Author Archives: hounslowvets

Traveling With Dogs – 5 Things Your Dog Needs To Be A Good Traveller

Traveling With Dogs – 5 Things Your Dog Needs To Be A Good Traveller

 

Traveling With Dogs – 5 Things Your Dog Needs To Be A Good Traveller

With the obvious exception of biscuits and falling asleep by the fire, there aren’t many things that dogs love more than exploring somewhere new. And with the continuing surge of hotels that welcome four-legged travellers, there’s a whole world of discovery out there for both of you. But first, you need to transform your dog into the perfect traveller so traveling with dogs becomes easy to handle.

 

Here’s a quick guide to some of the areas you will need to cover

 

1. Crate comfortable

If your pup is hitching a ride in your car, the safest way of traveling with dogs is with a crate. And if you harbour any ambitions about traveling with dogs abroad, a crate is essential if you are flying. Some think crating is cruel – but dogs don’t mind. As long as they are used to it. You can’t just spring a crate on a dog and expect them to be okay with it straight away.

 

 

Prep should start a few weeks before you intend on traveling with dogs. Get your dog used to the crate and let them walk in and out as they please. Make sure there’s a nice cosy blanket in there and some toys. Start things off by leaving the crate in the area they would usually choose to snooze. Toss in a toy or treat to entice them to go in on their own. Then progress to shutting them in the crate for just a few minutes at a time – and gradually increase the amount of time they are inside, always praising them with treats for good behaviour.

 

2. Doing the do on demand

Yes, it’s possible. It just takes a bit of training. And when your dog is able to answer any calls of nature on demand, your travel is less disrupted and it cuts the risk of any embarrassing hotel incidents. Find out how here.

 

3. Greet and treat strangers well

What’s your dog like with strangers? What about when you aren’t there? If you are traveling with dogs by air or sea, there’s a good chance you’ll have to part company for the journey. You need to know that your pooch will behave with airline or ferry staff. Any incidents and you’ll be back home before your adventure has even begun. Now where’s the fun in that?

 

Traveling With Dogs – 5 Things Your Dog Needs To Be A Good Traveller

 

4. A dog that never loses its call

Ah, the freedom of the great outdoors. Beautiful, isn’t it? The trouble is, an unfamiliar environment can wreak havoc on your pup’s obedience. Okay, they might come when you call them in your garden or at your local park. But what about when you are in a forest and your pooch sees a hedgehog for the first time? Or goes haring off after a squirrel? The aim is for your dog to come when called – first time, every time. Otherwise it’s safer to keep them on the lead or longline.

 

5. No funny tummies

Just like humans, doggies can get travel sick. In fact around 27% of dogs are affected. Symptoms include restlessness, anxiety, and excess salivation, and the ultimate unfortunate car incident, vomiting. Thankfully there’s no need to change your travel plans. If you suspect your pup suffers with travel sickness, it can be remedied with simple medication. Book an appointment with your vet.

 

Motion sickness in dogs

 

With a bit of preparation and good training, you can turn any dog into the perfect travel companion. A furry sidekick for your worldly wanders. Whether you are staying in the UK or venturing further, there’s never been a better time for traveling with dogs. Which leaves only one question: what are you waiting for?

 

Blog supplied by Zoetis.

 

train station zoetis

8 must-dos when taking your dog on the train

8 must-dos when taking your dog on the train

 

Taking your dog on the train for the first time? Here are eight simple tips for a fuss-free, waggy-tailed journey. Tickets please!

Newsflash: dogs travel for free on trains. You can take up to two pooches per passenger, gratis. What about that doesn’t spell adventure? Whether you are visiting friends, heading out to the country for walkies or taking your pup into the office to stoke a little colleague jealousy, the train is a fast way to get there. Here are eight things to keep in mind to make sure your journey stays on the right track.

 

8 must-dos when taking your dog on the train

 

1. Start small

If it’s Fido’s first time on the train, try to take a short off-peak journey in preparation. It will give you a chance to see how your dog reacts to an unfamiliar way of travelling, without oodles of commuters buzzing around his paws with their briefcases.

