Category Archives: cats
Summer and your pets,
Summer and your pets,
Summer is finally here and as the weather warms up, we can finally look forward to some sunny days and social evenings. But we also need to consider our pets, some can find the summer heat quite uncomfortable and others have been know to take full advance of the food on offer at family BBQ’s leading to some serious consequences!
Be the first to read our latest Pet Care Blog here.
Brushing up on dental care!
Good dental hygiene starts at home, ideally from your pets first few days at home, this helps to ensure their teeth and gums stay in good condition throughout their lifetime. Our Pet Healthcare Blog offers some great advice on what a healthy mouth looks like and the conditions to watch out for.
The sooner any dental problem can be identified, the sooner treatment can be started and dental pain and tooth loss can hopefully be avoided. If you pets breath is a little bit iffy, please do not hesitate to contact out friendly teams for more advice on your pets individual case.
Not yet a client, please register yourself and your pet here > https://brentfordvets.co.uk/register-your-pet/ and our friendly team will be able to discuss your pets individual case during a consultation with one of our friendly vets,
The importance of early socialisation,
The early experiences a puppy or kitten has of people and their surroundings, has a huge impact on their behaviour and personality for the rest of their lives. Whether this is your first puppy or your fifth, we strongly recommended attending puppy school to help your pup become a well behaved individual.
Our Summer News discusses what you need to consider before exposing your pet to the big wide world.
We hope you enjoy reading our latest Pet Care Blog, if you have a question regarding any of the articles mentioned please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team for more advice and support for your pet.
Worming worries!
Worming worries!
Worms are something all pet owners need to be aware of, and treat for periodically.
Our Spring Newsletter discusses the different types of worms, the signs of a worm burden and the problems they can cause inside your pet. Understand more about parasites and protecting your pet here.
The good news is parasite protection is included in all of our Pet Healthcare Clubs.
Our Healthcare Clubs also include; Your pets annual booster vaccination and health examination, a six monthly health check with one of our friendly vets, flea, worm and Lungworm protection, nail clipping, anal gland expression plus a 10 % discount off all other products and services that we provide.
Start saving on your pets healthcare costs in 2024 > Click here.
Sign up today and start collecting the benefits as soon as your first payment has been made.
Easter and pets,
As the weather improves and we thankfully leave winter behind us, take a moment to consider some of the hazards that Easter can bring into your home.
Our Spring Newsletter discusses the common items in your home that are poisonous, bare in mind that a dog’s nose can easily sniff out treats such as chocolate and raisins very quickly when you bring the shopping in!
Kennel cough – do you know the signs?
With signs of Spring time approaching, it brings with it the highly infectious, but rarely life – threatening, respiratory infection Kennel Cough.
Our Spring Newsletter explains the signs of Kennel Cough and how to help prevent your dog from suffering from this uncomfortable condition.
We hope you enjoy reading our latest Pet Blog, if you have a question or concern about any of the articles mentioned please do not hesitate our team for more advice.
Winter and our pets
Winter and our pets
Rabbits and guinea pigs can be prone to the cold, bad weather when living outside. Ensure there is plenty of warm, dry bedding for them to snuggle into and keep their hutch in a draft free area ideally in a shed or garage. Our latest Winter Pet Blog includes our pet care advice for the wintry season ahead. be the first to read it here.
Now is the perfect time to assess your pets weight!
Our Winter Pet Blog provides some great advice on how to assess your pets weight from home without the need for a set of scales. Long term weight gain can have some serious effects on your pets health so there has never been a better time to squeeze in that extra walk with your dog!
Rabbiting On!
Rabbits can make a wonderful addition to a family, however despite their size this does not make them an easy pet for children. Our Winter Pet Blog discusses the range of considerations that need to be thought about before bringing home a bunny.
