Feeding begins with succulent foods before returning to a normal diet. Any tortoise that does not eat or urinate within a week should see a veterinarian. For underweight or unwell tortoises or if you feel unable to hibernate your tortoise, indoor overwintering in a secure, heated, UV-lit enclosure is a safe alternative.

With careful planning, your tortoise can hibernate safely and emerge healthy for the year ahead.
We're here to help 
If you have any concerns about your pet this autumn or would like advice on any of the topics mentioned, please contact the practice team. We are always happy to help and to support you in keeping your pets safe and well.
Written Prescriptions 
After examination, where clinically appropriate, written prescriptions are available to order certain medications online. Once requested, an acknowledgement will be sent to you via email with the medication information and the number of repeats.
Once you have ordered according to your acknowledgement and provided us with your order number the prescription is sent to your chosen online pharmacy on your behalf. You can then order the repeats directly from the pharmacy as they will hold your prescription until it’s expiry.
Re-examination is required every six months, or sooner in some cases. The charge for re-examination ranges from £59.90 - £64.90 and the charge of each a written prescription is £24.68.
Medication Requests & Repeat Medication   
To order a repeat prescription for your pet simply visit our website, www.acornhousevets.co.uk and click on the link Repeat Medication Request  where you can fill in your details to make your request. The form can be used on a mobile, tablet or computer.  For all repeat medication we must ask you to give us 48 hours' notice so that your request can be processed, authorised by a vet and dispensed. 
Google Reviews    
Did you know that you can leave us a Google review quickly and easily using our QR code? You can scan the code on this newsletter and let us know what you think of the service that we provide. There is also a QR code on reception and QR code cards available, in addition to the paper questionnaires so please feel free to scan whenever you visit! Leaving us feedback helps us to continuously improve or service and pass on lovely feedback to our hardworking team.

 

September 2025
Meet the Team!
 
Welcome to the first edition of our monthly “Meet the Team” feature! Each month, we’ll introduce you to the wonderful people working behind the scenes at Acorn House, sharing a little about their roles, passions, and personalities so you can get to know them better.
 
Paul Harris-McCulloch, Practice Manager

Paul’s journey with Acorn House began back in 1998 as a trainee veterinary nurse at our old De Parys Avenue site. After a long and rewarding nursing career (and even a brief stint as a lecturer), he made the leap into administration nine years ago. Why? Because Paul thrives on supporting our fantastic team and keeping the practice running smoothly behind the scenes.
When he’s not coordinating the day-to-day, Paul’s favourite work highlight is organising the Acorn House Christmas Party — he loves seeing the team relax and have fun after a year of working tirelessly for our patients.
Outside of work, Paul is a proud and loyal Hufflepuff, with a slight Harry Potter obsession — four visits to the Studio Tour, a trip to see The Cursed Child parts 1 & 2, and big excitement for the upcoming TV series!
At home, Paul shares life with his husband, three grown-up children, and one very cheeky cat called Jacob. Jacob enjoys sunbathing in the greenhouse and playing the “pretend I haven’t been fed” trick… which occasionally works!
Fun fact: Paul used to be a church bell ringer — not always appreciated by the local Sunday morning lie-ins!
 
Pet Eye Health Week Acorn House - 15th - 21st September 
 
During the month of September, it is Pet Eye Health Week, and we will be sharing a series of informative posts throughout the week commencing 15th September.
Your pet’s eyes are delicate and just as sensitive as your own. Early detection of changes can make a huge difference in preventing discomfort or more serious conditions. Signs to watch for include redness, cloudiness, irritation, squinting, sticky discharge, or one eye appearing different from the other. Other indicators can include tear staining, sudden changes in colour, or vision problems such as bumping into objects or difficulty navigating their environment.
Eye problems can be painful and can progress quickly, so prompt veterinary attention is essential if you notice any of these symptoms. Regular monitoring, early intervention, and proper care can help protect your pet’s vision and keep their eyes bright, healthy, and comfortable.
 
Small Pet Rodent Awareness Week - 15th - 21st September
 
This month we celebrate Small Pet Rodent Awareness Week (SPRAW), a time dedicated to promoting the health and welfare of smaller pet rodents across the UK, including hamsters, rats, gerbils, mice, chinchillas, and degus.
Though small in size, these pets require careful attention and thoughtful care. Before bringing any rodent into your home, it’s important to research the specific needs of each species to ensure a happy, healthy life.
 
Hamsters

Hamsters are small, curious rodents with unique personalities. Popular breeds include Syrian, Winter White, Campbell’s, Chinese, and Roborovski. They live 1.5–3 years and are most active at night and early morning.
Diet: Provide a species-specific seed mix, fresh vegetables, occasional fruit, and small amounts of protein. Always offer clean water and limit sugary treats.
Housing: Hamsters need indoor cages with plenty of floor space, bedding, a solid-surface wheel, and hides. Syrians need larger wheels and deeper bedding; dwarfs require slightly smaller setups. Hamsters are solitary and must be housed alone.
Enrichment & Handling: Offer tunnels, wheels, digging opportunities, and supervised exploration. Never bathe with water—sand baths are best. Handle gently from underneath and let them explore your lap.
Health: Check eyes, fur, teeth, nails, and scent glands. Young hamsters can develop wet tail, which needs prompt veterinary attention. Any unusual signs should be checked by a vet.
 
 
Rats 

Rats are intelligent, social, and curious rodents who thrive in pairs or small groups. Females are often more active, while males may enjoy a cosy cuddle. They live 2–3 years, are mostly nocturnal, and come in a range of colours.
Diet: Feed rat-specific pellets or mixes, supplemented with small amounts of fruit, vegetables, grains, or cooked egg. Avoid overfeeding treats to prevent obesity.
Housing: Provide a spacious indoor metal cage with climbing opportunities, tunnels, hammocks, and toys. Bar spacing should be 1cm for young rats and 1.5cm for adults.
Enrichment & Bedding: Rats need activities like climbing, digging, and foraging. Use dust-free substrates such as kiln-dried wood shavings, paper pellets, or chopped card.
Health: Check rats daily and consult a vet if you notice any changes in behaviour or appearance. Prompt care is essential for keeping your rats happy and healthy.
 
Gerbils 

Mongolian gerbils are sociable, burrowing rodents adapted for desert life. They live 3–4 years (sometimes longer), grow to 11–12cm with tails around 9–10cm, and are most active in the evening and early morning. Gerbils should always be kept in pairs or small groups, as loneliness can lead to depression.
Diet: Offer a high-quality dry food mix and scatter it to encourage natural foraging. Supplement with small amounts of fresh vegetables, fruit, mealworms, and seeds. Always provide clean water and avoid sugary treats.
Housing: Keep gerbils indoors in a spacious glass tank with at least 25cm of substrate for burrowing. Avoid hamster cages or wire-bottomed tanks. Include hides, tunnels, a solid wooden or metal wheel (28cm+), chew toys, and bathing sand.
Health & Enrichment: Regularly check your gerbils’ fur, teeth, and behaviour. Provide daily supervised free-roam time and replace some substrate when cleaning to retain familiar scents.
 
Mice

Mice are small, intelligent, and playful rodents that thrive in groups of three or more. They live 1–2 years, measure 5–8cm and are mostly active during the day.
Diet: Feed a high-quality mouse mix, supplemented with small amounts of vegetables, fruit (avoiding citrus), and occasional protein treats like dried mealworms. Always provide fresh water.
Housing: Keep mice indoors in a spacious cage (minimum 80 x 50cm) with narrow bar spacing. Include hides, huts, hammocks, and climbing opportunities.
Enrichment & Bedding: Provide solid-surface exercise wheels, tunnels, and digging material. Use paper-based bedding and nesting material such as hay or unscented paper. Avoid cotton wool or fluffy bedding, which can cause respiratory or digestive problems.
Health & Handling: Check your mice regularly for changes in behaviour, fur, or eyes. Gentle handling and supervised exploration help with taming and bonding.
 
Chinchillas

Chinchillas are exotic rodents known for their soft fur, large ears, and playful personalities. They live 15–20 years, measure 28–49cm and are most active at dusk and dawn. Chinchillas are sociable and are best kept in pairs or trios.
Diet: Provide a species-appropriate hard feed, unlimited hay, dried herbs, leaves, and small amounts of fresh vegetables introduced gradually. Avoid sugary foods to prevent diabetes. Always supply fresh water.
Housing: Keep chinchillas indoors in large, multi-level metal or kiln-dried pine cages. They are avid chewers, so avoid plastic or untreated wood. Ensure a stable, cool environment and include marble slabs to help them regulate temperature.
Enrichment & Handling: Offer solid-surface exercise wheels, hides, hammocks, and supervised out-of-cage time. Provide a sand bath for grooming; never bathe chinchillas with water.
Health: Monitor behaviour, fur, and teeth, and consult a vet for regular health checks.
 
 
Degus

Degus are social, intelligent rodents best kept in pairs or small groups. They live 6–8 years, measure 12–18cm and are active during the day. Degus enjoy interaction, exercise, and gentle supervised handling.
Diet: Feed a degu-specific hard mix with unlimited hay, dried herbs, and occasional safe treats. Avoid sugary foods to prevent diabetes and always provide fresh water.
Housing: Keep degus indoors in large, multi-level metal or kiln-dried pine cages. Provide hides, hammocks, climbing shelves, and chew-safe toys. Wire cages are ideal, as degus chew avidly. Maintain a stable temperature of 18–22°C and avoid drafts or extreme heat.
Enrichment & Bedding: Offer solid-surface exercise wheels, digging areas with sand or paper-based bedding, and daily supervised free-roam time. Dust-extracted bedding is essential; avoid wood shavings or sawdust.
Handling & Safety: Never grab by the tail. Degus are not cuddly pets for young children and require patience to build trust.
 
 
Fireworks 
It might feel early, but firework season is just around the corner – and for many pets, this can be a stressful time. The good news is that there’s plenty we can do now to help keep them calm and safe.
Simple steps can make a big difference. For dogs, try to walk them before it gets dark, and keep cats safely indoors. Small pets can be brought inside, with their housing partially covered and extra bedding added so they can burrow and feel secure. Closing curtains and windows helps to reduce both the noise and the flashes of light. Creating cosy dens also provides comfort – cats in particular often feel safer if these are placed up high.
Some pets may come to you for reassurance; stay calm and respond as you usually would, as your own behaviour helps them feel more settled. It’s also important to check that dogs and cats are microchipped, just in case they panic and run off.
There are a range of calming aids that can help in the lead-up to fireworks, from pheromone diffusers and natural supplements to sound-desensitisation recordings for puppies and older dogs alike.
Be aware too that older pets may become more sensitive to loud noises. Conditions such as arthritis can mean sudden movements caused by startling sounds are painful, which in turn increases anxiety.
If you’re concerned that your pet has a serious fear of fireworks or may be in discomfort, please book an appointment with one of our vets. Together, we can make sure your pet has the support they need to get through firework season as comfortably as possible.
 
Written Prescriptions 
After examination, where clinically appropriate, written prescriptions are available to order certain medications online. Once requested, an acknowledgement will be sent to you via email with the medication information and the number of repeats.
Once you have ordered according to your acknowledgement and provided us with your order number the prescription is sent to your chosen online pharmacy on your behalf. You can then order the repeats directly from the pharmacy as they will hold your prescription until it’s expiry.
Re-examination is required every six months, or sooner in some cases. The charge for re-examination ranges from £58-£62, and the charge of each a written prescription is £24.20.
Medication Requests & Repeat Medication   
To order a repeat prescription for your pet simply visit our website, www.acornhousevets.co.uk and click on the link Repeat Medication Request  where you can fill in your details to make your request. The form can be used on a mobile, tablet or computer.  For all repeat medication we must ask you to give us 48 hours' notice so that your request can be processed, authorised by a vet and dispensed. 
Google Reviews    
Did you know that you can leave us a Google review quickly and easily using our QR code? You can scan the code on this newsletter and let us know what you think of the service that we provide. There is also a QR code on reception and QR code cards available, in addition to the paper questionnaires so please feel free to scan whenever you visit! Leaving us feedback helps us to continuously improve or service and pass on lovely feedback to our hardworking team.

 

August 2025

 
Staff Update     
We are delighted to share some fantastic news — Sara has passed her exams and is now officially qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse! Sara has studied and completed her qualifications around a busy family life and working full-time. Congratulations!
Our wonderful Vet Ruth will be adjusting her schedule and will now be at Acorn House on Tuesdays. We know many of you like bringing your pets to see Ruth, so if you’d like to book in with her, just let us know when making your appointment and we’ll do our best to fit you in on her available days.
At the end of this month, we’re excited to welcome Ana, a new student veterinary nurse, to the team. As a teaching practice, we take great pride in supporting and guiding the next generation of veterinary nurses, and we look forward to helping Ana develop her skills in a warm and encouraging environment.
 
