Alexandra And Hillyfields Vets

It's International Cat Day!🐈🐈
Here are some of our cats, past and present, add your favourite picture of yours in the comments!

It's ☀️summer☀️ and lots of our lovely clients are booking breaks and holidays, with and without their pets. There are a number of things to take into consideration to ensure both you and your pets have a happy, stress-free holiday!
🗺️
🐾If your pet is on any medication, make sure they have enough to see them through your trip... 🐾Pack your pet's usual food - changes in routine can be stressful
🚗
If your pets are travelling with you: 🐾Make sure you are up to date with Pet Passport requirements for travel if you are going abroad 🐾Research local veterinary practices, including emergency providers. This is particularly relevant if your pet has an ongoing medical condition. 🐾Find out about local doggy day-care providers, staff at pet-friendly accommodation providers can often help point you in the right direction
✈️
If your pets are staying behind: 🐾If you are using a kennel or cattery, do your research and visit them first - most boarding facilities will be happy for you to do this 🐾If your pet is staying away fom home, pack their favourite bed or blanket so that they have the familiar smell of home 🐾Provide your pet's carers with details of your veterinary practice, insurance and instructions for what to do in an emergency 🐾Call your vet and let them know that you are going on holiday, along with details of the people caring for your pet and your wishes in an emergency
🌞
If you have any questions about Pet Passports, please call your local branch.
See More

Cover Photo Competition 🐕🐾
Thank you all for entering your beautiful pets into our competition. This month's cover photo star ⭐ is Scout, owned by Caroline Baker! Scout's picture will feature as our cover photo throughout August. Check back at the end of the month to enter your pet's photo for our September competition!
Don't forget, if you like our page while in one of our clinics, your pet can get a special treat!

Cover Photo Competition! 😺🐭🐩🐇🐿️
We are running a cover photo competition once a month, where we will use one of your gorgeous pets as our cover star! To enter your pet for our August cover photo, comment with your favourite picture below and we will pick the favourite on the 1st August. Feel free to share so your friends can join in too!
For inspiration, here is a picture of vet Steph's cat, Nigel!

Who has a big dog that still thinks they're a pup?? 🐕

I'm sure a lot of our followers can relate to this! 🐈🐈

All dogs love sticks, right?! A study by the Royal Veterinary College found that dogs suffer as many injuries playing fetch as they do on the roads in Britain. This article written by our emergency provider, Vets Now, highlights some of the dangers of throwing sticks for our dogs. 🐕🐾

FOUND BUDGIE
We have had a budgie handed in to our Winscombe branch today, found near Station Road. If you believe that this may be your bird please contact the clinic on 01934 843381

☀️☀️Heat Stroke in Dogs☀️☀️
We are in the midst of a rare beautiful British summer, but the gorgeous sunshine can be hazardous to the health of our pets.
As dogs don’t sweat, their main mechanism for cooling is via panting. In hot and humid weather, this often isn’t enough, leading to heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which can potentially be fatal.
... All dogs are susceptible to heat exhaustion and precautions should always be taken. However, for a variety of reasons, some dogs are at a higher risk than others. For example: 🐾Very old or very young dogs 🐾Dogs with thick or long hair coats 🐾Short nosed/ flat faced breeds, e.g. Shih tzus, pugs, boxers, bulldogs 🐾Overweight dogs 🐾Those suffering from medical conditions affecting the heart or breathing systems
If your dog is developing heat exhaustion, they may show some of the following signs: ☀️Excessive panting ☀️Drooling ☀️Lethargy (including being slower to respond to commands) ☀️Dizziness or lack of coordination ☀️Vomiting or diarrhoea ☀️Collapse ☀️Bright red or blue gums
If your dog is showing any of the signs above and you suspect that they have overheated, you can provide the following first aid at home before getting them to a vet as soon as possible: 🐾Move the dog to a cool space – either in the shade or indoors under a fan or air conditioning 🐾Use cool (not cold) water to soak a towel or blanket and place this over the dog. These should be refreshed every few minutes to prevent the water on the blanket warming up. 🐾If the dog is willing to drink, allow them to have frequent small amounts of cool, fresh water. Do not force the dog to swallow water. 🐾Contact your vet as soon as possible so that they can be prepared for your arrival
Heat stroke can lead to permanent health problems or even death, as multiple internal organs progressively shut down. For this reason, prevention is far better than treatment and the following precautions should be taken: ☀️On hot or humid days, limit your dog’s exercise to only what is absolutely necessary and only exercise before 8am and after 8pm when the temperature is lower. ☀️Provide access to shade and cool areas. ☀️Make sure the dog stays well hydrated, ensuring access to fresh, cool water at all times. This may involve carrying a bottle of water and collapsible water bowl on walks. ☀️NEVER leave a dog in an unattended parked car, even if it is only for a short time.
Attached is a picture of vet Steph's labrador, Zack, enjoying the shade of the trees in the garden at the Winscombe surgery!
See More

