Perfect Paws: The Post Dog Walk Routine
Spring is a wonderful time for longer dog walks and outdoor adventures around Northamptonshire, but it can be surprisingly tough on your pet’s paws. From muddy paths to dry, dusty ground and hidden grass seeds, the change in season brings new challenges for those hardworking feet.
A simple routine can help keep paws healthy and comfortable — keep reading for Daventry Vets’ steps to keeping your dog’s paws healthy.
If your furry companion is suffering with painful paws, then book an appointment and we’ll have them feeling great again in no time.
Book a paw pick-me up appointment
A spring guide to healthy paws: the ‘check, clean, dry’ routine
1. The Quick Check
After every dog walk — whether through mud, woodland or dry grass — Daventry Vets’ team recommend taking 30 seconds to examine your pet’s paws. Look closely between the toes and around the pads for trapped grit, small stones, grass seeds or tiny thorns. These can easily lodge in the skin and cause irritation or infection if missed.
2. The Gentle Cleanse
Use a damp, soft cloth or pet-safe wipe to remove environmental irritants. In wet weather, this helps wash away mud and debris. In dry conditions, it removes invisible pollen and dust that can trigger seasonal itching. Avoid heavily fragranced products, as these may irritate sensitive skin.
Dog’s paws particularly dirty or muddy? If you need something more than a wipe but less than a bath, our team recommends part-filling a low-sided tub or cat litter tray with water (and a mild dog shampoo if needed) and create your very own portable dog paw wash!
3. The Dry-Off Rule
Our vets in Daventry explain that moisture is one of the biggest enemies of paw health. After a rainy walk — or even after cleaning — always dry thoroughly, paying particular attention to the spaces between the pads. Leaving paws damp creates the perfect environment for yeast overgrowth, leading to redness, soreness and that distinctive “yeasty” smell.
4. Balm for Bliss
If pavements or trails are particularly dry or rough, applying a small amount of pet-safe paw balm can help keep the pads supple and prevent cracking. Think of it as a moisturiser for hard-working feet — keeping your pet adventure-ready for tomorrow.
Know the signs
Our vets at Daventry Vets explain that if your dog begins licking or chewing their feet more than usual, it’s often their way of telling you something feels uncomfortable, whether that’s a grass seed, minor injury or the early stages of seasonal allergy irritation. Persistent licking can quickly lead to inflammation and infection.
If you notice redness, swelling, limping or ongoing licking, it’s best to give us a call on 01327 877767 and arrange to have their paws checked promptly.
If you’re concerned about your dog’s feet this spring, book an appointment with our team at Daventry Vets. A quick examination can prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems and keep those paws healthy all season long.
Book your pet’s paw pick-me up appointment
Happy Vet Visits: Working Together With You
For some pets, a trip to our veterinary practice in Daventry can feel overwhelming. New smells, unfamiliar sounds and travel in the car can all trigger anxiety. The good news is that vet visits don’t have to be stressful, and creating a calmer experience is something we work on together.
At Daventry Vets, we prioritise a low-stress environment. Wherever possible, we provide pet-specific seating areas to prevent sensory overload and minimise close contact with other animals. Below, our vets in Daventry have also put together some tips for calming your pet before their visit. Have a read and don’t hesitate to contact us for more advice.
Ask us for tailored advice for nervous pets
Happy vet visits: how we work together
Our team at Daventry Vets are trained in gentle handling techniques and using positive reinforcement throughout the examination, allowing pets time to settle. We can also use calming pheromone diffusers, such as Feliway for cats and Adaptil for dogs, to help reduce anxiety in waiting and consulting areas.
Why does this matter? Because a relaxed pet isn’t just happier — they’re easier to examine thoroughly and accurately. Reduced stress means more reliable heart rates, better abdominal palpation and a more positive association with future visits. That leads to better preventative care from our vets and earlier detection of problems.
There’s plenty you can do at home to help too.
Pre-visit checklist
The ‘practice run’
Help your pet feel comfortable with their carrier, crate or car harness well before your appointment at Daventry Vets:
- Leave carriers out at home with cosy bedding, toys and even some treats inside.
