Should Pets Drink More in Summer? Advice from Daventry Vets
As temperatures rise this month in Northamptonshire, keeping your pet hydrated is especially important, as pets can lose fluids quickly. For pets with certain health conditions such as kidney disease it is essential.
At Daventry Vets, many owners ask us how to tell if their pet is drinking enough. That’s why our veterinary team in Daventry have put together practical advice to help you recognise when your pet needs more water so you can keep them hydrated this summer.
Worried about your pet’s fluid levels? Book a check-up today
Do pets need more water in summer?
Yes – pets lose more fluid through panting, grooming and activity due to the heat and for some pets there are no longer any puddles which they may like to drink from.
Our veterinary team in Daventry explain that dogs may pant more to cool down, whereas cats and small pets lose heat more passively through their skin and fur, their breathing, and the surrounding air – especially when it’s cool or moving. Some pets will naturally drink more, but others may not, which is why monitoring intake is important.
Diet also plays a role. Pets fed mainly dry food will generally need to drink more compared to those eating wet food or fresh produce, because dry diets contain very little moisture.
As a general guide, many pets will regulate their own intake if fresh water is always available. However, there are some useful ways to help.
How to keep your pet hydrated in summer
These simple steps from Daventry Vets can help maintain good pet hydration in summer, with a few small adjustments depending on your pet:
Provide constant access to water
Water should always be available. In the Northamptonshire hot weather, pets may drink little and often, so even short periods without access can increase the risk of dehydration. For small pets, this is especially important as consistent hydration supports digestion and gut health.
Change water regularly
Changing water frequently helps keep it clean, cool and free from debris. Your pet is unlikely to be as interested in stale water, so regular refreshing can encourage better drinking habits. Bottles for small pets should also be checked to ensure they are flowing properly and at the correct height. Our team in Daventry are happy to advise on the best setup for your pet.
Offer multiple and varied water sources around the home
Placing more than one bowl or bottle in different areas encourages drinking. Dogs and cats may be more likely to drink if water is nearby where they rest, while small pets benefit from backup sources in case one becomes empty or blocked.
Cats can often have preferred sources of water, bowls, water fountains, taps. For some the size of bowl or material it’s made of matter.
For a more in deapth read iCatCare.org have lots of information and tips.
Keep water in cool, shaded areas
For outdoor pets or hutches, positioning water in shaded areas is particularly important.
Add wet food for cats & dogs, and water rich vegetables for rabbits and guinea pigs.
Incorporating moisture through diet can support hydration. Wet food contains a high percentage of water and can contribute to fluid intake. You can also add a small amount of water or pet-safe broth to dry food. This works really well for dogs, as usual our feline friends can be more fussy. It’s often better to offer them broth which you can buy or use the water from poaching fish or chicken ( remember not to use seasoning)
For rabbits and guinea pigs feeding water-rich greens and vegetables can help. Remember to introduce new things slowly to avoid gastrointestinal upsets.
When should I be concerned?
While some variation in drinking is normal, if your pet is not drinking, seems unwell, or shows changes in behaviour, it’s best to seek advice promptly.
Smaller pets can deteriorate more quickly if hydration levels drop. If your rabbit, guinea pig or small furry has stopped drinking entirely, <a href="01327 877767“>contact us immediately.
If you’re concerned about your pet’s water intake or overall health, book an appointment with our team in Daventry today.
BBQ Season and Pet Safety Tips from Vets in Daventry
Ah, the sizzle of sausages, the aroma of burgers on the grill… there’s nothing quite like a summer barbecue with friends and family. But while we humans may be drooling over the delicious delights cooking up, let’s not forget about our furry friends who are eager to join in on the fun.
To ensure a paw-some barbecue experience for everyone, here are some top tips from our team at Daventry Vets, to keep your pets safe and happy around the grill. And just in case you need it, here is the emergency number for our vets in Daventry – 01327 877767.
See our contact and emergency information
How to grill & chill this summer
If you know your pets will be into everything, it may be wise to keep them indoors, but if your pets can handle your ‘BBQ rules’, here are the top tips from our team in Daventry for how to ‘Grill & Chill’:
Create a ‘Safe Zone’
First things first, at Daventry Vets, we recommend establishing a designated ‘pet zone’ away from the grill and cooking area. Set up a shady spot with water bowls and comfy bedding where pets can stay cool while you flip the burgers. Portable pet pens are handy for this.
