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NAVIGATING FIREWORK SEASON WITH YOUR PET

Imagine if sudden, deafening explosions erupted without warning, leaving you anxious and fearful. For small animals, especially cats and dogs, this is often what fireworks feel like. With their heightened senses and sensitive hearing, what we consider a loud noise can be an overwhelming, ear-piercing experience for them. For many pets, fireworks lead to stress, fear, and, in extreme cases, trauma or panic-induced bolting. Every year, pets go missing after fleeing in terror during fireworks.

So, how can you tell if your pet is distressed by fireworks? Common signs include trembling, hiding, excessive barking or meowing, drooling, or even uncontrolled urination. These symptoms can be upsetting for owners to witness, but there are ways to minimize these negative effects. Creating a safe environment for your pet during the firework season is crucial.

HOW TO CREATE A SAFE SPACE FOR YOUR PET

Create a comfort zone

Determine which room in your home your pet feels most secure in and turn this into their comfort zone. Add their bed, toys, and perhaps some unwashed clothing with your scent to provide extra comfort. If you need to leave your pet unattended, these familiar items can help soothe them. You can also create a “den” by covering a box or carrier with a towel or blanket, offering a cosy hideaway where they can feel safe.

Sound and light proofing

To muffle the noise, ensure all windows and doors are closed. Playing calming music or white noise can help mask the sound of fireworks. Some radio stations even offer dedicated pet channels, and you can also find pet-friendly firework playlists on streaming platforms. Additionally, close the curtains to block out the flashing lights. Keeping indoor lights on can also make external flashes less noticeable and frightening for your pet.

Stay calm

Pets are incredibly perceptive and can sense their owner’s anxiety. It’s essential to stay as calm and relaxed as possible, offering comfort without reinforcing fearful behaviours. By acting as you normally would, you reassure your pet that there is nothing to fear.

Seek professional help

If the above steps aren’t enough to ease your pet’s anxiety, consult your us. Our vets can recommend treatments, including natural calming remedies, sedatives, or anti-anxiety medications, to help your pet cope with firework-related fears. Even if you’re unsure of what to do, your veterinary team is there to provide guidance, recommendations, and support.

Important Reminder

Never take your pet to fireworks displays or bonfire nights unless absolutely necessary. Fireworks can be incredibly overwhelming for animals, and it’s safer to keep them at home in a familiar environment.

By taking these steps, you can help your pet feel more secure and reduce their stress during the firework season.

GREEN LEVEL INVESTORS IN THE ENVIRONMENT ACCREDITATION FOR OAKHILL VETS!

In 2022, Oakhill Vets embarked on its journey toward accreditation with Investors in the Environment (iiE), a national environmental accreditation scheme. The iiE program is designed to help organisations save time and money, minimise their environmental impact, and gain recognition for their sustainability efforts. The scheme focuses on four key areas of sustainable development: Leadership and Governance, Climate Change, Nature and Natural Resources, and Pollution and Waste.

Vet Lisa, Oakhill’s ‘Sustainability Lead,’ has been spearheading these efforts alongside sustainability champions, the wider staff team, and the directors. After a period of extensive reporting and planning, Oakhill had its second ‘Sustainability Audit’, and we are proud to announce that we achieved Green Level accreditation with an impressive score of 77%, skipping the Silver Level entirely!

To reach the Green Level, we demonstrated continuous improvement by implementing our Environmental Management System (EMS), achieving a minimum 2% efficiency improvement year after year. We have shown measurable success and progress, promoting sustainable development throughout our organisation and value chain while preparing for net-zero emissions and beyond. This includes:

Expanding the scope of environmental initiatives
Managing the environmental impact of work-related travel
Evaluating and greening our supply chain
Setting ambitious carbon reduction goals
Undertaking meaningful sustainability projects
Regularly reporting progress to stakeholders

At the Green Level, our focus has shifted toward broader sustainability efforts across the entire organisation, including sustainable procurement practices and addressing carbon emissions throughout our value chain.

In our audit report iiE said:
“Bronze Level Accreditation was achieved in 2023 by the practice, and although Oakhill Vets was aiming to achieve Silver Level Accreditation in this year’s audit, Green Level has been awarded. This is due to the extensive actions implemented which address usage of all resources, improvement in data collection, and the way sustainability has become embedded to form an integral part of the practice’s business approach. Further, the wider team show passion for changes, actively contributing ideas and taking ownership of sustainability projects in various areas across the practice. Work on projects this year has also been exemplary, and far surpasses the requirements of both Silver and Green Level Accreditation, as well as covering all three project areas: resource use/management, environment, and social/wellbeing.