- Reward your pet for calmly going in and out.
- Short, positive car journeys that don’t end at the vet can also reduce travel anxiety.
Touch training
In a relaxed setting, gently handle your pet’s paws, ears and mouth, rewarding calm behaviour with praise or treats. This helps desensitise them to the type of gentle handling they’ll experience during an examination by our vets in Daventry.
The hunger factor
If appropriate, bring your pet’s favourite high value treats to your appointment. Special rewards they don’t usually get can help build positive associations with the clinic environment.
If your pet is particularly nervous, we can help further. We offer ‘happy visits’ – short, pressure-free trips to our Daventry veterinary practice – where pets can explore, receive treats and leave without a medical procedure.
Ask us about tailored advice for nervous pets or book a pre-visit chat with one of our nurses to create a bespoke plan. Working together, we can make vet visits a calmer, more positive experience for everyone.
Contact us for tailored advice
Making Your Garden Pet-Safe This Spring
As spring arrives, many pets are eager to spend more time outdoors in Northamptonshire—sniffing, digging and soaking up the sunshine. While gardens can be wonderful spaces for play and enrichment, they can also hide a few seasonal hazards. A simple spring check can help ensure your garden is a safe sanctuary for curious paws.
Daventry Vets’ team have compiled a checklist below to help prepare your spring garden.
For further advice on pet toxins, contact our team.
A guide to creating a pet-friendly garden this spring
1. Watch out for toxic plants and bulbs
Some of the most popular spring plants can be harmful to pets if chewed or dug up. Bulbs such as daffodils, tulips, and especially lilies are particularly risky. Lilies are exceptionally dangerous for cats; even a tiny amount of pollen groomed off their fur, or a nibble of a bulb can lead to fatal kidney failure. Other common garden culprits include foxgloves, bluebells, and azaleas, all of which can cause serious heart or digestive issues. If you’re planting new flowers this season, always check they’re pet-safe first.
2. Be cautious with mulch and garden products
Our vets in Daventry warn that cocoa mulch, often used for its rich colour and scent, contains compounds similar to chocolate and can be toxic if ingested. Slug pellets, weed killers and some fertilisers also pose a risk. Spring fertilisers often contain bone meal or blood meal which can be very tempting for dogs to eat in large quantities, leading to gastrointestinal blockages or upset. Where possible, choose pet-friendly alternatives and store all products securely out of reach. Call us on 01327 877767 if you have any pet safety questions.
3. Check forgotten areas after winter
Spring is a great time to inspect parts of the garden that may have been ignored over winter. Look behind sheds, in greenhouses and along fence lines for sharp tools, broken pots, nails or loose wire. Daventry Vets’ team explain that greenhouses may also contain antifreeze, pesticides or glass hazards that curious pets could access.
4. Create a safe space for play
Regularly check fences and gates for gaps, remove fallen branches and supervise pets when new plants or features are introduced. For dogs who love to dig, consider providing a designated digging area to discourage exploring unsafe spots.
A pet-safe garden means you can relax while your companion enjoys the outdoors. If you’re unsure whether something in your garden could be harmful, Daventry Vets’ team are always happy to advise.
The Importance of Tick Prevention by Our Vets in Daventry
As temperatures rise in Northamptonshire, ticks become more active—starting prevention early is one of the simplest ways to protect your pet. Ticks aren’t just unpleasant; they can transmit serious illnesses, including Lyme disease, which can affect dogs, cats (albeit less commonly) and humans, and may cause long-term joint and kidney problems.
Early, consistent protection helps break the cycle of disease and infestation, often killing ticks before they can transmit serious illnesses. Our vets at Daventry Vets advise arranging your tick prevention treatment early this season – just book an appointment and we’ll provide tailored protection.
Protecting pets from ticks this season
Why early protection matters
Ticks are often picked up on walks through long grass, woodland edges, or areas frequented by livestock and deer in Northamptonshire. Once attached, they can feed for hours or days, increasing the risk of disease transmission.
