All posts by petprofessionals

Cats, The Pet Professionals

Can my cat have breast cancer?

Did you know that feline mammary cancer is one of the most common cancers in cats over the age of 10? Mammary tumours are common in domestic cats, and most of them are malignant, meaning they can grow and spread to other organs like the lungs, liver or kidneys.

Unfortunately, most of these will be fatal without treatment, so keeping a close eye on your cat is essential! The sooner treatment starts, the better the chances of him or her being treated without more significant consequences.

Learn more about this common type of cancer below and help your pets live long happy lives!

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a malignant form of a mammary tumour, and it arises from an out-of-control proliferation of the cells of normal tissues of the mammary gland. As these cells multiply and change, the body cannot stop this process, which means they will invade the space around them and do the same in distant organs like the lymph nodes, lungs, liver or kidneys.

In cats, most of these cancers affect females, and as we mentioned, the vast majority of these tumours are serious problems that can be deadly if not caught in time.

One of the first signs is usually a small, non-painful lump near the mammary glands on the skin of your cat’s abdomen, and it may progress to:

  • Less energy;
  • Less appetite;
  • Losing weight without any other reason;
  • The lump getting bigger and spreading;
  • Other nodes appearing nearby on the mammary glands;
  • Painful skin ulcers if the mass (or masses) is/are big enough.

Male cats can also have breast cancer, so if you spot a lump on your cat (regardless of gender), have a chat with your vet without delay!

Can my cat’s mammary tumour be treated?

When your vet finds something that is concerning, he or she will collect the needed samples and ask for other exams such as blood exams, X-rays, a CT scan or abdominal ultrasound in order to diagnose the type of cancer and its stage of development.

As soon as cancer is confirmed, your vet is likely to suggest surgery to remove the tumour and, depending on the severity of the problem and the likelihood the cancer has spread to other places, chemotherapy.

How this disease will progress depends on how early it is detected and it carries the best prognosis if the lump is less than 2cm and has not invaded any other places like the lymph nodes or blood vessels.

If caught in time, your cat will most likely have a good chance of survival with treatment!

How can I help prevent this disease?

While we still don’t know exactly what causes mammary tumours in cats, we do know that unneutered females are more likely to have these types of cancer due to the hormonal environment in their bodies.

To help reduce the chances of breast cancer, vets recommend that you neuter your cat before her first heat cycle in order to remove the chances of hormones causing the development of tumours.

In addition to this, keep an eye on your cat’s mammary glands and feel the area regularly. If you spot anything that feels unusual, like a lump or a skin ulcer, don’t delay – talk to your vet as soon as possible!

 

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

Feline courses

 

Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Separation anxiety in dogs

Back-to-school blues are not just for people! Did you know that dogs can also feel sad when their owners are no longer in the house?

While many dogs might feel a bit gloomy about having the house all to themselves, some pets will feel it especially acutely, which can tip into significant separation anxiety. Dogs suffering from this might exhibit unwanted behaviours due to distress, which can be challenging to resolve.

Keep reading to know all about separation anxiety and what you can do to help your dog through this difficult time.

What is separation anxiety in dogs?

This common behavioural problem happens when your dog experiences significant anxiety when he or she realises you are about to be separated, for instance, when you or your family leave for work or school.

While many furry friends experience some form of displeasure at seeing you leave, what makes separation anxiety different is the intensity of these feelings of stress.

For pets that are sensitive to anxiety, it can be quite intense and cause a lot of distress, leading to unwanted behaviours when this is triggered. You might start seeing:

  • Excessive barking or howling;
  • Incessant pacing or trembling;
  • Drooling and panting;
  • Toileting in the house;
  • Destructive behaviour such as chewing on furniture or other non-toy objects;
  • Attempting to escape the house to try and find you!

If not handled properly, these behaviours can escalate into intense stress that causes a serious dip in his or her quality of life as well as self-harm, for instance, broken teeth or paw injuries.

What can I do to help?

Like many other behavioural issues, it’s vital that you are very patient with your dog and that you know that it might take some time to help him or her feel more at ease with your absences. While it may be difficult to handle, particularly if your dog suffers from severe separation anxiety, do not yell or punish them for the way they are acting.

