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What To Do When Someone Else Is Feeding Your Cat

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What To Do If Someone Else Is Feeding Your Cat

Here at Young Veterinary Partnership, we’ve noticed an increasingly common problem amongst UK cat owners: other people feeding your felines. Although on the surface this doesn’t seem to be too much of an issue, it can actually have some pretty serious consequences, whether those putting out food realise it or not.

The actual act of feeding local felines usually comes with good intentions, but that can make it all the harder to address. Potentially leading to obesity, ill health, and even straying, it’s a kind act that can have dire consequences, but lots of pet owners don’t know how to prevent it.

Is it a bad thing for someone else to feed your cat?

If it’s never happened to you, you might be wondering why having someone else feed your cat poses such an issue, but it can have some pretty upsetting consequences. Aside from causing your cat to gain unwanted weight, and suffer the potential health problems associated with this, it can also, for some felines, exacerbate existing digestive issues, especially if those doing the feeding are putting out unsuitable foods and liquids. This can be the case with any food that’s not been specifically designed for cats and which can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, and appetite loss, as well as the resultant costly vet visit to treat this.

On a secondary note, it can also lead to your cat either refusing to eat at home, as it prefers the food it’s finding elsewhere, or no longer coming home at all. This is obviously a very upsetting scenario for pet owners who find that someone else has taken it upon themselves to care for their pet, and thus, in effect, made it their own.

How it can affect your feline

We’ve already explained above why somebody else feeding your cat can be detrimental to them, but now let’s look at its effects in a little more detail. There are some very good reasons why experts encourage individuals not to do this, and one of the first is that it can trigger an unneeded vets trip. This is because your furry friend is likely to eat less at home, a symptom that causes many a vigilant owner to fear that their animal is unwell and to take their pet to the professionals. As well as the emotional and financial consequences for you, this can cause unnecessary stress for your cat too.

The other side of the coin here is that your cat doesn’t eat less, and risks obesity and the additional stress this puts on the heart and joints. This can lead not only to an increased risk of cardiac problems, but also a greater likelihood that your feline will develop painful arthritis later in its life.

The risks are even greater if your feline has a diet-controlled health condition, such as dietary sensitivity or diabetes, which may be jeopardised by such actions.

A further danger arises if the individual feeding your cat gives them raw meat. Although this may seem like a natural part of a feline diet, it can actually carry diseases such as toxoplasmosis, which can not only affect your pet but can also be transmitted to humans and poses a serious health risk during pregnancy.

Increased risk of straying

Finally, there is the increased risk of straying. Not only can this mean that your beloved pet stops coming home altogether, but also that they are more likely to cross roads, and be involved in an accident as a result, becoming one of the 300,000 plus cats that are killed on UK roads each year.

 

 

How to tell if your cat is overweight

One of the main risks that you run when other people feed your cat is that they end up becoming obese. To work out whether your feline would be classed as such, and is thus at risk of the health problems associated with being an overweight cat, you ought to look out for the following:

  • Looking at your cat from above, can you see a noticeable ‘waist’ between their ribcage and hips? If fluff is getting in the way of you performing such an appraisal, lightly run your hands along your cat’s sides to feel for this indentation. If you cannot find it, he or she is likely overweight.
  • Looking at your cat from the side, do they have an upwards slope from their ribcage to their back legs? If not, and you can see a tummy pouch instead, they might need to go on an overweight cat diet.
  • Finally, can you feel your cat’s spine and ribs without pressing too hard? If not, they’re probably too fat for their own good.

How to help your cat lose weight

If, based on the checklist above, you feel that your cat is too fat, we advise that you try the following cat weight loss tips to help them regain their formerly trim figure:

  • Feed little and often with specially formulated cat food for overweight cats.
  • Don’t give them any scraps from your own table.
  • Reduce their treats.
  • Only feed your cat from his or her bowl, so that you can more easily monitor how much they’re getting.
  • Give your furry friend some extra attention so that they don’t eat extra because they’re bored.
  • Pop in, all of our surgeries off FREE weight checks and diet advice.

And, most importantly, consider ways to stop others from feeding your cat (more on that below).

