We have recently experienced an increase in cases where owners have given their pets salt water or hydrogen peroxide in an effort to make their pet vomit. These methods can cause toxic effects which may worsen the animal’s condition and can also potentially be fatal. In addition, in many cases [...]
Following a number of recent reports of confirmed and suspected appearances of blue-green algae on lakes and ponds around the UK, we would like to remind all dog owners to be vigilant when walking their dogs around water. Blue-green algae is most common in stagnant fresh water such as lakes [...]
We have been working with the Horticultural Trades Association, who have produced the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) Guide to Potentially Harmful Plants 3rd Edition. This guide has been produced to address the risk associated with certain species of plants, ensuring that the public is informed of potentially harmful plants at the [...]
There has been a shortage of supply of the Biomed antivenom (originating from Poland) which has caused issues here in the UK. It was due to the Polish regulator not being able to release the stock on time. Raman Pharma (who are the only importer of antivenom into the UK) received their [...]
The upcoming Easter celebrations mean that there may be many chocolate eggs and treats to tempt pets. Chocolate poisoning in dogs is one of the most common enquiries received by the VPIS, with the severity of the poisoning being influenced by the amount of eaten, and the type of chocolate [...]
Our annual memberships currently include an online subscription to the UK Vet Collection Journals. We would like to make our annual members aware that, due to lack of uptake, this will be discontinued from 31st October 2022. However, due to this we are able to continue to send information leaflets [...]
Many household disinfectants, such as antibacterial sprays and some patio cleaners, contain benzalkonium chloride, which is a cationic detergent. Cationic detergents are irritant and can cause adverse effects in cats that have licked or walked over treated surfaces. Disinfectants can be harmful to pets and so should be used sensibly [...]
We receive many enquiries regarding the ingestion of daffodil bulbs and flowers (Narcissus species) during the Spring months, and although most cases result in only mild signs, serious effects can occur occasionally. All parts of the plant contain alkaloids and glycosides, although they are most concentrated in the bulb; the exact [...]
The decision to prohibit the use of metaldehyde was announced in September 2020, following the advice from the UK Expert Committee on Pesticides (ECP) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) about the risks that metaldehyde poses to birds and mammals. The ban on metaldehyde is applicable to all users, [...]
Spring is coming and that means adders will become active. We have already received our first enquiries about adder bites. The adder (Vipera berus berus) is the only venomous snake native to the UK, and is also found across northern Europe. It is a protected species in the UK. Adders [...]
