Heathfield Vets

01/10/2026

🪾Conkers and acorns are poisonous to dogs if chewed or eaten. Conkers contain a toxin called aesculin, whist acorns contain tannins, both of which can cause nasty gastrointestinal upset in small amounts and in larger amounts can lead to serious illness. Both acorns and conkers also pose a choking risk and could lead to intestinal blockage.

If you think your dog may have eaten acorns or conkers, call your vet ASAP. Never attempt to make your dog sick at home.

Reduce the chance of poisonings by keeping your dog on a lead if they are prone to eating anything they see, and working on the 'drop' or 'leave' command. Some pets that are avid forages may need to be muzzle trained to stop them picking up all the things they shouldn't - if this is your pet, speak to a member of our team about what kinds of muzzles are best suited for this.

30/09/2026

With our Platinum Pet Club home delivery, you never need to order and collect your pet's flea and worming treatments again. Visit our website to sign up today - https://heathfieldvets.co.uk/pet-care-plan/.

30/09/2026

**** Stray dog found - Please share ****

We have had a stray dog brought into us, they were found on Saturday in Horsebridge. If they belong to you, please call us on 01435864422. Proof of ownership will be required.

28/09/2026

Fireworks and bonfire season is already in full swing in Sussex and it's a good idea to be aware of any big shows in your local area so you can prepare your pets.

🎆 Upcoming bonfires 🎆

3rd October:
Eastbourne
Northiam
Rotherfield and Mark Cross

10th October:
Heathfield
Meeching and District

17th October:
Hailsham
Seaford
East Grinstead

24th October:
Littlehampton

30th October:
Isfield and Little Horstead

31st October:
Newick
Ewhurst and Staple Cross

5th Novemeber:
Lewes

7th November:
East Hoathly
Halland
Battle

14th November:
Rye
South Heighton

25/09/2026

Mushrooms have started springing up in gardens and woodland and unless you are trained mycologist it is incredibly difficult to tell which ones are safe and which are toxic. If your dog eats any wild mushroom we advise calling your vet ASAP. Take a few clear photos of the mushroom and if possible bring a sample of the mushroom with you to the vet. Make sure it is the one your pet has actually eaten from, as similar looking mushrooms can grow right next to each other. Signs of ingestion will vary depending on the type of mushroom and quantity eaten. Common indicators include:

🍄‍🟫 Drooling
🍄‍🟫Vomiting
🍄‍🟫Diarrhoea
🍄‍🟫Disorientated
🍄‍🟫Seizures

Mushroom poisoning can be fatal, do not wait until clinical signs appear. if you know your dog has eaten a mushroom, call the vet immediately.

Reduce the risk of mushroom ingestion by removing any offending fungi from your garden and keeping dogs on leads in mushroom heavy areas. Working on the 'drop' and 'leave' commands can also help.

24/09/2026

Pet insurance is something that we recommend to all pet owners. It can help pay the cost of veterinary treatment for any accident, illness or injury that your pet may suffer. While you may be restricted by any exclusions on your policy due to pre-existing conditions and the type of policy you take out, it is always worth checking if your pet's treatment might be covered.

What sort of things can I potentially claim for?

Itchy skin ✅ - The most common condition claimed for on pet insurance

Vaccinations ❌ - Routine care is not covered by insurance.

A bout of runny tummy ✅ - All too common and the costs can mount up. If it is over your excess, it's worth claiming.

Neutering ❌ - Classed as routine care and not covered by insurance.

A cracked nail ✅ - A common injury, whether your pet needs surgical removal or just goes home with a course of antibiotics, this is often covered by insurance.

TPLO surgery ✅ - An expensive orthopaedic surgery, something that is usually covered by insurance, but it is worth checking if your policy has any internal limits on cruciate repair.

Chronic pain relief ✅ - Any chronic medication can usually be claimed, you can claim each time you pick up a new supply or every few months. Most insurance companies also offer facilities to claim for medication bought at online pharmacies.

Flea and worming treatment ❌ - Routine care which is not covered by insurance.

Ear infections ✅ - Another common complaint which might need several visits over the course of months. It's easy to not realise how much costs have mounted and forget to claim.

We usually advise making the most of your insurance policy and claiming for treatment when you can. With some insurance companies, this can increase your premium, so when seeking out an insurer in the first instance it's always a good idea to look for one that guarantees that claims will not affect your premium.

23/09/2026

Someone had very kindly dropped in a cat collar they found in Heathfield. It is black with diamantes and a batman logo tag. A very unique collar! If your cat is missing it, please feel free to collect from the practice. 🐱

22/09/2026

We'll be closed from 12:30-14:00 today for a staff meeting and training so food and medication cannot be collected during these times, but we are here until 18:00 so please do pop in to see us outside of these times.

As always, if you have an emergency call us on our normal number 01435 864422 and our phone answering service will take a message for one of our team members to call you straight back.

Thank you for your understanding!

17/09/2026

We have sadly seen lots of reports of missing and stray ferrets over the last couple of months. Just a reminder that ferrets can be microchipped, which hugely increases the chances of reuniting them with their owners if they are brought into a vets. Depending on their temperament, microchips either be implanted whilst the ferret is conscious or with a light sedation if they are skittish or feisty. 🖤

15/09/2026