2. Give them medication for any travel sickness

Around one in six dogs suffer from travel sickness. That ratio is far higher in dogs younger than three. And while sickness is more commonly associated with car journeys, the clackety-clack of the railway track could leave your pup feeling worse for wear if they are prone to nausea while on the move. The good news is that simple medication is available that will leave your dog cool, calm and comfortable while travelling – without pesky side-effects like drowsiness. Speak to our experienced team to find out more.

 

3. Factor in railway respite

 

3. Factor in railway respite

Depending on your route and itinerary, scheduling breaks in your journey may not be practical. But if you can, factor in some railway respite on steady ground to give your furry friend a chance to stretch their legs and – ahem – answer any calls of nature. Speaking of which, make sure they have plenty of opportunity to perform the unmentionables before your journey.

4. Plan the d-word delicately

Dinner, of course. You should aim to avoid making your barking buddy travel on a full stomach. That’s enough to make any dog feel uncomfortable in the tummy region, whether they are prone to travel sickness or not. You don’t want to make a dog’s dinner of your journey now, do you?

 

avoid travel on a full tummy

 

5. Make sure your dog is tuckered our first

An excitable doggy might be fun at home, but we guarantee that won’t be the case on the train. Not for you, not for your fellow passengers. If your pup is being particularly rambunctious, you may even be asked to depart the train at the next stop. For a peaceful pooch, try to tire them out before your journey with a long walk or a run around the park.

6. Pack a doggy bag

While it would be convenient if your dog could trot off to the buffet carriage to order themselves a treat – as well as a cuppa for you – the reality is that dogs are banned from the restaurant carriage. So, it’s down to you to provide a couple of light snacks for longer journeys. Pack a bowl and some water too. And it’s worth considering a toy to keep your pup occupied – a non-squeaky one, for everyone’s sanity – as well as a familiar blanket from home. Dogs aren’t allowed on seats (unless you want to pay), so they will have to lie faithfully at your feet. Consider a pheromone spray on your dogs blanet to help keep them calm.

 

dog on a lead zoetis

 

7. Don’t forget their lead

Curious canines would no doubt love the freedom to say hello to other animals and fellow passengers in their carriage. Unfortunately, that’s a non-starter. Dogs must either be kept on a lead – at all times – or carried in a basket/crate no bigger than 85/60/60cm. Those are the rules.

8. Make sure you know where your stop is

It sounds silly, but sometimes you only realise you are pulling in to your station at the last minute. Cue frantic rush to put your coat on, gather your things and grab your luggage. Add a dog into the mix as well? You might just end up staying on the train a little longer than you planned. Make a mental note of the stop before yours and give yourself plenty of time to get ready.

train station zoetis

 

Over to you…

With a bit of simple prep, taking your dog on the train is a doddle. And remember to talk to your vet if your pup displays any signs of travel sickness. It’s easy to manage with simple medication. Happy travels!

 

Blog and images supplied by Zoetis.

Written by Gemma Hopkins BVETMED, CERTVC, MRCVS, RCVS.

What are ticks and do they infest cats.

Ticks Can Transmit

Ticks Can Transmit

 

Ticks Can Transmit 

Lyme Disease, a serious infection to both human and canines. Our Spring Newsletter has arrived and its crammed with advice on how to keep your pet happy and healthy this Spring 2020. The warmer weather is welcomed by most, but with it brings a host of parasites. Whilst fleas can be irritating, Ticks cause a much greater danger to both pets and their humans. Our Spring News explains the life cycle, the diseases they can potentially transmit and how to protect your pet.

 

What are ticks and do they infest cats.

 

Kennel Cough,

is a very infectious, but rarely life-threatening, respiratory infection that spreads from dog to dog wherever they meet. Our Spring Newsletter discusses the signs of kennel cough to watch out for in your dog and how to give your dog the best protection.

 

Your Guide To Handling An Out-Of-Hours Dog Emergency

 

keep It Social!

Rabbits, whether kept indoors or outdoors need space to exercise (with toys, tunnels and areas to dig), areas to hide, eat, sleep, stretch out and hop. Our Spring News provides some great advice on how to keep your bunny hoppy and healthy.