🐱One of our Clevedon patients, Wilma, came in for a visit when we opened up this morning! She hung around for an hour or so while enjoying the catnip 🐭 toy that she chose for herself while enjoying the cool waiting room! All of our patients are more than welcome to pop in for a treat whenever they want! 🐾

☀️☀️Temperatures are getting close to 30°C this week, have a look at this article from Vets Now to see what you can do to keep your dog comfortable in the heat. ☀️☀️

❌🕷️Ticks! 🕷️❌
Ticks aren’t just unpleasant creepy-crawlies; they represent a real health risk to both you and your pets.
Ticks in the UK are known to carry the bacteria which cause Lyme Disease, a serious disease that affects pets and humans. Symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs can include fever, hot or swollen joints, lameness, depression and loss of appetite. It is important that ticks are removed as soon as possible to minimise the risk of the spread of Lyme disease. If yo...u think that your pet may be showing signs of Lyme disease, call your vet immediately.
Ticks are easy to spot, and it is a good idea to get into the habit of checking your pet for ticks on a daily basis, particularly after they have been outside. If you find a tick, the only safe way to remove it is with the use of a special tick remover, or “tick hook”, using a twisting action. Do not pull on a tick, as this can lead to the head remaining in the skin. As well as this, DO NOT squeeze the tick’s body, or apply lotions/perfumes/oils/moisturisers on top of the tick in an attempt to smother it.
As Somerset is a high risk area, we strongly recommend the use of regular preventative treatment for your pets if they go out and about. Ticks are most prevalent in woodland, grassland and heathland, but may be in your garden in high risk areas.
You are more likely to encounter a tick from spring to autumn, but they are active all year round, so it is sensible to continue treating your pets throughout the year. To discuss tick prevention for your pet, please contact your local branch.
See More

As we are already experiencing a very warm summer, now is the time to watch out for fly strike and keep your bunnies safe! Have a look at this article from Vets Now to see what action you can take. 🐰🐰

Did you know that drivers are legally obliged to report hitting a dog, but not a cat? This petition is calling for a change in the law, so that cats that have been involved in a road traffic accident must be checked for a microchip. If you believe that cats should be treated with the same level of care as dogs then please sign and share! 🐈🐱🐾 https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/ 216215

Our Bank Holiday opening hours 🐾 Have a nice long weekend everyone 😎

Wonderful vets, never too much trouble whatever happens. All the staff are excellent and so friendly and caring so lucky to have them close by. Many thanks to all who work there.

We have been extremely impressed! Friendly, helpful veterinary nurses who were happy to give advice over the phone and impressive puppy socialisation classes - we highly recommend. Many thanks to Rob for the fun and informative classes - Molly loved them!

Very friendly and brilliant with all my pets. Highly recommend.

Update: I never thought I would see my fear aggressive dog eating out of a vet's hand. I never thought I would see my dog, who hates being looked at, having his eyes examined. I have seen Rob do both with Stoker. Wonderful vet.

