Author Archives: gray_ealingvets

Festive Hazards Pet Owners Need To Be Aware Of.

Festive Hazards Pet Owners Need To Be Aware Of.

 

Festive Hazards Pet Owners Need To Be Aware Of. 

The cold winter months bring particular challenges for our pets, and as their owners, we need to be aware of the problems they can suffer at this time of year. Our Festive Hazards Pet Blog, takes a look at some of the commonest winter hazards including; string, tinsel and bones from your festive feast!

 

 

 

Outdoor pets

Don’t forget about smaller pets during the winter months, particularly those who live outside. Make sure your rabbits and guinea pigs have insulated hutches, plenty of bedding and they are still receiving their daily exercise. Water bottles – these can freeze overnight, try putting an old sock over the top of the bottle to prevent ice forming inside.

 

 

Xylitol, grapes and raisins,

The signs of pet poisoning can be vague so owners need to be vigilant when having these tasty festive treats in your home. Our Festive Hazards blog takes a look at some of the seasonal toxins that could be in your home.

 

 

We hope you enjoy reading our latest pet blog, Festive Hazards Pet Owners Need To Be Aware Of. If you have a query on any of the articles mentioned please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team for more advice.

 

Here at Young Veterinary Partnership, we have been offering a caring service to pets from all over West London for over 50 years. We are experienced and can perform most investigative medical and surgical procedures that are available to your pet. We also have a Pet Healthcare Club, helping you budget for your pets veterinary essentials across affordable monthly payments, join here. Visit a vet who is passionate about your pet.

Autumn has arrived – are you and your pet prepared

Autumn has arrived – are you and your pet prepared

 

Autumn has arrived – are you and your pet prepared

from fermenting fruit to antifreeze, are you aware of the toxins that could be lurking in your home at this time of year? Our Autumn News has some great advice on what to watch out for during the changing seasons and when symptoms could indicate a pet emergency. Read our Autumn News here.

 

 

Fleas & ticks

love the warm weather, and in addition to your home, they thrive outside in parks and gardens. Our Autumn News explains the signs to watch out for and how to prevent them coming home with your pet.

 

 

 

Firework Fright!

Whilst so much has changed over the past few months following Covid – 19, it is likely that fireworks will continue to plague the lives of many pets. With this in mind, our Autumn News gives some great advice on how to help keep your pet calm and safe at this time of year.

 

 

We hope you have enjoyed reading our Autumn News 2020, if you have a query on any of the articles mentioned do not hesitate to contact our friendly team for more advice.

 

 

 

 

Summer News 2020

Summer News 2020

Summer News 2020

 

Summer News 2020

has arrived! Our newsletter is jammed packed with top pet tips on how to help your pet beat the heat this summer. Don’t forget to take extra care with your white pets, particularly cats with white ears. Our Summer News offers some great advice on how to keep them safe this summer, read it here.

 

 

Pet Travel Update! 

Do you want to holiday with your pet in the future? Do you know the Pet Travel requirements? Our Summer News explains the requirements and criteria required for the Pet Travel scheme. Also keep an eye on GOV.UK for the very latest government updates.

 

Pet Passport

 

Did you know dental disease is common 

and affects both cats and dogs. Our Summer News discusses the signs of dental disease to watch out for in your pet and how to try and prevent it. Most pets will start life with a full set of bright white teeth, but overtime, dental issues can become painful and prevent your pet from comfortably eating their dinner.

 

 

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

 

 

 

4 Common Flea Myths Busted

4 Common Flea Myths Busted

 

Preconceptions about the flea…

Your house is beautifully clean and your cat is cared for, so there’s no risk of fleas, right? Wrong. Many cat owners believe there’s no need for flea treatments… right up until their cat comes down with an infestation.

 

 

 

Myth: “My cat won’t get fleas because I keep my home clean.”

Reality: Even the most spotless home can get fleas, because cleaning alone isn’t enough to keep them away – or get rid of them once they appear. Reality is if your cat goes outside then the chances of it bringing in fleas is high.

