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The Health Benefits Of Owning A Cat

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The Health Benefits Of Owing A Cat

 

The health benefits of keeping a cat

We all know that being a cat-owner is enjoyable (most of the time…) but did you know that having a cat actually boosts your health?

Cats reduce your heart attack risk

A ten-year study of over 4,000 Americans found that people who own cats have “a decreased risk for death due to myocardial infarction” (that’s a heart attack to you and me) “and all cardiovascular diseases (including stroke)”. Even people who already had heart problems before agreeing to participate in the study were found to have a higher survival rate than non-cat-owners. The researchers believe it is because cats help their owners relax, and having a way of de-stressing is associated with lower blood pressure and better health in general.

Cats may help you sleep better

You’ve probably heard that pets in the bedroom are bad for your sleep, but it seems the reality is more complicated than that. A report from the Centre for Sleep Medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona says that 41% of pet owners believe their pet has a neutral or beneficial effect on their sleep quality. However, a fifth of pet owners said that their pets disturbed their sleep. You probably already know which category your own cat falls into!

 

The Health Benefits Of Owning A Cat

Cats keep you mobile

It’s probably not surprising to learn that owning a dog boosts your fitness – after all, you do have to walk it at least twice a day! More surprising that some research even suggests that owning a cat also boosts levels of physical activity as well as mental in elderly people. Older people who owned a pet were found to cope better with everyday activities such as climbing stairs, preparing meals and getting dressed. It didn’t seem to make any difference whether the pet they owned was a dog or a cat. The researchers suggest that this is because taking on a care-taking role gives you a sense of purpose and encourages you to be moderately active. So getting a cat won’t turn you into Usain Bolt, but it might make the difference between leading a highly sedentary life and a moderately active, happier one.

Cats help reduce stress

A few minutes of quality time with you loving moggy can help calm those jangling nerves after a stressful day – just sit and relax together. Is this an old wives’ tale? If you measure certain hormones and chemicals in the human body associated with stress they improve and your blood pressure goes down. So no matter what sort of a day you have had, make room on the sofa for the cat and let it do its magic.

 

cat and team cat dialogue

 

Cats keep you happy!

Maybe you already instinctively knew this, but as we have seen the science backs it up: pet owners are happier. It seems that pets can act as “important sources of social and emotional support” for all pet-owners, including those who already have strong social networks. Pets don’t replace your human friends and they don’t come at the expense of your human relationships – they simply enhance your wellbeing and improve your emotional resilience.

 

 

This blog and images have been supplied by petdialog.co.uk

Blog written by Gemma Hopkins BVETMED, CERTVC, MRCVS, RCVS.

Easter Alert!

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Easter Alert!

 

With Spring around the corner, we can all look forward to some warmer weather and Spring walks. With this in mind, we’ve put together some seasonal tips in our Spring Newsletter.

 

 

 

Lilies & cats

With Mothering Sunday on the horizon, be aware of lilies in the flower bouquets. All components of the plant are toxic to cats and there can be a delay between cats ingesting lilies and the kidney problems that follow. If you suspect your feline friend has been in contact with lilies please do not hesitate to contact the surgery for more help and advice.

Be Worm Aware!

 

 

Many people believe that if their pet had worms they would know, sadly this is NOT always the case. Our Spring Newsletter explains the signs to watch out for and the major types of worms to be aware of. Did you know that you can catch some types of worms from your pet – another reason to regularly worm your pet.

 

 

 

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Hyperthyroidism is more common than you might think.

 

 

Sometimes symptoms are missed or referred to as just ‘Old Age’. The good news is, diagnosis is fairly simple and there are different treatment options available to suit the individual patient. Our Spring Newsletter explains the common signs to watch out for in your older feline and what to do if your teenage cat is acting a bit suspicious.

 

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We hope you enjoy reading our Spring Newsletter, if you have any queries or concerns about any of the articles mentioned please do not hesitate to contact our experienced team for more information.

