Tag Archives: cats

Our Winter Pet Blog has arrived

Our winter Pet Blog has arrived be the first to read it here. With the onset of wintry walks and Christmas on the horizon we take a closer look at the things to be mindful of, as a pet owner at this time of year.

A reminder that chocolate, grapes, raisins and food with artificial sweetener included can be toxic to pets when consumed. If your pet ingests something they shouldn’t over the festive season visit our free pet poisons checker for advice on whether to seek urgent medical treatment for your pet.

Winter walkies,

We have all felt the lack of motivation to go for that dark winter walk with your dog but do know know the long term health risks associated with your pet carrying excess weight. Our Winter Pet Blog explains the range of health conditions caused by excess weight and how to take an unbiased assessment of your pets waist line at home, without the need for scales.

Did you know fleas love central heating almost as much as your cat does!

Our Winter pet blog discusses the life cycle of the flea and how they hitch a ride into your home, the key is PREVENTION!

If you need a helping hand to keep up to date with your pets parasite protection, have you considered our Healthcare Club? Our club offers affordable, monthly payments on a date that suits YOU in exchange for your pets annual booster vaccination, two health examinations, parasite protection, nail clipping plus a 10 % discount off all other products and services we offer.

Join our club today and start saving on your pet care costs here.

Cold weather aches and pains,

Is it old age or something else? Our Winter News discusses the common condition Arthritis. Our pet blog discusses the range of potential causes, the signs to watch out for, how we can diagnose the condition and most importantly what you can do at home to help support your pet at home if they are diagnoses with this uncomfortable condition.

If you have concerns about your pet, do not hesitate to contact our team for more advice and to arrange an examination on your pet.

We hope you enjoy reading our latest pet blog, if you have a question on any of the articles mentioned please do not hesitate to ask our team for further advice.

Could it be an allergy?

Could it be an allergy?

Our Summer Pet Blog has arrived! It’s bursting with top pet tips to keep your pet fit and well during the heat of summer. Be the first to read it here. Our latest pet blog covers a wide range of summer pet care concerns including allergies. Skin allergies are common in pets particularly dogs at this time of year. Our pet blog discusses the range of causes and the signs to watch out for.

A word in your ear!

Most of the time your pet will have clean, comfortable ears but we recommend checking your pets ears regularly for signs of infection. Our latest Pet Blog discusses some of the underlying causes of ear infections, what to look out for and what to do if you suspect your pet has an ear infection.

UV Alert!

The summer heat can be a real struggle for some pets, particularly brachycephalic breeds and the golden oldie pets. Our latest pet blog includes some top pet care tips on helping your pet to handle the high temperatures of summertime.

Don’t forget about your small pets – rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters can all struggle in the heat too! Make sure your small pets are in constant shade, if they are indoors, close the curtains to help keep the heat out and provide fresh water twice daily. For rabbits and guinea pigs consider offering a water bowl alongside their usual bottle can encourage them to drink in the heat.

We hope you enjoy reading our Summer News 2023 pet blog. If you have a query about any of the articles mentioned please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team for more advice.

Dietary dilemmas – choosing the correct diet!

Dietary dilemmas – choosing the correct diet!

The choice of dog and cat foods out there are vast and choosing the correct diet for your pet can seem overwhelming. Our Autumn Pet News discusses the different types of diets available to your pet, the choice can seem endless, but the most important thing is to choose a diet that suits YOUR pet and feed the correct quantities to help your pet maintain a healthy weight.

To neuter is cuter!

Our Autumn Pet News discusses the range of benefits that come with neutering your pet, hint, there’s A LOT more benefits than you might think! Neutering is an important decision to be made for your pet, if you wish to discuss it further please do not hesitate to speak to our friendly team at your pets next appointment.

Did you know we offer keyhole surgery for neutering your female dog at our Ealing surgery, please drop our team an email for further information.

Fireworks are coming, are you prepared?

Fireworks season is almost upon us, if your pet has anxiety around fireworks the most important piece of advice is to BE PREPARED! Our Autumn Pet News offers some top tips on how to keep your pet safe and cope with the loud bangs and numerous displays that light up the skies at this time of year.

