Tag Archives: health

Cats, Dogs, Horses, The Pet Professionals

Expecting the unexpected

Preventive medicine is the best way for us to keep our pets healthy, but, unfortunately, health is not something that we can always predict and control. Accidents can happen, and there are a number of illnesses that cannot be easily avoided, such as cancer and heart disease, for example.

But there’s something we can do to deal with unexpected situations, which is always being prepared! To help you, we’ve created this list of three fundamental topics;

#1: Contact information

Have your vet’s contact information in an easily accessible place in case of an emergency. Your phone is likely to be the first thing that comes to mind, but it is worth keeping these details in more than one place in case you run out of battery, for example.

Keep in mind that with the COVID-19 pandemic, practices have had to change the way they operate, so make sure to keep updated with their current ways of functioning and safety measures in case you need to take your pet for a consultation.

#2: Observations, details and relevant information

This is something that we keep insisting on, but only because it is so important! An attentive owner is vital for the early diagnosis of several diseases, and having relevant information ready and organised to present to your vet is invaluable.

We suggest keeping a journal where you register meaningful observations, and when these have happened. This way, it will be easier and quicker to answer all the vets’ questions as well as provide them with details you might have forgotten otherwise.

Records of feeding, drinking and exercise are a great start!

#3: Pet insurance

Vet bills can be expensive, and, if your pet is diagnosed with a chronic illness, such as diabetes, for example, he is going to need lifelong treatment. Pet insurance will allow you to make decisions based on what is best for your pet instead of your current financial situation.

While choosing pet insurance, keep in mind that not all policies provide the same coverage. Make sure you are aware of what is included and if there are any restrictions.

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Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Canine nutrition Q&A – Part I

We are what we eat, and the same is true for our four-legged friends.

We can’t stress enough how much a balanced diet is important for your pet’s health, so we’ve prepared a Q&A for you with common questions dog owners have regarding their pet’s nutritional needs!

 

#1: What should I feed my dog?

With the growing number of commercial diets available, choosing the best one to feed your dog can be challenging! On top of that, there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration, such as life stage, lifestyle and breed/size, for example.

Puppies, pregnant or lactating bitches, and golden oldies all have different energy requirements. Take puppies, for example. As growing animals, puppies tend to have bigger nutritional needs than adult dogs, but keep in mind that this does not translate to a greater quantity of food on their plate! The daily amount of food needs to be calculated based on the puppies’ size and age, and puppy diets are already formulated to be higher in calories.

As for his lifestyle, is your dog sedentary, or does he regularly accompany you on your outdoor adventures? What’s his overall activity level? The number of calories your pet burns during the day is also a factor to take into account, and there are diets specifically formulated for active dogs, which are higher in calories.

Regarding breed, small breed dogs can have difficulties eating and even choke on regular-sized kibble. Puppy kibble is smaller in size but, as we have discussed, higher in calories, so it will not be appropriate for an adult dog! There are diets specially formulated for small breed dogs, which have smaller kibble and balanced nutritional value. As for large breed dogs, they may benefit from a diet that includes some kind of joint support supplement.

If you’re not sure what’s the best option for your pet, don’t hesitate to ask your vet for advice.

 

#2: How much should I give my dog to eat?

The factors we’ve just covered above will influence the amount of food your dog needs to eat every day as well.

After calculating his daily nutritional requirements, you’ll probably want to have part of those calories allocated as a treat allowance, which can be up to 10% of your dog’s total energy needs. This way, you can give your pet treats without exceeding the daily requirements and make sure your dog stays at a healthy weight!

For instance, if your pet needs 1000 kcal per day, up to 100 kcal can be treats. The remaining 900 kcal should consist of your dog’s regular food and should be divided into the number of meals you intend to give your dog during the day. If you’re planning on giving him food twice a day, each meal would consist of 450 kcal. If you’d like to feed him more often, three meals of 300 kcal each would be an option.