“The practice has worked hard to establish a strong EMS over the past two years: Oakhill Vets should now seek to build on this in key areas, such as water management and introducing planned actions around travel. The practice is now in a good position to begin work to form an early draft for a long-term plan to clearly illustrate how its Net Zero by 2040 goal will be achieved. In the meantime, data collection should continue to be strengthened now that more reliable sources have been identified, which will support monitoring of performance when working towards the overall Net Zero target.”

COMMON PET POISONS TO AVOID

Did you know that many common household items, that are safe for people, are toxic to pets?

Despite owners’ best efforts, pets’ natural curiosity makes it easy for them to encounter substances that are dangerous to them! By learning about these common pet poisons and the signs of poisoning, you can help to keep your pet is safe.

Never ‘watch and wait’ if you suspect your pet has been poisoned. Act fast and contact the Animal PoisonLine or us for advice immediately. In most cases, the sooner your pet receives treatment, the better their chances of recovery.

HUMAN FOODS

Chocolate and caffeine

Both chocolate (which contains a stimulant called theobromine) and caffeine (found in coffee and tea, energy drinks and supplements/ medication) are poisonous to cats, dogs, ferrets, rabbits, and guinea pigs. The darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is to pets. Signs of poisoning usually appear within one to four hours and include vomiting, diarrhoea, increased thirst and urination, lack of co-ordination, restlessness, tremors, excessive salivating, and high heart rate. Treatment is usually successful.

Grapes, raisins, and currants

Grapes, raisins, currants, and foods containing them, such as cereals and cakes, are toxic to dogs, cats, and ferrets. The most common sign of toxicity is vomiting, usually occurring within 24 hours, followed by lethargy, diarrhoea, lack of appetite, and abnormal drinking or urination. The odds of recovery depend on the quantity consumed and the speed of treatment. With aggressive treatment, recovery is possible, but if kidney damage occurs, it can be life-threatening.

Onions and garlic

Onions, garlic, chives, and leeks are toxic to pets in any form. Ingestion can lead to vomiting, abdominal discomfort, loss of appetite, and diarrhoea, sometimes within 24 hours but more often after several days. With prompt treatment, most pets will recover well.

Salt

Consuming too much salt, present in various sources such as table salt, rock salt, playdough, and bath products, can be harmful to pets. The initial symptom of salt poisoning is vomiting, which can occur within minutes. This is often followed by diarrhoea, lethargy and weakness, excessive thirst and urination, lack of coordination, tremors, and rapid breathing. While most pets recover well with prompt treatment, severe cases can be fatal.

Alcohol

Ethanol, found in alcoholic drinks, hand sanitizer, and mouthwash, is poisonous to pets. Other sources of ethanol poisoning include perfumes and raw fermenting bread dough. Symptoms of ethanol poisoning typically appear within one or two hours and include vomiting, diarrhoea, agitation, lack of coordination, and drowsiness. Most pets recover well with treatment.

Xylitol

Xylitol, also known as birch sugar, is an artificial sweetener commonly found in chewing gum, toothpaste, and some sweet baked goods like biscuits and cakes. It is highly toxic to dogs, causing a rapid drop in blood sugar. Symptoms of xylitol poisoning, which typically appear within one to 12 hours, include disorientation, vomiting, a high heart rate, drowsiness, and seizures. In severe cases, it can lead to liver failure. While most pets recover well with aggressive treatment, liver failure, although less common, can be potentially fatal.

AROUND THE HOUSE

Human medication

Whilst some human medication may be given under veterinary supervision (at the correct dosage), in general human medication is poisonous to our pets. This is because a pet’s body cannot break down certain chemicals found in human medicine, like acetaminophen. As a result, the chemicals attach to the liver and slowly destroy it. Signs of poisoning usually appear within two hours and include vomiting, diarrhoea, increased thirst and urination, loss of appetite, lethargy and weakness, abdominal pain, and rapid or laboured breathing. Early treatment typically leads to a good recovery, depending on the medication ingested, but poisoning can be fatal in severe cases.

Vitamin D

Excessive doses of vitamin D, commonly found in skin creams, cod liver oil, and supplement tablets, can cause poisoning in pets. Symptoms, which usually appear within six to 12 hours, include weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea, increased thirst and urination, and loss of appetite. The chances of recovery vary depending on the severity of the symptoms and how quickly treatment is administered.

Cigarettes and e-cigarettes (vapes)

Nicotine is very harmful to pets. Signs of ingestion typically appear within 15 to 90 minutes and include vomiting, excessive salivation, lack of coordination, tremors, and rapid breathing followed by slower or shallow breathing. Chances of recovery are generally good with prompt treatment.

