Archive for the ‘Pets’ Category

Common Toxins Dangerous To Your Pet

Certain types of food and household items can be unknowingly toxic to your pet — read our list of the most common toxins dangerous to your pet below.

If you think your pet has ingested one of the following please contact your vet immediately. If you are concerned your pet has eaten something poisonous not listed please use our online poisons guide for advice.

FOOD AND PLANT TOXINS

  • Chocolate – causes heart rhythm abnormalities and nervous system signs (eg excitement, tremors, seizures). Just 15g of dark chocolate can be toxic to a 10kg dog.
  • Onions – cause anaemia by destroying red blood cells.
  • Garlic – believed to have a similar effect to onions.
  • Macadamia nuts – in dogs, cause weakness, inability to stand, vomiting, depression.
  • Avocado – fatal in birds and rabbits. Avocados contain a substance called persin which is highly toxic.
  • Grapes and raisins – can cause kidney failure in dogs.
  • Raw or undercooked meat – diarrhoea and/or vomiting (due to Salmonella or e.coli bacteria).
  • Fungal toxins (mouldy food) – diarrhoea, tremors, seizures.
  • Bread dough – disorientation, depression, weakness, coma.
  • Acorns – diarrhoea, kidney failure.
  • Lilies – have been shown to cause kidney failure in cats.
  • Brunsfelsia – (“yesterday-today-and-tomorrow”) – diarrhoea, seizures.
  • Oleander, rhododendron, azalea, crocus, foxglove, hyacinth bulbs – Heart problems.

HOUSEHOLD TOXINS

  • Antifreeze – causes kidney failure, cats and rabbits need to ingest only very small amounts to show symptoms.
  • Tea Tree Oil – depression, weakness, incoordination, muscle tremors.
  • Pyrethrins, Permethrins – usually found in supermarket / pet shop flea products, toxic (especially to cats) if ingested; causes salivation, tremors, and seizures.
  • Paracetamol (panadol) – toxic to the liver and interferes with oxygen transport, can be very quickly fatal in cats.
  • Ibuprofen (nurofen) – depending on amount eaten, can cause gastrointestinal ulcers, kidney failure, and/or seizures.
  • Aspirin – can cause gastrointestinal ulcers.
  • Bleach and other cleaning products – many of these chemicals are highly acidic or alkaline, and can cause tongue and mouth ulcers when licked by dogs or cats.
  • Rat poison– causes blood clotting problems, seen most commonly as internal bleeding, or blood in stools or urine, or vomiting blood.
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Pet Health and Wellbeing: why regular checkups matter

Your pet seems healthy, so why should you bring them in for regular checkups?

There are three main reasons why we advise regular checkups:

1) To prevent health problems,
2) To detect any new problems as early as possible,
3) To monitor any existing conditions and maintain good health.

To give you an example of how regular checkups have really helped an animal, here’s the story of a little dog called Mouse.

Last year Mouse came in for her vaccination and checkup. Based on her examination, there was nothing wrong with her, which was good news! During the appointment, her vet asked about Mouse’s worming schedule and looked at her records to see which one she usually gets and when it was next due. These aren’t unusual questions for a vet to ask, but then Mouse’s vet is concerned about lungworm and goes on to explain that this is a new kind of worm, which has slowly travelled around the country and has come close to where Mouse lives. This new worm can grow inside Mouse’s lungs and make her cough, or even cause very serious, life-threatening problems. But they can also protect Mouse from it if they switch her wormer to a different one. So, by simply changed her old tablets to a different product, they have a way to prevent a potentially fatal disease from ever happening.

After changing her wormer, Mouse seems to be doing well – she loves her food; she loves to play. Every day she gives her owners the look. We all know “the look” from our pets, the one that asks, “c’mon where’s my breakfast?”.

But as many times as we feel like we know what our pets are thinking, the truth is they can’t talk to us. This means that as owners, there are limits to what we can know is happening with their health and wellbeing. So lots of diseases can be “hidden” for a long time, simply because we can’t talk to our pets. Many of these problems from kidney disease, to cancer, could be treated much more effectively if we can only catch them early.

