Horses, The Pet Professionals

How to recognise digestive problems in horses

Digestion is a vital physiologic process, as it allows the nutrients in food to become available and be absorbed into the bloodstream, thus fuelling a horse’s body.

As large, herbivorous animals, horses have a complex yet delicate digestive system, and any disturbances to their digestion can lead to health complications. 

There are several digestive problems that can affect horses, and in this article we will run through how to recognise them.

 

  • Colic

Colic is a broad term used to refer to abdominal discomfort in horses, which can be caused by a number of conditions, from a simple change in a horse’s routine to more severe problems, such as an intestinal torsion (which often requires surgical management), for example.

With the potential to be a life-threatening condition, colic is one of horse owners’ worst nightmares.

Prompt veterinary treatment in these cases is very important, so if you recognise any sign of abdominal discomfort in your horse, don’t hesitate to contact your vet. 

Signs of abdominal pain include:

  • Rolling 
  • Stretching
  • Pawing with a forelimb
  • Withdrawn behaviour and unwillingness to move
  • Restlessness 
  • Decreased appetite
  • Abnormal stance, shifting of weight or spending more time lying down
  • Looking at the flank
  • Altered faecal consistency or quantity

Some horses are more stoic than others and have a higher tolerance to pain. In these animals, it can be challenging to recognise that they are unwell, and owners should be suspicious if they detect any unusual behaviour or change in their horse’s demeanour.

 

  • Diarrhoea 

Just like colic, diarrhoea is a manifestation of an underlying gastrointestinal problem and, depending on what’s causing it, its severity will vary.

Common causes for diarrhoea include stress, infection, inflammation, parasites and the use of certain medications.

Having loose stools for a couple of days due to a change in their feed, for example, is not likely to have a significant impact on your horses’ health. However, prolonged cases of diarrhoea will lead to dehydration, nutrient malabsorption and disruption of the delicate balance of the gut environment, so don’t take diarrhoea lightly. 

 

Though diarrhoea and colic are the most noticeable signs of digestive problems, there are many other signs that you should be aware of and learn how to recognise. These signs may indicate gastrointestinal or other health issues. Do look out for:

  • Weight loss

Weight loss is usually suggestive of an insidious problem. It can be hard to spot if you’re not used to assessing your horse’s body condition score. Keeping such a record is very important given that it can help you detect subtle weight variations that may be related to health problems and also alert you to obesity and associated complications.

  • Altered appetite

Pain is often the cause of poor appetite in horses, but it doesn’t always stem from a digestive problem. Musculoskeletal conditions, such as osteoarthritis, for example, can be extremely painful and lead to decreased appetite as well. 

  • Constipation 

Dental issues, parasites, dehydration, and even stress can lead to constipation in horses. Passing faces is very important for the good functioning of the whole digestive tract, so make sure that your horse is defaecating regularly to avoid complications.

  • Poor performance

Any health condition can lead to poor performance, and this is not exclusive to gastrointestinal issues. If you notice that your horse has been ‘off’ lately, do not undervalue this, as your horse may be suffering in silence.

 

As you may have realised, signs of digestive problems don’t usually manifest alone. And as there is no one sign that is specific to one problem, veterinary assessment is critical to try and determine the cause and initiate appropriate treatment.

If you recognise any of these signs, don’t hesitate to contact your vet!

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

Equine courses

 

 

Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Winter hazards

Halloween and Bonfire night are behind us, and we are all looking forward to the jolliest season of the year. As November settles in, we’d like to take a little time to remind you of the most common winter hazards that you may face with your dog! 

Dogs are especially vulnerable to toxic substances like antifreeze or chocolate, as their curiosity knows no bounds, and they have a tendency to get into trouble the second we turn our backs. 

Check our list below for some of the most important things to keep in mind. 

 

Dangerous foods 

The time between Halloween and Christmas is filled with treats of all sorts, like chocolates, baked goods, sweets and fatty foods. 

With family gatherings and preparations underway, it’s easy to get distracted and leave delicious within reach of paws and mouths, so it’s no surprise that a lot of accidental poisonings happen during this time of the year!  