 

 

Young Veterinary Partnership. We opened our first surgery opened in Ealing, 1950. We now have four surgeries across West London, our friendly, experienced team provide an out of hours emergency service until 10 pm, 365 days a year. We are passionate about pets and would love to meet yours.

 

Socialising your puppy – What Is The Right Age Of Puppy To Get?

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Socialising your puppy – What Is The Right Age?

 

There is a special period of development in dogs, often called the “sensitive” or “puppy socialisation” period, which starts at 3 weeks of age and ends at 3 months. During this period pups need to pack in a lot of experience so that they become confident with all the things that they will encounter in normal daily life; meeting different kinds of strangers including children, meeting unfamiliar dogs, going on public transport or travelling in the car, and going to open spaces like the park or town center. Any gap in experience during this period can lead to problems later on. For example, a pup that has no positive experience with children during the puppy socialisation period is more likely to become frightened or aggressive with them as an adult.

Ideally, some of the ground work should be done by the breeder, but pups that have been reared in kennels or sheds won’t get much of the experience that they need. This leaves more for you to do as the new owner, so ideally you should get a home reared 8-week pup from a breeder who has put some work into puppy socialisation. However, don’t be tempted to get a pup that is younger than 8 weeks old, because puppies homed too young are prone to health and behaviour problems (and it is also illegal for pups to be homed at less than 8 weeks of age in the UK).

 

Socialising your puppy - What Is The Right Age Of Puppy To Get?

 

Noises

A dog’s hearing acts like an early warning system that detects any approaching threat. This is why noises are part of many of the fears and anxieties that dogs develop, such as fireworks, traffic and the vacuum cleaner. By exposing puppies to a wide range of noises while they are still young can prevent problems developing. For example, pups are seven times less likely to become afraid of fireworks if they are played recordings of fireworks just once at around 8 weeks of age. You can download a complete set of sounds to play to your puppy on the Dogs Trust website, just search for “Sounds Sociable”. Better still, ask your breeder to start playing these sounds to their pups regularly from 3 weeks onward. A free booklet is also included with the download, which provides information about how to use the sounds, as well as information on house training, settling your pup at night, play-biting and car travel.

 

Signs of stress

For a puppy, every first impression really matters, so we want to make sure that each new experience goes well and your pup grows in confidence. It is important to understand how your pup feels, and to be able to tell when he/she is stressed.

Common signs of stress and anxiety that most people recognise in their dogs include trembling and shaking, crying and whining, and restlessness and agitation. However, if a puppy, or dog, is showing these signs then stress is already quite intense. It is important to look out for more subtle signs like panting, lip-licking, yawning that show a pup is beginning to feel uneasy. If you are holding your puppy, it is harder to see some of these signs of stress, but you may be able to feel tension in your puppy’s body, or feel increases in heart rate and breathing rate that you wouldn’t be aware of if your pup was on the ground. When pups are worried or stressed, they also try to get reassurance from people and other animals. So, your pup may jump up at you to try to get reassurance and attention when he/she is stressed.

If your pup is stressed, you should offer some reassurance but don’t overdo it because you could encourage neediness and dependence. Rather than keep trying to reassure a stressed pup, it is better to take him/her to somewhere calm and quiet to relax for a while.

Try to work out what it was that your pup was worried by and then reintroduce your pup to that situation again more gradually.

socialising your puppy .. zoetis

 

How to handle new experiences

Although your pup’s vaccinations will not be complete until after 12 weeks of age, it is essential that your pup starts to meet new people and well behaved dogs from the moment you get him/her.

You can do a lot of this at home, but it is also fine to take your pup to public places as long as he/she isn’t allowed to walk around on the ground or mix with unvaccinated dogs until his/her own vaccination course is complete.