Your vet can help you make these calculations and find the equivalent weight or volume of food, so you won’t have to worry about counting calories every time you feed your dog!

 

#3: Should I opt for a homecooked diet instead?

Homecooked diets can be valuable in a number of situations, especially if your pet is sick. However, as a long-term option, it is not easy to create a balanced diet from everyday food, and you’ll probably need  to include mineral and vitamin supplements. Make sure to always check with your vet first as an unbalanced diet will harm your dog’s health.

 

By now, you’ve probably realised that nutrition is not a black and white subject, so stay tuned for part II and, if you have any questions, make sure you discuss them with your vet!

You can find the 2nd part of this article on this link

Cats, Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Your pet and the vet

For most people, when they bring a new pet home, one of the first thoughts that cross their mind is to take him or her to the vet to make sure that they are healthy.

If this is the first time you have owned a pet, even after you’ve done lots of preparation and research, that first appointment can be overwhelming! There are a lot of things that need to be discussed, including worming and flea treatments, vaccinations, microchipping, nutrition, neutering, socialisation and training, some of which need to take place at very specific times, meaning there’s a lot to take in!

But don’t worry; it’s perfectly natural to feel confused! Your vet will lay out a detailed plan for the upcoming weeks, where all of these basic needs will be addressed one by one, and where you’ll be able to discuss any concerns that you may have.

Throughout your pets’ life, there are two main reasons to take them to the vet. Firstly, there are the routine preventative visits, and secondly those visits when your pet is unwell.

Preventative medicine includes all the basics mentioned above, which are extremely important to protect your pet from preventable issues, such as life-threatening contagious diseases, internal and external parasites, obesity and associated conditions, and even reproductive cancer.

As for when your pet becomes ill, as you’re aware, there are a number of conditions that can affect our pets, which can be as simple as gastroenteritis from eating a fatty piece of bacon, for example, to something more serious that requires life-long management, such as heart disease.

As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to speak for your pet, and an attentive owner is a valuable diagnostic tool! You’re the one that knows your pet the best, and you’ll be able to notice when something is wrong, even if your pet seems normal to other people. Make it a routine to give your pet a check over once a week and get to know what is normal.  That way you will be able to recognise the abnormal.

This is particularly important when it comes to chronic diseases, such as diabetes or chronic kidney disease, for example. Early signs can be as subtle as drinking or urinating more than usual, which can be easily overlooked if you don’t know what usual is for your pet.

But paying attention is also vital in acute diseases, such as intoxications, for example, in which the sooner treatment is started, the better the chances of recovery and even survival.

If you have any questions relating to the health of your pet, don’t hesitate to contact your vet. They’ll be happy to give advice, help, assist, see and treat your pet as needed, and you will also gain peace of mind in knowing that you’re providing the care that your pet deserves.

Cats, Dogs, Horses, The Pet Professionals

Top 3 tips to enjoy Summer with your pets

With the beautiful weather we’ve been having lately, we feel this is the perfect opportunity to share with you our top three tips to help you enjoy Summer with your four-legged companions.

#1: Keep your pets protected from heatstroke

As usual, prevention always comes first!

Heatstroke occurs when your pets overheat in such a way that their physiologic cooling mechanisms are not sufficient to bring their body temperature back to normal. This can be extremely dangerous and even life-threatening.

There are a number of precautions you can take to avoid heatstroke, the most important being:

  • Ensuring that your pets have access to well-ventilated, shaded areas at all times.
  • Avoiding taking your dogs for a walk or exercising your horses during the hottest hours of the day.
  • Making sure fresh, clean water is always available.

Dogs and cats are usually more easily and severely affected since they cannot sweat like horses. As such, signs of heatstroke also tend to be more evident in small animals than in horses, which may only show signs of some distress.

Signs of heatstroke in dogs include excessive panting, excessive salivation, restlessness, incoordination, confusion, weakness and collapse. In cats, the signs are the same, though they tend to be more subtle. However, if your cat is breathing with an open mouth, this is always indicative of a problem, so don’t hesitate to contact your vet for advice.