Household cleaners and DIY products

Most cleaning and DIY products, such as paint and paint thinner, can be dangerous to pets. They can be exposed directly by licking or swallowing a product, or indirectly through contact with their coat, skin, paws, or by inhaling chemical fumes. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, increased salivation, lack of coordination, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Most pets respond well to treatment.

OUTDOOR POISONS

Plant bulbs/leaves

The bulbs of many plants, such as hyacinths, bluebells, daffodils, and tulips, contain toxins that are poisonous to dogs and cats. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and lethargy within a few hours. These symptoms are typically mild, and most pets recover well. However, lilies are particularly toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure, which can be fatal if not treated quickly.

Garden chemicals

Common garden chemicals such as fertilizers and weed killer contain compounds like glyphosate which are harmful to animals. Signs of poisoning can appear within 30 minutes and include excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, lack of coordination, lethargy and eye and skin irritation. Most pets recover well with treatment.

Antifreeze

Antifreeze is poisonous to most animals and even tiny amounts can cause kidney failure and prove fatal. Signs of poisoning can appear in as little as 30 minutes, with symptoms such as vomiting, lack of co-ordination, weakness, seizures, rapid breathing and increased thirst and urination. Antifreeze poisoning can be life-threatening, and immediate treatment is required for the best chances of recovery.

Rat/mouse poisons (rodenticides)

Rodent poisons interfere with blood clotting in animals, and different poisons have different toxicity levels. It can take three to five days to show, which are commonly laboured or rapid breathing, lethargy, weakness, lack of appetite and coordination, and abdominal pain. The recovery rate is good with immediate treatment.

ANIMAL POISONLINE

Run by the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS), the Animal POISONLine is a 24-hour emergency telephone service dedicated to helping pet owners who are worried their pet may have been exposed to something harmful or poisonous.

They have experience of thousands of toxic substances in all animals and cover everything from human drugs, household and garden products, plants, agricultural chemicals to venomous bites and stings.

Based on the information you provide, their vets and scientists will be able to tell you if you need to go to the vets for immediate treatment, or whether they can save you the trip.

You can call 01202 509000, 24 hours a day if you are concerned about your pet. Calls cost £35 between Monday- Friday 8am to 8pm and £45 at all other times, including bank holidays.

Call the Animal POISONLine

OLD DOG, NEW DIGS

In the same way that humans have different needs as they age, dogs also need certain adaptions to their lifestyle and environment to keep them comfortable as they enter their senior years.

It’s important to keep an eye out for senior dog health conditions, such as arthritis and canine cognitive dysfunction (dog dementia), so that you can adjust things accordingly. Simple changes, focused on making their lifestyle more joint and brain friendly, can make a world of difference to their quality of life, comfort, and overall health.

Just as you would expect the home of an elderly person to look quite different to that of a young person, the home of an elderly dog needs to be set up to meet their changing needs.

DIET

When it comes to food, the focus should be less on what to feed your dog and more on how much and how to serve it. While a diet appropriate for their life stage is important, maintaining a healthy weight has the most significant impact on your senior dog’s health. Keeping your dog trim is crucial, as excess weight greatly increases the risk of joint disease and other health issues.

If your dog needs to lose weight, this can be challenging. Accurate food measurement, reducing treats, and speaking to us are effective strategies.

It’s also important to consider your dog’s comfort and engagement when feeding. A raised feeder can make eating easier for older dogs. Using puzzle feeders or scatter feeding, where food is spread out for your dog to find, can enhance their engagement with eating and stimulate their brain. Over time you can increase or decrease the difficulty of the ‘challenge’ to meet their capability without causing frustration.

ACCESS

Access can involve enabling safe entry or restricting access to dangerous areas. In cases where stairs are steep, it might be best to prevent access entirely. Using a baby gate can prevent falls and offer peace of mind.

Slippery surfaces, such as laminate or tile floors, pose a significant challenge for dogs with arthritis. Even minor slips can cause microtrauma to their joints, leading to cumulative damage. Consider using rugs and runners to provide traction and protect their joints.

Providing ramps or steps to elevated areas like car boots allows your dog to enter and exit safely, reducing the need for jumping. Jumping exerts extra pressure on joints, which can result in damage and pain.

Additionally, older dogs, especially those with dementia, may struggle when furniture and other items are rearranged. Keeping their environment consistent and ensuring clear pathways between spaces can help. Getting down to their level and having a look around can be eye-opening and might help you spot some ways you could make their life a little easier.

SLEEP

Try to keep their bed in the same place, where it is warm and calm. Opt for a bed with a non-slip base and medium-firm foam, ensuring easy and safe access. Establishing a bedtime routine that includes a toilet trip can help them wind down for the night. Monitoring your dog’s sleep patterns is also beneficial; any changes could indicate pain or be a sign of dementia, so it’s important to discuss these changes with us.