Here are some tips on getting your pup used to new situations:

  • Household machinery (vacuum cleaner, washing machine, dishwasher, hairdryer etc). Let your pup hear these things being used in another room a few times before seeing them closer. Keep exposure short until you can see that your pup isn’t worried.
  • Unfamiliar people and children. Let your pup get used to people sitting calmly at a distance a few times before allowing them to approach, touch, offer treats or play with the pup. Let your pup choose how much he/she wants to interact with the person. If you pup is unsure – Don’t rush them.

 

  • Unfamiliar dogs. Let your pup get used to meeting calm adult dogs first. Only introduce bouncier, more playful dogs when you can see that your pup is confident enough to cope. Again, don’t ever be afraid to ask an owner, before the dogs meet, to ensure the other dog is friendly.

 

  • Travelling in buses, cars, and trains. Walk your pup on and off the bus or train several times before going on a short trip (one stop). Likewise, get your pup used to sitting and having treats in the car before going on a real trip. Build up the duration of journeys gradually.

 

  • Open spaces, parks, busy town centers with traffic, bus and train stations, the vet clinic. Take your pup to these places, but start by a quieter part of the location and allow your pup to settle before going further. Walking in a car park when it is safe to do is a gives your new pup the chance to meet vehicles at a slower, less intimidating pace.

 

  • Treats. Treats really help pups to accept new situations, so find some that your pup really likes and don’t skimp on using them but save your pups favourite treats for training time so they don’t become boring.

 

All of our surgeries offer free weight checks for pets, why not pop in. Regular visits to a vet will have many benefits for your pup, from socialisation to ensuring they are growing at a healthy weight, plus our team love meeting your new family members! Contact us today & arrange your pup’s free weight check.

 

Blog and images supplied from Zoetis.

Written by Jon Bowen BVETMED MRCVS DIPAS(CABC)

Your Winter Survival Guide Has Arrived – Read It Here

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Your Winter Survival Guide Has Arrived – Read It Here

 

Your Winter Survival Guide Has Arrived – Read It Here

The weather is getting colder and wetter and your pet may decide to spend more time inside by the fire than running round outside! To help keep your pet in tip top condition we’ve out together a Winter Survival Guide read it here. 

 

Ear Ear! Watch out for ear disease!

Unlike humans who commonly get middle ear infections, the vast majority of ear problems in pets occur in the external ear canal. Our Winter Survival Guide explains the different causes if ear infections and the signs to watch our for in your pet.

 

Ear Ear! Watch out for ear disease!

 

Should I have my pet neutered?

Did you know neutered pets are likely to live longer, healthier lives thanks to surgical procedures which are safe, quick and will allow you pets to be home with you the very same evening. Our Winter Survival Guide explains the benefits of neutering for both dogs, cats and rabbits. If you would like to discuss neutering your pet, please contact our experienced team for further advice.

 

Veterinary Nurse

 

Booster Alert!

Puppies, kittens and rabbits will require a course of initial vaccinations when you bring them home, followed by regular boosters throughout their lives to keep their immune systems ‘toped up.’ Everyone talks about vaccinations and how beneifical they are to your pet, but do you know what diseases they actually protect your pet from – Our Winter News explains the different diseases that we vaccinate against.

 

Contact Us

 

 

We hope you enjoy reading our Winter Survival Guide – If you have any questions about the articles mentioned or about your pet don’t hesiate to contact our friendly team for more advice.

 

Fireworks season is just around the corner.

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Fireworks season is just around the corner.

 

It is important to watch out for signs of stress in your pet. If you have more than one pet, ensure that each of them has their own hiding place and if that is where they prefer to be, don’t force them to come out. Make sure your curtains are closed and you’ve turned up the volume on your radio or tv a little more than normal. Very stressed out pets can show signs of aggression so please take care if your pet is looking anxious.

 

Fireworks season is just around the corner.