 

rabit health care

 

We hope you have enjoyed reading our Spring 2020 Newsletter, if you have any questions on the articles mentioned don’t hesitate to contact our experienced team for further advice.

Motion sickness in dogs

7 Tips For Motorway Travel With Your Dog.

7 Tips For Motorway Travel With Your Dog.

 

  1. The ins (and outs) of preparation…

 

It’s best to avoid disrupting your pup’s normal feeding schedule, so try to set off two or three hours after Fido has feasted. The aim of the game is to allow time for your pooch’s stomach to settle. A car sick passenger is no fun, two legs or four.

If that doesn’t fit your schedule, it’s okay to feed your dog on your journey. But find somewhere to stop and let your pup eat from their normal bowl. Dish out a smaller portion than normal and allow thirty minutes or so before resuming your journey.

Oh and you don’t need reminding to make sure any calls of nature are answered before you get moving, do you?

 

  1. A blanket. In fact, make that two.

 

You want your pooch to be comfy, hey? Besides, a little familiarity goes a long way.

 

 

  1. One or two familiar toys

 

On short journeys dogs get excited. On long journeys dogs get bored. And boredom is one of the biggest causes of misbehaviour. Pack some distraction. One or two of your pup’s favourite chew toys – or a long-lasting, treat-dispensing toy – should keep mind and mouth occupied during the long miles. Word of warning? It’s probably best to leave the squeaky toys at home. After 100 miles it might just begin to grate.

 

  1. A doggy seatbelt or crate

 

Crating your dog can be a divisive issue among owners. But it’s worth remembering that your pup is unlikely to mind. And when it comes to motorway travel with dog in the back, it’s an important safety measure – for both of you. Alternatively you could consider a doggy safety belt. Either way it’s safer than having your pup roaming the backseats while you’re driving at 70mph and trying to concentrate.

 

Symptoms of sickness

 

  1. Time for walkies…

 

You need a break from the road, so does your dog. You need to stretch your legs, so does your dog. You need to answer the call of nature, so does…you get the picture. Do each other a favour and make time for a walk or two during your journey.

But hang on. The hard shoulder is a no-go. And the service station car park isn’t exactly exhilarating. How do you find a walk you will both enjoy, beside the motorway, in a county you’ve never visited? Ah, the wonders of the www.

 

  1. A cup of tea and a bite to eat…

 

When you are driving long distances, you need to keep your batteries charged. Driving on an empty stomach is no fun and not very smart. No matter where you are in the UK, you can find a tasty bite to eat in a pub that will welcome both you and your four-legged companion using either of these websites. The friendliest of pooch-friendly pubs will even offer a bowl of water and some biscuits for weary pups. Perfect.

 

  1. Long journey? Bed down for the night.

 

For really long motorway trips, you might want to schedule a stopover to break up the journey. But before you resign yourself to an uncomfortable night in the car, you should know that there are hundreds of dog-friendly campsites, hotels and really fancy hotels where you can enjoy a far more peaceful night’s rest. Zzz.

 

 

This blog and images have been supplied by petdialog.co.uk If you are planning a long journey with your dog and need any further advice, our experienced team are on the phone to answer any queries that you may have. Contact Us.

 

Festive alert

Young Veterinary Partnership – Winter News

Young Veterinary Partnership – Winter News

 

Young Veterinary Partnership – Winter News

Did you know vaccinations can help to protect your pet against a range of potentially life threatening infectious diseases? Our Winter News explains the vaccinations that we offer for cats, dogs and rabbits and the range of diseases they help to protect your pet from. All of the vaccinations mentioned in the Winter News are included in our Pet Healthcare Clubs, why not join today, and spread the cost of your pets veterinary essentials across affordable monthly payments on a date that suits you?

 

Where to find emergency care?

 

Should I have my pet neutered?

This is a topic we discuss on a regular basis with pet owners, and a decision every pet owner must make. Our Winter News explains the benefits of neutering and the good news is, neutering is a day surgery meaning your pet will be home with you the very same evening. To read about the benefits of neutering, read our Winter News here. 

 

cat scratching

 

Festive Alert

During the festive season, make sure your decorations and wires are out of reach of pets since they make very tempting toys! Hide any edible presents (especially chocolate) until the last minute to help avoid temptation. Our Winter News includes a survival guide to help you and your pet have a happy healthy Winter 2019.