  • Chocolate is highly poisonous, and even a relatively small amount can be harmful to your pet; 
  • Xylitol can be found in low-calorie foods or sweets like chewing gum, and it causes severe issues with blood sugar balance in dogs; 
  • Fatty foods like roast dinners might cause gastrointestinal problems if ingested in high enough quantities (for instance, if your dog steals the leftovers, which can be twice as dangerous if they have any bones!). 

Keep a close eye on food sources and on your dogs to avoid a bothersome trip to the vet during dinner with your family and friends. 

 

Antifreeze 

Antifreeze (or de-icer) is a dangerous substance that is pretty much everywhere during the colder months. It contains ethylene glycol, a sweet compound that forms large crystals in the kidneys when ingested. This causes extensive kidney damage, which may be irreversible or even fatal if not treated in time. 

As it’s extensively used to prevent car fluids from freezing, many people will keep containers at home. We urge owners to keep de-icer containers safely away from pets as ethylene glycol is sweet-tasting, and dogs might seek it out. 

If you spot any leaks in your vehicles, take care to clean any spills or remove access to the garage altogether until it can be fixed. 

 

Frostbite 

With the possibility of cold weather and snow, frostbite starts being a potential concern, especially for dogs that go outside a lot. Extremities like toes, ears and tail are the most sensitive body parts to freezing temperatures. 

Making sure your pets have access to warm shelter at all times is vital to prevent injuries from frostbite. If you’re planning on going on long walks in the snow or places with cold water, don’t forget to put proper winter boots on your dog and to check regularly if he or she is doing okay. 

 

If you think that your dog has ingested something they shouldn’t or might have stayed out for too long in the cold, don’t hesitate to contact your vets for advice.

Cats, Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Cold weather and pets – Keeping your furry friends comfortable

With the weather getting colder, snuggling comfortably with our pets at home feels like the perfect weekend plan.

But even pets equipped with the best fur coat can feel the cold, so we should ensure that they remain comfortable as winter approaches.

That said, we’ve put together three tips to help your pets during the cold weather.

 

Winter clothes

The pet fashion industry has grown considerably in the past years, and we can find anything from collar accessories to the most elaborate Halloween costumes in pet’s clothing shops.

The truth is, when winter comes, some pets will significantly benefit from the added protection that clothing can offer.

Impermeable, fleece-lined coats with reflective materials on the outside are great for this season as they’ll keep your pet warm, dry and visible.

Our top advice regarding clothing is to make sure that your pet is comfortable wearing it. Check if it fits properly and if your dog has never worn clothes before, gradually increase the periods in which they are dressed until they are used to the feeling.

Boots can also be highly appreciated, especially when it’s snowing or if your pet needs some extra grip in slippery conditions.

 

Preventing boredom

Even if your cat enjoys being out on the prowl, it won’t come as a surprise if they prefer to spend more time indoors during the colder season. As for dogs, depending on the weather conditions, their walks are also likely to be shorter.

When returning home, make sure that your pets’ fur is dry to prevent skin problems and other health issues. Having a warm, comfortable space where they can snuggle, ideally near a window so that they can see what’s going on outside, is likely to be one of their favourite spots.

However, even if they’re spending more time indoors, it’s important to make sure that their exercise needs are being met. Keep them physically and mentally stimulated with fun home activities to prevent them from becoming bored and developing associated behaviour problems, such as chewing or scratching furniture, excessive vocalisation, and house-soiling, for example.

 

Health checks

Very young, senior or debilitated pets are usually not as able to deal with the cold as healthy animals. If you notice some discomfort, don’t hesitate to discuss this with your vet and book a check-up appointment as there could be an underlying disease that is making your pet more vulnerable.

Also, it’s important to keep in mind that arthritic pets usually have a more challenging time during winter, with the cold weather making their joints stiff. Talk to your vet to make sure that they are pain-free and discuss what you can do at home to make their lives more comfortable. Something as simple as raising their food bowls off the floor can have a tremendous impact on their wellbeing.

 

We hope you get to enjoy the beauty of the colder season with your pets!