Keyhole spay surgery at Acorn House Veterinary Hospital 
We have been offering laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery as an alternative to traditional open spaying at Acorn House since 2019. While most commonly used for spaying female dogs, this minimally invasive technique can also be used for removing undescended testicles and taking liver biopsies.
In a traditional spay, the surgeon makes an abdominal incision of 3–12 cm to access and remove the ovaries and womb, using surgical thread to tie off blood vessels.
In a keyhole spay, instead of one larger incision, the surgeon makes three very small incisions (two just 0.5 cm and one 1 cm). Using a tiny camera and fine instruments, the abdomen is gently inflated with gas so the surgeon can see inside on a video screen. The ovaries are carefully removed using a heat-sealing device — no surgical thread is left inside the abdomen.
Keyhole spaying offers a faster, more comfortable recovery, with most dogs back to their normal selves within 24 hours.
There are many benefits to this option. The wounds are smaller, which can mean fewer complications – reduced risk of infection, swelling, or stitch irritation. There are minimal exercise restrictions, with just 3 days of gentle lead walks before returning to normal activity, compared with 3 weeks after traditional surgery.
There are no internal stitches – heat-sealing technology avoids leaving any foreign material inside your dog’s body.
Keyhole surgery is suitable for most healthy dogs over 5 kg. It may not be appropriate for dogs that are very small or overweight, dogs with significant lung disease or dogs with extensive scar tissue from previous abdominal surgery. Your vet will assess your dog beforehand to ensure this is the safest option.
Due to the specialist equipment, training, and longer preparation time, keyhole surgery carries a £315 supplement in addition to the standard spay price. If your surgeon needs to convert to open surgery during the procedure, the supplement will not be charged. Please contact our team to discuss whether keyhole surgery is right for your dog.
 
Holidays 
During the summer months, many of us are preparing pets for summer holidays or staycations. Always make sure that you are ready for all eventualities.
Make sure your pet’s vaccinations and parasite treatments are up to date, pack their favourite toys and bedding, and keep their routine as familiar as possible to reduce stress.
Traveling with pets can be a joy—but safety comes first! Always secure your pet with a suitable carrier or harness, plan plenty of rest stops on long journeys, and never leave pets unattended in hot cars. When booking accommodation, look for places that warmly welcome pets and offer the comforts they’re used to. Research veterinary practices that are in the area in which you are staying, just in case!
If your pet gets anxious when travelling, try short practice trips to help them get used to the motion and environment. Bring along calming aids like favourite blankets or treats. For more severe anxiety, you can book in a consultation ahead of your travel plans to discuss options to make journeys less stressful for your companion.
If you are planning to travel abroad with your pet, please see our information sheet on our website … https://www.acornhousevets.co.uk/services/pet-travel/
If your pet will be staying with family, friends, or at a boarding facility while you’re away, it’s a great idea to inform us about where they’ll be and for how long. Please also let us know if you’ll be contactable during this time and check that we have the most up to date contact details for you. If not, you can give permission for the person caring for your pet to bring them to us for any necessary treatment in your absence — helping us to provide seamless care when you’re away.
Meet the Team 
Starting this month, we’re excited to launch a new monthly feature on our social media — Meet the Team! Each month, we’ll highlight one of our wonderful staff members, sharing a little about who they are outside of work. It’s a great way for our clients to get to know the people who care for their pets every day. Keep an eye out and join us in celebrating our fantastic team!
 
Pet Plan Awards
The nominations for the Pet Plan Veterinary Awards are now open, running until the 12th of September. The five nomination categories are:
  • Practice of the Year (RVC Veterinary Practices Ltd T/A Acorn House Veterinary Hospital)
  • Vet of the Year
  • Vet Nurse of the Year
  • Practice Manager of the Year (Paul Harris-McCulloch)
  • Practice Support Staff of the Year (Admin, Insurance and Client Care teams)
 These awards are a great opportunity to recognise the hard work and dedication of Acorn House and its team members. Each nominee will get a certificate from Pet Plan to highlight their nomination. Please follow this link https://www.acornhousevets.co.uk/our-practice/our-team/ to see all of our staff, and please visit the Pet Plan website here: https://www.petplanvet.co.uk/veterinary-practice-insurance/veterinary-awards/
 
 
Written Prescriptions 
After examination, where clinically appropriate, written prescriptions are available to order certain medications online. Once requested, an acknowledgement will be sent to you via email with the medication information and the number of repeats.
Once you have ordered according to your acknowledgement and provided us with your order number the prescription is sent to your chosen online pharmacy on your behalf. You can then order the repeats directly from the pharmacy as they will hold your prescription until it’s expiry.
Re-examination is required every six months, or sooner in some cases. The charge for re-examination ranges from £58-£62, and the charge of each a written prescription is £24.20.
Medication Requests & Repeat Medication   
To order a repeat prescription for your pet simply visit our website, www.acornhousevets.co.uk and click on the link Repeat Medication Request  where you can fill in your details to make your request. The form can be used on a mobile, tablet or computer.  For all repeat medication we must ask you to give us 48 hours' notice so that your request can be processed, authorised by a vet and dispensed. 
Google Reviews    
Did you know that you can leave us a Google review quickly and easily using our QR code? You can scan the code on this newsletter and let us know what you think of the service that we provide. There is also a QR code on reception and QR code cards available, in addition to the paper questionnaires so please feel free to scan whenever you visit! Leaving us feedback helps us to continuously improve or service and pass on lovely feedback to our hardworking team.

July 2025
Staff Update     
We will be welcoming vet Chloe Cheuk to the practice at the start of August. Chloe is starting as a new graduate. 
We will be saying a temporary farewell to nurse Olivia, as she begins her maternity leave. We wish her and her partner the very best as they await their new arrival.
Congratulations are in order to nurse Lindsey and her now husband, Ben! They got married earlier this month and I think we can say that Lindsey made a very beautiful bride! We wish them every happiness as they start their married life together.
Sadly, we will be saying goodbye to Client care Advisor Amanda, who will be leaving us at the end of the month. We wish her the absolute best for the future.
 
Blue-Green Algae
During the summer we are more likely to be out and about with our pets, especially during the school summer holidays. Blue-green algae is the name used to describe a variety of cyanobacteria that live in water courses. In warm weather this can lead to toxic ‘blooms’ of algae. These bacteria can be poisonous, and it is usually dogs that are affected as they are more likely to play or swim in water that is contaminated and can ingest via drinking or by cleaning themselves. Please keep your dog(s) away from water that you think could be contaminated, and please heed any warning signs in areas that you walk. If you believe that your dog or any other pet has been exposed to blue-green algae, please seek veterinary attention straight away.
 
Summer Weather
We are still experiencing some very high temperatures, and this looks set to continue through July and August. We must be vigilant regarding protecting our pets from the heat and look out for signs of heatstroke. Signs can include excessive panting, noisy breathing, agitation, drooling, red gums and tongue, and as the heatstroke progresses, it can result in collapse and seizures. If you are concerned, please actively cool your dog and call your vet immediately.
Here are some tips on how to look after different species during the summer months.
 
Dogs
For our dogs, ice cubes can be added to water bowls and whilst supervised, dogs can have cool mats or damp towels to lie on. Walks should be avoided in the hottest parts of the day and if temperatures allow, they should be walked very early in the morning or last thing at night. You can test the temperature of the pavement by holding the back of your hand for five seconds, if it is too hot for you it will be too hot for them and could cause burns. In the absence of walks, you can offer other activities with your dogs, including using a paddling pool, hiding treats, using frozen treat toys or puzzle toys. Regular grooming, keeping your pets coat trim in the warmer months will help, and the use of pet safe sun cream can be beneficial. Please be mindful that brachycephalic breeds such as French bulldogs and pugs may struggle even at lower temperatures due to their narrower airways.
 
Rabbits and other small pets 
For our rabbits, rodents and other small furries, please keep in mind that if housed outdoors, the sun will move throughout the day, so enclosures may have to be moved to ensure they are kept shaded. Regularly grooming during the warmer months will help, and small pets can be provided with cool packs or frozen bottles wrapped in a towel or a sock. Ceramic tiles can be cooled in the fridge and offered for them to lie on. Hides should be wooden or cardboard as plastic hides absorb the heat faster. If indoors, a fan can be used but not focussing directly on your pet’s enclosure. Keep enclosures clean and check your pets daily for signs of flystrike. Please be mindful that brachycephalic breeds such as Netherland dwarf rabbits will struggle even at lower temperatures due to their narrower airways.
 
Cats 
Our cats can also have ice cubes can be added to water bowls to keep water cool and may appreciate a water fountain to drink from running water. Whilst supervised, cats can have cool mats to lie on, or damp towels. Regular grooming, keeping your pets coat trim in the warmer months will help, and the use of pet safe sun cream can be beneficial. Please be mindful that brachycephalic breeds such as Persians will struggle even at lower temperatures due to their narrower airways.
 
Reptiles 
 Despite reptiles often enjoying warmer temperatures we also need to be mindful of our scaley friends not overheating, crested geckos for example struggle with high temperatures. All vivarium and enclosures should have a thermostat to keep temperatures within the correct range, however, on particularly hot days more intervention may be needed. If possible, the enclosure can be moved to a different room where it is cooler. If this is not possible, heat and lights can be turned off temporarily, curtains can be closed, and an air con unit or a fan or can be used as this can help when oscillating across glass. Soil based substrates can be dampened, and a deep layer will allow reptiles to burrow and cool down. If absolutely needed, cool packs wrapped in a towel can be added to help lower ambient temperatures. If species appropriate, misting the enclosure with cool water can assist. For tortoises that have access to safe, outdoor enclosures, they should be provided with plenty of shady areas and fresh water. Tortoises are often most active during the morning and late afternoon periods, choosing to stay out of the sun during the warmest parts of the day.
Birds  
For our feathered friends, keep in mind that if housed outdoors, the sun will move throughout the day, so there should be shady spots throughout their enclosure. If indoor birds, you can keep curtains closed and have a fan oscillating but not directed at their enclosure. Birds often enjoy a bath provided or being misted with cool water. During hot periods, if practical your bird’s enclosure can be moved to a cooler room. For poultry such as chickens, a dust bath should also be provided.
 
Pet Plan Awards
The nominations for the Pet Plan Veterinary Awards are now open, running until the 12th of September. The five nomination categories are:
  • Practice of the Year (RVC Veterinary Practices Ltd T/A Acorn House Veterinary Hospital)
  • Vet of the Year
  • Vet Nurse of the Year
  • Practice Manager of the Year (Paul Harris-McCulloch)
  • Practice Support Staff of the Year (Admin, Insurance and Client Care teams)
 These awards are a great opportunity to recognise the hard work and dedication of Acorn House and its team members. Each nominee will get a certificate from Pet Plan to highlight their nomination. Please follow this link https://www.acornhousevets.co.uk/our-practice/our-team/ to see all of our staff, and please visit the Pet Plan website here: https://www.petplanvet.co.uk/veterinary-practice-insurance/veterinary-awards/
 
 
Written Prescriptions 
After examination, where clinically appropriate, written prescriptions are available to order certain medications online. Once requested, an acknowledgement will be sent to you via email with the medication information and the number of repeats.
Once you have ordered according to your acknowledgement and provided us with your order number the prescription is sent to your chosen online pharmacy on your behalf. You can then order the repeats directly from the pharmacy as they will hold your prescription until it’s expiry.
Re-examination is required every six months, or sooner in some cases. The charge for re-examination ranges from £58-£62, and the charge of each a written prescription is £24.20.
Medication Requests & Repeat Medication   
To order a repeat prescription for your pet simply visit our website, www.acornhousevets.co.uk and click on the link Repeat Medication Request  where you can fill in your details to make your request. The form can be used on a mobile, tablet or computer.  For all repeat medication we must ask you to give us 48 hours' notice so that your request can be processed, authorised by a vet and dispensed. 
Google Reviews    
Did you know that you can leave us a Google review quickly and easily using our QR code? You can scan the code on this newsletter and let us know what you think of the service that we provide. There is also a QR code on reception and QR code cards available, in addition to the paper questionnaires so please feel free to scan whenever you visit! Leaving us feedback helps us to continuously improve or service and pass on lovely feedback to our hardworking team.

 

June 2025
Staff Update     
We will be welcoming a new vet, Lorna Orchard, to the practice this month. Lorna will be a wonderful addition to our team.

We are very pleased to share that Client Care Advisors Emma, Kate, Natalie, Shanaye, and Vasilia have achieved their Associate Veterinary Receptionist (AVR) status through the British Veterinary Receptionists Association. The post nominals of AVR are an industry standard recognition of quality and ongoing commitment to the role. Well done!

We will also be welcoming a new trainee nurse, Olivia, to our team this month.
 
Hospital Status
Acorn House is immensely proud to have retained our award of Hospital status from the RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons) practice standards scheme. We underwent a very thorough inspection of the practice and its protocols in order to maintain this accreditation, which was achieved through the hard work and determination of all our staff. Practices that achieve hospital status have high standards of clinical care, treat complex cases, have specialist diagnostic equipment and uphold these standards. For more information, please visit the RCVS website: https://animalowners.rcvs.org.uk/accredited-practices/categories-of-accreditation/
 
Keeping your Microchip Details up to date 
It is vital that your pet’s microchip details are kept up to date so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency. We have had several pets, both cats and dogs, brought to us in the past few weeks that are microchipped, but the chip is either not registered or has out-of-date details. This means that it takes a lot longer to reunite you with your pet – and in some cases where sadly a pet is injured or arrived deceased, that we cannot contact their owners. It is a legal requirement for cats and dogs to be microchipped in the UK, and it is of utmost importance that owner’s register the chip with the chip company and keep their details up to date.
 
Temperatures 
With temperatures set to increase in the next few weeks, we should always be mindful of our pets during warm periods.
We should ensure that we keep all our pets safe during periods of hot weather. It should be noted that your pet will be more at risk from the heat if they are very young, older, have pre-existing health conditions or are overweight. Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds include pugs, bulldogs, Persian cats, and Netherland dwarf rabbits.

