Category Archives: Dogs

Cats, Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Preventing pet theft

If there’s one good thing that came out of this pandemic, it would have to be a strengthened relationship between ourselves and our pets.

Pets have provided us with an unparalleled source of company and support in these challenging times, which we believe to be related to the increased demand for pets that we’ve seen in the past year.

However, as with any other situation in life, there are positives and negatives, which leads us to today’s blog post about pet theft.

According to the charity DogLost, reports of pet theft have increased by 170% in the last year.

As pet owners, we can only imagine how horrifying it must be to have your pet stolen, so we’d like to share our top four tips to help you keep your pets safe.

# 1: Safety while out and about

Before taking your dog for a walk, make sure that they are wearing their ID tags.

There are a number of precautions that you can take while out on a walk with your dogs to maximise your safety, including:

• Walking your dogs on a lead in public places
• Walking your dogs around other people, in well-lit places
• While playing fetch, not throwing their toys too far away
• Avoiding having a fixed walking routine
• Avoiding posting your location on Social Media
• Not leaving your dogs tied up outside when you go into a shop

#2: Pet training

There is one command that can be invaluable in these situations, which is a good recall. If you’re out playing with your dog off lead and you notice a stranger approaching, call your dog and keep them near you and out of other people’s reach.

#3: Home safety

Unfortunately, we can’t help but mention that not all cases of pet theft occur on the streets or in public gardens and that there are individuals who will break into your home to steal your dog if they find the opportunity to do so. If your pet is home alone, make sure to leave the doors locked and your windows secured. If you have an alarm, remember to turn it on.

#4: Identification

This will not prevent your pet from being stolen, but having your pet microchipped will be instrumental in reuniting you after they are hopefully found. Make sure that your contact information is updated with the microchip company as well as your vet.

One last thing worth mentioning is that dogs of popular breeds such as French bulldogs and Pugs, for example, as well as unneutered dogs, may be at increased risk of theft.

However, pet theft is something that can happen to anyone, so we hope that you follow our tips and never have any problems with this type of crime.

Cats, Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Disrupted routines

Due to the current Coronavirus pandemic and associated government restrictions, our routines seem to be constantly changing. If we are finding this difficult to manage, imagine how confused our pets may be feeling! 

Domestic animals rely on stable routines to thrive, which means that disruptions can cause them a lot of stress. Though not all pets will react in the same way, alterations such as staying home from work on different days, having the kids out of school or absent family members due to illness can create a tense atmosphere for some animals. 

 

But are there consequences of disrupted routines on our pets’ health? 

In the same way that stress can cause changes in our physical and mental health, it can cause similar problems in our furry friends. 

Here are some of the ways that stress can manifest: 

  • Changes in sleeping patterns, eating habits or house soiling – These are usually the issues that owners notice more often; however, they can also be easily neglected or mistaken for age-related changes in older pets; 
  • Increased vocalisations or attention-seeking behaviour – Changes in how frequently and insistently your pet tries to call your attention may be an early sign of stress;
  • Unusual aggressiveness – Aggressiveness can be associated with pain from injuries or chronic illness, but bouts of aggressive behaviour towards people or pets might happen due to changes at home that increase your pets’ stress levels.

Knowing that this can happen and keeping a keen eye on your pets’ habits can make recognising these signs much easier. 

Even though it might be difficult, making an effort to be consistent with old routines or taking the time to change them slowly (when possible) can help avoid undue stress! 

Don’t forget, many underlying conditions like kidney disease, diabetes or osteoarthritis, among others, can also cause similar behavioural changes! If you do notice anything unusual, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian. 

Cats, Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Making your pets’ health a priority in 2021

We can’t help but have high hopes for 2021, and we wish this new year is kinder to us all than 2020!

Whether you are the type of person that likes to take a moment to reflect on the year that has passed and set resolutions and goals for the new one or not, we have a suggestion for you.

This year, why not make your pets’ health a top priority?

There are some illnesses that we cannot help our pets avoid, but there are many that we can, so preventive medicine should always be on top of your pets’ health checklist.

 

Nutrition

We’ve all heard the expression ‘We are what we eat’, and the same is true for our pets! A balanced diet is one of the most important foundations of health as it provides the nutrients that fuel our pets’ bodies.

