Has your once ‘perfect’ puppy suddenly stopped listening? Has your sweet kitten become unpredictable or aloof? Pets absolutely go through puberty! While we don’t usually see them dealing with teenage acne, they undergo a massive surge of hormones like humans do — in the veterinary world, we call this the adolescent phase.
During puberty — the period when they reach sexual maturity and become capable of reproducing — hormonal changes affect the brain, influencing confidence, impulse control and social behaviour. This can temporarily undo weeks or months of good training.
Below, you’ll find Vet Nicola’s tips to help you understand the biology behind the adolescent phase, and respond with patience rather than frustration. Have a read through and don’t hesitate to contact us at Avenues Vets for more advice.
Ask us for tailored advice for your teenage pet
Surviving the ‘teenage’ phase: supporting your pet’s development
Why behaviour can change
Nicola explains that in dogs, adolescence often occurs between 6–18 months (depending on breed). Hormonal shifts can increase independence, distractibility and risk-taking behaviour. That reliable recall can suddenly become selective.
In cats, puberty can bring territorial behaviours such as spraying, roaming attempts, vocalising or tension with other household pets. These behaviours are driven by natural instincts linked to maturity.
This isn’t them being difficult on purpose. During puberty, the brain undergoes a process called synaptic pruning, essentially rewiring itself. During that transition, their focus shifts from ‘please my owner’ to ‘explore the world and find a mate’. The key message from Nicola is that this phase is developmental, not defiance.
When does it happen?
The timing of the adolescent phase depends heavily on the species and, in the case of dogs, the breed size. Our vets in Glasgow often advise owners to expect variation between individuals:
- Cats: Usually starts between 4 and 6 months.
- Small Dogs: Around 6 to 9 months.
- Large/Giant Dogs: Can start as late as 12 to 18 months.
What actually happens?
Just like in humans, the ‘primitive’ part of the brain (the amygdala, which handles emotions) develops much faster than the ‘rational’ part (the prefrontal cortex, which handles decision-making and impulse control).
| The Human Version | The Pet Version |
|---|---|
| Mood swings | Sudden selective deafness (ignoring commands they used to know) |
| Testing boundaries | Challenging the rules of the house or becoming more territorial |
| Growth spurts | Physical clumsiness as their limbs grow faster than their coordination |
| Hormonal drive | Roaming, “mounting” behaviour, or scent marking (spraying) |
Supporting your adolescent dog
Consistency is everything. Reinforce boundaries calmly and clearly. If recall slips, go back a step and use long leads and controlled environments to rebuild reliability.
Mental stimulation becomes just as important as physical exercise around Lanarkshire. Puzzle feeders, scent games and short, structured training sessions help channel teenage energy constructively. Nicola recommends avoiding overwhelming situations and focusing on positive reinforcement.
Remember, large-breed dogs may mature more slowly. What looks like stubbornness is often an immature brain still learning impulse control.
Supporting your adolescent cat
For cats, neutering plays an important role in managing hormone-driven behaviours such as spraying and roaming. It can significantly reduce stress-related territorial behaviours whilst removing the risk of unwanted litters. Provide vertical space, scratching posts and predictable routines to help your cat feel secure. If tensions arise between cats in the household, ensure multiple feeding, watering and litter stations to reduce competition.
Patience wins
The adolescent phase can feel challenging, but it is temporary. Our vet Nicola suggests calm, consistent guidance and positive reinforcement help your pet develop into a well-adjusted adult. Avoid punishment-based approaches, which can increase anxiety during this sensitive developmental window.
Hormones, growth spurts and even underlying discomfort can all influence behaviour.If you’re unsure whether behaviour changes are purely developmental or linked to health, our vets in Glasgow are here to help.
Book an adolescent health check at Avenues Vets to review your pet’s development, discuss neutering where appropriate, and get tailored advice to navigate this important life stage with confidence.
It’s common to hear, “they’re just slowing down because they’re getting older”. But while ageing in pets may bring natural changes – significant stiffness, weight gain and reduced activity are not simply inevitable. In many cases, they’re linked and manageable.
