Tag Archives: ticks

Our Autumn pet blog has arrived,

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.

 

Closeup of a full tick in the fur of a dog with human hands holding green pliers to remove it

 

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.

 

Spotting the Signs of Arthritis

 

 

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.

 

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

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.

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Arthritis and your pet.

Arthritis and your pet.

 

Arthritis and your pet.

 

Arthritis in pets is a lot more common than you may think! Any joint can be affected, our Autumn Pet News explains the signs to watch out for in your pet. If you have concerns about arthritis and your pet do not hesitate to contact our friendly team for more advice.

 

arthritis .....

 

Arthritis and your pet.

Arthritis and your pet.

autumn aches

 

Autumn alert!

As the Autumn nights draw in, we’ve put together some top seasonal tips to help keep your pet safe and well. Our Autumn Pet News talks about the parasites to watch out for and the pet poisons that could be lurking in your home or garage. If you suspect your pet has ingested a pet poison do not hesitate, seek veterinary advice immediately.

 

vet cat dog ticks

 

Diet dilemmas

Are you feeling overwhelmed about the different diets available for your pet, don’t worry, you are not alone! Our Autumn Pet News discusses what to look for when choosing a diet. If you need further advice on choosing a diet to suit your pet, please do not hesitate to ask our friendly team. Whichever diet you do choose, don’t forget to feed the correct quantities to help your pet maintain a healthy waistline!

 

pets dogs cats vet

 

We hope that you enjoy reading our Autumn Pet News, if you have a query on any of the articles mentioned please do not hesitate to discuss them with one of our friendly vets.

 

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With the seasons changing it is important to be aware that this could bring new pet poisons into your home. Have you seen our Pet Poisons Guide – Click here to check the items in your home and garage.

Dental disease, signs to watch out for in your pet.

Dental disease, signs to watch out for in your pet.

 

Dental disease, signs to watch out for in your pet. Our Spring Newsletter has arrived and it takes a closer look at dental disease, the causes, treatments available and most importantly prevention.

 

pets teeth

Tick-borne diseases – what are they?

As the weather warms up, and Spring looks set to stay, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on those pesky parasites looking to jump onto your pets and into your home! Our Spring News explains the lifecycle of the flea and why year round prevention is so important for your pet.

flea

 

The benefits of grooming your pet

means you can keep an eye out for an lumps and bumps that your pet may get. Our Spring Newsletter discusses the different types of lumps and bumps and what to do if you find one on your pet.

 

vet cat dog ticks

 

Our Spring Newsletter has arrived, be the first to read it here. If you have a question on any of the articles mentioned don’t hesitate to contact our team or ask one of our friendly vets at your pets next appointment for more advice.

 

Microchips With Everything!

Microchips With Everything!

Microchips With Everything!

 

Microchips With Everything!

Having your pet microchipped is absolutely vital! Our Spring News Blog, discussed why microchips are so vital for almost all pets. As you are hopefully aware, it is now compulsory to microchip dogs over the age of 8 weeks old. It is also vitally important to keep your pets microchip details up to date, have you changed your address recently, changed your mobile number – DON’T FORGET to update your pets microchip details.

 

a microchip

 

Looking after your new pet

 

Thinking of going to a rescue centre to re home a pet this Spring, or contacting a breeder to view a new family member? Our Spring News has put together a check-list of things to do when your new family member arrives! From pet insurance to dental care – there’s lots to remember.

 

Beautiful Mapel.

 

 

Covid – 19 and early socialisation.

Unfortunately due to Covid 19, the pandemic has made it much harder to socialise young pets. Our Spring News discusses how a good breeder or rescue centre can help start your pets socialisation process when they are young, but if you are struggling with your lockdown pet hitting their Teenage Stage then please do ask our team or seek a qualified behaviourist for advice and support.

 

be worm wise

 

We hope you enjoy reading our Spring News Blog – If you have a question regarding any of the articles mentioned do not hesitate to discuss any concerns at your pets next appointment or telephone your local Young Vets Surgery.

 

Are you new to the West LondonMicrochips With Everything! area – looking for a vet to help you care for your pet? Register with our team today and visit a vet who is passionate about your pet.

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Making a den for your dog

Making a den for your dog

 

Making a den for your dog

 

Making a den for your dog 

we hope that this Autumn Newsletter finds you safe and well following Covid – 19, whilst so much has changed recently it is likely that fireworks will continue to plague the life of many pets. With this in mind we’ve included some top tips on helping your pet calm throughout fireworks season this 2020.

 

Making a den for your dog

Making a den for your dog

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ticks & fleas

another seasonal problem. Our Autumn News takes a look at the two biggest offenders and what you can do to protect your pet and your home.

 

Tick remover

 

 

Autumn Aches

did you know carrying extra weight puts a strain on your pets organs such as their heart and lungs, and especially their joints. Has your pet gained some additional lockdown pounds? Our Autumn Newsletter explains the signs of arthritis and how to help improve the lives of an arthritic pet.

 

Our vets.

Our vets.

 

We hope you have enjoyed reading our Autumn Newsletter 2020, if you have a question on any of the articles mentioned please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team for further advice.

 

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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.

