Tag Archives: fleas

Our staff here at Young Vets understand that when the cold winter weather hits, the lure of a cosy sofa and central heating can conspire against us, leaving both pet and owner prone to putting on a few unwanted pounds. This is a problem because while it is all so easy to gain weight, loosing it isn’t nearly so easy! Our Winter Newsletter explains how to monitor your pets weight, looking for a waist line and the problems that obesity can lead to.

Festive alert:

Pieces of string, tinsel and bones from turkeys should be kept well out of reach to avoid an intestinal blockage and the possible need for life saving surgery. Our Winter Newsletter offers advice on how to avoid a Christmas calamity and keep your pet safe during this festive period.

Does your golden oldie slow down when the cold weather hits?

Cold winters can make your pet’s joints stiff and painful. Our Winter Newsletter explains which joints are most susceptible to arthritis, the signs to watch out for and the things you can do to help your pet if they are getting a little stiff in their old age. Ever considered a Doggy Swimming Pool – believe it or not – these places are becoming more and more popular and they are great for burning calories whilst not stressing out sore joints. Contact our friendly team if you think this could be beneficial to your pet!

Have you ever wondered where fleas go for a winter holiday?

Sadly, the answer is – your home! Did you know that once the weather starts to cool this can be the worst time of year for flea infestations. Our Winter Newsletter explains what invites them into your home and what makes it seem like they appear out of nowhere. If you don’t want any extra visitors in your home over the festive period contact our friendly team to get protection for your pet and your home.

Our Winter Newsletter has arrived, it is jam packed with advice to help you and your pet avoid a Christmas calamity over the festive period. If you have a query on anything mentioned give our friendly team a call and they will be able to help you.

Our Autumn Newsletter for 2017 has arrived!

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Our Autumn Newsletter has arrived, we hope you enjoy reading it! If you have any questions about the topics in the newsletter do not hesitate to contact our friendly team!

A word in your ear!

Did you know ear disease is common in our pets and its something we regularly treat here at Young Vets. Anatomically, our pets’ ears are very similar to ours, the main difference is that the ears are positioned towards the top of their heads rather than the sides. Read our NEWSLETTER to understand more about ear disease and the signs to watch out for in your pet.

Autumn Awareness!

Do you know the dangers that come with the beautiful season that is Autumn? Read our NEWSLETTER and learn about some of the dangers around this season, including conkers. They are poisonous, causing nasty tummy upsets in dogs when swallowed and can cause blockages in the intestines!

Parasite Alert!

Don’t forget to keep treating your pet against fleas and ticks during this season, as turning on your central heating means your home becomes the ideal environment when it is too cold outside for them! We are happy to talk to you about parasite protection for your home and your pet, don’t hesitate to contact for a chat.

Tick Alert!

Don’t forget to monitor your pet daily for ticks and if any are found, these should be removed promptly with a specially designed tick remover. Make sure you remove the whole of the tick and don’t leave any of it attached to your pet or it can cause irritation. If you are concerned contact our team and we will be able to remove ticks from your pet.

We’re sure about insurance, are you?

Are your pets insured? If not, it is definitely something worth considering and we would certainly recommend it. When looking for policies there are a few things to consider. Read our Autumn NEWSLETTER to understand about the different types of policies that are available for your pet.

Do fireworks put your pet in a fizz?

Sadly fireworks is not just one night anymore it seems to be more of a ‘season’. This can cause real anxiety for some pets, however there are many ways to try and keep the peace in your home. One of the most important things to bear in mind is be prepared. Read some of the different options we have available in our NEWSLETTER and contact our friendly team for more help and advice.

Click here to read our Autumn Newsletter for 2017.

Kitten care- training, feeding, vaccinating, fleas

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Feeding

Try to continue the same food that the breeder was feeding at least in the first few days. You may then mix in a new kitten food if you would like to change it over the next few days. Kitten food will have all the nutrients and vitamins they require, and vitamin supplements are not needed. If your kitten develops diarrhoea, you should stop the kitten food and feed boiled chicken or fish for a couple of days. Cats do not need milk once they are eating kitten food and it can cause diarrhoea. Fresh tap water should be available at all times. Continue feeding 3x daily until 6 months old, and then 2x daily. Dry food is better for your cats teeth as they get older and may be more convenient in warmer weather than wet food, but a mix of wet and dry may be offered.

Black and white cat Minnie Moo

Worming

Most kittens will have worms which have been passed from their mum. They will need worming when acquired ( usually around 8-9 weeks of age), with either tablets or more commonly a spot on treatment from the vet.

Vaccinations

Are strongly recommended to protect your kitten from air born viruses such as cat flu, and cat enteritis (diarrhoea). Leukaemia vaccination’s are also usually included, and recommended for any cat that will go outdoors. Yearly vaccination boosters are required to maintain their immunity.

Training

Kittens are not as easy to train as dogs – cats are just more independent ! However they should be provided with cat scratching posts, and should have lots of toys to play with. A piece of paper rolled up into a ball can give a lot of fun! Avoid playing with cotton thread or wool as they are dangerous if swallowed. If they are badly behaved with biting an scratching, do not tell them off as they won’t understand and it may make them fearful. Just ignore them by leaving the room or by putting them in an area by themselves.

Flea treatment

Should be used regularly particularly for outdoor cats ( but indoor cats may also pick up fleas, possibly brought in on clothing, or by other pets). We generally recommend monthly spot on treatment with Stronghold ( which also treats the common worms -roundworm), but flea injections given every 6 months are also available. Flea collars and most flea treatments from supermarkets are ineffective, and flea treatments from the vet are far more effective in preventing flea infestations occurring.

For further information on kitten and cat care see our blogs on

How to stop kittens and cats scratching furniture

Tips to stop your cat spraying or toileting in the house

How to train your kitten to play without biting

Choosing a kitten – top ten tips

Cat carriers- how to get your kitten or cat to enjoy going in