Don’t forget that if you want to save money in 2024 consider joining our Pet Healthcare Club. Our Club allows you to spread the cost of all of your pets veterinary essentials across affordable monthly payments on a date that suits you. In exchange for regular monthly payments your pet will receive their annual booster vaccination, two health examinations, nail clipping, parasite protection plus a 10 % discount off all other products and services that we offer.
Join today and start spreading your pet care costs.
We hope you enjoy reading our latest pet care blog, if you have a query regarding any of the articles mentioned please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team for more advice.
Arthritis and your feline friend.
Arthritis and your feline friend.
Arthritis in cats is a surprisingly common and serious health concern, without treatment the
pain will continue to worsen, particularly as the damp, cold weather starts. Recognising signs of pain in your cat can be tricky as they are very good at hiding the signs of struggling and discomfort. But as your cats protector, you know your pet better than anyone in the world so if you think that your cat is not quite as agile as they used to be, please do not hesitate to contact our team for advice and support.
Other signs to watch out for include
Dull, matted coat – due to less self grooming.
Changes to personality – more irritable.
Not jumping up to their usual window sill / sunny spot.
Having accidents / missing the litter tray.
If you suspect your cat is struggling, do not panic, our team are available to help support you and your pet. We have a new injectable pain relief designed specifically to target the aches and pains of arthritis, meaning your cat can enjoy a comfortable, pain free life again.
All four of our West London surgeries are able to provide a treatment plan to support your pet. If you are not yet a client please register yourself and your pet here.
Already a client – please contact your local Young Vets surgery to discuss the treatment available and whether your pet is a suitable candidate.
Read a success story from Charlotte & Mandu, clients at our Chiswick surgery.
“Last year I noticed that when my 10 year old cat walked away from me, his back legs seemed stiff and he resembled a cowboy, akin to John Wayne! When Mandu climbed stairs, it was laboured and he didn’t like jumping up on to walls anymore.
My husband built some ramps around the home to help support him, the fence ramp is very popular but the stair ramp, not so much!
Last October, at Mandu’s yearly vaccination, the vet checked his hips and back legs and, after much hissing, the vet announced her suspicions – osteoarthritis. I had no idea that cats, like dogs and humans, could be inflicted with this horrible condition.
Mandu was prescribed a joint supplement, but after one month there was no change. I was recommended a new treatment, produced especially for cats to alleviate the pain of arthritis and improve mobility. Results from other patients were proving to be very promising.
In February, Mandu had his first dosage (two vials as he’s nearly 8 kilo’s) and it was amazing to see the difference, within days he became more agile and comfortable. As a result, he returns every month for his top up dose, the cost of which is supported by my pet insurance.
The impact of chronic pain will affect your cat’s quality of life, as a fellow osteoarthritis sufferer, I know. Here’s hoping a human version is produced soon!”
Why not take a short 8 question checklist, to help identify your cats quality of life, not just physically but emotionally.
The good news is that by identifying your cat’s condition, together with the help of our experienced team, we can develop a care plan to help put the spring back into your feline. Take a short feline only quiz here.
If you have concerns about your cat, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team for advice and support on your pets individual needs. This pet blog is not intended to replace discussions with a veterinary surgeon and has been produced by the Young Veterinary Partnership with support from Zoetispetcare.com
Our Autumn pet blog has arrived,
Our Autumn pet blog has arrived,
As the summer turns to Autumn, tick numbers are at their highest. Did you know ticks can cause a serious health risk to both pets and their humans. Our Autumn News discusses the safest way to remove a tick, its pretty simple and can usually be done in the comfort of your own home provided you have the correct tool available.
Pet Insurance – is your pet protected?
Pet insurance is something we advise all owners to consider. We all know that vet bills are often unexpected and can mount up quickly in the event of an emergency. Our Autumn news offers some top tips on how to pick out a policy that will be supportive when you need it most. There are lots of different types of cover available so click here to read our top tips on the range of policies available and what to look out for.
Firework Fear!