An orthopedic bed (designed to relieve pressure on their joints) can greatly improve sleep quality. Good sleep has been shown to not only help with general well-being, but to also help prevent ‘hypersensitisation’, an increase in the feeling of pain without changes to the cause of pain.

EXERCISE

Exercise is crucial for both physical and mental health, but excessive activity can be harmful to older dogs. Keep exercise sessions short and regular, avoiding large increases in activity on weekends. Although fun, the abrupt twists, turns, and stops involved in ball chasing are detrimental to joint health. Instead, opt for calmer games and retire the ball thrower.

When walking, a harness that supports the chest is preferable to a collar for older dogs. Pay attention to changes in step length, speed, and gait, as these can indicate pain. If you notice any changes in how your dog walks, have them checked by a vet.

For dogs with arthritis, physical therapy and hydrotherapy can help build muscle tone and support joints. Consult us for advice on the best therapies for your dog, as the type and duration of exercise should be tailored to their specific condition.

As much as you may wish to deny that your pup is getting older, once your dog starts showing signs of age-related health issues, they can be considered a senior dog, regardless of their true age.

Taking the time to make your home ‘senior-friendly’ is one of the best things you can do for your older dog. Along with regular health check-ups, and plenty of love, giving them a safe space helps ensure they have the happiest of lives.

THE IMPORTANCE OF VETERINARY NURSES IN THE CARE OF YOUR PET

Oakhill’s team of qualified Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs) play a vital role in looking after your pet during their visits to us. Just like human nursing, veterinary nursing is a skilled and highly trained profession, with the patient’s welfare firmly at its heart.

They work alongside veterinary surgeons to care for sick and injured animals, ensuring the welfare, comfort and recovery of animals that have undergone trauma, surgery, or are receiving treatment for ongoing medical conditions.

WHAT DO OUR NURSES DO?

Whether your pet is visiting Oakhill to manage an ongoing condition, for routine surgery, or requires emergency care, veterinary nurses will be providing skilled nursing care throughout. While some of this work will be behind the scenes, especially if your pet is staying as an inpatient, nursing care provides an essential role in ensuring that your pet’s well-being is monitored throughout their treatment.

Here’s just some of the things Oakhill’s RVNs are responsible for:

Inpatient care – carrying out nursing care, while working with the veterinary surgeon in charge of the case. Like nurses in our NHS hospitals, they undertake a wide range of tasks such as administering medicine, managing wounds and monitoring intravenous fluids, as well as monitoring and taking care of the needs of the patient.
Diagnostic tests – most laboratory tests are performed in-house by our RVNs. Once the test is complete the findings will be relayed to the vet in charge of your pet, who will interpret the results and discuss them with you. Veterinary nurses are also trained to use a variety of diagnostic imaging tools, which can be a crucial aid to the vet while diagnosing illness or injury.
Surgical nursing and anaesthesia – RVN’s are trained to assist the veterinary surgeon both as part of the surgical team and monitor the levels of patient anaesthesia throughout the operation. This highly skilled and specialised work means they can recognise different stages of anaesthesia, along with potential problems. RVNs can also legally undertake minor surgical procedures, such as the suturing of wounds, as well as dental scaling and polishing, following assessment and removal of any damaged teeth by the vet.
Nurse clinics – just like at your GP surgery, our nurses provide regular clinics to support you with advice about a range of topics including, moving house, keeping your senior pet happy, caring for a puppy or kitten, managing chronic conditions, as well as monitoring pets with long term health conditions such as diabetes or obesity.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REGISTRATION

Veterinary nurses are trained to a high level, to enable them to work in all aspects of the practice environment, from reception through to the operating theatre. Training to become a veterinary nurse is challenging and requires lots of dedication. They must complete at least 1,800 hours of practical, hands-on experience, alongside writing assignments and sitting theory exams. This training is usually done over a period of around three years and can be either a vocational or work-based diploma via college, or a veterinary nursing degree at university.

Once qualified, RVNs are regulated by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), which means they are professionally accountable for their conduct and must undertake continuing education, known as CPD, to maintain their status.

Their registration demonstrates to employers and to pet owners alike that they are keeping their skills up to date. Just like in human nursing, some RVNs will work in general practice, while others will take on specialised roles within referral practices in larger hospitals.

Veterinary nurses carry out technical work and are skilled in undertaking a range of diagnostic tests, medical treatments, and minor surgical procedures under direction of a veterinary surgeon. They will advise on keeping pets healthy and many provide their own nursing consultations and outpatient checks. There are also certain procedures which, by law, the vet can only delegate to RVNs. This means that the more technical areas of patient care, such as administration of some medications, and minor surgeries are only delegated to those who have the skills and knowledge to carry out the procedure safely.