Keep an Eye on Pets
Naturally, the sight & smell of food cooking on the grill will tempt pets to investigate. To prevent them from getting too close to the grill or attempting to steal barbecue food, keep a close eye on them or put someone on ‘grill guard duty’ to steer roaming pets away to safety. If your pets are anything like Sarah’s dogs Al and Jet this is a full time job as they are both expert food thiefs!
Beware of Hot Surfaces
Grills can reach scorching temperatures that pose a burn risk to curious noses and paws, long after cooking has finished. Try using a grill cover or barrier to prevent pets from accessing the grill area altogether to avoid accidental burns and have a plan for hot ash afterwards – see our emergency information.
Pet-safe Barbecue Foods
While it’s tempting to share your barbecue feast with your furry pals, not all barbecue foods are safe for pets. Avoid giving them toxic or harmful foods like onions, garlic, grapes, chocolate, chicken bones, corn on the cob, and foods high in salt, spices, fatty juices, or sugar. Stick to pet-safe treats like plain grilled chicken or lean meat without seasoning.
Watch Out for Falling Food
Accidents happen, and tasty treats may accidentally fall onto the ground. Picking up dropped food instantly will prevent pets from eating it. This is important, as some items may pose a choking hazard or cause gastrointestinal upset.
- Corn on the cob, cannot be digested by dogs and can get stuck in the intestines requiring surgery to remove it.
- Skewers, if swallowed can pirece through the intestines.
Keep Your Pets Hydrated
Provide plenty of water during the barbecue festivities for pets to drink. If they seem unwell, call our vets in Daventry on 01327 877767.
Have a Plan for Leftovers
Clearing up thoroughly straight after a BBQ is vital when you have pets. Disposing of barbecue leftovers and scraps promptly and securely will prevent dogs and cats from scavenging through the rubbish. Leftover bones, skewers, and other barbecue remnants can pose choking or gastrointestinal hazards if ingested by pets.
With these grill-tastic tips in mind, you and your furry friends can enjoy a safe and enjoyable barbecue season together in Northamptonshire. Plus, you’ll be helping to keep wildlife safe too! So, fire up the grill, gather your friends and family, and let the summer celebrations begin!
And remember, call 01327 877767 in an emergency.
Daventry Vets on Identifying Weight Loss Barriers in Pets
If your pet isn’t losing weight despite longer walks and fewer treats, it’s easy to assume they’re simply not active enough. The truth is more nuanced. While overfeeding remains the leading cause of obesity, certain medical conditions can act as metabolic blockers, making weight loss frustratingly difficult.
If your pet is maintaining a healthy diet but still gaining weight, book a weight assessment with our nursing team at Daventry Vets to find out what’s really standing in their way.
Identifying barriers to weight loss in pets: when exercise isn’t enough
The ‘lazy pet’ myth
Many owners feel disheartened when exercise alone doesn’t shift the scales. In most UK cases, weight gain is linked to a mismatch between calories in and energy out, but occasionally, underlying health conditions are responsible. Identifying which category your pet falls into is crucial and our vets in Daventry are here to help.
Key metabolic blockers
- Hypothyroidism (dogs): Often described as a “metabolic brake,” this condition slows metabolism, causing lethargy and weight gain even in active breeds.
- Osteoarthritis: Pain may reduce movement, creating a cycle of inactivity and further weight gain.
- Metabolic Syndrome (cats): Increasingly recognised in 2026, especially in indoor cats, where insulin resistance develops even in younger felines.
The silent signs
Call us on 01327 877767 to get advice from our vets in Daventry if you notice:
- Symmetrical hair loss or skin changes
- Excessive thirst or urination
- Heat intolerance (seeking cold floors)
- Lethargy despite adequate exercise
The bigger picture: the UK obesity epidemic
According to the 2024/2025 UK Pet Food Obesity Report and PDSA PAW data, around 50% of dogs and 43% of cats in the UK are overweight. Yet 77% of owners believe their pet is a healthy weight, highlighting a significant perception gap. Excess weight can shorten lifespan by up to two years and increases the risk of arthritis, diabetes and heart disease.