In the article below, our team at Avenues Vets have prepared a guide on mobility changes you can expect to see in your older pet as well as ways of keeping them mobile later in life. Book a senior pet assessment and our vets in Glasgow will examine their weight and provide a tailored management plan.
Keeping senior pets mobile and lean
As pets age, joint wear and tear can lead to osteoarthritis. At the same time, excess body fat doesn’t just add physical strain, it actively fuels inflammation. Fat tissue produces inflammatory chemicals (cytokines) that can worsen arthritis, increasing discomfort and reducing mobility. The result is a cycle: weight gain leads to joint pain, joint pain leads to inactivity, and inactivity leads to further weight gain.
The good news? Our vets advise that managing weight is one of the most effective ways to reduce arthritis pain and improve mobility in senior pets. A leaner pet is very often a more comfortable pet.
Life quality, not just life length
When we talk about senior care, we focus on life quality, not just life length. Maintaining a healthy Body Condition Score (BCS) is central to this. You should be able to feel your pet’s ribs with gentle pressure, see a defined waist from above and notice a slight abdominal tuck from the side. Even small amounts of excess weight can significantly increase strain on ageing joints.
Regular weight monitoring allows us to make small adjustments before problems escalate so make sure you book regular weight checks with our veterinary nurses in Glasgow.
Supporting comfortable movement
Our veterinary team at Avenues Vets explain that staying active is vital, and exercise should be adapted, not avoided. For dogs:
- Opt for shorter, more frequent walks rather than one long outing.
- Choose softer ground where possible.
- Gentle, controlled lead walks are often better than high-impact chasing games.
For cats:
- Encourage short play sessions using fishing-rod toys.
- Provide ramps or steps to favourite resting spots.
- Use low-entry litter trays for easy access.
For both:
- Add non-slip rugs on hard flooring.
- Ensure they can easily get in and out of bed without jumping
- Consider raised food and water bowls if recommended.
- Keep resting areas warm and well-padded.
Our vets in Glasgow explain that these small environmental tweaks can make a significant difference in confidence and comfort, helping senior pets remain active and happy companions well into their later years. Weight management, appropriate exercise and early arthritis support are powerful tools in preserving mobility and enjoyment of daily life.
If you’re unsure about your pet’s weight or mobility, we’re here to help. Book a senior pet weight assessment to review their Body Condition Score, discuss joint support options, and create a personalised plan to keep them lean, mobile and comfortable.
Looking for more advice on caring for an ageing pet? Be sure to check our other articles for tips from our team at Avenues Vets.
For some pets, a trip to our veterinary practice in Glasgow can feel overwhelming. New smells, unfamiliar sounds and travel in the car can all trigger anxiety. The good news is that vet visits don’t have to be stressful, and creating a calmer experience is something we work on together.
At Avenues Vets, we prioritise a low-stress environment. Wherever possible, we provide pet-specific seating areas to prevent sensory overload and minimise close contact with other animals. Below, our vets in Glasgow have also put together some tips for calming your pet before their visit. Have a read and don’t hesitate to contact us for more advice.
Ask us for tailored advice for nervous pets
Happy vet visits: how we work together
Our team at Avenues Vets are trained in gentle handling techniques and using positive reinforcement throughout the examination, allowing pets time to settle. We can also use calming pheromone diffusers, such as Feliway for cats and Adaptil for dogs, to help reduce anxiety in waiting and consulting areas.
Why does this matter? Because a relaxed pet isn’t just happier — they’re easier to examine thoroughly and accurately. Reduced stress means more reliable heart rates, better abdominal palpation and a more positive association with future visits. That leads to better preventative care from our vets and earlier detection of problems.
There’s plenty you can do at home to help too.
Pre-visit checklist
The ‘practice run’
Help your pet feel comfortable with their carrier, crate or car harness well before your appointment at Avenues Vets:
- Leave carriers out at home with cosy bedding, toys and even some treats inside.
- Reward your pet for calmly going in and out.
- Short, positive car journeys that don’t end at the vet can also reduce travel anxiety.
Touch training
In a relaxed setting, gently handle your pet’s paws, ears and mouth, rewarding calm behaviour with praise or treats. This helps desensitise them to the type of gentle handling they’ll experience during an examination by our vets in Glasgow.
