Horses, The Pet Professionals

Coronavirus – Advice for equestrians

With the UK in lockdown, it’s essential that you, as a horse owner, know what to do to ensure your horse is properly cared for whilst keeping yourself safe and complying with the government’s recommendations.
Attending to your horse’s basic needs is considered essential and, therefore, allowed. However, this means maintenance care only, so all extra activities should be temporarily suspended.
As you’re allowed to leave your house to exercise once a day, you should combine this with leaving your house to provide care for your horse to minimise the time you spend outside.
It is very important that you make these necessary changes to your and your horse’s routines, so we can all make our part in stopping the spread of COVID-19.

Prepare in case you need to self-isolate – have a plan ready
Make sure you have a plan of exactly what your horse needs and that you make arrangements with someone in case you’re not able to care for your horse, including details on how to deal with emergencies.
Sharing the care of bringing in and turning out can also allow you to increase the number of visits your horse receives, depending on how you plan your rota with your buddy.
Ensure you have sufficient supplies to last your horse two weeks, in case you need to self-isolate, including feed, bedding and medication, if required.
If you have any signs of COVID-19 or if you’re feeling unwell, stay at home and ask a family member or your buddy to care for your horse. Do not put yourself and others at unnecessary risk.

Living arrangements
If your horse is kept in livery, respect the protocols put in place, and work together with the yard manager to agree on a care plan for your horse.
Make sure you keep regular contact with your yard manager to familiarise yourself and keep updated with restrictions and advice, as these are likely to change over time.
If your horse is on a DIY livery arrangement, consider changing to full livery, if possible.
Roughing your horse off is also an option that will make caring for him or her easier, but you’ll need to monitor their weight closely as too much spring grass can lead to laminitis and other health problems.

Veterinary care
If your horse needs veterinary assistance or farrier care, professionals are authorised to visit your horse to meet their welfare and health needs.
Most veterinary practices are responding to emergency or urgent call outs only, and the same is to be expected of farriers.
However, if you are not sure if your horse needs to be seen or not, don’t hesitate to call your vet for advice.

What about exercise?
Regarding riding – accidents can (and will) happen and there is no need to put unnecessary stress on our already saturated NHS, so it is advised that you don’t ride during this time.
Safer alternatives to ridden exercise include lungeing, in-hand work, turn-out and ground schooling.

 

Keep in mind that, to date, there is no evidence that companion animals, including horses, can be carriers or spread the disease, and that staying informed is a valuable tool to help fight this pandemic. Make sure you keep updated on the latest government guidelines and follow WHO’s basic protective recommendations.

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

Equine courses


 

Cats, Dogs, Horses, The Pet Professionals

Coronavirus – As a pet owner, what do I need to know?

After COVID-19 was characterised as a pandemic by the World Health Organisation on 11 March, it is now more important than ever that we protect ourselves and help everyone else at the same time.

Basic preventive measures against the virus include:

  • Washing your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds;
  • Avoiding crowded places and maintaining a social distance of at least 2 metre;
  • Avoiding touching your face, especially your eyes, nose and mouth;
  • Covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue if you cough and sneeze;
  • Seeking early medical advice if you feel any of the common symptoms;
  • Following directions of your local health authority.

It is also a good idea to make sure you have sufficient supplies at home in case you are infected or need to be quarantined. This includes (but is not limited to) food and medication for both your family and your pets.

At the moment, there is no evidence that pets can be infected with COVID-19 or be a source of infection to other animals or humans. As such, there is no need to separate yourself from your companion.
There are, indeed, coronaviruses that can affect pets, including canine coronavirus and feline coronavirus, but these are not associated with the current outbreak, which is caused by a new coronavirus, SARS-Cov-2.

So, as a pet owner, if you get sick with COVID-19, what can you do?

  • If possible, ask someone else to care for your pets.
  • If not, limit contact with them – avoid petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked and sharing food. Also, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a facemask around them.

If your pet develops an unexplained illness and has been exposed to a person with COVID-19 (yourself or others), talk to the public health official working with the person with COVID-19. If you’re advised to take your pet to the vet, call your veterinary practice beforehand to let them know that they’ll be seeing a sick pet that has been exposed to a person with COVID-19.

Adapted from the WSAVA advisory document.

For the latest updates on the coronavirus pandemic, please visit WHO’s website.

Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Increase in dog vomiting cases

There have been several reports from vets across the country of an increase in cases of prolific vomiting in dogs.
As you’re aware, there are many diseases that can cause vomiting and other gastrointestinal signs in dogs, including parvovirus enteritis, parasites, intoxications and dietary indiscretions, to name some of the most common.
However, even though it is still unknown what is causing this current spate, vets believe that it might be something other than the typical causes, and samples are being collected from affected dogs to try to identify the cause.
Unlike other canine gastroenteritis, this condition is characterised by violent and frequent vomiting, with five or more episodes in a 12-hour period. Affected dogs usually vomit as often as every 10 minutes for about four to eight consecutive times, and vomiting can recur after a period of calmness. Other clinical signs include diarrhoea, dullness and decreased or absent appetite.

What should you do in case your dog starts vomiting?

  • Temporarily withhold access to food and water to prevent stimulating more vomiting.
  • Contact your vet for advice as soon as you recognise any of the signs mentioned and give them a detailed description of your dog’s situation.
  • As with any other type of gastroenteritis, limit your dog’s contact with other dogs.

Most dogs have recovered well after symptomatic therapy, so it is very important that you follow your vets’ recommendations.

At this point, there is no evidence of risk to people or other animals. Vets are working to investigate this potential outbreak, and you can keep updated with the latest information about cases and the disease on the Small Animal Veterinary Surveillance Network (SAVSNET) website.

If you have any concerns about your dog’s health, don’t hesitate to seek veterinary advice!

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

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Horses, The Pet Professionals

Strangles – Infectious and Impairing

Strangles, also known as Equine Distemper, is an infectious disease that all horse owners should be aware of. It’s caused by a highly contagious bacteria from the Streptococcus equi equi species that can be found all over the UK.
This disease can be easily transmitted through contact with infected animals or contact with shared surfaces such as feed or water containers. Movement of animals and people without any decontamination process from contaminated areas to disease-free locations is also an important route of transmission.

Keep an eye out for possible signs and infected animals
Both horses and donkeys can be infected, and clinical signs vary in severity, with younger animals being more likely to develop severe signs.
The body reacts to this infection by producing pus-filled abscesses that are painful and hot to the touch. After several days, these usually appear around the head and throat.
Besides abscesses, the most common signs include:
– Fever;
– Loss of appetite;
– Lethargy;
– Pus filled discharge from the nostrils.

It’s unlikely that strangles will cause lethal complications. However, about 20% of infected horses experience difficulties eating or breathing. Less frequently, abscesses might spread all over the body and, in rare cases, they might even appear in the brain. Other rare complications include spotted bleeding on the skin as well as swelling of the limbs and head.

Treatment
Treating this condition involves plenty of rest, a warm, dry bed and anti-inflammatory medication for pain.
Once the abscesses have fully matured, your vet may choose to open them or wait for them to burst on their own, which will facilitate cleaning and recovery.
Antibiotic use needs to be considered on a case-by-case basis, as it may delay recovery.

What can you do?
If you suspect one of your horses might be developing strangles, it’s crucial that you contact your vet without delay!
Strangles spreads quite quickly once there is nasal discharge and having just one sick horse might put your whole herd at risk. Not only that, but other stables might also be at risk if people, equipment or animals are moved around without following proper biosecurity protocols.
Isolating infected animals for the correct period of time, running the necessary tests to make sure they are no longer shedding the bacteria, and cleaning clothes, utensils and supplies before seeing to any other horses are imperative to stop the spreading of this disease.
Coordinate with your vet on how to best tackle this highly infectious problem.

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

Equine courses

 

Cats, The Pet Professionals

Dental health care for cats

Have you had a look at your cat’s teeth lately?

It may sound like a weird question, but given that oral disease affects up to 80% of cats from only two years of age and as it can be easily overlooked, it is a really good idea to keep a close eye on your cat’s mouth!

February is pet dental health month, so we feel that this is a great opportunity to talk to you about dental health and cats.

Did you know that it is recommended that you brush your cat’s teeth?

Plaque and tartar accumulation will happen sooner or later, so setting up a toothbrushing routine, preferably while your cat is still young, will help you keep these bad guys away for as long as possible.

With cats being cats, it might not be easy to get them used to the toothbrush, but it is only a matter of time and habit! Start slowly by getting them used to manipulation of the lips and touching their gums, and then gradually introduce a cat-appropriate toothpaste and toothbrush.

Proper nutrition also plays an important role in feline dental health – dry kibble will have a mechanical, abrasive effect on the teeth, helping to prevent plaque accumulation. The same is true for dental treats, but these must be given in moderation as they can have a high-calorie content.

Finally, taking your cat to a routine veterinary appointment will give your vet the chance to make sure your cat’s teeth are properly clean and identify any issues that need to be addressed. For some cats with advanced dental disease, teeth cleaning or tooth extraction under general anaesthesia may be recommended. It is very important to treat existing dental disease as this will only worsen with time and can become very painful to your pet. Dental disease can also lead to other problems throughout the body such as heart or kidney disease.