Ways in which we can help to keep our pets safe include:

Water - provide cool, fresh water at all times for all pets.

Shade – ensure your pet has access to shade, inside and out with adequate ventilation. Be mindful regarding outdoor pets that the sun will travel around your garden throughout the day so pets or the shade provided may need to be moved through the day. If possible, during very warm weather move your small pets inside to a cool room.

Restricting exercise – walks should be during the early morning or late evening when the temperatures are lower. Pavements should be avoided if the ground is too hot; we can test this by putting our hand on the pavement for a few seconds and if it is uncomfortable for us, it will be uncomfortable and potentially harmful for our pets.

Pet-safe sun cream – we can use pet safe sun cream on our pets, particularly for pets with white fur, or thin fur. It can be applied to the bridge of the nose, ear tips, tummy and any areas that have light pigmentation. We now offer a barrier cream that contains a sun protection factor in our shop.
Cooling activities: Dogs can be provided with cooling mats, frozen toys, paddling pools, sprinklers, and ice cubes. Cats can be offered cooling mats and ice cubes can be added to water.

Location - never leave your pet in the car, conservatories, or sheds during hot weather.
Cooling items - frozen bottles can be wrapped in towels for small pets to lay near or against. Rotating electric fans can be used (with cords safely out of the way), and a frozen bottle placed in front can aid in cooling the air. Tiles that have been in the fridge or freezer can also provide a cool surface for small pets to lay on.

Wildlife - provide fresh, clean water, for drinking and for bathing (for birds) and keep bird feeders topped up. A garden with lots of plants will provide cover and offer shade, the wilder the better for wildlife.
During the hot weather, if you notice your panting excessively, drooling, pacing and their heart rate increasing this can be early signs of heatstroke. More advanced signs of heatstroke can be lethargy, confusion, collapse, and seizures. If you notice these signs, please call for advice straight away.
 
Grass seeds 
During the summer months we see a lot of cases where dogs and cats have encountered grass seeds. These sharp tops of long grass stems can cause irritation and can require veterinary intervention.
Grass seeds can become lodged in an animal’s hair and can find their way into ears, eyes, noses and into paws, with some even penetrating the skin and migrating through the body. All breeds can be affected, however spaniels, with their fluffy feet and long ears, as well as a penchant for springing through long grass are particularly prone.
Signs that your pet may have acquired a grass seed can be swelling and irritation of the toes, causing them to lick the area and limp, shaking their head, sneezing and watery eyes.
Ways to limit the chances of grass seed injuries include avoiding long grass, keeping hair around the ears and feet trimmed and checking your pet for pesky seeds after each walk or visit outside.
It is possible to purchase snoods to keep ears covered which can be useful if your dog tolerates it. 
 
Wild birds
At this time of year, we get a lot of calls from members of the public who are worried about birds in their gardens. If a bird is obviously injured, then of course we would need to see it to assess its injuries. The RSPCA advises that if a baby bird is sick or injured, or if the parents are known to be deceased then a wildlife rescue or vet should be called. However, we see many birds that are newly fledged (with feathers), and it is normal for fledglings to spend some time on the ground and in low bushes. If the fledgling is uninjured but in a vulnerable to position, you should move it to a safe place nearby. If a fledgling is uninjured but you are concerned for its safety, then a wildlife rescue should be contacted to rehabilitate and release.

 
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
June is Pride Month! Acorn House is proud to be an inclusive practice that has its own EDI committee. Our EDI leaders represent some of the nine protected characteristics, as outlined by the Equality Act 2010. These characteristics include age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. Their primary objective is to be the voice for the protected groups while celebrating, promoting, and educating others. We are lucky to have been able to source some rather colourful rainbow monkey dog toys for sale in our shop!
 
 
Pet Plan Awards
The nominations for the Pet Plan Veterinary Awards are now open, running until the 12th of September. The five nomination categories are:
  • Practice of the Year (RVC Veterinary Practices Ltd T/A Acorn House Veterinary Hospital)
  • Vet of the Year
  • Vet Nurse of the Year
  • Practice Manager of the Year (Paul Harris-McCulloch)
  • Practice Support Staff of the Year (Admin, Insurance and Client Care teams)
 These awards are a great opportunity to recognise the hard work and dedication of Acorn House and its team members. Each nominee will get a certificate from Pet Plan to highlight their nomination. Please follow this link https://www.acornhousevets.co.uk/our-practice/our-team/ to see all of our staff, and please visit the Pet Plan website here: https://www.petplanvet.co.uk/veterinary-practice-insurance/veterinary-awards/
 
 
Written Prescriptions 
After examination, where clinically appropriate, written prescriptions are available to order certain medications online. Once requested, an acknowledgement will be sent to you via email with the medication information and the number of repeats.
Once you have ordered according to your acknowledgement and provided us with your order number the prescription is sent to your chosen online pharmacy on your behalf. You can then order the repeats directly from the pharmacy as they will hold your prescription until it’s expiry.
Re-examination is required every six months, or sooner in some cases. The charge for re-examination ranges from £58-£62, and the charge of each a written prescription is £24.20.
Medication Requests & Repeat Medication   
To order a repeat prescription for your pet simply visit our website, www.acornhousevets.co.uk and click on the link Repeat Medication Request  where you can fill in your details to make your request. The form can be used on a mobile, tablet or computer.  For all repeat medication we must ask you to give us 48 hours' notice so that your request can be processed, authorised by a vet and dispensed. 
Google Reviews    
Did you know that you can leave us a Google review quickly and easily using our QR code? You can scan the code on this newsletter and let us know what you think of the service that we provide. There is also a QR code on reception and QR code cards available, in addition to the paper questionnaires so please feel free to scan whenever you visit! Leaving us feedback helps us to continuously improve or service and pass on lovely feedback to our hardworking team.

May 2025
Staff Update     
Congratulations to Beth, who after lots of hard work and dedication has passed her Certificate in Veterinary Nursing in Emergency and Critical Care. Well done, Beth!

We will sadly be saying goodbye to two of our nurses at the end of the month. Chloe will be following her dream and moving to another RVC practice that specialises in exotics. Rachel will be moving to another practice to be a Head Nurse!
We wish them both the very best of luck and they will be very much missed by the team and clients alike.

Kat, one of our vets completed the Hyrox fitness doubles race in Paris with her friend Natalie. They came 3rd in her age group and 16th overall out of 984! bThis was held in Paris and consists of running a total of 8 kilometres, and completing 8 workout stations, including sled pulling and rowing. Well done to Kat, what an amazing achievement!
Veterinary Nursing Appreciation Month 
May is Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month! This was introduced by the British Veterinary Nursing Association who have been established for 60 years this year. The theme for this year is ‘Progression’. At Acorn House we have an amazing nursing team who are dedicated to their role in caring for their patients and supporting the practice. Our nurses play a pivotal role in the day to day running of Acorn House and this is an opportunity to raise awareness of the important role that veterinary nurses play within the veterinary industry.
Our team assist our vets and provide support to their colleagues. Nurses fulfil many roles, including running nurse consultations, providing clients with welfare advice, running weight clinics, and carrying out nail trims. They also carry out vet authorised emptying of anal glands, second vaccinations and some monthly injections.

Our nurses prepare patients for procedures, administer medication and fluid therapy as well as monitoring the vital signs of inpatients. They run blood and urine samples, organise samples being sent off for external testing and keep the clinical areas of the practice and surgical instruments clean. Nurses are vital during procedures to monitor anaesthetics and care for patients during recovery and during their inpatient stay.

All these things, plus so much more, ensure that your pet has the best possible care whilst at Acorn House and as a practice we would like to thank our Registered Veterinary Nurses and our Student Nurses for their dedication.
Vaccination Amnesty - There is still time to book! 
Is your pet up to date with their vaccinations?
 
Acorn House is holding a vaccination amnesty up until the 18th of May. If your dog or cat is over a year old and their vaccinations have lapsed, or vaccination history is unknown you can book an appointment for the primary course of vaccinations for the price of an annual booster. This includes a fifteen-minute consultation with the vet as standard, and the second part with the nurse.
The primary course of core vaccinations consists of two injections, 4 weeks apart for dogs and two injections 3-4 weeks apart for cats.  Vaccinating your dog offers protection against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and the four strains of leptospirosis. Vaccinating your cat offers protection against feline leukaemia virus, feline rhinotracheitis virus, feline calicivirus and feline panleukopenia virus.

Being up to date with vaccinations not only provides protection for your pet, but is a requirement for kennels, catteries, training classes and doggy day-care. Vaccination is strongly recommended by the British Veterinary Association (BVA), British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) RSPCA, Cat’s Protection and The Canine Hub.

To take advantage of this, please book an appointment by calling our lovely reception team (0124 261839) or by booking online.
 
Dog Friendly Clinic Membership 
Looking ahead to Easter and Springtime we should be mindful of certain things that we enjoy that can be harmful to our pets.
Acorn House is proud to be approved as a "dog friendly clinic" by the Dogs Trust! The Dog Friendly Clinic Membership is an initiative that is run by the Dog’s Trust and by the British Veterinary Behaviour Association (BVBA). Vet visits can be a source of anxiety for some
dogs, and the aim of this membership is to enhance our skills, knowledge, and resources to help each dog have as positive experience as possible with us. 
dogs, and the aim of this membership is to enhance our skills, knowledge, and resources to help each dog have as positive experience as possible with us. 

We want to provide a comfortable experience for you, your dog and for our staff. The scheme provides tools to promote positive experiences for our four-legged friends and for our clients.
The Chair of the BVBA states that ‘encouraging welfare-friendly treatment of dogs in veterinary practices is one of our primary objectives so every additional practice means many more dogs will benefit’ and this is something that we, at Acorn House want to advocate. To find out more about the Dog Friendly Clinic Scheme visit www.dogfriendlyclinic.org.uk
Veterinary Receptionist of the Year 2025 
The British Veterinary Receptionist Association (BVRA) will open nominations for their receptionist of the year award on the 15th of May! We will be posting information on our client care team throughout June and up until the closing date of the 18th of July.

The BVRA is a professional body that supports and promotes the role that veterinary receptionists play in the veterinary industry. It provides training, certificates and recognised accreditation for the unique knowledge and skill set that is needed for the role.
 
Our team of committed client care advisers support the whole practice in taking calls, booking appointments and procedures, and offering a friendly face and a listening ear to clients and colleagues alike. They clean and restock the consulting rooms, reply to e-mails, keep our shop stocked and request and dispense medication. Plus of course, the most important job of all is to provide our four-legged friends with an endless supply of biscuits! You can find out more, and vote (from the 15th of May) at: https://www.bvra.co.uk/veterinary-receptionist-of-the-year-award/
Written Prescriptions 
After examination, where clinically appropriate, written prescriptions are available to order certain medications online. Once requested, an acknowledgement will be sent to you via email with the medication information and the number of repeats.
Once you have ordered according to your acknowledgement and provided us with your order number the prescription is sent to your chosen online pharmacy on your behalf. You can then order the repeats directly from the pharmacy as they will hold your prescription until it’s expiry.
Re-examination is required every six months, or sooner in some cases. The charge for re-examination ranges from £58-£62, and the charge of each a written prescription is £24.20.
Spring Bank Holiday Opening Times     
Consultations by appointment only – 01234 261839
 
 Friday 23rd May 2025 – 8 am – 8pm
Saturday 19th April – 8 am – 4:30 pm
Sunday 25th May 2025 – EMERGENCY SERVICE
Monday 26th May 2025 – BANK HOLIDAY - EMERGENCY SERVICE
Tuesday 27th May 2025– 8 am – 8 pm  
 
24 Hour Emergency Service – 01234 261839
Medication Requests & Repeat Medication   
Please note that the last day for ordering medication before the bank holiday weekend will be the 21st of May.

To order a repeat prescription for your pet simply visit our website, www.acornhousevets.co.uk and click on the link Repeat Medication Request  where you can fill in your details to make your request. The form can be used on a mobile, tablet or computer.  For all repeat medication we must ask you to give us 48 hours' notice so that your request can be processed, authorised by a vet and dispensed. 
Google Reviews    
Did you know that you can leave us a Google review quickly and easily using our QR code? You can scan the code on this newsletter and let us know what you think of the service that we provide. There is also a QR code on reception and QR code cards available, in addition to the paper questionnaires so please feel free to scan whenever you visit! Leaving us feedback helps us to continuously improve or service and pass on lovely feedback to our hardworking team.

 

April 2025
Staff Update     
Huge congratulations are in order for Chloe and Heidi, who have passed their veterinary nursing exams and will soon be on the register of veterinary nurses. Chloe and Heidi started with us as student nurses and have both worked very hard, working, alongside studying to achieve this.
Sadly, vet Frances will be leaving us at the beginning of April to spend more time with her family. Frances has been an integral part of Acorn House for several years and staff and clients alike will be very sad to see her go. We wish her the very best for the future.
Vaccination Amnesty  
Is your pet up to date with their vaccinations?