For mild cases, you might have a lot of success by keeping routines as stable as possible all year, not making a fuss as you are leaving the house, tiring out your furry friend before leaving, finding nice toys that will entertain him or her during the time you are out so he or she won’t miss you as much. You will have to be consistent with this and patient, but with time and care, your dog will probably feel much better!

For owners that are struggling with a severe case and whose dog is at risk of self-harm or extreme distress, it’s best to consult their vet and probably be referred to a clinical animal behaviourist to help him or her overcome this type of stress.

 

In summary:

  • Some pets might be suffering from a high level of stress when they think you are about to leave;
  • Separation anxiety can manifest as excessive barking, destructive behaviours, attempting to flee or even self-harm!
  • To help your pet, you can try to modify your leaving routines and ensure he or she has enough toys and entertainment to spend the day alone;
  • For tough cases or if you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to contact your vet.

Would you like to know more about dogs? Check our Canine Courses:

Canine courses

 

Uncategorized

Equine Cushing’s disease

Have you ever heard of Equine Cushing’s disease? If your horses or ponies are over 10 years old, they might be at risk!

This progressive hormone problem originates from a dysfunction in a part of the brain called the pituitary gland, causing an out-of-control increase in several types of hormones. Due to this situation, your horses might be at severe risk of debilitating laminitis or recurrent infections.

Continue to read our blog to learn more about how to manage this syndrome and help your horses live a long and happy life.

What are the signs of Equine Cushing’s disease?

Equine Cushing’s disease, also called Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) in the medical literature, happens when the normal control mechanisms of the pituitary gland that are responsible for ensuring proper levels of the essential hormone adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) become dysregulated.

We don’t know why this happens precisely, but the result is a progressively more elevated level of ACTH and other hormones, which go on to cause harm to many organs in your horses or ponies.

With a prevalence of about 20% in horses over the age of 15, owners should pay close attention to their older animals to avoid letting PPID progress to a point where you are seeing severe signs!

Here are some of the things that are commonly observed in affected animals:

  • Increased thirst and urination;
  • Lethargy and reluctance to move;
  • Reduced fertility and muscle mass;
  • Hair that is excessively long or that is not moulting;
  • A distended abdomen, a thick neck and a lumpy look over the eyes due to abnormal fat deposits;

As this disease progresses, your horse will develop laminitis and will be much more susceptible to infections. Due to this, it’s vital that you keep a close eye on your horse(s) in order to spot PPID as early as possible.

Is it possible to manage this disease?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to cure Equine Cushing’s disease, but there are several ways to manage this disease and give your horse the best possible chance at having an excellent quality of life for many years.

One of the most common medications is pergolide which is aimed at keeping the pituitary gland under control, and it tends to be successful in a large portion of cases. It is extremely likely that your horse will require medication for the rest of his or her life.

Because PPID negatively affects immunity, your vet will likely recommend that preventative care, such as vaccines, deworming and nutrition as well as acting quickly on any other health issues that might develop.

It’s important to remember that if you see your horse is experiencing laminitis, even if it seems only mild, you should contact your vet as soon as possible! It can progress quickly and might lead to an untenable decline in his or her quality of life if not treated on time.

 

Managing PPID is a life-long process for you and your horse or pony, so don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet if you are experiencing difficulties with treatment or feel that things are getting worse!

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

Equine courses

 

Cats, The Pet Professionals

Old cats and dehydration during the summer

As the temperature rises, keeping a close eye on our senior cats is essential! When hot days arrive, it’s easier for our older feline friends to lose more fluids than normal, and if they aren’t given enough encouragement or opportunities to drink more water, this situation can quickly tip into severe dehydration.

Learn more about keeping your golden oldies hydrated and happy through the summer in our blog post below!

What is dehydration?

Dehydration happens when there is a significant loss of bodily fluids, and they are not adequately replenished. There are many ways for your pets to lose more water than usual, including hotter days, lack of access to clean water or many health conditions like diabetes, kidney disease or cardiac problems.

Here are some of the most common early signs of dehydration:

  • Confusion or lack of coordination;
  • Lack of appetite and lethargy;
  • Trouble breathing and panting excessively;
  • Sunken eyes and reduced skin elasticity;
  • Collapse.

