Tag Archives: animal health

Dogs

Heatstroke cases have increased!

Did you know that it’s not just pets in hot cars that can suffer from heatstroke?

According to a recent veterinary report, there has been a fivefold increase in heatstroke cases during June and August of 2022, with pets sadly passing away in one in four of these cases. Is this a result of global warming?

Keep reading to learn all about heatstroke, its most common signs, and how to prevent dangerous situations during warm weather.

Is heatstroke in pets common?

Heatstroke, also known as hyperthermia, occurs when the body is exposed to a high temperature for too long, and it can be dangerous for your pet’s internal organs.

Unfortunately, during warm days, there are many ways for your pet to find himself or herself in this situation. Owners often hear about dogs in hot cars and how it can be lethal in under 10 minutes, but long walks during warm weather, exposed kennels, and badly ventilated rooms can also cause a dangerous increase in body heat, even in cats or smaller mammals.

It’s critical that you be vigilant of situations where your pets might overheat, even if they seem comfortable or don’t seem to be in distress.

What are the signs of heatstroke in pets?

As we’ve mentioned, heatstroke can quickly become a serious problem and to ensure your pet has the best chance to find care in these situations, knowing the signs is essential.

Here is what you might spot:

  • Panting
  • Shallow, fast breathing
  • Excessive drooling
  • Refusing to move or collapsing
  • Gums that look very red and dry
  • Vomiting and diarrhoea
  • Seizures

If you see any of these signs, don’t ignore them! This is particularly important for pets who are old, overweight, have breathing difficulties, or suffer from certain problems like heart or kidney diseases, as they are more likely not to be able to regulate their temperature as well as other animals.

If my pet is suffering from heatstroke, what should I do?

When you suspect your pet might be suffering from heatstroke, move him or her to a shaded, cooler area and call your vet as soon as possible!

Based on your case, they will advise you on how to proceed but will most often tell you to try and run cool (but not cold) water over his or her body, which can help reduce temperature.

After that, your vet will want to see your pet at the practice to make sure his or her body temperature is going down in a safe way and that there are no further problems that need to be treated. 

 

In summary:

  • Recent studies show there has been a fivefold increase in the number of pet heatstroke cases;
  • Pets can suffer from heat problems by being trapped inside hot cars but also by being outside too long, going on long walks during the hottest hours of the day or being stuck inside a room with a high temperature;
  • The most common signs are collapsing, panting, drooling and fast breathing;
  • Knowing how to recognise these signs is essential to be able to help your pet before there are serious consequences!

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

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Cats, The Pet Professionals

Cat microchipping is now compulsory in England

As of June 2024, cat microchipping has become compulsory for cats in England!

A microchip can be an invaluable tool to help your pet find his or her way back home and it is very simple and painless to implant. This way, someone with a chip reader (for instance, a vet or the local council) can quickly find your contact information and reunite your pet with you!

Has your cat been microchipped yet? Keep reading to learn about the new law and how to ensure your feline friend’s safety.

What is a microchip?

A microchip is a small transmitter that is about the size of a grain of rice and it can easily be implanted under your pet’s skin, where it will remain all of their life without bothering them.

It contains a special number that can be read with a scanner and this links back to your contact details in a database.

The price for a microchip is around £10 to £30, but some charities will offer it for free, making it an extremely cost-effective way to help protect your cat from getting lost.

How can microchipping help bring my cat home?

As we’ve mentioned, the microchip transmits a number that can be used to find your contact details in one of the microchip databases available in the UK.

This means that, should your cat escape or get lost, he or she can be brought to a vet, a pet charity, or the local council and be checked for a microchip. They will be able to match your cat with your contact details, significantly increasing the chances of you being reunited with your furry friend.

Unlike collars or other accessories, a microchip is unlikely to get lost (though rarely it might change location and be harder to find at times) or deactivated.

However, if you change your address or phone number, you must update this information on your microchip’s database every time that you do! Many pets have been found with microchips only for the details to be outdated, making it much harder to find their owners.

Can I get a fine if my cat isn’t microchipped?

With the new law in effect, non-compliance can cost you up to £500 in fines! From 10th June 2024, all cats older than 20 weeks must be microchipped, and owners have 21 days to resolve this situation before being issued a fine.

This law is only in effect in England but we recommend that you microchip your cat regardless of where you live – it’s a simple, cost-effective procedure that can be done by any vet and it might mean the difference between a reunion or your cat not being able to be tracked!