Acorn House is holding a vaccination amnesty from the 7th of April to the 18th of May. If your dog or cat is over a year old and their vaccinations have lapsed, or vaccination history is unknown you can book an appointment for the primary course of vaccinations for the price of an annual booster. This includes a fifteen-minute consultation with the vet as standard, and the second part with the nurse.
The primary course of core vaccinations consists of two injections, 4 weeks apart for dogs and two injections 3-4 weeks apart for cats.  Vaccinating your dog offers protection against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and the four strains of leptospirosis. Vaccinating your cat offers protection against feline leukaemia virus, feline rhinotracheitis virus, feline calicivirus and feline panleukopenia virus.

Being up to date with vaccinations not only provides protection for your pet, but is a requirement for kennels, catteries, training classes and doggy day-care. Vaccination is strongly recommended by the British Veterinary Association (BVA), British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) RSPCA, Cat’s Protection and The Canine Hub.

To take advantage of this, please book an appointment by calling our lovely reception team (0124 261839) or by booking online.
Acorn Health Club
Our preventative healthcare plan is a great way to keep up to date with vaccinations and preventative treatments for cats and dogs and rabbits in a simple monthly payment.
It includes:-
  • Annual booster vaccinations for cats, dogs and rabbits, which are completely included in the health club once the pets have been part of the plan for 12 months. During the initial 12 months a 20% discount will be given on the vaccinations
  • Rabbits receive blowfly prevention (flystrike), and includes 2 treatments a year
  • Dogs receive year-round flea, tick, roundworm, lungworm, tapeworm control tailored to your pet's lifestyle.
  • Cats receive flea control, year-round flea, tick, roundworm, lungworm, tapeworm control tailored to your pet's lifestyle
  • Pets receive a 6 monthly 10 Point Health Checks including a nail clip, weight check, dental check and review of parasite control with the nurse
  • £25 off out of hours consultation fee (unlimited consultations)
  • 20% discount for first vaccine within the initial 12 months of joining
  • 10% discount off dental procedures
  • 10% discount off neutering (this does not include elective keyhole spays)
  • 10% discount off all pet accessories bought at the practice
  • 5% discount off pet food bought in practice
  • You can sign up to the Acorn Health Plan via the link on our website. 
Easter and Spring Hazards 
Looking ahead to Easter and Springtime we should be mindful of certain things that we enjoy that can be harmful to our pets.
There are often many chocolate treats around at Easter time, which we may love but can be harmful to our pets. Dark and milk chocolate contain theobromine, which cannot be metabolised by dogs in the same way as by humans and affects the nervous system, stomach, and muscles.
We often enjoy a roast dinner or two over Easter, but we should be mindful of elements that can cause a risk to our pets. Onion, leeks, and garlic, which are included in many gravy granules, are part of the allium family, which are toxic to dogs and cats.
They can cause damage to red blood cells, and result in gastrointestinal signs, dehydration and anaemia. We should also ensure not to feed cooked bones from roast dinners to our pets as these can splinter and cause internal injuries.

Some of our traditional Easter treats, such as hot cross buns and simnel cakes contain dried fruits such as raisins, sultanas and currants. Ingestion of dried fruits (and grapes) can cause gastrointestinal signs, lethargy, abdominal pain and in some cases kidney failure. 

Some Easter sweets can contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener which can also be found in many drinks and in chewing gum. Xylitol is toxic to dogs and ingestion can result in a drop in blood sugar levels, lethargy, weakness and seizures.

With Spring on the way there are more specific hazards to be aware of, including bulbs, flowers, and garden chemicals. Bulbs, such as daffodils, tulips, crocus, and hyacinths all contain alkaloids, which are chemical that can be toxic to our pets; this includes dogs, cats and rabbits and guinea pigs. The bulbs themselves contain the most concentrated amounts of alkaloids, however any part of the plant, even the water that cut flowers such as daffodils have been in can be toxic. Symptoms can include drooling, sickness and diarrhea and changes in breathing and heart rate. Lilies should also be avoided, specifically for cats, as contact can lead to kidney failure.

As the weather improves, many of us will be spending more time in the garden. We should be very careful when using any fertilisers, weed killers or slug pellets. These can not only be harmful to wildlife, but also to our pets. Garden chemicals can be ingested through grooming after contact with spillages or treated plants, being absorbed through the skin or even through inhalation. There are many pet friendly alternatives available, which reduces risk to our pets and helps to protect wildlife.

If you believe that your pet has ingested or been in contact with any toxin, please call us immediately, with information on what and when they have been in contact with it.
National Pet Month  
April is National Pet Month! This campaign aims to highlight and encourage responsible pet ownership.
Taking on a pet is a big responsibility and making sure that you have researched their requirements prior to getting them is vital. Providing training and socialisation, depending on species is important, particularly in dogs. Our pets need specific diets, based on their species and age; this
should be well balanced and should meet their nutritional requirements. Our pets should have regular vet checks and access to preventative treatment, such as vaccinations, flea and worming treatment, where appropriate. Suitable housing and bedding should be provided, and hygiene is paramount. Where appropriate pets should be neutered to prevent unwanted litters. Most pets need grooming of some description, whether by professionals or at home to keep their coats healthy and to keep them clean. Dogs and cats must be microchipped, and other pets can be too. It is important to register your microchip and keep you details up to date. We should also ensure that we are financially prepared for unexpected bills, either by a savings account, or by insuring your pet.
World Veterinary Day    
The 26th April is World Veterinary Day! The veterinary profession includes vets, nurses, receptionists, managers, administrators and other support staff and they play a vital role in the health and wellbeing of our pets. The theme for World Veterinary Day this year is ‘Animal Health Takes a Team.’

Veterinary staff dedicate their lives to the care and welfare of animals, and it is the perfect chance to recognise and appreciate all the knowledge, skill, time, effort and sometimes heartache that goes into every patient we see. We thank all our Acorn House team for their dedication and hard work that makes the practice what it is.
Easter Opening Times     
Consultations by appointment only – 01234 261839
 
Friday 18th April 2025 – GOOD FRIDAY - EMERGENCY SERVICE
Saturday 19th April – 8 am – 4:30 pm
Sunday 20th April – EASTER SUNDAY – EMERGENCY SERVICE
Monday 21st April – EASTER MONDAY - EMERGENCY SERVICE
Tuesday 22nd April 2025– 8 am – 8 pm
 
24 Hour Emergency Service – 01234 261839
 
Wishing all our clients and patients a very Happy Easter!
Medication Requests & Repeat Medication   
To order a repeat prescription for your pet simply visit our website, www.acornhousevets.co.uk and click on the link Repeat Medication Request  where you can fill in your details to make your request. The form can be used on a mobile, tablet or computer.  For all repeat medication we must ask you to give us 48 hours' notice so that your request can be processed, authorised by a vet and dispensed. 
Google Reviews    
Did you know that you can leave us a Google review quickly and easily using our QR code? You can scan the code on this newsletter and let us know what you think of the service that we provide. There is also a QR code on reception and QR code cards available, in addition to the paper questionnaires so please feel free to scan whenever you visit! Leaving us feedback helps us to continuously improve or service and pass on lovely feedback to our hardworking team.

March 2025
Staff Update     

We are very pleased to share that Deputy Client Care Advisor Dawn has achieved her Associate Veterinary Receptionist (AVR) status through the British Veterinary Receptionists Association.
The post nominals of AVR are an industry standard recognition of quality and ongoing commitment to the role.  Very well done Dawn!
Vaccinations  
The World and British Small Animal Veterinary Associations (WSAVA and BSAVA) as well as charities such as the Blue Cross and RSPCA strongly recommend vaccination to prevent disease. In the UK Distemper, Infectious Hepatitis, Parvovirus and Leptospirosis are considered core vaccines.
Vaccination against Distemper, Parvovirus and Infectious Hepatitis has thankfully reduced the prevalence of these diseases in the UK.  Dogs should still be vaccinated every three years, after their first annual booster, as outbreaks of Parvovirus especially are still seen throughout the UK in vulnerable populations every year.

We also vaccinate against Leptospirosis, which is a bacterial infection passed on in the urine of rats, mice and farm animals, which can lay dormant in water and soil for months. Symptoms can include
lethargy, reduced appetite and vomiting. Kidney and liver damage can occur  and the disease can be life-threatening.  Leptospirosis is also known as Weil’s Disease.

Since autumn 2023 an increasing number of Leptospirosis cases have been seen in Bedfordshire both at Acorn House and at one of the local referral specialists, Davies Vet Specialists. The increasing prevalence of all strains of Leptospirosis in the UK has resulted in the manufacturer of the L2 vaccine ceasing production.
At Acorn House we have used the L4 version of the vaccine for over 10 years, so dogs that are up to date with their vaccines at Acorn House have received the most robust protection available.
In the past there have been some concerns raised about possible adverse side-effects associated with use of the L4 vaccine, but data showed that there was no difference in the number of adverse reactions seen, when compared with L2 which only covers two strains of Leptospirosis.

If your dog has only previously received the L2 vaccine or is not up to date with their annual leptospirosis vaccination it is recommended that you contact your vet to arrange an L4 vaccine.  Click here to book an appointment. 

For  more information about vaccinations please visit our website    For more information about the Leptospira Vaccination please click here 
Investors in the Environment    
Acorn House is proud to have achieved our bronze award with Investors in the Environment!  Our appointed environmental champion, Gaynor Dudley, has overseen our progress towards this milestone. Our practice not only aims to protect against environmental harm but also to involve and inspire our staff.
Tick Bite Prevention Week 25th - 31st March 
Ticks are parasites that feed on blood, and can be found in woodland areas, in long grass and in bushes, including in your garden, especially if it is visited by hedgehogs or deer. Ticks can transfer diseases such as Borellia, Lyme disease and Babesia, and infect pets when they feed. 

The best way to prevent disease from ticks is to use a prescription treatment which kills ticks rapidly.  Prescription, Spot On’s, tablets and collars are available.  Our vets will help you choose the most appropriate anti-parasite (including tick) treatment for your pet at any routine appointment, including booster vaccinations.

If you do find a tick on your pet, please ensure you use a specific tick removing tool, or make a nurse appointment to have it removed. It is vital that the whole tick is removed, including the mouth parts.  Never smother a tick with any kind of cream or try to burn them off.
Medication Labels     
Did you know that our medication dispensing labels feature a handy link to the data sheet for the prescribed medication? Just enter it into your internet search engine and it will come up with information regarding the medicine that your pet has been prescribed.
Mother's Day    
At the end of the month, we celebrate Mother’s Day, and if we are lucky, we often find our houses with more flowers and chocolates than usual from our children and/or pets! There are many types of pet-safe plants and flowers that we can safely have in our homes whilst keeping our pets safe.

Such non-toxic options include roses, orchids, lisianthus, snapdragons and potted plants such as spider plants, Boston fern and bamboo palms. Flowers and plants to avoid due to toxicity include lilies, and any that are grown from bulbs, such as daffodils, hyacinths, and tulips. If you think your pet has ingested or come into contact with any toxic plant, please call your vet immediately for advice.
Chocolate, which contains theobromine and caffeine can be toxic, so must be stored safely away from prying paws.  It is also a good excuse to eat any gifted chocolate straight away! If you pet has managed to get their paw on any chocolate, please contact your vet immediately for advice. 
Medication Requests & Repeat Medication   
To order a repeat prescription for your pet simply visit our website, www.acornhousevets.co.uk and click on the link Repeat Medication Request  where you can fill in your details to make your request. The form can be used on a mobile, tablet or computer.  For all repeat medication we must ask you to give us 48 hours' notice so that your request can be processed, authorised by a vet and dispensed. 
Google Reviews    
Did you know that you can leave us a Google review quickly and easily using our QR code? You can scan the code on this newsletter and let us know what you think of the service that we provide. There is also a QR code on reception and QR code cards available, in addition to the paper questionnaires so please feel free to scan whenever you visit! Leaving us feedback helps us to continuously improve or service and pass on lovely feedback to our hardworking team.

February 2025
Staff Update     
At the end of February, we look forward to welcoming Ellie to our wonderful Client Care team.
Valentine's Day Hazards 
Valentine’s Day brings with it lots of lovely things, however we should be mindful of keeping certain items out of paw reach!
As much as many of us love chocolate, it is toxic to our pets, dogs in particular. Chocolate contains theobromine, as well as caffeine. Many sugar free sweets and treats can contain xylitol, which can be highly toxic to pets, specifically dogs, and ingestion can be life threatening.
If you receive chocolates, sweets, cakes, or biscuits over Valentine’s, please keep them out of reach of pets. If you believe that your pet has consumed any of these, please call us with the details of what they have ingested, how much and when. Please bring any packaging with you for the vet to see.
We love to receive flowers and if we are lucky enough to get a bouquet over Valentine’s they usually take pride of place in our homes. However, some flowers can be toxic to our pets, or can be an irritant, causing swelling or rashes. Roses are synonymous with Valentine’s
Day and although not considered to be toxic, they can be a risk due to their thorns. Lilies are highly toxic to cats, and if you believe that your cat has been in contact with lilies, please call us immediately.

Whilst a relaxing glass of wine may be on the menu over Valentine’s, alcohol is toxic to our pets. Some household items, such as perfume and aftershave also contain alcohol and should be stored safely away from our pets.

Our pets, especially our canine companions do sometimes like to steal our clothes, especially underwear, which can sometimes be ingested and cause illness and even blockages. If you believe your pet has eaten an item of clothing, please contact us!

Candles can be relaxing, but we should always ensure that they are out of paws reach as they can be a fire hazard if knocked over, can result in burns and some candles contain essential oils which can be harmful to your pets. There are pet safe candles available which limit the risks to your pets.

