About Whisker & Woof Services

We know at Whisker & Woof, that you want your pet to have the very best accessories. We have partnered with some exclusive independent retailers to bring you the Whisker & Woof look! Please come in store for a bespoke fitting and advice from one of our customer care team.

We take nutrition seriously and can provide individual dietary advice for your pet. Whether that’s a life stage food for a new puppy, or a prescription diet for an elderly cat with kidney disease, Whisker & Woof covers it all. In a world of internet searches and fads, it is increasingly difficult for pet owners to really know what’s best to feed their pets. For example, it’s common for pet owners to want to feed their dogs “grain-free”, when there is a study that shows a link between lower grain content diets and heart disease in certain breeds of dog. Raw diets are also very popular at the moment. There is no study data that supports a nutritional benefit, but there is evidence that dogs fed raw food are more likely to carry Salmonella sp and antibiotic resistant E.coli bacteria. Your veterinary surgeon is the best source of advice and information when it comes to pet nutrition, and we are always very happy to be able to discuss this important topic with you at any time.

We do offer house visits by prior appointment, but feel the vast majority of sick patients are best served by coming directly into the practice where we have the equipment and personnel to manage urgent or emergency cases quickly and effectively. If transport into the clinic is a concern we would advise, in the first instance, that clients ask a friend or family member to assist. There are also pet taxis and pet ambulances available to bring unwell pets directly to us. Home visit appointments are subject to availability on the day

If your pet is unfortunate enough to have to be hospitalised, you have peace of mind that they will be in good hands. We have comfortable and hygienic kennels for both dogs and cats, in separate facilities with individual climate control and soft bedding. We have a dedicated isolation ward for pets with infectious diseases, so that they can be safely barrier nursed away from other animals if the need arises. We will always keep you updated throughout the day, whilst your pet is in hospital and inform you of any changes as they arise. After hours care is with our partner practice Medivet Beckenham a short drive away, transport to and from their facility would be the responsibility of the client.

Managing pain is the cornerstone of what we do. Whether that’s acute ear or dental pain, or chronic pain associated with cancer or arthritis; we understand how debilitating and distressing untreated pain is for our pets. Recognising when pain is present is very challenging, for both owners and vets, particularly in cats and rabbits. Sometimes we don't know for sure that pain is present, but knowing that pets hide their discomfort from us and, from the human experience, knowing which conditions do or don't produce pain, enables us to make an informed decision when it comes to patient management. We often resort to a pain-relief trial, giving analgesics to see if they produce a positive behavioural response, that retrospectively tells us that pain is present. Good planning and pre-emptive treatment of pain is important for both surgical and medical patients. We have a vast array of pain treatments and techniques at our disposal and, at Whisker & Woof, we pride ourselves on fantastic pain management in every single patient.

It is obviously a very stressful time for you if your pet suddenly becomes seriously ill. For urgent or emergency patients we always aim to prioritise and assess them as quickly as possible. Part of that process is to take a history from you to guide next steps. Symptoms that require urgent or immediate care include the following, noting that this is not an exhaustive list:

• Difficulty breathing
• Fitting or seizures lasting more than 5 minutes
• Trauma
• Poisoning
• Difficulty giving birth
• Difficulty urinating
• Protracted vomiting/diarrhoea

  During our opening hours, we ask that you call us to advise us of your pet’s symptoms, and make provision to come to the practice as soon as possible if we deem urgent or emergency care is needed. On arrival at the practice, we will triage your pet and then likely admit him or her for diagnostics and stabilisation. Should your pet have a medical emergency outside of our normal opening times, after calling us you will be directed via an answer message to call Medivet Beckenham on 0208 650 2003 where a member of their team will be happy to assist you. Hospitalised inpatients at Whisker & Woof needing further care and/or monitoring overnight will also use this facility. All owners will be required to take their pet to and from the out of hours provider during any period of hospitalisation. As a third party, payment for Medivet Beckenham’s services is directed to them, including any insurance claims.

We always recommend clients take out insurance cover for their pet’s medical care. This gives peace of mind that, should the unexpected happen, you have the reassurance of being able to provide the best possible care. We can, subject to a risk assessment, agree to direct insurance claims in particular circumstances. There is an administrative charge for any direct claim fee agreed. Processing of non-direct insurance claims will also incur a claims processing fee. Please see our Terms & Conditions for more information about insurance claims.

