Category Archives: pet healthcare

Read our 2017 Winter Newsletter here

Leave a reply

 

Have a read below for a sneak peak on whats included! We hope you enjoy reading our latest Newsletter and if you have a questions regarding any of the articles do not hesitate to contact our friendly team.

 

How healthy are your dog’s eyes? 

Your dog’s eyes should be open, sparkly-clear and free of discharge or excessive tearing. In our Winter Newsletter learn about the three most common eye disorders and the signs to watch out for. Early diagnosis is the ‘golden rule’ with eyes, so don’t delay! If your pet is showing any symptoms of eye problems, make an appointment for your pet today.

 

Festive alert:

The festive season can also pose a huge range of very tempting hazards for our pets! From chocolate to tinsel read our Newsletter today and learn the hazards that may be in your home this festive season.

 

Worming worries – is your pet affected? 

Unlike infectious disease that we can vaccinate against, your pets are in all likelihood continually coming into contact with worms. Before we look at prevention, it’s useful to know your ‘enemy’. Read our Winter Newsletter and learn the three main types of worms that pose a risk to your pets.

 

Pets on Tour! 

Are you planning on taking your dog on holiday with you in the near future? It’s great that they can now join us abroad but it does mean you have to plan ahead. Our Winter Newsletter explains the requirements needed to travel with your pets from Pet passports to Rabies vaccinations.

 

We hope you enjoy reading our 2017 Winter Newsletter, if you have any questions on any of the articles please do not hesitate to contact your local surgery.

Our Autumn Newsletter 2017

Leave a reply

Our Autumn Newsletter for 2017 is here! 

 

Autumn Awareness.

Autumn is a truly beautiful time of year, however there are some things pet owners need to be aware of to keep their pets happy and healthy. Firstly, turning on the central heating means our homes become the ideal environment for fleas! Make sure you continue to treat your pets and protect your home from fleas and ticks. Ticks thrive when the weather id still mild, but moist. They particularly enjoy living in areas with livestock, and where undergrowth is thick, they wait and jump onto any passing pets. Ticks can spread a number of diseases and some can be fatal, learn more about ticks and how to stop them attaching to your pet HERE.

 

Toxic Alert!

Cars often have anti freeze added to their engines around this time of year, unfortunately cats find it highly tasty, despite the fact it is highly toxic!

 

A word in your ear.

Did you know ear disease in pets is very common and a regular problem that we see here at Young Vets in both cats and dogs. Read our newsletter to learn the signs to watch out for in your pet. To prevent or reduce ear problems it is important to promptly identify the cause and start treatment as soon as possible, to avoid long term damage.

 

Do fireworks put your pets in a fizz?

Fireworks is not just one night anymore, it seems to be a ‘season’ which can be extremely stressful for some pets. However there are many ways to help prepare, reduce and even prevent anxiety in your pet. Read our NEWSLETTER for some top tips on how to help your pets through fireworks season and don’t forget preparation BEFORE the events start can be key to helping your pet!

 

Arthritis Alert – is your pet affected?

As the weather cools down, arthritis signs can become more noticeable particularly in older pets. Read our NEWSLETTER and learn more about this painful condition and what to look out for in your pet. We have different options of treatment available for pets with arthritis. If you suspect it, do not hesitate contact our friendly team for help and advice.

 

Read our Autumn newsletter TODAY! 

Is your pet due a trip to the vet?

Leave a reply

 

We want your pet to be as happy to see us as we are to see them!

  • One of the first things to help create this trust is to drop in, particularly when your pet is young. If you need a reason, our nurses and reception team love cuddles with your puppies and kittens and usually have a spare treat or two for them. We also offer free weight checks, this allows us to keep a record ensuring they’re growing up and gaining weight as they should be.

  • If you are nervous about the visit don’t be! Our staff are highly experienced and have seen and heard it all. If it concerns you then please ask us , no question is too silly. Remain calm and ‘normal’ as your pet will pick up on any anxiety you may be feeling. 

  • When visiting with cats we strongly recommend travelling your cat in a secure carrier not in your arms, even the calmest of cats can get stressed. If you have time, leave your carrier out a few days before your appointment, so your cat can climb in without being rushed. Try leaving a few treats and toys inside to tempt an investigation! Placing a towel over your carrier in the waiting room can help anxious cats  if you need one just ask us.

