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You can view our latest vacancies here.
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Are you a veterinary surgeon or registered veterinary nurse who is looking for a new challenge, rewarding career progression and a better work-life balance?
We're hosting recruitment open sessions for vets and RVNs interested in joining the Alder team on the following dates:
- (dates tbc)
Take the opportunity to find out more about Blacks; who we are, how we work, and what we have to offer.
Sessions will be hosted on a one to one basis; giving you the freedom, opportunity and dedicated time to ask any questions and find out what is important to you in your next career move.
Click here to register your interest and we'll be in touch to arrange a time to suit you.
To view our latest vacancies, click here.
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Whatever their age, annual health checks are an important part of your pet’s healthcare routine. Our pets are unable to tell us when they are feeling poorly so regular checks by your vet team are recommended to ensure they stay fit, happy and healthy and so we can spot signs of any issues sooner rather than later. We’ll work with you to provide the best advice and treatment.
Book your pets health check today
We will discuss your pet’s general health and daily routines give them a full clinical examination. The preventative approach really is the best way to ensure we give your pet the best care.
Your appointment will cover*:
- Vaccinations and re-start if required
- Parasite check and advice
- Weight check and advice
- General wellbeing and behaviour
- Lumps and bumps
- Listen-in to heart and lungs
- Skin and coat
- Eyes and ears
- Movement and mobility
- Teeth and gums
- Internal organs
- Anal glands
If you haven’t seen your vet in while or are behind with routine treatments, don’t worry - we’ll get you back on track and ensure your pet is in the best shape as we head into the spring.
Book your pets health check today
FAQ's
How can I make an appointment for a health check?
You can call us to book an appointment or conveniently book an appointment online, at a time to suit you.
How often should my pet have a health check?
It really depends on the individual pet. For most, a health check can be combined with your annual booster appointment although if you haven’t seen us in a while, it’s advisable to book a health check at least once a year so we can provide the best options for you in terms of re-starting vaccinations, general health and parasite control. Regular health checks will also help us to spot the signs of any problems sooner.
Do you offer a preventative healthcare plan that covers essential services and treatments?
Yes, we have our Pet Health for Life plan which covers routine healthcare such as vaccinations, annual health checks, parasite control and more. Click here to find out more and to sign up today.
What happens during a health check appointment?
One of our vets or nurses will check your pet’s skin, eyes, ears, paws, teeth and gums and chat to you about any changes to their daily routine so that we can provide the best healthcare advice and identify any concerns as soon as possible. We’ll talk you through some advice for home care and may also recommend additional treatments or services as a result.
As we head into the spring and summer months, what will my vet be looking for?
We often see an increase in skin diseases and in particular flea cases when we start entering into spring, as warmer conditions are ideal for flea pupae to hatch. Now would be a good time to check you are up to date with your parasite treatment. As we start to head outdoors and enjoy the warmer weather with our pets, our team will also discuss additional vaccinations with you to ensure your pet is protected against diseases like kennel cough which affects dogs.
*Health check will be charged at our standard consultation rate. Any additional services or treatment will be charged separately.
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Distemper is a virus that attacks several body systems including the respiratory and nervous system.
It is spread in the air and via contact with infected dogs and things they have touched. There is no cure for distemper; treatment can only be given to ease the symptoms. Distemper is a very serious illness that is often fatal, if a dog does survive initially, there are often long-term neurological problems that can include: seizures, limb paralysis and muscle spasms.
Don’t be too alarmed, we have your dog covered with a simple vaccination. Contact Blacks Vets in Dudley today!
What are the symptoms of distemper in dogs?
Symptoms of distemper vary a great deal, depending which organs are affected, symptoms are usually:
- cough
- fever
- inappetence
- lethargy
- runny eyes and nose
- diarrhoea.
This can then progress to more severe symptoms including:
- thickened nose and foot pads
- tremors
- paralysis
- seizures.
Can a dog recover from distemper?
Distemper can often be fatal, if a dog does survive initially, there are often long-term neurological problems that can include: seizures, limb paralysis and muscle spasms. Treatment can only be given to ease the symptoms; therefore, we recommend vaccinations.
What is distemper in dogs?
Distemper is a virus that attacks several body systems including the respiratory and nervous system. Distemper can be fatal, however, if a dog does survive, they are left with long-term neurological symptoms, therefore, we recommend vaccinations.
Can cats get distemper?
Dogs cannot transmit canine distemper to a cat, however feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) can also be referred to as feline distemper or feline parvovirus – is a viral disease that can cause severe illness in cats, attacking the immune system.
Can cats get distemper from dogs?
Dogs cannot transmit canine distemper to a cat, however feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) can also be referred to as feline distemper or feline parvovirus.
How do cats get distemper?
