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Veterinary Advice

Free advice from our veterinary team

You will regularly find our vet Mara on our website. She collaborates on informative videos and plays a major role in this with her advice. In addition, you can contact our veterinary team by email: veterinarian@vetsend.co.uk. Our team can help you with topics including:

How to use a specific product
Which product is most suitable for your pet
Which food is best for your pet
How to use anti-parasite products for your pet, such as de-worming, de-fleaing and anti-tick products
How to use supporting supplements for your pet

Our veterinary team has years of practical experience and are very knowledgeable. By asking the right questions, we can help you properly in many cases and offer sound advice by mail or phone. It may happen that we cannot properly or fully assess the situation from a distance. Therefore, in some cases it is important that your animal is seen by a veterinarian at a clinic. Our veterinary team will always advise this in all honesty if necessary.

Independent nutritional advice with FeedWise at Vetsend

Looking for the best food for your dog or cat? At Vetsend, everything is about your pet’s wellbeing. That’s why we partner with FeedWise, a nutritional advice tool that helps find the perfect food for your pet, based on their unique needs. With FeedWise, we offer personalised nutrition plans, backed by science and expertise, to keep your pet healthy and happy. Get in touch and find out how we can help you!

Our team is on hand every day to offer personalised advice.

Receive free personalised advice from our paraveterinary team, who are committed to pet health every day. At Vetsend, we use the
independent nutrition tool FeedWise to offer personalised nutritional advice. Contact us today for expert advice for your pet.

Send us an e-mail:

veterinarian@vetsend.co.uk

Our vet

I am Mara van Brussel-Broere and have been your vet and point of contact at Vetsend since 2018. In 2008, I graduated as a companion animal vet (i.e. for dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents and birds) at the University of Utrecht. Veterinary medicine register: 160191. At Vetsend, I can put my park practice experience to good use to advise you properly with questions about your pet. I also enjoy sharing knowledge and information.

My name is Barbera and since 2019 I have been working as a paraveterinarian and content administrator at Vetsend. So here I am mainly concerned with the medical content on the website. Creating new products, writing informative blogs, but also providing you with advice if you have a question about your animal are examples of what I do. Super nice that I can still use my knowledge in this way!

Hi, I’m Carmen and I have been working at Vetsend as a content administrator since 2023. From an early age, I knew I wanted to do something with animals. From the age of 19 to 28, I worked at a veterinary practice. Until last year when it was time for a change. I really enjoy the fact that I can still use my veterinary knowledge and have contact with pet owners by e-mail/telephone. I also write texts for new products on our website and informative blogs, keeping me up to date with new products.

I am Armanda and have been working at Vetsend as a content administrator since 2023. The love for animals was in there from an early age and will never pass. By creating content for new products, writing blogs and giving owners expert advice, I am still expanding my knowledge. Within Vetsend , I can use my years of experience to help owners make the right choice for their pet’s health. Happy animal, happy owner!

Hi, I’m Sandra and have been working as a paraveterinarian and content administrator at Vetsend since 2017. I have always loved working in veterinary practice, but was looking for a bit more structure and peace after the arrival of my first child. I am happy that at Vetsend I can still help owners with my knowledge. I also enjoy adding new supplements and/or diet foods to the range, so I can always find a suitable product for your pet.

Hi, I’m Astrid and since 2024 I’m strengthening Medpets as content administrator paraveterinary. After a long career in veterinary practice in which I worked with love and passion, I have taken up a new challenge. I have taken my years of knowledge and expertise with me and hope to be able to help you and your pet(s) with this in the best possible way. Besides the veterinary advice I give, I write blogs and create new products that best suit your pet. I like to think along about innovative products and also have a broad knowledge of rabbit behaviour. So it’s great fun to still be able to do something for our pets in this way.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I best prevent fleas and ticks on my pet?

The best way to prevent fleas and ticks on your pet is through regular preventative treatments with flea and tick remedies. These can include spot-on drops, tablets, or special collars. Also, make sure to regularly check your pet’s coat and skin, especially after walks in nature. Don’t forget to treat the surroundings in case of a flea infestation. For a wide range of preventative products and advice, you can turn to us. If you’re unsure about anything or have a question, then please contact our veterinary team. They are more than happy to help!

Want to read more about ticks and fleas? Then check out the blog from our veterinarian.

How can I prevent dental issues in my pet?

You can prevent dental problems in pets by regularly brushing their teeth with special pet toothpaste, providing dental chews and toys, and having regular dental check-ups with the vet. Ensure good oral hygiene and consider a diet that supports dental health. For advice and suitable products, you can turn to Vetsend.

How can I prevent and treat obesity in my pet?