 

Every year our West London surgeries receive phone calls and visits from concerned pet owners, who are worried about their pets reactions to fireworks. Both dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs can suffer with stress and anxiety from noise related phobias, particularly around November and December time. The most important thing to remember is Be Prepared in advance.

 

Unfortunately for a lot of animals, fireworks is now a ‘season’ rather than one night. We’ve complied a list of things to be aware of before the event starts :

  1. Make a den for your pet to hide in, (use a pheromone spray inside the den if you have one at home.)
  2. Act normal – Your pet will sense your anxiety.
  3. Exercise your pet early / in daylight.
  4. Check your pets id tags and microchip information is up to date.
  5. Shut all windows and cat flaps.
  6. New toys and treats will act as a great distraction.
  7. Do not punish your pet, if they are showing anxiety.

 

 

Contact our friendly team before the season starts and our experienced team will be able  discuss the best option for you and your pet. We have a wide range of help available for both cats and dogs.

 

73% of owners say they have a pet who’s scared of fireworks – Zylkenepet.co.uk

 

Up to 50% of dogs may be affected by fear of fireworks – adaptil.com

 

Cats like routine and a quiet environment, unexpected noises will upset a cat – Feliway.com

 

 

Nutracalm suppliment’s are available at all of our surgeries, for both dogs and cats. The supplement can reduce stress, and anxiety, it is fast acting and easy for pet owners to administer.

 

For cats – Feliway copies feline pheromones used by cats to mark their territory as safe and secure. Feliway creates a state of familiarity and security in the home. Ideally this should be plugged in or sprayed around your home starting two weeks before the fireworks begin. Starting early with any treatment will provide maximum effect.

 

Adaptil & Feliway

Adaptil & Feliway

 

Adaptil for dogs – is the canine version of Feliway. Using pheromones to help reassure your dog. This product should also be started a few weeks before fireworks season, its comes as a plug – in (useful if you have more than one dog), a handy spray, or a collar.

 

For the more nervous canines, we can offer a fast acting gel that can be given in the comfort of your own home, tailored to the timing and duration of the events happening outside. The gel is simple to administer and can be used as part of an existing canine behaviour programme. The syringes are a Prescription Only Medicine for use in dogs suffering with extreme anxiety.

 

Don’t forget your outdoor pets too! Both rabbits and guinea pigs can get extremely stressed during the fireworks season too! If it is possible move their cage into your home (in the coolest room) or into your garage. Again you can leave your t.v or radio on to help drown out some of the sounds. If it is not possible to bring your pet inside use old blankets and / or rugs to cover their cages to reduce the noise and ensure they have extra bedding to snuggle into if they are scared.

 

If your pet suffers with anxiety, don’t hesitate to contact our team for help before the fireworks start. We also recommend downloading a fireworks sound track to play at home. Start by playing the sounds quietly every day, slowly over a period of weeks turn the sound up, allowing your pet plenty of time to become accustomed to the unusual noise.

Autumn Newsletter.

Blocked Bladders – Is It A Pet Emergency?

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Blocked Bladders – Is It A Pet Emergency?

 

Blocked Bladders – Is It A Pet Emergency?

 

Cats can frequently suffer from cystitis, especially when they are stressed. Understand the signs of stress in your cat here. If your male cat is struggling to urinate or cannot go at all this is a Pet Emergency, do not delay, contact our experienced team for advice and treatment. Knowing when your pet needs to be seen as an emergency is an important decision for many owners. Generally, cats are good at keeping themselves out of trouble but occasionally serious problems do occur – Our blog below gives you a few things to watch out for. 

 

 

Blocked Bladder - Is It A Pet Emergency?

Chipping away!

 

Having your pets microchipped is absolutely vital! It’s not just cats and dogs that we recommend microchipping, rabbits, tortoises and ferrets can sneak away when your not watching! Our Autumn News explains the microchip procedure (don’t worry its really quick and simple!) and how microchips can link you and your pet together should the worst happen!