 

 

Myth: “A healthy cat won’t get fleas.”

Reality: Fleas are not fussy; one cat’s blood is as good as another’s. A healthy cat will explore more and so more likely to come into contact with these unwanted guests.

 

 

Myth: “Indoor cats can’t get fleas.”

Reality: Indoor cats are indeed less likely to get fleas as long as they truly are indoors 24 / 7. However, a quick stretch outside, or some visiting pet – can allow fleas to sneak in. You’re more likely to bring the fleas in yourself, either through contact with an affected animal or by picking up flea eggs on shoes or clothing.

 

 

Myth: “Cats can’t get fleas in winter.”

Reality: This might be true in the wild as they are dormant when it is really cold, but most pet cats in the UK spend a significant chunk of their day snoozing in a warm house. Central heating gives fleas the perfect environment to breed all through the winter. Unfortunately, some pet owners don’t realise this, which is why the winter months see a real drop in the amount of flea treatments dispensed. This is great news for fleas as they can keep on reproducing unhindered all winter. Our Winter News explains more about the need for parasite protection even in Winter, read it here. If your cat or home is overdue some parasite protection don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team for more help and advice.

 

 

Blog and images supplied by Zoetis.

Written by Gemma Hopkins BVETMED, CERTVC, MRCVS.

 

Can you rely on an automatic cat feeder?

Can you rely on an automatic cat feeder?

 

However selective they are with their own affection, we love having cats around, but like many other duties during the average working day, sometimes it is hard to make time for feeding them. All it takes is a meeting which drags on, that post-work ‘drink’ which turns into a few, or an unexpected invitation, and your cat can be left alone and food-less because your busy lifestyle prevents you from serving up their next meal.

In come automatic cat feeders, which, like so many other modern inventions, are designed to save time by fulfilling a daily task on your behalf. The typical automatic cat feeder is capable of storing and dispensing controlled portions at the time of your choosing. Features vary from device to device, from fully digital, technological wonders, to more rudimentary versions which do the job adequately.

In this article, we take a look at some pros and cons of the automatic cat feeder, differentiate between the different types, and examine the effectiveness of some of the latest technologies.

 

 

Pros

  • Convenience – the standout benefit of the automatic pet feeder is its convenience, allowing your to feed your cat in the middle of the day when you aren’t there, negating the need to rope in a friend or neighbour to do the honours.
  • Preventing bloat – the unwanted side effects of your cat being bloated can be avoided by the automatic feeder’s ability to dispense smaller meals. This may be more beneficial than the ‘vacuuming’ of one big meal when you come home.
  • Medical value – automatic pet feeders have even made it onto the recommendation list of some vets, who can suggest that automatic cat feeders are a good way to regulate food consumption in cats suffering from medical conditions eg Diabetes.
  • Complete personalisation – if you are a cat owner who wishes to have control of every detail, automatic cat feeders allow you to dictate both the size and regularity of your cat’s meals, giving you complete control at the press of a button.
  • ‘Pet detectors’ – we will cover them in more detail further on in this piece, but many automatic cat feeders come with a microchip detection system which ensures that only the cat you intend a meal for gets their lips around it. This can come in handy for owners with multiple cats, or multiple pets.

 

Cons

  • ‘Dehumanisation’ – it may not have occurred to you, but one of the reasons your cat can see you as the ‘leader of the house’ is your role of personally feeding them. Rather than just an insignificant daily routine, mealtime is a form of training which lets your cat know you are the person with access to food. This control influences behaviour, so ceding the dispensing of meals to a machine could see your cat’s behaviour change.
  • Noise – while there have certainly been some models which have sought to address the problem, automatic cat feeders can be noisy. If your cat is sensitive to noise, they may develop a dislike for the device. Then again, if they associate it with mealtime, it might bring about feelings of happiness rather than resentfulness.
  • Stability – depending on the model, and the strength of your cat, a dispenser might be easily tipped over and spilt or opened in the process.
  • Jams – use the wrong food with certain dispensers and you might find you have a jam on your hands.
  • Cost – aside from buying food, is feeding the cat really something you wish to spend money on? If meal time is a job which you can get done, by hook or by crook, an automatic cat feeder might be low down on your list of priorities, and understandably so.

