Category Archives: pet travel

Play It Cool This Summer With Your Dog

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Play It Cool This Summer With Your Dog

 

Play It Cool This Summer With Your Dog

Our Summer News has arrived and is here to provide some top tips to help beat the heat and keep your pets safe this Summer 2020. Slip, slap, slop! The sun is a particular problem for white ear tips, and noses – especially in cats. Our Summer News, to help minimise the risk of cancerous changes.

 

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

 

Grass awns

of the meadow grasses can be a particular issue in dogs. The awns can penetrate tissue and migrate vast distances inside the body. We suggest grooming / checking your dog all over its body especially armpits, between the toes and ear areas following exercise in long grass.

 

grass awn i stock

 

Gingavitis, periodontitis and other dental issues,

our Summer News talks you through the different stages of dental disease, how to help your pet and the options for prevention and treatment. A healthy mouth typically has bright white teeth and pink or pigmented gums, bad breath is NOT normal. Understand the signs of dental disease to watch out for HERE.

 

 

We hope you have enjoyed reading our Summer News 2020, if you have any questions about the articles mentioned or your pet please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team for more information.

 

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

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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.

Read our 2017 Winter Newsletter here

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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.

Is your pet due a trip to the vet?

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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.

Pet passports- and important travel tips

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 Pet Passports and important travel tips

 

    • A Pet Passport can be used to travel with your pet to countries within the European Union, and to some countries outside the European union. The requirements for dogs, cats and ferrets travelling within EU and listed non-EU countries are:

 

 

    • 1- Microchip
      2- Vaccination against rabies at least 21 days before travel.
      3- Pet passport issued by official veterinarian  (Mr A Young or Mr M Wilson are both able to do this at Young Veterinary Partnership)
      4- Before RETURN ONLY  to the UK dogs must be treated for tapeworm by a vet, 1-5 days before getting on the ferry or plane. ( there is no requirement for cats).

 

 

      • However you may not be aware that there are a number of diseases that can be caught when your pet travels abroad that we do not have in the United Kingdom. The commonest ones are spread by ticks, mosquitoes or sand flies. It is important to use preventative measures to avoid your pet picking up one of these serious diseases whilst travelling.

 

Tick borne diseases:

 

 

      • Babesiosis is transmitted by ticks to dogs and is present in central and southern europe.  It causes fever , anaemia, red or brown urine and can cause jaundice amongst other signs.

 

 

      • Ehrlichiosis– a tick borne disease encountered in Southern Europe and many other countries worldwide. It causes swollen glands, fever and bleeding amongst other signs.

 

 

      • Hepatozoonosis is another tick borne disease affecting dogs mainly but occasionally cats in countries bordering the Mediterranean. Diagnosis and treatment is difficult.

 

 

 

      • Tick control– avoid wooded areas , and areas with livestock, use tick spot on treatments such as Advantix, or a collar such as Scallibor. Also take a tick removal instrument (o’Tom tick twister) and remove any ticks as soon as possible. Remember to start tick preventative treatment BEFORE you travel.

 

Sandfly and mosquito borne diseases:

 

      • Leishmania– transmitted by sandflies in Spain, France, Italy and other Mediterranean countries, affecting dogs and cats. It causes skin inflammation and ulceration. Prevention is by using sandfly repellants ( started 3 weeks BEFORE travelling), keeping pets indoors from 1 hour before dusk to 1 hour after dawn, and using fly repellants in the house. There is also a vaccine available for dogs, but it needs to be given before travelling.

 

 

      • Heartworm– affects mostly dogs, but occasionally cats, and is transmitted by mosquitoes. Most southern European countries ( and any with mosquitoes) are affected. It can take many months before symptoms appear and causes weakness, coughing  and heart failure.  Monthly Advocate spot on treatment is recommended.

 

 

 

 

      • The British Veterinary Asociation has produced a very useful leaflet outlining the common diseases.The link to the leaflet is

http://www.bva-awf.org.uk/resources/leaflets/

Taking your pet abroad- what diseases might they catch?

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Most people know that they can use a passport to travel with their pets to countries within the European Union, and to some countries outside the European union. See DEFRA’s website for further details. http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/pets/

However you may not be aware that there are a number of diseases that can be caught when your pet travels abroad that we do not have in the United Kingdom. The commonest ones are spread by ticks, mosquitoes or sand flies. The British Veterinary Asociation has produced a very useful leaflet outlining the common diseases. The link to the leaflet is

http://www.bva-awf.org.uk/resources/leaflets/

We recommend tick protection can be provided by using Frontline , Sandy Fly prevention with Scalibor, and Heartworm protection with Advocate.