Tag Archives: basic care

Cats, The Pet Professionals

Old cats and dehydration during the summer

As the temperature rises, keeping a close eye on our senior cats is essential! When hot days arrive, it’s easier for our older feline friends to lose more fluids than normal, and if they aren’t given enough encouragement or opportunities to drink more water, this situation can quickly tip into severe dehydration.

Learn more about keeping your golden oldies hydrated and happy through the summer in our blog post below!

What is dehydration?

Dehydration happens when there is a significant loss of bodily fluids, and they are not adequately replenished. There are many ways for your pets to lose more water than usual, including hotter days, lack of access to clean water or many health conditions like diabetes, kidney disease or cardiac problems.

Here are some of the most common early signs of dehydration:

  • Confusion or lack of coordination;
  • Lack of appetite and lethargy;
  • Trouble breathing and panting excessively;
  • Sunken eyes and reduced skin elasticity;
  • Collapse.

While mild dehydration can be easily fixed and is not likely to cause long-term harm, if this situation progresses enough, it can be fatal! Severe dehydration compromises most bodily functions, including circulation, digestion and removal of the body’s normal waste products and might need a prompt medical intervention!

Is my older cat at a higher risk of dehydration?

Older cats are often at a higher risk of being dehydrated, especially during the summer, as they can’t retain water as well due to reduced body mass, thinner skin, plus they might not be as inclined to drink water like when they were younger.

If your golden oldie is also suffering from several common diseases such as kidney disease or diabetes, this makes them lose a higher-than-average amount of water through their urine. This, coupled with high heat and a relative lack of drive to drink water, might cause mild to severe dehydration.

As a caring owner, it’s essential to pay close attention to your senior pets, and if you spot any of the signs we have mentioned above, please get in touch with your vet as soon as you are able. They will help you evaluate the situation and how to correct it before it becomes a serious problem.

How can I help my cat drink more water?

In order to avoid issues with the heat and dehydration, it’s best to be proactive!

As the days grow hotter, keep track of how much water your cat is ingesting. You can also implement several strategies to encourage him or her to ingest more water, helping avoid excessive loss of fluids.

Consider:

  1. Making sure his or her water bowls are always filled with fresh, clean water;
  2. Changing the bowls to a water fountain as cats often enjoy flowing water;
  3. Switching to wet food that is appropriate for seniors as this type of diet is much higher in water than dry kibble;
  4. Adding some flavour to the water, for instance, with chicken broth or tuna water (not oil).

Also remember that many painful conditions like osteoarthritis, dental disease or cancer can make eating and drinking very difficult for pets.

For these cases, your vet will help you figure out the best way to keep your feline friend hydrated and as pain-free as possible, so don’t hesitate to approach them with your difficulties and concerns!

 

 

Cats, The Pet Professionals

Worried about fleas in your cats?

As the weather becomes warmer and more inviting, the number of pet parasites like fleas, ticks and mites increases significantly. Fleas are almost ubiquitous, and all cats are at risk, even those that don’t ever leave the house, as it’s very easy for us humans to bring them in from the outside.

Once you have a flea infestation, it might mean that you have to treat your home alongside all your pets! Keep reading to learn how to deal with these bothersome parasites before they become a real problem.

What are fleas?

Fleas are widespread external parasites of many animals, including cats, and several species can infest our feline friends, but, by far, the most common is the Ctenocephalides felis.

These insects latch onto our pets’ skin and bite them to consume their blood. While most of the time, this blood loss is not a problem, in case of severe infestations in young cats or cats who may have other health problems, it can cause a potentially fatal anaemia.

Additionally, they are bothersome pests that can cause skin problems and they won’t hesitate to make themselves at home in your house.

 

Can fleas be dangerous?

Fleas can cause several problems, and it’s best not to let them linger around for too long!

Not only are they a source of skin irritation for your pets and for you, but they can also:

  • Cause Flea Allergic Dermatitis – cats who are allergic to flea saliva can develop severe itching even from just one bite, which can lead to hair loss, wounds due to intense scratching and skin infections;
  • Carry tapeworm – Fleas can be infected with tapeworm eggs, and if your cat ingests them while grooming, they can get infected as well;
  • Spread diseases to other pets – If you have rabbits and cats in the same household, fleas can be a source of myxomatosis, a deadly illness in rabbits, especially if they are unvaccinated;

How can I get rid of fleas in my cat?

