Teaching Your Old Dog Some New Tricks

The gang’s all here…

atest press release from Kilcoole Vets, issued on Saturday, June 20th 2026…

Kilcoole Vets has been a trusted part of the local community since 2009.

While there have been changes over the years, with new faces helping to guide the practice forward, our commitment has remained the same: providing personalised veterinary care while maintaining the highest clinical standards.

We treat every patient as if they were our own. Alongside accurate, evidence-based medical advice, we believe in offering tailored guidance that recognises the unique needs of each pet and family. There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach when it comes to animal healthcare, and we are passionate about working closely with owners to ensure their pets receive the care they deserve.

Client education is a key part of what we do. We understand that it can be difficult to cover every aspect of a pet’s health during a 20-minute consultation, which is why we are delighted to launch our first Senior Pet Masterclass Evening. Designed to be a fun, relaxed and interactive event, the evening will allow us to explore senior pet health in greater depth and provide owners with practical information they can take home.

We are also pleased to partner with Hill’s Pet Nutrition, whose team will share their expertise on the vital role nutrition plays in maintaining health and wellbeing. Nutrition is often an overlooked aspect of healthcare, particularly in older pets, and we are excited to shine a spotlight on this important topic.

The free event will take place on Wednesday, 22nd July 2026 at 7pm, and you can book your spot. by emailing [email protected].

Meet the Speakers
Dr Michelle Hutchesson, Clinical Director at Kilcoole Vets, will discuss arthritis, chronic pain, hip dysplasia, and the differences between these conditions. She will also explain the multi-modal approach we use to manage arthritis in both dogs and cats. Michelle qualified in South Africa and has a particular passion for improving the quality of life of senior pets. Having delivered numerous educational talks throughout her career, she hopes to make community education a regular feature at Kilcoole Vets.

Joining Michelle is Claire Thomas, one of our experienced veterinary nurses. Claire has a wealth of clinical knowledge and a special interest in feline medicine and behaviour. She is currently completing a certificate in feline nursing and will provide valuable insights into the ageing process in cats, including common signs owners should look out for. As a Silver Certified Cat Friendly Clinic, we are proud of the work Claire has led to create a calmer, more enriching environment that helps reduce stress for our feline patients.

Our final speaker is Rebecca McCormack from Hill’s Pet Nutrition, a qualified veterinary nurse with extensive experience in both clinical practice and the veterinary industry. Rebecca will discuss the nutritional needs of senior pets and introduce Hill’s latest feline nutrition product. Dog owners need not worry—there will be plenty of information relevant to canine companions too.

Behind the Scenes at Kilcoole Vets
The evening will conclude with a guided tour of the clinic, giving attendees the opportunity to see our facilities, learn more about the equipment we use, and discover that veterinary practices are often far less intimidating behind the scenes than pets might think. Our Seaview Cattery will also be open to visitors who would like to see where our feline guests stay during their visits.

Every attendee will receive a goodie bag, along with access to exclusive discounts and special offers. There will also be a lucky-dip raffle on the night. As places are limited, RSVP is essential to ensure we have enough space and goodies for everyone attending.

Who Should Attend?
The Masterclass is open to any pet owner with a senior pet, including dogs aged over eight years and cats aged over ten years. It will also be valuable for owners of pets diagnosed with hip dysplasia who would like to learn more about supporting joint health as their pets age.

The event is not restricted to existing clients. We would be delighted to welcome both new and current pet owners to join us for this special evening, meet the team, and learn more about caring for their beloved companions in their golden years.

At Kilcoole Vets, we believe every pet deserves an individualised approach to healthcare. Through education, partnership, and compassionate care, we are committed to helping our “golden oldies” enjoy the healthiest, happiest lives possible.

You can find out more about Kilcoole Vets here, book an appointment here, follow on Instagram here or Facebook here, get in touch on 012874802 (or out of hours on 012609920), and email on [email protected].