The hunger factor
If appropriate, bring your pet’s favourite high value treats to your appointment. Special rewards they don’t usually get can help build positive associations with the clinic environment.
If your pet is particularly nervous, we can help further. We offer ‘happy visits’ – short, pressure-free trips to our Glasgow veterinary practice – where pets can explore, receive treats and leave without a medical procedure.
Ask us about tailored advice for nervous pets or book a pre-visit chat with one of our nurses to create a bespoke plan. Working together, we can make vet visits a calmer, more positive experience for everyone.
Contact us for tailored advice
Spring is well and truly here in Lanarkshire and with pollen levels on the rise, it’s that time of year when many of us are reaching for the tissues.
Dogs and cats don’t usually show hay fever in the way we do. Instead of runny noses, they often ‘breathe through their skin’. In practical terms, that means allergies are far more likely to appear as itching, redness and irritation rather than sneezing.
In this article, we present Vet Nicola’s tips for recognising the signs of seasonal allergies in pets. If you spot any of these, book an appointment to talk to our vets in Glasgow.
Book a pet allergy appointment
Seasonal allergies: it’s not just hay fever
Common signs to watch for include:
- Persistent scratching or chewing
- Excessive paw licking or nibbling
- Face rubbing along carpets or furniture
- Red or inflamed ears
- Hair loss or thickened skin
- Sudden development of moist, painful patches (hot spots)
Our Vet Nicola explains that these symptoms can be subtle at first. A little extra licking after a walk may not seem significant, but allergies can quickly trigger what we call the ‘scratch–itch cycle’. The more your pet scratches, the more the skin barrier becomes damaged. This opens the door to secondary bacterial or yeast infections, which make the itching even worse.
It can be tempting to try a human antihistamine from the medicine cabinet. However, these are rarely very effective for pets with skin allergies, and some medications are unsuitable or unsafe depending on your pet’s health, size and other treatments. Correct dosing is also critical. For these reasons, it’s always best to seek advice from our vets at Avenues Vets before giving any medication.
At our veterinary practice in Glasgow, we focus on identifying the underlying trigger and breaking the scratch–itch cycle early — before infections take hold. A tailored management plan from our team at Avenues Vets may include medicated shampoos to soothe and repair the skin barrier, dietary adjustments, a parasite control review or modern vet-prescribed itch-relief treatments that target the allergic response more effectively than traditional antihistamines.
Allergies are rarely ‘just a bit of itching’. They are a medical condition that can significantly affect your pet’s comfort and quality of life.
If you’ve noticed increased scratching, licking or skin changes this spring, book a seasonal skin assessment with our vets in Glasgow. Early intervention can make all the difference in helping your pet feel comfortable, settled and able to enjoy the season ahead.
Looking for more pet care news? Be sure to check our other seasonal articles for tips from our vets in Glasgow.
As spring arrives, many pets are eager to spend more time outdoors in Lanarkshire—sniffing, digging and soaking up the sunshine. While gardens can be wonderful spaces for play and enrichment, they can also hide a few seasonal hazards. A simple spring check can help ensure your garden is a safe sanctuary for curious paws.
The Avenues Vets’ team have compiled a checklist below to help prepare your spring garden.
For further advice on pet toxins, contact our team.
A guide to creating a pet-friendly garden this spring
1. Watch out for toxic plants and bulbs
Some of the most popular spring plants can be harmful to pets if chewed or dug up. Bulbs such as daffodils, tulips, and especially lilies are particularly risky. Lilies are exceptionally dangerous for cats; even a tiny amount of pollen groomed off their fur, or a nibble of a bulb can lead to fatal kidney failure. Other common garden culprits include foxgloves, bluebells, and azaleas, all of which can cause serious heart or digestive issues. If you’re planting new flowers this season, always check they’re pet-safe first.