 

In summary:

  • The new microchipping law makes it mandatory for all cats over the age of 20 weeks in England to have a microchip implanted;
  • A microchip is a small transmitter that is easily implanted and won’t harm your cat;
  • It contains a number that can be matched to your contact details, enabling your furry friend to return to you;
  • Failure to comply with the microchipping requirement might mean a fine of up to £500.

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

Feline courses

 

Dogs

Make sure grass seeds are not a problem this summer

If you are yearning for some outdoor adventures with your dog this summer, our blog post is for you!

Walks in the countryside can be great fun, but it’s important to be mindful of grass seeds as these can lead to many problems!

Keep reading to learn more about grass seeds and how to keep your dog away from trouble.

What are grass seeds?

Grass seeds are small, arrow-shaped grass particles and are a common part of the woodland and meadow flora in the UK. As your dog passes by, these seeds can easily detach from the stem, and their bristles make it easy for them to get caught up in your dog’s fur.

 

Why are grass seeds a problem for dogs? How will I know if my dog is affected?

If grass seeds are entangled in your dog’s fur and stay put, you’re not likely to have problems. However, with your dog’s normal movement, these tend to migrate towards the skin, and their pointy end and arrow shape can easily pierce through.

As you can imagine, this will cause a lot of discomfort and pain, and you may notice your dog licking or nibbling at the affected area if they can reach it.

Other signs associated with grass seeds will vary depending on where they’re positioned. For instance, if the nose is affected, your dog may start sneezing a lot; if the problem area is a paw, you may notice limping. Other commonly affected areas are the ears, eyes, lips, and genitals.

 

What can I do to help my dog?

If you notice any of the signs mentioned, book an appointment at your vet practice for your dog to be seen. As these signs are common to a range of problems, it’s important for your vet to do a thorough physical exam to find out what is causing them.

If the grass seed is visible, the diagnosis is easy, but tests may be necessary if it is already embedded deep in the skin.

The treatment is aimed at removing the embedded seed and treating any secondary infections that might have developed. Some grass seeds can be removed with tweezers, but if they’ve travelled internally, a surgical technique may be needed.

 

What about prevention?

The only way you can guarantee grass seeds won’t be a problem is to avoid walking your dog in places where these can be found.

If you decide to go to a place where there are grass seeds, make sure to check your dog’s fur afterwards, paying special attention to the face and between the toes, and remove any seeds that you find. If you notice any soreness, redness and if the area is warm (signs of inflammation), talk to your vet.

If you have a long-haired dog, it may be worth clipping their fur during the summer months, which can also help them feel more comfortable with higher temperatures.

Being aware of these signs can help prevent a range of problems if you enjoy involving your dog in outdoor activities. Other than grass seeds, we’d like to remind you to make sure that your dog’s parasite treatments are up-to-date and to learn more about how to protect them from seasonal hazards such as heatstroke, drowning and adder bites! Stay tuned!

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

Canine courses

 

Cats

Should I bathe my cat?

If this is your first time owning a cat, especially if you’ve been a dog owner of a breed with considerable grooming needs, you might be asking yourself: “Does my cat need to be bathed regularly?”.

Domestic felines descend from wild cats of dry, warm climates and are not known for appreciating water very much. While some feline friends might adore water, generally this is a distressing experience for most cats and, because they are great at keeping themselves clean, it’s not likely you will need to put them in the tub frequently.

Keep reading to learn all about the dos and don’ts of feline grooming and hygiene!

Do cats really clean themselves?

Cats spend a huge amount of time during the day grooming their fur and, if they live with other cats, they might also groom each other. Because of this, our feline friends tend to keep themselves far cleaner and tidier than dogs. This means that, for the most part, you won’t need to worry about bathing them regularly.

In fact, as we mentioned above, they are not likely to appreciate being in contact with a lot of water and might react badly to any attempts to do so. If you include having to be washed with shampoo and then doused with water again, it can be a very stressful experience for them!

Most breeds also have fur that feels rather uncomfortable when wet, meaning that they might not like to have damp fur whilst it is drying.

While bathing is often not a concern for your cats, a good regular brushing (especially for breeds with long or dense hair) and ear or eye cleaning as needed can do wonders for their overall hygiene. Even more particular cats will likely appreciate your help removing loose fur, skin particles, or eye secretions.

When does my cat need bathing?

Even though grooming and cleaning is a big part of your cat’s life, he or she might get into situations that could lead to you having to intervene directly on his or her hygiene.