British standards of veterinary nurse training and regulation are among the best in the world so you can be sure that your pet is in safe hands.

ARTHRITIS IN CATS: WOULD YOU SPOT THE SIGNS?

Just like in humans, osteoarthritis is a common condition in older cats, but one that is unfortunately often overlooked. Many symptoms are dismissed as simply ‘old age’. But whilst old age is inevitable, it isn’t a disease – it doesn’t cause pain or stiffness like arthritis does!

If you find yourself describing your cat as: ‘sleeping a lot now’, ‘not going out so much these days’, ‘grumpier than they used to be’, and ‘not as keen to cuddle’, have you considered that they may have arthritis?

WHY ARE CATS UNIQUE?

As any cat owner will tell you, cats are unique, and this is true for the way they show pain too. Dogs tell you when they are in pain by limping, yelping, and making sure that you know about it! Cats stop playing, cats stop grooming, and generally retreat.

Although they don’t shout about it, if you look you will see what your cat is telling you. Consider these common ‘old age’ changes in cats, and how they might be related to underlying arthritis.

Not as playful anymore – It’s just too painful to bother.
Spending less time outside – Getting through the cat flap is quite uncomfortable and climbing that tree is unthinkable.
Matted fur along their backs – This may be because it’s too painful to contort around to groom now.
Stop sleeping on your bed – It’s too much of a stretch to jump up there now.
Sleeping all the time – It’s simple: arthritis hurts when the joints move. No moving = no pain.
Overgrown claws – Their beloved scratching post hurts to use now.
Becoming grumpy – Being picked up and cuddled up like they used to be is quite uncomfortable, so they avoid it.

There are physical signs of arthritic cats too (e.g. muscle loss, swollen joints, stiff movements), but most of the signs are behavioural changes.

WHAT IS OSTEOARTHRITIS?

Every joint in your body is covered in smooth slippery surface made of cartilage. Over time, as the joints are used and abused, this cartilage can be worn down to reveal the underlying bone – ouch!

The bone tries to repair itself, but the new bone produced only adds to the problem; bony protrusions start to cover the joint rather than the glossy smooth cartilage. A once shiny, lubricant joint surface turns into something more akin to the surface of the moon.

TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR FELINE ARTHRITIS

Arthritis is unfortunately a progressive disease that will get worse over time, as the joint damage can’t be reversed. However, there’s still lots you can do to make living with arthritis easier, and less painful for your cat.

Modifying the environment – even small adjustments around the home can make a big difference to their quality of life. Ensuring easy access to food and water (avoiding elevated surfaces), placing a step near windowsills to ease jumping, providing cosy beds, maintaining warmth (especially in colder weather when arthritis tends to worsen), and opting for litter trays with low sides all contribute to a more comfortable life.

Medication – it’s crucial to seek advice from your vet regarding the most suitable medications for your cat. Various options to manage feline arthritis are available from daily pain relief to monthly injections. Don’t ever be tempted to give any human medication to your cat – paracetamol is highly toxic to cats and just a small amount will be fatal.

Weight management – excess weight adds unnecessary strain on sore joints. Achieving and maintaining a healthy bodyweight can be challenging, particularly as cats become less active with age. Speak to us for tailored dietary advice.

Joint supplements – incorporating omega-3 oils and glucosamine supplements into the diet may offer some benefits. However, since this industry lacks regulation, it’s important to be cautious of false claims. Additionally, don’t anticipate immediate results, as supplements typically require weeks or even months to take effect.

Promoting movement – adhering to the “little and often” principle is advisable for exercising cats with arthritis. Prolonged periods of rest can lead to very stiff joints, so gently encouraging regular, low-impact movement is beneficial.

SUMMARY

Cats can live a long time with arthritis, as long as their quality of life remains good. Recognising the signs and starting treatment early will keep them as comfortable as possible for as long as possible.

So, if you think your cat is getting old and lazy, consider that arthritis may be lurking, and speak to us!

GETTING ACTIVE IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS

As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, it is important for us to consider how to keep our pets active and healthy. Read on to find out the best ways to keep your pets active and healthy, prepare for outdoor activities, and feed active animals.

After a long, cold and wet winter, with limited opportunities for outdoor adventures, it is important that you gradually increase your pet’s outdoor activity. This is to avoid injuries and to allow their bodies to adapt. Start off slow and steady. If your pet is not used to being exercised, they will need to start off with short walks and gradually increase the duration and intensity as they become more capable.