While mild dehydration can be easily fixed and is not likely to cause long-term harm, if this situation progresses enough, it can be fatal! Severe dehydration compromises most bodily functions, including circulation, digestion and removal of the body’s normal waste products and might need a prompt medical intervention!

Is my older cat at a higher risk of dehydration?

Older cats are often at a higher risk of being dehydrated, especially during the summer, as they can’t retain water as well due to reduced body mass, thinner skin, plus they might not be as inclined to drink water like when they were younger.

If your golden oldie is also suffering from several common diseases such as kidney disease or diabetes, this makes them lose a higher-than-average amount of water through their urine. This, coupled with high heat and a relative lack of drive to drink water, might cause mild to severe dehydration.

As a caring owner, it’s essential to pay close attention to your senior pets, and if you spot any of the signs we have mentioned above, please get in touch with your vet as soon as you are able. They will help you evaluate the situation and how to correct it before it becomes a serious problem.

How can I help my cat drink more water?

In order to avoid issues with the heat and dehydration, it’s best to be proactive!

As the days grow hotter, keep track of how much water your cat is ingesting. You can also implement several strategies to encourage him or her to ingest more water, helping avoid excessive loss of fluids.

Consider:

  1. Making sure his or her water bowls are always filled with fresh, clean water;
  2. Changing the bowls to a water fountain as cats often enjoy flowing water;
  3. Switching to wet food that is appropriate for seniors as this type of diet is much higher in water than dry kibble;
  4. Adding some flavour to the water, for instance, with chicken broth or tuna water (not oil).

Also remember that many painful conditions like osteoarthritis, dental disease or cancer can make eating and drinking very difficult for pets.

For these cases, your vet will help you figure out the best way to keep your feline friend hydrated and as pain-free as possible, so don’t hesitate to approach them with your difficulties and concerns!

 

 

Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Ringworm in dogs

How much do you know about ringworm in dogs? This infectious skin disease is also called dermatophytosis, and it isn’t actually caused by a worm but by a fungus that our pets can easily pick up and bring home!

While it is not often a life-threatening problem, in some circumstances, it can be challenging to get rid of due to high rates of environmental reinfection or if the treatment protocol isn’t correctly applied. It can also go on to infect humans, especially family members with reduced immunity, such as older people, those suffering from chronic illnesses or pregnant women.

Keep reading to find out more about dermatophytosis and how to avoid this nasty problem in your dogs!

Is it easy for my dog to get ringworm?

Dermatophytes are a group of fungi species that grow on the skin, nails and hair of pets and humans. They can resist in the environment for a long time in the form of spores, waiting for someone susceptible to pick them up.

Your dog can get infected by contacting these spores or the fungus directly, such as from another infected animal or by touching contaminated objects like bowls or bedding. The good news is that not every time he or she runs into ringworm will result in an infection, as these fungi often need broken skin (from a wound or after clipping hair, for instance), lowered immunity (like elderly, very young or sick pets) or a high contamination.

When infection occurs, you might spot the following signs:

  • Several circular areas of hair loss that might get bigger over time:
  • Rough or brittle nails;
  • You might also see scabs, reddened skin or other signs of infection in the hairless patches.

If you see any of these, contact your vet, as ringworm is readily transmissible to other pets and people! This is particularly relevant if you have young children, elderly family members or someone suffering from an illness that impacts their immunity in your house.

I think my dog might be at risk, what can I do?

Pets who are the most at risk include young dogs, pets who are sick or under significant stress or those who have come from overcrowded homes.

While ringworm can go away on its own, it might take a long time, and your dog or your family will be at serious risk of infection or reinfection as this fungus can remain active in the environment for up to 18 months.

The best way to avoid problems is to keep an eye on your dog’s hair, skin and nails and contact your vet if you see any of the above-mentioned signs. They will take all the appropriate samples make a diagnosis of fungal infection and prescribe the correct treatment.

Is ringworm treatable?

Most of the time, ringworm will not be complicated to treat, but it’s vital that you follow your vet’s exact recommendations and do not stop treatment halfway unless you’ve explicitly been told to do so!