In reality, 90–95% of cases are due to overfeeding, not medical disease. Our nurses at Daventry Vets explain that common pitfalls include:
- The Treat Trap: Food used as affection –swap for praise or play.
- Inaccurate Portions: 18% of owners ‘eyeball’ meals. Use a digital scale.
- Human Scraps: 60% admit feeding leftovers that are too calorie-dense for pets.
Assessing shape, not just scale
Daventry Vets’ nursing team use a Body Condition Score (BCS) rather than weight alone. At home, try to:
- Feel the ribs easily without pressing hard.
- Feel the top bit of the spine without pressing hard.
- Look for a visible waist from above.
- Check for an upward tummy tuck from the side.
- Follow the links below for more detail and pictures.
Dog body condition score from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association
Cat body condition score from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association
Is it medical or meals? For most pets, the solution lies in portion control, but for some, targeted treatment from our vets in Daventry is needed.
Book a weight assessment with our nursing team at Daventry Vets to identify barriers, close the perception gap and create a safe, realistic plan for your pet’s long-term health.
Heatstroke in Pets: Signs, Symptoms and What to Do
At last… June brings us longer days and warmer weather, perfect for dog walks around Northamptonshire & Warwickshire, and garden adventures with your pet. As temperatures climb, so does the risk of heatstroke, and it can escalate faster than many owners realise.
Our veterinary team at Daventry Vets will walk you through the early warning signs of heatstroke in dogs, cats, rabbits and small pets, and what to do if you’re concerned.
If you suspect your pet may be suffering from heatstroke, don’t wait, call us immediately and press option 1 for an emergency 01327 877767.
Signs and symptoms of heatstroke in pets
Our vets at Daventry Vets explain that the early warning signs of heatstroke can vary between species, but there are key indicators every owner should know:
Dogs and cats
- Excessive panting or difficulty breathing: heavy, laboured breathing that seems out of proportion to their activity level.
- Drooling more than usual: excessive saliva.
- Lethargy or weakness: your pet seems unusually tired, confused or unsteady on their feet.
- Increased heart rate: a fast pulse could signal overheating.
- Vomiting or diarrhoea: digestive upset can occur as the body struggles to regulate temperature.
- Dark brick red or very pale gums
- Pinprick red dots on the gums these are called petechial haemorrhages
Rabbits and small pets
Rabbits and small pets are among the most vulnerable in warm weather because they can’t pant or sweat effectively, yet they’re often the most overlooked.
- Rapid or shallow breathing: breathing changes are a serious early sign.
- Lethargy and flopping: a pet lying flat and unresponsive in the heat requires immediate attention.
- Wet nose or ears: some small pets may dampen themselves to cool down.
- Loss of appetite: small pets who suddenly stop eating in warm weather may be struggling with the heat.
What to do if you think your pet has heatstroke
If you suspect heatstroke, stay calm but act quickly. Our vets in Daventry recommend the following steps while you phone your vets.
- Wet your pet with cold water while protecting their mouth, nose and eyes. It is a myth that you shouldn’t use cold water. If you are using a hose pipe make sure you run off any warm/hot water in the hose. if you’re putting them in a paddling pool, sink, bath or stream then make sure you keep their head out of the water.
- Open windows and doors or switch on a fan or air conditioning to create a breeze.
- Place them on top of a cold wet towel rather than wrapping them in it as this will just insulate and warm them more.
- Our vets at Daventry Vets stress that even if your pet seems to be recovering, always call us straight away.
“WET YOUR PET AND OFF TO THE VET” It could save their life. Open your car windows and put the air conditioning on.
While the idea of heatstroke can be scary, knowing the signs and what to do could make all the difference for your pet this summer in Northamptonshire. If you’d like peace of mind, book a summer health check with our team today.
Myth busting around treating heatstroke
- Don’t use cold water it will cause shock. There is no evidence that this is the case. The sooner we can cool them the better chance we have of saving their lives.
- Give them lemon juice. This is positively dangerous and could go into their lungs.
