Author Archives: hounslowvets

Pet Bereavement And How To Cope

Pet Bereavement And How To Cope

 

It is helpful to realise that your reaction to losing your pet is a normal response and these emotions can be considered a tribute to what your pet has meant to you.

 

Companionship

The pets in our lives are treated the same as a family member and they are very special to us. There are many different ways that animals contribute to our lives. Pets can bring us immeasurable rewards in the form of companionship, protection, relaxation, exercise… to name but a few. When grieving for your pet remember all the good times that you have been through together and focus on these.

Grief

Pets are considered to be a big part of our family and an integral part of our lives and we may mourn at their death as if we have lost a human friend or member of the family. The depth of emotion felt is often unexpected, but when you consider the friendship that may have been lost, the feelings of grief are not surprising. Each of us experiences the grieving process in a unique way. Often the first reaction is disbelief. It may be hard to accept that our animal is no longer with us. The house feels so empty and it is difficult to come to terms with the fact that your pet will not be coming back. The feelings of loss may be particularly deep if you have depended on your pet for emotional support. You may feel very sad and low for a while. Sometimes the loneliness is magnified by a lack of understanding from others. Some people may lose confidence and feel anxious about other animals that are in their care. It helps to share your feelings with a friend, a member of the veterinary staff or someone else who has had a similar experience. The PetSavers charity also offer a Pet Bereavement Support Service: 0800 0966606, their experienced team offer a sympathetic ear for recently bereaved pet owners.

 

Nothing can prepare you for the loss of a pet, through death or enforced separation, grieving is a sad and difficult experience for any pet owner. We’ve put together this blog with the help of PetSavers to help you come to terms with the loss of your pet.

picture credits The K9 Instinct

picture credits The K9 Instinct

Euthanasia …. a hard decision

We are responsible for the animal during its lifetime, and we are also responsible during the time of illness and death. It is natural to feel guilty when considering euthanasia. Sometimes we may feel angry that the animal cannot be saved and often think… ‘If only I had done… things could have been different’. It is important to discuss your concerns with our experienced team, who will be able to advise and guide you. This should re-assure you that the decision you have made, whatever the reason for euthanasia, has been the most appropriate one.

 

 The future …..

After a while you will feel more able to direct your energies towards the future. Some people will soon want to fill the gap left by the loss of their pet. Other people may not be ready to get another animal for some time and may feel as if they are betraying their deceased pet by investing time and love in another one. Only you will be able to decide when you are ready to introduce a new animal into your household. We should understand that a new animal does not replace the pet that has been lost but brings into the home a new presence that fills the emptiness. If you do not feel ready to get a new pet, why not visit a local animal shelter and offer a few hours of your time helping to care for the homeless animals that need exercise and an extra cuddle.

picture credits unknown

picture credits unknown

 

 

 

Helping children to understand

Losing a family pet may be one of the first deaths we experience as children. Children should be told the truth about their pet, and from someone they know. The death of the pet should be explained in honest, simple language that they will fully understand. If possible the child should be warned if their pet is terminally ill or if euthanasia is going to be performed so that they can ask questions, prepare themselves for the loss and say their farewells. If your child wishes to be present at the time of euthanasia or to see the pet’s body afterwards, then please discuss this with your vet who will be able to offer advice. It is important to allow time for discussion at this very sensitive time; be prepared to show your feelings and talk about the animal’s death. Children may want to make some mark of remembrance to their dead pet. If burial of the body is not possible they may want to bury a momento, such as their pets toy or lead, in a favourite spot and plant some bulbs or flowers. Some children may want to draw pictures or write poems. This will help them grieve and come to terms with the loss. Children who can grieve and then let go of their grief will be better prepared for future losses in their life.

pet savers logo

This blog has been produced by PetSavers and edited by Young Veterinary Partnership. The PetSavers charity raises funds for studies into the prevention, treatment and/or cure of illnesses and conditions affecting our pets, so that they can enjoy longer, fuller and healthier lives. You can help to support the charity by visiting www.petsavers.org.uk they also offer an e-newsletter to keep you updated with their latest news. If you, or someone you know is struggling to cope with the loss of their pet please offer them the PetSavers Pet Bereavement Service: 0800 0966606.

