Fireworks season is fast approaching and although we may enjoy it as humans, it may be a little stressful for our furry friends. See below our advice on keeping your pet happy and safe during this time, or have a look at our top 10 tips on keeping your pet safe this firework season.
ALWAYS
Keep dogs and cats inside when fireworks are being let off.
Close all windows and doors and block off cat flaps to stop pets escaping and to keep noise to a minimum. Draw the curtains, and if the animals are used to the particular sounds of TV or radio, switch them on.
Make sure your pet is microchipped so should they run away you are more likely to be reunited with them.
NEVER
Walk your dog while fireworks are going off.
Leave or tie your dog up outside while fireworks are being let off.
Take your dog to a firework display. Even if your dog does not bark or whimper at fireworks it doesn’t mean they are happy.
Shout at your pet if they are frightened as this will only make them more distressed.
DOGS
To further minimise distress, we suggest you install an Adaptil® diffuser in your home. The Adaptil® diffuser works like a plug-in air freshener, continuously releasing an odourless natural pheromone which helps to keep your pet feeling safe and calm. The diffuser contains a natural solution and there is no sedative effect. Xylkene® is an oral tablet which can also be used to help relieve anxiety without the use of potentially sedative drugs. In severe cases we may need to prescribe a sedative. Please discuss this with one of our veterinary surgeons.
CATS
A Feliway® diffuser is the feline equivalent to the Adaptil® diffuser. Feliway® releases feline facial pheromone, mimicking the cat’s own pheromones, helping to create a state of calmness and well-being, allowing reactions to stressful situations to be better controlled. Xylkene® can also be used in cats to help relieve anxiety without the use of potentially sedative drugs.
SMALL ANIMALS
Rabbits and guinea pigs living outside should not be forgotten. They can also become very stressed from loud noises. Bring small animals indoors or into an outhouse to muffle the sound of the fireworks, helping them feel safe and calm.
If you are concerned or would like further advice, please speak to your local Goddard vet soon.
Spot-on treatments are frequently used to treat or prevent a range of parasitic infections that may cause irritation or illness in your cat or dog or illness in you and your family. They usually need to be applied on a regular basis and it’s important to understand how to apply them accurately and safely.
Keeping up with your dog’s worm and flea treatment is important if you want to protect them from parasites.
Always check the label before applying it to your pet to make sure it’s the right one for the pet you are treating, and you are using it at the recommended frequency.
Applying the treatment doesn’t have to be complicated. Watch our step-by-step video or follow the steps below.
Top tip: Don’t forget to remove your dog’s collar before you apply the medicine, as it could get in the way of the treatment working properly.
Guide to applying spot-on flea treatment to your dog
Here at the Goddard Vet Group, we strongly advise using a prescribed monthly spot-on treatment for your dog. You should speak to your vet about the right one for your pet, and make sure that you read the label thoroughly before applying it.
Once you are sure you have the right treatment for your dog, simply remove the tube from the packet, and then unscrew the top and use the end of the lid to open the pipette.
Part the hair and then apply the treatment directly to the skin at the back of your pet’s neck, just above their shoulders. This is so that your pet won’t be able to rub or lick it off. There’s no need to rub it in either, as the treatment will naturally disperse across their skin.
If you need to distract your dog whilst you apply the treatment, you could get some pet food paste for them to lick or ask someone to rub and scratch their ears. Making the experience a calm and positive one will make applying the treatment a lot easier for both you and your dog.
Don’t bathe your pet for 4 days after application and do not allow dogs to go swimming as this may affect insects in the water and will also reduce the efficacy of the treatment.
How do spot-on treatments work?
The natural oils on your dog’s skin work to distribute the medicine around their body. The chemical pesticides then sit on the hair follicles and release continuously even after the initial application.
As well as paralysing and killing fleas within 24 hours, the treatment will also prevent new fleas from emerging in your house.
Helpful tips when applying spot-on treatment to your dog
For large dogs, you may have to apply to spot on in 3 places along the back – please check the label directions for the product you are using.
If any of the treatment transfers onto you, wash it away with soapy water. The solvent in Spot On treatment may stain or damage certain materials including leather, fabrics, plastics, and finished surfaces. Allow the application to dry before permitting contact with such surfaces.
Make sure you make a note of when your pet’s next treatment is next due, so you can keep them protected.
For further support in applying your dog’s spot-on treatment, you can watch the video above.
How can Goddard Veterinary Group help?
Many of the most effective anti-parasite products are prescription-only medicines, which means they can only be prescribed by a veterinary surgeon and will not be available in pet shops or through online subscriptions, unless under the prescription of a vet. At an annual health examination, normally at the time of vaccination, one of our vets will assess the risks of a range of parasites to your pet based on their lifestyle, and will recommend products and frequency of application, based on this risk assessment.
