Vet Nurse's blog

19th May 2010

Green holidays with your pets

As its now beginning to get warmer we start to think about our holidays. Have you ever thought holidaying in the UK and taking your pet with you? It would help reduce your carbon footprint and you and your pet can have some quality time together.

There are many guidebooks and online sites advertising all types of accommodation that will allow pets. They range from camping, self-catering cottages to hotels that provide you and your pet with the type of holiday you want. 

If this is not for you then when booking your pet into kennels or catteries, ask if they use environmentally friendly products or even better why not arrange a pet sitteror house sitter to look after your pet at home.

Some people may decide to take their pet abroad with the pets travel scheme if they are going on holiday for a long time. Please be advised that this is a lengthy and involved process with your veterinary surgeon. We have listed below some information about what you will need to do before taking your pet abroad. FOr further information please visit the DEFRA website.

• Have your pet microchipped.
• Have your pet vaccinated against rabies.
• Wait 21 days post rabies vaccination before travelling to another approved country.
• Not have visited non-approved countries or territories for at least 6 months before entering or re-entering the UK with your pet..
• Have your pets blood tested with a satisfactory result by an EU approved laboratory.
• Wait 6 calendar months from the date the blood sample was taken before your pet can re-enter the UK.
• Be issued with a pet passport by your vet.
• Have your pet treated by a vet for tapeworm and ticks no less than 24 hours and no more than 48 hours prior to entering the UK.
• Travel into the UK on a PETS- approved sea, air or rail route.

10th April 2010

Oral care

In most veterinary practices there are free nurse clinics where they can examine your pets teeth and recommend ways to prevent any problems with your pets mouth.

Many people don’t think about their pet’s teeth until they have very smelly breath or go off their food. But if you think about it when you first bring your pet home, then you could prevent your pet from suffering dental health problems, as well as avoiding some unwanted vet bills. Dental disease is a common problem and can also lead to other health problems like kidney disease, gastric upsets and even heart problems.

When brushing your pet’s teeth, use toothbrushes and toothpaste that is specifically designed for dogs and cats. It is important that you do not use toothpaste that is designed for human use, because your pet is very unlikely to spit the paste out after brushing, so it needs to be safe for your pet to swallow. Also the toothpaste designed for pets is often chicken/beef or fish flavoured which helps your pet to tolerate the whole procedure. It helps to get your pet used to having his/her teeth brushed daily from when he/she is very young. However it is not impossible to get a pet of any age to adapt to having this done. As long as there are rewards and lots of praise your pet should eventually get to enjoy the attention.

If you cannot brush your pet’s teeth the dental chews are the next best thing as they clean the teeth when the pet is chewing. With any product you purchase for your pet, it is important that your read the instructions and if you are unsure as to how to correctly use it, you should ask your veterinary practice for guidance.

18th February 2010

Green seeds February

A common problem for many dogs and occasionally cats is grass seeds! When we get into the warmer weather, and are taking our dogs for nice long walks where they can enjoy running through the long grass, this can unfortunately lead to a painful problem.

The grass seed is the perfect shape for getting itself tangled into your pets fur. When it is firmly stuck, and your pet begins to move about, the grass seed’s sharp point can puncture your pet’s skin and become lodged inside. Your pet will normally show discomfort by over grooming this area, and depending on where it is stuck may limp. If this remains untreated, the area can become infected and an abscess may form. If you think that your pet may have a grass seed lodged in his/her skin then veterinary treatment should be sought, where it can be removed and any pain and infection can be treated.

Another problem with grass seeds is when they get lodged inside your pet’s ear. This can move its way down and lodge itself out of reach. It causes a lot of discomfort and irritation to your pet and again could lead to infection. Your pet may paw at his/her ear and shake his/her head. Again, your pet should be taken to your vet where they can identify and treat the problem.

A good way to try and prevent these problems is to have your pet’s coat clipped shorter, in area’s that are likely to rub. Such as the hair in between their toes, just behind their ears and under the armpits. Another good tip is: After walking in a ‘high-risk grass seed area’, simply brushing your pet would hopefully remove any grass seeds your pet could have picked up.

Any discomfort our pets suffer is distressing enough, unfortunately along with the upset we go through when our pets are having to visit the vets, we often have to worry about where the money is coming from to pay for the treatment. This is why insurance is so important, as it can help you to cover these unexpected bills.