To prevent and treat obesity in your pet, ensure a balanced diet and regular exercise. Consider diet food or reduced portion sizes for pets with overweight. Consult a vet for tailored advice, especially if your pet is already overweight. For nutritional advice and suitable products, you can also turn to Vetsend. We can provide you with independent nutritional advice and help your pet achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

How do I recognise skin problems in my pet and what can I do about them?

Skin problems in pets, such as redness, itching, flaking, bumps, and hair loss, can indicate allergies, infections, or other conditions. A visit to the vet is important for an accurate diagnosis. Treatments can range from special shampoos and dietary supplements to medication or diet adjustments. Also, ensure good hygiene and nutrition to support skin health. For questions or advice on care and suitable products for your pet’s skin issues, you can always turn to Vetsend. Our team is ready to assist you with personalised advice and support.

How can I tell if my pet is in pain?

To determine if your pet is in pain, watch for signs such as changes in behaviour, reduced activity, decreased appetite, groaning, whimpering or meowing, excessive licking of a specific area, aggression or withdrawal, and a change in posture or gait. Pets often tend to hide pain, so subtle changes can be important clues. If in doubt, it is always best to consult a vet for an expert assessment. Additionally, you can always contact Vetsend for advice or to discuss your pet’s situation. Our team is ready to support you with information and appropriate products.

What is the best diet for my pet?

The best diet for your pet depends on various factors such as age, breed, health status, and activity level. For personalised and independent nutritional advice, contact our para-veterinary team. At Vetsend, we are eager to assist you in selecting the right food for your pet’s unique needs.

What are common allergies in pets and how can I treat them?

Common allergies in pets include food allergies, flea allergies, and environmental allergies such as those to pollen or dust. Support and treatment can range from hypoallergenic diets and anti-flea products to medication for environmental allergies. Consult a vet for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. For advice on products and allergies, you can always turn to Vetsend. Our para-veterinary team is happy to help!

How can I reduce stress and anxiety in my pet?

To reduce stress and anxiety in your pet, it is necessary to create a safe and calm environment. Ensure there is a secluded spot where your pet can retreat. Avoid known stressors and be alert to signs of discomfort in your pet. Products such as pheromone diffusers and calming supplements, available from us, can also be helpful. These products help to create a reassuring environment. Do not forget that regular physical exercise and mental stimulation are essential for your pet’s well-being. Should you require further advice or have questions about specific products, do not hesitate to contact Vetsend for personalised advice. We are here to help and support you in caring for your pet.

Why is my cat urinating in the house and what can I do about it?

If your cat suddenly starts urinating in the house, it could indicate medical problems such as urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or stress-related behavioural issues. First visit the vet to rule out health problems. Then consider the litter box situation; it should be clean, located in a quiet area, and filled with acceptable litter. Reducing stress, such as creating a calm environment or using pheromone diffusers, can also help. Avoid punishment, as this can increase your cat’s stress. Patience and understanding are essential to effectively address this behaviour. For non-urgent questions or advice, you can always contact us. We are ready to assist you with personalised advice for you and your pet.

How often should I worm my pet?

The frequency of worming your pet depends on various factors such as age, lifestyle, and the environment in which the pet lives. Generally, it is recommended:

For puppies and kittens: Worm them every two weeks from the age of 2 weeks for puppies and 3 weeks for kittens until they are 12 weeks old, then monthly until they are 6 months old.
For adult dogs and cats: Worm at least four times a year. Pets that are often outdoors or in contact with small children may need to be wormed more frequently.
For advice on the appropriate worming products, you can turn to us.

Tips from our veterinarian

Food allergies in cats and dogs

Did someone tell you that their pet has an allergy? Did your veterinarian suggest that your pet might be having problems due to allergies? Or do you suspect that your cat or dog has an allergy? Food allergies seem to have gotten more common in the past decade and every pet owner seems to have a pet with an allergy. The reason for this increase can partly be blamed on overlapping symptoms, which makes it quite difficult to give your pet the right diagnosis. In fact, scientific research has concluded that only 1 out of 100 skin conditions in dogs and cats can be traced back to a food allergy. As the symptoms and reactions can be quite confusing, it is important to understand what type of reaction your pet has to its food.

Fear, stress and pheromones

Pheromones are signalling molecules that are secreted by an animal. They can be picked up by another animal of the same species and may affect this animal's behaviour. The term "pheromone" is derived from Greek and is made up of two words: "pherein" (transport) and "horman" (stimulate). Pheromones were discovered in 1959 by Karlson and Lüsher. Most research studies focus on insect pheromones. For example, in bees, pheromones appear to play a defining role in social organisation. Mammals also communicate amongst each other using pheromones.

Myiasis in rabbits

Myiasis, also known as fly-strike, is a very painful and even dangerous condition. If it is not noticed in time, your rabbit could get very ill or even pass away. The disease mainly occurs in the warm summer months.

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