 

 

microchip-your-dog-by-law1

 

 

Arthritis – is your pet affected?

 

Anyone with arthritis knows that chills can get in your joints, and the same is true for our pets. Our Autumn News discusses the signs of arthritis to watch out for in your pet, although it cannot be cured, there is a wide range of treatment options available to help reduce the soreness and pain. If your older pet has slowed down recently, perhaps they are not going up and down the stairs quite as quick as they used too? A health check with one of our experienced team members will be beneficial for your golden oldie.

 

 

Pet Behaviours - How To Overcome Dog Separation Anxiety

 

 

We hope our Autumn News has explained some of the challenges that come with the cooler season. If you have any questions on the articles mentioned don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team for more help and advice.

 

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Choosing a rabbit

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Choosing a rabbit

 

While it is not possible to guarantee the health of an individual rabbit there are several things that you can do to maximise the chance that your new pet will have the best start in life. Where possible have the rabbit checked by one of our veterinary surgeons either before or immediately after purchase. Do not choose a sickly looking rabbit because you feel sorry for it, you will only be taking on problems.

 

 

Choosing a rabbit

 

Here is a list of things to check:

 

  •  The eyes and nose should be clear and free of any discharge (this could be a sign of an infection)

 

  •  If you are buying a dwarf or brachycephalic (flat faced) breed make sure you take extra care when checking eyes, nose and mouth.

 

  • If possible gently part the lips and examine the rabbit’s front (incisor) teeth to check they are not broken or overgrown.

 

  • The rabbit should be curious and inquisitive.

 

  •  The bunny should be in good body condition. Run your hands all over their body – bones should be felt but not seen and should be covered with a reasonable layer of muscle.

 

  •  Check the rabbits back end, it should be clean and clear. Signs of wetness or droppings stuck to fur could indicate a health issue.

 

  • Ask whether he / she has been vaccinated against myxomatosis and RHD – these diseases can and do take the lives of un vaccinated rabbits.

 

  •  If the bunny is over 4 months old, ask if it has been neutered. This can help prevent urinary problems and cancer developing later in life. Here at Young Vets we recommend neutering your bunny, please discuss this with our team when you visit with your new pet.

 

  • Finally, find out what the rabbit is being fed on, as you do not want to introduce a sudden change of diet when you get it home – this may provoke gut disturbance and diarrhoea when you bring your new pet home.

 

myxomatosis

Sale VS Adoption

Pet shops may have rabbits for sale. It is important to ensure that they have been kept in single sex groups and that the staff can give you information on the source, age, sex and care of the rabbits. While the internet can provide a convenient way of researching breeds, we would advise against purchasing rabbits without visiting to see them in their home environment first. Ideally, you want to inspect the mother and littermates. While the offer to deliver your rabbit to you may seem appealing, remember that this could be hiding irresponsible breeding and care practices. REMEMBER – Pets are not pizza – never take Home Delivery of a pet!

 

The benefits of rehoming; When you visit an adoption centre all animals receive a full assessment including health and behaviour. Vaccinations, microchips and neutering will already of been performed (according to age). The rescue centres will also offer you a life time of support and advice as your pet grows. The centres are full to capacity with unwanted and abandoned animals all looking for new homes, why not consider adopting instead of shopping?

 

 

Socialisation

After bringing your rabbit home it is useful to introduce them slowly to various sights, sounds, people and experiences around the house and garden. Once they have become accustomed to their surroundings, it is advisable to handle them regularly. When handling your new pet, always support its chest and hindquarters as this will prevent spinal injuries. Hold the front end of your rabbit under its chest between the front legs with one hand, scoop up the hind end with your other hand. Always hold your rabbit close in to your body so it feels secure and support its hindquarters to prevent spinal injuries. You can tuck its head under your arm or if it appears stressed as this will help keep it calm.

 

Never pick a rabbit up by its ears or let its legs dangle freely.

