Tag Archives: dog

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.

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Cats, Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Preventing pet theft

If there’s one good thing that came out of this pandemic, it would have to be a strengthened relationship between ourselves and our pets.

Pets have provided us with an unparalleled source of company and support in these challenging times, which we believe to be related to the increased demand for pets that we’ve seen in the past year.

However, as with any other situation in life, there are positives and negatives, which leads us to today’s blog post about pet theft.

According to the charity DogLost, reports of pet theft have increased by 170% in the last year.

As pet owners, we can only imagine how horrifying it must be to have your pet stolen, so we’d like to share our top four tips to help you keep your pets safe.

# 1: Safety while out and about

Before taking your dog for a walk, make sure that they are wearing their ID tags.

There are a number of precautions that you can take while out on a walk with your dogs to maximise your safety, including:

• Walking your dogs on a lead in public places
• Walking your dogs around other people, in well-lit places
• While playing fetch, not throwing their toys too far away
• Avoiding having a fixed walking routine
• Avoiding posting your location on Social Media
• Not leaving your dogs tied up outside when you go into a shop

#2: Pet training

There is one command that can be invaluable in these situations, which is a good recall. If you’re out playing with your dog off lead and you notice a stranger approaching, call your dog and keep them near you and out of other people’s reach.

#3: Home safety

Unfortunately, we can’t help but mention that not all cases of pet theft occur on the streets or in public gardens and that there are individuals who will break into your home to steal your dog if they find the opportunity to do so. If your pet is home alone, make sure to leave the doors locked and your windows secured. If you have an alarm, remember to turn it on.

#4: Identification

This will not prevent your pet from being stolen, but having your pet microchipped will be instrumental in reuniting you after they are hopefully found. Make sure that your contact information is updated with the microchip company as well as your vet.

One last thing worth mentioning is that dogs of popular breeds such as French bulldogs and Pugs, for example, as well as unneutered dogs, may be at increased risk of theft.

However, pet theft is something that can happen to anyone, so we hope that you follow our tips and never have any problems with this type of crime.

Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Increase in dog vomiting cases

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

What should you do in case your dog starts vomiting?

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

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

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

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

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Dogs, The Pet Professionals

New Year’s resolution for you and your dog

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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

Autumn Hazards for Dogs

Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons of the year, with the trees changing colour and the leaves falling, that lovely earthy scent that lingers in the air after rain, and that characteristic early morning and late afternoon chill that starts making its presence, inviting us to stay home snuggled with our pets in front of a warm fire.

However, this season also comes with some concerns regarding our pets’ health and safety, and we’re going to go over a few of them so you can prepare in advance.

 

Out and about

There’s something magical about autumn walks, and nothing makes it better than enjoying them with our four-legged friends.

On your walks, make sure you pay attention to fallen conkers, acorns and leaves. Conkers and acorns are toxic to dogs and can cause gastrointestinal distress, overall discomfort, restlessness, pain, and in more severe cases, collapse and even death. If swallowed whole, they can also get stuck in the digestive tract causing an obstruction that might require a surgical intervention.

As for the fallen leaves, these may be a lot of fun to play with, but they can also be a breeding ground for mould and bacteria that can harm your pets if ingested.

If you choose to go for a walk in the woodlands, keep a close eye on your dog for the next couple of days as they can come down with Seasonal Canine Illness (SCI). This condition is rare, and its cause hasn’t been identified yet, but common signs include vomiting, diarrhoea and an overall decrease in your dog’s energy. There is no cure for SCI, but animals that receive prompt supportive treatment can recover from the condition.

 

Fireworks season

There are a number of pets that suffer from stress and anxiety with the loud pops and whizzes characteristic of fireworks. As a result, many dogs can run off because they’re scared and get lost from their owners.

Besides being a legal requirement, microchipping will make reuniting you and your dog much easier in case this happens. Just make sure your contact information is updated with the microchip company as well as with the veterinary practice where your dog is registered.

There are a lot of options to help your dog cope with these stressful events. Ideally, you should seek help in advance from a qualified behaviourist, as behaviour modification techniques and training take time to produce the intended effects. Alternatively, there is medication your vet can prescribe that can also help.