We will be posting more information on our Facebook page in the lead-up to Valentine’s Day.
Dental Health Awareness Month 
February is dental health awareness month! We will be featuring information throughout the month on our Facebook page on how to care for your pet’s teeth. Our recommendation for cats and dogs is to brush their teeth once or twice a day using a pet specific brush and toothpaste. We have a selection of dental care supplies in our shop, and we are always happy to advise.
It is not just cats and dogs that we need to be mindful of. Rabbits and rodents have constantly growing teeth; rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas need a constant supply of fresh hay and rats, gerbils and degus need pet safe items to gnaw on to keep their teeth trim.

If your pet does need dental treatment, this is conducted under general anaesthetic to minimise stress to your pet. Anaesthesia free dental treatment such as ultrasonic teeth cleaning are not recommended by the British Veterinary Association, or by the RSPCA.  You can book in a dental check with our vets and nurses at any time. For more information and a video of tooth brushing there is a section on dental care on our website.
World Spay Day   
The 27th February is World Spay Day, which is supported by animal charities around the world, including the RSPCA, Cats Protection and the Blue Cross.

There are many health and welfare benefits to spaying your female dogs and cats and castrating your male cats. Castrating male dogs is not done as standard and is assessed on an individual basis.
Spaying can help reduce the risk of mammary cancers and serious womb infections such as pyometra, as well as avoiding unwanted pregnancies and limiting false pregnancies. Castrating male cats can limit spraying in the house and reduced unwanted pregnancy in females. Neutering cats can also reduce roaming behaviour which may in turn reduce the chance of becoming lost, involved in a traffic accident or becoming injured through fighting. It will hopefully also reduce the risk of contracting FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) which occurs mainly through bite wounds.

We have further information on spaying/neutering available on our website.  
Medication Requests & Repeat Medication   
To order a repeat prescription for your pet simply visit our website, www.acornhousevets.co.uk and click on the link Repeat Medication Request  where you can fill in your details to make your request. The form can be used on a mobile, tablet or computer.  For all repeat medication we must ask you to give us 48 hours' notice so that your request can be processed, authorised by a vet and dispensed. 
Google Reviews    
Did you know that you can leave us a Google review quickly and easily using our QR code? You can scan the code on this newsletter and let us know what you think of the service that we provide. There is also a QR code on reception and QR code cards available, in addition to the paper questionnaires so please feel free to scan whenever you visit! Leaving us feedback helps us to continuously improve or service and pass on lovely feedback to our hardworking team.

 

January 2025
Staff Update     

At the end of December, we said a sad goodbye to Dawn L from our Client Care Team, who has moved to Yorkshire, with a lovely view we are all quite envious of! We welcome Katie and Amanda to our client care team, so you will notice some new friendly faces greeting you at reception. We also welcome Sophie, our new student nurse, to the practice!

Around the middle of January, we will be welcoming vet Sarah back from maternity leave, who will be working three days a week. We are very much looking forward to having her back and sharing her with little Sienna!
January Is Walk Your Dog Month  
Walking your dog benefits them in so many ways and will benefit you too! Walks give your dog exercise, which helps to combat obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, as well as keeping joints mobile. Whilst walking our four-legged friends, we can gain the same health benefits, plus reducing stress levels and improving our mental health.
During walks, dogs are provided with mental and sensory stimulation, through sniffing, socialising with other dogs and interacting with people. It uses excess energy to allow better rest and can help limit destructive or unwanted behaviours. Dependant on breed, age and health status, walks should vary from 30 minutes a day up to more than two hours each day. For example, healthy greyhounds and shih tzus require up to an hour of exercise daily, whereas Labradors and huskies require over two hours a day! For those who prefer to walk in company, there are local dog walking groups that you can join.

Whilst walking you can enjoy the scenery and fresh air and varying your route and adding in some training during walks mixes thing up a bit. This helps to reinforce the bond with your dog and has a positive impact on human and canine alike!
Cold Weather
During January and February, we often see some of our coldest temperatures and most inclement weather. During these periods we must consider our pets. When walking dogs, we should take care that they don’t go near frozen lakes and ponds and ensure if there is snow that their pads do not get impacted with snow. Care should be taken to wash their paws after walks in case they have encounter anti-freeze, grit or rock salt which can be poisonous. If you think your pet has had contact with anti-freeze, please contact your vet immediately.

Cats should have access to a warm, dry environment and bedding areas should be away from any draughts. We should also be mindful that cats can also pick up anti-freeze, rock salt and grit up on their paws, which is poisonous. Cats will also seek out warm places outside, which means we should be checking our cars, under wheel arches and bonnets before starting. If you think your pet has had contact with anti-freeze, please contact your vet immediately.
Outdoor animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets should be brought inside if possible or moved to a more sheltered area such as a garage or shed. They should be given extra bedding, and their accommodation should be well insulated, but good ventilation must be ensured also. Extra food can also be offered, and all animals checked on regularly. You can also get pet-safe heat pads which can be used in addition as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Many of us keep birds, such as chickens and other poultry, budgies, finches and birds of prey. During colder spells we should ensure our pets have additional species appropriate bedding and their enclosures should be protected from the elements and insulated where possible, whilst still allowing for good ventilation. Extra food can be provided, and it should be ensured that water sources do not freeze over.

For our larger animals such as horses, ponies and goats we should ensure that they have access to a shelter, a dry resting area, and waterproof rugs are an option if species appropriate. Extra feed can be given as well as ensuring that water sources are not frozen. Extra checks should be made on hooves when the ground is wet and muddy to check for any signs of illness.

If you have a pond in your garden, please ensure that it is not frozen over, as this can lead to a build-up of poisonous gases. A bowl or saucepan of hot water can be added to the surface so that any ice melts slowly so as not to harm fish and wildlife. Extra food can be put out for birds and any water sources should be fresh and unfrozen.
Chinese New Year   
This year, Chinese New Year is the 29th of January, and we welcome the year of the snake! The snake is said to be enigmatic, intelligent, wise and can signify transformation. Snakes are amazing creatures, who use their tongues to 'taste' the air and shed their skins as they grow. The most common pet snakes are corn snakes and royal pythons, who can live upwards of twenty years! Snakes need large, enriched enclosures that allow them to stretch out to their full length. They also need appropriate thermostat-controlled temperatures and access to appropriate UV lighting.

As with many celebrations, there may be fireworks around Chinese New Year. Please stay safe during your Chinese New Year celebrations and take care to provide a safe space for your pets during any fireworks. If your per struggles during this time of year it is recommended that you book a consultation with the vet to discuss options for anxiolytic medications.
Google Reviews    
Did you know that you can leave us a Google review quickly and easily using our QR code? You can scan the code on this newsletter and let us know what you think of the service that we provide. There is also a QR code on reception and QR code cards available, in addition to the paper questionnaires so please feel free to scan whenever you visit! Leaving us feedback helps us to continuously improve or service and pass on lovely feedback to our hardworking team.
Medication Requests & Repeat Medication   
To order a repeat prescription for your pet simply visit our website, www.acornhousevets.co.uk and click on the link Repeat Medication Request  where you can fill in your details to make your request. The form can be used on a mobile, tablet or computer.  For all repeat medication we must ask you to give us 48 hours' notice so that your request can be processed, authorised by a vet and dispensed. 

 

Christmas Message 2024

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Christmas and New Year Opening Times 
With the Christmas and New Year holidays fast approaching we just wanted to let you have our opening times should your pet require assistance over the festive period.

If your pet requires repeat medication please also note that, TOMORROW - Friday 20th December is the last date to request it before Christmas.  This will allow us the 48 hours required for it to be processed, authorised and dispensed.
Our opening times over Christmas & New Year are as follows:- 

Monday 23rd  December - 8 am – 8 pm
Tuesday 24th December –Christmas Eve - 8 am – 6 pm
Wednesday 25th December  - Christmas Day – Emergency Service
Thursday 26th December  – Boxing Day -  Emergency Service
Friday 27th December – 8 am – 8 pm 
Saturday 28th December - 8 am – 4.30 pm
Sunday 29th December  – Emergency Service 
Monday 30th December - 8 am – 8 pm
Tuesday 31st December - New Year's Eve -  8 am – 6pm
Wednesday 1st January 2025  – New Year's Day - Emergency Service
Thursday 2nd January  – 8 am – 8 pm
Friday 3rd January - 8am - 8pm 
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Medication Requests & Repeat Medication   
To order a repeat prescription for your pet simply visit our website, www.acornhousevets.co.uk and click on the link Repeat Medication Request  where you can fill in your details to make your request. The form can be used on a mobile, tablet or computer.  For all repeat medication we must ask you to give us 48 hours' notice so that your request can be processed, authorised by a vet and dispensed. 
Pet Emergencies 

Acorn House provides 24-hour hospitalisation on-site for patients that have been admitted to the hospital before 11pm each day. This service is provided by our own team of vets and nurses. If your pet is admitted to our hospital, they will be cared for at the Acorn House site for the duration of their stay.

If your pet requires emergency attention at any time of day, please ring the usual number 01234 261839.

Calls made during our standard opening hours (Mon-Fri 8am to 8pm and Sat 8am-4:30pm) will be taken by the Client Care team at Acorn House and an emergency appointment will be offered at the usual Acorn House Hospital site in Brickhill, MK41 7HN.

Calls made between 8pm and 11pm Mon-Fri; 4:30-11pm Sat and 8am-11pm Sundays and Bank Holidays will be taken by the on call team at Acorn House and an emergency appointment will be offered at the usual Acorn House Hospital site in Brickhill, MK41 7HN.

Calls made between 11pm and 8am Mon-Sun will be taken by the on call team at the Royal Veterinary College and an emergency appointment will be offered at the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA.

For further information please click here. 
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December 2024

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We would like to take this opportunity to wish all our clients and patients a safe and wonderful Christmas and new year!
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Staff Update     
In December 2024 our Practice Principal, Katharine Nelson will be moving into a new role as the first Director of General Practice for the Royal Veterinary College (RVC). In this role Katharine will lead the RVC’s General Practice division which encompasses Acorn House in Bedford, the Beaumont Sainsbury Hospital in Camden, and veterinary services provided to charity sites such as Woodgreen Animal Shelter (Huntingdon) and the Blue Cross (Victoria).  Further information can be found here  
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In order to take up this role, Katharine has had to reduce her clinical commitments at Acorn House but will continue to work a small  number of shifts (usually on Fridays) at Acorn House as a visiting veterinary surgeon.

Veterinary Surgeon Rosie Theakston will become the Clinical Director and Practice Principal at Acorn House from December.
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Rosie has worked at Acorn House since graduating from Cambridge in 1998 and has previously held the position of Vice Principal and Education Lead. She holds the PG Certificate in Veterinary Education, is working towards a GP Certificate in Feline Medicine and has been responsible for creating the current programme for veterinary students to observe general practice at Acorn House.
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Veterinary Surgeon Henry Phillips will take over the responsibilities of Rosie’s previous role by becoming Deputy Clinical Director and Education Lead from January 2025. Henry is nearing completion of a PG Certificate in diagnostic imaging and has been supporting Rosie to run the student programme over the last 2 years.
Rosie and Henry will continue to be supported by an outstanding team including Deputy Practice Principal Gaynor Dudley, Practice Manager Paul Harris-McCulloch, Head Nurse Kerry Skinner and Client Care Manager Marianna Mazza. The veterinary team retains a wealth of experience including three Senior Veterinary Surgeons with Advanced Practitioner status in exotics (Sarah Fallow), internal medicine (Frances Connerton) and dentistry (Ruth Halpin). The nursing team are ably supported by Deputy Head Nurses Sharon Dawes and Jo Woodcock, and Lead Emergency and Critical Care nurse Leigh Smith.

At the end of December, we will be saying a very sad goodbye to Hannah from our client care team, as she starts a new chapter up in Scotland! Hannah joined Acorn House during Covid as a car park attendant, then becoming a member of the client care team. Colleagues, clients and patients will miss her, and we wish her the very best in her move.
 
At the beginning we will be welcoming Margaret and Amanda to our client care team.
Christmas Hazards 
With Christmas fast approaching, we will be looking forward to the festivities and spending time with our families. We should be mindful of things that can cause harm to our pets during this time, and we will be sharing these in more detail on our Facebook page throughout December.
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The main things to watch out for are:
  • Chocolate (dark and milk) contains theobromine and caffeine, which can be toxic to our pets.
  • Decorations can cause cuts or intestinal obstructions and lights can even cause electrocution. Salt dough decorations are highly toxic to our pets.
  • Xylitol is found in sweets, cakes, jam, peanut butter and chewing gum, and is highly toxic to dogs.
  • Seasonal plants including poinsettia, mistletoe, lilies, holly, and amaryllis can be toxic to our pets.
  • Mouldy Food can cause neurological symptoms and prove lethal to pets.
  • Batteries can cause intestinal blockages as well as internal burns.
  • Grapes and their dried fruit ingestion can lead to kidney failure in dogs. This includes, sultanas, currents, raisins, and any food containing these ingredients.
  • Alcohol should always be kept out of reach of pets and children, as well as foods containing alcohol and unbaked bread dough, which can have the same effect.
  • Onions and other alliums, such as garlic, spring onions, chives, leeks damage the red bloods cells of our pets, so should be avoided, and we should be mindful that many gravy granules contain onion powder.
  • Medications should always be kept out of reach of both pets and children.
If you believe that your pet has had access to any of these items, then please call us straight away, with the details of what, when and how much they have ingested. We will be adding more information to our Facebook page throughout December.
Winter Hazards 
As the weather gets colder, people may start to use anti-freeze on their vehicles. Antifreeze is incredibly toxic to pets, particularly to cats, and ingestion can result in organ failure and death. Symptoms can include vomiting, difficulty breathing, appearing intoxicated and seizures. If you believe that your pet has ingested anti-freeze, contact your vet immediately.