 

Often it is best to get down to the rabbit’s level and stroke it, letting it come to you; or gently place it on your lap while you are sitting on the floor, rather than picking it up and lifting it off the ground. Do not lie a rabbit on its back, even if it lies still and appears to be ‘hypnotised’. This is in fact a stress response and is not pleasurable to the rabbit, although it may be useful in some specific situations for non-painful grooming or veterinary procedures such as nail clipping. Remember that rabbits are naturally prey animals and as such can have a nervous temperament, training them will take time and patience.

 

 

 

Companionship

Rabbits are very sociable and should not be kept on their own. They need other rabbits for companionship. They may be kept in single sex groups, or pairs (a male and a female). Which ever option you choose, please consider neutering your pets, intact males are more prone to developing behavioural problems including biting, fighting and urine spraying. Rabbits should not be kept with guinea pigs because rabbits can bully and injure guinea pigs, and they both need company from their own species.

 

 

Vaccinating your bunny

Rabbits should be vaccinated routinely against rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) and myxomatosis. Both these viral diseases can be rapidly fatal in an unvaccinated rabbit, and there is no specific cure for either disease once established. The only protection you can give your rabbits is through vaccination. RHD is spread by direct contact between rabbits (both wild and domesticated) but also via indirect contact with people, clothing, shoes, other objects and fleas. Myxomatosis is commonly spread by fleas and other biting insects, and can often be transmitted in this way from wild rabbits to pets. A combined myxomatosis-RHD vaccination can be given from as early as five weeks of age. Boosters are given every 12 months and cover both diseases. Join our Pet Healthcare Club and spread the cost of your rabbits vaccinations, health checks and flea and worming prevention across affordable monthly payments. Our team will provide you with further advice on vaccination, as well as flea and other parasite control. The best way to avoid many disease problems in your pet rabbits is to have regular veterinary health checks at least annually, which can coincide with vaccinations. Your rabbits will be given a full examination and the teeth can be checked (particularly the back teeth) for any evidence of dental disease.

 

pet savers logo

 

If you are thinking about buying a rabbit, or perhaps you’ve just bought one into your home, contact our friendly team we have four surgeries accross the West London area, with a range of opening hours to suit you and your new pet. We look forward to meeting you both soon.

 

This blog has been produced by PetSavers. Petsavers is dedicated to improving the health of the nation’s pets. We do this by funding clinical research projects and Master’s degrees by research. Clinical research projects give us a better understanding of pets’ illnesses. This leads to improved diagnosis and treatment so that pets can have longer and healthier lives. A Master’s degree by research develops the skills of vets so they can apply the results of the research and their expertise to pets as soon as possible. No experimental animals are used in PetSavers studies. In the last 40 years PetSavers has given over £2 million towards these goals. PetSavers rely on the support of vets, nurses and pet owners.

www.petsavers.org.uk

 

Pet Behaviours – How To Overcome Dog Separation Anxiety

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Pet Behaviours – How To Overcome Dog Separation Anxiety

 

Dog separation anxiety can affect your dog in differing degrees so leaving them alone for long periods of time can cause them to become upset and stressed.

Making a big fuss of them before you go to work and when you come back can actually increase the likelihood of dog separation anxiety. This behaviour effectively rewards your dog’s concern over your absence, so as tempting as it is, try to make leaving and coming home a fuss-free zone.

Before taking steps to help your dog overcome separation anxiety, you should establish whether your dog is suffering true or simulated separation anxiety. Simulated separation anxiety is a behaviour that your dog has learned; your dog knows that bad behaviour will be rewarded with attention. Rather than real stress, this misbehaviour can be improved with consistent obedience training, exercise and strong leadership.

