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Cold weather dangers for dogs

What do low temperatures mean for our dogs? As winter approaches and the need for warmer clothes, antifreeze and road grit comes about, so the amount of care you need to take with your furry friends increases.

Keep reading to learn how to navigate the coming season and keep your dogs healthy and safe.

Antifreeze ingestion can be fatal if not treated

Antifreeze and di-icing compounds contain ethylene glycol. Its primary purpose is to reduce the freezing point of water, meaning it keeps water liquid even though the temperature drops below 0ºC.

Ethylene glycol helps us keep car engines running when winter really starts, which means it could be inside our homes and within reach of pets soon. As this substance tastes sweet, pets might feel tempted to drink from spills and won’t think twice about licking it off their fur if they get any on their feet or legs.

However, antifreeze is highly toxic, and even a tiny amount can cause fatal kidney damage. Here are some of the most common early signs of ingestion in dogs:

  • Lethargy;
  • Incoordination;
  • Drinking a lot of water;
  • Seizures and coma.

Even though these show up shortly after your dog has ingested antifreeze and might improve without medical help within some hours, ethylene glycol will continue to cause damage to the kidneys! To avoid fatal kidney failure, bring your pets to the vet immediately after you spot the first signs.

Always keep a close eye on your containers of antifreeze and your car for any leaks or spills on your garage, driveway or in cupboards. If you see any, clean them up as soon as possible and if you suspect that your pets have ingested any, call your vet without delay!

Rock salt might cause skin irritation and kidney damage

As the risk of ice on the road increases, local authorities will start to de-ice roads with a mixture of grit and salt that stops ice from forming and helps people travel safely.

If you go out with your dog, he or she will likely get rock salt on the legs and abdomen. This concentration of salt and grit can cause irritation on sensitive skin, especially between the toes, prompting him or her to lick it off.

Ingesting this much salt can lead to problems such as vomiting, lethargy or excessive thirst and might even cause damage to the kidneys if it’s severe enough. To avoid this, don’t forget to wipe your pet’s legs and tummy with a towel after being outside during the road gritting season.

Frostbite happens more easily than you’d expect

While frostbite is fortunately not an everyday occurrence, it is easier than it may seem for your dogs to experience conditions that may cause cold damage to sensitive tissues if you’re not careful!

Exposure to cold temperatures for long periods, be it ice, snow, or just a wet, windy day, can cause feet, ears or the tail to lose too much heat and freeze. This causes damage to the skin and underlying tissues, which will not feel pleasant for your dog.

To prevent this, always ensure that your pets are not stuck outside on freezing days, keep their walks short in ice or snow and consider dog boots that are insulated for when you want to play in the snow for longer.

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

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Cats, The Pet Professionals

Help your cat through shedding season!

The dreaded shedding season is here! If you share a house with a cat, or worse, several cats, you know that there is seemingly no way to eliminate the vortex of fur that comes from such a small pet.

Even though we cannot guarantee you will stop finding hairs all over the place, there are many ways to help your feline friend get through their autumn coat change and ensure he or she is not suffering from excessive hair loss.

Why is my cat shedding?

Cats, like many other mammals, lose a lot of fur during specific times to change their coat for a hair density more suitable to the season.

During autumn, they shed to grow denser fur for winter, which is a perfectly normal, if a little annoying, thing for them and us.

Breeds with long or denser hair like the Persian, Ragdoll or the Norwegian Forest cat will shed more, and their hair is considered to be of higher maintenance than breeds with shorter hair as they require more frequent brushing to avoid painful matting.

How can I help my pet during this time?

