Pet Factsheets and Advice from Hope Veterinary Surgery

Brucella Policy

By Hope Veterinary Surgery on Monday, 17th August 2026

Brucella Policy Client Notice Hope Veterinary Surgery This policy is aimed at dogs who have been rescued/rehomed from abroad or have recently travelled abroad. This does include all dogs from abroad. Some countries are higher risk than others-see below! Brucella Canis: this is a bacterium that can pass between dogs and to humans! It can have huge impacts on health for both dogs and people (without any obvious symptoms!). Exposure to Brucella can lead to miscarriage and fertility problems, heart disease, arthritis etc. It is classed as a notifiable disease to ...

Pet Dentistry

By Hope Veterinary Surgery on Friday, 3rd February 2023

Pet Dentistry Did you know we have a whole month dedicated to pet dentistry! February is National Pet Dental Health Month. This is to highlight how important is it to look after your pets mouth. Why? Looking after your pet’s month may prevent the following: Bad breath Tartar/plaque build up Sore gums (you may hear the vets say your pet has gingivitis!) Retained baby teeth Fractured teeth Abscesses Periodontal disease (inflammation/infection in the mouth) Bleeding gums Loose teeth Tooth loss Secondary ...

The newly adopted rescue dog: preventing problems

By Hope Veterinary Surgery on Thursday, 13th January 2022

Bringing home a new dog is exciting and fun, but remember that your home is a big change from life in the rescue centre and this can be stressful to the new dog. Most dogs appear calmer and quieter than normal for the first few days to weeks. After this ‘honeymoon’ period is over, a different version of your dog may emerge; this new dog may be more destructive, boisterous, and seeking of attention. Many of these problems can be prevented by following these recommendations. Create a structured routine for your dog A consistent schedule may help your dog to settle ...

Treating separation anxiety in dogs

By Hope Veterinary Surgery on Thursday, 13th January 2022

Treating separation anxiety can be a long and slow process. But any work to towards a more confident and relaxed dog will be beneficial. Consistency throughout the household will also help. You can only move at the speed your dog is happy at. If you are planning to start a behaviour program for separatin anaxiety, plan a long time peroid where you do not have to leave your pet alone at all, even if you ask family/friends or a neighbour to help during this peroid. Changing how you leave home, changing your interactions with your dog and uncoupling departure cues from actual ...

Treating a fear of car journeys using desensitization and counter-conditioning

By Hope Veterinary Surgery on Thursday, 13th January 2022

Fear of a specific activity, such as a car journey, can be treated using a desensitization and counter-conditioning (DSCC) programme. In simple terms, your pet must be exposed to the fearful stimulus in such a way that he/she sees there is nothing to fear, and settles down. If the association with the stimulus can be turned into one that is positive, your pet may actually develop a positive attitude to the occurrence. Preparation Prevent your pet from travelling in the car except during training sessions, unless essential for health reasons. Setbacks may occur if your pet ...

Treating a fear of the veterinary clinic using desensitization and counter-conditioning

By Hope Veterinary Surgery on Tuesday, 11th January 2022

Fear of a specific place, such as the veterinary clinic, can be treated using a desensitization and counter-conditioning (DSCC) programme. In simple terms, your pet must be exposed to the fearful stimulus in such a way that he/she sees there is nothing to fear, and settles down. The hope is to turn the negative association into a positive one! Avoid taking your pet to the clinic unless it is part of the structured training programme or, of course, a medical necessity. Setbacks may occur if the pet is suddenly in need of medical attention, but its welfare must not be ...

Cognitive dysfunction syndrome

By Hope Veterinary Surgery on Tuesday, 11th January 2022

Behaviour problems in senior pets These can be due to a wide variety of medical conditions, including pain, sensory decline, or any disease that affects the nervous system. Behaviour problems may also be attributed to age-related degeneration within the brain known as cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), or can arise from changes in the household or environment to which it may be difficult for senior pets to adapt. Early detection provides the best opportunity for resolving problems, preventing complications or slowing decline. Prevening problems - what you can do For ...

Adopting a rescue dog: the pros and cons

By Hope Veterinary Surgery on Tuesday, 11th January 2022

Many people choose dogs from rescue organizations or animal shelters. Others avoid rescue dogs, due to worries about the dog’s health or behaviour. Here are some points to think about when adopting a dog from a reputable animal shelter or rescue group. Breeds By adopting a mixed-breed dog from a shelter, you might be reducing the risk of medical problems which are associated with purebreds. Pedigree dogs are also often available at shelters, but popular breeds may be difficult to acquire. You may have less background information available. ...

Introducing a new cat into the household

By Hope Veterinary Surgery on Tuesday, 11th January 2022

Introducing a new cat to a home where cats already live can lead to severe disruption and upset if done without planning and control. The introduction process may take only days but can be as long as several months. Following a specific protocol will help make the introduction as trouble-free as possible. Many cats in a multi cat household will only ever simply tolerate each other. This is absolutely fine so long as each cat is happy and content. It may happen where cats progress so well that they will groom each other and sleep together but this is a BIG target so never force this....