- Give them ice cubes. This will not actually cool them it is however a fun thing for your dog to eat ice cubes and stuffed frozen kongs in warm weather.
- Wrap them in a cold wet towel. This will insulate them rather than cool them.
- It is just hot cars I need to worry about. Dogs can easily overheat when being exercised. Small pets can overheat it hutches in the sun. Cats can get trapped in a shed.
Pet Travel Checklist: Everything You Need Before You Go
Ready to head out from Northamptonshire or Warwickshire for a well-deserved getaway? A trip can be a great way to spend quality time with your furry companion, but it’s important to make sure your pet is ready for the road.
To help you prepare, our vets at Daventry have put together the ultimate 2026 pet travel checklist. Read below about pre-travel health checks, packing lists, and managing travel stress, and determine if bringing your pet is the best choice for their comfort and wellbeing.
Before you set off, it may be best to book an appointment to ensure your pet is up-to-date with vaccinations and parasite prevention.
Book a pre-travel appointment today
Should I take my dog or cat on holiday
While many dogs thrive on new adventures, the team at Daventry Vets suggest that for most cats, staying in the comfort of their own home with a trusted sitter or going to a local cattery is often the less stressful or safer option. Although we do see cats that travel in caravans, campervans and live on canal boats. If you are unsure about travelling with your cat you can always get in touch with our friendly team.
Regardless of species, always confirm that your destination is pet-friendly and free of any potential hazards before you depart. Some locations may have specific rules, so doing your homework early ensures a warm welcome for everyone.
Essential health checks
The team at Daventry Vets recommend ensuring your pet is healthy enough for travel before any long journey. This is especially important for senior pets or those with underlying conditions.
- Do I need vaccinations to travel with my dog or cat? To ensure your pet is protected against local diseases or requirements for boarding, you should check that all boosters are up to date.
- Pet microchipping requirements: It is a legal requirement for dogs and cats to be microchipped. Before you leave, double-check that your contact details are correct on the national microchip database. If your pet wanders off in an unfamiliar area and is handed in to a vet or rescue centre, accurate details give you the best chance of being reunited. Some databases allow you to put in temporary changes for holiday dates.
- Parasite prevention: Ticks, fleas and worms can be more prevalent in certain holiday destinations. Make sure your pet’s flea, tick, and worming treatments are current. Our vets can advise you on whether your pet would benefit from any other type of parasite protection.
If you are unsure about your pet’s vaccinations or parasite treatments, get in touch today to speak with our experts.
What to pack when travelling with your pet
Packing for your pet requires as much thought as packing for yourself. To make the journey as stress-free as possible, the Daventry Vets team suggest including these essentials in your kit:
- Collar, lead and ID tag
- Familiar bedding
- Enough of their usual food and treats for the whole journey
- A secure travel crate or harness (appropriate for your travel destination and mode of transport)
- Poo bags and towels
- Collapsible water bowls and plenty of fresh water for the journey
- Any current medications to last for your trip.
- A pet-safe first aid kit for minor scrapes
- A couple of your pet’s favourite toys
Travelling abroad? Get in touch with our team well in advance of your travel dates so they can advise you on the rabies vaccination, tapeworm treatments, animal health certificates and anything else your pet will need for their destination.
If you have concerns about travel sickness or anxiety, or more specific guidance on packing, book an appointment with our friendly team in Daventry to discuss how we can help.
Ageing Gracefully: Weight & Mobility Tips from Daventry Vets
It’s common to hear, “they’re just slowing down because they’re getting older”. But while ageing in pets may bring natural changes – significant stiffness, weight gain and reduced activity are not simply inevitable. In many cases, they’re linked and manageable.
In the article below, our team at Daventry Vets have prepared a guide on mobility changes you can expect to see in your older pet as well as ways of keeping them mobile later in life. Book a senior pet assessment and our vets in Daventry will examine their weight and provide a tailored management plan.
Keeping senior pets mobile and lean
As pets age, joint wear and tear can lead to osteoarthritis. At the same time, excess body fat doesn’t just add physical strain, it actively fuels inflammation. Fat tissue produces inflammatory chemicals (cytokines) that can worsen arthritis, increasing discomfort and reducing mobility. The result is a cycle: weight gain leads to joint pain, joint pain leads to inactivity, and inactivity leads to further weight gain.