Here are some of the ways to make shedding season better for you and your cats:

  • Brushing frequently or even daily will ensure your house will have less fur flying around everywhere and also help your cat ingest less fur;
  • If your cat has long hair or is no longer capable of grooming due to problems like osteoarthritis, brushing is vital to avoid matting and to help him or her feel clean and comfortable;
  • Some cats might not appreciate some types of brushes, so in this case, you can try different solutions like a glove or a soft brush to see which ones they tolerate the best;
  • When your cat needs to be groomed, if he or she is not used to this intervetion, there could well be some resistance. The best solution might be to take him or her to a professional groomer every once in a while;
  • Ensure that you are feeding your cats high-quality, nutritionally complete and life-stage appropriate food as this will keep their fur healthy and lead to less shedding;
  • As this is a time of higher hair loss, your cat might ingest enough hair to have hairball problems, so don’t forget to keep an eye out for that!

 

What if my cat is losing too much hair?

Sometimes, it can be tough to know if your cats are simply shedding hair because of seasonal changes or if they have an underlying health problem that is causing excessive fur loss.

When you start seeing bald spots, excessive itchiness or dry, red skin, this might mean there is a problem that needs medical attention.

There are many causes for excessive hair loss, including parasites, fungal infections, nutritional deficiencies or even very serious problems like hyperthyroidism or even cancer, which is why it’s important to speak to your vet if you have concerns about your pet’s shedding.

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

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Horses, The Pet Professionals

Protect your horses from equine influenza

Equine influenza, also known as equine flu, is a widespread viral infection in horses. The UK has experienced several outbreaks in the past decade, requiring strict quarantines to resolve, which means economic losses for horse owners who cannot participate in events or competitions.

While it is rarely fatal, it spreads rapidly, may increase the chances of your horses developing complicated pneumonia, and animals might be affected severely enough to be out of work for several weeks.

Keep reading to know more about how to help your horses avoid equine influenza.

How does the equine flu get to my yard?

The equine influenza virus is highly contagious, and it’s very easy to find its way to your horses.

It spreads via airborne droplets, just like with human flu, and when animals are infected, they must be isolated to avoid spreading it further. Shared materials like feed buckets, tack or other objects and clothes can also be contaminated, and they can be a source of infection.

Due to this, good biosecurity measures are necessary to avoid cross-contamination and to ensure that people vising your yard do not bring in the virus from other places.

Horses travelling for competitions or events are more at risk of contracting the virus due to the number of other animals around them. As clinical signs might not show up immediately after infection, they could well be shedding the virus whilst not showing any signs that they are sick.

If you think one of your horses might be infected, you must call your vet immediately so that they can do the required testing. They will then guide you on what to do to minimise the chances of transmission and to help avoid a serious outbreak that could lead to a strict lockdown.

Is it possible to help protect my horses from equine influenza?

The most common signs of equine influenza are:

  • Runny nose;
  • High temperature;
  • Cough and weakness;
  • Lack of appetite.

This disease also destroys the cells lining the throat and lungs. Because of this, infected animals can be predisposed to secondary complications such as bacterial pneumonia, which can take up to three weeks to improve.

With the potential to not only cause a lot of suffering to your horse but also to remove them from work for an extended period, prevention is critical.

As we’ve mentioned, proper biosecurity is vital to avoid bringing in the virus from elsewhere and spreading it to your horses, but quarantining new horses and vaccinating your animals is also crucial to prevent potentially serious problems with this disease.

 

Equine influenza is a highly contagious disease that quickly leads to outbreaks and might cause monetary losses due to animals that will be suspended from work, so don’t hesitate to contact your vet if you are unsure about your horses or how to improve the biosecurity and health protocols of your yard.

 

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

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Dogs

Keep medications away from dogs

 

Keep medications away from dogs

If your dog suddenly seems unwell, it can be tempting to give them medicine you have at home, but many of the most common medications humans use are toxic to our furry friends.

These include acetaminophen (Paracetamol), common anti-depressants and sleeping pills, among many others and they can cause gastrointestinal effects (such as vomiting and diarrhoea), neurological effects (such as seizures) or even kidney and liver failure.

This is why human medications should never be given to dogs and should always be out of reach to ensure they aren’t accidentally swallowed.