With households having to watch their finances more closely than ever before, it’s reassuring to know that the team at Whisker & Woof is here to help when it comes to your pet’s preventative healthcare needs. When you join the W&W Platinum Health Plan*, you have peace of mind that the cost of your pet’s essential care is spread throughout the year by monthly direct debit. The W&W Platinum Health Plan includes the following:  

• Annual vaccination and comprehensive health check
• 12 months flea, worm and tick treatment
• Free microchipping
• 10% off neutering
• 10% off dentistry

  *Please note that the Health Plan does not cover consultations, diagnostic tests, and treatment should your pet become unwell. This would be covered by a separate pet insurance policy.

We can complete Export Health Certificates to non-European Union Countries, and  Animal Health Certificates to the European Union. Please contact us for further details.

Obesity is the silent epidemic sweeping our pet population. It is estimated that up to 65% of dogs and 39% of cats in the UK are overweight or obese. These numbers are certainly born out in clinic visits, and the impression is that pet obesity is on the rise. Being overweight causes huge problems for our pet’s health, reducing both quality and quantity of life. Obesity in animals has been linked to diabetes, arthritis, heart and respiratory disease, immune dysfunction, cancer, liver, and urinary tract diseases. If you think your pet is overweight and would like help in overcoming it, we would recommend you see one of our lovely nurses in our dedicated weight clinic. Here, we discuss and assess your pets body condition score and make recommendations to make your pet feel better by instituting a dedicated weight management program. We have access to prescription weight loss diets that really do work. Not only do we help your pet lose weight, we are also there to make sure they stay that way. Book an appointment today.

Our head vet is happy to discuss with neighbouring practices any difficult cases they may have, and is able to offer a limited referral service for internal medicine cases. We are also able to accept outpatient ultrasound and endoscopy services for local clinics. Interested vets can contact us directly to discuss their needs further.

Our head veterinary surgeon, Jason Way BVetMed CertSAM MRCVS, obtained the Certificate in Small Animal Medicine in 2001. This is a further qualification in internal medicine which covers topics as diverse as cardiac and respiratory disease, gastroenterology, neurology, endocrine disease, dermatology, and ophthalmology. The field of medicine requires an inquiring and thoughtful mind, which encourages clinicians to investigate their patients fully so that an accurate diagnosis can be made. Along with this further qualification and nearly three decades of experience, this means that your pet is in safe hands with us. It is much less likely that we would need to refer your pet outside of the practice which means most medical issues can be dealt with quickly and effectively in-house, saving you time and expense, and putting your mind at ease.

The number one presentation we see in first opinion small animal practice is canine allergic skin disease. This is by far the biggest problem we see in dogs, and to some degree cats. Allergies present in different ways, but common areas affected include ears, feet, and around the anal area. The key point to make is that allergies are long term and tend to escalate over time. Chronic untreated allergies can lead to permanent scarring and infection of the ears, and the constant itching makes dogs miserable, not forgetting the sleepless nights for their owners! At Whisker & Woof, we make an initial diagnosis fast and relieve your pet’s distress as quickly as possible. We then schedule a follow-up process over the coming months whereby we differentiate between food allergy and environmental allergy. We constantly refine and adjust the treatment plan so that ultimately your best friend is comfortable and happy, and you are empowered at home to understand and manage your pet’s condition. We also see a lot of chronic anal gland problems. Again, there is generally an underlying reason and simply expressing them every few months is not the long term solution. By taking care and digging a little deeper, we can often advise on why the problem is happening and can then start a management plan to control it.

Acute and chronic, vomiting and diarrhoea are very common presentations for dogs and cats in a small animal vet practice. There can be numerous causes including infections and parasites, particularly in younger pets, through to food allergy and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in others. Sudden onset illness is much easier to appreciate, with chronic disease the symptoms can be much more insidious. Poor body condition, intermittent vomiting and eating grass or a soft stool can be more subtle signs. Approximately, 80% of “fussy” dogs also have disease in their digestive tract. Cats that vomit every 2-4 weeks also nearly always have gut disease. In many patients, the problem goes unnoticed and untreated for years until the condition escalates or potentially changes to cancer. At Whisker & Woof, we actively screen for these problems in our annual check-ups so that we can help your pet at an early stage. Our Head Vet  has a personal interest in gastroenterology and we have the endoscopy equipment on site to make a diagnosis and get your pet back on track and living life to the full.

At Whisker & Woof, we have invested in rigid and flexible endoscopes that enable us to examine noses and bladders, through to the lungs and the digestive tract in both dogs and cats. We also have the training and experience to operate these sophisticated diagnostic tools, and use them purposefully to take samples and get to a diagnosis.