How to prevent it happening again

Knowing that someone else is feeding your cat, and stopping them from doing so, are two entirely different matters, especially if you’re unsure of who exactly the culprit is. Begin by seeing if you can discover their identity by knocking on doors locally or putting up posters. Hopefully this will help you to find the person who’s responsible, or at least make them aware of the issue so that they stop giving your pet unneeded extras.

You might also want to put a paper collar on your pet, one with a message requesting that they are not fed, along with your contact details in case the person who was doing so wants to get in touch and let you know where they’ve been.

Additionally, try posting on local Facebook lost and found groups, as a lot of the individuals who feed other people’s pets do so because they see them around the area and mistake them for strays. Many will post on these sites to see if your feline has a home, so it may be that you have the chance to inform them that they do.

Finally, if you really can’t get a handle on the problem, you might want to consider keeping your cat as an indoor-only pet. This way, you know for sure that nobody but you is in charge of their diet and that their needs are being properly met.

Follow our top tips and tricks today to get on top of the problem and keep your pet looking and feeling fabulous. If you have any questions about this article please don’t hesitate to contact our knowledgeable team for more advice.

 

Blog and images supplied by Zoetis.

Written by  Edwin Gildea MVB MRCVS.

 

 

 

Ticks And Flea Bites On Dogs – 15 Things You Might Not Know

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Ticks And Flea Bites On Dogs – 15 Things You Might Not Know

 

You may first become aware of flea bites on dogs because your dog will be restless and scratch more than normal. Look out for them shaking their head, scratching around the ears or repeatedly licking and chewing the same parts of their body. If they do have them, you’re unlikely to be able to spot fleas on your animal yourself – unless it is a severe infestation. However, if you are suspicious about their behaviour, you can check their coat with a dog comb.

 

 

Fleas have incredible abilities for creatures of such a tiny size. Did you know the female flea consumes 15 times her own body weight in blood every day?

 

 

 

How do I know if my animal has fleas or ticks?

 

 

If you learn to spot these symptoms of  ticks and flea bites on dogs, you will be able to introduce a dog tick treatment, or treatment for fleas, and make your pooch’s life a little easier. Here are our top facts on fleas and ticks to help you prepare for managing and preventing attacks from these tiny bloodsuckers.

 

 

1. The most likely way your dog is going to get fleas is from another dog. Fleas have incredibly strong back legs and can easily make the jump from one animal to another over close ranges. An adult will be able to make jumps approximately 150 times its own size. Can you imagine an adult human being able to jump over a very tall building? A flea’s leap is just as impressive.

2. Fleas are quick to set up a colony and the female flea can lay 2,000 eggs in her lifetime.

3. Your animal can develop other conditions, like tapeworm or anaemia, as a result of having fleas. They may also itch excessively. This is because flea bites on dogs can cause allergic reactions.

4. Fleas can come and live in your home and infest any animals that live there. You can bring them in on your clothing or shoes, or they may hitch a ride with wild mice or other small creatures.

 

Fleas, ticks and your dog.

Ticks And Flea Bites On Dogs – 15 Things You Might Not Know

 

5. You may notice flea bites on dogs after visiting a groomer or  dog sitting service – fleas thrive in these communal environments unless they are well-managed. Always ask these places about their arrangements for flea control and choose not to send your pet if you’re not happy with their answers.

6. Fleas can also live outdoors during warm, damp weather. This could be out in your yard or other shady spots. Fleas do not need to eat regularly to survive – they can go 100 days without access to a blood meal.

7. The symptoms of fleas and ticks in dogs are in some ways quite similar. Dogs with ticks may also itch more and go over the same areas of their body repeatedly. However, ticks can also cause a fever, lethargy, a loss of appetite and depression. These symptoms can continue for days to weeks.

8. Ticks are actually arachnids and members of the spider family. This means that, although they also suck blood, they are more closely related to scorpions than fleas or other insects.

9. Ticks have four life stages: the mother lays an egg, which develops into an infant larva, then a nymph, before growing into an adult which is able to reproduce itself.

10. Ticks have a wide family tree and there are around 850 varieties. Some of these species are able to transmit painful diseases, such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

11. Ticks use the blood of animals as their main food source. Humans, reptiles, mammals and other wild and domestic animals are their usual favourite meals.