There are several effective treatment options, including oral treatments that are often combined with topical anti-fungal formulations like shampoos or ointments. Depending on your dog’s case, your vet will prescribe the best medication to handle the infection as quickly as possible.

During this time, it’s also essential that you restrict your infected pets to the least number of rooms possible to avoid cross-contamination and make sure that you clean everything thoroughly.

In case you suspect you or a family member might have ringworm due to a recent infection in one of your pets, contact your GP without delay!

Would you like to know more about dogs? Check our Canine Courses:

Canine courses

 

Cats, Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Summer safety – Common hazards for pets

Summer is here, and it usually means it is time to take a break, relax and enjoy the weather!

If you often include your pets in your summer plans, keep reading our blog to make sure that they are kept safe and protected against common hazards.

 

Heatstroke

Heatstroke had to be first on our list as it is not as uncommon as one would wish and can be fatal in a matter of minutes.

Heatstroke happens due to our pets’ inability to deal with excessive heat.

When the temperature rises, dogs dissipate heat mainly through panting, and this is often not enough to help them cool down. This is why it is so important not to expose them to hot temperatures for too long, as they will not physically be able to cool down effectively. And when we say hot temperatures, 20ºC may be enough, depending on other factors and conditions!

Common signs of heatstroke include:

  • Excessive panting and difficulty breathing
  • Excessive salivation and vomiting
  • Looking lethargic or collapsing

If you recognise any of these, contact your vets immediately, as your pet will need medical assistance. Make sure to move them to a shaded, cool area, pour water over them to help bring their temperature down, use towels soaked in cold water and follow any other instructions that your vet might give you.

This means that preventing heatstroke is key, especially during summer. Here are some ways you can do it:

  • Do not leave your pets unattended in hot, poorly aired spaces, such as parked cars and conservatories
  • Throughout the day, make sure that your pets have access to and are drinking water
  • Avoid taking your pets out during the hottest hours of the day
  • Be mindful of pets who are more prone to suffer from heatstroke, such as flat-faced breeds, thick-coated pets, and those who suffer from medical conditions

When in doubt, it is always best to be safe than sorry, so do not hesitate to ask for help, even if it is just for reassurance.

 

Insect stings and parasites

Are your pet’s parasite treatments up-to-date? Now is the perfect time to check!

Parasite activity spikes with the warm weather, so making sure your pets are protected can avoid a number of health issues!

Diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal problems are frequently associated with intestinal parasites, especially in young animals. As for external parasites, such as fleas and ticks, these can lead to a range of skin conditions or even transmit serious diseases that can be life-threatening to your pets.

When it comes to canine products, some spot-on formulations have an insect-repellent component that can help prevent mosquito bites.

This becomes particularly important if you are travelling abroad as mosquitos are known to transmit heart worms, and sandflies leishmaniasis, diseases that we do not usually see in the UK, both of which can make your pet very ill. For more information about taking your pets abroad on holiday, read this blog.

Bee and wasp stings can also be problematic, especially for curious, playful pets. These can lead to localised allergic reactions with painful swelling and potentially breathing difficulties if the nose and mouth are affected. Keep your eyes peeled for nests, and if you find them, we recommend keeping your dog on a lead to avoid accidents.

 

Outdoor activities

Outdoor activities are incredibly fun for pets and owners alike!

In one of our latest blogs, we have covered a range of tips for a safe swim, so today, we’ll be focusing on summer walks and barbeques.

 

Summer walks

As we have mentioned above, we always need to be mindful of heatstroke when planning a summer walk with our dogs and make sure that we avoid the hottest time of the day. Before dusk or after dawn are ideal times for dog walking, both for heat comfort and reduced UV exposure.

As in people, excessive sun radiation can lead to sunburn in pets, especially those of a light colour and fair hair. Consider applying pet-safe sunscreen to sensitive areas before heading out to avoid these problems.

If you are planning a walk in the countryside, to enjoy a beautiful rural landscape, be mindful of resident sheep. Sheep worrying can be a very serious issue so if you are unsure keep your dog on a lead whilst sheep are nearby.