Many incidences of ingestion can be avoided by taking care when using anti-freeze. It must be stored away from pets, in sealed containers, with any spills cleared up straight away. To dispose of containers, please follow local council guidance.

It should also be noted that gritting salt used to grit roads and paths can irritate your pet’s paws and is harmful if ingested.  Please always clean your pet’s feet after they’ve walked on gritted areas.
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New Year Fireworks   
New Year is often a time to celebrate and there can be fireworks around this time. Many animals, and people struggle with fireworks, and we should do our utmost to keep our pets, livestock, and wildlife as safe as possible.

Attending an organised display, especially if the fireworks are silent, promotes the use of silent fireworks and reduces the number of private displays. If having your own display,buying silent fireworks will cause the least distress. Please discard any used fireworks safely so that they are not a risk to animals.

Walking your dogs during daylight and trying to make sure your cats are inside before dark will reduce the chance of them encountering fireworks, and partially covering outdoor pet’s hutches and aviaries will aid soundproofing and offer a more secure environment. Creating a safe space or ‘den’ for your dogs and cats can help, especially by creating a higher one for cats as this is where they feel safest. Keeping curtains closed and having the television or radio on to mask sounds can also help.

Ensuring your pets are microchipped can increase the chances of being reunited with them if they do get spooked and run off. If your pet struggles during this time of year it is recommended that you book a consultation with the vet to discuss options for anxiolytic medications.
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Google Reviews    
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Did you know that you can leave us a Google review quickly and easily using our QR code? You can scan the code on this newsletter and let us know what you think of the service that we provide. There is also a QR code on reception and QR code cards available, in addition to the paper questionnaires so please feel free to scan whenever you visit! Leaving us feedback helps us to continuously improve or service and pass on lovely feedback to our hardworking team.
Christmas & New Year Opening Times    
With the Christmas and New Year holidays fast approaching we just wanted to let you have our opening times should your pet require assistance over the festive period:- 

Monday 23rd December - 8am - 8pm  
Tuesday 24th December 2024 - Christmas Eve – 8 am – 6 pm
Wednesday 25th December 2024 - Christmas Day – EMERGENCY SERVICE
Thursday 26th December 2024 - Boxing Day – EMERGENCY SERVICE
Friday 27th December 2024 – 8 am – 8 pm
Saturday 28th December 2024 – 8 am – 4:30 pm
Sunday 29th December 2024 – EMERGENCY SERVICE
Monday 30th December 2024 – 8 am – 8 pm
Tuesday 31st December – New Year’s Eve – 8 am – 6 pm
Wednesday 1st January 2025 – New Year’s Day - EMERGENCY SERVICE
Thursday 2nd January 2025 – 8 am – 8 pm
Friday 2nd January 2025 – 8 am – 8 pm

If your pet requires repeat medication please also note that Friday 20th December is the last date to request it before Christmas.  This will allow us the 48 hours required for it to be processed, authorised and dispensed.
Medication Requests & Repeat Medication   
To order a repeat prescription for your pet simply visit our website, www.acornhousevets.co.uk and click on the link Repeat Medication Request  where you can fill in your details to make your request. The form can be used on a mobile, tablet or computer.  For all repeat medication we must ask you to give us 48 hours' notice so that your request can be processed, authorised by a vet and dispensed. 

 

November 2024

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Staff Update     
At the beginning of the month, we said a very sad goodbye to vet Harriet Clough, who has returned to a previous practice in a more senior role. Both colleagues, clients and patients alike will miss her very much.

We look forward to welcoming vet, Katie Clarke, to the practice at the end of the month. Katie lives locally and qualified in 2021 from the RVC. She has worked in busy small animal hospitals since graduation and is currently undertaking a certificate in internal medicine. We are sure that everyone will make her very welcome.
Seasonal Shopping    
We have tried to hold off as long as possible, but it is beginning to look a lot like 'you know what' and our shop is full of wonderful festive wares! We have some sensational seasonal gifts for your furry friends, and you do not have to be a client with us to pop in, browse and buy.
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Diabetes 
November is National Pet Diabetes Month. Diabetes is an illness that most people are familiar with in humans, but our pets can also be diagnosed with it. Diabetes is where the body has a deficiency or insensitivity to insulin. Insulin acts to regulate the body’s blood sugar levels and enable the body to used blood sugar for energy.

Diabetes can be caused by many factors. In dogs’ genetics and certain illnesses are the most common causes. In cats, obesity, diet, certain medications, and genetic factors are the most common causes.

Symptoms that your pet could have diabetes can be increased thirst and drinking more than usual, increased urination, which can lead to dehydration, as well as weight loss.

Diabetes can be diagnosed either through a blood test or a urine test, and with effective care pets have a good quality of life. Treatment can include changes in diet and exercise, as well as monitoring your pet’s blood glucose levels and treatment with insulin injections.
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Antibiotic Amnesty 2024   
Antibiotics are essential when treating many conditions in animals and people, but bacteria are becoming resistant to many antibiotics that we use in human and veterinary medicine. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria develop defences that protect them from antibiotic medications, making treatment less effective.
Using antibiotics when not needed increases the risk of antibiotic resistance and can lead to side effects or delay an accurate diagnosis.

It is also really important to know that inappropriate disposal of unused antibiotics could contribute to antimicrobial resistance. It can also pollute the environment by entering water systems or being consumed by wildlife.

Antibiotic resistance is a global health issue, and we need your help to keep antibiotics working.
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That is why Acorn House Veterinary Hospital is taking part in the Antibiotic Amnesty 2024 which is returning again for a second year! Throughout November 2024 we are asking pet owners to return any unused or leftover antibiotic medications to us for safe disposal.
Please drop off any unused pet medications to the practice. You can hand them in to a vet, nurse, or the reception team. This medication might be left-over from a recent prescription, antibiotics that you did not need or out-of-date medication.

Let us keep antibiotics working, together! Please note that we can only accept pet medication for disposal.
Medication Requests & Repeat Medication   
To order a repeat prescription for your pet simply visit our website, www.acornhousevets.co.uk and click on the link Repeat Medication Request  where you can fill in your details to make your request. The form can be used on a mobile, tablet or computer.  For all repeat medication we must ask you to give us 48 hours' notice so that your request can be processed, authorised by a vet and dispensed. 

October 2024

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Staff Update     
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We are very pleased to welcome vet Frances Connerton back from her maternity leave after having baby Charlotte.
Clocks Changing    
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At the end of this month the clocks will change, and our daily routines often change. Our pets often thrive on routine and consistency so this can sometimes be an unsettling time. It is recommended that we adapt our pet’s routine gradually in the lead up to the clocks changing. This can include changing over your pet’s mealtimes, walk times or
bedtimes in small increments over the course of a couple of weeks, or sometimes longer if your pet is older or suffers from dementia.

This change will also mean that it will be darker earlier in the evenings, so walk times may need to be altered and safety precautions for owners and pets taken. There are many options of reflective collars, leads and harnesses for pets, lights to attach to collars and similar options for owners. It is also recommended to have a mobile phone with you on walks, and always let someone know where you are walking
Shop   
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Our shop is always fully stocked with lots of treats, toys, accessories and our ever-popular pet friendly candles. We also have a seasonal stand featuring some spooky Halloween toys and you may also notice some other seasonal toys and treats sneaking their way onto the shelves, dare we mention Christmas yet ...?
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Autumn Hazards   
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Autumn is a beautiful time of year, with leaves changing colour, the temperatures cooling off and the opportunity to have crisp walks with your dogs, or just enjoy nature. There are a few hazards to be aware of as we go into Autumn. Acorns and
conkers will start to appear on the ground, as well as pinecones and these can cause a choking hazard with risk of blockages if ingested.

Horse chestnut trees contain a toxin called aesculin, which is found not only in conkers, but also in the leaves, bark, and flowers. These should all be avoided on your dog walks and in your garden. Acorns contain tannins, which can also cause illness in dogs.

As the temperature cools and the weather becomes damper, more mushrooms will start to appear. Most mushrooms are harmless, however there are some
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poisonous species so should be avoided.

Colds, flu, and other illnesses are common at this time of the year, and we should always be mindful of keeping human medications out of paws reach of our pets.
Halloween   
Halloween can be a fun time for some, but our pets and some people can find Halloween a challenging time of year.

We all love a spooky sweet treat, however Halloween sweets, such as lollipops can be a choking hazard and sugar free sweets that contain Xylitol or birch sugar cause your dog’s blood sugar to drop drastically if ingested. Dark and milk chocolate, containing a compound called theobromine, which can be toxic to your pet, especially dogs. If you believe your pet has ingested any of these, please remove the hazard, keep the packaging, and call your vet immediately for advice.
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Most people love to dress up, but Trick or Treaters can be stressful and scary – pets may not even recognise family members when they are dressed up as they would usually. Knocks at the door and strangers dressed up can cause undue distress.  An option is to leave a bowl
of treats outside with a sign for trick or treaters to help themselves, placed at a safe height to ensure other pets and wildlife cannot access them. It is best to only visit houses that are welcoming trick or treaters, usually indicated by decorations and a lit-up pumpkin.

Consideration should be given if you plan on dressing up your pet. Can they move properly? Can they regulate their temperature? Can they still communicate effective through body language? Are they showing signs of stress such as lip smacking, drooling, shaking, tucked in tail, or showing their belly?

It can be useful to change time of your evening dog walk to earlier in the day and keep cats inside over Halloween to keep them safe and avoid them becoming stressed. A safe space, or den can be made during the Halloween period so that your pet feels safe. Somewhere dark, quiet, and comfy that is away from busy areas is best for pets, and offering a higher up safe space for cats is recommended.

Please be mindful when decorating for Halloween, especially with fake spiderwebs as wildlife such as birds and hedgehogs can become ensnared in this with fatal consequences. Pumpkin carving can be fun for the family; however, candle can be a fire hazard and a burn risk. Using LED lights inside your jack-o-lanterns lessen this risk but be aware of the batteries inside can be harmful if ingested.

Once used for decorating, pumpkins can be chopped up and left on bird tables, or on branches for wildlife, but should not be left on the ground as it can make hedgehogs ill.

Have a safe and fun Halloween!
Bonfire Night / Fireworks   
Towards the end of this month and the beginning of next there will be firework displays, bonfires and private use of fireworks. Many pets, and people struggle with fireworks, and we should do our utmost to keep our pets, livestock, and wildlife as safe as possible.
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Attending an organised display, (especially if the fireworks are silent) promotes the use of silent fireworks and reduces the number of private displays. If having your own display, buying silent fireworks will cause the least distress. Please discard any used fireworks safely so that they are not a risk to animals.
Walking your dogs during daylight and trying to make sure your cats are inside before dark will reduce the chance of them encountering fireworks, and partially covering outdoor pet’s hutches and aviaries will aid soundproofing and offer a more secure environment. Creating a safe space or ‘den’ for your dogs and cats can help, especially by creating a higher one for cats as this is where they feel safest. Keeping curtains closed and having the television or radio on to mask sounds can also help. Ensuring your pets are microchipped can increase the chances of being reunited with them if they do get spooked and run off. If your per struggles immensely during this time of year you can research pheromone diffusers or make a consultation with the vet to discuss alternatives.

If having a bonfire, ensure that you check them thoroughly for wildlife such as hedgehogs prior to lighting.
Medication Requests & Repeat Medication   
To order a repeat prescription for your pet simply visit our website, www.acornhousevets.co.uk and click on the link Repeat Medication Request  where you can fill in your details to make your request. The form can be used on a mobile, tablet or computer.  For all repeat medication we must ask you to give us 48 hours' notice so that your request can be processed, authorised by a vet and dispensed. 

September 2024
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Practice Principal awarded RCVS Fellowship    
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Our Practice Principal, Katharine, was awarded RCVS Fellowship this summer for her Meritorious Contribution to Clinical Practice. Fellowship recognises outstanding contributions to the veterinary profession. As a Fellow, Katharine will work with other experienced veterinary surgeons to advance veterinary standards within the profession. Katharine will be formally welcomed into the body at the RCVS Fellowship Day in November. 
Staff Update   
We have said a very fond farewell to veterinary surgeon Julian this month. Julian moved to the UK 7 years ago to study at the Royal Veterinary College and has now returned to Singapore to be closer to his family.

Veterinary surgeon Wynne has been covering maternity leave at Acorn over the past year but is now going back to college to study fashion. We are so glad that Wynne was able to help us out over the past year, and are pleased to report that she will continue working at Acorn House on a part time basis between now and the end of November.

Vet Ru returned from travelling this summer and will be working at Acorn House during September and October before he moves on again.