 

Causes of dog separation anxiety 

 

Your dog’s separation anxiety will typically stem from a change of routine. Here are some common reasons for your dog becoming anxious when you’re out:

  • Your dog isn’t used to being left alone
  • Your dog isn’t used to being away from a specific person
  • Your dog is anxious about something – for example, the ringing of the doorbell
  • Your dog feels particularly vulnerable and is easily spooked – for example by the weather
  • their house companion dies
  • Your dog is bored
  • Your dog needs to release pent-up energy

 

 

Dog Anxiety

 

 

How if affects your pet

 

Your dog’s anxiety may be obvious before you go out, for example with excessive panting or pacing, or when you get home, if they are overly excited about seeing you or wet from excessive drinking or salivating.

However, most of your dog’s symptoms will happen when you are gone. This can include:

  • increased heart and breathing rate
  • panting
  • salivating
  • frenzied activity
  • barking, whining or howling
  • destroying shoes or toys
  • scratching or chewing at doorframes, walls and floors
  • jumping up at windows
  • attempting to escape

 

Pet Behaviours - How To Overcome Dog Separation Anxiety

 

Preventative training methods

 

The best way to prevent dog separation anxiety is to teach your dog from a puppy. If he is used to spending time alone he will be calm and patient, instead of it coming as a shock and causing stress.

Discipline is key for training your dog and it will take time for him to become used to a new routine. Start off by teaching your dog to sit or lie for increasingly longer periods while you move away. In the beginning you’ll need to stay within eyesight to prevent any anxiety symptoms, but as your dog becomes more confident and patient, you can gradually start moving around the house and even leaving the house for short periods of time.

Using stair gates can make the process easier on your dog, as it keeps them at a distance without shutting them away completely. This method is fantastic if you don’t want your dog going into certain rooms while you’re out. Putting your dog’s bed and favourite toys in with him will make him feel more comfortable and put him at ease, as well as alleviating boredom. Leaving a radio on can also help your dog’s loneliness. As well as providing a human voice for company, it can prevent outside noises from startling him.

Ultimately, dog separation anxiety can be prevented with obedience training at a young age, but time and patience can also help older dogs become more at ease with being left alone.

 

If your dog is showing signs of anxiety, please do not hesitate to contact our knowledgeable team for more help and advice. Our receptionists can also provide you with contact information for local dog trainers in your area to work with you and your dog in your own home. For more advice on keeping your pet happy and healthy, subscribe to our You Tube channel here.

 

Blog written and images supplied by DogDialog and Zoetis.

 

 

How Do I Keep My Cat Cool In The Summer And Avoid Heatstroke?

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How Do I Keep My Cat Cool In The Summer And Avoid Heatstroke?

 

It’s usual to see articles warning against the hazards of dogs overheating, but rarely do cat owners find the same advisories available to them. Many assume this is because there simply isn’t the same degree of danger attached to their feline friends getting too hot, but this is not the case.

The reality is that allowing your cat to overheat in hot weather can be terribly detrimental to their health. They may be sun worshippers who adore finding a hot spot to sunbathe in, but although they’re better at coping with soaring temperatures than canines, they’re still highly susceptible to heatstroke, especially during the summer months.

It is not simply uncomfortable or unfortunate for your feline, but a condition that can be fatal. To help you avoid it, here are five top tips for keeping your cat cool this summer…

 

1. Just like people,

cats need to drink more when it’s hot, so you must always ensure that fresh, cold water is available to them, both inside and out. Bowls placed outdoors ought to be sited in the shade and changed often, whilst those that are inside should be made as appealing as possible by ensuring that they’re kept cool. In very hot weather, this is best achieved by slipping a couple of ice cubes into them at frequent intervals throughout the day.

Feeding wet food is another way to help keep your feline hydrated, although this should not be left down indefinitely or it will attract flies and could cause a stomach upset or food poisoning. Feed them little and often, taking your pet’s dish away once they’ve finished rather than leaving it out for them to pick at.