  • When travelling with dogs Invest in a doggie ‘seat belt’ or secure caged area of your car. If your dog suffers car sickness travel them on an empty stomach. Allow plenty of travel time so you are not rushed or late. Please keep your dog by your side in the waiting room. A vet practice can be a stressful place for pets and your laid back family dog could become stressed and snappy towards other.

  • Practice ‘vet checks’ at home. Your pet is never to young or old to do this training: Gently look inside your pets eyes and ears, teeth and mouth, practice lifting each paw in turn and nail clipping this is something that can be done at home. Read out our free guide on nail clipping> Cats and Dogs. Feel your pet all over from toe to tail. Spend 5 minutes a day practising the ‘all over’ handling and your pet will find an examination ‘normal’, when they come to us.

  • If you are coming in for a specific problem i.e. behaviour or tummy troubles write a diary of events and problems. Try to include what foods they’ve eaten, treats, where they have been park , swimming, times of day all of these things may be useful when finding a diagnosis.

  • Please ask our vets to write notes for you to take home if you are concerned you may not remember something that was mentioned or bring a friend or family member for help and support.

 

We do our very best to ensure that you are seen on time at you appointment time but emergencies and unpredictable cases can happen so please bear with us. Our reception team will endeavour to keep your updated if the consultations are running a few minutes late.

feline. cat. Xena.

Helping the older cat in your household.

Leave a reply

 

Looking after your golden oldies.

Did you know that by the time your cat reaches 1 year of age it is the equivalent of around 15 human years! With improvements in nutrition, veterinary care, medicine and knowledge from the public, cats like most pets are living longer healthier lives but can still suffer the effects of old age. Read on to find out the signs to watch out for and how to help your older feline friend.

What to watch out for:

– They may meow more loudly than before this could be due to hearing loss. Bad breath, drooling and or change in eating habits, portion size and/or dropping food can be a sign of dental disease, don’t forget to keep an eye on the amount they are drinking too.

– Sensitivity to bright lights can be due to a decline in your cats vision.

– Your feline friend may also become less active due to arthritis so keep an eye out for sharper claws, we can easily clip your cats nails in a consultation and show you how to do it at home too.

– Just like humans, they can loose their sense of taste and smell which can cause them to go off their food which is why it is important to visit us at least once a year to keep an eye on their weight and general body condition.

As we all know cats are the King’s and Queens of the Household and we are just their servants, this means they are extremely self reliant and masters of hiding their pain. Sadly this can mean that conditions like dental disease and arthritis can go unnoticed for a period of time. If your cat is slowing down or losing their appetite don’t ignore the signs, give our friendly team a call for some advice and to book a check up.

How to help your cat into old age 

If their favourite sunshine spot is on a high window ledge, make them a half way step to help their joints perhaps a chair or coffee table to help them up?

In winter time make sure their bed is extra cosy and warm for them to snuggle into,

cold bones = old bones.

Make sure they have regular weight and health checks.

If you have a multi cat household make sure the golden oldies have a quiet space to hide in.

Keep your pets microchip details up to date if something happens whilst they are out & about is your mobile number up to date on the records?

If you think your cat may be loosing her sense of smell try warming up the wet food, this can make it more appealing.

Grooming (particularly long haired coats) your cat will help strengthen your bond and older cats generally enjoy a gentle groom with a soft brush or comb.

Regular nail clips to ensure brittle nails do not get caught in furniture.

Try buying the smellier food such as salmon or tuna to help tempt their appetite.

If you have any concerns no matter how small do not hesitate to mention them to one of our team so we can help you care for your golden oldie.

Our summer newsletter

Our Summer Newsletter 2017.

Leave a reply

Summer itches – could it be parasites?

Our Summer Newsletter 2017 is here!

However, the warmer weather is not only enjoyed by our pets, it is when parasites can cause skin irritations as well! Read our newsletter to find out about how fleas and mites can irritate your pet, and how to prevent them.

Also included:

Some top tips on how to keep your furry friends safe this summer. From avoiding flystrike in rabbits, to sunburn in cats – did you know you may need to apply sunblock on your cat! – Read our newsletter to find out what type of dogs are most at risk of heat stroke.

Brushing up on dental care.

This is such an important subject but overlooked by so many. Without regular check ups, our pets could be suffering in silence – tolerating the pain of gum and dental diseases. Our newsletter shows the signs to watch out for and what to do if you think your pet has dental disease.

 

Summer is here and so is Kennel Cough.