We would also like to welcome Shanaye to our wonderful client care team.
Not Just a Receptionist  
Our Client Care Manager, Marianna, who is a member of the British Veterinary Receptionist Association council was asked to write an article on the day in the life of a veterinary receptionist. Her article highlights the vital and varied role that the veterinary receptionist plays in practice. We are lucky to have a dedicated client care team who engage with clients and patients alike and support the whole team. You can read the article here.
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Gold Rabbit Friendly Status   
Acorn House Veterinary Hospital has been recognised as a Gold level rabbit friendly practice! This is the highest accreditation from the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund and means that we feature in their rabbit friendly vet directory.

In order for the Gold accreditation to be achieved a practice must meet various criteria, including having a rabbit friendly waiting area and a rabbit (and other small herbivore) only ward. Practices must also have at least one rabbit advocate, who has undertaken further post graduate qualifications. All our vets are happy to see rabbits, but our rabbit advocates are Sarah and Katharine. The criteria also states that the practice should recommend vaccinations for Myxomatosis, RHD 1 and 2, routinely spay and castrate rabbits, have specific anaesthetic protocols, and recognise the importance of bonded rabbit pairs staying together during any treatment.

We are very proud to have reached Gold status and love seeing rabbits at the practice!
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Fireworks - Planning Ahead    
It may seem early, but it is heading towards firework season and many pets are afraid of fireworks. This means that we can start to prepare for keeping them as calm and safe as possible.
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There are many things we can do to limit our pet’s exposure to fireworks, including taking dogs for a walk before dark and keeping cats inside. Small pets can be brought indoors, their housing can be partially covered, and extra bedding provided to hide in.
Closing windows and curtains will limit the sound and sight of fireworks and providing cosy dens (cats often prefer higher up) and allowing them to hide if they choose, allow our pets safe choices.

For pets that seek you out for reassurance, provide the same reassurance as you would under normal circumstances and ensure that you stay calm yourself.

Ensuring that your cats and dogs are microchipped will increase the chances of being reunited if they run off.

There are calming supplements and pheromone plug-ins that can be used in the lead up to firework night and desensitisation CDs featuring different sounds can be used with both puppies and older dogs.

Some people find that as their pets get older, they can react more to fireworks and loud noises; this can be due to conditions such as arthritis, whereby loud noises cause a pet to jump, which in turn causes them discomfort or pain.

If you feel that your pet does have a serious phobia around fireworks, or that they may If you feel that your pet does have a serious phobia around fireworks, or that they may be in discomfort please make an appointment with one of our vets to discuss further.
Medication Requests & Repeat Medication   
To order a repeat prescription for your pet simply visit our website, www.acornhousevets.co.uk and click on the link Repeat Medication Request  where you can fill in your details to make your request. The form can be used on a mobile, tablet or computer.  For all repeat medication we must ask you to give us 48 hours' notice so that your request can be processed, authorised by a vet and dispensed. 

 

August 2024 

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August Bank Holiday Weekend    
Friday 23rd  August - 8 am – 8 pm
Saturday 24th August – 8 am – 4:30 pm
Sunday 25th August  – Sunday Emergency service only
Monday 26th August  –Bank Holiday Monday Emergency service only
Tuesday 27th April – 8 am – 8 pm
 
To ensure that you have enough medication to last over the Bank Holiday Weekend,  please order any medication by Wednesday 21st August to allow the 48 hours required for it to be processed, authorised and dispensed.
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Pet Emergencies 

Acorn House provides 24-hour hospitalisation on-site for patients that have been admitted to the hospital before 11pm each day. This service is provided by our own team of vets and nurses. If your pet is admitted to our hospital, they will be cared for at the Acorn House site for the duration of their stay.

If your pet requires emergency attention at any time of day, please ring the usual number 01234 261839.

Calls made during our standard opening hours (Mon-Fri 8am to 8pm and Sat 8am-4:30pm) will be taken by the Client Care team at Acorn House and an emergency appointment will be offered at the usual Acorn House Hospital site in Brickhill, MK41 7HN.

Calls made between 8pm and 11pm Mon-Fri; 4:30-11pm Sat and 8am-11pm Sundays and Bank Holidays will be taken by the on call team at Acorn House and an emergency appointment will be offered at the usual Acorn House Hospital site in Brickhill, MK41 7HN.

Calls made between 11pm and 8am Mon-Sun will be taken by the on call team at the Royal Veterinary College and an emergency appointment will be offered at the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA.

For further information please click here. 
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Medication Requests & Repeat Medication   
To order a repeat prescription for your pet simply visit our website, www.acornhousevets.co.uk and click on the link Repeat Medication Request  where you can fill in your details to make your request. The form can be used on a mobile, tablet or computer.  For all repeat medication we must ask you to give us 48 hours' notice so that your request can be processed, authorised by a vet and dispensed. 

 

July 2024
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Staff Update   
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Senior Veterinary Surgeon, Dr Frances Connerton is currently on maternity leave after welcoming baby Charlotte into the world last autumn. Frances will be returning to Acorn House on a full time basis from October, but over the summer, she will be working some Saturday shifts at the practice. Frances has missed her regular patients and we know that everyone will be pleased to have her back at Acorn House.
Summer Weather  
During warm weather, all animals should have access to fresh, clean water and shaded areas. Water will stay cooler in ceramic or metal bowls rather than in plastic ones, and offering more than one bowl of water in different locations can encourage drinking.
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For our dogs, ice cubes can be added to water bowls and whilst supervised, dogs can have cool mats or damp towels to lie on. Walks should be avoided in the hottest parts of the day and if temperatures allow, they should be walked very early in the morning or last thing at night. You can test the temperature of the pavement by holding the back of your hand for five seconds, if it is too hot for you it will be too hot for them and could cause burns. In the absence of walks, you can offer other activities with your dogs,
including using a paddling pool, hiding treats, using frozen treat toys or puzzle toys. Regular grooming, keeping your pets coat trim in the warmer months will help, and the use of pet safe sun cream can be beneficial. Please be mindful that brachycephalic breeds such as French bulldogs and pugs will struggle even at lower temperatures due to their narrower airways.

Our cats can also have ice cubes can be added to water bowls to keep water cool and may appreciate a water fountain to drink from running water. Whilst supervised, cats can have cool mats to lie on, or damp towels. Regular grooming, keeping your pets coat trim in the warmer months will help, and the use of pet safe sun cream can be beneficial.

For our rabbits, rodents and other small furries, please keep in mind that if housed outdoors, the sun will move throughout the day, so enclosures may have to be moved to ensure they are kept shaded. Regularly grooming during the warmer months will help, and small pets can be provided with cool packs or frozen bottles wrapped in a towel or a sock. Ceramic tiles can be cooled in the fridge and offered for them to lie on. Hides should be wooden or cardboard as plastic hides absorb the heat faster. If indoors, a fan can be used, but not focussing directly on your pet’s enclosure. Keep enclosures clean and check your pets daily for signs of flystrike.
Despite reptiles often enjoying warmer temperatures we also need to be mindful of our scaley friends not overheating. All vivariums and enclosures should have a thermostat to keep temperatures within the correct range, however, on particularly hot days more intervention may be needed. If possible, the vivarium or enclosure can be moved to a different room where it is cooler. IF this is not possible, heat and lights can be turned off temporarily, curtains can be closed, and a fan or air con unit can be used as this can help when oscillating across glass. Soil based substrates can be dampened, and a deep layer will allow reptiles to burrow and cool down. If absolutely needed, cool packs wrapped in a towel can be added to help lower temperatures. If species appropriate, misting the enclosure with cool water can assist.

For our feathered friends, keep in mind that if housed outdoors, the sun will move throughout the day, so there should be shady spots throughout their enclosure. If indoor birds, you can keep curtains closed and have a fan oscillating but not directed at their enclosure. Birds often enjoy a bath provided or being misted with cool water. During hot periods, if practical your bird’s enclosure can be moved to a cooler room. For poultry such as chickens, a dust bath should also be provided.
Bletsoe Fete  
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Unfortunately, the weather was not kind to Paul, Marianna and Katharine when they went to help with the Dog Show at Bletsoe Fete last month. Minutes before the fete opened a huge storm developed. This left the team cold and soaking wet, with a smashed gazebo and a pile of hailstones at their feet! Fortunately, the sun came out after that and many plucky families ventured out to
enjoy the fete and join the dog show. The dogs competed in competitions including Musical Sits and Best Biscuit Catcher and a concerted effort meant that the classes were all completed before the rain started up again.

Best in show was Flash, with Rio as reserve.
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Blue Green Algae   
During the summer we are more likely to be out and about with our pets, especially now the schools have broken up. Blue-green algae is the name used to describe a variety of cyanobacteria that live in water courses. In warm weather this can lead to toxic ‘blooms’ of algae. These bacteria can be poisonous, and it is usually dogs that are affected as they are more likely to play or swim in water that is contaminated with blue green algae and can ingest via drinking or by cleaning themselves. Please keep your dog(s) away from water that you think could be contaminated and please heed any warning signs in areas that you walk. If you believe that your dog or any other pet has been exposed to blue green algae, please seek veterinary attention straight away.
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Lost Pet Prevention Month 
July is Lost Pet Prevention Month. One of pet owners’ worst fears is their pet going missing. This can apply to all types of pets, not just cats and dogs, but rabbits, rodents, birds, and reptiles - especially tortoises!  There are many ways in which you can try to prevent this from happening, and ways you can make it more likely to be reunited with your pet. The first step is to ensure that your house and garden are secure, and to keep small animal accommodation such as sheds, hutches and runs in good repair with regular checks; thus, helping to prevent escapes. Neutering your cats and dogs can reduce roaming behavior and protect against unwanted pregnancies if they do wander.

Microchipping is mandatory for dogs and become mandatory for cats at the end of June 2024. You can also microchip other pets, such as tortoises, and birds can be chipped or fitted with an identification ring. It is vital that your microchip is registered and that your details (especially your telephone number) are kept up to date so that you can be contacted if your pet is found. For dogs, an appropriate collar, with an identification tag and lead as well as basic recall training limits the chances of dogs wandering off.

In the unfortunate event of your pet going missing, there are steps that you can take to have the most chance of being reunited. For dogs, you can contact the local council dog warden, and for all pets you can contact local vets, providing them with details of your pet. If your pet is microchipped, you should contact the microchip database and update them. Social media, especially local groups can be a useful tool, reaching out to the community with details of your missing pet.
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'Stray' Cats  
In recent weeks we have had an increase in the amount of ‘stray’ cats that are being brought into the practice. We are all animal lovers and want to help in any way we can, and this information will help you to be able to help in the most appropriate way.
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Recent studies have shown that cats travel half a mile or more away from home on a regular basis. With the weather being warmer, many cats will be travelling further afield and staying out longer.

If you believe a cat in you area is lost
 or a stray, do not feed them. You can check local social media groups or contact your local branch of Cats Protection to see if anyone has reported their cat missing. You can print out a paper collar from the Cat’s Protection website to add your number to so that if owned, the owner can let you know. The RSPCA recommend logging any suspected strays on Animal Search UK.

We can scan cats for a microchip, however, if a cat is healthy, or if the microchip address is close to the area found, then we will ask you to take the cat back to where you found it, so that it can hopefully make its way back to its owner.

If a cat is injured or genuinely ill, then we are able to assess them on welfare grounds. Under these circumstances, you will be asked to fill out a form with your details and sign the cat over to us to treat as deemed necessary. We may contact you to ask you to collect the cat and release it where you found it.
Medication Requests & Repeat Medication   
To order a repeat prescription for your pet simply visit our website, www.acornhousevets.co.uk and click on the link Repeat Medication Request  where you can fill in your details to make your request. The form can be used on a mobile, tablet or computer.  For all repeat medication we must ask you to give us 48 hours' notice so that your request can be processed, authorised by a vet and dispensed. 

June 2024
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Staff Update   
At the end of the month, we will be saying goodbye to receptionist Rachel, who is leaving us to pursue her career in dog grooming. We wish her all the best!
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion  
With June being Pride Month, it seems apt timing to introduce Acorn House’s EDI committee. Our EDI leaders represent some of the nine protected characteristics, as outlined by the Equality Act 2010. These characteristics include age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

Their primary objective is to be the voice for the protected groups while celebrating, promoting, and educating others. Our committee include Sara, Tracie, Paul, and Hayley. We will also be holding an in-house cake-sale with proceeds going to Rainbow Bedfordshire. We are lucky to have been able to source some rather colourful rainbow monkey dog toys for sale in our shop!
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Grass Seeds  
During the summer months we see a lot of cases where dogs and cats have encountered grass seeds. These sharp tops of long grass stems can cause irritation and can require veterinary intervention.

Grass seeds can become lodged in an animal’s hair and can find their way into ears, eyes, noses and into paws, with some even penetrating the skin and migrating through the body. All breeds can be affected, however spaniels, with their fluffy feet and long ears, as well as a penchant for springing through long grass are particularly prone.

Signs that your pet may have acquired a grass seed can be swelling and irritation of the toes, causing them to lick the area and limp, shaking their head, sneezing and watery eyes.