We have digital radiography on site which means we can take an x-ray of your pet and have an exquisitely detailed image, on screen, in a few seconds. This means your pet is sedated or anaesthetised for a shorter period of time which helps reduce any risks. We have conventional x-ray as above, and also dental x-ray. The standard of care in veterinary dentistry has improved over the last decade, and good quality dental work does require support from dental x-rays, especially so for cats where they can have hidden dental lesions below the gumline. Also in our imaging suite, is an outstanding ultrasound machine, the standard of which would meet that required for referral cardiology. The better the machine, the more accurate the images and report will be, which ultimately means more robust diagnoses and better outcomes for our animal patients. Investing in quality medical equipment and experienced, passionate staff to be the best for your beloved pets is the Whisker & Woof way.

Surgery is often a solution for many problems seen at the practice, from a simple wart removal to more complex cancer surgeries requiring reconstructive techniques. We understand how stressful the thought of surgery can be, so we always spend time with you discussing why surgery is required, the procedure itself, any potential risks, and the aftercare involved once your pet is at home recovering. At Whisker & Woof we have a dedicated theatre for surgery and use the very best equipment to make sure your pet gets the right outcome. We use surgical gowns, masks, hats and sterile gloves; and your pet will be closely monitored under anaesthetic by a registered veterinary nurse at all times. No expense is spared in making sure your pet has the very best in pain-relief, even for more routine surgery such as neutering. We know that if your pet is comfortable he or she will recover much faster.

Dental disease comes to all our pets in one form or another. Trauma and concussive injury, and fracture of the tooth crown is common. By far and away the biggest problem is gingivitis or inflammation of the gums. This can occur as a juvenile form, in young cats for example, or more commonly, as a chronic accumulation of plaque and tartar in mature pets. The inflammation causes retraction of the gums and loosening of the dental ligaments leading to infection, pain and eventually tooth loss. In particularly bad mouths, there is a theory that bacteria from these dental infections can even colonise the heart valves, liver and kidneys. At Whisker & Woof we do things differently. We don’t wait until it’s too late. Our clinicians create a bespoke dental strategy for each patient we see, advising on remedial work and dental homecare to make sure your pet’s oral hygiene is as good as it can be. Whilst it is always difficult to completely eliminate the need for extractions, our aim would be to minimise the risk of that. To this end, we advise regular dental cleaning under general anaesthetic throughout your pet’s life, which will help to avoid a big dental procedure with multiple extractions when your pet is older.

There are numerous benefits from neutering your pet. Essential in cats to prevent fighting and bite injuries along with the spread of infectious disease; unwanted pregnancy and kittens; and secondary “Tom Cat” characteristics such as urine spraying and malodour. In dogs, neutering helps prevent unwanted pregnancy, hypersexual behaviour and interdog aggression. It eliminates the risk of testicular tumours and prostate disease in males; and ovarian and mammary tumours in females. Neutering prevents pyometra, or a uterine infection, in bitches (and cats although this is rare in this species) which can lead to sepsis and can be fatal if left untreated. The downsides to neutering include changes in coat quality, weight gain, urinary incontinence and, less commonly, an increase in aggression. Recently, there has been a focus on the timing of neutering in certain breeds, and study data that shows a reduction in joint disease and cancer risk in certain types of dog if neutered at a particular time. We always discuss neutering your pet as the individual that they are, using the latest scientific recommendations to come to the most informed decision as possible.

Vaccination against infectious diseases is a vital part of your pets overall health. The annual health check and vaccination is not only an opportunity to administer protection against bacterial and viral infections, it is an unmissable opportunity to take a thorough history and perform a complete physical examination. Along with the patient’s breed and lifestage, this information can be used to detect health problems at their earliest opportunity, making them much easier to treat. At Whisker & Woof, we always recommend that your pet is vaccinated (unless there are specific reasons not to), and we will provide invaluable and personalised healthcare advice, bespoke to your pet.

Parasites, both internal and external, pose a threat to our pet’s health. Here at Whisker & Woof, we take parasite control seriously, and always make a recommendation to protect your pet. Fleas, a relatively minor affliction in healthy adult pets, can cause life threatening anaemia in the very young. Ticks, more prevalent in particular wooded areas, can transmit Lyme’s Disease. Of most concern is lungworm, the most common of species of which is Angiostrongylus vasorum, which can cause bleeding and respiratory distress, and can be fatal. We can offer tailored advice as to which products would suit your particular pet and his or her lifestyle.