As the nights draw in, once again fireworks season is just around the corner. Our Autumn News includes some great advice to how to support your pet during this stressful time. If you are concerned about how your pet might react, or you already know they don’t cope well during fireworks season please Be Prepared, contact our team in advance so we can discuss the range of tools available when additional support is required.
There are a few things you can to at home to help keep your pet safe during fireworks season ;
- Check your pets ID – Is the tag on their collar easy to read and up to date?
- Lock your cat flap overnight, provide a litter tray for relief.
- Keep your dog on a lead or long line for their safety.
- Shut the curtains and turn up the radio.
Autumn is a truly beautiful time of year – the trees are turning to glorious golds and the weather is crisp. Our blog includes some top tips to support owners through the change of seasons. We hope you enjoy reading our Autumn Pet Blog, if you have a concern about any of the articles mentioned please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team for more advice.
Keep your pets cool this summer.
Keep your pets cool this summer.
Keep your pets cool this summer. Our pet blog has arrived and it includes some great advice on keeping your pets cool during the summer heat. Be the first to read our blog here. Heat can be a real killer for many pets, especially golden oldies and brachycephalic breeds.
Have you considered brain training, enrichment or trick training to tire your dog out without walking them in the heat?
Grass awns, ear mites and other ear problems.
Our Summer news discusses the different causes of ear problems, a common ailment in cats, dogs and many rabbits that we see here at Young Vets. We recommend checking your pets ears at least twice a week for signs of irritation or infection. Read our latest pet blog for advice on signs to watch out for and what to do if you suspect a problem.
Tick alert!
Ticks are most active from March to October being found in woods and long grass. Our latest pet blog discusses the problems that ticks can cause and how to remove them safely from your pet. If you want to discuss tick protection for your pet please contact our friendly team for advice on the most suitable product for your pet.
Does your dog scoot?
Do you see your dog scooting their backend along the floor, or are they ferociously nibbling at the back end / tail area, this could indicate blocked anal glands. Our Summer Pet Blog explains more on anal gland irritations, a common problem in some dogs. Our team can also offer advice on how to help manage the problem and prevent it re occurring, although some pets have to visit on a regular basis for this problem.
We hope you enjoy reading our latest pet blog, if you have a question regarding any of the articles mentioned please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team for more advice on your pets individual case.
Spotting the Signs of Arthritis
Spotting the Signs of Arthritis
Arthritis is a chronic condition caused when the normal joint tissues degenerate (or wear away), leading to pain and ongoing damage.1,2 Arthritis commonly develops in middle age, with older cats more likely to demonstrate signs of arthritis.
Arthritis in our pets is sadly very common. Around 40% of all cats will show signs of arthritis and more than 90% of cats older that 12 years have signs consistent with arthritis when looking at x-rays of their joints. If left untreated, the pain will become worse over time.
Despite how common arthritis is in cats, it is underdiagnosed. Globally, only around 13% of cats with arthritis will receive a diagnosis and therefore, treatment for their chronic pain. So why is this number so low?
The nature of the cat’s behaviour means they tend to hide signs of illness or pain. In the wild, showing signs of illness would make them vulnerable to predation from other animals and this behaviour has carried over to our pet cats. Whilst beneficial in the wild, this is not helpful in a home environment. It means that illnesses can be well advanced before we notice anything is wrong.
Another reason why arthritis in cats is not easy to spot, is due to the common misconception that slowing down or being less active is a normal change as cats get older. This is not the case. If your cat becomes less active, shows less interest in or a reluctance to play, this could be a sign that your cat is suffering from arthritis.
However, if we are aware of the behaviours (or lack thereof) associated with arthritis in cats, we can spot the signs earlier, meaning we can ensure our cats are comfortable, more mobile and have a good quality of life.
What Signs Can I Look For?