So, Mouse seems fine, but she can’t tell her owners that her elbow feels sore after she’s chased her ball around, so as far as her owners can tell, there’s nothing to worry about it. During Mouse’s recent check-up, they are gently reminded that she is getting older. In the past, her vet has talked to her owners about all sorts of things, including how Mouse is one of those dogs that get “the zoomies”. (If you haven’t seen “the zoomies” before – it’s a sudden burst of energy and excitement where dogs ‘zoom’ around their environment.) During the checkup, Mouse’s vet asks about if she still bounces on and off the bed. The question takes her owner by surprise a bit, but when they think about it, Mouse still zooms around the floor, but she doesn’t jump up and down anymore.

As the vet continues with her examination, she spends a little extra time feeling Mouse’s spine and then moving her back legs around. After a few minutes of what looks from the outside like it might be “Doggy Yoga”, she reports that Mouse is a little stiff with her left elbow, and when it bends it’s not quite able to move like her right leg. These could be signs of arthritis starting, so she gives some advice on what they can do to help and starts Mouse on a medicine trial for two weeks.

Two weeks later Mouse is back, and her owners reported that after a few days of medicine they noticed a change; Mouse had gotten brighter – like she’s gotten a couple of years younger. In fact, when they had given her a bath, Mouse got “the zoomies” again, and now she was back to jumping on and off the bed! The vet rechecks Mouse and finds she is less stiff when they bend her elbow. They talk some more about what they can do to help keep Mouse comfortable with her arthritis and they schedule another checkup for a few months’ time.

Now they know that Mouse has arthritis in her elbow, and they’ve got it under control today, but they also know things will change. Hopefully by doing everything they can they will slow those changes down. Maybe in a few months’ time, they will find that things have changed, and they need to change Mouse’s medication. Maybe they will find that Mouse’s arthritis hasn’t changed, and they just need to schedule their next check. Or maybe they’ll find something different they need to manage and treat too.

Whatever we find, these regular checks are essential to help prevent problems before they can occur, to help find any conditions as early as possible and do something about them, and to keep on top of any long-term conditions.

Simply put, regular checkups are the best way to help you and your vet keep your pets as healthy and happy as possible, for as long as possible.

The trouble with tapeworms

Tapeworms are a common problem. The infection can be caught from multiple areas and environments; however, some conditions make them more likely to be transmitted.

What is a tapeworm?

They are long, flat worms that live in your pet’s intestines. Most species can be infected and the larvae are often ingested by dogs while they groom, or from the soil or grass. They travel to the intestine where they attach to the mucous lining, using their strong mouthpieces, and grow into adults. They can grow up to 8 inches in length and, when mature, produce proglottids (segments) which grow from the end of the worm. Tapeworms are made from lots of segments, all of which have their own reproductive parts allowing their numbers to multiply rapidly as they constantly reproduce. These segments become gravid (pregnant with a pack of eggs encircled in a membrane) and are passed in the pets’ faeces, where they burst releasing tapeworm eggs onto the grass or material beneath them. These eggs are ingested by an intermediate host (normally a flea or a rodent), which is then eaten by your pets. The eggs are released and hatch into tiny tapeworm heads, which mature into adult worms inside your pet over 2 months or so.

Is my pet likely to get tapeworm?

There are lots of different types of tapeworm, each with different intermediate hosts, meaning tapeworm can be caught from various sources. The tapeworm eggs can live in the environment in grass and soil, carpets and dust, so it is hard to eliminate the process of infection as we cannot keep this permanently clean. The flea is a common intermediate host, so keeping your pets away from any fleas, or areas where you know there will be a high flea count can help to prevent your pet from becoming infected.

Fleas commonly live on cats so if your pets spend lots of time with cats they are more likely to pick up the infection. Fleas thrive in areas which are moist, humid and shaded. If your dog has fleas, they will be itching excessively so they may appear to have bald patches, redness of the skin, and potentially wounds, or even blood. Regularly treating your pet for fleas would be a good preventative treatment for this type of tapeworm. Reinfection can occur if a new flea (also infected) is ingested, so one preventative treatment will not usually be enough.