12. Dogs are far more likely to suffer tick infestations than cats. They may also suffer multiple diseases as the result of a single bite.

13. It can be difficult to spot a tick, particularly if your pet has dark fur. They appear as just a tiny spot. There are a few ways to know you might need to invest in dog tick treatment. You may spot a tick yourself or spot your pet’s itching and lethargy as described above.

14. The diseases carried by ticks are not present through the creature’s entire lifecycle. They pick them up from creatures they feed on and them pass them to the unlucky host that serves as their next meal.

15. You should never try to remove a tick with your hands. Instead,use a tick twister to ensure all parts of the tick are removed. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this please contact your nearest Young Vets surgery and one of our experienced team members will be able to remove the tick for you.

 

A tick twister.

 

 

If you think your pet may have a problem with an unwelcome infestation, it’s fairly easy and simple to do something about it. First, you should check your animal’s fur for signs of actual flea activity, either fleas themselves or black-looking dust – this is flea waste. You will see it most often around the stomach and the tail.

 

 

Once you’re sure what you’re dealing with, there is a range of dog flea and tick treatments on the market from collars to shampoos and monthly pipettes. These should see off flea bites on dogs but you may need more than one treatment. Ask our team today about he most suitable treatment available for your pet and don’t forget it is always advisable to treat all pets in your home.

 

 

 

 

How do I treat my home if my dog has fleas?

 

 

The next step is to treat your own home. Ask our team about the house sprays that we have available to help kill the flea life cycle.  Start with thoroughly vacuuming all the carpets and flooring, even the hard surfaces. When you have finished, you should seal the hoover bag in plastic and safely dispose of it outside of your home.

Your animal’s bedding will also need treating. Put it through the washing machine on the hottest wash possible and, if you can, dry it with a hair dryer. It may be easier to take a trip to the launderette and run it through the large tumble dryers. If you cannot wash and dry your dog bed in this way then you might need to replace it instead.

 

Are you concerned about your dog? Contact our friendly team today about the protection we can offer your dog and your home. Our Pet Healthcare Club automatically includes twelve months of flea protection for your pet. Join today and you could save up to £127 a year and spread your pets essential vet care across affordable monthly direct debits.

 

Blog and images supplied from Zoetis.

Written by Edwina Gildea.

Diet dilemmas!

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Diet dilemmas! 

With so many different choices of pet food on the market, it is difficult to know what’s best for your pet. Our Spring Newsletter discusses the different options available and what to look out for when feeding your pet. Don’t forget that all of our West London surgeries offer free weight checks for your pet. Our knowledgeable team can also offer diet advice if your struggling with your pets weight – Just ask us.

 

Don’t forget that our online shop has a wide range of pet food available that can be delivered to our surgeries in time for your next visit to us, and ALL products have 10 % OFF rrp. Visit our online shop here.

 

Spring alert!

Sultanas and raisins – found in hot cross buns, fruit cakes and the like, are toxic for your dog. The symptoms to watch out for can be seen in our Spring Newsletter. With Easter just around the corner, it is important to be aware of the common items in your home that are poisonous to your pet and where possible, avoid any exposure.

 

 

Tapeworm, Roundworms and Lungworms.

 

Some of these parasites are becoming increasingly common in our dog population. However, worms aren’t always obvious but they can cause a great deal of damage and general ill health to your pet. Our Spring Newsletter explains the importance of worming your pet and what can happen if you don’t! The good news is that worm protection is automatically included in all of our Pet Healthcare Clubs for both cats and dogs. Why not join today and save up to £127 a year! Our Healthcare Club allows you to spread the cost of all of your pets essential veterinary treatments across affordable monthly payments on a date that suits you.

 

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

Find us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with our latest pet news and advice.

 

Our Spring 2019 Newsletter has arrived – Be the first to read it here.

Xylitol and dogs – Do you know the risks?

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Xylitol and dogs – Do you know the risks? 

 

This months blog has been bravely 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.

 

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.

 

 

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?

 

 

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.

 

 

In memory of Ruby.

Blog and images supplied by Kate, Ruby’s mum.

An announcement from Young Veterinary Partnership.

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An announcement from Young Veterinary Partnership.