Comprehensive Senior Pet Care: Ensuring a Happy, Healthy Life in Their Golden Years

As our pets grow older, they often face unique health challenges that require a deeper understanding of their changing needs. Senior pets, much like elderly humans, experience age-related conditions that can significantly impact their quality of life. The good news is that with proper care, attention, and regular check-ups, we can help our pets live longer, healthier, and more comfortable lives. By identifying and managing age-related conditions early on, we can provide them with the best possible care as they transition into their senior years. Common Health Issues in Older Pets

Just like humans, pets can suffer from a variety of health problems as they age. Many of these conditions can be managed effectively with early intervention. Some of the most common health issues affecting senior pets include:

• Arthritis and Joint Problems: Older pets often experience arthritis or other musculoskeletal issues that can lead to pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving. This can affect their mobility and overall comfort.
• Obesity: As pets age, they may become less active, leading to weight gain. Obesity in senior pets can exacerbate other health problems like arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes.
• Dental Problems: Dental disease is common in older pets and can lead to painful infections, tooth loss, and difficulty eating. Regular dental exams are crucial in preventing these issues from affecting your pet’s health.
• High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Just like humans, pets can develop high blood pressure, which can lead to damage to the kidneys, eyes, and heart if left untreated.
• Dementia and Cognitive Dysfunction: Senior pets can suffer from a condition similar to Alzheimer's disease in humans, called canine or feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome. Symptoms may include confusion, disorientation, disrupted sleep patterns, and changes in behavior.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Conditions such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, and Cushing’s disease become more prevalent as pets age. These conditions can affect their energy levels, weight, and overall health.
• Heart and Respiratory Conditions: Older pets are more prone to heart disease, including conditions like heart murmurs or congestive heart failure, as well as lung diseases such as chronic bronchitis or pneumonia.
• Kidney and Liver Disease: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and liver dysfunction are common in older pets and can significantly impact their overall health. These diseases often progress slowly, which is why early detection is crucial.

The Importance of Regular Senior Health Exams

Regular senior health exams are the foundation of proactive pet care. These exams are designed to catch health issues early, even before they manifest obvious symptoms. By starting with a comprehensive health history and thorough physical examination, we can get a clear picture of your pet’s overall health. During these exams, we pay particular attention to changes that might otherwise go unnoticed. In addition to the physical exam, we may recommend additional diagnostic tests to assess your pet’s internal health, such as:

• Blood Work (Wellness Blood Test): A routine blood test is one of the most important tools we have for detecting hidden health issues. It can reveal signs of kidney or liver disease, infections, anemia, and diabetes, among other conditions.
• Urinalysis: A urine test can help detect early signs of kidney disease, urinary tract infections, or diabetes.
• Blood Pressure Measurement: Just like in humans, monitoring your pet’s blood pressure is important to detect high blood pressure early, which can lead to serious complications like kidney failure or blindness.
• X-rays and Ultrasound: In some cases, imaging studies may be necessary to evaluate the heart, lungs, kidneys, or joints for any abnormalities.
• Dental Exam: Dental disease is one of the most common but often overlooked issues in senior pets. Regular dental exams are essential to prevent infections that can affect overall health.

A Holistic Approach to Senior Pet Care

Once we’ve conducted a thorough examination and diagnostic tests, we will discuss any findings with you in detail. If we discover any health concerns, we will develop a personalised care plan tailored to your pet’s needs. This plan might include lifestyle changes, medications, or further testing. Some of the key elements of senior pet care include:

• Nutrition: As pets age, their dietary needs change. Senior pets often require food with fewer calories, higher fiber, and nutrients that support joint health, kidney function, and overall vitality. We may recommend specific senior diets that cater to your pet’s needs.
• Weight Management: Keeping your senior pet at a healthy weight is crucial for preventing obesity-related health problems. If necessary, we’ll work with you to create a weight-loss plan to improve your pet’s quality of life.
• Pain Management: For conditions like arthritis, pain management is essential. We may recommend anti-inflammatory medications, joint supplements, or other therapies to help ease your pet’s discomfort and improve mobility.
• Physical Activity: While senior pets may not be as active as they were in their younger years, gentle exercise can still help maintain their strength and mobility. Short walks, gentle play, and low-impact activities can keep them fit and healthy.
• Cognitive Care: If your pet is showing signs of cognitive dysfunction, we may suggest specific treatments, including dietary changes, medications, and environmental enrichment to help slow the progression of the disease.
• Regular Monitoring: Ongoing monitoring is critical to ensure that any diagnosed conditions are being effectively managed. Follow-up exams, regular blood tests, and continued observation will help keep your pet’s health on track.