 

dog in xmas jumper

We hope that you have enjoyed reading our Winter Survival Guide – If you have any questions or concerns about your pet, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team for further help and advice.

Remember, Remember the 5th of November, is just around the corner.

Remember, Remember the 5th of November.

Remember, Remember the 5th of November.

73% of owners say they have a pet who’s scared of fireworks – (Zylkenepet.co.uk)

Up to 50% of dogs may be affected by fear of fireworks – (adaptil.com)

Cats like routine and a quiet environment, unexpected noises will upset a cat – (feliway.com)

The above statistics show that your pet is not the only one with a fear of fireworks but carry on reading and we will help you care for your pet every step of the way, making it as stress free as possible throughout the fireworks season.

Noise effected dogs

 

 

Every year we receive a number of phone calls and visits from worried owners, who are concerned about their pets reaction to fireworks. Both cats and dogs can suffer from noise related phobias around this time of year, the most important advice is BE PREPARED in advance.

Unfortunately for pets it now seems to be fireworks ‘season’ rather than night. We’ve put together a list of things to be aware of :

  • Make a den for your pet to hide in, if they are worried.

  • Make sure you & your family act normal – pets will pick up on your anxiety.

  • Walk your dog early to ensure it doesn’t get spooked.

  • Check microchip details are kept up to date.

  • Shut all windows & cat flaps.

  • Stock up on some news toys and treats as a distraction.

  • Do not punish your pet, if they are worried.

 

If you have more than one pet, ensure that each of them has their own hiding place and if that is where they prefer to be, don’t force your pets out. Make sure your curtains are closed and turn up the tv or radio a little louder than normal. Be aware that very stressed pets can become aggressive so please take care if your pet is showing signs of anxiety.

 

Fireworks and your pets

 

 

If you have a nervous pet or you know they are anxious around the fireworks period we have a variety of different options available for you.

For more anxious dogs, there is an innovative new product to treat canine noise anxiety. A fast acting gel that can be given at home and tailored to the timing and duration of the noise event. The get can be given at home and can be used as part of an existing canine behaviour modification programme. It is easy to administer from a syringe and ensures the correct dosage for your dog.

The syringes are a Prescription Only Medicine for use in severely affected dogs suffering with anxiety.

nutravet2018..

Nutracalm supplement’s are available at all of our surgeries, for both cats and dogs. It has been specially formulated by vets to naturally calm anxious pets and reduce unwanted or unruly behaviour in dogs and cats. Nutracalm helps reduce stress, calms behaviour, is fast acting and easy for pet owners to administer.

For cats – FELIWAY is a synthetic copy of the feline facial pheromones used by cats to mark their territory as safe and secure. By mimicking the cats natural pheromone, Feliway creates a state of familiarity and security in their environment. This comes as a plug-in or a spray. Feliway should be started 2 weeks before firework season for maximum effect.

Remember, Remember the 5th of November, is just around the corner.

  •  For dogs – ADAPTIL is a product that contains a Dog Appeasing pheromone. It is a copy of a pheromone that a bitch (female dog) releases to comfort her puppies and should help to reassure and calm your dog. It comes as a plug –in, a spray or a collar. Adaptil should be started 2 weeks before firework season for maximim effect.

Zylkene

For both dogs and cats – ZYLKENE is a supplement derived from milk proteins that can help to make your pet feel more relaxed. Zylkene is palatable and easy to give; simply mix with food or give as a treat, just once a day. It is lactose and preservative free. These supplements should be started at least 1-2 days before any fireworks are expected.

As our blog above explains, we have a wide range of products to help your pet through the fireworks season. Please contact our team before the fireworks start and they will be able to discuss the best product to help you and your pet. Don’t forget to download your fireworks soundtrack and start playing it weeks (even months) before fireworks start to help prepare your pet for the noise.

 

 

Our Autumn Newsletter has arrived be the first to read it here.

Feline SOS!

Feline SOS!