Mice and rodents can be carriers too so, if possible, reduce the access your pets have to areas which may be infested. If your cat likes to hunt or rummage through bins, they are more likely to pick up tapeworm from these sources. If you know an area is likely to be habituated by rodents, try to keep your dog on a lead whilst walking through these areas. This allows you to have more control over your pet, helping to prevent them from eating infectious material.

What are the symptoms of tapeworm?

Tapeworms can cause lots of different health problems. If your pet is infected, you may see small white objects, that look like grains of rice, around the tail or in the faeces. They may even be moving! These segments stick to bedding or rugs where your pet spends a lot of time so if you suspect an infection, be sure to investigate these locations and clean them thoroughly. Your pet may itch their rear end a lot as the larvae become stuck in the area, irritating it. If the burden is much larger, weight loss may be seen.

If your pet has worms living inside the intestines, they may show weight loss and have lower energy levels compared to normal. This is because the worms are stealing their nutrients. You may notice a difference in eating habits, as they often lose their appetite and then quickly become very hungry again. Their coat may become duller looking. Blood may be seen in the faeces, so careful investigation of the stool using gloves could be useful – or just ask us about it if you prefer! You may see worms or white eggs in the faeces. The heavier the worm burden, the more serious the symptoms become; it is therefore very important to treat this infection as soon as possible.

If any symptoms are seen, please call or visit the practice for more specific information on treatment and we can help return your pet to normal health as soon as possible!

Unfortunately, lots of animals show no symptoms.

Can I catch tapeworm from my pet?

People are rarely infected by tapeworm, but these infections do occur. You cannot catch the infection directly from your dog. The human infection occurs when the human ingests a flea carrying the infection. Fleas often live on animals, so if people are commonly in close contact with animals they are much more likely to become infected. This is more common in children compared to adults.

Summary – DO NOT WORRY ABOUT TAPEWORM, but DO TREAT IT. It is very common and treatment is available. If you notice a sudden change in behaviour or weight, contact one of our vets!

How can regular check-ups benefit my pet?

Regular check-ups for animals might not seem so important if they appear healthy, after all, we don’t usually go to the doctors’ just for a check-up!  So why is that different in our pets? Hopefully, this blog should highlight how they can benefit your pet whatever stage of life they are at.

Firstly, what is a check-up?

It’s a chance to discuss any changes or concerns you may have about your pet. This involves a full nose to tail exam – including checking teeth, weight, body condition (another way of assessing if your pet is an ideal weight), heart, lungs and abdomen. This full check over allows us to pick up any problems like heart murmurs or dental disease early and discuss what we can do to monitor or combat them.

The majority of owners would agree that their pet gets nervous at the vets. In fact, one of the most common things said in a veterinary surgery is “my pet doesn’t like it here”. By regularly attending the vets when there are no needles and plenty of treats, you can slowly teach your pet that being with us isn’t always bad by creating positive experiences. If they become less anxious about seeing the vet, it will be less stressful for everyone involved if they do get sick and have to come in.

With regular check-ups, any problems like arthritis and diabetes can be picked up at an earlier stage. Our pets cannot always tell us when something is wrong and will only begin to show signs when the problem gets worse. If we pick up these hidden issues at an earlier stage, we may be more able to treat it, giving your pet a better and longer life. You may have noticed small changes in your pet’s behaviour and a check-up is a great opportunity to ask if these are normal and get them investigated further if not.

Use us for advice!

Not everything you read on the internet can be believed and this can lead to confusion as there is so much conflicting information. When you bring your pet in, we are more than happy to explain both sides of competing theories and why some may not be as helpful as they look. We can give advice about anything from feeding to neutering, common toxins or a recent article you read. We can debunk any myths and give you sound advice so you can give your pet the best care possible. That is what we are here for so, if you have a question, this is the perfect moment!

Monitor that waistline!

Weight can be gained so easily and can slowly creep on over time, so it can be difficult to notice. Whenever you visit us, the weight of your pet will be recorded and we can let you know how they are doing. The sooner it is recognised if your pet becomes overweight, the easier it is to correct.  Being the ideal weight is important to stay happy and healthy, especially as pets come into their senior years when arthritis starts to become a problem.