At home, you can prepare a cosy den where your dog can escape to if he or she is scared. Also, try to muffle the sound of the fireworks by turning on the TV, and keeping the windows, blinds and curtains shut. Providing something to keep them distracted can also be a good option for some dogs.

 

Halloween 

Just like with fireworks, having people constantly knocking on the door or ringing the bell can be extremely stressful to dogs, and the same advice applies in this situation.

But besides the agitation that is characteristic of this day, dog owners also need to be aware that chocolate and sweets are toxic to dogs, so make sure these are kept out of your pets’ reach.

 

Now that we have these topics covered make you sure you thoroughly enjoy all the wonderful experiences this season has to offer!

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Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Getting back on track after the holidays

Now that the holiday fun is over, it’s time to get back on track. School is about to start, we are hopefully enthusiastic to get back to work, and it’s easy to forget our pets that will be left behind when the children and adults leave the house empty once again.

If you are starting to notice your pet is sleeping more, eating less and if you feel that they are not as bright and enthusiastic as usual, here are some tips to help you promote a smooth transition back to everyday routines.

#1: Preparation
If you have a puppy or a new dog, it’s important to start getting him or her used to being alone for certain periods of time early on. This involves training your dog to be comfortable and relaxed in your absence, which might take some time and patience, but will prevent the development of behavioural issues such as separation anxiety in the future.

This may mean only leaving your dog for short periods of time in the beginning. For future holidays remember to try and keep their routine as normal as possible.

 
#2: Physical stimulation – wear them out!
Take advantage of the late summer days that we have left and take your dog out for a long walk once you get home. Find a nice, safe spot and let them off the lead to spend all the energy that has built up during the day!

#3: Mental stimulation – keep things interesting at home
There are a lot of options to keep your dog entertained in your absence from providing chew toys, which will help keep them relaxed, to food puzzles, which offer a challenging way for your dogs to eat their meals! There will always be a favourite, but providing a variety of toys and rotating them is a great way to keep things fun.
Providing some background noise, such as leaving the radio or TV on low volume, can be appreciated as dogs might perceive it as some kind of ‘company’.
Once you get home, even if you’re tired and still have a lot of house chores to do, make sure you reserve some time to play with your dog. Hiding treats, playing fetch or a good game of tug of war are some extremely engaging options, and you can also try to teach your dog a new trick! This will not only provide mental stimulation but will also strengthen the bond between you.

Keep in mind that when dogs are bored they might direct their attention to things that they shouldn’t such as chewing furniture or showing other types of inappropriate behaviours. This is why it’s so important to make sure you keep them mentally and physically active, as well as providing them with some quality time for interaction.

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Travelling abroad? Find out about canine leishmaniasis

If you’re travelling abroad with your dogs this summer, you will hopefully already have understood the latest requirements.

As the UK is still a part of the European Union, dogs can travel under the Pet Travel Scheme, which means as long as their microchip, parasite treatments, vaccinations and pet passport are up to date, you’ll be able to take them with you to visit other European countries.

However, travelling arrangements are likely to change after Brexit, so make sure you consult the government website before planning a future trip with your four-legged friend:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pet-travel-to-europe-after-brexit

Besides the compulsory requirements you’ll need to comply with before you can enjoy your well-deserved break, you should be aware that there are diseases that your dog can encounter abroad that don’t naturally occur in the UK.

Have you ever heard of leishmaniasis?

Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by a single-cell parasite that is transmitted through sandfly bites. This parasite can affect not only dogs but also humans, even though transmission does not occur directly from dogs to humans and vice versa.

Fortunately, the sandflies that carry the parasite are not currently found in the UK, as they usually need warmer conditions to thrive. However, they are common in southern European countries, which are commonly chosen as holiday destinations.

Once a dog is infected, their immune response will dictate the severity of clinical signs as well as how long it will take for the disease to develop, which can take months or even years.

At first, you may notice fever, lack of appetite, weight loss, other gastrointestinal signs, skin lesions and enlarged lymph nodes.

With time, your dog’s health will progressively deteriorate, and he or she is likely to suffer from multi-organ failure.

As there’s no cure for leishmaniasis, once they are infected, dogs will need lifelong monitoring and treatment.

The good news is that you can protect your dogs against this life-threatening illness! Talk to your vet so he or she can advise you correctly!