Feline SOS! Knowing when your pet needs to be seen as an emergency is an important decision for many pet owners. Our Autumn News will provide you with some great advice on how to spot a feline emergency. Hopefully this is something that will never happen to your pet but it is worth being aware that sometimes there may be no obvious injuries but this doesn’t mean its not an emergency.

 

Lily

 

 

Wasps and bees will be getting slower during the Autumn season and although their stings rarely cause serious issues, they can be very painful. Swellings can appear quickly on paws if your cat has been batting them about, or mouths if they tried to eat them! Autumn Alert, gives you some top tips on the range of pet care challenges that we must be prepared for.

 

 

picture credits wonderfuldiy.com

 

 

So what are the signs of arthritis in my pet?

 

Our Autumn Alert news includes the signs of arthritis to watch out for, the common causes plus it compares a healthy and arthritic joint side by side to help you understand the aches and pains that arthritis can cause. Although this painful condition cannot be cured, most pets will benefit from at least one of the wide range of treatment options we have available. If you have noticed your golden oldie slowing down why not contact us today to discuss how we can help your pet.

 

Picture credits getupandgodog

 

Please get in contact with our friendly team if you would like further information on keeping your pets happy and healthy this Autumn.

 

 

F facebook

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

you tube large

 

Where to find emergency care?

Your Guide To Handling An Out-Of-Hours Dog Emergency

Your Guide To Handling An Out-Of-Hours Dog Emergency

 

You never want anything bad to happen to your dog, but, sadly, sometimes these things do happen. It can be made worse if it is out of hours and you do not know where to turn for advice and guidance. As a dog owner you should always have the number of your veterinary practice with you, and make sure you know the number for an out of hours emergency vet (if you vet doesn’t already provide this – Thankfully we do). Here is our guide on what to do in the event of a dog emergency.

 

What constitutes an emergency?

The first step to handling an out of hours emergency is to remain calm and assess whether the situation is actually an emergency or not. Many people panic and rush around trying to find an emergency animal hospital, but this response can cause more harm than good.

Here is a list of different situations you may find yourself in that require an emergency vet:

 

  • Your dog is panting, can’t lie down comfortably and keeps trying to vomit
  • Your dog is extremely weak or collapses
  • Your dog can’t breath properly 
  • Your dog has bloody diarrhoea or vomit
  • Your dog can’t / won’t eat for over 24 hours – (particularly in younger puppies)
  • Your dog is unable to urinate
  • Your dog has a seizure (they can come in clusters and become more frequent over time)
  • Your dog has lost the use of its hind legs – this is more common in dogs with long backs and short legs and can be a sign of spinal damage. Rapid treatment can significantly improve their subsequent quality of life in such circumstance.
  • Your dog has eaten a poison – always try to bring us the packet or label of the substance they have eaten.
  • Your dog experiences a sudden trauma or he / she is in severe pain.

Under the Animal Welfare Act severe pain requires you to seek emergency medical assistance. 

 

Immediate treatment you can perform yourself.

To help offset the effects of an emergency, or to handle some minor injuries yourself, here are some steps you can take. Keep your dog warm at all times, unless of course they are suffering from hyperthermia (overheating).

Place a tightly wrapped towel or a bandage over any wounds or bleeding, or, if you cannot bandage the area, place a pad on the area and press down firmly until you are with the vet. However, it is important that you do not apply your own splint. Run cold water over any scalded or burned areas for five minutes.

Under no circumstances do we recommend that you make you make your dog vomit.

 

Your Guide To Handling An Out-Of-Hours Dog Emergency

 

Where to find emergency care for your dog.

 

Do you have a pet emergency? If so call us straight away on 0208 567 2724. 

This is our main Ealing surgery number and it will give you access to veterinary advice 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our team will attend out of hours emergencies from our Ealing surgery between the hours of 7am and 10pm everyday. Between the hours of 10pm and 7am urgent cases will be seen at the local 24 hour clinic in Richmond run by Medivet.

If you call us when the surgery is closed, our recorded message will provide you with the contact number for the veterinary surgeon on call.

It is always advisable to call in advance, so we can give you the best advice and prepare for your pets arrival.

 

What to expect when you arrive. 