The good news? Our vets advise that managing weight is one of the most effective ways to reduce arthritis pain and improve mobility in senior pets. A leaner pet is very often a more comfortable pet.
Life quality, not just life length
When we talk about senior care, we focus on life quality, not just life length. Maintaining a healthy Body Condition Score (BCS) is central to this. You should be able to feel your pet’s ribs with gentle pressure, see a defined waist from above and notice a slight abdominal tuck from the side. Even small amounts of excess weight can significantly increase strain on ageing joints.
Regular weight monitoring allows us to make small adjustments before problems escalate so make sure you book regular weight checks with our veterinary nurses in Daventry.
Supporting comfortable movement
Our veterinary team at Daventry Vets explain that staying active is vital, and exercise should be adapted, not avoided. For dogs:
- Opt for shorter, more frequent walks rather than one long outing.
- Choose softer ground where possible.
- Gentle, controlled lead walks are often better than high-impact chasing games.
For cats:
- Encourage short play sessions using fishing-rod toys.
- Provide ramps or steps to favourite resting spots.
- Use low-entry litter trays for easy access.
For both:
- Add non-slip rugs on hard flooring.
- Ensure they can easily get in and out of bed without jumping
- Consider raised food and water bowls if recommended.
- Keep resting areas warm and well-padded.
Our vets in Daventry explain that these small environmental tweaks can make a significant difference in confidence and comfort, helping senior pets remain active and happy companions well into their later years. Weight management, appropriate exercise and early arthritis support are powerful tools in preserving mobility and enjoyment of daily life.
If you’re unsure about your pet’s weight or mobility, we’re here to help pets across Daventry, Rugby and Northampton. Book a senior pet weight assessment to review their Body Condition Score, discuss joint support options, and create a personalised plan to keep them lean, mobile and comfortable.
Looking for more advice on caring for an ageing pet? Be sure to check our other articles for tips from our team at Daventry Vets.
Pets & Puberty: The ‘Terrible Teens’ Explained
Has your once ‘perfect’ puppy suddenly stopped listening? Has your sweet kitten become unpredictable or aloof? Pets absolutely go through puberty! While we don’t usually see them dealing with teenage acne, they undergo a massive surge of hormones like humans do — in the veterinary world, we call this the adolescent phase.
During puberty — the period when they reach sexual maturity and become capable of reproducing — hormonal changes affect the brain, influencing confidence, impulse control and social behaviour. This can temporarily undo weeks or months of good training.
Below, you’ll find Vet Sarah’s tips to help you understand the biology behind the adolescent phase, and respond with patience rather than frustration. Have a read through and don’t hesitate to contact us at Daventry Vets for more advice.
Ask us for tailored advice for your teenage pet
Surviving the ‘teenage’ phase: supporting your pet’s development
Why behaviour can change
Sarah explains that in dogs, adolescence often occurs between 6–18 months (depending on breed). Hormonal shifts can increase independence, distractibility and risk-taking behaviour. That reliable recall can suddenly become selective.
In cats, puberty can bring territorial behaviours such as spraying, roaming attempts, vocalising or tension with other household pets. These behaviours are driven by natural instincts linked to maturity.
This isn’t them being difficult on purpose. During puberty, the brain undergoes a process called synaptic pruning, essentially rewiring itself. During that transition, their focus shifts from ‘please my owner’ to ‘explore the world and find a mate’. The key message from Sarah is that this phase is developmental, not defiance.
When does it happen?
The timing of the adolescent phase depends heavily on the species and, in the case of dogs, the breed size. Our vets in Daventry often advise owners to expect variation between individuals:
- Cats: Usually starts between 4 and 6 months.
- Small Dogs: Around 6 to 9 months.
- Large/Giant Dogs: Can start as late as 12 to 18 months.
What actually happens?