 

How to prevent dogs from accidentally ingesting medications

Here are some tips on how to keep your dogs safe from accidentally ingesting medications:

  • Always keep both human and veterinary medications in a place where your pets can’t access, such as a closed cabinet or drawer. If your dog is persistent, you might need to lock that cabinet;

 

  • If you drop a pill on the floor, immediately pick it up;

 

  • Don’t leave pills unattended on tables or nightstands;

 

  • Keep human medications separate from pet medications to prevent them from getting mixed up;

 

  • Always keep medications in their original box;

 

  • Pay attention to storage instructions and expiration dates – some medications might need to be stored in the fridge, for example. Don’t give your dog expired medications;

 

  • Don’t let pets have contact with medication patches, such as a nicotine patch;

 

  • Don’t let pets lick skin where a topical medication has just been applied;

 

  • Don’t throw medications in the garbage, especially if you have a curious dog that has a tendency to sniff around the trash.

 

What to do if your dog accidentally ingests medications

If your dog ingests a medication that wasn’t prescribed for them, contact your veterinarian immediately, and let them know what medications your pet has eaten and how much. You can also contact the Animal poison line  (https://www.animalpoisonline.co.uk/).

If your vet isn’t available for any reason, it’s best to take your pet to the nearest emergency vet. Time is of the essence, and the sooner your pet is assessed, the better.

Ultimately, you should never give dogs human or veterinary medications without consulting your veterinarian. Not only are certain human medications toxic to pets, but even for the ones that are safe, administering the correct dosage is essential to prevent problems for your dog or cat.

Even medications meant for pets might only be safe for a specific species. For example, certain flea medications commonly used for dogs are highly toxic to cats. Be sure to follow your vet’s instructions carefully when giving your pet any medication.

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

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Cats, The Pet Professionals

How to increase your cat’s water intake

Did you know that insufficient water intake can be a risk factor for urinary issues in cats?

Urinary problems are some of the most common health issues in cats, which is why making sure that your cats are drinking enough water is essential to keep them healthy.

However, our feline friends can be quite particular about staying hydrated! Keep reading to find out how you can encourage your feline friends to drink-up!

Food and water intake

Cats should ingest about 50ml of water per kg of body weight daily. This means that a cat weighing 4kg should be taking in 200ml of water per day.

While some of their daily water needs will be met through their food, this is not enough to ensure an adequate water intake, even if they’re eating wet food.

This is why we need to make sure that they also have drinking water sources available and that they actually use them!

How to increase your cat’s water intake

Many owners provide water for their cats in a single bowl or fountain, which is placed close to their food.

But cats don’t like having their food and water near each other, so this might not be the best strategy, however practical it may be.

Here are a few suggestions on how to provide water to your cats that can help encourage their water intake:

  • Consider experimenting with different-sized bowls made from different materials to understand your cat’s preferences. Some cats will love to drink from small bowls (< 15 cm diameter), but others will prefer larger ones due to whisker fatigue. This is where a cat’s whiskers begin to hurt as a result of drinking from a bowl that is too big.
  • Have several sources of water available around the house, preferably in different rooms than the one in which they eat and away from their litter tray as well.
  • If your cat has outdoor access, make sure that they have water sources available outside as well.
  • Some cats prefer drinking running water, so if you see your cat rushing to you whenever you turn on the tap, consider getting a fountain. Remember that every cat has their preference, so your cat might love the water fountain or simply ignore it completely.
  • Try adding some ice cubes to your cat’s water to spike their interest and keep it cool on hot days.
  • Regularly check that their water sources are full and clean.
  • And if you have more than one cat, consider providing a mix of bowls and fountains to address different preferences.

Watch out for what your cat drinks

It’s common for owners to see their cats drinking from glasses, puddles or even ponds if they have outdoor access.
Though it’s unclear whether cats do this because they dislike their water sources at home or because they simply enjoy exploring, it’s important to keep an eye on what they’re drinking to make sure that it’s nothing harmful.

If you start noticing that your cat’s drinking behaviour changes and that they are drinking a lot less or more than usual, be sure to contact your vet for a health check.