Regular preventative treatments create a protective barrier, killing or repelling ticks before they can do harm. Book an appointment to speak to our vets in Daventry, or reorder your tick medication via our website.
Protecting cats and dogs
- Use a vet-recommended tick preventative treatments regularly, tailored to your pet’s lifestyle.
- Check your pet after time outdoors, especially dogs after countryside walks and cats that roam around Northamptonshire.
- Pay close attention to hidden spots: ears, neck, armpits, groin and between toes.
- Keep lawns trimmed to reduce damp, shady habitats where ticks thrive
- Discourage tick-carrying hosts, such as deer and rodents, by securing rubbish bins, removing fallen fruit, and using deer-resistant fencing or plants (if you have these visit your garden).
How to remove a tick safely
If you find a tick, don’t panic; and don’t pull it out with fingers or tweezers. Use a tick removal tool, which slides under the tick and gently twists it away from the skin. Twisting (not pulling) reduces the risk of leaving mouthparts behind or squeezing infectious material into the bite.
Ask us about tick removal tools. Our nurses at Daventry Vets are happy to show you how to use them.
Tick FAQs
Should I check my cat regularly for ticks?
Yes. Our vets in Daventry recommend that outdoor cats, especially those hunting or roaming near fields and hedgerows, should be checked routinely.
What will a tick look like on my pet?
Ticks appear as small, dark bumps attached to the skin. As they feed, they can swell and look like a grey or brown bead.
How do I check my pet for ticks?
Run your hands slowly over your pet’s body after time outside, feeling for small lumps. Part the fur to inspect the skin closely.
What diseases do ticks spread?
Ticks can transmit Lyme disease and other infections that may cause lameness, lethargy, fever, and appetite changes. For tailored tick protection, book an appointment with our team at Daventry Vets and let’s keep your pet safe this season.
Get Your Pet Ready for Their Springtime Adventures
With the days growing longer and the weather finally turning, most pets are naturally eager to get back outside but before the fun really begins, it’s worth making sure your pet’s body is ready to keep up.
Read the article below, from our vet Sarah Aldridge, on how to help your pet enjoy the season comfortably, confidently and at their best. Then, book a wellness check with our vets at Daventry Vets.
Plus, download our spring pet tips for extra advice!
Get your pet fit for spring: why a wellness check matters
Over the winter months in Northamptonshire, many UK pets quietly put on a little extra weight or become stiffer, particularly during the cold, damp days of January and February. Older pets may move more slowly, while younger ones can mask small aches or niggles that only become obvious once activity levels increase. Sarah explains that left unchecked, these minor issues can turn into bigger problems and put a dampener on your spring plans.
A spring wellness check allows our vets in Daventry to assess your pet’s overall health, focusing on areas that matter most as exercise increases. We’ll look at heart health, joint mobility and body condition, making sure your pet is comfortable, fit and ready for the season ahead.
Sarah shares how catching subtle changes early means our team can offer immediate support – whether that’s lifestyle advice, weight management or joint care – before discomfort sets in.
Preventative care is also an important part of spring preparation. As pets spend more time outdoors, the risk of parasites increases. A wellness check is the perfect opportunity to review worming, flea and tick protection, ensuring your pet is fully covered before parasites become more active. You can then continue to order your tick medication via our website.
Sarah advises that our veterinary team at Daventry Vets can also check that vaccinations are up to date, helping protect against preventable diseases as social interactions and outdoor exposure increase.
Think of a spring wellness check as a seasonal MOT for your pet – a chance to spot small issues early, support long-term health and give you peace of mind as you head into a more active time of year.
Book a spring wellness check today
Before you go, remember to download our spring pet tips for even more seasonal advice!
Stepping Into Spring: Refreshing Your Pet’s Daily Routine
As the days start to get longer here in Northamptonshire, many of us are looking forward to the arrival of spring. However, the long winter months can often lead to less activity and a few extra “comfort” treats for our pets. Overfeeding and disrupted exercise schedules during the colder months can affect weight, energy levels, and overall wellbeing.