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Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Outdoor adventures with your furry friend

Now that the weather is getting warmer, the days longer, and the spring flowers are starting to bloom, we look at our canine friends and can’t help the feeling of wanting to go on an outdoor adventure.
However, if you’re planning to take your 4-legged friend on a hike or a long walk by the beach, there are some things you should keep in mind so that everything goes smoothly.

Preparations…
First things first: make sure your dog’s identification details are up to date. This includes the microchip information but also ensuring that your dog wears a collar/harness with an identification tag. These are legal requirements and will be valuable tools in case your dog decides to go on an unsanctioned adventure of his own!
Also, it is a good idea to check if your dog’s worming, flea and tick treatments are up to date. Warmer weather means the parasites are booming, and they can easily bother your dog if he or she is not properly protected.

Getting there…
For walks that go beyond the neighbourhood park, you and your dog will probably have to go on a road trip to get to the desired location.
Safety first: do not let your pet ride loose in the car. There are plenty of options to keep your dog comfortable and safe, such as pet seat belts, carriers or travel cages, for example. Just make sure it is something appropriate to your dog’s size.
If your dog suffers from motion sickness, gradually getting him or her used to riding in the car by starting with short rides and progressively increasing their duration could be beneficial.
If you’re travelling a long distance, make sure to plan for regular stops so you can both stretch your legs, use the ‘loo’, and keep hydrated.
Never leave your dog unattended in the car! Even if the weather doesn’t seem that warm, the temperature inside a locked vehicle can increase dramatically in a short amount of time causing heatstroke, which can be fatal!

We’ve arrived! Can we have fun now?
Now that you’re in the big outdoors, you should be looking out for some possible dangers. Make sure to have a quick look around to identify anything that could become a problem, such as:

  • Grass seeds and foxtail – these plants can easily get stuck on your dog’s ears, face, pads or fur, and then make their way through the skin, causing irritation, inflammation and localised infections.
  • Sticks, stones, shells, and various other objects – if your dog has a curious nature, make sure there’s nothing dangerous around that he or she could put in his or her mouth and inadvertently swallow. Make sure you bring your own toys to play fetch and do not be tempted to throw sticks.
  • Insects – also, if you see any bees or wasps, it’s better to keep your distance. Do not let your dog chase them around as some dogs, just like people, can have allergic reactions to their stings. These can cause severe breathing difficulties that can be life-threatening.

Whenever possible, walk with your dog in the shade and make sure to bring plenty of fresh water. Do not let your dog drink from other water sources as stagnant water can be contaminated with bacteria and parasites, which can cause serious diseases such as Leptospirosis or lungworm or can cause your dog to be sick.

The more information you have on the place you’re visiting, the better prepared you can be for a safe, fun adventure so make sure to look ahead, plan in advance and enjoy!

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Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Intervertebral Disc Disease – A short dog problem?

Intervertebral discs are tiny, cushion-like structures located between the vertebrae that connect the the vertebrae bones to each other to form the vertebral column, also functioning as a shock absorber and allowing movement of the spine.

Sometimes, these discs can suffer alterations and become herniated which means they move from their natural place between the vertebrae into the spinal canal, causing compression on the spinal cord.

The spinal cord is a very important part of the central nervous system that receives sensory information from the limbs and internal organs and takes it to the brain for processing. The brain can then send a response back through the spinal cord as a functioning command, such as moving a leg, for example.

When there is sufficient compression in the spinal cord, this information pathway becomes interrupted, which will result in different clinical signs according to where it happens.

Signs can range from mild pain with your dogs keeping their head low and being reluctant to move or being sensitive when touched; to severe pain, with them displaying an arched back, crying when touched or while moving, trembling, having difficulty walking or even being unable to stand or move (partial or complete paralysis).

This condition can affect all dogs, and it is usually an age-related problem as it is caused by disc degeneration over time. However, chondrodystrophic breeds – short dogs – such as Dachsunds, Shih-Tzus, and Beagles, for example, are more at risk of developing intervertebral disc disease, and can even show signs as young adults. This is because chondrodystrophy, a trait that is characterised by shorter long bone length as a consequence of early changes in the structure of growing bones, is also associated with an abnormal process that causes premature degeneration of the intervertebral discs.

So, if you have a shortie and notice that he or she is having difficulty walking or showing signs of discomfort when moving around, don’t hesitate to contact your regular vet.

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