Can You Spot Dog Travel Sickness? 7 Signs your dog may be suffering from motion sickness

Can You Spot Dog Travel Sickness? 7 Signs your dog may be suffering from motion sickness

 

Does the prospect of jumping in the car fill your dog with anxiety in the form of whining, pacing or panting? Perhaps they get restless, or begin salivating (more than usual!) or even become nauseous? As a dog owner, you want to be spontaneous and flexible, but if your dog suffers from motion sickness it can greatly limit your ability to travel. And you wouldn’t be alone. In the UK, 1 in 4 dogs suffer from dog travel sickness, but only 9% are treated before travelling.

Symptoms

So how can you spot dog travel sickness? And if so, what can you do to help them?

We’ve put together a simple infographic so you can easily spot the symptoms of motion sickness in your dog. Among the signs are:

  • Anxiety
  • Nausea
  • Retching
  • Salivating
  • Restlessness

If your dog experiences any of these symptoms, it could be a sign of a greater problem. For the full list of dog travel sickness symptoms, see the infographic below:

 

1 in 4 dogs suffer from motion sickness

1 in 4 dogs suffer from motion sickness

 

Even though 27% of UK dogs experience dog travel sickness, you may be surprised to learn 50% of owners still travel with their dogs on an average of 3 times a year. And that makes sense. After all, most dog owners consider their dog a member of the family and couldn’t stand the thought of leaving poochy behind – even if it means they may get sick!

 

How to help

So what can you do if your dog is exhibiting one or more signs of travel sickness? Well, you’ll be glad to know there are a number of ways to make travel more pleasant for your pooch.

One method is to slowly introduce your dog to riding in the car, taking it step by step. If your dog gets anxious simply going near the vehicle, start by rewarding them for walking by. Offer them another reward once they make it inside, then with the door closed and finally with that car started. For the complete list of solutions, view our infographic here.

Behavioural therapy can be beneficial but it requires a lot of time and work. The good news is motion sickness can easily be prevented thanks to medication that has been specially developed for dogs. It is reliable and long-lasting, without making your dog sleepy, and allows you to remain flexible and mobile. Just ask one of our friendly team members at your next visit, and we will be happy to advise you!

Dog travel sickness can be an inconvenience to the whole family, not to mention a huge discomfort for your pet. By recognizing the signs and seeking solutions now, you can enjoy a summer full of non-stop travel fun! If your dog is suffering with motion sickness please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team for more help and advice on travelling with your dog.

Blog and images supplied by Zoetis UK Limited.

Disclaimer: The information in this post is the opinion of the writer and not that of Zoetis UK Limited. Clinical information provided on this site is intended solely for educational context and is not a substitute for the views, advice and recommendations of a veterinarian. For advice on animal health, please consult a veterinarian.

puppy vaccinations.

Vaccinating Your Puppy.

 

Vaccinating Your Puppy.

Vaccination is a vital step in protecting your puppy from several diseases which can prove to be fatal if the puppy is left unprotected. The prevalence of these diseases will vary from country to country and so the essential vaccines that your puppy will get will be different in the UK compared to other countries.

The key diseases that your puppy will be vaccinated against are Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza and Parvo virus. Puppies can have antibodies passed on to them from their mother in the early stages of life that will help to protect them initially but as these antibodies start to wane it is important that we support your puppy in developing their own protective antibodies so that they have a head start in fighting off these diseases if they are ever exposed to them. Vaccination not only protects the individual pet but also acts to help prevent the spread of the disease with the longer-term aim of eradicating the disease.

 

 

Contact Us

Veterinary Surgeon and a Labrador puppy.

 

As your puppy’s immune system is relatively immature in early life, here at Young Vets we recommend giving two injections as part of the puppy vaccination schedule in order to stimulate the immune system to produce the level of antibodies that will provide protection. The vaccination course that your puppy gets is often referred to as the primary course which is then boostered at its annual health check.