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

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Horses, The Pet Professionals

Squamous cell carcinoma in horses

As we’ve mentioned in our previous blog post, horses are prone to several skin cancers, one of the most common being squamous cell carcinoma.

These tumours appear mainly in the skin, around the eyes, genitals and mouth due to overexposure to the sun and unfortunately they can quickly invade surrounding tissues.

Keep reading for important information about squamous cell carcinoma and how to keep your horses safe from this severe skin problem.

What is a squamous cell carcinoma?

Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of malignant skin cancer that is the second most common type of equine cancer.

While many cases do not have an apparent cause, we do know that exposure to UV rays from the sun is a significant risk factor. Due to this, horses with white coats or light hair around the eyes and mouth are at a higher risk of developing this form of cancer.

When these tumours arise, they are likely to invade the surrounding tissues and cause severe damage, which is especially important when they show up on the eyelids. Fortunately, they do not tend to spread to far away organs, but they can still be challenging to treat.

How can I help my horses?

As with all types of cancer, the sooner squamous cell carcinoma is diagnosed, the better, so inspecting your horses regularly will help you spot any lesions early.

For horses at a higher risk, such as light-coloured horses or the more susceptible breeds such as Belgian, Haflingers or Holsteiners, it’s essential to:

  • Use protective eye coverings that block UV rays during the times they are out in the sun;
  • Limit their sun exposure and avoid the hours that are the most dangerous;
  • Pay close attention to any changes of colour in the skin or unexplained growths, especially on the eyelids, genitals and mouth.

Once detected, several treatment options exist, such as surgery, cryotherapy or radiation therapy.

Your vet will evaluate the type of carcinoma and its location and decide on the best course of action to ensure your horse gets an effective treatment with the least amount of side effects.

 

If you’re unsure about a lesion on your horse’s body, don’t hesitate to contact your vet! Getting a proper diagnosis as early as possible is crucial for successful treatment and remission.

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

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Horses, The Pet Professionals

What are sarcoids?

Horses are prone to many cancer problems with Sarcoids, also known as fibrosarcoma, accounting for 40% of all equine cancers and are the most common form of skin cancer.

Keep reading to know more about this locally invasive problem and what it means for your horse.

How can sarcoids affect my horse?

Sarcoids are growths on the skin and can take various shapes and types. While they do not spread to other organs, they invade local tissues and can cause many problems.

An infection by the bovine papilloma virus causes these tumours in susceptible horses. This means that not all horses infected with the virus will develop sarcoids, but the ones predisposed to it are likely to have these growths develop continuously.

The places they appear the most often are:

  • Head, in particular around the eyes and on the eyelids;
  • Lower abdomen;
  • Crotch area;
  • Lower limbs.

Their appearance ranges from tiny nodules to large ulcerated growths, which bleed when something presses or hits them. Because of the way this can attract flies and predispose to infections, especially in areas where the tack is touching, they can hinder your horse’s work capacity and quality of life.

Can sarcoids be treated?

You can treat Sarcoids, but each type has a specific treatment and using the wrong one can have severe consequences.

When you perform the incorrect treatment, your horse is at risk of developing even more aggressive growths, which are likely to spread faster. To avoid this, your vet will perform all of the necessary testing to find out what type of sarcoids he or she is dealing with.

There are many ways to remove sarcoids, including surgery, cryotherapy or chemotherapy, and your vet will decide on the best one depending on location and type. Unfortunately, they tend to return, even after correct treatment.

A proper diagnosis is also vital to rule out any other skin problems that can be mistaken for sarcoids, such as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or mast cell tumours, to name a few. SCC is highly invasive, spreads quickly to other organs and results from overexposure to the sun.

If you want to know more about this problem, stay tuned for our next equine blog post!

When it comes to sarcoids, this progressive skin cancer needs the proper veterinary supervision and individualised treatment! As soon as you suspect your horse might be suffering from this condition, make sure to contact your vet for the appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Taking your dogs for a swim

Taking your dog with you on outdoor adventures is nothing new! As more beaches, lakes and even pools become pet-friendly, there is a big chance you will be out in places where your dog could go for a swim. 