WAYS TO GET ACTIVE

Play with your pets – to encourage your pet to be more active outside, you can play games with them. Frisbee and fetch are brilliant games to provide mental stimulation and improve your pet’s fitness by raising their heart rate and getting them moving. It is also a good way to bond with your pet.

Swimming – this is a perfect low- impact activity that can get your pet moving. Dogs especially loves swimming, and it is something that can be enjoyed by all ages and fitness levels. Ensure your pet is up to date with their vaccinations to protect them from diseases such as Leptospira. This is a potentially fatal infection that can be spread by rat urine. It can be found in water such as canals. Ensure your dog is not swimming in areas where there is blue-green algae as this is toxic to dogs.

Agility training – another brilliant way to keep your pet active and mentally stimulate them at the same time is agility training. This is a fun and challenging way to develop your pet’s co-ordination and fitness. If your pet has been well socialised, they may benefit from meeting other pets in the park. Here they can let off some steam and burn calories with another furry friend.

MAKING SURE IT’S ENJOYABLE

Take notice of the weather – as the weather starts getting warmer, it is very important to always have water available and offer it to your pet at regular intervals. Provide shade for your pet and let them rest as much as they need. Always take the necessary precautions in the heat.

Beware of parasites – always check your pet for parasites such as ticks and fleas after they have been exploring outside. We will advise you on suitable preventive parasites medicine for your pet depending on their lifestyle. Ticks can carry Lyme disease, which can affect humans, so it is in our best interest to ensure they are free from parasites.

FEEDING ACTIVE ANIMALS

It is so important to provide your pet with good quality food that contains the correct balance of all the essential nutrients they need to thrive. The food must be appropriate for their age and activity level. You can add supplements to your pet’s diet for optimum performance. For example, joint supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin can aid in keeping joints healthy.

JUMP TO IT – PREVENTING PARASITE PROBLEMS

Parasites can cause serious problems for our pets… and for the humans that interact with them! So, it’s vital to be aware of them and learn how you can keep your pet protected against these pesky parasites.

Individual animals can face varying degrees of risk from different parasites, underscoring the importance of discussing their risk with us. We can provide personalised advice on parasite prevention, tailored to your pet’s specific needs, considering factors such as species, age, lifestyle, and geographical location.

PRESCRIPTION MEDICINES VERSUS OVER-THE-COUNTER PARASITE PRODUCTS

Numerous options are available for parasite prevention, including spot-on solutions applied to the back of your pet’s neck, tablets which are given orally, and impregnated collars. Opting for veterinary prescription medicines is advisable, rather than over-the-counter products. This is because they have been rigorously tested to ensure that they work effectively and that they are safe for your pet.

Additionally, several preventive measures can be taken to minimise your pet’s risk of parasite infestation, such as:

maintaining good hygiene practices (e.g., washing hands, disinfecting food bowls)
refraining from feeding uncooked meat or offal
consistently cleaning up after your dog.

Preventing parasite issues is far simpler than treating them, and the good news is, our 365 Care Plan has made this super easy!

TACKLING TICKS

Ticks are becoming more common in the UK and can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, which can affect dogs and cats, as well as humans. It is a very serious illness and be fatal in some cases.

You should always remove ticks if they are attached to your pet, but never pull them straight out, as this runs the risk of the head being left behind in your pet’s skin. Instead, you can remove them by gently twisting them until they release. You can buy special tick removers to assist you with this, or one of our vet nurses can safely remove them for you.

If your pet frequently visits areas where they are picking up ticks, then you need to consider preventive treatment for them.

FIGHTING FLEAS

Fleas are tiny wingless insects which feed on the bloods of animals, including pets and wildlife. They are one of the most irritating and itchy parasites for your pet and can live on dogs, cats They and even rabbits. While they can’t live on humans, their bites can cause itching and unsightly marks. Flea

As they reproduce very quickly, they can soon have produced hundreds of tiny eggs, which rapidly cause an infestation in the house. Eggs have remarkable resilience, surviving for months in the environment, leading to prolonged infestations that require considerable effort and expense to eradicate. Anyone who has had this problem knows how difficult this can be to clear!

Preventing these unwelcome intruders is significantly simpler than dealing with an established infestation.

MANAGING MITES

Mites can infest the skin and ears of dogs, cats, rabbits, and other rodents, which can be very itchy and uncomfortable. Infestations can cause hair loss, scratching and red or dry and scurfy skin. There are many different types of mites, but they can easily be prevented with treatments from us.

WAR ON WORMS

Roundworms – these parasites are prevalent in both dogs and cats. Pets can contract them by sniffing or licking contaminated faeces from other animals, or by consuming infected carcasses. Roundworms are often transmitted to puppies and kittens from their mother before birth and can also be passed through the mother’s milk. Severe infestations can lead to stunted growth, vomiting, and diarrhoea, making it essential to regularly deworm pregnant females, puppies, and kittens.