 

The interval between the vaccinations will vary depending on the brand of vaccine, one of our friendly team will advise you on the interval rate (it is usually around 2 – 4 weeks apart). I am sure at this stage you are very keen to bring your puppy out but we would advise that you refrain for a given period before doing so. Our team will advise you on the duration, this vary depending on the vaccine used and the age at which your puppy received its second injection. The reason for this advice from our team is not to be a party pooper, but more to do with the gradual response by your puppy’s immune system to produce antibodies to the protective level.

 

 

puppy vaccinations.

Why are vaccinations so important?

 

So, what should you expect when you go to your vet for your puppy’s first vaccination?

 

Remember it can be overwhelming for a new owner as well as your puppy, so in preparation you could write out any questions you have in advance of the visit so that you ensure you leave with all the answers to your questions.

 

Although your visit to the vet is with the intention of getting your puppy vaccinated, it is important to be aware that this visit is primarily seen as a health check which will lead to administering of the vaccination. It is important that your puppy is healthy so that its immune system can respond optimally to the vaccination to produce the protective levels of antibodies. If your puppy is not in full health our veterinary team will address the ailment and advise that you come back at a later time to start the vaccination course.

 

To ensure your puppy is in full health or to check the health status of your pup, our vets will check many different things throughout the consult. They will often start with a physical examination to check your puppy, starting at its head and working back. In this process, your vet is checking for any conformational/genetic abnormalities e.g. cleft palate, heart murmurs or hernias. If you have a male puppy they will also check to determine if the testes have descended. They will also check the temperature to ensure that your puppy is not showing any early signs of illness.

 

puppy vaccination

Puppy Vaccinations

Following the physical exam, our team may discuss a preventative deworming/defleaing program to ensure your puppy is not affected by any parasites in the short and long term. Following the health check, if your puppy is in full health, then our vet will then give the first vaccination. The needle is small but some puppies may react with a little yelp. Rest assured that the long-term benefit of vaccination greatly outweighs the brief discomfort your puppy may demonstrate.

 

On returning home you may notice that your puppy is quieter than normal. This can be quite normal given the excitement of the visit plus the fact that the body is responding to the vaccine and is working hard to produce protective antibodies. This can also lead to the puppy getting a mild rise in temperature which may result in it going off its food for a short period. This does not occur in every incidence but is worth being aware of. However, if this occurs and persists for longer than 24 hours please contact our team for further advice.

 

After your primary vaccinations, your puppy will continue to require vaccinations throughout its adult life but we will remind you for these when your puppy is around a year old. Our reminders are completely free of charge just let our team know what suits you best – Text, email or letter.

 

If you have a new family member arriving soon, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team about our Puppy Packs. These include everything you need to give your puppy the healthiest start to life.

 

This blog and images have been kindly supplied by petdialogue. 

Written by Edwina Gildea. 

 

 

Our Spring Newsletter has arrived - be the first to read it here.

Diet dilemmas!

 

Diet dilemmas! 

With so many choices on the market, it can be quite a minefield finding the ideal diet for your pet. Our Spring Newsletter gives advice on the types of different diets available for your pet and what to look out for. Don’t forget that all of our West London clinics offer free weight checks and diet advice for your pet, PLUS our online shop has a wide variety of pet foods available and all products are 10 % off rrp. Shop here.

 

Diet dilemmas

Hill's logo.

 

 

 

Caring for your elderly cat

 

In their twilight years, our feline friends are vulnerable to many illness, but can be extremely good at hiding the signs. So, we have to be super vigilant to ensure they don’t suffer in silence. Our Spring Newsletter gives a really helpful list of things to watch out for as your cat enters its teenage years and how to make life more comfortable in their old age.

 

caring for your elderly cat

 

Worms are the worst!

Roundworms and tapeworms inhabit your pet’s intestines, interfering with food absorption and may also be a cause of gut inflammation , weight loss and diarrhoea.  Our Spring Newsletter discusses the different types of parasites that your pet can catch and carry. Did you know that some worms you can catch from your pet! The good news is, worm prevention is automatically included in all of our Pet Healthcare Club plans. Our plans allow you to spread the cost of all of your pets veterinary essentials across affordable monthly direct debits. Why not join today and see how much you could save in 2019?