But if you would rather head out to heathlands, moorlands, or even sea cliffs, we recommend keeping your eyes peeled for adders. Though adders are not aggressive by nature, they may bite if they feel threatened, which may happen if your pet happens to walk too close to them. As adders are venomous, veterinary assistance should be sought immediately, so make sure you have the contact of the nearest vet at hand, just in case.

 

 

BBQs

How better to end a summer evening than with a lovely gathering of family and friends by the grill?

We know you do not want your pets to feel left out; after all, they are part of the family too!

But if you wish to include them, our number one advice would be not to share your food. Make sure you have appropriate treats that they can eat safely, as our food is often too fatty for our pets and can lead to gastrointestinal problems.

However, just because we know better, it does not mean that they do too. If your pet is a known food thief, make sure that they do not have access to unattended food or the rubbish bin. These foods can be very harmful if inadvertently ingested, as fruit stones can lead to choking and meat skewers may cause bowel perforations. Make sure that left over corn on the cobs are not accessible as these can cause serious bowel obstructions if eaten. You can never be too careful!

 

Now that you have all this information available, we hope that you can relax and enjoy a safe summer with your pets!

If you have any concerns, do not delay in seeking professional help.

Horses, The Pet Professionals

Have you heard of Equine Metabolic Syndrome?

If you have a horse with the tendency to gain weight easily, especially around the neck, then he or she might have Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)!

This syndrome is caused by insulin dysregulation, and it affects your horse’s ability to use blood sugar adequately, especially when he or she has access to feed or pastures that are high in carbohydrates.

Unfortunately, Equine Metabolic Syndrome can put your horse at significant risk of laminitis and it might interfere with fertility if not managed adequately in predisposed animals.

Keep reading to learn more about how to spot this problem in your herd and how to prevent it.

What is Equine Metabolic Syndrome?

While no known cause has been found for Equine Metabolic Syndrome, researchers believe it might have been an adaptation of certain horse populations to scarce food supplies. This genetic disposition is great for times when there isn’t much food, as it allows animals to use calories more efficiently, but it becomes a problem in the modern world of abundant feed and lush pastures.

The main feature of this syndrome is a problem in regulating insulin, a hormone that controls, among other things, the concentration of blood sugar. When these horses ingest feed high in carbohydrates, they produce an excessive amount of insulin, which can cause several problems, such as laminitis, obesity and infertility.

You might spot these signs:

  • Obesity;
  • Episodes of laminitis;
  • Fat deposition in specific places such as the back of the neck or rump;
  • Less appetite, which can lead to liver damage and metabolic issues;
  • Lethargy;
  • Increased thirst and urination;
  • Reproductive difficulties in mares.

Even though excessive weight and ease of weight gain are characteristic of EMS, many thin horses also suffer from this disorder. However, they might still have characteristic fat deposits on the neck and near the tail.

Can this cause severe laminitis?

When you suspect something might be wrong, it’s important to speak to your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Laminitis is one of the most severe consequences of untreated EMS, and it can lead to continuous episodes of worsening hoof health. This, as many owners know, can lead to irreversible loss of mobility and, eventually, untenable quality of life.

Treating and preventing episodes of EMS can be challenging, especially in horses that have had several episodes of acute laminitis and have difficulty exercising, but the sooner you can start this, the better.

How can I prevent Equine Metabolic Syndrome?

Horses that are predisposed to insulin dysregulation need to be carefully managed with the proper diet and exercise regimen. Your vet or nutritionist will help you to analyse your feed and will advise limiting pasture access, especially during spring and summer.

Weight loss is encouraged but speak to your vet in order to figure out the best way to do this, as sudden severe restrictions and significant increases in exercise can cause more problems than they solve.

It’s vital for horses suffering from metabolic issues to have adequate supportive therapy whilst they recover.

Preventing EMS can be challenging, which is why it’s essential to talk to your vet about whatever difficulties you might be experiencing in order to find out the best way to keep your horses healthy.

 

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

Equine courses

 

Cats, The Pet Professionals

Hypertension is a silent disease: Keep your cats protected!

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a common sign in older cats that can be caused by several important conditions, such as kidney disease or hyperthyroidism.

Unfortunately, high blood pressure can build for a long time without overt signs whilst damaging sensitive organs like the eyes or brain, sometimes permanently.