Types of automatic cat feeder

 

 

Let’s take a look at the main types of automatic cat feeders currently on the market:

  • Budget – these automatic cat feeders work thanks to gravity. The cat feeding station is automatically refilled from the container above as and when your cat makes space in the bowl by eating the food. These types of dispensers are suitable for owners whose sole aim is food availability via a full bowl, as they do not offer the opportunity to regulate portions or timings.
  • Electronic – more intelligent in their design are the electronic food bowl models, which allow the owner to program mealtime, fill a bowl beforehand with the desired amount of food, and then rest assured that your cat will be fed. When mealtime comes, access is usually enabled in timed cat feeders by a lid which automatically slides or lifts off – ta-da!
  • Advanced programmable – for owners who want their cats sticking to a set schedule for their meals, and who wish to give multiple portion sizes, the top of the range breed of automatic cat feeders will do the job. While you are likely to fork out considerably more for these clever machines, you will be able to keep close control on what your cat consumes, irrespective of if you are at home.

How long can you leave an automatic cat feeder?

The length of time you can leave an automatic cat feeder to look after your cat’s meals is entirely dependent on the model. Perhaps ironically, some of the most basic designs which continuously fill up the bowl from a large container can be left to their own devices for longer. While some of the digital models can be programmed for several days, you must make sure that the food container, or separate portion spaces, can carry enough food to sustain the cat for a few days. If you want to feed a cat over a long period, it might be best to go basic.

 

Microchip controlled: a gimmick or not?

One of the advents in automatic cat feeders which has made waves recently is a microchip which is placed on a cat’s collar, allowing it to be identified when it approaches a dispenser, at which point food is made available. Many of these microchip cat feeders use RFID technology – an identification method which is used across a huge range of industries nowadays – which makes the system fairly error-proof. Many of the dispensers are sealed when the cat is not at the bowl, meaning you can keep food free from insects and prevent it from smelling bad. On the whole, automatic cat feeders of this nature work well, and you can rely on those fitted with RFID to do the job. It should be noted that some of the bowls on these dispensers are not removable for cleaning.

Detection techniques go even further in some RFID enabled microchip cat feeders, being able to sense ‘intruders’ – that is cats not permitted to be eating – and shut the lid on the bowl to prevent food being eaten by the wrong cat. Two in one food and water dispensers are another variety of automatic cat feeders to come on the scene; they allow you to stock your feline friend up with all the refreshments they need for the day!

 

Automatic cat feeders: a summary

On the whole, automatic cat feeders do the job perfectly well. However, don’t expect a basic model to revolutionise your cat’s diet, and if you go for a more advanced variety, make sure you have enough patience to learn its nuances in order to get the most out of it.

 

Have you got a new cat or kitten? Are you confused by the different diets available for your cat? All of our four West London surgeries offer free weight checks for your pet, so why not contact us to discuss your cats individual diet needs with our friendly team.

 

Blog & images supplied from Zoetis.

Written by Edwina Gildea MVB, MRCVS.

 

Our Spring Newsletter has arrived, read it here first.

Our Spring Newsletter has arrived, read it here first.

 

Rabbiting on!

Our Spring Newsletter discusses how to keep your rabbit fit and healthy this Spring 2020. From diet to keeping it social, rabbits are the third most popular pet in the UK and just like a cat or dog require a large amount of time and care, including vaccinations and neutering to keep them healthy.

 

Can You Pinch An Inch?

 

Carrying excess weight can cause a range of health problems for your pet, our Spring Newsletter offers advice on how to body condition score your pets from home and some top tips on how to help your pets loose the pounds. Don’t forget all four of our West London surgeries offer FREE weight checks for your pet – Just pop in!