Summer is the most common time of year for your dog to catch Kennel Cough. Did you know it is called Kennel Cough due to how quickly it can spread. Boarding kennels are the perfect environment for the disease to spread quickly as large numbers of dogs and kept in close proximity. The cough can come on quite suddenly and sounds dry, harsh and honking and sometimes sneezing can be seen also.

Read our newsletter HERE.

Feeding cats and dogs- which food to choose

Leave a reply

feeding your dog

 

  • There are many diet foods available for your pet and sometimes the choice can be confusing.

 

  • If you have a new puppy or kitten, you should if possible try to continue the food that they were fed by the breeder at least for the first few days. If this is not possible, then cooked chicken or fish is a suitable starting food for kittens and puppies for their first few days.  Boiled rice can be added for puppies also.  This is also suitable for any older pet that has vomiting or diarrhoea as it is light and easily digested.   After a few days on this light food, a new food may be introduced gradually over a few days. Generally we recommend to  feed puppies 4 x daily until 3 months old, 3x daily until 6 months old and 2x daily until one year old. After one year you may feed dogs once or twice daily.  Kittens can be fed 3x daily until fully grown around 10 months and then 2x daily as adults.

 

  • There is no one food that is best for all pets, and so it may sometimes be necessary to try a few before you find the most suitable one for your pet. Complete dry foods are convenient and can help in keeping healthy teeth and gums. Wet foods in pouches or tins may be more palatable to some pets, but some brands can be higher in fat content, which may not suit all pets.  A mix of wet and dry foods can be used. It is always a good idea to give at least some dried food to help with teeth and gums.

 

 

  • All of the major brands of pet food should contain the correct amount of vitamins and minerals, and vitamin supplements are rarely necessary. It is important not to give calcium supplements to growing dogs as they can cause problems with the joints by causing too rapid growth.

 

  • Raw meat diets are available for dogs, but we generally do not recommend them as there are risks of infection to both your pets and yourselves from handling raw meat.

 

  • The amount to feed your pet will depend on the weight of your pet and the diet being fed. There should be guides on the food packaging, but the best way to determine the correct amount is to weigh your pet regularly and ensure that as an adult their weight remains fairly stable.

 

  • We are always happy to weigh your pet at our surgeries if you do not have accurate scales or need large scales for your pet. Just bring your pet in during our normal consulting times to be weighed.  We are also happy to give more detailed advise on suitable diets for your pets. Just drop in to one of our surgeries. We stock a range of  Hills veterinary foods, but can advise on other brands. We also stock a range of prescription diets suitable  for a range of medical condition, such as kidney problems, liver problems, diabetes, intestinal problems, obesity  and arthritis.

 

 

German Shepherd

Dog and cat seizures (fits) and epilepsy

epilepsy in dogs

 

 

 

  • Epilepsy is the most common chronic neurological disorder in dogs.  It causes fits (seizures) in affected dogs, which often occur when they are resting. The fits usually last a few minutes only, and dogs may be confused for 5-15 minutes afterwards.  If your dog has a seizure lasting more than 5 minutes you shuld call your vet and arrange to take your pet immediately to the surgery.  We recommend if your dog has a seizure, they are left quietly with the lights off, ensuring they cannot fall down any steps or stairs. As they can be confused afterwards there is a risk of being bitten, so they should be left to recover alone. Occasionally a dog will have one seizure,  and will never have  another one, but in most cases the seizures will recur. Epilepsy usually starts in younger dogs.

 

  • Cats may also have seizures, due to epilepsy although it is much less common than in dogs. Older cats may also have seizures, but this is more commonly due to other medical problems. If your cat has a seizure they should be left alone to recover, with the lights turned out, ensuring that they cannot fall . A seizure will generally only last a minute or two.

 

 

  • Diagnosis of epilepsy-  there is no single test for epilepsy so we rely on ruling out other potential causes of seizures.  It is most helpful to take a video clip with your mobile phone of the fit so that the vet can see exactly what happens during the seizure. Diagnosis of epilepsy  generally involves blood tests, and may include urine tests, x-rays and spinal fluid analysis. MRI scans may be performed to rule out brain tumours ( although rare in younger dogs and cats).

 

 

 

  • Treatment of epilepsy is generally recommended if your pet has more than 1 seizure per month, or if your pet has cluster seizures  (one immediately after another). Once treatment is started it is usually lifelong. Happily most pets with epilepsy will live fairly normal lifespans with medical treatment.

 

 

 www.youngvets.co.uk