 

worm2

 

We hope you enjoy reading our Spring Newsletter. If you need any further advice on any of the articles mentioned don’t hesitate to contact our knowledgeable team.

Don’t forget to follow us on social media. Keep up with our latest news and pet care tips, find us here > Facebook and Twitter.

 

Our Spring Newsletter has arrived - be the first to read it here.

Xylitol & dogs – Ruby’s story.

 

Xylitol & dogs – Ruby’s story. 

This months blog has been written in memory of Ruby a beautiful Hungarian Vizsla, who has passed away due to xylitol poisoning. Her owner, Kate has kindly written this article to help spread the word – Xylitol kills and it is more common in food than you may think.

A week ago today our beautiful Hungarian Vizla Ruby died. She was just seven. Losing a beloved family dog is utterly terrible, but our grief is compounded by the fact we might have been able to save her had we known about xylitol.

Ruby died after eating xylitol, a great (for humans) sugar replacement that’s being used increasingly in foods. But it is lethal for dogs. One small piece of chewing gum sweetened with xylitol (most are – have a look) is enough to kill an 8 – 10 kg dog. One piece. There are quite a lot of different substances and foods within the family home that are poisonous to pets and this is one of many, dog owners need to be aware of. It can be found in yogurts, takeaways, cakes, biscuits, toothpaste and peanut butter … any food that manufacturers want to improve by replacing sugar with a healthier alternative. If you are feeding your dog a human food ALWAYS check the label and if you are not sure, don’t take the risk.

 

Xylitol and dogs.

Ruby at hospital. .

 

Ruby stole two of my homemade brownies. Nothing new – she’s stolen them before from sealed boxes, with no adverse affects – but this time I’d cooked with Xylitol. I had no idea that she should be rushed immediately to the vet to begin intensive, invasive treatment which might – just might – have saved her.

Instead it took until she vomited terribly and collapsed 36 hours later for us to go to the vet. She was transferred to the amazing Royal Veterinary College this is where the xylitol poisoning was diagnosed.

After eight days of battling, critically ill in intensive care, Ruby died. We are heartbroken. What good can come of losing a pet who was the center of our family, loved beyond imagination? We are beside ourselves with sadness and guilt.

Only other dog lovers will understand the level of grief. And I would hate you to go through what we are at the moment. So, please, learn about xylitol and the other pet poisons that may be lurking in your home. Check labels, if its not made for a dog to eat, double, triple check it. If your dog is a scavenger, keep a close eye on them both in the home and out and about. Discarded chewing gum, peanut butter in your dogs Kong or Licki Mat, always check the labels. Do they enjoy your leftovers from a delicious takeaway? Some better quality restaurants now use xylitol in their cooking, with takeaways how often do they list every ingredient on their packaging?

 

animal poison line

If your pet has eaten something you are concerned about, do not delay, contact your local veterinary surgery or call the Animal Poison Line, at 01202 509000. And no, I didn’t know about this wonderful service either. For a flat fee of £30 they will assess what your pet has eaten and give you  advice on what to do and how urgent it needs to be done. It may save your pet’s life.

Spread the word. We need all dog owners to be aware, that this is another toxin that could be in your lurking in your home. We need those who drop gum to know they are leaving a trail lethal to man’s best friend. We need food manufacturers to clearly label foods with xylitol as ‘lethal to dogs’.

The Poison Line documents hundreds of deaths from xylitol each year. They think the true figure could be in the thousands. Please don’t let your dog become one of them.

 

ruby ,,..

In memory of Ruby.

Blog and images by Kate, Ruby’s mum. 

Q : Where do fleas go in winter?

 

Q : Where do fleas go in winter?  A : Your home !

 

Have you ever wondered where fleas go in winter? Or why sometimes, they just suddenly appear in your home? Our Winter News explains how fleas can hop into your home and make themselves comfortable during the Christmas period! If you don’t want these extra guests in your home over winter pop in and speak to our friendly team about the best protection we can offer your pet and your home.

 

 

fleaWhere do fleas go for winter?

