News from Blackrock Vets

As we head into the festive season in Dublin, we want to reassure you that at Blackrock Vets we will still be here for you and your pet, however, with some slightly different opening hours than normal.

We all want to include our pets during the Christmas festivities and treating them to something special isn’t uncommon. Read below for guidance on safe, pet-friendly foods you can give your pet this Christmas.

The question of whether to put a bell on your cat's collar sparks a lot of discussion among cat owners, and for good reason! There's no single right answer; what's best depends on your cat's unique personality, lifestyle, and your home environment.

As we head into the festive season in Dublin, we want to reassure you that at Blackrock Vets we will still be here for you and your pet, however, with some slightly different opening hours than normal.

The Christmas season brings joy, decorations, and Christmas trees into our homes. However, as a pet owner, it's crucial to know if these festive additions are safe for our dogs. At Blackrock Vets, we often get asked, "Are Christmas trees toxic to dogs?" The answer is yes, certain aspects of Christmas trees can pose risks to dogs.

This blog explores why dogs might find Christmas trees enticing, why they can be toxic, and how to keep your dog safe during the Christmas season.

Pets, much like humans, can experience anxiety. Recognising and addressing this anxiety is crucial for their wellbeing. At Blackrock Vets, we understand the challenges of managing anxious pets and are here to provide you with practical advice to help soothe your anxious dog or cat.

This blog will explore what makes dogs and cats anxious, how to manage their anxiety, and offer tips for keeping them calm.

Travelling with your dog can be an exciting adventure, but it requires some planning to ensure a smooth journey for both you and your dog. Whether you're embarking on a road trip, flying to a new destination, or simply heading to Blackrock Vets for a check-up, preparing your dog adequately is key to a stress-free experience. Here, we share some top tips to make sure your dog is travel-ready and comfortable throughout your journey.

If your pet has been to see the vet and they have been given a treatment plan, you may want to continue this at home to ensure your pet’s ears fully recover. Our guidance on caring for your pet’s ears below is based on post-treatment and after your pet has had a full examination on their ears.

We do not recommend that you clean your pet’s ears if they have not been examined by a vet or nurse. Regular ear cleaning for no reason can damage the canal or cause irritation that can result in further problems.

Treats and Hidden Threats: Protecting Your Dog from Xylitol Poisoning 

We love sharing the good times with our dogs, and sometimes that means indulging them in a special treat from time-to-time.  

However, together with the fun, it's crucial to be aware of hidden dangers that can be in seemingly harmless snacks. One of those dangers is xylitol, a sugar alcohol commonly used as a sweetener in many everyday products, which is perfectly safe for humans, but extremely toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. 

Understanding the impact of stress on your pet's health 

We all know stress can take a toll on our health, but did you know it can also significantly impact your pet's wellbeing? Just like us, pets experience stress and anxiety in response to various situations. Chronic stress, however, can have a detrimental effect on your pet’s physical and mental health.