 

Once you arrive, you will need to be clear and concise in providing our team with as much information as possible regarding the emergency. For example, if your dog has swallowed or eaten something they shouldn’t have, you need to tell the vet exactly what it was and ideally provide the labelling.

It can be helpful to take any medications your dog is currently receiving with you and any relevant notes you may have especially if you are not seeing your usual vet. If you are already a client of Young Veterinary Partnership our team will be able to access your pets records from any of our four other surgeries.

In many cases, while your dog is undergoing treatment, you will be unable to remain in the room with them. However, you may need to be present in some circumstances, and, during these times, it will be up to you to help them stay calm.

 

Where to find emergency care?

What constitutes an emergency?

 

Insurance, costs and payment.

Depending on what the problem is with your dog, the costs may run quite high. You need to be prepared for this and ensure you have necessary funds. Here at Young Veterinary Partnership the Out Of Hours charge is £132.00 for a consultation, (there is a surcharge of £63.66 for unregistered clients). After 10pm all emergencies are seen by Medivet 24 hour clinic, their consultation charge is £143.29.

Please note: If your pet requires hospitalisation, and / or further treatment, these charges will be in addition to the consultation fee. Emergency Out Of Hours fees will vary from patient to patient.

Such topics are never pleasant, which is why it’s always worth having full insurance for your dog. To make a veterinary fees claim, you will need to pay an excess or additional charges, but insurance will help make such unwanted situations much more affordable. Take your insurance certificate and claim form with you.

 

What you can have planned in advance to make the process easier?

 

Beyond sorting out suitable insurance, there are not many other steps you can take to prepare for any emergencies. If you are a registered client with us, our team will be able to access your pets record from any one of our four West London surgeries.

You can also prepare a dog-specific first aid kit in your house, in case you ever have an emergency. Beneficial items to include are things like large bandages, saline solution, a muzzle and an Elizabethan dog collar. Finally, always have the contact number of your veterinary surgeon with you as you can never predict when a dog emergency may arise.

 

Blog and images supplied from Zoetis

Written by Gemma Hopkins BVETMED, CERTVC, MRCVS

Stress And Your Cat.

Stress And Your Cat.

Stress And Your Cat.

Stress And Your Cat.

 

  • Is my cat stressed?

  • What is causing my cat to feel stressed?

  • How can I help my cat?

 

Just like humans, cats can get stressed out. While stress in cats doesn’t always materialise in the ways you might expect, if you know what to look for, it’s not too difficult to spot an anxious mog. It is important to keep an eye out for signs of stress in your cat; a stressed cat is an unhappy cat, and recent studies have shown that chronic, ongoing stress can cause stress-related diseases in cats, including skin problems and UTIs.

Is my cat stressed?

Cats are notoriously good at hiding their emotions, but it isn’t impossible to spot signs of feline anxiety. If your cat is displaying any of the behaviours listed below, you may find that the culprit is stress:

  • Unusual toileting behaviour. Many stressed cats express their anxieties by urinating outside the litter box (or in the house, if your cat is an outdoor cat), or worst still in your shoes or handbag.
  • Over-grooming. Cats groom themselves to self-soothe, so a cat that’s over-grooming may be under stress. A sure sign of excessive grooming is bald or thin patches of fur, which can be anywhere they can reach, most typically on their belly’s, the inside of their legs or their sides.
  • Of course, some cats are just loud. You know your cat – if they’re meowing and calling to you much more than usual, they could be trying to tell you something.
  • Excessive scratching. Cats often scratch themselves more than usual when they’re feeling stressed. If your cat’s up to date with their flea treatments, doesn’t have an allergy and is still scratching like mad, this could be a sign of stress.
  • Cats aren’t always the most sociable creatures, but neither is it usual for them to be hiding themselves away all of the time.
  • Lack of appetite. Decreased appetite in cats can be indicative of many different issues, including stress. This is definitely not a sign to ignore.
  • Just like humans, cats can lash out when they are under stress, both at humans and other animals.

 

Stressed cat

 

What is causing my cat to feel stressed?

If you can tick off more than one of the symptoms above, you may find you have got a stressed moggy. While anxiety in cats is reasonably common, it’s not normal, and the first step is identifying any possible causes for your cat’s stress. The most common causes of stress in cats usually boil down to one thing: change. Think hard to see if you’ve made any recent changes to your home or routine which might have affected your cat more than you think.