In order to prevent all of these problems, the best way is to keep your pets’ parasite treatments always up to date!

There are various ways to kill fleas and prevent them from reappearing, such as using a spot-on treatment that you put on your cat’s skin regularly or prescription tablets you can get from your vet. You will have to treat all pets in the household simultaneously, including dogs or small furries, using a species-appropriate treatment.

You may also need to treat the environment if fleas have taken up residence in your rugs, carpets etc.

How frequently you need to apply these treatments will depend on your cat’s lifestyle, so if you’re unsure about this, don’t hesitate to talk to your vet about the best ways to prevent fleas.

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Cats, The Pet Professionals

Osteoarthritis in cats

During the winter, do your bones and joints ache a little (or maybe a lot!) more? If they do, you are not alone!

Our cats can also suffer from increased joint pain due to the low temperatures and high humidity during the cold season. However, our feline friends are experts at hiding their pain and discomfort, and it may be tough to know when you need to give them a little help.

Read our blog post below to learn all about osteoarthritis in cats and how you can help your pet if necessary.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is one of the leading causes of pain and difficulty moving in cats, and this problem causes the progressive destruction of cartilage, which impairs the movement of joints.  Cartilage is the tough, flexible tissue that lines the joint surfaces.

Unfortunately, we don’t know exactly what causes the loss of cartilage in the first place. However, we do know it is more likely in older animals, pets that have suffered injuries or that have a genetic predisposition to joint dysfunction (for instance, hip dysplasia in Maine Coon or Siamese cats).

This means that, in a large number of cases, there is no observable cause as to why your cat might be suffering from osteoarthritis.

Could my cat be in pain?

As we know, many cats will hide their pain and learn to cope before owners realise that something is wrong.

The best way to avoid this is to keep a close eye on your feline friend and not chalk up changes to things like old age or even just a phase that they are going through.

Here are some of the most common signs that your cat might be in pain:

  • He or she no longer enjoys being touched and seems more temperamental when being held;

 

  • Struggling to do things that have always been effortless such as using the litter box, jumping onto places, going through the cat flap or using the stairs;
  • Significantly reduced activity, especially less time spent grooming and spending more hours sleeping.

During cold and damp weather, discomfort increases and these signs often become more apparent, leading to owners realising that something might be wrong with their beloved pet.

How can I help my cat feel better?

Curing osteoarthritis is often not possible, as most cases of feline osteoarthritis do not have an observable cause.  However, there are plenty of ways to slow this disease’s progression and modify your home to ensure your cat has the support and pain relief required.

Your vet will do all of the necessary tests to ensure that no underlying diseases need to be treated and then prescribe the best medication and supplements for your cat’s situation.

They might also suggest that you:

  • Find a litter box with smaller sides, so it is easier to use;
  • Move all of his or her things to one accessible place to avoid having to use the stairs;
  • Ensure sleeping places are not in draughty or cold areas, especially during autumn and winter;
  • Spend time brushing him or her to make grooming less bothersome.

As we’ve mentioned, winter can bring an especially hard challenge for these pets, so during this time pay special attention to the ways that you can help them feel better such as limiting time out in cold weather or making their living spaces a little easier and cosier!

Managing this condition is a joint effort between you and your vet, so don’t hesitate to let them know if you spot any changes or if you’re struggling to help your beloved pet!

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Cats, The Pet Professionals

Should I groom my cat?

The most common question cat owners have is “Should I groom my cat?”, especially if they are first time owners!

We all know that cats are pretty much self-sufficient when it comes to cleaning their fur and skin, but there are many situations where you’ll need to intervene.

Keep reading to learn when and how to groom your cat to ensure your feline friend always has beautiful fur and healthy skin.

Which cats need grooming?

It is no surprise that cats with long or thick hair have very different grooming requirements than cats with short fur. If your pets have luxurious locks, you and them will have to get used to regular or even daily brushing as well as periodic hair trimming.

However, even if you have a cat that has thin or even no hair, he or she might need to be groomed and bathed once in a while. During shedding season, regular brushing will not only avoid a vortex of fur in your house but also help your cats feel more comfortable, and they will take in less fur, leading to fewer chances of hairballs.