Keep in mind that some animals are more susceptible to heatstroke than others, and predisposing factors include:

  • Medical conditions
  • Obesity
  • Thick/dark coats
  • Flat faces – brachycephalic breeds
  • Age extremes
  • Strenuous exercise
  • Dehydration

Which brings us right into our next tip.

#2: Staying hydrated

Water is the major component of our pets’ body, which is the same as saying without water, there is no life.

As water takes part in so many vital functions in our pets’ metabolism, including temperature regulation, making sure our pets stay hydrated should be a priority to every owner.

So, what can you do to make sure your pet stays hydrated? There are basically two ways to do this:

  1. Increasing water intake
  2. Decreasing water loss

Increasing water intake can be tricky, especially for cats. If they’re not particularly fond of drinking (because there are cats that do love to drink!), you can ask your vet how to include wet food in their diet.

To encourage the drinking behaviour itself, it usually helps to have multiple sources of clean, fresh water scattered around the house. You can also try offering water in different containers as some cats may have preferences regarding the type of material of the container. Some cats will also prefer running water to still water, so keep trying different combinations.

Adding some ice cubes to your pets’ water will keep it cool longer, which some pets find refreshing, depending on their individual preferences.

Regarding horses, we need to keep in mind that, when they sweat, they’re losing water to regulate their temperature, but they’re losing electrolytes as well, particularly sodium. As such, an oral replacement electrolyte solution may be indicated. Make sure you check with your vet if this is needed, and which one is the most appropriate to give to your horse.

As for decreasing water loss, pets lose water with thermoregulation (keeping their body temperature stable when it’s too hot) and through elimination. There’s nothing we can do about the latter unless there’s an underlying medical condition increasing or decreasing its frequency, but we can help to reduce the energy and water our pets spend regulating their temperature. The way to do this is to keep them in a cool well-ventilated environment and avoid exercise when it’s too warm outside.

#3: Enjoy outdoor activities

Summer is fast approaching, the weather is fantastic, and this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities with your pets, such as hacking or going for a countryside walk.

Make sure you take all necessary safety precautions needed, including everything we have mentioned above, practice safe social distancing and have a wonderful time with your pets!

Cats, Dogs, Horses, The Pet Professionals

Coronavirus – As a pet owner, what do I need to know?

After COVID-19 was characterised as a pandemic by the World Health Organisation on 11 March, it is now more important than ever that we protect ourselves and help everyone else at the same time.

Basic preventive measures against the virus include:

  • Washing your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds;
  • Avoiding crowded places and maintaining a social distance of at least 2 metre;
  • Avoiding touching your face, especially your eyes, nose and mouth;
  • Covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue if you cough and sneeze;
  • Seeking early medical advice if you feel any of the common symptoms;
  • Following directions of your local health authority.

It is also a good idea to make sure you have sufficient supplies at home in case you are infected or need to be quarantined. This includes (but is not limited to) food and medication for both your family and your pets.

At the moment, there is no evidence that pets can be infected with COVID-19 or be a source of infection to other animals or humans. As such, there is no need to separate yourself from your companion.
There are, indeed, coronaviruses that can affect pets, including canine coronavirus and feline coronavirus, but these are not associated with the current outbreak, which is caused by a new coronavirus, SARS-Cov-2.

So, as a pet owner, if you get sick with COVID-19, what can you do?

  • If possible, ask someone else to care for your pets.
  • If not, limit contact with them – avoid petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked and sharing food. Also, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a facemask around them.

If your pet develops an unexplained illness and has been exposed to a person with COVID-19 (yourself or others), talk to the public health official working with the person with COVID-19. If you’re advised to take your pet to the vet, call your veterinary practice beforehand to let them know that they’ll be seeing a sick pet that has been exposed to a person with COVID-19.