If your cat has bad breath, doesn’t seem so eager when mealtime comes around, is eating less food than usual or shows discomfort whilst eating, these may all be signs of oral disease. Book an appointment with your vet to make sure that everything is ok!

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

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Dogs, The Pet Professionals

New Year’s resolution for you and your dog

With 2019 behind us, many of us have probably taken a moment to reflect on what we’ve accomplished and to set new goals for 2020. Every new year comes with the promise of a fresh start, and if you don’t usually include your pets in your resolutions, why not ring the changes and give it a go for 2020?

#1: Protection through prevention
Keeping your dog protected from illness and disease should be a priority all year round, and the best way to do this is through preventative medicine. Check with your vet when their parasite treatments and vaccines are due and don’t forget to schedule a check-up appointment to make sure that they’re healthy. Dental health should also be included in your pets’ regular care and establishing a tooth brushing routine can help prevent plaque accumulation and oral disease.

#2: Eat better
Proper nutrition is another box you need to tick if you want to provide your dog with the best chances to stay healthy. Your pets’ diet should be tailored to their nutritional requirements, which vary with age, lifestyle and a number of other factors, so don’t hesitate to discuss this with your vet if you have any questions or concerns.
This would also be a great opportunity to carry out a weight check on your dog and make sure that they’re not overweight. It is not uncommon for people to put on weight during the holidays and the same is true for their four-legged best friends. If you have weight loss on your resolution’s list, eating better and losing the extra weight is definitely something that you and your pet can do together.

#3: More physical activity
If you’re aiming to stay active in 2020, this is something your dog’s going to want in on too! Exercise and play provide dogs with physical and mental stimulation, which are essential to keep them healthy and happy.
Get creative when it’s time to exercise – include some agility training in your walks or look for an alternative path to keep things fun and interesting.
And don’t forget that if you want to increase fitness and endurance, you should do it gradually so that your dog can adjust to the new demands.
If the weather is bad or for some reason you can’t take your dog out for as long as you wanted, keep in mind that interactive play sessions can be as stimulating as a good run outdoors. This would also be an excellent opportunity for you to teach a new skill to your dog!

#4: Keep things fun at home – environmental enrichment
Unfortunately, we’ll never be able to spend as much time with our dogs as we would want, and they sometimes end up being home alone for some longer periods. To stave off boredom, which can lead to destructive or other unwanted behaviours, you can think of solutions to keep them entertained while you’re away. Using a puzzle feeder, for example, will make them work for their food, prolonging the meal and providing mental stimulation.

Now that you’ve read this, what resolutions would you like to make in 2020 for your dog?

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

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Cats, Dogs, Horses, The Pet Professionals

Routine appointments and pets

Owning a pet is a wonderful, gratifying experience but also a big commitment. Once you adopt or buy an animal, you become responsible for their health and well-being, which goes far beyond taking care of their basic needs.

Preventative veterinary care, such as proper nutrition, vaccination and regular worming and external parasite treatments, is essential to make sure your pets have the best chances of remaining healthy.

However, not even the most devoted owner can protect their pets from every situation. As such, keeping an eye on your pets and knowing what their normal physical appearance and behaviour look like, become valuable tools in assessing if something is wrong. Keep in mind that no one knows their pets better than their loving owners, and if you feel that something is not right, you shouldn’t hesitate to seek professional advice.

But be aware that some conditions can remain asymptomatic for a long time or result in signs that are easily dismissed! A good example is owners underappreciating their pets’ lack of energy as they associate it with the cold weather or old age. This is one of the reasons why routine appointments are so important, as they will give your vet a chance to pick up subtle changes that you might not have known how to recognise.

Routine appointments are particularly meaningful in elderly pets as there are known chronic conditions that can develop as pets age, such as chronic kidney disease, for example, and the sooner treatment is started, the better the outcome.

Keep in mind that routine health check appointments and vaccination appointments are not the same. Even though vaccination is required on a regular basis, and a pet needs to be determined healthy by a thorough physical examination before being vaccinated, sometimes additional complementary diagnostic tests are required if vets find something that needs to be investigated further.

How long has it been since your pets’ last visit to the vet? This would be an excellent opportunity to book a routine appointment and make sure they are fit to face winter!

Cats, The Pet Professionals

Winter, osteoarthritis and cats

With the cold weather settling in, we tend to see our pets enjoying longer naps and not seeming as interested in going outside for their exercise as usual. Even though the poor weather can be a significant contributor to this change in their disposition, it is important to make sure that your cats are happy and healthy.