Now is the perfect time to assess your pet's weight!

The Life Cycle Of A Tick

 

The main issue with ticks is that they can carry diseases in their saliva which they can potentially transmit to us and our pets. Our Spring Newsletter explains the life cycle of the tick, how to protect your pet and should you find a tick – how to remove it safely from your pet.

 

Our Spring Newsletter has arrived, read it here first.

We hope you enjoy reading our Spring 2020 Newsletter – If you have any questions or concerns about the articles mentioned please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team for more information.

 

 

We are passionate about pets and have been providing a caring service to our clients and their pets for over 50 years, at our West London surgeries. Most of our staff our pet owners, and most certainly pet lovers. We love meeting all shapes and sizes of pets. Every pet we see is unique,  and we understand that owners always know their pets best, and so we will listen closely to any worries you may have about your pets.

 

It’s a flea’s life: the lifecycle of your dog’s uninvited pest

It’s a flea’s life: the lifecycle of your dog’s uninvited pest

 

 

One, two, three – Flea

It’s a flea’s life: the lifecycle of your dog’s uninvited pest

 

Broken down into four stages, the flea life cycle goes: egg, larvae, pupae and flea. The cycle is a bit like that of a butterfly, but the end result is nowhere near as beautiful. Only 5% of all the life cycle stages seen in your home are adult fleas. Often, by the time you spot an adult flea on your pup’s coat, chances are the next cycle of eggs have been laid and are ready to hatch.

 

Eggs

 

Flea Eggs

 

The female flea will typically lay between 20 to 40 tiny eggs per day, deep in your pet’s fur. The eggs are designed to fall swiftly onto carpets, blankets, the floor or wherever your pooch happens to have a rest or sleep.  The flea is clever, it knows when your friend is having a nap and lays even more eggs then.  The sand grain-sized spawn hatches any time between two days to two weeks, depending on how warm it is. Consequently, to prevent further build up, wherever your infested pup has been will need attention.
Larvae

 

A translucent organism emerges from the egg.  It hates light, so buries deep down away from it and eats, amongst other things, pre-digested blood found in faeces. As uninvited guests go, the larvae are pretty unwelcome. Larvae makes up 35% of the flea population in an average household and spin their cocoon ready for the next stage within a 5 – 20 day period.
Pupae

 

 

 

Wrapped up in a sort of biological protective sleeping bag, the pupae is the last stage of development prior to the adult flea emerging. The pupae stage tends to last any time between a few days and weeks, though if the external environment isn’t warm enough for hatching, the cocoon can keep the flea protected and essentially gestating for up to a year.

 

Flea pupae are very sticky and tend to get wedged snugly into wherever the larvae has spun its cocoon (usually deeply embedded within carpets, rugs or furniture). Mere vacuuming won’t be enough to dislodge the critters from your furnishings.  And as these pupae are so hidden, household sprays are not going to get at them.  But don’t worry, we can still tackle the problem.
Adult flea

 

 

The adult flea must feed within the first few days of its life to survive. Attracted to body heat and movement, the flea will find a host as soon as possible to feed and, yes, carry on producing more eggs. Once a host has been found, adult fleas begin to feed within a few minutes and produce flea dirt, virtually undigested blood which is an essential food source for larvae. They have voracious appetites, an adult female flea can ingest about 15 times her body weight in blood meals in one go. Within 24  -36 hours adult female fleas begin to lay eggs, usually after each meal, uninterrupted, a single female flea can produce thousands of eggs.
What to do next?

 

Don’t panic – you’re not the only one with fleas in the house. It’s the most successful parasite of its type in the northern hemisphere and we have made homes that they love too!  Sensible routine treatment with the right products at the right time will soon get these critters under control – but don’t expect them to disappear overnight. Take a leap to your local Young Veterinary Partnership to find out more about preventative methods to take flea-kind out of yours and your dog’s life.