When a pet’s diet is unbalanced, two things can occur:

  • Nutritional deficiencies, which can have a range of consequences, from stunted growth, muscle wasting, skin problems and poor coat to more severe issues, such as heart disease, for example, in cats that suffer from taurine deficiency. 
  • Weight gain, which can lead to obesity and associated health problems, such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, and cardiovascular disease, to name but a few.

Different pets have different needs, and the same diet is not likely to be recommended to a nursing bitch and an elderly dog. To make sure your pets’ nutritional needs are met, discuss the options with your vet.

 

Vaccinations

One thing that the Coronavirus pandemic seems to have highlighted is the importance of vaccines. Thankfully, we will soon have the option to immunise ourselves against COVID-19 and, hopefully, life can slowly start getting back to normal.

There are a number of vaccines available to protect our pets against highly contagious and deadly diseases, such as parvovirus infections in both dogs (parvo) and cats (feline enteritis), for example.

Get your pet’s vaccination card. When is their booster due? Make a note in your planner to make sure you don’t forget to schedule their booster appointment and, if their vaccinations are not current, contact your vet today to book a visit.

 

Worming, flea and tick treatments 

Let’s talk about worms for a minute now. We’ve all seen them, our pets had them when they were puppies/kittens, and maybe even as adults. You might have noticed a swollen belly and that they were scooting their bums on the floor. Maybe they had soft stools as well. Then, they took their worming pill, and the problem was solved, so why do we need to worm them so often?

Intestinal parasites are very common in pets. Most times, they cause mild discomfort and clinical signs (as described above), but they can lead to more severe consequences in massive infestations. 

However, there are other internal parasites that can cause life-threatening disease, such as heartworm and lungworm, that we can and should prevent by worming our pets at regular intervals as recommended by the vet.

As for external parasites, such as fleas and ticks, these can cause skin problems and great discomfort, and it only takes a single flea to produce an allergic reaction in susceptible pets or an infestation in any household!

Now that you have your pets’ medical records with you, why not check when their next parasite treatment is due as well? You know what’s next – make a note in your planner.

 

Routine appointments

Last but not least, we’d like to remind you of the importance of routine appointments. We tend to associate these with our pets’ vaccination appointment and refer to them as the ‘annual check’. However, if you have any concerns, you should discuss them with your vet as soon as possible, instead of waiting for the ‘annual visit’ just because it’s more practical and convenient.

If your pets’ nails need clipping and your vaccination appointment is next week, then it is ok to do both at the same visit. However, if you’ve been noticing a bald spot in your pet’s skin that is red and keeps getting bigger, for example, waiting for the ‘annual visit’ is not a good option and will likely result in their vaccination being postponed until the skin issue is resolved.

A thorough veterinary ‘nose to tail’ examination is a great way to detect early problems and start important treatments if required.

We wish you a happy and healthy new year for both your human and pet families!

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

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

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Cats, Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Christmas safety and pets

Finally, it is the week of Christmas, and we can’t help but feel excited! It is true that this is not going to be the Christmas that we wished for, but we hope you still get to enjoy the holidays as best you can, and the warmth that characterises this season.

There are things that do not change, however, which is why we have dedicated this blog post to raising awareness of some common seasonal hazards for our pets!

Decorations

Sparkling baubles and dangling tinsel – what pet would not be intrigued by all this shine and movement?

Make sure your pets cannot access any kind of Christmas ornaments as these can cause severe gastrointestinal problems if accidentally ingested. The same applies to ribbons and wrapping paper, and make sure that your pets are also not interested in chewing on fairy lights.

Also, be mindful of snow globes as these often contain antifreeze inside, which is highly toxic to our four-legged companions, even if ingested in small amounts.

Ornamental plants such as poinsettia, mistletoe, and holly, for example, are also toxic to pets, so keep these safely out of their reach!

Delicious, festive food

We’re the first to admit that it is hard to resist the puppy eyes, especially during this time of the year. We’ve all heard the expression ‘Sharing is caring’, right? On this particular matter, wrong!

The rich food we usually enjoy during the holidays is too fatty for our pets and can lead to gastrointestinal problems and even life-threatening pancreatitis.

A number of festive foods that we also enjoy have toxic ingredients in them as well, including chocolate, xylitol, raisins and sultanas.

What about just a piece of meat with the bone? The answer is still no as bones represent a significant choking hazard and, if ingested, can perforate the digestive tract.