 

2. Invest in an elevated bed

We would also advise investing in a raised cooling bed. Good for keeping your cat off surfaces that may heat up, these provide a sleeping set-up that won’t get too hot for them to safely lay on. These should ideally be placed in a cool, shaded area, either indoors or out, with fresh drinking water close by. Lightweight designs are the most versatile as they can be easily moved around, enabling you to always find the best spot to site them in.

 

3. Close your curtains

Although it’s often cooler inside your home than out, the interior can heat up too, especially when you’re not around to notice and do something about it. Why we recommend making sure that your curtains are closed in sunny south facing rooms. This blocks the sunlight and is, therefore, a great way to keep the temperature down. Remember to keep the windows behind them closed too if it’s hotter outside than in.

 

How Do I Keep My Cat Cool In The Summer And Avoid Heatstroke?

 

4. Pay attention to weather warnings

Another useful tip is to pay close attention to weather warnings. The local news will usually be quick to make people aware of especially high temperatures being imminent, typically advising that residents stay indoors and out of the heat for their health. In such conditions, we suggest that you apply the same advice to your feline friends, and keep them inside with you. If this is not possible for some reason, you should ensure that they have access to a well-ventilated area that they can go into of their own accord if the temperatures rise too high.

 

5. Install a fan

If your house is prone to overheating, we would recommend investing in a fan too, for the days when your furry friend is inside. This will give them somewhere cool to go when it’s hot, in order to avoid them being overcome by heatstroke. It will also allow you to turn off the air conditioning when you go out, thus keeping your energy bills down without endangering your feline’s well-being.

Alternatively, another option is to purchase some netting frames to fit across your windows. These will allow you to leave them open so that air can circulate, without letting your cat get outside during the hottest part of the day.

 

6. Watch out for signs of heatstroke

Keep your cat safe during the summer months and look out for the signs of heatstroke, some symptoms include: increased pulse and heartbeat, vomiting, glazed eyes and collapsing to name a view. If you feel you cat is showing signs of heatstroke seek treatment at your local vets immediately.

Keep your cat safe this summer by following our six top tips, as well as ensuring that you’re fully familiar with the signs of heatstroke in cats in case it should ever strike. Both your preventative measures and prompt actions could make all the difference to their well-being when the hot weather hits.

 

We hope you have enjoyed reading this blog post, if you have any concerns about your cat this summer, please do not hesitate to contact our knowledgeable team for help and advice on your pet. Our emergency team are on call until 10 pm, 365 days a year and our telephone lines will always give you access to veterinary advice 24/7.

 

Blog and images supplied from Zoetis.

Written by Gemma Hopkins BVETMED, CERTVC, MRCVS.

 

Grass awns – a summer problem to watch out for.

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Grass awns – a summer problem to watch out for.

A summer problem – the grass awns of the meadow grasses are easily trapped in the coats of pets, especially dogs. Understand more about the damage these can cause in your pet. Also included in our Summer News – Stick to dog toys! Most vets and nurses have seen stick injuries to dogs, understand the safety of using a dog toy rather than a stick.

 

 

Stick to dog toys!

Stick to dog toys!

Dental disease is painful – Could your pet be suffering?

Dental disease is painful, causes tooth loss, and infections can spread throughout the body – potentially causing significant organ damage. Our Summer News explains the signs to watch out for in your pets. The good news is that if gum problems are identified at an early stage, a combination of a scale and polish and ongoing home care can make a real difference to your pet’s oral health.

 

Gum problems can be treated if they are identified at an early stage,

Gum problems can be treated if they are identified at an early stage.

 

Keeping cool!

It is vital to ensure your pet keeps cool in hot weather. From sunburn and heatstroke, to flystrike our Summer News offers some top advice on how to keep your pet cool this Summer 2019!

 

It is vital to ensure your pet keeps cool in hot weather.

It is vital to ensure your pet keeps cool in hot weather.

 

We hope you enjoying reading our Summer Newsletter. If you need any further advice don’t hesitate to contact our knowledgeable team for further advice.

 

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