A big change for cats is the presence of new animals in the home; if you’ve brought home a new cat or another pet, this can be a major cause of stress for other pets. New family members, such as a baby, can cause feline stress too. The key thing here is to make sure your cat knows he’s still your number one; lots of love, attention, and cuddles are in order here. Be sure to make sure your cat still has lots of space, too – if you’ve introduced a second cat, make sure their food bowls are kept apart, and try to keep a separate litter tray for each cat, the ideal rule of thumb being to have one litter tray per cat plus another in your home. Importantly ensure they all have plenty of water, ideally in different containers, my cat loves to drink from pint glasses and I have learned the hard way to be very careful where I put them!

Other changes in your life can equally affect your cats. Moving to a new home may be just as stressful for your puss as it is for you; by keeping blankets, toys and furniture around that your cat already knows well, you can help to ease this transition and make your new house feel like home again. Even changing jobs could be the cause of your cat’s stress; cats are creatures of habit, and anything which changes your daily routine can throw a cat off. Try to keep your day as consistent as possible, and find a routine that works for you both going forward.

 

 

How can I help my cat?

If you can pinpoint the cause of your cat’s stress, you’re already halfway to fixing the problem. There are some more general ways that you can help your cat to feel calm and to prevent your cat from getting stressed in the future, too.

A simple option is to try a synthetic pheromone diffuser or spray such as Feliway. When a cat marks its territory, it releases facial pheromones which make the cat feel happy, calm, and relaxed. Synthetic copies of these pheromones are available as plug-in diffusers and sprays that you can use around the house to help your cat feel calmer. These products might not work for cats who have a deeper cause of their anxiety, but for many it may just do the trick.

It is also worth ensuring that your cats have as much space as possible. Don’t overcrowd your home with pets, and make sure that your cat always has somewhere quiet to retreat to if they are feeling overwhelmed or stressed. If you have got the space and you live in a safe enough area, getting your cats outdoors can do wonders for their mental health. Cats are naturally active, outdoorsy animals, and getting out into the wild is really how they love to spend their time.

A happy cat is a healthy cat.

If your cat is getting stressed, try not to beat yourself up about it. It is impossible to avoid all stress triggers all of the time; as a pet owner, all you can do is your best to make your pet’s life as happy and healthy as you can. If you have tried all of the above suggestions and your cat is still displaying the symptoms of stress, we would advise it is important to take them for a veterinary check-up to rule out any medical causes of their symptoms and to make sure that your cat’s anxiety isn’t making them ill.

 

If you have any concerns about your cat, do not hesitate to contact your local Young Vets surgery to get help and bring calm back into your home.

 

Blog and images supplied by Zoetis.

Written by Gemma Hopkins BVETMED, CERTVC, MRCVS

 

 

We hope you enjoy reading our Summer Newsletter.

Heat Stroke And How To Prevent It In Your Pet

Heat Stroke And How To Prevent It In Your Pet

Our Summer Newsletter has arrived, it includes a few tips to keep your pet fit and well at this time of year. Keeping Cool! Paddling pools may help keep dogs cool and they should have free access to water at all times. Heat stroke is a common, and serious problem, learn how to avoid it here.

 

Heat stroke

 

 

Insect alert!

Bees and wasps are tempting to play with for both cats and dogs but will deliver a nasty sting if provoked! These are painful and can cause sudden swellings on faces or paws. Most stings will benefit from prompt veterinary attention. Find out some of the other hazards to watch out for in our Summer News.

 

Picture credit: USDA Agricultural Research Service

Picture credit: USDA Agricultural Research Service

 

Guinea pigs can live in or outdoors

but it is important they have enough space to run and play. Our Summer Newsletter discusses some of the things you need to be aware of to keep your piggies happy and healthy. They are susceptible to mite infections, the signs to watch out for are included here.

 

It is important to check them at least once a day.

It is important to check your guinea pig at least once a day.

 

We hope you enjoy reading our Summer Newsletter, if you have any questions on the items mentioned contact our friendly team for further advice.

 

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