Certain types of roundworms such as Toxocara canis can pose a serious risk to humans – it is known to cause symptoms such as blindness and seizures. Children are most at risk because they are more likely to play in areas where dogs have toileted and put their fingers in their mouths. Being a responsible pet owner means that you should regularly worm your dog and always pickup their faeces.

Tapeworm – transmitted when dogs and cats eat unprocessed raw food, offal, or other infected animal carcasses. Tapeworm can also be spread via fleas, with dogs and cats becoming infected when they ingest fleas while grooming or scratching. This is another very good reason to use a flea- prevention treatment!

Lungworm – dogs can contract lungworm by consuming infected slugs or snails, or their slime, which can lead to severe health issues like breathing problems, blood clotting disorders, and potentially fatal outcomes. This condition can be effectively prevented through regular administration of a monthly tablet or spot-on treatment. Additionally, minimizing the risk of exposure to infected creatures can be achieved by avoiding leaving toys or bowls outside overnight, as they may attract slugs or snails.

SPRING DANGERS PET OWNERS NEED TO BE AWARE OF!

Finally, spring is in the air… and there’s no better feeling after a long, cold, dark, and very wet winter. While the warmer weather signals time for fun outdoor activities – alfresco dining, camping and open water swimming to name a few – it can bring with it a new set of hazards for our pets. From blooming flowers to searing heat, and even your favourite treats, read on to learn more about the common spring dangers that can affect our furry (and not so furry!) friends.

TOXIC TREATS

With spring comes Easter, and all the delicious treats we love to devour. Most people are aware that chocolate is harmful to dogs, but did you know that cats, rabbits, rats and guinea pigs are also at risk?

Chocolate contains high levels of caffeine and a compound called theobromine that causes gastrointestinal upset, tremors, and even seizures. Hot cross buns are also a surprising hazard as the raisins and sultanas are highly toxic. Make sure Easter treats are hidden away from curious creatures and call us if you suspect you pet has eaten anything they shouldn’t.

We all love having the opportunity to cook outside during the (few) warmer months, and it is so tempting to throw the dog a sausage while barbequing…but did you know that BBQ scraps are unsafe for your pets? Cooked bones, pork, ham, chicken skin, and meaty skewers are all delicious, but hazardous to our pets. Cooked bones can easily become lodged in the gut, leading to life-threatening obstruction and fatty meats can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, or pancreatitis.

GROWING GARDENS

Spring is the perfect time for getting busy in the garden, but many plants and chemicals can be dangerous for your pet. Toxic flowers include tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and crocuses. All parts of the plant are harmful when ingested – and the bulbs contain higher concentrations. Cats are also extremely sensitive to the Lilium family, and any ingestion can cause fatal kidney disease. It is best to leave lily flowers out of our home and garden if you have any feline friends.

Other common garden hazards include fertilisers and weed chemicals. Store these toxins securely, and if used in your garden, make sure they are dug deep into the soil, then block access to your pets, including rabbits and guinea pigs. Snail or slug pallets are also highly dangerous, and poisoning is common, especially in dogs – they can cause tremors and seizures and can be fatal to all species.

PESKY PESTS

During spring, biting bugs start to breed! Ticks, fleas, and mites all party hard in the springtime and can cause bites and allergic reactions. Dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs should be treated with parasite prevention. Don’t forget your chickens too, as red mites can be nuisance at this time of year.

Increased fly activity can cause trouble for rabbits and other small furries that live outside. Flies can lay eggs in the warm wet areas around the tail, or open wounds, and maggots will emerge, leading to a nasty condition called flystrike. Keep your pet’s environment clean and dry, regularly remove any droppings and treat all wounds quickly.

As with all parasites, prevention is better than cure – and early measures should be taken to protect your furry friends from biting bugs.

Last, but certainly not least, comes snakes. Springtime signals the end of winter hibernation and as the ground warms up our scaly friends become active.

There are three types of snakes in the UK: grass snakes, smooth snakes, and adders. The adder is the only venomous species: grass snakes and smooth snakes aren’t venomous and don’t tend to bite.

Adders tend to keep themselves to themselves and don’t bite unless they are scared. Unfortunately, dogs tend to approach them without fear, startle them and get bitten! If your dog has bitten by an adder, their symptoms will depend on where the bite is, and where the venom spreads to. If the venom stays in the tissues around the bite, it will cause pain and swelling, but if it spreads further and gets into the bloodstream, it can cause much more serious problems such as damage to the liver, kidneys, heart, and nervous system.

If you suspect your pet has been bitten, seek immediate veterinary help.