Feline distemper is predominantly spread through the air and then this is transmitted by breathing in the virus from an infected cat or environment. It can also be transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids (saliva, faeces, nasal discharge, or urine) of an infected cat.
How can canine distemper be prevented?
Distemper can be prevented with vaccinations. Contact us today in Dudley to book a vaccination appointment for your dog.
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Canine infectious hepatitis is an adenovirus that attacks the liver, blood vessels, immune system, kidneys, eyes, lungs, and heart. Symptoms can vary depending on which body systems are affected.
Infectious hepatitis spreads in bodily fluids (urine, faeces and saliva). Thankfully, canine infectious hepatitis has largely been eliminated due to excellent vaccination programme at Blacks Vets in Dudley.
What is infectious canine hepatitis?
Infectious canine hepatitis is a virus that attacks the liver, blood vessels, immune system, kidneys, eyes, lungs, and heart.
Can humans get infectious canine hepatitis?
There is no risk of transmission of hepatitis between dogs and people. The form that dogs can get is different from the human version (hepatitis B or C).
What are the symptoms of infectious canine hepatitis?
A mild case may only cause slight symptoms for a few days, but a severe case can cause a whole range of symptoms which also depend on which body systems are affected. These include:
- inappetence
- lethargy
- coughing
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- fever
- bruising
- swollen stomach
- disorientation
- pale or yellow (jaundice) gums
- seizures.
How is infectious hepatitis in dogs diagnosed?
Blood tests, ultrasound scans, as well as biopsies of the liver or collecting small samples of fluid, may be performed to diagnose canine infectious hepatitis.
For more information about hepatitis vaccines for your dog in Dudley please contact us.
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Dog herpes virus is a common virus and it is thought that as many as 80% of dogs will have been exposed to it in their lives.
Like all herpesviruses, dogs are infected for life once exposed. It hides in nerve cells and reactivates at times of stress. This disease is most serious in young puppies less than one month old and sadly most infected puppies will fade and die.
Infections in pregnant dogs can cause stillbirths, infertility and miscarriage, this is why a vaccine is usually advised for breeding dogs. Older dogs can also get eye and respiratory symptoms, but this is rare.
Contact us for an appointment in Dudley.
What are the symptoms of canine herpes?
Symptoms of canine herpes include:
- sneezing
- eye discharge
- ulcers in the eye (cornea)
- nasal discharge
- weepy eyes
- nasal congestion
- conjunctivitis (inflammation of the tissues that line the eyelids)
- squinting or difficulty opened the eyes
- fever
- lethargy
- reduced appetite
- enlargement of the lymph nodes.
Please contact us in Dudley if your dog is showing any of the above symptoms.
Can dogs get herpes?
Yes, dogs can get the canine form of the herpes virus known as canine herpes (CHV-1).
Can you catch herpes from a dog?
No, dogs cannot transmit herpes to humans. The human strains are HSV-1 and HSV-2 and these viruses are only able to live and reproduce in humans, the canine form is CHV-1 which can also live and reproduce in dogs.
Can dogs give humans herpes?
No, the canine herpes virus can only live and reproduce in dogs.
Can cats get herpes?
Yes, cats can contract herpes but only the feline variant, this can be also referred to as feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR).
Can cats give humans herpes?
No, cats cannot transmit herpes to humans. The herpes virus is species specific in all dog, cat or human variants.
Is feline herpes contagious?
Yes, feline herpes is highly contagious to other cats but can be prevented with vaccination protection.
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Kennel cough is the common name given to acute infectious tracheobronchitis which affects the upper respiratory system and often causes a dry hacking cough. Kennel cough is a mixed viral and bacterial disease which is why vaccinations provide protection, but they do not cover all strains with new variants emerging.
It’s most common in areas where lots of different dogs interact, such as kennels, parks, dog shows or doggy day-care centres, hence the name ‘kennel cough’.
Kennel cough is highly contagious and can survive in most environments for several weeks. Kennel cough can be transmitted in the air, by direct contact with an infected animal, or by the sharing of contaminated objects.
Contact your local Blacks Vets in Dudley today.
Contact us to book a vaccine appointment
What is kennel cough?
Kennel cough is the common name given to acute infectious tracheobronchitis which affects the upper respiratory system and often causes a dry hacking cough often referred to as a goose honk.
What are the symptoms of kennel cough?
The main symptom of kennel cough is:
- a persistent, dry, hacking cough.
- runny nose and eyes with severe cases or for cases affecting already unwell dogs, symptoms may present as:
- fever
- lethargy
- reduced appetite.
Contact us to book a vaccine appointment
What does kennel cough sound like?
Kennel cough sounds like a forceful hack which is often followed by a gag or swallowing motion. Some people often worry their dogs have something stuck in their throat from the sound. Although dogs can cough for a variety of reasons, we would always recommend your pet to be seen by a vet.