However, deep water, especially unpredictable water with currents or hidden dangers, is not to be underestimated! Dogs are naturally curious animals and are often not used to being out in these situations, a combination that can spell disaster. 

Keep reading to find out how to ensure your furry friend has the perfect swimming day. 

Can my dog naturally swim? 

While many people think dogs can swim, the truth is, this is quite variable! Many breeds were indeed selected to be peerless swimmers, but this does not guarantee that your dog, (even if from a working water breed such as Labrador Retriever or Poodle), will know how to swim or even if he or she wants to go into the water. 

Nevertheless, you can teach a dog to love swimming and increase his or her confidence in the water. 

It is best to take things slowly and, most importantly, never to force your pets to be in a situation that might cause them distress, such as dragging them into the water or throwing them beyond their depth. 

Another vital part of your dog’s swim journey is a well-fitting life jacket, especially if you are out on a boat and there’s a risk of falling overboard into dangerous currents. This buoyancy aid not only dramatically increases your pet’s confidence and comfort but can also save his or her life in case of an accident. 

If you are unsure how to teach your furry best friend how to swim or are struggling with getting results, consult a professional trainer. 

My dog is used to the water, so can I leave him or her unattended? 

You should avoid leaving your dog unattended around bodies of water, even if your dog is an excellent swimmer outfitted with a lifejacket, or even if he or she is in a place that they are used to going. 

It’s best to err on the side of caution in these cases, as there are many dangers lurking around these areas that can quickly turn the situation sour. Drowning can happen quickly and silently, so always make sure your dogs are not unattended or without a leash. 

If your pet leaves your sight and he or she returns to you listless, with an injury or vomiting, don’t hesitate to call your vet for help. 

What else should I consider when going swimming with my dog? 

Now that you’re all set for the perfect day with your dog, don’t forget to check the water conditions when you arrive. If you’re out on the lake, ensure that there are no blue-green algae blooms and that the water is safe to swim in. Watch out for strong currents or nasty waves when going to the beach. 

Sunburns and heat stroke are also a concern, so make sure your dog has sunscreen on, permanent access to shady, cool areas and plenty of fresh water.  

And, of course, no adventure is complete without a handy first aid kit! Here are some of the best things to carry with you: 

  • Bandages and surgical sticky tape; 
  • Cotton wool and sterile gauze; 
  • Scissors and tweezers; 
  • A comfortable and thick towel; 
  • Thermometer; 

This should cover many of the accidents that can cause injuries, hypothermia or even catching stray ticks.  

Why don’t you check out our video on canine first aid which covers first aid kits in detail.

In addition, remember always to keep your vet’s number and address with you so you can quickly call for help! 

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

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Cats, The Pet Professionals

Help your cat be comfortable with children

Cats are very particular animals that enjoy the stability of their routines and can be pretty picky with the people they interact with.

As a parent or someone who frequently has kids visiting, you might be worried that your feline friend will not be too keen on having small, often loud and energetic humans in the house.

The unknown person factor and the potential for uncomfortable stimuli can be daunting, but it’s possible to prepare your kids and your cat for this to go as smoothly as possible!

First impressions are important

Whether you are bringing a new cat into a home with children or letting children meet an established cat, it’s important to remember to meet your pets’ needs first and foremost and let them lead the first interaction.

Terrible first impressions aren’t impossible to fix, but if your cat has a significant negative experience, especially during their first days with you, it can impact their stress levels.

This is why it’s important to choose a moment where your pet is calm and relaxed, and your kids have been adequately coached on the dos and don’ts of interacting with your feline best friend.

If your cat looks like he or she is no longer enjoying the interaction, gently remove him or her from the situation and provide a treat reward.

Teach your kids about boundaries

Depending on their age, it might be the first time they interact directly with a pet, but even older kids might need a little refresher on the particular needs of cats.