Rufus had his sore nails sorted too without stress by the equally wonderful Tim.

Tim and Rob are wise and kind vets supported by a caring team. Thank you from myself and Rufus and Stoker. Again, Rob and the team prove that this is the best vet practice. If you have a fearful pet, visits to the Vet will become a pleasure, not further trauma.

This is the best veterinary practice i have been to. The 3 vets I have seen Rob, Tim and Ruth are outstanding. They are very approachable, kind and generous. My dog actually enjoys going to the vets!

This is my vets - the best vet I have been to. Wonderful service. The nurses and the vets are really approachable and nothing is too much trouble xx

Recommend them to anyone they are always so friendly and helpful. Even if you just need advice over the phone.

My dog has barking issues, I have seen Rob today who has given me very good advice on how to help Archie hopefully overcome these issues! Fingers crossed

Thankyou Rob 😀

I’ve taken various family cats to this practice for 15 years and have always been confident and happy with both Vets and vetinary nurses. It’s wonderful to know my cats are treated with love and care.

I’ve been with Alexandra and Hillyfield vets for over seven years and they have always provided a knowledgeable efficient, friendly and sensitive service. The support staff are very helpful and the vets go that extra mile to ensure your pet is cared for. I do tend to ask a lot of questions and they take the time to answer and to discuss my dog’s treatment in detail which I really appreciate. I would definitely recommend this friendly and caring practice to any pet owner.

I've been wiv this vets practice for over 10 years

They are friendly helpful and I've never been unhappy with the service my dogs had received

I've been with Alexandra vets for 17 ish years. They have always been kind and helpful. If i have a problem or query they are always happy to even give me advise over the phone. x x x x x x 🐶🐕🐈🐱

I've been here several times this year with My German Shepard Hunter and couldn't be happier with the service and love he gets. Top Vets.

Fantastic vets! Lovely and kind and helpful. Definitely recommend! :-)

Fantastic surgery, first rate vets who have helped our pugs on many occasions, as well as friendly nurses :)

Fantastic Vet Practice. Staff are kind, sympathetic, helpful & friendly. They take great care of our dogs whether it be a general consultation or surgery.

Brilliant vet practice- friendly and excellent service!! Great with my nervous labradoodle!! Highly recommend!

Wonderful vets, never too much trouble whatever happens. All the staff are excellent and so friendly and caring so lucky to have them close by. Many thanks to all who work there.

We have been extremely impressed! Friendly, helpful veterinary nurses who were happy to give advice over the phone and impressive puppy socialisation classes - we highly recommend. Many thanks to Rob for the fun and informative classes - Molly loved them!

Very friendly and brilliant with all my pets. Highly recommend.

Update: I never thought I would see my fear aggressive dog eating out of a vet's hand. I never thought I would see my dog, who hates being looked at, having his eyes examined. I have seen Rob do both with Stoker. Wonderful vet.

Rufus had his sore nails sorted too without stress by the equally wonderful Tim.

Tim and Rob are wise and kind vets supported by a caring team. Thank you from myself and Rufus and Stoker. Again, Rob and the team prove that this is the best vet practice. If you have a fearful pet, visits to the Vet will become a pleasure, not further trauma.

This is the best veterinary practice i have been to. The 3 vets I have seen Rob, Tim and Ruth are outstanding. They are very approachable, kind and generous. My dog actually enjoys going to the vets!

This is my vets - the best vet I have been to. Wonderful service. The nurses and the vets are really approachable and nothing is too much trouble xx

Recommend them to anyone they are always so friendly and helpful. Even if you just need advice over the phone.

My dog has barking issues, I have seen Rob today who has given me very good advice on how to help Archie hopefully overcome these issues! Fingers crossed

Thankyou Rob 😀

I’ve taken various family cats to this practice for 15 years and have always been confident and happy with both Vets and vetinary nurses. It’s wonderful to know my cats are treated with love and care.