Here are some of the most common reasons why bathing your cat might be needed:

  • He or she is very dirty or has something on his or her coat (like grease, paint or anything else that might be dangerous) that needs to be removed;
  • Your vet has recommended regular bathing for a health condition (often with a medicated shampoo) such as infections or allergies;
  • He or she is no longer capable of doing his or her grooming, for instance, due to old age or difficulty moving.

If you’re unsure if you need to clean your cat or don’t know how, it’s best to contact your vet for advice. In case you suspect your cat might have got into something toxic or dangerous, don’t delay—talk to your vet as soon as you can so you know what to do next!

What’s the best way to clean my cat?

In case your pet does need a little help cleaning his or her body and he or she is not a big fan of water, it might be better to start with pet-safe wet wipes or a damp cloth.

If you need a full soak, it’s best to find a cat-friendly shampoo that won’t irritate sensitive feline skin, use the least amount of warm water possible, and have a nice, cosy spot without draughts where he or she can rest while drying completely.

Some animals might require regular bathing for the rest of their lives and, in these cases, you can try to get them used to the process by starting gently and rewarding them every step of the way while you work to get them used to and happy being in the water.

In summary:

  • Cats are very thorough at cleaning themselves and won’t generally appreciate being dunked in water;
  • If he or she is unable to groom adequately, has certain health issues and your vet has suggested medicated baths, or has got dirty with something difficult to clean, you might need to bathe him or her;
  • While it’s very rare for your cat to need a bath, he or she will need regular brushing and, every once in a while, might need his or her ears and eyes cleaned.

Would you like to know more about cats? Check our Feline Courses:cons-feline.jpg” width=”100%” />

Feline courses

Horses, The Pet Professionals

Is Equine Flu a problem?

Have you heard of Equine influenza? Also called Equine flu, this highly infectious disease affects the respiratory system of horses and donkeys, and it can quickly make itself at home in your yard!

These strains of viruses exist all over the UK, sometimes causing outbreaks that have forced many equestrian events to be delayed or cancelled and the halting of any movements of animals in the affected areas. As unvaccinated or otherwise vulnerable horses can suffer from a severe form of this disease, biosecurity and vaccinations are vital to ensure that your horses won’t be severely ill or prevented from entering competitions.

Learn everything about Equine influenza and how to stop it from entering your yard in our blog post.

What is equine influenza?

In the UK, this disease is commonly caused by two Equine influenza virus strains, the H7N7 and the H3N8. As with other viruses, these tend to continuously mutate and become more adept at causing larger-scale infections or outbreaks.

If your horse gets infected, you can spot:

  • Fever;
  • Depression and decreased appetite;
  • Persistent dry cough;
  • Clear nasal discharge that might evolve into a thick mucus discharge.

Animals that are young, unvaccinated or that have compromised immunity are more likely to suffer from a severe or even debilitating form of Equine influenza, possibly requiring veterinary intervention to avoid breathing issues or more severe respiratory infections.

Should I be worried that my horses might catch it?

Equine flu is a concern for all horse owners!

Equine influenza is endemic to the UK and extremely contagious, being able to spread from infected horses to your whole herd in no time. This is particularly important for owners who often travel to shows or events where many horses are gathering.

However, even if your horse never leaves his or her enclosure and you bring no other animals in, they are still at risk of getting or spreading this virus as it’s also very easy to catch it from droplets in the environment. Shared equipment, clothes, tack or bedding can all be important sources of infection, which means that any visitors to your yard might bring this disease with them.

Is there anything I can do to prevent equine influenza?

Vaccination is the best way to help prevent any issues with equine flu, and it is recommended that all horse owners vaccinate against it regularly. Not only will it help significantly to reduce the risk of serious illness but it will also increase herd immunity, helping prevent future outbreaks across the country.

In addition to a good vaccination programme, it’s recommended that you have effective cleaning, monitoring and quarantine protocols in place to limit viral spread.

If you’re concerned with the biosecurity in your yard, your vet can help you identify any points that could be improved and put better measures in place, so you can avoid not only Equine influenza but many other infectious diseases!

In summary:

  • Equine influenza is a common viral infection that can cause severe problems in yards;
  • We recommend you keep all of your horses vaccinated against Equine Influenza, even if they do not contact any other horses;
  • If your horse travels frequently or you often bring in new animals to your property, don’t forget to vaccinate, quarantine and watch them as needed;
  • In the case that one of your animals is struggling with breathing, fever or lethargy, don’t forget to talk to your vet as soon as you are able!

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

Equine courses

 

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, 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!