Additionally, if your dog has had an adverse reaction to the fleas or the treatment, and you need to see a vet, you can find your local practice here.
Helpful resources
If you would like to know more about parasites and how to reduce the risk to our dogs and family please click on the links below:
Does it matter where you put flea treatment on a dog?
Yes, it does. You need to make sure that you apply the treatment to the skin on a part of the body your dog cannot reach. That’s why we advise the skin on the back of the neck. This is so your dog cannot lick it off and ingest it.
Can I use the same spot-on treatment for cats and dogs?
No. A dog spot-on treatment used on a cat can prove fatal for the cat. Additionally, a cat spot-on treatment for a dog will not come in a high enough dosage, as dogs are normally larger than cats. Always make sure you use the correct treatment for the correct species.
How long does it take for spot-on treatment to work?
The spot-on treatment can take up to 24 hours to completely take effect. However, it’s likely that you will start to see results within a few hours.
How often should spot-on treatment be used?
Most flea treatments will become ineffective after one month, so it’s important that you reapply it on a regular basis. Make sure you read the instructions carefully, as they hold specific information regarding the correct dosage and frequency.
Does spot-on treatment protect my dog from ticks?
Not all spot-on treatments protect against ticks. Your vet may recommend a monthly tablet to replace the monthly Spot-on, or a collar for the warmer times of the year when tick numbers are high, please ask your vet for more information on protecting your dog from ticks and the incidence in your local area, or areas you plan to travel to with your pet. To learn more about ticks, or how to remove them the PDSA has a very useful guide.
We know you want to do all you can to keep your pet healthy, happy and safe this summer. There are a few things to think about to keep them from harm — we’ve listed our top ten tips below!
Tip number 1: Barbecues
Burns are common in both dogs and cats. Make sure your pet can’t get near the barbeque until it has cooled down.
Skewers and chicken bones in leftovers or in the bin are a big problem for dogs if they get to them. They may not even realise they have eaten them with the meat but they can do massive internal damage. To prevent this, make sure that skewers or chicken with bones aren’t left in your dog’s reach, or are put in a container. It’s also wise to take the bin out straight away to stop them from getting to any meat and skewers left in there. We know they’ll sniff them out otherwise, given the chance!
Tip number 2: Heatstroke
Hot cars are a common cause of heatstroke in dogs, which can be fatal. Never leave a dog in a car in hot weather, even if it is shady and you only intend to be 5 minutes. It isn’t worth the risk.
Shade and water is key at this time of year to prevent heatstroke. All of your pets should have this at all times in hot weather. If you are going out with your dog consider taking an umbrella and a pop-up water bowl so that they can rest in the shade and have a drink wherever you go.
Tip number 3: Hot pavements
Hot pavements can burn dogs’ paws. Ideally only take your dog out for a walk in the morning or evening when it is cooler. Also, you can try and walk on the grass instead. If you are unsure if it is too hot, follow the 7 second rule – you will soon know if it would burn their paws! Place the back of your hand on the pavement for 7 seconds, if it’s too hot for you – it’s too hot for them.
Tip number 4: Summer travels
It’s very important that when you are going away, your pet will be safe — if they’re coming with you or not!
If your pet is on regular medication, then make sure that you come to see us before you go away so you don’t run out.
If your pet is coming with you on holiday and you are travelling by car, then you need to schedule in lots of breaks (ideally at least once an hour) so that your pet can get out of the car, go to the toilet and just stretch their legs. Always make sure there is plenty of water for them to drink. Be prepared for travel sickness, many dogs and cats get travel sick. If they are beginning to look unwell then pull over at the next services to let them get some air and start to feel a little better. A long journey can be much more stressful than we can imagine, you can use pheromone sprays to reduce stress – get in touch with our team if you’d like more advice.
Tip number 5: Staying in the cattery or kennels
Make sure your pet is fully vaccinated, flea treated and wormed before they go in, you don’t want them to come out sick or infested! If your dog is going to stay with a sitter, or dog walker it’s advised that your dog gets the kennel cough vaccine, which is a quick and painless spray up the nose.
Tip number 6: Going abroad with your pet
If you plan to take your pet abroad then you will need to come in and see us in advance of your trip. Pets must have an Animal Health Certificate to travel and to qualify they will need a rabies vaccination and wormer in advance of the trip. Our vets will also give you advice about travelling and others risks when abroad.
