Spring is here! Hurray! Sunny weather.
Welcome to our April newsletter! What does that mean for us at Paws Indoors and what does that mean for our pets?
The daffodils are looking lovely and we all enjoy seeing them as we drive around the Norfolk countryside, but these are toxic to pets. Jazzy, above, is twenty years old, so knows not to eat the daffodils! Eating something they shouldn’t is one of the things our pets do best. The golden rule is to ring us as soon as you are aware that your pet has eaten something you’re not sure about. In most cases we will be able to reassure you or give first aid advice, but where there is a risk of poisoning, timing is often critical…. Always better safe than sorry!
Our Easter opening hours
- Thursday 17th April – Normal opening hours, 8.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
- Friday 18th April – Closed
- Saturday 19th April – Open for emergencies, 8.30a.m. to 12.30 p.m.
- Sunday 20th April – Closed
- Monday 21st April – Closed
- Tuesday 22nd April – normal opening hours.
While we are closed, Norwich Night Vet provide cover for emergencies and urgent queries. Their number is 01603 867330. Please supply us with your prescription requests for over the holidays by 11th April, so that there is enough time for ordering and posting if necessary.
Easter – beware of chocolate and hot cross buns.
We are always reminding people at Christmas about the dangers of some foods. Many of these crop up again at Easter. Dark expensive chocolates are the ones that are more dangerous for your dog or cat. The cheaper, more milky chocolate treats, such as those we offer to children are less likely to cause problems of toxicity, although all that sugar fat and tin foil may lead to vomiting or an upset tummy. Below is a helpful calculator if your dog does eat chocolate.
First aid tip
If you realise that your dog has eaten chocolate, try and grab the wrapper before they swallow that too so that you have the weight to put into the calculator!
How Much Chocolate Can A Dog Eat? Use Our Calculator To Find Out
Other hazards are the dried fruits in hot cross buns and fruit cakes. Keep all of these well out of reach, to keep your pets safe – besides – you’ll want to enjoy them yourselves!
Getting out in the garden – look out for the following hazards
- Rodenticides/ rat bait, some cause blood poisoning, newer varieties cause vitamin D poisoning
- Slug pellets, especially the older variety.
- Weedkillers and other chemicals. Check the labels, as well as dogs and cats, these can be harmful to rabbits, guinea pigs, fish and birds.
- Compost. This can contain neuro toxins, which can be fatal.
We often see pets that have eaten rat poison that owners thought they had put well out of reach. When placing poisons, think like your dog or cat – they will squeeze into that tiny space or behind the pallet or under the shed.
Staff shout out – featuring Alison, our Office Manager!
Alison, who handles all of the insurance claims, received the following lovely thank you from a client today.
“Just wanted to let you know that the insurers have settled the claim already (I received a response from them on Thursday), and the total settlement is £1500, which is brilliant (and a lot more than I expected).
“Thanks again for everything you did to help with this – the fact that they settled so quickly, and to a higher figure, is absolutely down to your input, in terms of your diligence with the forms, and your thoroughness in looking back and linking historic claims. We definitely couldn’t have done this without you, so want you to know your help has been hugely appreciated. Thank-you. Tim”
We often find that insured clients, save their insurance for ‘the big stuff’, such as referrals and major investigations. But lesser, ongoing conditions, can soon amount to many hundreds of pounds. We are happy to guide you through the process and streamline it as much as possible, and also help you to claim all that you are entitled to.
We do not, as a rule, make a charge for processing insurance claims, which sets us apart from many of the big corporates.
Goodbye to lovely Obi
Last month we had to say a sad goodbye to one of our own. Obi had battled with disc disease for three years. In addition to his general feistiness and determination, various treatments, including hydrotherapy and laser therapy kept him mobile for as long as possible. His best friend was Enzo, who is having lots of extra cuddles to make up for missing his big furry mate. Rest in peace Obi.
Social Media
You may have noticed that we are posting more on social media, particularly on Facebook and Instagram. Everybody has had a go at making short videos or reels. We are doing this because we are continually surprised at how many people do not know that there is a mobile vet service in Norfolk. Even those who are aware, may not realise all of the benefits that having a mobile vet will mean to them and their pets. If you or family or friends are on facebook or instagram, please encourage them to follow us. We regularly put out health care tips and recommend other sites where you may find useful pet care information.
You can follow us here on Facebook
You can follow us here on Instagram
Julie’s Easter Hamper Raffle – supporting Feline Care
It’s here! With help from all you kind donors, Julie has prepared the best ever Easter Hamper Raffle with 18 prizes to be won. Every penny raised will be to help Feline Care, our wonderful local cat charity dedicated to rescuing and rehoming cats and educating all those who care for them.
Tickets on sale until Sunday 20th April and the draw will be pulled on Monday 21st April. Thank you to everyone who has donated prizes, to Julie for all of her hard work and to all of you who buy tickets to help the cats who need us.