Did you know that cats can also suffer from osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is a progressive condition that affects the joints. As this disease causes mobility problems, it can have a significant impact on our pets’ daily routines and quality of life.

As a result, you may notice your cats are less willing to go outside or play, show less energy overall and spend more time napping. Also, you may see that they don’t spend much time on their favourite places anymore if it requires jumping or climbing. In more severe cases, cats can even have swollen joints, limp or have a stiff gait, and osteoarthritis can be a very painful condition.

As you are well aware, cats are experts at masking signs of disease, so there is no one better to detect early signs of discomfort than an attentive owner.

If you recognise any of the signs mentioned, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with your vet. Even though there is no cure for osteoarthritis, this disease can be managed with medication, household modifications and complementary therapies.

There is no need for your cats to suffer in silence!

Also, keep in mind that, as for people, it is common for clinical signs to aggravate during the cold season. So, again, if you feel that something is not right, seek professional advice.

Don’t let the bad weather fool you – there is nothing better than a nap under the warm, cosy blankets, but make sure it is because your cats want to and not because they’re in pain!

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

Feline courses


 

Dogs

Is a dog a good gift idea?

Is a dog a good gift idea?

While Christmas is still a little far off, it’s usually at this time of the year that we start pondering on what the season will look like, how we are going to avoid having our pets steal some treats when no one is looking and also, what gifts to give to everyone!

Some of the classic Christmas movies feature the unbridled joy of a child realising that Santa left them a puppy under the tree. It’s such a prevalent image that it might get you wondering…

 

Should I gift a loved one a dog?

Most of the times, we have to say that the answer is a resounding no. Pet ownership is a serious responsibility. If the person who is going to receive it is not aware of it, they might not be ready for the requirements of responsible ownership.

A dog requires plenty of attention, daily exercise, good food and regular veterinary attention. When they are still young, they are prone to making a mess and need a healthy dose of patience to be trained into well-adjusted adults. Furthermore, their life span can be anywhere from 8 to 15 years, so it’s definitely not a short-term responsibility.

Unfortunately, there are plenty of puppies who are given as gifts during Christmas that will end up abandoned by mid-January because owners did not realise that it would significantly alter their lives.

Before making any decision to acquire a new furry friend, please consider the following:

  • Try to avoid bringing in a dog or puppy during the busy holiday season as the first two weeks are fundamental for them to adapt – Consider either before or after Christmas;
  • Puppies will need several vaccines in their first few months, as well as other veterinary expenses;
  • Older dogs usually don’t have as many initial vet costs but will need other types of long-term preventive care and might already have health issues that need addressing;
  • Take the time to make sure the house is dog-proofed before they arrive;
  • Purchase good quality food, so they have fewer chances of being ill;
  • If you’re giving a puppy to a small child, you have to be ready to be responsible for most of your new friend’s care.

Giving someone a dog for Christmas isn’t bad in and of itself, but make sure everyone involved is ready for it!

In summary, dogs are full-fledged members of the family and bringing them into your life is something that’s not to be taken lightly.

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

Canine courses

Horses, The Pet Professionals

Keeping your horse entertained during the colder months

Bad weather can be a real nuisance for horses as it usually means less time spent grazing, galloping and just simply enjoying being out in the field with their friends.
As a result, they can become bored and stressed, which can lead to negative repercussions in their behaviour and health.
The good news is there are some things you can do to make your horses’ days more fun!

#1 Novelty
Horses are very intelligent animals and always love to engage in a new challenge. Introducing your horses to new experiences, such as trying out a new discipline, can be a great way to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.

#2 Environmental enrichment
You wouldn’t enjoy being confined to a room with nothing to do all day, and neither do your horses.
Food-related entertainment, such as hanging treats and fine-mesh hay nets that increase the time spent foraging and nibbling, will probably be the most appealing. However, providing stable toys and scratching mats are also great to spark your horses’ inquisitive nature and keep them occupied. To keep things interesting, don’t forget to rotate toys and alternate treats every once in a while.
Some horses might also enjoy having music playing, and if your horse is stabled alone, consider having a mirror installed to mimic some company.

#3 Spending quality time together
Take advantage of the poor weather conditions and work on your bond with your horses. There are plenty of activities you can engage in confined spaces that you can enjoy together, such as:
• Grooming
• Massages
• Carrot stretches
• Clicker training
• Lunging
• Walking in hand

 

Try to take your horses out if you have the opportunity but keep in mind that if it’s miserable for you, it’s likely that they won’t be able to enjoy it very much as well.

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

Equine courses


 

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