 

Even if you’re careful, accidents can happen. Make sure you familiarise yourself with your vet’s opening times and phone numbers during the holidays in case you need to make an emergency visit, and, if you have any concerns, the best thing to do is seek veterinary advice.

 

Happy Christmas from the team at The Pet Professionals!

Cats, Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Before buying… Research!

Recent surveys indicate that the demand for pets during the current Coronavirus pandemic has increased significantly.

Pets are, indeed, a great source of company and comfort during these unprecedented times, and pet ownership is one of the most wonderful experiences life has to offer us!

But as good as it is to know that many pets will find a loving home, if you are considering buying a puppy or a kitten, we would advise you to do thorough research and make sure you’re not buying from an untrustworthy seller.

When a puppy or kitten is reared in poor conditions, the outcome can be devastating. Animals can become ill with severe diseases such as canine parvovirus, for example, which is, to many puppies, fatal. There can be long-term consequences as well, especially when it comes to your pet’s behaviour, as many unscrupulous breeders will not bother to socialise puppies and kittens with people and other animals.

Defra has recently launched a ‘Petfished’ campaign to encourage owners to buy healthy and happy animals from a good breeder, that have been given the best start in life.

Visit the dedicated website, read the step-by-step guide they have put together, and go through all the information to consider when buying or adopting a new pet.

We’ll leave you with some immediate red flags that should alert you that something is not right.

  • The animal is advertised as ready to rehome under eight weeks of age or that will come with a ‘passport’;
  • The seller refuses a virtual tour, not allowing you to see the puppy interacting with its littermates and mum;
  • The seller pressures you to buy on the first contact;
  • The seller refuses to let you see the medical records of the animal before selling.

With Christmas fast approaching, if you think this is a good opportunity to add a furry member to your family, make sure you do your research first, and keep in mind that it is better to wait than to buy and support a bad breeder.

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

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

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Cats, Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Raising awareness of diabetes in pets

November is Pet Diabetes Month!

Diabetes is a metabolic disease that can affect both ourselves and our pets.

The disease is caused by insufficient production of insulin, the hormone responsible for keeping blood sugar (glucose) levels under control, or due to cells becoming resistant to its action.

According to the World Health Organisation, the number of cases of diabetes in people has steadily increased over the past decades. Interestingly, vets also report a rise in the number of diabetic pets that they are seeing in practice.

In both, a number of risk factors have been identified that may be contributing to this rise, such as unhealthy lifestyles with poor eating habits and a lack of physical activity that lead to excessive weight gain and obesity.

However, you are likely to know people that suffer from diabetes who also live fulfilling normal lives, so why do we need to have a whole month dedicated to raising awareness of this disease in pets?

It’s simple – diabetes is an impactful chronic disease that can lead to significant health problems and will culminate in the death of your pets if left untreated.

Glucose is the main substance that fuels the cells and, consequently, all our pets’ bodily functions. With insulin not doing its job, glucose cannot enter the cells, and the blood sugar levels will be persistently high, which has dangerous effects throughout the body. Commonly affected organs include the kidneys, eyes, and central nervous system.

As diabetes is a progressive disease, it may not be easy to spot the signs at an early stage, which can be very subtle. These include:

  • Lethargy
  • Excessive thirst
  • Increased urination
  • Increased appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Poor coat and skin problems

For most pets, treatment is based on daily insulin administration. At first, it will involve a lot of vet visits and monitoring to make sure that the insulin dose is adjusted to your pet and is effective in keeping the disease controlled. However, once that balance is reached, your pets can live long, happy lives.

Providing your pets with a healthy diet as well as regular exercise, and keeping them at a healthy weight are very important to prevent diabetes, and also in managing diabetic pets.

If you recognise any of the signs mentioned, or if you’re struggling to keep your pet at a healthy weight, don’t hesitate to contact your vet.

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

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

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Cats, Dogs, Horses, The Pet Professionals

Autumn celebrations and pet safety

Every season has its grace, and autumn has arrived bringing us shorter days, beautiful colours and a longing for cosiness and evenings by the fire.

Bringing some joy to this unprecedented year, autumn celebrations are fast approaching, so this is the perfect opportunity to go over some important pet safety precautions.

