News

For the month of May we are celebrating our wonderful veterinary nurses and what empowers them to be great at what they do.

May is a month to celebrate, with three bank holidays to look forward to, including the May Bank Holiday, the coronation of King Charles III and the Spring Bank Holiday. Rest assured, we will still be here for you and your pet; however, the way you access care for your pet might differ from normal.

A major recruitment drive has seen six new vets join the expert team at the £1.4m state-of-the-art Alder Veterinary Practice in Guildford.

 A Guildford veterinary practice is throwing open its doors for one day only and inviting pet owners to see the amazing facilities it has and meet members of its team.

Pets, just like humans, can suffer from allergies. Allergic reactions in pets are often caused by environmental factors, such as pollen or dust as well as certain foods or insect bites. As a pet owner, it's important to be aware of the common allergies in pets and the symptoms they may experience.

The majority of the nation gets excited to be eating Easter eggs or chocolate for breakfast, lunch, or dinner or perhaps all three! But we need to careful and ensure our pets don’t get a hold of any, as chocolate could be dangerous for our animals, especially dogs!

Is your cat microchipped?

If you are a cat owner in England, you will be legally required to ensure your cat is microchipped by Saturday 10 June 2024, if it is older than 20 weeks old, following the Government's announcements on Monday 13 March 2023. Failure to comply may result in a fine of up to £500. If your cat is already microchipped, it is also part of the law that your details associated with the chip must be up to date.

Acupuncture is the practice of inserting fine, solid needles into the body to assist in pain relief. 

Laparoscopic Spaying At Alder Vets

Did you know that Alder Vets now offers laparoscopic spaying for female dogs, alongside the traditional spaying method? This minimally invasive approach is becoming increasingly popular among pet owners looking for a safer, quicker recovery for their dogs.

 What is Laparoscopic Spaying?

 Laparoscopic spaying is a form of keyhole surgery that uses a small camera and specialised surgical instruments to remove a dog’s ovaries through three tiny incisions. Unlike traditional spaying, which requires a larger incision along the abdomen to remove the uterus and ovaries, laparoscopic surgery is minimally invasive, reducing trauma to your pets body.

 The procedure is carried out under general anaesthesia, and in most cases, dogs can go home the same day.

 When can my dog be be neutered?

• Females can be spayed from around six months of age.
• For most breeds, we recommend spaying before their first season, although some breeds may require us to wait a little longer
• If your dog has already started having seasons, we generally advise waiting three months after the last season before performing surgery. 

 Every dog is different, so we always consider breed, size, behaviour, and overall health before recommending the best time for neutering,

 Why choose laparoscopic spaying?

• Opting for keyhole spaying offers several benefits over traditional surgery
• Reduced pain - your dog will be more comfortable after surgery 
• Faster recovery - get your furry friend back to normal activities sooner
• Fewer complications
• Less interference with wounds - dogs are less likely to lick or chew at the tiny incisions
• Can combine with gastropexy - ideal for large breeds, this helps prevent gastric dilation and twisting

Important Considerations 

 Laparoscopic spaying requires specialist equipment and extensive training for our veterinary surgeons. While the procedure is slightly more expensive than standard spaying, many owners find the benefits, less pain, faster recovery, and reduced risk of complications, it is well worth it.

 At Alder Vets, we are committed to providing the highest standard of care using modern surgical techniques to keep your dog safe, comfortable & healthy. 

We are always at the end of the telephone for you and your pet, so please contact us on 01483 536036 if you have any further questions.

Brushing is by far the best method of keeping your pet's teeth clean and is more successful if taken in stages. Ideally, it would help if you brushed your dog's teeth at least once daily or three times per week at a minimum to help remove plaque and prevent tartar build-up.