To avoid this, a blood pressure check is a frequent feature of routine appointments and nurse clinics, especially for older cats. Measuring hypertension in our feline friends is very easy, and the sooner that we catch this problem, the sooner we can treat the underlying cause, which allows us to give your pets the best chance to have long and happy lives!

Keep reading to learn more about high blood pressure in cats and how to help your own pet to avoid this silent and deadly disease.

What is feline hypertension?

Hypertension is when your cat’s blood pressure is persistently above healthy limits, and this situation can compromise several organs if it is not caught and lowered in time!

Most often, hypertension is the consequence of other diseases, such as kidney disease or hyperthyroidism, but it can be something that shows up spontaneously, and we call this primary hypertension. Regardless of the cause for persistently elevated blood pressure, the consequences are the same:

  • Damage to several structures of the eye, such as the retina, which can cause irreversible vision loss over time;
  • Seizures and other neurologic problems can happen as hypertension increases;
  • Changes to the structure and function of the kidneys and the heart, which might already be struggling due to the underlying diseases causing hypertension.

As mentioned above, blood pressure can increase progressively without any external signs, but it will start harming your cat’s internal organs as time passes.

To prevent this from happening, it’s vital for your pets to get their blood pressure measured regularly. When you come in for a routine appointment, your vet might suggest checking your cat’s blood pressure straightaway or they may schedule a specific time to get it done, so that they can be sure that your cat is relaxed and that the readings will be correct.

Because it’s most often secondary to other conditions, it can be also be an important early sign that something else might be wrong and it will help your vet investigate the underlying diseases that might be causing the blood pressure to rise.

Can my cat’s high blood pressure be treated?

Fortunately, feline hypertension can be treated! By using medication to lower blood pressure, it’s possible to help the situation and stop any more internal damage.

However, it will most often require daily treatments and regular blood pressure measurements to ensure that the medication works as it should.

With the proper treatment and monitoring, we can successfully manage high blood pressure in cats, and it might even be possible to reverse some of the related issues.

If you’re struggling to control your cat’s hypertension or haven’t been to a routine appointment in a while, don’t hesitate to talk to your vet!

Keep this in mind:

  • Feline hypertension is common and is likely to show up in middle-aged to elderly cats; 
  • As it is often a consequence of serious underlying diseases like hypertension or kidney disease, bringing you cat for regular routine appointments helps your vet to diagnose any problems sooner rather than later! 
  • It’s vital to treat high blood pressure as it can seriously damage sensitive organs and cause issues such as blindness, seizures or cardiac problems; 
  • If your cat hasn’t had his or her blood pressure measured in a while, don’t forget to schedule an appointment with your vet!

 

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

Feline courses

 

Dogs

Do you take your dogs swimming? All you need to know for a safe swim

Summer is just around the corner! The time for those perfect days spent outside is almost here, but are you ready to tackle everything that the good weather has to offer?

Taking your dogs out with you to places with tempting water, like the river, beach, lake, or even a small pond, is a popular pet outing, but it’s essential to be adequately prepared. Even the strongest doggy swimmers can suddenly find themselves in trouble!

Keep reading to find out how to make these summer days safe and relaxed.

Does your dog like to swim?

Swimming is an excellent exercise for dogs as it is an exciting low-impact option that mentally and physically stimulates your pooch.

Some dog breeds are tailor-made for swimming, while others aren’t keen on doing much more than dipping their paws in the shallow water. But even if your furry friend has all the physical characteristics of a great swimmer, they might not like going into the water at all!

Always respect your dog’s comfort levels, and don’t insist on doing things he or she might not want to do, as it can cause a lot of distress.

However, it’s possible to acclimatise your dog to being in the water and even get them to like swimming. The best way to do this is to start slowly with toys and treats and get in the water with him or her. As he or she grows more confident, you can encourage going to a deeper water level but take caution to always support your dog when he or she is starting out and, as you progress, make sure that they won’t drift away.

Do you have any pet-friendly swimming places near you?

Depending on where you live, finding a good place to swim might take some digging! Only some places are safe or legal for your dog to swim in, so do all the proper research before you load up your family in the car.

Regardless of where you take your dogs out for a swim, never leave them unattended and keep them close by or on a waterproof leash so you can act quickly if necessary.