Halloween

If your Halloween costume is always on point and you want to make sure your pet is included, please keep in mind:

  • Pet costumes shouldn’t restrict in any way your pets’ movement, breathing, vision or hearing;
  • If your pet is not comfortable clothed, there are alternatives you can use, such as festive collars, bandanas or harnesses.

Also, be selfish and don’t share! As counter-intuitive as this may seem, our treats are not safe for pets as chocolate and some sweets contain substances that are toxic to them and which may well cause sickness.

Fireworks

Make sure your pet or horse is microchipped, and that your contact details are up to date to facilitate a reunion if they run should away.

At home, start preparing a safe place for your pets where they can escape to if they feel scared. It should include familiar items that will make them feel calm and comfortable, and some coverage to muffle the sounds.

On the day of the displays, make sure that you walk your dogs and exercise your horses before they start. Also, if possible, bring your pets inside and consider not letting your cats out to guarantee that they are safe at home.

Regarding horses, having them stabled during fireworks displays may cause additional stress. Consider turning them out if you believe there’s a possibility of self-injury due to trying to escape from an enclosed environment.

As many official displays have been cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions, the British Veterinary Association has issued a warning regarding the likelihood of increased unregulated backyard fireworks.

If you know your pet struggles when the fireworks start popping, consider staying at home with them to provide some reassurance.
Also, talk to your vet – from desensitisation therapy to pheromones and various medications, there are a number of options available to help your pets cope with the stress.

Keep in mind that fearful pets may show signs of anxiety, which can be something as simple as pacing or panting, but also more undesirable behaviours, such as excessive vocalisation and toileting inside. If this happens, do not try to comfort your pets by petting them as this may be interpreted as positive reinforcement of an unwanted behaviour. However, it’s as important not to reprimand or punish them as this can worsen their fear.

The day after the displays, remove debris if you find them to avoid accidents.

If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice. We wish you a happy and safe Halloween and Bonfire night!

Cats, Dogs, Horses, The Pet Professionals

Expecting the unexpected

Preventive medicine is the best way for us to keep our pets healthy, but, unfortunately, health is not something that we can always predict and control. Accidents can happen, and there are a number of illnesses that cannot be easily avoided, such as cancer and heart disease, for example.

But there’s something we can do to deal with unexpected situations, which is always being prepared! To help you, we’ve created this list of three fundamental topics;

#1: Contact information

Have your vet’s contact information in an easily accessible place in case of an emergency. Your phone is likely to be the first thing that comes to mind, but it is worth keeping these details in more than one place in case you run out of battery, for example.

Keep in mind that with the COVID-19 pandemic, practices have had to change the way they operate, so make sure to keep updated with their current ways of functioning and safety measures in case you need to take your pet for a consultation.

#2: Observations, details and relevant information

This is something that we keep insisting on, but only because it is so important! An attentive owner is vital for the early diagnosis of several diseases, and having relevant information ready and organised to present to your vet is invaluable.

We suggest keeping a journal where you register meaningful observations, and when these have happened. This way, it will be easier and quicker to answer all the vets’ questions as well as provide them with details you might have forgotten otherwise.

Records of feeding, drinking and exercise are a great start!

#3: Pet insurance

Vet bills can be expensive, and, if your pet is diagnosed with a chronic illness, such as diabetes, for example, he is going to need lifelong treatment. Pet insurance will allow you to make decisions based on what is best for your pet instead of your current financial situation.

While choosing pet insurance, keep in mind that not all policies provide the same coverage. Make sure you are aware of what is included and if there are any restrictions.

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

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

Canine courses

 

 

Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Dog owners beware! Bloom of toxic blue-green algae

The summer sun brings serious summer fun! Our countryside walks are back in full swing, with all due distancing and safety precautions of course, and there is nothing better than taking our doggy friends for a day out near the lake or jog around the forest ponds.

However, before all of this awesome fun can start, it’s important to remember that there are several dangerous situations that lurk around lakes, ponds and any spots where water remains stagnated for a long time.

 

Not your friendly sea algae!

Blooming blue-green algae are a frequent presence on still water when the days start warming up, and this year is no exception. If you’ve ever noticed green or brown scum floating on the surface of the water, you were likely looking right at blue-green algae!

Their name is misleading though, as they are not in fact algae, but are instead a type of bacteria. They are cyanobacteria, and they produce toxins that can be fatal to pets if ingested, even in small quantities.