Another group of cats that will need specialist fur and skin care is pets with infections (from fungi, parasites or bacteria) in their skin or prone to allergies. Your vet might recommend that you apply topical medication during bathing, which could mean that you will have to bath them frequently.

How do I groom my cat?

If you’re just now embarking on the pet owner journey, you might be feeling a little lost on how to help your cat maintain healthy fur and skin.

As we’ve just mentioned, many cats need regular grooming due to having long fur or if they happen to have medical problems that require special attention focussed on their skin and coat. But the truth is that all cats will need a little grooming help at least once in a while, which is why it’s crucial to get them used to being handled and groomed early on!

Here are some of the most important parts of a great fur and skin routine:

  • Fur brushing can be a pleasant activity for a cat, but getting him or her used to it as an adult can take some time, so make sure to keep sessions short and full of rewards;
  • Bathing can be a hard sell for your pets which means that the best way is to get them used to it when they are as young as possible and to make it an enjoyable experience;
  • Don’t forget to take a close look at their nails and clip them if needed!

When all of this goes well, grooming becomes a wonderful bonding moment between you and your cat. However, we know that some cats can be very challenging to groom, and that’s when professional grooming services come to the rescue.

It’s okay if you struggle with this and need to call for help, so don’t hesitate to shop around for the perfect groomer or speak with your vet about your difficulties!

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!

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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.

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Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Prevention is the best medicine!

Being a dog parent is more than a fantastic and rewarding experience, it’s also about embracing the responsibility of caring for another life. Even though some things fall beyond our control, we need to make sure our dogs have the best chance to thrive and have a happy, healthy life.
To make sure your dog is protected, you should work together with your vet as he or she is the most qualified person to help you create a tailored health plan for your dogs that covers their individual, specific needs.

Vaccination
It is recommended that you vaccinate your dogs against parvovirus, distemper, infectious canine hepatitis, and other infectious agents, which can cause severe disease and can have a fatal outcome, especially for puppies and dogs with compromised immunity. Also, if you’re planning on travelling with your dogs, you’ll need to vaccinate them against rabies.

Parasite treatments
There are two types of parasites that can affect our pets: ectoparasites, which are external parasites such as fleas and ticks, and endoparasites, which are internal parasites and are mostly worms.
As the number of products available for parasite treatment keeps growing, and as these have different effects depending on their composition, it is always best to seek veterinary advice before using them on your dogs.

Identification
Having your dogs identified is mandatory by law and a valuable tool in case they ever get lost, as it will make it easier to reunite them with you. This includes getting your dogs microchipped, but also ensuring that they wear a collar/harness with identification tags whenever they go outside. This is something some people might not be aware is a legal requirement.

Nutrition
For dogs and for all species, proper nutrition is one of the most important foundations of health.
Finding a nutritional balance is essential as the lack of certain nutrients can cause severe issues, but being overweight and obesity are also linked to serious diseases that can shorten your dogs’ life span.
At different life stages, dogs have different caloric needs, and these will also vary depending on their size and lifestyle.

Neutering (spaying and castrating)
If you’re not planning on breeding your dogs, you should consider getting them neutered.
Besides preventing unwanted pregnancies, neutering can have a significant impact on your dogs’ health as it will decrease or eliminate the risk of developing certain diseases of the reproductive system.
Neutering male dogs can also help reduce roaming and fighting behaviours, which will reduce the risk of them running off, and getting injured in a car accident or fighting.

Hygiene, grooming and dental care
Hygiene is also one of the cornerstones of health. Good hygiene will involve a lot of touching, holding and standing still so you should try to get your dogs used to being touched and remaining quiet early on to make this process quick, easy and enjoyable for both of you. You can encourage their patience by offering rewards during this process!
Pay particular attention to the face, especially their eyes, ears and mouth, making sure that they are properly clean. Other areas that usually require regular attention are the nails and the anal glands.
Ideally, you should try to brush your dogs’ teeth daily. There are other options that can help keep your dogs’ teeth clean such as dental chews and some prescription diets; however, they’re not as efficient. Dental hygiene will be essential in preventing plaque build-up, tartar development and consequent oral inflammation and disease.
Grooming will help remove clumps of matted and soiled hair, keeping the hair and skin healthy. Long-haired breeds will need to be groomed more often, but all dogs benefit from regular grooming.