With spring just around the corner, now is a great opportunity to check in on your pet’s health and ensure they are ready for more active days ahead. In this article, Daventry Veterinary Clinic’s nurses advise on how to refine your habits at home.
If you need extra help, contact us at our Daventry vet practice and we’ll arrange to see your pet for a top-to-tail check.
Talk to us for tailored advice
Preparing your pet for an active Spring
Refine regular feeding
During the colder months, it’s easy to over-indulge our pets with extra treats. Returning to a consistent feeding schedule with measured portions helps support a healthy weight and digestive comfort as we head into a more active season. Our nursing team at Daventry Vets advise gradually adjusting portions rather than making abrupt changes, which can upset sensitive stomachs.
Get moving
Exercise is key for all pets, not just dogs. As the weather improves around Northamptonshire, increasing play sessions or gentle activity can help pets burn off those winter calories. Cats and small mammals benefit from interactive play or puzzle feeders. For dogs, start increasing the duration of your walks gradually to build up their stamina for the springtime.
Maintain daily routines
Our nurses at Daventry Vets explain how pets thrive on consistency. Reinstating firm routines—such as set walk times, feeding times, and bedtime habits—helps them feel secure and reduces stress as the season changes.
Check-ups and monitoring
Late February is the perfect time to review your pet’s overall health before the busy spring season begins. Check their body condition, look for changes in behaviour, and ensure any weight gain or dental issues are addressed promptly. Daventry Veterinary Clinic’s veterinary team are happy to provide advice, support, and routine health checks to help your pet step into spring in the best shape possible. Call us for advice or pop into the practice—our vets in Daventry love seeing your pets!
Talk to us for tailored advice
Looking for more pet care news? Explore our range of seasonal pet care articles with expert advice from our team on our news page.
The Link Between Your Dog’s Teeth and Their Overall Wellbeing
A healthy mouth is more than just a bright smile, it’s a key part of your dog’s overall health and wellbeing. Dental disease is one of the most common issues we see in dogs, yet it is often overlooked until it causes discomfort or visible problems. If you’re looking for dental care services for dogs in Northamptonshire, our veterinary team are here to help.
This Pet Dental Health Month, our vets in Daventry are highlighting how oral care can directly affect your dog’s health and happiness. If your pet is displaying signs of dental pain or is due a dental check-up, book an appointment at Daventry Vets and our team will take care of them.
The link between your dog’s teeth and their overall wellbeing
Our vets at Daventry Vets explain that problems in the mouth, such as plaque, tartar or gum disease, don’t just stay in the mouth. Bacteria can enter the bloodstream and affect vital organs, including the heart, liver and kidneys. Chronic dental issues can also cause ongoing pain, which may be subtle. You might notice your dog eating more slowly, dropping food, pawing at their mouth, or becoming less playful.
Pain and infection in the mouth can impact behaviour and mood. A dog experiencing dental discomfort may become withdrawn, irritable or less interested in exercise and interaction. By contrast, a dog with healthy teeth and gums is more likely to be active, playful, and comfortable – a key part of their happiness.
Preventing dental problems
Regular dental care is essential. Brushing your dog’s teeth at home, providing vet-recommended dental chews, and scheduling routine check-ups with our vets in Daventry can help prevent serious issues from developing. During a dental check, our vets can identify early signs of disease, provide professional cleaning if needed and give vital guidance on ongoing care tailored to your dog.
Signs of dental infection
It’s also important to be aware of warning signs. Bad breath, red or swollen gums, broken teeth, drooling or reluctance to eat can all indicate dental problems. If you notice any of these, contact our vet practice in Daventry promptly as early intervention can prevent pain and more serious health complications.
At Daventry Vets, we believe dental health is one of the cornerstones of a happy, healthy dog. By keeping your dog’s teeth and gums in top condition, you’re not only protecting their mouth but supporting their overall wellbeing, longevity and quality of life.
Book an appointment with our veterinary team in Daventry and we’ll make sure your dog’s oral health is in tip-top condition.