How long does kennel cough last?
In most cases, dogs will recover from kennel cough without treatment within three weeks, but it can sometimes linger for anything up to six weeks and is highly contagious to other dogs.
How do dogs get kennel cough?
Kennel cough can be transmitted in the air, by direct contact with an infected animal, or by the sharing of contaminated objects.
Can cats get kennel cough?
Yes, however it is extremely rare for cats to catch kennel cough.
Can cats get kennel cough from dogs?
Yes, however this would be extremely rare.
What are the symptoms of kennel cough in cats?
The same symptoms would present in both dogs and cats – these include coughing and if an animal is affected more severe with this, they may have cold like symptoms.
Please contact us in Dudley about Kennel Cough vaccinations for your dog.
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Leishmania is a parasite which causes a disease called Leishmaniasis. Leishmaniasis is a severe disease that can affect dogs and other mammals, including humans.
The parasite is transmitted to dogs via sandflies. Sandflies do not live in the UK, however, other countries in Southern and Eastern Europe sandflies are present and are a risk to a dog’s health. A dog that has travelled overseas to these areas may be at risk of becoming infected.
More cases are starting to be seen in the UK and it is possible that transmission can occur. The best preventable measure is vaccinations if you plan to travel with your dog. Before travel to areas where Leishmaniasis is prevalent speak to your vet about treatments to prevent sandfly bites.
Contact your local Blacks Vets in Dudley about Leishmania vaccines
What is leishmaniasis in dogs?
Leishmaniasis is a severe disease that can affect dogs and other mammals, including humans.
What are the leishmaniasis symptoms in dogs in Dudley?
Some dogs only develop symptoms of leishmaniasis months or even years after becoming infected. Symptoms include:
- weight loss
- lethargy
- increased thirst
- lesions on the skin
- painful eyes
- kidney failure.
How do you treat leishmaniasis in dogs?
Treatment varies depending on each case. Some dogs are infected but don’t show any symptoms whilst most of the cases need to receive medication support as well as having blood tests. The treatment itself isn’t curative and the dog will remain persistently infected so relapses can occur after medication is stopped. The best preventable measure is vaccinations if you plan to travel with your dog.
Is Leishmaniasis curable in dogs?
Leishmaniasis treatment itself isn’t curative and the dog will remain persistently infected so relapses can occur after medication is stopped. The best preventable measure is vaccinations if you plan to travel with your dog. Before travel to areas where Leishmaniasis is prevalent speak to your vet about treatments to prevent sandfly bites.
Can cats get Leishmaniasis?
Leishmania in cats in Dudley is very rare but can still occur. This would be in cats who have travelled overseas as sandflies who transmit leishmania do not live in the UK.
Please contact Blacks Vets in Dudley to speak to your vet about leishmaniasis vaccinations for your dog.
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Leptospirosis (lepto) is caused by bacteria. There are various strains of lepto and this disease is zoonotic (can be transferred to humans).
The human form of lepto is known as Weil’s disease, it can be fatal for both dogs and people. Leptospirosis is spread by infected dogs, mice, rats and cows. Dogs usually become infected by drinking, swimming, or walking through water that is contaminated with urine from an infected animal.
What is leptospirosis in dogs?
Leptospirosis (often shortened to lepto), is a bacterial disease that causes serious illness by damaging vital organs. Lepto bacteria can spread in urine and can enter the body through the mouth, nose or wounds. Lepto mainly causes damage to the liver and kidneys and can be life-threatening.
To book a vaccination appointment for your pet in Dudley please call your local Blacks Vets here
What are the leptospirosis symptoms in dogs?
Symptoms of lepto vary, but can include:
- fever
- jaundice (yellow gums and eyes)
- muscle pain
- limping
- weakness
- collapse
- inappetence
- increase thirst
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- bleeding from the mouth and eyes
- difficulty breathing.
How long is a dog contagious with leptospirosis?
After starting treatment, a dog may continue to pass lepto bacteria for up to six weeks.
Animals with Leptospirosis must be treated in an isolation unit as it can spread to other pets and the veterinary team.
Please contact us in Dudley about leptospirosis vaccine for your dog for more information.
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Canine parvovirus (parvo) is a highly contagious virus that spreads via faeces (often microscopic particles that cannot be seen visually) . The virus can live on the ground, on peoples clothing, in fur, on various surfaces and it can also be present on people’s hands that have encountered the virus. Parvo can remain outdoors, infecting unvaccinated dogs for many months and even years if in the right conditions.
Parvo is classed as a disease of the small intestines and stomach as these are the main areas the virus damages. The virus destroys cells, impairs the body’s ability to absorb nutrients and interferes with the gut barrier. Parvo in puppies also affects the bone marrow and lymphoid tissues, and in some cases, it can also affect the heart. Because of this, infected dogs become extremely dehydrated and malnourished, causing a further array of symptoms.