Cold weather aches and pains

 

   Cold winters can make your pet’s joints feel stiff and painful, particularly if they are in their senior years. This can lead to reluctance to go on long walks, getting up a bit slower than usual and signs of lameness. Although arthritis cannot be cured, the good news is that we have an expanding range of treatments to help your pet, and our Winter News gives some top tips on supporting your pet at home. Don’t forget if your pet has been diagnosed with with this painful condition, our Ealing surgery boasts a K Laser which is widely used in human medicine and can be useful in both cats and dogs showing signs of arthritis. K laser is a quick and painless procedure increasing circulation, drawing water, oxygen and nutrients to the damaged area. Speak to our team today about the benefits it could offer your pet.

laser therapy

Garden birds. 

 

    During the long winter, food can be in short supply. Offering a selection of foods to the birds will help them survive until Spring and ensure that you have lots to interesting visitors to watch! Did you know the best time of day to ensure your bird feeder is full? Our Winter News will give you the answer, along with what food is best for birds and what to avoid. Why not take a picture of your winter visitors and post it to our Facebook page – we love seeing your pictures!

robin

We hope you have enjoyed reading our Winter Newsletter if you have any queries on the articles mentioned or need some advice on your pets healthcare don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team for more advice.

Alabama Rot – an emerging disease

 

   We are excited to announce that our Autumn newsletter has arrived! Its crammed with advice to help keep your pet healthy this Autumn 2018.

 

Alabama Rot – an emerging disease

Most dog owners have now heard about the new disease Alabama Rot. Although it is very serious it is also still quite rare but if you own a dog read on, understanding the signs and early treatment could save your pets life.

 

Conkers, Acorns and rotting fruit 

are a real concern at this time of year. All of these can cause real digestive upset. Our Autumn News, is a 10 minute read for and will explain the Autumn Alerts – to be aware of at this time of year to help you keep your pet safe.

 

conkers_edit

 

Firework Alert! 

With Fireworks night fast approaching – preparing your pet well in advance for the main event is key.  We’ve listed some of our top tips here to help your pets cope with the fireworks this Autumn season.

 

Help your pet cope with the fireworks season.

Help your pet cope with the fireworks season.

If you have any questions on the articles mentioned in our newsletter or if you have concerns about your pet, don’t delay contact our friendly team today for more advice today.

What to do if your cat or dog gets lost.

 

What to do if your cat or dog gets lost.

 

Did you know it is a legal requirement for all dogs over the age of 8 weeks to be micro chipped. All of our surgeries recommend micro chipping your cats too, as it is the most reliable form of identification and your pet will not be able to lose a micro chip unlike an identity tag or collar. Should your dog disappear out of your garden or your cat missed his usual breakfast appointment, don’t panic. Our vets have put together this blog with some useful hints and tips on what to do if the worst should happen. Hopefully you and your pet will never become separated but its good to know what to do, should the worst happen.

 

Missing cats and kittens :

Firstly thoroughly search your home, cats are masters of hide and seek and can squeeze into the oddest spaces. If you are sure your feline is not at home, we recommend contacting all of your neighbours, knocking on doors and posting flyers through letterboxes. Curious kittens often get shut in sheds and garages by accident so ask around as your cat could be closer than you think!

 

 

microchip-your-dog-by-law1

 

Lost dogs and puppies :

Has your dog escaped out of the garden, or slipped out of its collar at your local park? Start by walking an extra lap of the park, squeak their favorite toy and shout their name in a happy cheerful tone, this will hopefully invite them out if they are hiding. Call home, if you have a family member there or a neighbour close by ask them to check around your house – dogs have been known to take themselves home!

 

Remember do NOT panic. Contact all local vets, animal charities and dog wardens in the area. They may ask you a few questions so try and provide as much information as you can :

A description of your pet – colour, sex, breed, age.

Their microchip number.

What area are they missing from.

Your contact information.

Pet Insurance – 

Your insurance company may be able to provide you with additional help and support with the search of your pet. The small print of your policy may also require that they are notified of lost pets in -case it results in a claim.

 

Call your pets microchip company –

inform them of the situation and ensure that they have all of your contact information correct and up to date. You may even want to do this TODAY so should you and your pet ever be separated this should help ensure a speedy reunion if your details are up to date.