I’ve been with Alexandra and Hillyfield vets for over seven years and they have always provided a knowledgeable efficient, friendly and sensitive service. The support staff are very helpful and the vets go that extra mile to ensure your pet is cared for. I do tend to ask a lot of questions and they take the time to answer and to discuss my dog’s treatment in detail which I really appreciate. I would definitely recommend this friendly and caring practice to any pet owner.

I've been wiv this vets practice for over 10 years

They are friendly helpful and I've never been unhappy with the service my dogs had received

I've been with Alexandra vets for 17 ish years. They have always been kind and helpful. If i have a problem or query they are always happy to even give me advise over the phone. x x x x x x 🐶🐕🐈🐱

I've been here several times this year with My German Shepard Hunter and couldn't be happier with the service and love he gets. Top Vets.

Fantastic vets! Lovely and kind and helpful. Definitely recommend! :-)

Fantastic surgery, first rate vets who have helped our pugs on many occasions, as well as friendly nurses :)

Fantastic Vet Practice. Staff are kind, sympathetic, helpful & friendly. They take great care of our dogs whether it be a general consultation or surgery.

Brilliant vet practice- friendly and excellent service!! Great with my nervous labradoodle!! Highly recommend!

Wonderful vets, never too much trouble whatever happens. All the staff are excellent and so friendly and caring so lucky to have them close by. Many thanks to all who work there.

We have been extremely impressed! Friendly, helpful veterinary nurses who were happy to give advice over the phone and impressive puppy socialisation classes - we highly recommend. Many thanks to Rob for the fun and informative classes - Molly loved them!

Very friendly and brilliant with all my pets. Highly recommend.

Update: I never thought I would see my fear aggressive dog eating out of a vet's hand. I never thought I would see my dog, who hates being looked at, having his eyes examined. I have seen Rob do both with Stoker. Wonderful vet.

Rufus had his sore nails sorted too without stress by the equally wonderful Tim.

Tim and Rob are wise and kind vets supported by a caring team. Thank you from myself and Rufus and Stoker. Again, Rob and the team prove that this is the best vet practice. If you have a fearful pet, visits to the Vet will become a pleasure, not further trauma.

This is the best veterinary practice i have been to. The 3 vets I have seen Rob, Tim and Ruth are outstanding. They are very approachable, kind and generous. My dog actually enjoys going to the vets!

This is my vets - the best vet I have been to. Wonderful service. The nurses and the vets are really approachable and nothing is too much trouble xx

Recommend them to anyone they are always so friendly and helpful. Even if you just need advice over the phone.

My dog has barking issues, I have seen Rob today who has given me very good advice on how to help Archie hopefully overcome these issues! Fingers crossed

Thankyou Rob 😀

I’ve taken various family cats to this practice for 15 years and have always been confident and happy with both Vets and vetinary nurses. It’s wonderful to know my cats are treated with love and care.

I’ve been with Alexandra and Hillyfield vets for over seven years and they have always provided a knowledgeable efficient, friendly and sensitive service. The support staff are very helpful and the vets go that extra mile to ensure your pet is cared for. I do tend to ask a lot of questions and they take the time to answer and to discuss my dog’s treatment in detail which I really appreciate. I would definitely recommend this friendly and caring practice to any pet owner.

I've been wiv this vets practice for over 10 years

They are friendly helpful and I've never been unhappy with the service my dogs had received

I've been with Alexandra vets for 17 ish years. They have always been kind and helpful. If i have a problem or query they are always happy to even give me advise over the phone. x x x x x x 🐶🐕🐈🐱

I've been here several times this year with My German Shepard Hunter and couldn't be happier with the service and love he gets. Top Vets.

Fantastic vets! Lovely and kind and helpful. Definitely recommend! :-)

Fantastic surgery, first rate vets who have helped our pugs on many occasions, as well as friendly nurses :)

Fantastic Vet Practice. Staff are kind, sympathetic, helpful & friendly. They take great care of our dogs whether it be a general consultation or surgery.

Brilliant vet practice- friendly and excellent service!! Great with my nervous labradoodle!! Highly recommend!