PROTECTING YOUR PET THE EASY WAY…

Spring is an exciting time and with some careful planning it can be full of joy and adventure for the whole family. Prevention is always best and protecting your pet is easy with our 365 Care Plan.

Explore 365 Care Plan

FASCINATING FELINES

Domestic cats (Felis catus) are small carnivorous members of the family Felidae — the only member of that family that has deigned to join humans in domesticated bliss!

For millennia, cats have coexisted with humans. They likely began frequenting human grain stores, attracted by mice and other vermin, and eventually spread around the world as sailors brought them aboard ships.

Today, cats still help humans control vermin and provide companionship. Over the past few centuries, humans have selectively bred cats to exhibit specific traits, such as hairlessness, resulting in the creation of stablishing dozens of cat breeds. With their charming mix of aloofness and goofiness, cats amuse and fascinate us in equal measure.

SUPERNATURAL INTELLIGENCE?

Many people dismiss a cat’s uncanny knowing as superstition or myth, but the ancient Egyptians revered cats as sacred animals, believing them to have magical powers. In those times, cats were treated with the utmost care and respect as representatives of the goddess Bastet.

Modern-day moggies seem to channel this god-like quality with ease, along with their reputed sixth sense. Anyone who lives with a cat has a tale to tell of telepathy, clairvoyance, or mystic encounters. There are many reported instances where cats have apparently predicted events before they happened, such as sensing when their owners are about to come home or anticipating a change in their routine.

Cats have been observed to drastically alter their behaviour prior to natural disasters such as lightning, volcanic activity, earthquakes, tsunamis, and landslides. Some cats have even alerted their owners to an impending epileptic seizure, hypoglycaemic attack, or pre-cancerous state.

A cat’s extraordinary senses can explain some of these seemingly psychic acts. They can pick up on subtle changes in body language and scent, detect changes in air pressure, see and hear beyond our limited range and react to stimuli we don’t even recognise. Their long, stiff hairs (or vibrissae) – located on either side of the nose, above the eyes, and on the chin -are super- sensitive helping them to navigate their surroundings and detect changes in their environment. But a lot of what they do is still wonderfully inexplicable.

When a cat stares fixedly into space and then suddenly pounces into action, has he seen a ghost or is he just messing with us?

SENSE-ATIONAL SENSES

SIGHT

Cats have eyes that are specifically adapted for hunting in low-light conditions, which is why they are often considered to be crepuscular animals (more active during twilight). Their pupils can dilate much larger than human pupils, allowing more light to enter the eye. They have a reflective layer at the back of their eyes called the tapetum lucidum, which amplifies available light, enhancing their ability to see in the dark.

Also, cats have a larger number of rod cells in their retina, which are responsible for detecting light and motion. This gives them incredible visual acuity and allows them to track the movement of prey with outstanding speed and accuracy.

SMELL AND TASTE

A cat’s sense of smell is up to 14 times more powerful than our own, thanks to the presence of a specialised organ called the Jacobson’s organ (or vomeronasal organ). It is in the roof of the mouth and is responsible for detecting pheromones and other chemical signals that can’t be detected by a cat’s regular olfactory system.

When a cat detects these chemical signals, they will often display the Flehmen response – curling back their upper lip to draw the odour directly into the Jacobson’s organ for more detailed analysis. With such a finely- tuned nose, its no wonder cats can detect even the faintest whiff of their favourite food!

HEARING

It’s not just cat’s vision that’s impressive – they also have a phenomenal sense of hearing. Their ears can swivel independently of each other to pinpoint the source of a sound with amazing accuracy. Their ears are so sensitive that they can hear a grasshopper rustling in the leaves from several metres away and can even hear the click of a butterfly’s wings!

TOUCH

Cats use their sense of touch in all sorts of ways, from grooming themselves and each other to communicating with other cats. Their paw pads are covered in tiny receptors called mechanoreceptors that help them feel texture, temperature, and pressure. This is important for gripping surfaces, detecting prey, and communicating with other cats through physical contact.

FLEXIBLE FELINES

Arthritis is the bane of any golden oldie – whether human or animal – and especially for a former ninja. Cats have a flexible spine, allowing them to contort their bodies in ways impossible for other animals. Combined with powerful leg muscles, this makes them exceptionally agile climbers and acrobats with lightning- fast reflexes. They can jump several times their own height, run at speeds up to 48km/hr and change direction quickly and effortlessly.

Most cat lovers freely admit to being willing slaves to their pets, so perhaps their greatest talent is the way cats have managed to domesticate humans with their playful, affectionate, independent, and quirky personalities. Let’s take a moment to appreciate just how extraordinary these animals truly are!