Horses, The Pet Professionals

Mud fever – an autumn worry

Mud fever can be a challenging problem for horse owners during the wetter months of autumn and winter, requiring careful management of both the horses affected as well as their paddocks and fields.

This illness is caused by a bacterial infection affecting the lower portion of the leg due to muddy and wet conditions. During the relentlessly rainy days of the season, horses might find themselves spending a lot of time in waterlogged, muddy fields. The moisture, combined with the abrasive properties of the mud, can create a pathway for bacteria to invade the tissues in the pastern or fetlock.

 

How do I know if my horse has mud fever?

If you spot any of these, it’s a sure sign something is wrong:

  • Red and hot skin;
  • Itching and discomfort affecting the horse’s legs;
  • Scabs in the skin of the pastern or fetlock;
  • Yellow or white discharge around the scabs;
  • If severe enough, swelling and limping;

Give your vet a call without delay! The sooner your horse has a proper diagnosis, the easier it will be to resolve this issue and avoid harsher problems.

 

What do I have to keep an eye out for?

Inspecting your animal’s hooves frequently is the best way to detect problems early, and prevention is much easier than treatment. If the weather is rainy and there have been long periods of muddy paddocks, it is vital to check on them daily.

Some horses, such as animals with chronic diseases, wounds in the legs, or thinner skin, are more susceptible to developing mud fever, so they require an extra careful inspection to avoid complications.

 

Is it possible to treat it?

Treatment is possible, and your vet will work with you to ensure you have a tailored plan for your animals and your premises.

The goal is not just to clear the infection and get your horses back to form but also to prevent mud fever from happening again. This is why your vet is likely to suggest changes in how your fields are organised and where your horses spend their time, as this will play a large part in helping to prevent this disease.

 

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

Equine courses

 

 

The Pet Professionals

Food toys for dogs

Food toys are some of the best toys for dogs, and it’s easy to understand why! They combine all the advantages of treat-motivated training sessions with stimulating physical and mental exercises that will keep your pet thoroughly entertained.

Puzzle feeders can be given to any dog, but they are also excellent aids in the management of various health problems such as behaviour issues, digestive problems or obesity.

But there’s such a vast selection of treat toys that you might be asking yourself: What is the best one for my dog?

If you’re not sure where to start, here are our top tips on how to choose one that your dog will enjoy.

#1 Start simple and then increase the difficulty

The pet market is full of all manner of puzzle toys with varying complexity. They range from simple spiral bowls that increase eating time to hard challenges where your dog needs to move, touch or interact with things in the correct order to be given their treat.

For animals that are not used to this kind of challenge, it’s best to start with more straightforward puzzles and then gradually progress to the more complicated ones.

#2 Choose the right toy for your dog’s needs

There are puzzles to meet a variety of needs such as staving off boredom, increasing activity level, helping slow down voracious eaters, and even delaying ‘doggy dementia’ in old age.

Do some research and see which type of toys are best suited for your furry friend’s issues, as they are not all the same!

#3 Consider having more than one toy so you can swap them around

Dogs are curious and intelligent animals that love a good challenge, especially if there are some tasty treats at the end. However, they might grow a bit bored of doing the same thing over and over again.

To help avoid this, consider having multiple puzzler feeders so that you can rotate these and keep mealtimes fresh and interesting for your pet.

While it might take a couple of tries until you find a toy that really gets your pet’s attention, once you do, it can bring a whole new dimension to your dog’s mealtimes!

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

Canine courses

 

Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Dog training

Dogs are intelligent animals, and mental stimulation is essential for them to lead a happy, and healthy life.

With the kids being back at school and the family spending less time at home, why not invest some time in teaching your dog a new trick?

Learning is a great way to stimulate your dog’s cognitive abilities and it can be a wonderful bonding experience between you and your pet.

That said, we leave you with our top five tips to help you train your dog!

 

#1: Setting up

Before you start:

Choose a quiet place to train your dog where you won’t be interrupted and where there are little or no distractions.

Gather all the materials needed for your training session (treats, objects, clicker, etc.).