We hope you enjoy reading our latest Pet News if you have a query on any of the articles mentioned please do not hesitate to discuss it at your pets next appointment or drop our friendly an email for further information.

P.S. Have you seen our pet symptom checker? Are you unsure whether to book a consultation? Visit our free symptom checker today for advice on your pet’s individual condition.

Should I have my pet neutered?


Should I have my pet neutered?

 

Should I have my pet neutered? With the number of pets owners dramatically increasing over the last 12 months, it will soon be (if not already!) time to think about neutering your pet. Everyone knows that neutering your pet will stop unwanted pregnancies but do you know the other benefits? Our Summer News discusses the benefits of neutering for both male and female pets.

 

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Ear disease,

in many instances of ear problems, bacterial and fungal infections can obscure diagnosis of the underlying cause, and complicate treatment. Our Summer News discusses the signs of ear disease to watch out for in your feline friend and canine companion. As with most conditions, early diagnosis and treatment is the key to success, if left untreated ear disease can become very painful and difficult to treat.

 

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Rabbits: Don’t get caught on the hop!

Just like other pets, your rabbit will benefit from regular check ups and vaccinations to keep them fit and well. Our Summer Blog discusses the diseases we recommend vaccinating your bunny against and the deadly new strain of virus VHD -2.

 

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We hope you enjoy reading our Summer News blog, if you have a query on any of the articles mentioned please do not hesitate to get in contact with our team for more advice.

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We are passionate about pets, and have been providing a caring service to our clients and their pets for over 50 years, across our four West London surgeries. We believe in preventative healthcare, and have a Pet Healthcare Club to help you spread the cost of your pets essentials across affordable monthly payments on a date that suits you.

Covid – 19 – Has It Affected Your Pet?

Covid – 19 – Has It Affected Your Pet?

 

Covid – 19 – Has It Affected Your Pet?

The early experiences a puppy or kitten has with people and their surroundings has a huge impact on their behaviour and personality for the rest of their lives. Our Spring News Blog talks through how a rescue centre or good breeder can help the socialisation process with your pet. If Covid has effected your pets socialisation, do not hesitate to seek help from a vet or qualified behaviourist.

 

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

How the heart pumps

Our Spring news explains how a healthy heart  works and the different heart conditions that can effect your pet. Older cats are at an increased risk of developing a condition where the heart muscle excessively enlarges in size. The signs of heart disease are explained in our Spring News Blog, the good news is both our Ealing and Hounslow surgeries have the facilities to offer ultrasound scans of your pets heart to help diagnose a condition. Contact our team if you have concerns about the articles mentioned and your pet.

 

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Lungworm awareness!

The warmer Spring weather provides the perfect opportunity for parasites to start spreading onto your pet and into your home. Lungworm is a parasite effecting dogs and foxes, it can cause significant disease and in some cases, it can be fatal. Our Spring News discusses how your dog can become infected, and more importantly how simple prevention can be. The good news is Lungworm protection is automatically included in our Dog Pet Healthcare Club, find out more here.

 

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We hope you have enjoyed reading our Spring News Blog, if you have a question on any of the articles mentioned please do not hesitate to discuss it further with one of our vets at your pets next appointment or drop us an email on admin@youngvets.co.uk

We are passionate about pets – almost all of our vets, nurses and receptionists are pet owners – we love them too! If you and your pet are not yet registered with our surgery, please click here to register online we can’t wait to meet you and your pet soon.

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Should I Wash My Cat?

Should I Wash My Cat?

 

Whether you’re a new cat owner or have been the proud owner to a fur baby for some time now, there’s one thing that all cat owners should be aware of. Grooming is extremely important, particularly with long haired felines, when it comes to your cat’s health and wellbeing, and we all want our cats to be healthy and happy. In case you find yourself wondering “Should I wash my cat?” we have the answer, as well as some advice on grooming your feline friend to keep them looking purr-fect.

Why is grooming important for cats?