2. Be cautious with mulch and garden products
Our vets in Glasgow warn that cocoa mulch, often used for its rich colour and scent, contains compounds similar to chocolate and can be toxic if ingested. Slug pellets, weed killers and some fertilisers also pose a risk. Spring fertilisers often contain bone meal or blood meal which can be very tempting for dogs to eat in large quantities, leading to gastrointestinal blockages or upset. Where possible, choose pet-friendly alternatives and store all products securely out of reach. Call us on 0141 643 0404 if you have any pet safety questions.
3. Check forgotten areas after winter
Spring is a great time to inspect parts of the garden that may have been ignored over winter. Look behind sheds, in greenhouses and along fence lines for sharp tools, broken pots, nails or loose wire. The Avenues Vets’ team explain that greenhouses may also contain antifreeze, pesticides or glass hazards that curious pets could access.
4. Create a safe space for play
Regularly check fences and gates for gaps, remove fallen branches and supervise pets when new plants or features are introduced. For dogs who love to dig, consider providing a designated digging area to discourage exploring unsafe spots.
A pet-safe garden means you can relax while your companion enjoys the outdoors. If you’re unsure whether something in your garden could be harmful, The Avenues Vets’ team are always happy to advise.
As temperatures rise in Lanarkshire, ticks become more active—starting prevention early is one of the simplest ways to protect your pet. Ticks aren’t just unpleasant; they can transmit serious illnesses, including Lyme disease, which can affect dogs, cats (albeit less commonly) and humans, and may cause long-term joint and kidney problems.
Early, consistent protection helps break the cycle of disease and infestation, often killing ticks before they can transmit serious illnesses. Our vets at Avenues Vets advise arranging your tick prevention treatment early this season – just book an appointment and we’ll provide tailored protection.
Protecting pets from ticks this season
Why early protection matters
Ticks are often picked up on walks through long grass, woodland edges, or areas frequented by livestock and deer in Lanarkshire. Once attached, they can feed for hours or days, increasing the risk of disease transmission.
Regular preventative treatments create a protective barrier, killing or repelling ticks before they can do harm. Book an appointment to speak to our vets in Glasgow, or reorder your tick medication via our website.
Protecting cats and dogs
- Use a vet-recommended tick preventative treatments regularly, tailored to your pet’s lifestyle.
- Check your pet after time outdoors, especially dogs after countryside walks and cats that roam around Lanarkshire.
- Pay close attention to hidden spots: ears, neck, armpits, groin and between toes.
- Keep lawns trimmed to reduce damp, shady habitats where ticks thrive
- Discourage tick-carrying hosts, such as deer and rodents, by securing rubbish bins, removing fallen fruit, and using deer-resistant fencing or plants (if you have these visit your garden).
How to remove a tick safely
If you find a tick, don’t panic; and don’t pull it out with fingers or tweezers. Use a tick removal tool, which slides under the tick and gently twists it away from the skin. Twisting (not pulling) reduces the risk of leaving mouthparts behind or squeezing infectious material into the bite.
Ask us about tick removal tools. Our nurses at Avenues Vets are happy to show you how to use them.
Tick FAQs
Should I check my cat regularly for ticks?
Yes. Our vets in Glasgow recommend that outdoor cats, especially those hunting or roaming near fields and hedgerows, should be checked routinely.
What will a tick look like on my pet?
Ticks appear as small, dark bumps attached to the skin. As they feed, they can swell and look like a grey or brown bead.
How do I check my pet for ticks?
Run your hands slowly over your pet’s body after time outside, feeling for small lumps. Part the fur to inspect the skin closely.
What diseases do ticks spread?
Ticks can transmit Lyme disease and other infections that may cause lameness, lethargy, fever, and appetite changes. For tailored tick protection, book an appointment with our team at Avenues Vets and let’s keep your pet safe this season.
With the days growing longer and the weather finally turning, most pets are naturally eager to get back outside but before the fun really begins, it’s worth making sure your pet’s body is ready to keep up.
Read the article below, from our vet Nicola Armstrong, on how to help your pet enjoy the season comfortably, confidently and at their best. Then, book a wellness check with our vets at Avenues Vets.
Plus, download our spring pet tips for extra advice!