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.

 

 

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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.

 

Don’t forget to find us on Facebook, Twitter and subscribe to our You Tube for more top pet care tips and videos.

Cats and ticks

What Are Ticks And Do They Infest Cats?

 

What are ticks and do they infest cats?

 

A recent study found that 6.6% of cats in the UK are infested with ticks. So what are they, how can you protect your cat, and what is the best tick treatment for cats?

Where are ticks found?

Ticks are closely related to spiders, with adults having eight legs. They feed on blood and attach to their hosts by anchoring into the skin using their mouths. They are most commonly found in areas of grassland and woodland shared by deer and livestock but can also be brought into urban environments by small mammals like hedgehogs. This means that cats can be exposed in a wide variety of environments.

 

Cats and ticks

What are ticks and do they infest cats?

 

Will ticks make my cat ill?

When ticks bite, redness, swelling and irritation can occur – and sometimes these areas can become infected with bacteria. Cats appear to be relatively resistant to the effects of Lyme disease, but can suffer from other tick-borne diseases such as anaplasmosis, which may require treatment. Infected cats may develop a high fever and raised lymph nodes, so if your cat appears unwell, or if there is a visible reaction at the site of a tick bite, it is best to take your pet to the vet for further advice. The good news is that potentially fatal tick-borne infections such as Babesia felis and Cytauxzoon are not present in the UK.

Are ticks on cats a health risk to people?

Ticks found in the UK can transmit infections such as Lyme disease to humans. People are usually exposed to ticks by walking through pastures, fields and woodland. It is advisable to check yourself every 24 hours if spending time in these areas, and to also use tick repellent spray on skin or clothing. Because cats do visit areas inhabited by wildlife infected with Lyme disease, it is also the case that they may bring infected ticks into homes and gardens. Although owning a pet does not directly increase the risk of Lyme disease in humans, preventing the spread of infected ticks is another good reason to use preventative products on your pets.

 

How can I keep my cat safe from ticks and tick-borne diseases?

Ticks can be managed by physical removal or the use of preventative products.

Physical removal of ticks

As the bulk of tick-borne infections in the UK are thought to take at least 24 hours to be transmitted after tick attachment, pets should be checked every 24 hours and any ticks should be carefully removed. However, this may be easier said than done, as some cats spend long periods of time away from home, and others may not be entirely cooperative!

 

Tick remover

A green tick twister.

 

Rather than sticking to a rigid daily regime of tick checking, do so while grooming or stroking your cat. Run your hands over their body, especially around their face, neck, legs and feet. A tick will feel like a small lump on the skin, and may vary in size from 1mm-1cm. They can be removed with a tick hook, using a simple ‘twist and pull’ action. A fine pointed pair of tweezers can work too, with a ‘straight pull’ technique being used. Crushing the tick with your fingers or a pair of blunt tweezers will increase the risk of disease transmission. Traditional methods to loosen the tick such as the application of petroleum jelly or burning are also best avoided, as these are likely to stress the cat and tick alike.

If in doubt, visit your local Young Vet’s branch, and a vet or nurse will be happy to remove the tick for you and demonstrate the best techniques for you to use at home for tick removal.

 

What are ticks and do they infest cats.

What are ticks and do they infest cats.

 

Use of tick prevention products

The use of products that rapidly kill or repel ticks is useful in reducing tick-borne disease transmission, and also the number of ticks that have to be physically removed. These days, a number of different highly effective preparations should be available from your local vets. If applied correctly, the best tick treatment for cats offer up to a 100% success rate in killing ticks. However, it is still important to check your cats for ticks regularly.

 

What if my cat is travelling abroad?

There are different ticks and tick-borne diseases abroad that are not present in the UK. It is very important, therefore, to treat cats travelling abroad with an effective tick prevention product before, during and after travel. In addition, you should check your cat at least every 24 hours while abroad, and remove any found with a tick removal device. Finally, it can be beneficial to get a vet to check your cat for ticks on return to the UK.

 

If you are concerned about ticks on your cat, do not hesitate to contact our friendly team for more help and advice.

This blog and images have been written and produced by Catdialog team.

Our Autumn Newsletter has arrived!

Autumn Alert!

 

   We are pleased to announce our Autumn newsletter has arrived – Autumn Alert!

 

Autumn Alert! 

Older pets will often feel the cold in their joints; becoming sluggish and stiff. Don’t ignore these signs, since arthritis is generally the underlying problem. This can cause significant pain but often our pets are very bad at letting us know just how sore they are.

 

brentford vets puppy

 

Rabbits – What’s up doc?

Our Autumn newsletter discusses the signs to watch out for in your pet rabbit. From feeding to infectious diseases, its all included. We love seeing rabbits here at Young Vets so if you have any queries on the article please don’t hesitate to get in contact!

 

Autumn news

Autumn newsletter.

 

Wasps and Bees

are coming to an end of their summer lives and are often pretty slow, which makes them irresistible play things for dogs and cats. Our Autumn newsletter explains the signs of a sting to watch out for on your pet.

 

Our Autumn newsletter has arrived! It has lots of practical advice to keep your pets happy and healthy this Autumn 2018.

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