Make sure that you’re relaxed and that you have time. If you are annoyed for some reason, if your mind is wandering, or if you’re in a rush, this can create a negative experience for your dog. If this is the case, it may be best to skip the training session.

Now that you have everything prepared, you can get your dog!

 

#2: Start small

You may want to teach your dog to navigate an obstacle course, but if you have never trained your dog before, make sure to start with more simple commands (such as sit, for example), which are easier to learn. This way, your dog will familiarise themselves with the process, and it will be easier to move on to more difficult tricks.

Another thing that helps is to keep training sessions short so that neither you nor your dog becomes tired or frustrated if the progress is not happening as fast as you were expecting.

 

#3: Break it down

Let’s go back to the obstacle course idea. Imagine that the course is comprised of three obstacles: a tunnel, a ramp and 10 weave poles, and that you want your dog to go through these in a set order. For your dog to complete these three obstacles in succession, they first need to learn to go through them individually and then you can build up from there.

 

#4: Imitation

Did you know that dogs are great copycats? If your dog is struggling to learn something, seeing another dog complete the same exercise may help them understand what is expected better.

 

#5: Rewards

Rewards are key in the process of learning, as rewarding a behaviour makes it more likely to be repeated. Rewards can take many forms depending on your dog’s personality – they can be food treats, praise or even toys. Make sure that you know which one your dog prefers to keep them motivated.

If your dog is doing something that was not intended, do not punish or yell at them. They can associate training with a negative experience, which will have a detrimental impact on results. Instead, ignore what they are doing and try again another time.

 

We hope you have fun teaching your dog something new these coming days! If you feel that they are struggling to learn something new, take a step back and try to figure out how you can break the task down into more manageable stages.

Be patient and good luck!

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

Canine courses

 

Cats, Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Improving mealtimes for older pets

As our pets grow older, they go through a significant number of changes. They may not enjoy moving as much, they may lose some sharpness to their senses, and they may suffer from chronic conditions such as kidney disease, osteoarthritis or diabetes.

Keeping an eye out for these changes is very important as our pets can have a dip in their quality of life as time goes on. However, there are some things we can do to enhance their comfort at home, one of which is improving their eating experience.

Eating is one of the most important daily activities, and senior animals often find themselves not enjoying their mealtimes as much. This can lead to a significant decrease in their calorie intake, causing them to lose weight.

Here are some tips on how to ensure your golden oldies have a five-star gourmet experience every day:

Switch to a diet appropriate for their age

Usually, cats are considered seniors at around ten years of age, while dogs vary between seven for larger breeds and nine for smaller breeds. At these ages, consider changing their food to a special senior formulation.

There are plenty of options made specifically for senior pets, and therapeutic diets that help with a number of health problems. These formulations contain all the nutrients that they need to support age-related conditions such as lowered immune systems, achy joints, and kidney disease. They also have the right texture and shape for pets who can no longer smell or chew so well.

Improve palatability

Improving palatability may take a little trial and error, but it can be very rewarding for you and your pets.

Try to offer novel food textures such as soft wet food, which can help if your pet has pain chewing, or change the brand and flavour of their meals.

Offering smaller portions throughout the day and introducing exciting food puzzles are also quick changes you can implement to great effect.

Pouring a little water or salt-free broth on dry kibble and gently heating it in the microwave improves aroma, which can compensate for any loss of smell.

Be mindful of their limitations

Osteoarthritis, muscular weakness or painful chronic conditions all make bending down harder. If you spot your pets struggling to reach their food, place the bowl a little higher so that eating is more comfortable for them.

Golden oldies who no longer hear or see very well may also feel disoriented in busy spaces and may struggle to find their food. Keeping their bowls in an easily accessible, comfortable and quiet room can do wonders for them!

Ask your vet for help

Every pet is different, and sometimes it can be pretty challenging to get an older pet, especially one with concurrent health conditions, to eat what they need to stay healthy.

If you find yourself struggling with this or have any questions on how to improve your furry friend’s quality of life, do not hesitate to contact your vet.

Cats, The Pet Professionals

Environmental enrichment for cats

Last Sunday was International Cat Day, a day created to celebrate our feline friends.