Get your pet fit for spring: why a wellness check matters
Over the winter months in Lanarkshire, many UK pets quietly put on a little extra weight or become stiffer, particularly during the cold, damp days of January and February. Older pets may move more slowly, while younger ones can mask small aches or niggles that only become obvious once activity levels increase. Nicola explains that left unchecked, these minor issues can turn into bigger problems and put a dampener on your spring plans.
A spring wellness check allows our vets in Glasgow to assess your pet’s overall health, focusing on areas that matter most as exercise increases. We’ll look at heart health, joint mobility and body condition, making sure your pet is comfortable, fit and ready for the season ahead.
Nicola shares how catching subtle changes early means our team can offer immediate support – whether that’s lifestyle advice, weight management or joint care – before discomfort sets in.
Preventative care is also an important part of spring preparation. As pets spend more time outdoors, the risk of parasites increases. A wellness check is the perfect opportunity to review worming, flea and tick protection, ensuring your pet is fully covered before parasites become more active. You can then continue to order your tick medication via our website.
Nicola advises that our veterinary team at Avenues Vets can also check that vaccinations are up to date, helping protect against preventable diseases as social interactions and outdoor exposure increase.
Think of a spring wellness check as a seasonal MOT for your pet – a chance to spot small issues early, support long-term health and give you peace of mind as you head into a more active time of year.
Book a spring wellness check today
Before you go, remember to download our spring pet tips for even more seasonal advice!
As the days start to get longer here in Lanarkshire, many of us are looking forward to the arrival of spring. However, the long winter months can often lead to less activity and a few extra “comfort” treats for our pets. Overfeeding and disrupted exercise schedules during the colder months can affect weight, energy levels, and overall wellbeing.
With spring just around the corner, now is a great opportunity to check in on your pet’s health and ensure they are ready for more active days ahead. In this article, Avenues Veterinary Centre’s nurses advise on how to refine your habits at home.
If you need extra help, contact us at our Glasgow vet practice and we’ll arrange to see your pet for a top-to-tail check.
Talk to us for tailored advice
Preparing your pet for an active Spring
Refine regular feeding
During the colder months, it’s easy to over-indulge our pets with extra treats. Returning to a consistent feeding schedule with measured portions helps support a healthy weight and digestive comfort as we head into a more active season. Our nursing team at Avenues Vets advise gradually adjusting portions rather than making abrupt changes, which can upset sensitive stomachs.
Get moving
Exercise is key for all pets, not just dogs. As the weather improves around Lanarkshire, increasing play sessions or gentle activity can help pets burn off those winter calories. Cats and small mammals benefit from interactive play or puzzle feeders. For dogs, start increasing the duration of your walks gradually to build up their stamina for the springtime.
Maintain daily routines
Our nurses at Avenues Vets explain how pets thrive on consistency. Reinstating firm routines—such as set walk times, feeding times, and bedtime habits—helps them feel secure and reduces stress as the season changes.
Check-ups and monitoring
Late February is the perfect time to review your pet’s overall health before the busy spring season begins. Check their body condition, look for changes in behaviour, and ensure any weight gain or dental issues are addressed promptly. Avenues Veterinary Centre’s veterinary team are happy to provide advice, support, and routine health checks to help your pet step into spring in the best shape possible. Call us for advice or pop into the practice—our vets in Glasgow love seeing your pets!
Talk to us for tailored advice
Looking for more pet care news? Explore our range of seasonal pet care articles with expert advice from our team on our news page.
Cats are experts at hiding discomfort, which can make recognising health issues challenging for owners. One area often overlooked is dental health. Problems such as tooth decay, gingivitis, and oral infections can cause significant pain, yet many cats show few obvious signs until the issue becomes severe.
February is Pet Dental Health Month, and our vets in Glasgow are highlighting the indicators of dental pain in cats and what you can do at home to help prevent it. Looking for dental care services for cats in Lanarkshire? Our veterinary team are here to help.
If you suspect your cat may have dental problems or they’re due a check-up, book an appointment for a check-up with our vets at Avenues Vets.