Providing a Comfortable and Fulfilling Life for Your Senior Pet

The ultimate goal of senior pet care is to ensure that your pet lives as long as possible while maintaining a good quality of life. With the right care and attention, many senior pets continue to thrive well into their golden years. While ageing brings challenges, it also offers opportunities to deepen the bond between you and your pet, as you work together to ensure they remain comfortable, happy, and well-cared for. By staying on top of your pet’s health through regular exams, early detection of potential issues, and ongoing management, we can help your senior pet enjoy their twilight years with comfort and joy. It’s about making the most of every moment and ensuring that your pet’s later years are just as fulfilling as their younger ones.

At Whisker & Woof, we are committed to providing expert care for small mammals, small birds, rabbits, and guinea pigs. Our team is experienced in delivering high-quality, compassionate veterinary care tailored to the specific needs of these beloved pets. We understand the unique requirements of these species, and we are proud to offer a range of services to ensure their health and well-being.

Care for Small Mammals, Rabbits & Guinea Pigs

Small mammals such as hamsters, gerbils, and rats, as well as rabbits, have distinct health needs that require specialized care. At Whisker & Woof, we provide comprehensive veterinary services for these animals, including:

• Preventative Care: Routine wellness exams, vaccinations, and parasite control to maintain optimal health.

• Dental Care: Addressing common dental problems, such as overgrown teeth, which are particularly important for rabbits and guinea pigs.

• Surgical Services: Performing necessary procedures, including spaying, neutering, and treatment of common health conditions.

• Behavioural Advice: Offering guidance on behavioural issues and helping ensure your small mammal or rabbit lives a happy and healthy life.

Our team is dedicated to ensuring that each of these small animals receives individualised care in a gentle, stress-free environment.

Care for Small Birds

We also offer care for small bird species, such as finches, canaries, and budgerigars. These birds have specific needs when it comes to diet, health, and behaviour, and we provide the following services:

• Health Check-ups: Regular examinations to monitor overall health and detect common issues such as respiratory problems or feather-plucking.

• Avian Diagnostics: Blood work, radiographs, and fecael testing to diagnose illnesses, infections, and nutritional imbalances.

• Nutritional Guidance: Offering advice on species-specific diets and feeding strategies to prevent deficiencies and promote longevity.

We are committed to maintaining the health and happiness of your feathered friends, ensuring they thrive in their environment.

Reptiles, Large Birds, and Fish: Specialised Care and Referral

We recognise that reptiles, large birds, and fish have highly specialized care needs that require expertise beyond our general practice. These animals benefit from veterinary specialists with advanced knowledge in their unique care requirements, including specific environmental conditions, diets, and health concerns.

For reptiles, such as tortoises, lizards, and snakes, as well as large birds, including macaws, cockatoos, and other exotic species, and fish, we strongly advise seeking care from veterinarians who specialise in these areas. These species require specific environmental assessments, advanced diagnostics, and treatments that are best provided by experts trained in exotic animal care.

At Whisker & Woof, we are happy to guide you to trusted veterinary specialists who can offer the comprehensive care your exotic pets need. We believe in ensuring that all animals—whether small mammals, birds, or more exotic species—receive the very best care, and we will help connect you to the right resources for your pet.

We love cats! They are a unique species, and are not just “small dogs”. At Whisker & Woof, we understand the particular needs of cats and their owners. We showcase our love of all things feline, in how we approach their care. We always handle cats as gently and calmly as possible and minimise any stress during their in-clinic visit. Our Head Vet, has a personal interest in feline medicine, and has a wealth of knowledge in this particular area. We have a dedicated and separate cat ward, with specialised cat kennels that meet the standard for the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM), a charity that champions standards of care for cats in veterinary medicine. We will attempt to gain our ISFM accreditation as a ISFM Cat Friendly Clinic…watch this space!

Your puppy or kitten's first visit to our practice is really important. It provides an opportunity for them to meet us in a calm and fun manner, reassuring them that the vet’s is a great place to be. It allows us to undertake that important health check from nose to tail, reassuring you that your new edition is fit and well. A microchip can also be implanted if it hasn’t been done already. At this appointment, our vets can offer advice on topics such as nutrition, parasite control, neutering, and socialisation; especially important for first-time pet owners.