Grooming your cat by brushing them can help you to build a strong bond and your cat will trust you more after each grooming session. Many cats really enjoy being brushed and it can help to reduce stress. If you’re wondering “Do cats need baths?” the answer is, not really. The right cat brush helps to soothe and massage your feline buddy whilst removing dead hair and preventing matts, particularly important for long-haired kitties. Don’t underestimate the importance of claw trimming too, as this helps domestic cats to feel more comfortable. Regular grooming sessions, either yourself or with a registered cat groomer, can help to check your kitty for abnormalities like lumps, bumps or skin conditions, which are best caught early for the necessary treatment.

Should you wash your cat?

If you’re wondering about bathing a cat and whether it is really necessary, you may be glad to hear that cats actually have everything they need to keep themselves clean. Most cats, especially short-haired breeds, are excellent self-groomers, but you may need to bathe a cat in extreme circumstances. For example, if your cat has been unwell with diarrhoea or has been stuck up a chimney and is covered in soot, you may need to wash their coat. Bathing a cat can also help to reduce shedding, which is great news if you’re the owner of a long-haired feline. Showering rinses away dead hair but you can always achieve a similar result with brushing alone. Finally, if your cat is a purebred and you’re taking them to a show, it goes without saying that a trip to the groomers for a bath is in order.

 

Should I Wash My Cat?

 

How to wash your cat – the dos and don’ts

The average indoor cat may never need a bath, but if you do decide to take the plunge, we do not recommend bathing your kitty more than a couple of times a year. Only you know your cat’s personality and levels of aggression, which can be a key deciding factor when it comes to bathing a cat. Cats that have been bathed regularly since they were kittens are the most likely to tolerate being bathed as an adult cat. A scared cat can hiss, spit and become hostile, so you need to consider whether it is worth the stress (for you and your kitty) to bathe your cat, unless they are extremely dirty.

  • Do trim your cat’s claws the day before bathing them to decrease the damage they might do when stressed

 

  • Do brush your kitty before bathing them to remove tangles and knots – this can be harder to do when their coat is wet

 

  • Don’t use human shampoo, which can be toxic to cats, or dog shampoo. You can get cat shampoo from the pet shop or your vet

 

  • Do try to bathe your cat after they have eaten or when they are tired out from a play session

 

  • Do get your cat used to being in the bathroom before bath time – you can even add some toys to the bath for play time and gradually add water to help them adjust

 

  • Do ensure you have everything you need before you start. Close the bathroom door to prevent your cat from escaping, get the shampoo ready, a couple of large cups for rinsing and a few towels for drying your cat

 

  • Fill the bath with a few inches of warm water before bringing your cat into the bathroom and use a rubber mat on the base of the bath to prevent slipping

 

  • Don’t use the overhead shower as the amount of water can overwhelm some cats

 

  • Wear a long-sleeved shirt or jumper to protect your arms from scratches

 

Bathe your cat at their own pace

It is important to stay calm when bathing your cat, as they will pick up on your stress. Take things slowly and soak your kitty gently from the neck down, washing their neck, body, belly, legs and tail. Diluting the shampoo can make rinsing easier, and you want to gently massage them to help them relax. Often using a pheromone spray on yourself, around the bathroom and on any towels can help reduce your cats anxiety too.

If your cat wants to stop at any stage, they will let you know and you should respect this. However, you should always rinse shampoo thoroughly until the water runs clear. You can wash kitty’s face gently with a wet, warm washcloth and then dry them gently with a towel.

Hire the experts

If this all seems like a lot of stress or work then the good news is that there are professionals who can help you. If you find yourself wondering, “Where can I get my cat groomed?” then the answer is that there are probably many professional groomers in your area. Just a quick search online or contact our teams and we will provide your with contact numbers for cat groomers in the area. Professional cat groomers can help your cat to stay calm and ensure they enjoy a relaxing bath without any of the stress.

When it comes to bathing a cat, remember that many cats go through their whole lives without ever being bathed, but there may be times when you need to give your cat a bath, for whatever reason.

 

Blog and images supplied by Zoetis.

Written by Edwina Gildea MVB MRCVS.

 

The Health Benefits Of Owning A Cat

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.

Your Winter Survival Guide Has Arrived – Read It Here

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.

 

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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.

 

Autumn Newsletter.

Blocked Bladders – Is It A Pet Emergency?

 

 

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!

 

 

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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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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!

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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.