Doggy pools or pet hydrotherapy centres:

If you’re looking for the safest experience possible, a doggy pool or a hydrotherapy centre for pets can be your best bet.

These places have specially designed pools that are easy for dogs to use and have appropriately trained staff to help you and your dog make the most out of this experience. To access these, you have to pay a fee, and you’re likely required to book a slot ahead of time so everything can be ready for when you arrive.

Lakes or ponds:

Lakes, ponds and slow-running rivers can be great swimming experiences for your dogs as the water is often less dangerous and has fewer chances of hidden debris.

Nevertheless, always check the location and weather before letting your dog jump in and keep an eye out for any warning signage at the site, such as blue-green algae blooms or dangerous currents.

If these places have a designated swimming area, stay on them to avoid disturbing other people or the local biodiversity.

Open sea:

Going to a pet-friendly beach can be one of the most fantastic summer adventures that we can have with our dogs but don’t forget that the sea or the ocean can be unpredictable!

Strong currents, large waves, hidden rocks and people with boats or jet skis can turn a great day into a rush to the vet, so do think about safety before letting your dogs go into the water. As the water conditions can change quickly, always pay close attention to what is happening around you.

Make sure safety is a priority

Swimming is a great exercise, but it’s easy for accidents to happen if you are not prepared. Knowing what might go wrong and preparing ahead are the best ways to ensure everyone has a great time.

Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind:

  • Drowning can happen quickly and silently, so keep your dogs under close watch no matter what and consider fitting them with a life vest; 
  • If your dog falls into a dangerous current, do not jump in after him or her, as this might put both you and your dog in danger. Instead, call 999 and get the proper help. 
  • Have a fully stocked first-aid kit and the contact details of your regular vet or the vet closest to where you are.
Horses, The Pet Professionals

Could you be overtraining your horse

Have you ever heard of chronic fatigue in horses? This problem can come from situations like overtraining, which can be a severe issue for your horse’s sporting career!

Training creates a lot of physical and mental stress that must be balanced with proper rest and recovery time to avoid fatigue. No matter how tempting it is to try and get in every bit of work possible, doing so has a significant chance of being harmful to your horse.

Keep reading to learn the signs and consequences of chronic overtraining and how to help your equine athletes avoid this problem.

Spotting fatigue in horses

So, what is the difference between your horse being tired from a great training session and suffering from fatigue?

When he or she is tired, this can often be fixed by resting for a day or two and then returning to exercise.

In contrast, fatigue is often the consequence of intensive training or work without taking the proper time to rest, causing significant physiological and psychological changes in animals. This condition is vital for owners of working horses to know about as it can take a long time to recover from fatigue, especially in cases of repeated overtraining.

Owners and trainers should be on the lookout for:

  • Poor or decreased performance, especially later in the season;
  • Loss of body mass, which can be as severe as 10% of body weight;
  • Higher than expected heart rates during exercise that take longer to return to normal when at rest;
  • Changes in behaviour include refusal to follow commands or cooperate, being reluctant to continue exercising, lack of interest in interacting with other horses and more episodes of bad or irritable moods.

Once you suspect that your horse might be fatigued or at risk of suffering from chronic fatigue, you should take measures to reduce your horse’s stress and work as best as you can.

Of course, all of these signs might be due to an unrelated underlying condition. Your vet will perform the physical exams and tests necessary to rule out any other causes of poor performance, and they can advise you on what to do next if chronic fatigue is the likely culprit.

Avoiding overtraining

Due to the profound changes in performance and motivation that chronic fatigue can induce in your horses, avoiding overtraining is vital to any training schedule.

Experts warn that it may take months to years for horses to recover from chronic overtraining, and there is a real chance that they may never fully recover.

One of the best ways to help avoid this is to ensure that he or she has enough time for rest and recovery in their work schedule.

It’s also essential to reduce the possible sources of stress in your horse’s life, such as constantly changing routines, extensive travelling or confinement, lack of socialisation with other horses or having to deal with incompatible pasture mates, to name a few.

If you’re unsure how to help your horses find their balance of rest, stress reduction and training, the best thing to do is ask your vet for help!

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