Is your cat in pain? Spotting the subtle signs of dental issues
Dental pain can influence behaviour in subtle ways. A cat in discomfort may eat more slowly, drop food from their mouth, or show a preference for softer foods. You might notice them chewing on one side only or avoiding hard treats altogether. Grooming habits can also change; a cat with sore teeth or gums may struggle to clean themselves properly, leading to a patchy or unkempt coat.
Temperament shifts are another key indicator. Cats experiencing dental pain may become withdrawn, hide more frequently, or show irritability when handled around the head. Even normally sociable cats might seek solitude, while gentle play or interaction could be met with unexpected swipes or growls.
These changes can be misinterpreted as behavioural issues rather than health concerns – contact Avenues Veterinary Centre’s team on 0141 643 0404 for advice. Left untreated, dental problems can escalate, causing infections that affect other parts of the body, including the heart, kidneys, and liver. Pain can reduce appetite, leading to weight loss and reduced energy, further impacting overall wellbeing.
Regular dental checks with our vets in Glasgow are essential, even if your cat appears healthy. During these examinations, our vets can identify early signs of dental disease that are not visible at home, from tartar buildup to gum inflammation. Preventative care, including professional cleanings and guidance on home dental routines, helps maintain oral health and can prevent pain before it starts.
Observing your cat’s eating habits, grooming and behaviour closely is the best way to catch potential issues early. If you notice any subtle changes, such as reluctance to eat, altered grooming, or shifts in temperament, contact our team at Avenues Vets promptly as early intervention not only alleviates pain but supports your cat’s overall health and happiness.
Whether you started on January 1st or you’re just getting going now, New Year’s resolutions are still fresh on many minds… and while you’re thinking of the goals you’d like to achieve, remember to share that positivity with your furry friend! It’s a chance to give them a healthier, more fulfilling life – and that means even more time soaking up the unique bond the two of you share.
The thought of writing those pesky resolutions can be daunting, so our vets in Glasgow have come up with a few strategies to make this year the best one yet for your pet. To get started, why not have get some tailored advice from our team at Avenues Vets? That’s one resolution already crossed off!
How to set Pet Health Goals for the New Year
Establish some ground rules
One of the biggest causes of failed New Year’s resolutions is setting unclear or unrealistic expectations – think taking your small pooch for an hour-long adventure in Lanarkshire when they’re used to small walks around the block! Instead, decide what health and wellness means for your pet along with the target areas, and identify specific, reachable goals within these, such as physical and emotional health, mental stimulation, dental routine and behavioural needs.
Healthy diet, happy pet
When it comes to shedding some excess pounds and changing diet, your pet needs you to do the heavy lifting. This means providing them with a well-balanced diet – especially one recommended by your vet – that meets their nutritional needs, sticking to the correct portions, and swapping out calorie dense treats for healthier alternatives. It also means avoiding giving them human food as although it may seem enticing, it can lead to a number of health issues and weight gain, according to our vets in Glasgow.
Get more physical
Doing regular exercise releases endorphins and helps keep your pet (and you) healthy in body and mind. Win-win. Avenues Veterinary Centre’s team recommend setting time aside every day where your pet can get physical – for dogs, this may mean a walk, playing fetch, or an obstacle course indoors if the weather in Lanarkshire is treacherous. For an added bonus, you’re getting involved too, helping you reach your own fitness goals and strengthening the connection between you and your beloved pet – the ultimate support network. For a cat, climbing structures and toys can helping them move more and have fun.
Support their mental health
To prevent boredom, keep them happy and lower the risk of destructive behaviours, it’s just as important to stay on top of your pet’s mental health as well as physical. Along with their much-loved – and half-eaten – toys, make this the year you try new enrichment ideas, such as new activities, training exercises, environments or a puzzle feeder, which supports their problem-solving abilities. Keep them on their furry toes, all year long.
Keep their health in check
It’s better to be too early than too late, and proactive healthcare helps to detect and tackle any health problems as they appear, resulting in better outcomes for your pet. Our vets in Glasgow recommend visiting every six months, but this can vary based on your pet’s age, breed, and health requirements. If you have any questions, just pop in to see us — here’s our opening times.
Book your pet’s new year health check with our caring and compassionate team at Avenues Vets and know you’re already making good progress with your resolutions!