Ways to limit the chances of grass seed injuries include avoiding long grass, keeping hair around the ears and feet trimmed and checking your pet for pesky seeds after each walk or visit outside.
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Bailey the English springer spaniel, who belongs to one of our administrative team was found to have a grass seed that was suspected to have entered her body through her nose. The grass seed migrated to her spine and caused an abscess which needed surgery to remove. Luckily, Bailey is now back to her usual energetic self! 
Rabbit Awareness Week - 24th - 28th June  
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At the end of June, it is Rabbit Awareness Week, where the optimum care of rabbits is promoted to try and ensure that all pet rabbits in the UK are cared for with understanding, insight and kindness. It is supported by many charities, including the RSPCA and PDSA. It is estimated that there are over 1.5 million rabbits kept as pets in the UK, however they are also one of the least understood pets. All pet owners are responsible for ensuring that the five key welfare needs of their animal are met. These include: Providing a suitable environment and suitable diet. Allowing them to exhibit normal behaviour, and be housed with, or apart from, other animals. They should also be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease.

Rabbits should have access to an enclosure of a minimum size of 3 metres x 2 metres x 1 metre high, including a sheltered area and access to outdoors. Rabbits must have enough space to be able to stretch out fully with room to spare and be able to stand on their hind legs without their ears touching the roof.

Rabbits should be provided with at least their bodyweight in fresh, good quality hay every day as 85% of their daily intake should be hay and grass. A spoonful of high-quality nuggets should be offered, rather than muesli to stop selective feeding and a handful of rabbit-safe greens. This combination aims to provide optimum nutrition and aid digestive and dental health. 

Rabbits are agile animals, who can run at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour in short bursts, they can jump up to and in excess of 3 feet high. They express joy through ‘binkying’, which is similar to ‘popcorning’ in guinea pigs, where the animal jumps and twists in the air! They also like to forage and dig, so should be provided with the opportunity to do this.

In the wild, rabbits live in large groups of up to 30 individuals. Rabbits are an intelligent and highly social species that should be kept in pairs or suitable groups, such as a neutered male and neutered female rabbit. Rabbits should never be housed with guinea pigs; they have different nutritional requirements, communication methods and rabbits can seriously injure Guinea pigs, even unintentionally.

Rabbits should have an appropriate diet to limit dental issues such as dental spurs and aid gut motility. Rabbits should also be neutered to limit the risk of cancer of the uterus, and limit aggression in males. Rabbits should be vaccinated against myxomatosis and both types of viral haemorrhagic disease and have at least annual checkups with the vet.

Rabbit Awareness Week aims to provide information on each of these areas to improve the lives of our pet rabbits. You can find more information  by clicking here 
Appointments  
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When you book an appointment for your cat, please ensure that your cat is kept indoors on the day of your appointment so that you are able to secure them in their carrier and get to us for your appointment time. We have had a lot of missed appointments recently where cats have not come home in time for their owners to get to their appointment, which means that these appointments cannot be used for another pet in need of one.
Microchipping 
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It is now compulsory for your cat to be microchipped by the time they are 20 weeks old, including indoor cats. Your contact details must also be kept up to date on a microchipping database approved by DEFRA. To book an appointment to have your cat microchipped please call us to book a nurse appointment, or book online via our website.
Website   
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You may have noticed that we have a new look website! As well as being able to book appointments, register your pet and pay your bill, we hope that you find it an informative resource.
New Dental Procedures Offered    
The dental service at Acorn House is led by RCVS Advanced Veterinary Practitioner in dentistry, Ruth Halpin. Ruth has expanded the dental service so that the practice can offer advanced dental procedures such as uncomplicated crown fracture restoration, coronoplasty (shortening of teeth that are causing trauma to the gums) and corrective treatment for puppies with displaced canine teeth. The vets at Acorn House check the teeth of cats and dogs at every routine check, and if these conditions are identified, treatment can now be provided in-house instead of requiring referral to a specialist centre.
Medication Requests & Repeat Medication   
To order a repeat prescription for your pet simply visit our website, www.acornhousevets.co.uk and click on the link Repeat Medication Request  where you can fill in your details to make your request. The form can be used on a mobile, tablet or computer.  For all repeat medication we must ask you to give us 48 hours' notice so that your request can be processed, authorised by a vet and dispensed. 

 

May 2024
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Staff Update   
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During May we will be welcoming Angelina to our Client Care team. Angelina has a long background in customer service and will be a welcome addition to the friendly faces that greet our clients at reception.
Veterinary Nursing Appreciation Month 
May is Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month! This was introduced by the British Veterinary Nursing Association, and the theme for this year is ‘empowerment’. At Acorn House we have an amazing nursing team who are dedicated to their role in caring for their patients and supporting the practice. Our nurses play a pivotal role in the day to day running of Acorn House and this is an opportunity to raise awareness of the important role that veterinary nurses play within the veterinary industry.

Our team assist our vets and provide support to their colleagues. Nurses fulfil many roles, including running nurse consultations, providing clients with welfare advice, running weight clinics, and carrying out nail trims. They also carry out vet authorised emptying of anal glands, second vaccinations and some monthly injections.

Our nurses prepare patients for procedures, administer medication and fluid therapy as well as monitoring the vital signs of inpatients. They run blood and urine samples, organise samples being sent off for external testing and keep the clinical areas of the practice and surgical instruments clean. Nurses are vital during procedures to monitor anaesthetics and care for patients during recovery and during their inpatient stay.

All these things, plus so much more, ensure that your pet has the best possible care whilst at Acorn House and as a practice we would like to thank our Registered Veterinary Nurses and our student nurses for their dedication.
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Dog Friendly Clinic Membership 
Acorn House is proud to be the only practice in Bedford to be approved as a "dog friendly clinic" by the Dogs Trust! The Dog Friendly Clinic Membership is an initiative that is run by the Dog’s Trust and by the British Veterinary Behaviour Association (BVBA).

Vet visits can be a source of anxiety for some dogs, and the aim of this membership is to enhance our skills, knowledge, and resources to help each dog have as positive experience as possible with us. We want to provide a comfortable experience for you, your dog and for our staff. The scheme provides tools to promote positive experiences for our four-legged friends and for our clients.

The Chair of the BVBA states that ‘encouraging welfare-friendly treatment of dogs in veterinary practices is one of our primary objectives so every additional practice means many more dogs will benefit’ and this is something that we, at Acorn House want to advocate. Click here to find out more about the Dog Friendly Clinic Scheme 
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Mental Health Awareness Week 
Our pets can play a huge part in improving our mental health, and from the 13th to the 19th of May it is Mental Health Awareness Week. The theme this year focuses on: ‘Movement: moving more for our mental health.’

Our pets give us the perfect opportunity to be more active, whether it is walking our dogs, riding, and mucking out our horses or playing with our cats. Any pet routine, from feeding and cleaning out guinea pigs, to spending time outside with rabbits increases our activity levels. This aids our mental health and physical health as well as giving our pets a more enriched lifestyle and benefitting their physical and mental wellbeing.

Loneliness can negatively impact our mental health, and our pets can help with this. YouGov have conducted a survey, with 90% of dog, 85% of cat owners and 81% of rabbit owners surveyed saying that having their pet has had a positive impact on their mental health. Owning a pet can help with this, and any animal from a budgie to a boa constrictor can offer companionship and routine. For those of us who are unable to keep pets, spending time in nature, watching birds and other wildlife can help in similar ways.

Studies also show that interacting with our pets helps to reduce stress and anxiety by lowering the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in humans. The hormones that cause us to feel happy, such as dopamine and serotonin are increased when we interact with our pets.
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Veterinary Receptionist of the Year 2024 
The British Veterinary Receptionist Association (BVRA) will open nominations for their receptionist of the year award on the 15th of May! This year the nominations are split into two categories, the ‘Practice Choice Award’ where colleagues can nominate one another and the ‘Client Choice Award’ where clients can nominate members of our team. We will be posting information on our client care team throughout May, June and up until the closing date of the 17th of July.

Our team of committed client care advisers support the whole practice in taking calls, booking appointments and procedures, and offering a friendly face and a listening ear to clients and colleagues alike. They clean and restock the consulting rooms, reply to e-mails, keep our shop stocked and request and dispense medication. Plus of course, the most important job of all is to provide our four-legged friends with an endless supply of biscuits!  You can find out more, and vote (from the 15th May) by clicking here veterinary receptionist of the year award 2024
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Medication Requests & Repeat Medication   
To order a repeat prescription for your pet simply visit our website, www.acornhousevets.co.uk and click on the link Repeat Medication Request  where you can fill in your details to make your request. The form can be used on a mobile, tablet or computer.  For all repeat medication we must ask you to give us 48 hours' notice so that your request can be processed, authorised by a vet and dispensed. 

 

March 2024

 

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Staff Update   
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Congratulations are in order to our veterinary nurse, Rachel  who has achieved a distinction in the ISFM Feline Nursing Certificate. Well done!

Rabbit and Small Pet Waiting Area

Our rabbit and small pet waiting area is situated to the left of the main door as you enter the practice. We have added a rope barrier to ensure that access is only for those with rabbits and other small pets.

This area provides a safe, less stressful environment for visiting small animals, such as rodents, reptiles, and birds. We would ask that ferret owners continue to use the dog waiting area, as being predatory by nature ferrets could cause distress to other small pets.
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Dispensing Labels 
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Our medication dispensing labels now feature a handy link to the data sheet for the prescribed medication! Just enter it into your internet search engine and it will come up with information regarding the medicine that your pet has been prescribed. For example, here is the link to the data sheet for Milpro

Tick Bite Prevention Week
24th - 30th March 2024 
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 During March we will be looking at ticks and how to prevent them in our dogs and cats. As the temperatures start to rise, ticks will become more active, even at temperatures as low as 5 degrees centigrade. Ticks are parasites that feed on blood, and can be found mostly in woodland areas, in long grass and in bushes, including in your garden, especially if it is visited by hedgehogs or deer. Ticks can transfer diseases, which are transferred between animals through feeding on blood. The most notable disease is Lyme Disease, which can be very serious and can be transmitted to humans. The best way to prevent ticks is to use a prescription preventive treatment, in the form of prescription tablets or spot-on treatments, which last from 4 weeks up to 12 depending on the option chosen. There is also a collar available which can last up to 8 months. Our vets will help you choose the most appropriate anti-parasite (including tick) treatment for your pet at any routine appointment including booster vaccinations. If you do find a tick on your pet, please ensure to use a specific tick removing tool, or make a nurse appointment to have it removed. It is vital that the whole tick is removed, including the mouth parts. Never smother a tick with lotions or try to burn them off.

Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month -
Easter & Spring Hazards 
Looking ahead to Easter and Springtime and in line with Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month we should be mindful of certain things that we enjoy that can be harmful to our pets.

There are often many chocolate treats around at Easter, which we may love but can be harmful to our pets. Dark and milk chocolate contain theobromine, which cannot be metabolised by dogs in the same way as by humans and affects the nervous system, stomach, and muscles.

We often enjoy a roast dinner or two over Easter, but we should be mindful of elements that can cause a risk to our pets. Onion, leeks, and garlic, which are included in many gravy granules, are part of the allium family, which are toxic to dogs and cats. They can cause damage to red blood cells, and result in gastrointestinal signs, dehydration and anaemia. We should also ensure not to feed cooked bones from roast dinners to our pets as these can splinter and cause internal injuries.
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Some of our traditional Easter treats, such as hot cross buns and simnel cakes contain dried fruits such as raisins, sultanas and currants. Ingestion of dried fruits (and grapes) can cause gastrointestinal signs, lethargy, abdominal pain and in some cases kidney failure. 

Some Easter sweets can contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener which can also be found in many drinks and in chewing gum. Xylitol is toxic to dogs and ingestion can result in a drop in blood sugar levels, lethargy, weakness and seizures.

With Spring on the way there are more specific hazards to be aware of, including bulbs, flowers, and garden chemicals. Bulbs, such as daffodils, tulips, crocus, and hyacinths all contain alkaloids, which are chemical that can be toxic to our pets; this includes dogs, cats and rabbits and guinea pigs. The bulbs themselves contain the most concentrated amounts of alkaloids, however any part of the plant, even the water that cut flowers such as daffodils have been in can be toxic. Symptoms can include, drooling, sickness and diarrhoea and changes in breathing and heart rate. Lilies should also be avoided, specifically for cats, as contact can lead to kidney failure.

As the weather improves, many of us will be spending more time in the garden. We should be very careful when using any fertilisers, weed killers or slug pellets. These can not only be harmful to wildlife, but also to our pets. Garden chemicals can be ingested through grooming after contact with spillages or treated plants, being absorbed through the skin or even through inhalation. There are many pet friendly alternatives available, which reduces risk to our pets and helps to protect wildlife.
If you believe that your pet has ingested or been in contact with any toxin, please call us immediately, with information on what and when they have been in contact with.

We will be sharing more information on these different toxins to be aware of on our Facebook page throughout March and April.

Easter Opening Hours 
With Easter falling late in March, into April, please note our opening hours.
 

Thursday 28th March - 8 am – 8 pm
Friday 29th March - Good Friday - Emergency Service Only 
Saturday 30th March – 8 am – 4:30 pm
Sunday 31st – Easter Sunday Emergency service only
Monday 1st April – Easter Monday – Emergency service only
Tuesday 2nd April – 8 am – 8 pm

 
To ensure that you have enough medication to last over the Easter period, please order any medication by Tuesday 26th March to allow the 48 hours required for it to be processed, authorised and dispensed.
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Medication Requests & Repeat Medication   

To order a repeat prescription for your pet simply visit our website, www.acornhousevets.co.uk and click on the link Repeat Medication Request  where you can fill in your details to make your request. The form can be used on a mobile, tablet or computer.  For all repeat medication we must ask you to give us 48 hours' notice so that your request can be processed, authorised by a vet and dispensed.