Preventative care is at the centre of what we do, we want happy and healthy pets. By bringing your pet in for vaccinations annually you have already got a semi-regular check-up as well as protecting your pet against serious and fatal diseases.

Just bringing your dog in to weigh them for flea and worming treatment is an easy way to keep an eye on your pet’s weight as well as reducing stress by creating positive memories. Even by signing up to ProActive Pets, you can take care of all your pet’s preventative healthcare, get discounts on vet consultations, and have two nurse assessment checks per year, along with a whole host of other benefits – because we think this is so important.

Want to know more? Pop in and ask us!

How can a vet nurse help my pet lose weight?

Is your pet a little podgy? Perhaps you’re well aware but frustrated that your efforts to slim them down are having little effect. Perhaps you don’t even know where to begin. Fear not, help is at hand! You might be surprised at the assistance our team can offer you, and not least, the invaluable support you can find in our veterinary nurses. There is surprisingly little known by the general public about the extent of a veterinary nurse’s training and capabilities.  Vet nurses have a great deal of (sometimes all too hidden) expertise, from monitoring anaesthesia and taking X-rays to laboratory work and advising pet owners on a whole host of pet care topics. Our nurses are passionate and knowledgeable individuals who love nothing more than to build a working relationship with you, to keep your pet healthy. For all the knowledge and support you need to make your pet’s health-kick a success, look no further.

Vet nurses undergo a substantial amount of theoretical schooling to gain their qualification and are therefore able to discuss the impact that obesity can have on your pet. From the associated risks of diabetes, to the exacerbation of joint disease, they will do so in an honest and fact-based manner but with empathy and from a non-critical viewpoint. By seeking advice, you’ve taken the first of many steps along the road to improving your pet’s quality of life. As such, our vet nurses are eager to take an interest and help you.

History taking

Importantly, our nurses will listen to you. They want to hear all about how your pet got to be overweight. They will consider any concurrent health conditions (referring you to our veterinary surgeons as necessary) as well as food and treat intake and their usual amount of exercise. They will listen without judgement and aim to ask such questions that will best arm them with all the information required to help you and your pet.

Safe and sustainable

It is no good crash dieting a pet and worse, it can be really very dangerous to do so. Slowly but surely is the best approach to ensure safe weight loss that stays off. Nurses know this, and they also know important, fundamental dietary requirements of a range of species. They know what can and can’t be cut out of a diet and in what proportions. They even have specific calculations to help them determine the required calorie intake for an individual as well as those that calculate a safe rate of weight loss, to ensure it is not achieved too quickly.

Intake versus output

No fad-diets will be recommended here, just a balance of good nutrients and exercise. Our nurses are equipped to understand what individual factors might be hindering progress. From the old, arthritic dog, for whom exercise intolerance and obesity can be a vicious cycle, to the indoor-only cat who looks to their owner as their main source of entertainment – you’ll be amazed at the tricks up our nurses’ sleeves. And guess what, dieting doesn’t have to mean that treats are off the menu altogether! They can advise you on these too. Our nurses will talk to you about the merits of purpose-designed commercially available foods that are designed to make your pet feel full whilst keeping calorie intake low, or help you achieve your pet’s ideal weight on whichever diet you feel most comfortable using.

Access to further expertise

Our nurses have a range of resources to refer to; from their fellow vet nurses and our vets, to veterinary nutritionists who can advise of the finer points of certain foods available to put together a workable solution for your pet.  Nurses are forever keeping current with the latest nutritional developments and nuggets of advice from the wider industry too. They have a professional requirement to complete a minimum number of learning hours every year in order to stay registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. This helps them keep their knowledge and skills at the forefront of veterinary science.

Moral support

Perhaps one of the biggest reasons to involve a vet nurse in your pet’s weight loss programme is for the unwavering support you will receive. When your dog gives you those puppy-dog eyes, we all know how hard it can be not to feed them scraps from the table! Our nurses are like-minded, pet-loving people who can empathise with you whilst maintaining the much needed momentum that you need. They will want to meet with you and your pet regularly, weighing your pet, assessing body condition and generally providing the guidance and encourage required to succeed.

Don’t struggle alone. Whether you know there’s an issue with your pet’s weight, or even if you’re just unsure, contact our team for some friendly advice.