To book a vaccination appointment for your pet please call your local Blacks Vets in Dudley here
Parvovirus Vaccine for puppies
Vaccinations provide adequate protection against this virus and can help dogs live happier healthier lives. A puppy should receive two or three parvo vaccines and as directed by your vet throughout their lives. After this period, annual boosters are needed to keep dogs up to date with immunity and cover. Certain diseases, such as leptospirosis, only carry around 12 months of protection, which is why yearly boosters are required for full protection.
Certain breeds of dogs are also at an increased risk of parvo:
- rottweilers
- doberman pinschers
- Staffordshire bull terriers
- English springer spaniels
- German shepherd dogs
- labrador retrievers.
What are the symptoms of parvovirus in dogs?
The main symptoms of parvo are:
- bloody diarrhoea
- vomiting
- fever
- lethargy
- inappetence
- weight loss
- weakness
- dehydration.
These symptoms alone are serious, you should contact us immediately if you suspect your puppy has parvo.
Contact us to book a parovirus vaccine appointment in our Dudley practice.
Parvovirus Vacinnation FAQs
How do puppies get parvo?
Parvo spreads via exposure to infected faeces (often tiny particles that aren’t detected by the eye alone) and contaminated objects, such as a person touching your dog who has petted an infected dog.
Also, the virus can spread via contaminated objects such as bowls, leads or toys. Puppies and adult dogs with parvo start shedding the virus within four-to-five days of exposure. Unfortunately, dogs can be contagious before owners notice their dog is unwell. Puppies with parvo continue to shed the virus for up to 10 days if they have made a recovery from this illness.
The virus itself can survive indoors for at least one month, outdoors it can survive for many months and even a year under the right conditions.
How many parvo shots does my puppy need?
The core vaccines (two primary vaccines) are usually recommended, but it’s always best to speak to your vet as they may recommend a bespoke regime to best your puppy.
Can my older dog get parvo from a puppy?
Any unvaccinated dogs can get parvovirus, if your dog is fully vaccinated and up to date with these, then this would be highly unlikely to occur.
What are the first signs of parvo in a dog?
The first symptoms of parvo are usually:
- bloody diarrhoea
- vomiting
- fever
- lethargy
- inappetence
These symptoms alone are serious, you should contact us immediately if you suspect your puppy has parvo.
Can a dog survive parvo?
If a dog is treated rapidly and taken to a veterinary practice, this increases the overall chance of survival. Other factors such as underlying illnesses which may weaken or lower the immune system may affect a dog’s chance of survival. The earlier the treatment is carried out the higher the chance of survival. This is why we recommend preventative measures such as vaccines to cover from numerous potentially fatal diseases.
Can a dog with parvo survive?
If a dog is treated rapidly and taken to a veterinary practice, this increases the overall chance of survival. Other factors such as underlying illnesses which may weaken or lower the immune system may affect a dog’s chance of survival. The earlier the treatment is carried out the higher the chance of survival.
Can a dog with parvo survive without treatment?
Parvo has a mortality rate of around 91% without treatment, we would always immediately request to see a dog or puppy with suspected parvo for this reason, this is a highly contagious and serious virus that can cause rapid deterioration within 48-72 hours.
Can a dog survive parvo at home?
Parvo has a mortality rate of around 91% without treatment, we would always immediately request to see a dog or puppy with suspected parvo for this reason, this is a highly contagious and serious virus that can cause rapid deterioration within 48-72 hours.
How do you treat a dog with parvo?
There is no cure as such for parvo which is why vaccinating against it is important, however veterinary surgeons treat parvo symptomatically through treatments that include: placement in an isolation ward where they will be nursed intensively, rigorous rehydration support through intravenous fluid therapy, nutritional support often through feeding tubes if a dog or puppy is vomiting or in-appetent.
Antibiotics are sometimes used but only to treat secondary bacterial infections as antibiotics have no effect on viruses. Clinical teams will also intensively monitor a dog’s progress with blood tests, hospital chart records as well as monitoring heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, faecal output, urine output, hydration levels and overall demeanour.
Can humans get parvovirus?
Parvo is not a zoonotic disease and therefore cannot be transmitted from dogs to humans. There is, however, parvovirus B19 infection, which is a common and highly contagious childhood illness. The parvovirus that affects dogs is not the same as parvovirus B19 that affects humans.
Can humans get parvovirus from dogs?
Parvo is not a zoonotic disease and therefore cannot be transmitted from dogs to humans.
Can cats get parvo from an infected dog?
Although the risk is very small, there is some evidence to suggest that under certain circumstances the strain affecting dogs may also cause disease in cats.
To book a vaccination appointment for your pet in Dudley please get in touch
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