COVID-19 Practice Update
For the foreseeable future due to the COVID-19 outbreak we would ask our clients to: 1: Phone and make an appointment; if you have more than one pet to be seen, please tell us so that we can put aside more time for each clinical examination. 2: Phone ahead for prescriptions; if possible give us 24 hours’ notice. 3: Phone ahead for worm, flea and tick treatments plus any food requirements. 4: If you are feeling unwell or displaying symptoms of COVID-19 and you don’t have anyone to fulfil your appointment or collect a prescription etc, then please phone the [...]
What are anal glands and the problems associated with them?
Dogs have 2 anal glands which are located just inside their rectum. They are very small and you cannot see them from the outside. These glands contain a very smelly fluid which is supposed to be released whenever they produce faeces. The smell helps our animals to mark their territory, but the fluid can also help to lubricate the opening of the anus, helping faeces to leave the body more freely. How can I tell if my dog has problems with their anal glands? Dogs that are affected by anal gland issues are commonly seen ‘scooting’. This is when the [...]
Is Weight Loss your Pet’s New Year’s Resolution?
As the New Year dawns, the fun is sadly coming to an end. No doubt many of you are back to work, perhaps with a slight headache from the last party! Maybe this year, you’ve decided to make New Year’s resolutions, like drink less, eat healthier, or go to the gym more. Whether you stick to these goals for long or not, perhaps this year you might take a look at your pets and consider if they should be losing a little weight as well. Today we will be asking if weight loss is your pet’s New Year’s resolution, why [...]
Acorn Vet have been awarded the coveted All-Ireland Business All-Star accreditation!
This is an independently verified standard mark for indigenous businesses, based on rigorous selection criteria. The accreditation is overseen by the prestigious All-Ireland Business Foundation, whose adjudication panel is chaired by Dr Briga Hynes of the Kemmy Business School at the University of Limerick and Kieran Ring, CEO of the Global Institute of Logistics. Dr Hynes said the accreditation, which is now held by over 350 firms, is needed by the thousands of small and medium businesses which operate to their own standards, but have nothing to measure them by. “We evaluate a company’s background, trustworthiness and performance, and we [...]
Keeping your pet safe through the holiday season
Christmas is a time for celebration, but it can also bring with it some seasonal dangers for our pets. Keep reading for a list of some of the most common pet-related hazards that the festive season can bring. Christmas trees, presents and decorations Christmas decorations can be very intriguing to curious pets and can be tempting to chew on or swallow. Pine needles from the Christmas tree can cause tummy upsets and the sharp points can cause damage to the stomach and intestines. They can even hurt incautious paws if trodden on! Tinsel and ribbons may be played with [...]
The importance of socialisation for puppies and kittens
Socialisation is the process of getting new pets accustomed to their new environment, along with learning appropriate behaviours. The aim is to introduce a wide variety of people, situations and animals, and to give them a chance to explore. Although easy to do, it does take time, patience, regular effort and planning. It will give your pet the best chance of leading a happy life and being a great pet. A puppy or kitten who lacks experience in the world may find things we are used to scary, growing into an anxious pet, more likely to develop behaviour problems. [...]