 

After more than 40 years of dedicated service to the veterinary profession, it is with great sadness that we are announcing the impending retirement of Dr Anthony Young on the 31st December 2018. We would like to thank all of our customers and their pets for their continued support and trust over the years. We hope you will join us in wishing Anthony a well deserved, peaceful and enjoyable retirement.

 

 

 

   We would like to assure all of our clients that their pet’s treatment will continue to be in safe hands, and introduce Dr Matthew Wilson. Matthew has been with the Young Veterinary Partnership since 1995 and has been a partner with Anthony for the last 18 years. Matthew has been mainly based at our Hounslow practice, where you may have met him performing heart scans or specialised knee surgeries on your pets; for those that have not yet met him, from January 1st 2019 he will be consulting at our Ealing surgery.

 

 

 

   Many of our regular clients may already know the familiar face of Dr Megan Buttimore, who will be continuing to provide the highest standard of veterinary care from our Ealing surgery, alongside Dr Wilson. Appointments will be available for both vets throughout our normal working hours, as well as from our rotating team of vets.

 

 

   

    We know that Anthony will deservedly be spending a little more time at Lords following the cricket, and hope that the England cricket team (or English weather!) doesn’t disappoint him in the coming years!   

 

We are confident that the excellent standard of care, knowledge, friendliness and trust that you and your pets are accustomed to, will continue to be provided from our Ealing surgery, from our team and we look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

 

 

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

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Winter weight worries!

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

Our Winter Newsletter gives you some top tips on what to look when assessing your pets weight including ; Noticing a visible ‘waist line’, with a rib cage that can be felt but not seen. If you can pinch an inch or more, or if your pet’s tummy is sags down, then a diet is probably required.  All of our surgeries offer FREE weight checks and diet advice for your pet, so why not drop in and take advantage.

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

 

 

 

Arthritis in the older pet. 

Although arthritis cannot usually be cured, the good news is that we have an ever expanding range of treatment to help relieve the aches and pains that this condition can bring. Our Winter Newsletter also has advice for things you can also do at home, to help your pet if they are showing signs of discomfort.

 

 

Is flea prevention really necessary all year round?

Fleas thrive in warm conditions and thanks to central heating, they don’t need to hop south for the winter, they just need to move into your home. Fleas can make their way into our homes in all sorts of ways ; on our pets, on us, or just hopping in by themselves. Did you know that fleas can jump 20 cm into the air – so unfortunately your front step is no barrier to them! Ask our friendly team today about how to prevent additional visitors coming to your home this Christmas.

 

 

 

   Our Winter Newsletter is packed with advice to help keep your pet happy and healthy throughout the festive season. If you have a question on any of the articles mentioned don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team for further advice.

 

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook & Twitter for more FREE pet advice, top tips and games!

 

Troublesome ticks and tick borne disease

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Our Autumn Newsletter has arrived – We hope you enjoy reading it.

    Below is a snippet of just some of the articles included to help keep your pet happy and healthy in the lead up to winter 2018.

 

A picture of a Tick.

 

Troublesome ticks and Tick borne disease

Ticks love the autumn weather! They can cause all sorts of problems in pets and even spread Lyme disease to people. No tick product is 100% effective, so we recommend checking your dog all over following each walk particularly if you have walked in wooded areas or long grass.

To understand more about ticks and the trouble they cause click here.

 

Fireworks can cause your pet to be extremely anxious.

 

Firework Alert! 

Fireworks night is fast approaching, so it is time to prepare your pets – the earlier the better! Our Autumn News has some top tips on what to do in the run up to the main event and how to keep your pet safe whilst the fireworks are going off.

 

Bee and wasp stings can be extremely painful for your pet.

 

Wasps and bees

are coming to the end of their summer lives and are often pretty slow, which makes they prime targets for playful dogs and cats. They may be slow but they can still sting! Our 10 minute read explains the other Autumn alerts to watch out for with your pets.

 

We hope you enjoy reading our Autumn Newsletter. If you have any queries on any of the articles mentioned, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team for more advice.

Don’t forget if you want more free pet health top tips give us a ‘Like’ on Facebook and a follow us on Twitter . Subscribe for free to our You Tube channel it’s crammed with 2 minute pet health videos for you to watch.