 

facebook large

 

Facebook, Twitter and Instagram –

Like it or hate it – social media is a fantastic tool for helping spread the word quickly that your pet is missing. The more people helping with your search the better!

 

Some top tips from our vets :

If your dog or puppy has not quite mastered recall – work with a dog trainer to improve this. If you have to let your dog off leash do it in an enclosed space and attach a long line to their harness to make catching them easier.

 

When training your dog to come back as soon as you call them – no matter how long they take, do not punish them. Give them a big fuss and a treat when they come back – if you tell them off they will take even longer to come back next time!

 

Microchip your pet and ensure that your details are up to date.

 

If you have a new cat or you are moving house, ensure you keep them inside for at least two weeks. This gives them a chance to settle in and feel ‘at home’. When the time comes for going outside, start off letting them out before you feed them – they are less likely to stray if they are hungry and know where their food bowl is.

 

Take loads of pictures of your pet – should the worst happen you will have up to date pictures to use on posters and social media.

 

Neutering your pet – We may rave on about neutering a lot but there are SO many benefits.  Male cats are less likely to fight or stray too far from home. Castrating your male dog reduces testosterone levels which means they will not feel the need to go off in search of a mate. Female dogs can be spooked by other dogs getting ‘over friendly’ with them whilst in season.

 

Hyperthyroidism in teenage cats.

 

   Hyperthyroidism is a common disease in teenage cats, sadly sometimes, their symptoms are missed and referred to as just ‘old age’. Overactive thyroid gland – another name for the condition) is something we see quite regularly in older cats, the good news is diagnosis is fairly simple and there are different treatment options available to suit the individual patient.

hyperthyroid cat signs

  The thyroid glands are found in your cats neck, either side of the wind pipe. The glands produce a hormone which controls the body’s metabolism, which is why owners commonly report weight loss as one of the first symptom’s they notice.


Thyroid-Gland-in-Cats

If your cat is showing some or all of the above signs – Don’t Panic. The first thing to do is book an appointment with your local vets. The vet will be able to give your cat an all over health and weight check. To diagnose an over active thyroid gland we recommend a blood test, results are prompt and usually back from the lab the next working day.

Results day. Once the diagnosis has been confirmed there are 2 types of treatment that we offer here at Young Vets :

  • A daily dose of medication given at home, (usually tablets) to stop the overproduction of the hormone. If choosing the medication from home option, the owner will need to ensure the cat is receiving the specified dose at regular intervals (the same time each day).

 

  • An operation to remove either one or both thyroid glands. We would often recommend at least 14 days of medication prior to surgery to help stabilize the hormones but following on from the surgery medication would cease. A speedy recovery is usually followed and the patient can go home either the same or following day.

 

hyperthyroid cat

 

  • If left untreated it can lead to blindness, heart conditions and in extreme cases even death.

 

Following either treatment option, your cats progress will need to be monitored regularly by yourself and your vet but there is no reason your cat should not continue to live a happy, healthy life.

If you have concerns about your teenage cat, don’t hesitate to contact your local Young Vets surgery to discuss your cats case with one of our experienced veterinary surgeons.

Booster time!

 

Your pet’s yearly check – up and vaccinations and VERY important! These health checks are vital to keeping your pet is fit, healthy and protected from deadly diseases. Both cat, dog and rabbit vaccinations protect from many diseases that your pet can pick up – some of which are fatal.

 

Matthew Wilson giving a kitten a health check

 

Don’t forget rabbits! 

Rabbits are becoming highly popular pets. They are social animals who like to live in pairs and groups meaning that neutering your rabbit is essential to preventing pregnancy, fighting and some types of cancers. The benefits of neutering can be applied to most species, if your are un decided whether to neuter your pet read more about the benefits of neutering here.

 

Parasite alert :

Summer is prime time for your pet to collect hitch hikers – fleas and ticks. Flea problems can quickly multiply, particularly in households with more than one pet. Did you know a single female tick can lay up to 10,000 eggs. Our summer news gives you lots of helpful advice on some of the problems that summer can bring to your pets.

 

We hope you enjoy reading our Summer News, if you have any questions on the articles featured, do not hesitate to contact our team for further information.

 

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