25th January 2010

Be more eco friendly

It’s good to be green to help the environment and reduce your impact on climate change. There are ways that we can help by changing the way we & our pets live.

The food we buy our pets should be good quality organic or natural food. There are many different companies on the Internet and pet shops offering this type of food.

If you still feed your pets from tinned cans, please recycle the tins but it is better to feed your pets on dry food as it takes less energy to produce dry than tinned.

Always remember portion control, as with humans there is a lot of pet food being thrown away and wasted, as it is not eaten.

When taking your dog for a walk it is best to try to walk locally and not to use the car to drive elsewhere. When picking up your dog’s faeces use biodegradable bags and pop them in the bins provided.

If your cat uses a litter tray then bear in mind that there are greener biodegradable litter alternatives e.g. litter that’s made of corn kernels, recycled paper or sawdust. Ordinary clay-based pet litter is made from clay called sodium bentonite. It’s clumping abilities mean that soiled clumps can easily be lifted out without having to change all the litter in the tray. The only way to dispose of this type of cat litter is to send it to landfill.  Another ethical problem with the clay-based cat litters is that the clay-mining processes used can be quite damaging to the environment.

Lastly if you want to treat your pet there are organic, environment friendly companies, which offer your pet the cosiest bed to snuggle up in and for you to sleep happily knowing you are helping the environment.

19th November 2009

Puppy Feeding

Choosing a food to feed your new puppy can seem like a daunting task, especially when faced with row upon row of brands all claiming to be the best.

When you collect your puppy you will usually be informed what he has been fed with the breeders, this can sometimes be a confusing list of anything from scrambled egg to rice pudding and is not always completely balanced in the vitamins and minerals that your puppy needs.

Your best option is to choose a food that has been formulated to contain the correct nutrition and to use the feeding guide on the pack to ensure your puppy is getting enough food for his size.

Puppies grow quickly and lack of good nutrition early on can cause painful bone conditions that could potentially need treatment for the rest of your dog’s life. Large breed puppies that will weigh more then 25kg as an adult, such as Labradors and Golden retrievers are especially at risk and will require a food designed for large breeds. Most good quality brands will have a food specifically for large breed puppies.

Many veterinary surgeries have a nurse run clinic where you can discuss your puppies nutritional needs and have regular weight checks to check on his or her progress.

10th October 2009

Choosing a rescue dog that’s right for you

Ever visited the rescue centre and had your heart strings pulled at by the adorable dog in need of a home? Ever been put off at the thought of taking on a potential ‘problem pet’? Here’s some advice and considerations when looking for that new family member.
• Do your research. Particularly if you are looking to rescue a specific breed, research is essential in order to gauge an idea of the requirements and temperament. But remember a dog’s breed doesn’t necessarily dictate its personality.
• Size matters. In this current financial climate, cost needs to be a consideration. The appeal of a larger dog, sometimes for protection, often draws prospective owners. However these bigger breeds are more costly to feed and look after. Far to often these dogs end up in the shelter as their owners are no longer able to pay for their up keep.
• Right for you. It is important that your dog suits your lifestyle and requirements and also vice versa. Do you enjoy a very active life or take things at a more leisurely pace? Choose a dog that has energy levels matching yours.
• History. Dog’s in kennels often have a history. This information may give you an insight into the dogs temperament. Ask the kennel staff questions such as: Why is he up for re-homing? Does he have any pre-existing conditions (either medical or behavioural)? How does he act at mealtimes? How is he with staff and other dogs? What is he like with children/ other pets? Although this may provide the basis for understanding your potential pet, it is important for it not to colour your decision entirely. A dog unsuitable for one person, maybe perfect for you.
• Test run. Dogs in kennels often have pent up energy and frustration that can manifest into seemingly boisterous behaviour, sometimes even aggression. However to assess your dogs true personality, a ‘test run’ is almost essential. Ask the shelter if you can take him out for a walk and possibly socialise him with other dogs. Not only is this a great opportunity to see how he interacts with you but once some of that pent up energy has been spent, it may only be then you see your dog’s true temperament.

Shelters can be a heart breaking place to visit but try not to let your emotions influence your decision. Dogs’ need to rehomed on a basis of suitability not pity as this will not benefit him or you in the long run.