Tag Archives: parasites

enjoy the autumn weather

Enjoy the autumn

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Enjoy the autumn

Enjoy the autumn weather, a truly beautiful time of year – golden trees and the cooler, crisp mornings. We’ve put together some top tips to keep your pet safe during the changing seasons, from Autumn joint alert to parasite protection and why treating for parasites is a year round job for pet owners.

 

Caring for your pet’s teeth

Poor dental health can be very painful, leading to tooth loss and the potential for infection to spread to other organs in your pets body. Dental disease is one of the most common conditions we see here in practice, sadly, bad breath seems to be considered ‘normal’ by many pet owners. Our Autumn Pet Blog discusses dental disease, what to watch out for and what can happen if left untreated. If you have concerns over your pets oral hygiene please ask our vets for advice at your pets next visit.

 

 

Wasps and bees

are coming to the end of their summer lives and are often pretty slow, but their stingers are not! Their sting can cause painful swellings, so keep a close eye on your playful pets. Our Autumn News also discusses the a range of topics that pet owners should be aware of at this time of year to keep your pets safe and well.

 

 

With the nights getting darker

it means that fireworks season is just around the corner, are you and your pet prepared? There are a few simple things you can do to help keep your pet safe including,

  • Check your chip – Are your contact details on your pets microchip up to date?
  • Lock your cat flap when the evenings start getting dark, provide a litter tray for overnight.
  • Walk your dog on a lead or longline, to keep them safe and under control.
  • Where possible, exercise your dog in the light.

 

 

There are various options available to help your pet cope when the fireworks start being set off, many pets cope well, but if your pet needs a little extra support please do not hesitate to contact our team to be prepared before they start.

 

We hope you enjoy reading our latest Autumn Pet Care blog, if you have a query on any of the articles mentioned please do not hesitate to contact our team for further advice.

 

Handling the heat!

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Handling the heat!

Handling the heat! The summer has arrived, but it brings with it its own set of challenges for pet owners. We’ve put together some top tips to help support you and your pet at home throughout the summer season. Be the first to read our latest pet blog here.

From flies to heat stroke, these are all real concerns for many pet owners over the warmer months. Please take extra care if your pet is brachycephalic (meaning your pet has a shorter, flatter head) or if your pet is elderly. From cool mats to frozen water bottles or missing a walk, take care to consider your pets individual needs on the really warm days.

Don’t forget to keep a close eye on your rabbits, guinea pigs and indoor pets ensuring they have constant shade and close your curtains to help keep the heat out. If your pets cage is plastic you can place cool mats underneath the cage to help keep the temperature down.

 

Booster alert!

Annual vaccinations (also know as boosters) are a great opportunity for our team to give your pet a nose-to-tail check up and answer any questions that you might have. Our Summer Pet Blog discusses the different conditions that we vaccinate against here in the UK.

We recommend vaccinations for both cats, dogs and rabbits to help keep them fit and well. The good news is booster vaccinations are included in our Pet Healthcare Club. Why not spread the cost of your pets healthcare essentials across affordable monthly payments on a date that suits you, join our Pet Healthcare Club here.

 

 

Could it be an allergy?

Our Summer News discusses the range of problems that the heat can bring with it for our pets! From parasites to allergies, does your pet get more itchy when the weather gets warmer? If you have concerns about your pets skin or coat condition don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team for more advice on your pets individual case. It can be difficult to cure allergies, but modern treatments can be very effective in making pets less itchy and managing their conditions.

 

Handling the heat!

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 contact our teams for more advice.

 

4 Common Flea Myths Busted

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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.