At The Pet Professionals, we believe all days should be ‘cat days’, so we’re keeping the celebration going, and we’re going to share with you our three top tips to help you enrich your cat’s life.

 

#1 – Meeting basic needs

If you are the proud owner of a purring friend, this is where to start. 

Make sure that your cat has access to all the resources that they require to satisfy their most basic needs, such as eating, drinking, sleeping and going to the toilet.

Here is some useful information that you might not be yet aware of. Did you know that…

  • Eating and drinking bowls should not be near each other
  • Cats tend to prefer wide and shallow dishes
  • Having multiple sources of water around the house is helpful to encourage drinking
  • The litter tray should be away from the eating, drinking and resting areas
  • If you have more than one cat, it is recommended to have one litter tray per cat plus an additional one
  • Cats tend to prefer open trays and unscented litter
  • Some cats will not use the litter tray if it’s dirty, and will find elsewhere to eliminate

Basic needs – not so basic that we should ignore them!

 

#2 – Providing opportunities to display natural behaviour

For cats to be happy, they need to be able to display their natural behaviour. This includes:

Hunting

If your cat does not have outdoor access, it’s very important to provide them with hunting opportunities at home. Fortunately, there are several toys that you can purchase or make to mimic hunting. 

Also, playing is great for physical and mental stimulation and can be a bonding experience if using interactive toys. However, keep in mind to never play with your cats with your hands and fingers as this could direct predatory behaviour towards you or other family members.

Even though they’re likely to have a favourite, rotate your cat’s toys every once in a while, to keep things fun!

Scratching

Please do not try to discourage your cat’s scratching behaviour, even if they’re trying to create a ‘new texture’ for your furniture. Scratching is something that comes naturally to cats and that allows them to communicate and keep their nails sharp.

If your cat is scratching on something that they shouldn’t, such as the couch or curtains, for example, provide them with an appropriate surface to scratch on and make sure to place it somewhere that your cat will use it. Sometimes, moving the cat scratching post from the corner of the room to near a problem area will prevent your cat from scratching where you don’t want them to.

Scouting 

In the wild, cats are mighty predators, and a key component of the prowl is patient observation. High places, such as shelves or the top of the refrigerator, are usually greatly appreciated by cats, as it provides them access to a large visual field and a position of advantage. Providing your cat with vertical territory allows them to feel safe and contented.

Hiding

However, as great as hunting as cats are, cats can also be a prey target, making it twice as important to be observant, and to have a place to retreat to if needed. Having hiding places around the house can be a great source of comfort and safety.

If your cat is hiding, try to avoid disturbing them and let them come out on their own when they feel ready.

 

#3 – Making your cat’s space their own

Every cat is different, and each has their own personality and quirks. Make sure to make adjustments as needed to best suit your cat’s character so that they can lead happy lives.

 

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

Feline courses

 

 

Horses

Check your horse’s hooves regularly

Preventing injuries and illness is always better than treating them! If we had to point out a situation where this is especially true, it would be when it comes to hoof health in horses.

Hooves are fragile yet fundamental structures in equines, and many problems affecting the hooves are liable to evolve into severely painful and debilitating conditions that can often have fatal outcomes.

Laminitis, the inflammation of the soft tissues that hold the hoof in place, is extremely common and recurrent in horses, donkeys and ponies. It can severely impact animal welfare, to the point where owners might have to make the humane decision to euthanize a horse whose laminitis does not respond to treatment.

Experts recommend that you inspect your horse’s hooves regularly, including them in your daily care routine. The extra minutes you spend giving your horse a careful visual inspection can absolutely make a world of difference, as it might mean that you catch subtle lameness or structural changes in the hoof early on.

Because of the poor outcome of hoof diseases, the earlier you spot issues, the better your veterinarian and your farrier can help you solve them.

Read the tips below to help you in your daily inspection;

Symmetry

Take a good, long look away from your horse so that you can inspect all four hooves at once and observe any movements or posture that might be unusual. Take notice of any apparent changes between them, such as differences in size, shape or colour.