A recent report by the British Veterinary Association indicates that these bacteria are back in full force, with one lethal case this year already so it’s definitely something owners should be aware of!

 

Signs of intoxication

Dogs, in their boundless curiosity, usually contact the bacteria by drinking some contaminated water, licking them off their fur after a refreshing dip, or just because they found the pond scum absolutely impossible to resist consuming.

Signs can show up within minutes to hours after exposure, and they can include:

  • Vomiting,
  • Drooling,
  • Diarrhoea,
  • Trouble walking,
  • Difficulty breathing,
  • Seizures.

 

If you spot any of these after a great day out, don’t delay! Veterinary treatment must be administered promptly as toxins will target the liver, causing irreversible and possibly lethal damage.

 

Avoiding dangerous encounters

Fortunately, not all blue-green algae are toxic, but it’s not possible to tell just by looking at them on lakes or rivers.

The best way to make sure there are no accidents is to always keep your dogs on a lead near lakes, ponds or rivers that have been confirmed or are suspected of having toxic blooms. Warning signs from the local council or the Environment Agency will often let you know if the site is safe for a swim or you can check their online notices.

Dogs that have been swimming outside should be washed with clean water to make sure there is no residue on the coat or limbs.

 

If you think your dog might have contacted blue-green algae, this is an emergency situation and time is of the essence! Cyanobacteria intoxication has no specific antidote, and the sooner treatment starts, the better the chances of a full recovery.

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

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Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Canine nutrition Q&A – Part I

We are what we eat, and the same is true for our four-legged friends.

We can’t stress enough how much a balanced diet is important for your pet’s health, so we’ve prepared a Q&A for you with common questions dog owners have regarding their pet’s nutritional needs!

 

#1: What should I feed my dog?

With the growing number of commercial diets available, choosing the best one to feed your dog can be challenging! On top of that, there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration, such as life stage, lifestyle and breed/size, for example.

Puppies, pregnant or lactating bitches, and golden oldies all have different energy requirements. Take puppies, for example. As growing animals, puppies tend to have bigger nutritional needs than adult dogs, but keep in mind that this does not translate to a greater quantity of food on their plate! The daily amount of food needs to be calculated based on the puppies’ size and age, and puppy diets are already formulated to be higher in calories.

As for his lifestyle, is your dog sedentary, or does he regularly accompany you on your outdoor adventures? What’s his overall activity level? The number of calories your pet burns during the day is also a factor to take into account, and there are diets specifically formulated for active dogs, which are higher in calories.

Regarding breed, small breed dogs can have difficulties eating and even choke on regular-sized kibble. Puppy kibble is smaller in size but, as we have discussed, higher in calories, so it will not be appropriate for an adult dog! There are diets specially formulated for small breed dogs, which have smaller kibble and balanced nutritional value. As for large breed dogs, they may benefit from a diet that includes some kind of joint support supplement.

If you’re not sure what’s the best option for your pet, don’t hesitate to ask your vet for advice.

 

#2: How much should I give my dog to eat?

The factors we’ve just covered above will influence the amount of food your dog needs to eat every day as well.

After calculating his daily nutritional requirements, you’ll probably want to have part of those calories allocated as a treat allowance, which can be up to 10% of your dog’s total energy needs. This way, you can give your pet treats without exceeding the daily requirements and make sure your dog stays at a healthy weight!

For instance, if your pet needs 1000 kcal per day, up to 100 kcal can be treats. The remaining 900 kcal should consist of your dog’s regular food and should be divided into the number of meals you intend to give your dog during the day. If you’re planning on giving him food twice a day, each meal would consist of 450 kcal. If you’d like to feed him more often, three meals of 300 kcal each would be an option.

Your vet can help you make these calculations and find the equivalent weight or volume of food, so you won’t have to worry about counting calories every time you feed your dog!

 

#3: Should I opt for a homecooked diet instead?

Homecooked diets can be valuable in a number of situations, especially if your pet is sick. However, as a long-term option, it is not easy to create a balanced diet from everyday food, and you’ll probably need  to include mineral and vitamin supplements. Make sure to always check with your vet first as an unbalanced diet will harm your dog’s health.

 

By now, you’ve probably realised that nutrition is not a black and white subject, so stay tuned for part II and, if you have any questions, make sure you discuss them with your vet!

You can find the 2nd part of this article on this link