Adapted from the WSAVA advisory document.

For the latest updates on the coronavirus pandemic, please visit WHO’s website.

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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Horses, The Pet Professionals

Strangles – Infectious and Impairing

Strangles, also known as Equine Distemper, is an infectious disease that all horse owners should be aware of. It’s caused by a highly contagious bacteria from the Streptococcus equi equi species that can be found all over the UK.
This disease can be easily transmitted through contact with infected animals or contact with shared surfaces such as feed or water containers. Movement of animals and people without any decontamination process from contaminated areas to disease-free locations is also an important route of transmission.

Keep an eye out for possible signs and infected animals
Both horses and donkeys can be infected, and clinical signs vary in severity, with younger animals being more likely to develop severe signs.
The body reacts to this infection by producing pus-filled abscesses that are painful and hot to the touch. After several days, these usually appear around the head and throat.
Besides abscesses, the most common signs include:
– Fever;
– Loss of appetite;
– Lethargy;
– Pus filled discharge from the nostrils.

It’s unlikely that strangles will cause lethal complications. However, about 20% of infected horses experience difficulties eating or breathing. Less frequently, abscesses might spread all over the body and, in rare cases, they might even appear in the brain. Other rare complications include spotted bleeding on the skin as well as swelling of the limbs and head.

Treatment
Treating this condition involves plenty of rest, a warm, dry bed and anti-inflammatory medication for pain.
Once the abscesses have fully matured, your vet may choose to open them or wait for them to burst on their own, which will facilitate cleaning and recovery.
Antibiotic use needs to be considered on a case-by-case basis, as it may delay recovery.

What can you do?
If you suspect one of your horses might be developing strangles, it’s crucial that you contact your vet without delay!
Strangles spreads quite quickly once there is nasal discharge and having just one sick horse might put your whole herd at risk. Not only that, but other stables might also be at risk if people, equipment or animals are moved around without following proper biosecurity protocols.
Isolating infected animals for the correct period of time, running the necessary tests to make sure they are no longer shedding the bacteria, and cleaning clothes, utensils and supplies before seeing to any other horses are imperative to stop the spreading of this disease.
Coordinate with your vet on how to best tackle this highly infectious problem.

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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, 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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Horses, The Pet Professionals

Equine Metabolic Syndrome – Keep an eye on your pony’s neck!

 

Equine Metabolic Syndrome

Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is a major metabolic disorder in horses, and it is characterised by the deregulation of several metabolic processes, chiefly the proper use of insulin.  This situation might cause severe laminitis, and it is one of the main weight-related issues in horses.

Many owners are aware that EMS is frequently associated with overweight and obese animals, but did you know some horses of normal weight may also suffer from EMS?

The Body Condition Score (BCS) is a simple and easy method to look at your animal and rapidly be able to tell if they are over or underweight. It’s convenient to use by both vets and owners; however, studies show that owners tend to underestimate the BCS of their animals.

https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/how-body-score-your-horse

Insulin is one of the most important hormones in an animal’s body system, regulating glucose content in the bloodstream and inside cells. When the use of insulin is disrupted during EMS, it predisposes the horse to changes in the structure of its hoof that might lead to laminitis and pain.

A recent study in ponies looked into the association between insulin deregulation and the thickness of neck fat. The Cresty Neck Score is an indirect way of measuring the amount of fat in the body and is especially important when animals do not have high BCS but might still be at risk of EMS.

Researchers have associated higher Cresty Neck Scores with increased odds of having insulin deregulation. While they do point out that further study is needed, they are confident that the thickness of neck fat is an important indicator during EMS diagnosis.

https://www.hygain.com.au/cresty-neck-scoring/

It’s important to remember that the sooner EMS is detected, the more chances you have of avoiding more severe issues down the line! It’s essential to keep an eye not just on your animal’s BSC but also on other signs that might indicate a problem.

If you have any concerns about your horse’s weight and nutrition, talk to your veterinarian!

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