Hythe Vet Centre

07/08/2025

Two beautiful dog breeds, so similar yet so different! 💜

Can you tell these two breeds apart? 🤔🐾

Commonly confused, the Rhodesian Ridgeback (top) and the Hungarian Vizsla (below) have some striking similarities on first glance. Their Russet Gold and Wheaten colours can often be difficult to tell apart to the layman, but they are very different indeed.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback, originally a scent hound in South Africa, was later used in Zimbabwe to track and hold lions. Named for the distinctive ridge of reverse-growing hair on its back, the breed descends from the Khoikhoi people's dogs. Folklore claims a pronounced ridge signified courage.

The russet-gold Vizsla, used in Hungarian falconry since the 14th century, has a fine coat suited to high heat. Nearly lost in the World Wars, the breed was revived by refugees. Elegant and lightly built, the Vizsla carries a noble appearance.

06/08/2025

How to make your garden safe and enticing for your cat 🐈💜

05/08/2025

True story!! 😆💜

04/08/2025

Facts about urine patches on your grass 💜

If you have a dog, you're probably all too familiar with this image 🐶

Yellow patches on grass are a sign of where your four-legged friend has gone to the toilet. It's more common with female dogs, as males tend to c**k their leg up something rather than squat down to wee.

It happens due to the nitrogen that naturally occurs in your dog's urine. Although it looks like it's damaging or 'burning' the grass, it's actually the opposite! The grass and surrounding areas will get extra nutrients from your dog's wee, and may even start to look greener! 🌱

Unfortunately, yellow grass is inevitable and just a part of being a pet owner. Thankfully, there are ways to lessen the yellowing effect, including watering down the wee after they're done, providing your dog with more water, and using positive, reward-based training to teach them to p*e in a certain place.

More tips from our vets ➡️ https://pdsa.me/QkNN

[Visual description: A red Labrador is laying on the grass looking down at a yellow spot on the grass between their front paws.]

03/08/2025

Lab owners, how accurate is this?! 😆💜

02/08/2025

Check out our blog on nail clipping tips 💜

Learn how to safely and effectively trim your pet's nails. Discover the best tools & tips for clipping dog & cat nails, and how often to trim.

01/08/2025

Let’s see your lovely mutts! 📸💜

It's ! Did you know that owning a mixed-breed dog can have some benefits over a pedigree dog? 🐶

For example:
- A mutt is more likely to have a unique look as you're getting two, or potentially more, breeds in one pooch!
- They're less likely to inherit breed-specific health issues, so they could be generally healthier.
- Their personalities may be more unpredictable (in a good way!) as they come from a mix of different characters.
- You could end up with the best of both worlds if you like multiple breeds but can only have one dog.

Show off your gorgeous mutts in the comments ⬇️

[Visual description: A medium-sized crossbreed dog with long, shaggy hair is looking towards the camera.]

31/07/2025

Top tips for making friends with shy cats 🐈💜

Not all cats come cuddle-ready. Some are shy, cautious and may need time to warm up and come out of their shell. Read our top tips to help you make friends with a nervous cat here: http://spr.ly/MakeFriendsWithACat 🐾

[Image description: A calico cat crouched behind a wooden chair leg.]

30/07/2025

Cats legally need to be microchipped, find out the reasons why 👇💜

Microchipping is a quick and safe way to help make sure your cat finds their way back to you if they ever go missing.

A vet or trained professional inserts a tiny chip - about the size of a grain of rice - under the skin between your cat’s shoulders. It only takes a few seconds and shouldn’t cause much discomfort. That chip holds a unique ID number, which links to your contact details on a national database.

Benefits of microchipping your cat:

Better chance of being reunited: If your cat is found and scanned, they can be traced straight back to you.

It’s permanent: Unlike collars or tags, chips don’t fall off.

Proof of ownership: Helpful if there’s a dispute over a lookalike cat.

Cat flaps that know your cat: Some flaps scan chips, so only your cat can come and go.

Peace of mind: If your indoor cat gets out or your explorer goes missing, you’ve got a solid way to get them home.

Don’t forget to keep your contact details up to date on the microchip register!

29/07/2025

Signs of fear in rabbits 🐇💜

28/07/2025

Do you have a double-coated breed? We’d love to see them! 📸💜

27/07/2025

Top rabbit enrichment tips 🐇💜