Hidden Hurt: How Dental Problems Can Change Your Cat’s Behaviour
Cats are experts at hiding discomfort, which can make recognising health issues challenging for owners. One area often overlooked is dental health. Problems such as tooth decay, gingivitis, and oral infections can cause significant pain, yet many cats show few obvious signs until the issue becomes severe.
February is Pet Dental Health Month, and our vets in Daventry are highlighting the indicators of dental pain in cats and what you can do at home to help prevent it. Looking for dental care services for cats in Northamptonshire? Our veterinary team are here to help.
If you suspect your cat may have dental problems or they’re due a check-up, book an appointment for a check-up with our vets at Daventry Vets.
Is your cat in pain? Spotting the subtle signs of dental issues
Dental pain can influence behaviour in subtle ways. A cat in discomfort may eat more slowly, drop food from their mouth, or show a preference for softer foods. You might notice them chewing on one side only or avoiding hard treats altogether. Grooming habits can also change; a cat with sore teeth or gums may struggle to clean themselves properly, leading to a patchy or unkempt coat.
Temperament shifts are another key indicator. Cats experiencing dental pain may become withdrawn, hide more frequently, or show irritability when handled around the head. Even normally sociable cats might seek solitude, while gentle play or interaction could be met with unexpected swipes or growls.
These changes can be misinterpreted as behavioural issues rather than health concerns – contact Daventry Veterinary Clinic’s team on 01327 877767 for advice. Left untreated, dental problems can escalate, causing infections that affect other parts of the body, including the heart, kidneys, and liver. Pain can reduce appetite, leading to weight loss and reduced energy, further impacting overall wellbeing.
Regular dental checks with our vets in Daventry are essential, even if your cat appears healthy. During these examinations, our vets can identify early signs of dental disease that are not visible at home, from tartar buildup to gum inflammation. Preventative care, including professional cleanings and guidance on home dental routines, helps maintain oral health and can prevent pain before it starts.
Observing your cat’s eating habits, grooming and behaviour closely is the best way to catch potential issues early. If you notice any subtle changes, such as reluctance to eat, altered grooming, or shifts in temperament, contact our team at Daventry Vets promptly as early intervention not only alleviates pain but supports your cat’s overall health and happiness.
Our Vets in Daventry Discuss the Dangers of Gut Stasis
As adept masters of disguise, we don’t always know when our beloved small pets are suffering, so as a pet parent, it’s important that you recognise when they’re not their usual, lovable self.
One of the most common conditions targeting the small furry pet population is gut stasis, and our vets in Daventry have gathered some tips to help owners understand this silent killer. Let’s dive in.
If some of the signs below seem familiar, get in touch immediately so we can help your rabbit or guinea pig bounce back to good health.
Contact us if you’re concerned
Gut Stasis in Rabbits and Guinea Pigs: What You Need to Know
What is gut stasis?
Our vets in Daventry share that as you might suspect, gut stasis is as the name suggests—the slowing and stopping of food through the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in the inability to absorb nutrients and fluid, which can be fatal if left untreated.
What causes it?
As herbivores with very sensitive digestive systems, the main culprit behind gut stasis in rabbits and guinea pigs is diet—namely one that’s low in fibre or high in carbohydrates or sugar. But also keep a close eye on your small pet’s pain, stress and hydration levels as these can play a major role in the development of the condition, along with dental disease, liver or kidney problems, and overgrooming leading to gut blockages from fur.
What are the symptoms of gut stasis?
According to our team at Daventry Vets, common symptoms of gut stasis in rabbits and guinea pigs to look out for include:
- Decreased appetite, refusing treats, or reduced food intake
- Hunched posture
- Lethargy or weakness
- Teeth grinding
- Decreased or no faecal output
- Small, hard and dark faecal pellets
When does this become an emergency situation?
This is an emergency situation for both species if they stop eating for:
- Rabbits: 12 hours or less, but even 6-8 hours without eating is concerning. 12+ hours is definitely an emergency.