It’s best to start educating them on this as early as possible and always be ready to intervene until your children understand the ‘rules’. Respecting your pets’ comfort boundaries is extremely important as they might not always be in a position to flee, which can result in reactive aggression and a bad experience for everyone.

Keep these things in mind:

  • Teach them to be gentle and show tem how to touch a pet without hurting;
  • Be firm when it comes to behaviours such as tugging on ears, legs or tails, as these are never acceptable;
  • Be patient and always keep calm to avoid increasing tension and stress for both your kids and your cats;
  • Until your children reach a certain age, never leave your pets and kids with each other unsupervised. Even the most well-behaved and gentle cat is very likely to react badly if provoked or harmed, even if by accident!

Make sure your cats have quiet spots to hide in

Life with kids is not for the faint of heart! Always allow your cats to opt-out of interacting with little humans whenever they see fit and ensure that they have a room or space where they will not be disturbed.

All animals have different personalities, and some take to children better than others, but it’s vital they are allowed to choose when and where to get attention.

With time and patience, it’s possible to build beautiful lifelong friendships between your kids and your cats!

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

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Horses, The Pet Professionals

4 common health problems in horses during summer

Summer provides lots of opportunities to enjoy the warm weather with your horse, but it can also bring some health issues.

Here are some of the most common problems that horse owners might encounter this season and what to do when faced with them.

Dehydration

Dehydration can happen when a horse loses more water (for example, through sweat) than he or she takes in. This is why it’s so important to have fresh water permanently available to your horse, especially during warm days.

Signs of dehydration include:

  • Dark urine/reduced urination;
  • Lethargy;
  • Dull eyes;
  • Dry mouth and skin.

But sweat is not composed of water alone, so electrolyte supplementation may be necessary for some horses, especially if they exercise a lot.

Heatstroke

Heatstroke is caused by an excessive increase in a horse’s body temperature and it can be a life-threatening condition.

It often happens when exercising in a hot environment, as it’s harder for horses to lose the excess heat, especially if they are dehydrated.

Signs include:

  • Panting;
  • Nostril flaring;
  • Increased rectal temperature;
  • Irregular heartbeat;
  • Reduced performance and delayed recovery after exercise;
  • Muscle spasms.

Keep in mind that heat exhaustion is a medical emergency! Contact your vet immediately if your horse is showing any of the signs described! Until help arrives, please move your horse to a shaded area and start to cool them by applying tepid water to their skin.

Sunburn

Sun exposure can be as damaging to horses as it is to us, with areas of pink skin and little or no hair being the most vulnerable to sunburn, such as the skin around the muzzle. Sunburnt skin typically looks red, swollen and can be painful.

You can prevent sunburn by protecting vulnerable areas of skin with sun cream or sun-blocking gear, such as a UV filtering face mask.

If your horse gets sunburnt, it’s essential to keep him or her in the shade and apply a soothing cream to the affected area to help the skin heal. Speak to your vet if the skin doesn’t improve within a few days or if you’re concerned about the severity of the burn.

Sweet itch

The saliva of the midge (Culicoides) and the black fly (Simulium) can cause an allergic reaction in some horses, resulting in a condition known as sweet itch (or Equine Insect Bite Hypersensitivity).

This illness usually affects the base of the mane, base of the tail and the face, but also the back, belly and rump. Signs include:

  • Intense itchiness that can lead the horse to scratch on posts and trees;
  • Tail swishing to keep the flies away;
  • Excessive grooming from other horses;
  • Scratching that can result in hair loss as well as skin inflammation, potentially leading to infection and thickening of the skin;
  • Lethargy or becoming agitated/restless.

Regarding prevention, keeping your horses inside during the day and out at night and using fly sheets plus face masks can reduce the exposure to midges. Many fly repellents can be used to deter flies from biting, and removing droppings frequently from the stable will help avoid attracting flies.

Though horses often find the hot weather uncomfortable, there is plenty we can do to reduce the risk of these heat-related problems. Don’t hesitate to contact your vet if you’re struggling to keep your animals safe this summer.

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

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