Pets are naturally very good at hiding illness. In the wild, showing weakness would make them vulnerable, so even domestic dogs and cats often continue eating, playing and acting normally while underlying problems develop.

Common conditions that may not show early signs include:

• Dental disease
• Heart conditions
• Kidney or liver disease
• Arthritis and joint pain
• Weight-related health issues
• Early skin or ear problems

By the time symptoms become obvious, the condition may already be more advanced.

Catching health problems early often means:

• Simpler, less invasive treatment
• Better long-term outcomes
• Reduced discomfort for your pet
• Lower overall treatment costs
• More treatment options available

In many cases, early intervention can significantly slow or even prevent disease progression.

Your pet’s health check is also the perfect opportunity to review:

• Vaccinations
• Flea, tick and worming protection
• Diet and weight management
• Dental care routines
• Lifestyle risks such as travel or boarding

At our practice, we also offer year-round parasite protection options, including our annual flea and tick protection injection for dogs, designed to help keep prevention simple and consistent throughout the year.

On a warm day, the temperature inside a parked car can rise extremely fast, far beyond the outside temperature. Within minutes, it can become hot enough to cause heat stress, heatstroke, and even death.

Pets are particularly vulnerable because they:

• Don’t sweat in the same way humans do
• Rely mainly on panting to cool down
• Can overheat much faster than people realise

If you are concerned that an animal is in danger:

1. Check the situation quickly – look for signs of distress.
2. Try to locate the owner immediately – ask nearby shops or venues.
3. Call for help – contact the police on 999 if the animal appears in immediate danger, or the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.
4. Stay with the animal until help arrives, if it is safe to do so.

No errand is worth putting a pet’s life at risk. If you are even slightly unsure, do not leave your pet in the car. A cool, safe home is always the best place for them to wait.

Fleas are tiny, wingless insects that feed on the blood of pets and wildlife. They reproduce rapidly, laying hundreds of eggs that can quickly lead to a household infestation.

Fleas are often difficult to spot because they are small and fast-moving. You may be more likely to find “flea dirt” (flea droppings), which appears as tiny dark specks in your pet’s coat. Some pets, particularly cats, groom excessively when affected, removing evidence of fleas before they can be seen.

The best way to prevent an infestation is regular use of an effective flea treatment. Once fleas become established in the home, eradication can take several weeks. Many flea treatments are available, but not all products are equally effective.

Ticks are especially common in wooded areas, grassy fields and moorland – exactly the sort of places many dogs love to explore. Different species of ticks feed on a variety of animals, including sheep, deer and hedgehogs, meaning pets that spend time outdoors are more likely to encounter these blood-feeding parasites.

What to look out for:

• A tick may appear as a small grey, brown or black lump attached to your pet’s skin.
• Ticks are commonly found around the head, ears, neck and legs.
• As they feed, they swell in size and can become much easier to spot.
• Pets may not always show signs of discomfort, so regular checks are important.

Tick-borne diseases in the UK and abroad

Ticks can transmit a range of diseases. In the UK, Lyme disease (borreliosis) is the most recognised tick-borne illness. Pets travelling abroad may be exposed to additional diseases, including babesiosis and ehrlichiosis, which can have serious health consequences. If you’re planning to travel with your pet, speak to your vet well in advance to ensure appropriate parasite protection is in place.

Prevention and removal

Effective parasite prevention remains the best defence against ticks. Dogs receiving our annual flea and tick protection injection benefit from continuous protection throughout the year, helping to reduce the risk of tick infestations and tick-borne disease.

If you find a tick attached to your pet:

• Remove it as soon as possible using a tick-removal tool.
• Ensure the tick’s mouthparts are removed completely.
• Avoid squeezing, twisting or pulling the tick with your fingers or ordinary tweezers, as this may increase the risk of irritation or infection.
• Contact us if you’re unsure how to remove it safely.

Parasites may be small, but they can have a big impact on your pet’s health and wellbeing. Regular checks, effective prevention and prompt treatment are the best ways to keep your pet protected.

With our reminder service and prescription-strength parasite prevention, staying on top of fleas, ticks and worms has never been easier. We offer a range of options, including spot-on treatments, three-monthly tablets and our increasingly popular annual flea and tick injection for dogs.

Our 365 Care Plan includes year-round parasite protection from just £21 per month, plus a host of additional benefits and savings. Ask a member of our team about joining and spreading the cost of your pet’s preventative healthcare.

Remember: preventing an infestation is always easier than treating one!

Dogs don’t regulate body temperature as efficiently as humans. They rely mainly on panting to cool down, which becomes less effective as the surrounding temperature rises. When combined with exercise, this can quickly lead to overheating.

Even on days that don’t feel extremely hot, factors like humidity, direct sun and lack of airflow can increase risk.

During summer, the timing of walks is more important than the distance.

• Early morning and late evening are safest.
• Midday walks should be avoided entirely on warm days.
• Always check pavement temperature before heading out. If it’s too hot to comfortably hold your hand on the ground for 5–7 seconds, it’s too hot for paws.

There is no single rule that fits every dog, but in summer the focus should shift from “distance” to “quality and safety”.

On hot days, consider:

• Shorter, more frequent walks
• Shaded routes such as woodland paths
• Sniffing games and mental stimulation instead of long walks
• Indoor play or enrichment activities during peak heat

Mental exercise can be just as tiring as physical activity and is often safer in extreme temperatures. Just 10–15 minutes of mental enrichment can be as tiring as a much longer walk, helping your pet stay happy and content during hot weather. Here are some simple ideas:

• Food puzzles and treat-dispensing toys – encourage natural hunting and problem-solving while rewarding your dog.
• Snuffle mats – hide treats among the fabric for your dog to sniff out.
• Scent games – hide treats or favourite toys around the house and ask your dog to find them.
• Training sessions – practise basic commands, tricks, or teach new skills such as spin, paw, or roll over.
• Scatter feeding – sprinkle kibble around a room or garden for your dog to search for.
• Frozen enrichment treats – stuffed Kongs, lick mats, or frozen pet-safe treats can provide both mental stimulation and cooling.
• Interactive play – gentle games of tug or hide-and-seek indoors.
• Obstacle courses – create simple indoor challenges using cushions, chairs, and blankets.

Summer exercise is still important, but it should always be safe, sensible and tailored to the conditions of the day. By choosing cooler times, watching for early warning signs and understanding your dog’s individual needs, you can keep them active without putting their health at risk.

Be vigilant and if you have any concerns please call Oakhill Vets on 01772 861300.