Just like in humans, the ‘primitive’ part of the brain (the amygdala, which handles emotions) develops much faster than the ‘rational’ part (the prefrontal cortex, which handles decision-making and impulse control).
| The Human Version | The Pet Version |
|---|---|
| Mood swings | Sudden selective deafness (ignoring commands they used to know) |
| Testing boundaries | Challenging the rules of the house or becoming more territorial |
| Growth spurts | Physical clumsiness as their limbs grow faster than their coordination |
| Hormonal drive | Roaming, “mounting” behaviour, or scent marking (spraying) |
Supporting your adolescent dog
Consistency is everything. Reinforce boundaries calmly and clearly. If recall slips, go back a step and use long leads and controlled environments to rebuild reliability.
Mental stimulation becomes just as important as physical exercise around Daventry, Rugby, Northampton and further afield. Puzzle feeders, scent games and short, structured training sessions help channel teenage energy constructively. Sarah recommends avoiding overwhelming situations and focusing on positive reinforcement.
Remember, large-breed dogs may mature more slowly. What looks like stubbornness is often an immature brain still learning impulse control.
Supporting your adolescent cat
For cats, neutering plays an important role in managing hormone-driven behaviours such as spraying and roaming. It can significantly reduce stress-related territorial behaviours whilst removing the risk of unwanted litters. Provide vertical space, scratching posts and predictable routines to help your cat feel secure. If tensions arise between cats in the household, ensure multiple feeding, watering and litter stations to reduce competition.
Patience wins
The adolescent phase can feel challenging, but it is temporary. Our vet Sarah suggests calm, consistent guidance and positive reinforcement help your pet develop into a well-adjusted adult. Avoid punishment-based approaches, which can increase anxiety during this sensitive developmental window.
Hormones, growth spurts and even underlying discomfort can all influence behaviour.If you’re unsure whether behaviour changes are purely developmental or linked to health, our vets in Daventry are here to help.
Book an adolescent health check at Daventry Vets to review your pet’s development, discuss neutering where appropriate, and get tailored advice to navigate this important life stage with confidence.
Helping Dogs and Cats Cope with Seasonal Allergies
Spring is well and truly here in Northamptonshire and with pollen levels on the rise, it’s that time of year when many of us are reaching for the tissues.
Dogs and cats don’t usually show hay fever in the way we do. Instead of runny noses, they often ‘breathe through their skin’. In practical terms, that means allergies are far more likely to appear as itching, redness and irritation rather than sneezing.
In this article, we present Vet Sarah’s tips for recognising the signs of seasonal allergies in pets. If you spot any of these, book an appointment to talk to our vets in Daventry.
Book a pet allergy appointment
Seasonal allergies: it’s not just hay fever
Common signs to watch for include:
- Persistent scratching or chewing
- Excessive paw licking or nibbling
- Face rubbing along carpets or furniture
- Red or inflamed ears
- Hair loss or thickened skin
- Sudden development of moist, painful patches (hot spots)
Our Vet Sarah explains that these symptoms can be subtle at first. A little extra licking after a walk may not seem significant, but allergies can quickly trigger what we call the ‘scratch–itch cycle’. The more your pet scratches, the more the skin barrier becomes damaged. This opens the door to secondary bacterial or yeast infections, which make the itching even worse.
It can be tempting to try a human antihistamine from the medicine cabinet. However, these are rarely very effective for pets with skin allergies, and some medications are unsuitable or unsafe depending on your pet’s health, size and other treatments. Correct dosing is also critical. For these reasons, it’s always best to seek advice from our vets at Daventry Vets before giving any medication.
At our veterinary practice in Daventry, we focus on identifying the underlying trigger and breaking the scratch–itch cycle early — before infections take hold. A tailored management plan from our team at Daventry Vets may include medicated shampoos to soothe and repair the skin barrier, dietary adjustments, a parasite control review or modern vet-prescribed itch-relief treatments that target the allergic response more effectively than traditional antihistamines.
Allergies are rarely ‘just a bit of itching’. They are a medical condition that can significantly affect your pet’s comfort and quality of life.
If you’ve noticed increased scratching, licking or skin changes this spring, book a seasonal skin assessment with our vets in Daventry. Early intervention can make all the difference in helping your pet feel comfortable, settled and able to enjoy the season ahead.
Looking for more pet care news? Be sure to check our other seasonal articles for tips from our vets in Daventry.
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.
