Monthly Archives: March 2022

Cats, The Pet Professionals

Top tips for indoor-only cats

The number of cats that are kept indoors permanently has boomed in recent years as more and more people live in apartments or because owners choose to keep them away from dangerous traffic and potential altercations with stray animals.

Fortunately, cats can be terrific indoor-only pets, and they take to their spaces very well. But there are specific needs that owners need to be aware of so that their cats can lead a fulfilled indoor life.

Read on for the best tips on keeping your indoor feline safe and happy!

Windows – the curious cat’s delight

It’s part of a cat’s nature to observe things from high places, and it’s normal for them to do this, but it puts them at significant risk of falling several stories if they live in an apartment and windows or balcony doors are kept open.

To avoid this, make sure you keep your windows and balcony doors closed if you are not around to supervise your pets. With a little more DIY work, you can install safety screens on windows and leave them open without risk of falls.

Keep vaccines and flea, tick and worm treatments up to date

It’s easy to think that indoor pets do not get diseases or parasites, but unfortunately, you can still find yourself facing a flea infestation or a cat with an infectious disease even though he or she never set a paw outside.

Fleas and ticks will easily jump on people or other pets that go for walks and return to the house. The same happens with infectious diseases, especially if you take your cat to the groomer or boarding kennels.

The best way to handle this is to prevent them! Ensure your cats have all the needed vaccines and boosters and regular parasite treatment to avoid nasty surprises.

Have good enrichment to stave off boredom or stress

Without the stimulation from roaming around (and getting into trouble!), your cat might experience boredom which can lead to stress and, eventually, lowered quality of life and even poor health.

Here are some ways to make your house into a cat-friendly home:

  • Make sure you keep an adequate number of bowls and litterboxes for all of your cats;
  • Have varied toys and playing locations, and make an effort to position them in high places that your cat can perch on;
  • Provide them with vertical territory. If you’re unable to modify your house or apartment, there are plenty of rental friendly towers and toys that won’t require screws or nails;
  • Take the time to play with your furry friend consistently and to interact with them.

Pets who are bored and stressed might be destructive or aggressive, and environmental enrichment goes a long way to prevent these problems.

If you’re not sure what to do to keep your home cat safe and happy, don’t hesitate to talk to your vet about your concerns!

 

Would you like to know more about cats? Check our Feline Courses:

Feline courses

 

 

Horses, The Pet Professionals

Can my horse have Equine Herpes Virus?

Dangerous airborne viruses that can cause respiratory and neurological diseases are not just for humans. Equine herpes virus (EHV-1 and EHV-4) is a virus that has a worldwide distribution and is highly contagious, which means that your horses are at risk of being affected, especially if they travel extensively.

Keep reading to learn more about how to keep your horses healthy.

Signs

There are five different variants of EHV, but EHV-1 and EHV-4 are the most common and clinically significant variants. They might cause respiratory, neurological or reproductive signs.

Respiratory:

  • Fever;
  • Coughing;
  • Lack of appetite;
  • Runny nose.

Neurological:

  • Uncoordinated walking;
  • Loss of bladder function and skin;
  • Paralysis of the limbs ranging from mild to total walking and standing incapacity.

Reproductive:

  • Sudden abortion occurring 2 to 12 weeks after infection;
  • Several mares may abort at the same time;
  • Newborn foals may die soon after birth.

Many animals are also asymptomatic, and they can carry the disease for years and years, shedding the virus intermittently when they are subjected to stressful situations such as during travel or when changing stables.

EHV usually only causes mild respiratory signs, and most animals are expected to recover without issue. However, when there is neurological involvement, these cases might be fatal or require euthanasia due to welfare concerns as animals can be permanently paralysed.

Prevention

There is no specific treatment for EHV, meaning there are only supportive therapy options if your horse gets sick. Preventing your horses from becoming infected is the best way to avoid any issues, especially in young animals or pregnant mares who are the most susceptible to problems.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent EHV, but it is just a part of a sturdy prevention program against this disease. Good biosecurity and hygiene protocols are also crucial to avoid infection as the vaccine is highly effective, yet it doesn’t confer total protection.

Biosecurity protocols often include thorough disinfection of stables, equipment and vehicles where horses have been transported.

Pregnant mares should also be kept separate from the rest of the herd and in small groups of other animals with similar due dates. If you notice one of your mares has aborted, mention it to your vet at once and handle aborted tissues carefully as they can contain high quantities of EHV.

Each situation is unique and the protocols you will need to implement can vary significantly over time so make sure to always discuss any concerns you might have with your veterinarian and keep vaccinations up to date as well as observe all recommended biosecurity measures.

Would you like to know more about horses? Check our Equine Courses:

Equine courses

 

 

Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Healthy skin during spring

With the end of winter fast approaching, this is the perfect opportunity to plan some fun outdoor activities for spring!

Around this time of the year, you’re also likely to see more dog hair around the house as your dogs shed their warm winter coat, so we’ve put together our top three tips to make sure that your dog’s coat and skin are healthy this coming season.

 

#1: Grooming and bathing

Though grooming is an important step in your dog’s hygiene routine all year round, it becomes particularly important during springtime.

As it removes dead hair from your dog’s coat, grooming also helps prevent skin problems from occurring due to lack of skin aeration and accumulation of dead hair, cells, dirt and even moisture.

A periodic grooming routine will also allow you to detect any skin problems at an early stage, making them easier to treat.

As for bathing, it can also be useful in promoting a healthy coat and skin in dogs. But you might be wondering how often you should give your dog a bath as the weather starts to get warmer.

The truth is, this varies immensely depending on your dog’s type of coat, lifestyle, and even health, as some skin conditions require medicated baths.

If at any moment you’re unsure of what to do, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice, be it from a certified groomer or your vet team.

 

#2: Parasite protection

With the weather getting warmer, parasite activity gradually increases, including external parasites, such as fleas and ticks, but worms and other internal parasites as well.

Though we are (unfortunately) used to dealing with these pesky creatures, it’s important to keep in mind that parasites can have a significant impact on our pets’ overall health.

Mosquitoes can transmit serious diseases such as leishmaniasis and ticks Lyme disease, for example, and other external parasites can cause severe cutaneous problems.

Take flea allergy dermatitis, for example. A single flea bite can lead to a disproportionate skin reaction, in which your dog will be so itchy that they can scratch, nibble and bite until the point of breaking the skin. And this is just with one flea bite!

If you’re not sure that your dog’s parasite treatments are up-to-date, our advice would be to give your vets a ring to check that they are protected.

 

#3: Heath check

For those of you who sneeze uncontrollably and have a stuffy nose for most of the spring, you’re well aware of how uncomfortable and aggravating springtime allergies can be!

But did you know that spring allergens can be as bothersome to your pets as they are to you?

The thing is, instead of having a runny nose and congested upper airways, seasonal allergies usually manifest as itchy skin and skin lesions due to pets scratching and trying to find relief.

If you notice that your dog’s skin looks red (particularly inside their ears), that they seem to be scratching a lot and rubbing their body against different types of surfaces or even people, or if you notice any skin lesions, book an appointment with your vet to figure out why they are so itchy.

 

We hope you have wonderful and safe adventures with your pets this spring!