Tip number 7: Flystrike
Rabbit owners, this one’s for you! Flystrike is where flies lay eggs on moist areas (often the back end), which then hatch to become maggots. This is very painful, as the maggots eat their way into the poor rabbit’s flesh. Any rabbit in the summer is at risk of flystrike, especially those with a wet or dirty back end as this attracts the flies. If you notice your rabbit has flystrike, ring us straight away. To prevent this, you need to check your rabbit’s bottom every day and clean it up. This should stop the flies from being attracted to that area and means you can catch it early if there is any flystrike.
Tip number 8: Fleas
Fleas are very common at this time of year and if you have a pet that goes outdoors then it is inevitable for them to get fleas. You can’t always see fleas on your pet when they have them, so it is always best to treat whether you can see them or not.
It is important that you treat your pet regularly (once a month normally but check the product you are using) and ideally with a prescription-strength product bought from us – that way you can be sure it is safe to use and is going to work!
If your pet already has fleas your house will also be infested. You will need to wash all bedding at a high temperature, hoover thoroughly including crevices in sofas and treating the house with insecticidal flea spray.
Tip number 9: Ticks
These little bloodsuckers carry some very nasty and potentially fatal diseases such as Lyme disease and, more recently, babesiosis. This is mostly a risk for dogs that go walking through long grass (don’t forget about those pesky grass seeds either!). To prevent diseases from ticks, you can regularly treat for ticks (you can get a combination product with the flea treatment) and check your dog over every time you come back from a walk. We can always give advice on tick removal and there are specific tick removal tools, this allows you to be sure you have removed it all and have not left the mouthparts in.
Tip number 10: Suncream
In the summer months, the UV rays from the sun can be a problem for our pets, just like us. There is a form of skin cancer that can be caused by too many UV rays, especially in our white (or pink nosed) pets. You can buy pet-friendly sun cream at most pet supermarkets and this only really needs to be applied to the nose and ears (especially important in cats).
With the weather warming up it’s important to understand the potential dangers heat can cause our four-legged friends. Just like humans, dogs can get heatstroke when they overheat — follow these steps to keep your dog safe.
Elizabethan collars are a common sight in any veterinary practice and play an important role in your pet’s recovery following any surgical procedure. In this guide, Goddard Veterinary Groups Sam Green will show you how to fit a traditional Elizabethan collar to your pet with the help of Shelby.
Why Do Dogs Need Elizabethan Collars?
These can also be known as a buster collar or cone and are worn by dogs after surgical procedures. The aim of pets wearing these collars is to prevent the dog from licking or biting at the stitches. This is a natural reaction for your pet but can have serious and harmful consequences should they dislodge any stitches before the area has healed.
Preparing for a Collar
It may be a good idea to prepare your home environment for your dog to be cone-wearing. It will likely take your dog a few days to adjust their spatial awareness and it is common for furniture to be knocked by the cone as your dog moves through the house.
It is a good idea to move valuables and fragile objects to protect them and to limit the distress they may cause to your pet should items become broken.
Fitting the Collar
There are a number of types of buster collars available on the market from inflatable collars to fabric, the only stipulation from the collar is that it needs to provide a clear barrier to the surgical area.
Collars also come in a variety of shapes and sizes; your Goddard Vet will ensure they provide you with the best possible fitting collar to make the transition smooth for your pet.
Traditional plastic cones are constricted into shape with the use of a stretchy bandage or fabric material. Once the cone is constructed it can be carefully slid over your pet’s head, treats can be used at this point to keep your pet calm and introduce the use of the cone with a positive experience.
Once around the neck, the collar should be secured with a bow ensuring a fit that leaves some give, our recommended fitting is that two fingers can be fit easily between the collar and your dog’s skin. This leaves ample room for a comfortable experience while it should mean the cone cannot come off. The bandaging or fabric can also be fixed to your dog’s existing collar for extra protection.
Wearing the Collar
Food and Drink
It is important to make considerations around the home for your pet while they are wearing the collar. One of the most important is their ability to access food and drink. Navigating the cone around bowls and to a place they can consume food and water may be challenging and placing their food at different heights or in different bowls/trays or plates may be required.
Positive Reinforcement
Using positivity around the cone and making sure your pet is as comfortable as possible is an important factor in their ability to settle into their time wearing it. The use of treats and positive affection is encouraged to improve the experience of your pet throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does My Pet Need a Buster Collar?
The collar should remain on your dog until the stitches have dissolved or have been taken out by your vet. During this time, it is important to keep your pet’s activity levels to a minimum to aid their recovery and limit the chance of damage to the surgical area.
Should I Take an Elizabethan Collar Off at Night?
Your dog’s collar should remain on for the duration of the time it is required, including at night. This removes the temptation of your dog becoming irritated by the area during the night and biting or licking the wound. The cone shape will not cause any discomfort to your pet’s ability to sleep.