It is important to note first that you know your cat best as their owner. These signs give us clues that there may be arthritis affecting one or more of your cat’s joints. Any deviation from the ‘normal’ behaviour of your cat warrants a visit to the vet for a check over. As we have already mentioned, cats are experts at hiding signs of illness and your vet will be happy to examine your cat if you are worried.
Mobility:
Your cat may be reluctant to
- – Jump up or down onto or off of surfaces.
- – Go up and/or down stairs
- – Jump or climb into/onto their favourite bed.
- – Play
- – Use scratching posts (or other substrates)
Behaviour:
Your cat may be:
- – Grumpy or less happy with people and other animals in the house
- – More withdrawn – interacting less with others in the house
- – Less active
- – Sleeping in different locations eg, on the floor
- – Not coming upstairs/into the house any more
If you notice any of these signs in your cat, it could indicate they have pain associated with arthritis. It is important to seek treatment from your veterinary surgeon if any of the above are noticed.
Cat Blog produced by Pet Dialog. If you have concerns about your feline friend don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team for advice on your pets individual case.
References:
- Cimino Brown D et al. What can we learn from osteoarthritis pain in companion animals? Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2017;35 suppl 107(5):53-58. 2. KG MarketSense 2018 Global Veterinarian Market Research
Springtime and your garden.
Springtime and your garden.
It’s time to get out and about and start enjoying the Spring sunshine.
Our Spring Pet Blog gives some great advice on how to keep your pet safe whilst out and about in your garden or local park. From pet poisons to parasite protection, its all included in our latest pet blog.
Is your pet a little ‘off’? Not quite themselves? Visit our FREE symptom check below for advice on your pets individual symptoms.
Introducing a new pet
Are you and your family welcoming a new pet in 2023? With the help of our vet team, we’ve put together a ‘to – do’ list including some of the important decisions to consider before your new family member comes home.
From life stage diets to vaccinations, its all included in our Spring News. Introducing a new pet can be a lot of fun and also a big responsibility, why not register yourself and your new family member before they arrive, to save yourself some time before your first visit.
Lungworm can be swallowed
as tiny larvae, and cause significant damage, breathing troubles, lethargy and in worst cases even death. All dog owners understand that protection from fleas and worms should be done regularly but do you know about Lungworm? Lungworm cases are on the rise across the UK, our Spring News explains how to protect your dog from this potentially deadly parasite.
The good news is all of our dog Healthcare Plans automatically include lungworm protection. Spread the cost of your dogs veterinary essentials across affordable monthly payments on a date that suits you. Click here to see the list of full benefits available for your pet in our Healthcare Clubs.
We hope you enjoy reading our Springtime Pet Blog, if you have a query on any of the articles mentioned please do not hesitate to contact our team for more advice on your pet.
We are on the socials, give us a follow – we’d love to see what your pets get up to when they’re out and about! Use the #youngvets to tag us in your Insta stories!
Festive alert!
Festive alert!
Festive alert! The festive season can bring with it a whole host of pet poisons into your home, these can be extremely tempting to your pet. We’ve put together a FREE Pet Poisons checker for you to use at home if you have concerns about something your pet has ingested. Our Winter News includes some seasonal tips on keeping your pets happy and healthy throughout the coming winter.
Worms – what to look out for.
Worms are something all pet owners need to be aware of and treat for periodically. Our Winter Blog discusses the range of parasites that can still lurk around, even in the colder weather! The good news is – parasite protection is automatically included in our Pet Healthcare Club, allowing you to spread your pet’s veterinary essentials across affordable monthly payments, join today and start saving.
Dental disease – is your pet affected?
Did you know that by the age of just three years old, the vast majority of our pets are suffering with dental disease? Poor dental health is painful, causes tooth loss, and infections can spread throughout the body. Our Winter News explains the types of dental disease that can cause problems for your pet, the good news is that many dental problems can be prevented so ask our team at your pets next appointment for advice on a dental routine that suits your pet.
On behalf of Dr Matthew Wilson and all the team at Young Veterinary Partnership, we would like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy 2023.