- Guinea pigs: 6-12 hours, but 4-6 hours can be a red flag. 12+ hours is critical.
Why is it so urgent?
Daventry Vets’ team share that rabbits and guinea pigs have continuously moving digestive systems that require constant food intake.
When they stop eating:
- Gut motility slows or stops (GI stasis)
- Harmful bacteria can overgrow
- The gut can become impacted or blocked
- They can develop life-threatening complications quickly
- Their metabolism is so fast that they can deteriorate rapidly
What are the treatment options?
The first step of treatment should always be seeking veterinary care immediately, as gut stasis can be life-threatening. Our vets in Daventry focus on pain relief, rehydration through fluid therapy, gut-stimulating medications and the correction of their diet.
How can gut stasis be prevented?
To reduce the risk of gut stasis, hay is key, as this promotes healthy bacterial growth and digestion. But that’s not all…
- Avoid stressful events or changes to their surroundings
- Encourage exercise to stimulate their digestive system
- Be careful of overfeeding them pellets or junk food
- Ensure they have constant access to clean, fresh water
- Groom them as often as possible
It’s also important to keep up with regular health checks for your rabbit or guinea pig, so book a health check-up with our vet practice in Daventry so your small treasure can receive the biggest amount of care – that’s what we’re here for.
Contact us if you’re concerned
Get Inspired with Daventry Vets’ New Year Pet Goals
Whether you started on January 1st or you’re just getting going now, New Year’s resolutions are still fresh on many minds… and while you’re thinking of the goals you’d like to achieve, remember to share that positivity with your furry friend! It’s a chance to give them a healthier, more fulfilling life – and that means even more time soaking up the unique bond the two of you share.
The thought of writing those pesky resolutions can be daunting, so our vets in Daventry have come up with a few strategies to make this year the best one yet for your pet. To get started, why not have get some tailored advice from our team at Daventry Vets? That’s one resolution already crossed off!
How to set Pet Health Goals for the New Year
Establish some ground rules
One of the biggest causes of failed New Year’s resolutions is setting unclear or unrealistic expectations – think taking your small pooch for an hour-long adventure in Northamptonshire when they’re used to small walks around the block! Instead, decide what health and wellness means for your pet along with the target areas, and identify specific, reachable goals within these, such as physical and emotional health, mental stimulation, dental routine and behavioural needs.
Healthy diet, happy pet
When it comes to shedding some excess pounds and changing diet, your pet needs you to do the heavy lifting. This means providing them with a well-balanced diet – especially one recommended by your vet – that meets their nutritional needs, sticking to the correct portions, and swapping out calorie dense treats for healthier alternatives. It also means avoiding giving them human food as although it may seem enticing, it can lead to a number of health issues and weight gain, according to our vets in Daventry.
Get more physical
Doing regular exercise releases endorphins and helps keep your pet (and you) healthy in body and mind. Win-win. Daventry Veterinary Clinic’s team recommend setting time aside every day where your pet can get physical – for dogs, this may mean a walk, playing fetch, or an obstacle course indoors if the weather in Northamptonshire is treacherous. For an added bonus, you’re getting involved too, helping you reach your own fitness goals and strengthening the connection between you and your beloved pet – the ultimate support network. For a cat, climbing structures and toys can helping them move more and have fun.
Support their mental health
To prevent boredom, keep them happy and lower the risk of destructive behaviours, it’s just as important to stay on top of your pet’s mental health as well as physical. Along with their much-loved – and half-eaten – toys, make this the year you try new enrichment ideas, such as new activities, training exercises, environments or a puzzle feeder, which supports their problem-solving abilities. Keep them on their furry toes, all year long.
Keep their health in check
It’s better to be too early than too late, and proactive healthcare helps to detect and tackle any health problems as they appear, resulting in better outcomes for your pet. Our vets in Daventry recommend visiting every six months, but this can vary based on your pet’s age, breed, and health requirements. If you have any questions, just pop in to see us — here’s our opening times.
Book your pet’s new year health check with our caring and compassionate team at Daventry Vets and know you’re already making good progress with your resolutions!