After an overall look, compare hooves on the same limbs, so you’re comparing front hooves between themselves and then the back hooves as a pair.

While some minor variations can happen between limbs, any noticeable changes should be noted and reported to your vet as soon as possible.

The overall shape of each hoof

As you start to do a closer inspection, pay attention to the shape of the hoof. Here you must have a solid knowledge of what a normal hoof should look like and how your animal’s feet usually look.

Many changes like uneven or bulging growth rings, contracted heels or warping of any part of the hoof should not go ignored.

Cracks, bruises or foul smells

While it may seem time-consuming, getting close and taking a long look at your horse’s feet allows you to spot issues that could need immediate attention.

Cracks and bruises might have developed or become apparent overnight, so a close, daily inspection is paramount. If you know or suspect that your horse might have stepped on something hard or had a traumatic incident recently, pay extra attention.

Foul smells usually indicate an infection and may be accompanied by local discharge of pus or other fluids. Thrush, in particular, has a very recognizable odour.

As owners, we are our horses’ greatest advocates as we know them the best and interact with them daily. If you notice any changes or have any concerns, do not hesitate to call your vet!

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

Equine courses

 

Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Summer safety

Summer’s here! For most of us, this means that it’s time for a break and we can enjoy a few days of relaxing with the family.

If you’re planning to stay local this year, this is the perfect opportunity to organise activities that include your four-legged friends.

With this in mind, keep reading our advice to keep your dog safe this summer!

Dog theft

Many of us have decided to adopt or buy a pet during the pandemic. Unfortunately, there are people who are keen to take advantage of the current high demand for pets to make a profit, and these criminals are looking to steal dogs and sell them at inflated prices. 

If you have a dog, before leaving the house, make sure that:

  • Their microchip details are up to date, 
  • They are wearing a collar or harness with an id tag, 
  • You never leave them unattended outside of a shop, in a garden, etc.

If you are looking to buy a dog, please thoroughly research the seller before making any decision. So take up references and make sure that everything checks out.

Preventive care

If you are planning to take your dog to a pet-friendly park or outdoor space where they will be in contact with other dogs or animals, make sure that their parasite treatments and vaccinations are up to date.

Kennel cough is a highly contagious disease that can easily be caught if your dog spends time with an infected animal. Also, there have been recent reports of parvovirus outbreaks in some areas in the UK. Vaccinations are available for both of these diseases.

If your pet enjoys lying in the sun for a nap, don’t forget to apply pet-safe sunscreen to sensitive areas (such as the tip of the nose and ears) to avoid sunburn.

Heatstroke

Our pets do not have the same ability to cool down as we do, making it harder for them to cope with high temperatures.

If you are planning to include your dog on a hike or a trip to the beach, make sure to avoid the hottest hours of the day, take plenty of water (for both of you) and ensure that you can provide them with a shaded area to rest.

If you notice any breathing difficulties, excessive panting, agitation, or lethargy, and if your dog seems wobbly or collapses, they are likely to be suffering from heatstroke and will need to be seen by a vet immediately. Before you head out, make sure that you have the contact information of a nearby vet in case this or any other emergency happens.

Accidents and potential problems

Accidents can happen, so if possible, take a first aid kit with you when you’re out and about and, again, keep the contact details of a nearby vet at hand.

If your dog gets stung by a bee, they may develop an allergic reaction that can compromise their breathing. If this happens, they need to be seen without delay.

Also common during summer are grass seed-related incidents. Due to their arrow-like shape, grass seeds can get stuck on your pet’s hair and penetrate their skin, leading to nasty infections. They can also get into their eyes, nose and mouth, with a similar outcome.

After walks, make sure that you always check your dog’s hair for grass seeds and, while you’re at it, ticks as well.

Near water

If you find a stream or a pond and your dog is keen to go in for a swim, have a look around for any warning signs of blue-green algae. These are collections of bacteria that produce toxins that are very harmful to your pets, so do not let them in if you suspect the water may be contaminated.

Keep in mind that your dog may not know how to swim, so consider getting them a floating harness, and make sure that they are always within your reach and that you can safely get to them if you find them in distress.

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

Canine courses

 

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