Exercise
Exercise is a great source of entertainment for your dogs and can prevent unwanted behaviours, keeping them fit and healthy. You should exercise your dogs daily and adapt their routines to their age and breed.

Keep in mind that your dogs’ needs will change over time and do not hesitate to consult with your veterinary surgeon if you have any questions.

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Cats, The Pet Professionals

Basic care for kittens – part I

Getting a kitten is a time of joy and excitement, but it also comes with great responsibility! With that in mind, we have put together some information to help you prepare for the new arrival!

Choosing a kitten

Kittens have different characters: some are quiet and enjoy napping on your lap, others are more extroverted and love the animation of a busy household. If possible, choose a kitten with a personality that will fit your lifestyle and that you think will feel comfortable in your usual home environment.

Home preparations

Before you bring your kitten home, there are some things that you must prepare in advance. And if you have or are planning to have more than one cat, make sure each cat has their own resources to avoid conflicts between them.

Step #1: Kitten-proofing

Yes, you read correctly, kitten-proofing exists. It is pretty much the same as baby-proofing but adapted for kittens! Without going into too much detail on this topic, we leave you a few examples:

  • All medication must be safely put away so that the kittens can’t get to it;
  • Tiny spaces where the kittens can get stuck while exploring should be sealed;
  • Windows should remain closed or adequately fenced with wire mesh to avoid accidental falls and getaways.

Step #2: Make them a place of their own

Make sure you prepare a space that feels comfortable and secure for your kittens. Even though they will probably want to hang out with you most of the time, they should have a special place of their own to go when they feel like being alone or want to rest undisturbed. Remember that a sound sleep is vital for growth and proper development! You should also provide places to hide in case they ever feel scared and need a secure place to escape and to make playtime even more fun!

Step #3: Feeding area

Cats are well known for being picky when it comes to… Well, basically everything, but this becomes even more evident when it comes to eating.

Cats don’t like to eat and drink at the same place. It goes against their instinct as in the wild, food is usually a decomposing carcass that would contaminate nearby water.

Cats also don’t have a natural tendency for drinking much water. You can encourage their drinking behaviour by having multiple sources of fresh water throughout the house.

If possible, their food and water bowls should be made of glass or metal, as plastic keeps unwanted scents even after thoroughly washed, and wide so that the edges won’t touch the whiskers.

Some people also tend to have the toileting area near the feeding area to keep everything close together and easily accessible for their cats. But if you were going out to eat at a restaurant, you wouldn’t like to seat at the table next to the restroom, and neither does your cat!

Who would have thought so much science was behind a simple meal?

Step #4: Toileting area

Keep it simple, clean and away from the food, and you won’t have problems!

The toileting area should be placed in a secluded, quiet corner where your kittens can do their business without being startled or interrupted.

Studies have shown that cats prefer open litter trays with plain, unscented litter. Faeces and urine should be removed daily, and you should replace all the litter, clean and disinfect the tray at least once a week.

If you have more than one cat in your household, the golden rule is that you should have a litter tray for each cat and an additional one just in case.

Step #5: Environmental enrichment

Try to make your kittens’ new environment as close as you can to their life in the wild, and they’ll grow into happy, healthy, confident cats.

  • Provide toys and encourage playing to simulate hunting.
  • Cat trees and other tall structures they can climb and perch on are a great way of giving them vertical territory to observe prey.
  • And don’t forget to add some scratching poles for claw maintenance and territory marking, otherwise, your furniture and curtains will be the things that suffer!

Taking your kitten home

Keep in mind that you’re taking the kittens from the place where they’ve probably been their whole life and, as you can imagine, this can be a cause of great distress. To try to minimise this stress, you can put a familiar smelling item in the carrier or use a pheromone spray to help create a feeling of calm and security for your kittens.

First impressions

They’re finally home!

To make your kittens’ transition to their new home go as smoothly as possible make sure you let them do things at their own pace. Start by showing the kittens the room you’ve prepared for them. Let them explore freely. If they feel like hiding, be patient and don’t force them to come out. They will, eventually, when they feel ready. Make sure they know where the feeding, drinking and toileting areas are placed. When they feel comfortable, let them get acquainted with the rest of the house.

It is essential to remember that all introductions must be done gradually, with patience, and preferably one thing at a time, whether it’s an object, another pet, or other people.

 

Stay tuned for part II, where we’ll cover health, hygiene, socialisation, playing, training and more!

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