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Preparing your pet for firework’s season

Preparing your pet for firework’s season

Fireworks are a common phobia for pets as they often find the loud, unpredictable noise and bright displays of light very frightening. Even a seemingly confident pet can tremble and drool at the unfamiliar sounds.

Preparation is key

Preparation is all-important if dogs are to get through fireworks with the minimum amount of fear and stress. First you need to make a special place where your dog can get away from the sounds he fears. Most dogs will already have a favourite room to go to, in which case all you need to do is modify this place to make it even more suitable as a bolt hole.

Some dogs do not know where to escape and for these individuals, you need to create somewhere for them to hide. It is best to choose a room that is naturally quiet and has minimal numbers of windows. It is best to prepare the refuge as far ahead of the firework event as you can. Your dog must always be able to get to this place whenever he is frightened.

IN ADVANCE

  • Install a Dog Appeasing Pheromone (ADAPTIL) diffuser in your home, preferably close to or inside the dogs hiding place. This is a device that looks like an air freshener that you plug into a wall socket. It produces a smell that is like a chemical that your dog’s mother used to calm her puppies. It should be left operating 24hrs a day and if possible installed a couple of weeks before a known event. ADAPTIL makes dogs feel much more relaxed and confident when they might otherwise be stressed.
  • Put in lots of blankets for your dog to dig and burrow in, preferably placed in a corner where the dog has already tended to dig or hide. Include an old, unwashed piece of clothing e.g. woolly jumper, so that your dog can smell your scent and feel comforted by your indirect presence.
  • Try to minimise the amount of noise entering the bolt hole room from outside. The dog must not see the flashes of fireworks or lightening, so close the windows and use heavy curtains to make the room dark.
  • Bowls of food and water are essential and it is a good idea to make sure that your dog has emptied his bladder an hour or so before the fireworks start.
  • Leave a few special chews and things for your dog to eat in the hiding place in case he fancies something chewy to reduce his tension. However, do not be alarmed if he does not seem interested in them – some dogs are simply not interested in treats at a time like this.
  • Moderately loud rhythmic music with a good beat is an effective way to mask the fireworks from outside.
  • Get your dog used to going to the hiding place 2/3 times each day during the run up to a firework display by taking him there and giving him some food or a favourite chew. This will help the dog understand that this is a good place to go to.
  • Give your dog a large, stodgy, carbohydrate-rich meal in the late afternoon of the day. Pasta, mashed potato or overcooked rice will help him feel calm and sleepy as the night draws in.
  • Make sure your pet is kept in a safe and secure environment at all times so that he doesn’t bolt and escape if a sudden noise occurs.
  • It’s a good idea to ensure that your pet is microchipped and the details are up to date just in case they do bolt and escape.
  • For severe fears and phobias, medication is available and you could book an appointment to see your vet.

WHEN THE NOISES START

  • Do not over fuss or soothe your pet to relieve their fears, as it gives them the impression that there is something to be frightened of.
  • Do not get cross if they are scared as it will only make them more frightened.
  • Ignore the noises yourself and try to appear happy and relaxed.
  • If your pet is only mildly fearful, you could try to engage them in some form of active game. Try to appear happy and unconcerned. It can help if you play a game with another pet in the household because the frightened one may be tempted to join in.
  • If your pet is very frightened by the noises and cannot be encouraged to play, then take them to the hiding place and encourage them to stay there.

Keeping your pet safe at Halloween

Top tips to help keep your pets safe this Halloween

For us humans Halloween may be a fun, sweet-fuelled event but Halloween can be a scary time of year for pets. Unexpected knocks at the front door and people dressed in costumes can be confusing and frightening for them. Read our top tips to keep your dog safe and happy this Halloween…

1. Walk your dog before it gets dark.

This means you’re not taking them out in the evening, where a lot of loud noises and bright lights might startle them.

If you know your dog is nervous or reactive to noise, try taking them for a longer walk during the afternoon. This ensures they get the right amount of exercise and mental stimulation, without forcing them out into an evening that could be filled of extremely scary noises and costumes.

If you get home after dark and don’t have time to walk your dog in daylight, think about fun ways to tire them out in the safety of your home. This could be with food toys, training, or search games.

2. Don’t leave your pet alone outside.

Being outside might be what your pet is used to, but to be on the safe side we recommend moving both cats and dogs inside on the evening of the 31st. Not only will they feel safer inside, because the noise will be duller, they’re also safe from becoming the target for a trick or treat prank.

3. When you’re opening the door to trick-or-treaters, keep your pet safely away in a different room.

If you’re a popular stop on your neighbourhood’s trick-or-treating route, the constant knocking and doorbell ringing can really stress out a pet. It’s best to put your pet in a safe haven, such as a back room of the home where the commotion won’t bother them. You might also try placing them in a crate or carrier that’s filled with plenty of toys, interactive feeders, or food puzzles to keep them entertained. This should be done in the days running up to the 31st, so your pet is used to the area and knows it is a safe spot for them to enjoy.

If your dog is really worried by people and may not cope with trick or treaters coming to the door, you could put a sign on your gate saying ‘Nervous dog. Please don’t knock on the door. Please take sweets from the box’ and leave a box of treats in the front garden for children.

4. Use Halloween as a good time to ensure your pet’s microchip details are up to date.

Autumn can be a difficult time for pets, and it is vital that both cats and dogs are microchipped with up-to-date address and telephone details.

5. Never force your pet to wear a costume.

Some pets enjoy being dressed up, and others don’t: consider your pet’s personality and what type of costume they may tolerate and for how long. If your pet appears uncomfortable, take off the costume. Signs of discomfort include folded down ears, eyes rolling back or looking sideways, a tucked tail or hunching over. Your pets’ happiness isn’t worth the Instagram!

6. Keep any Halloween decorations out of reach from pets.

Your pet may be tempted to chew the new decoration. Lots of Halloween decorations can be toxic to pets, so keep them out of reach.

7. If you and your family go trick or treating, leave your dog at home.

Although it’s a family event, let the dog sit this one out. People dressed up and lots of strange noises can be very scary for your pet. Dogs can be easily excited by the Halloween commotion, and a bite or a lost dog will quickly end the evening’s fun.

8. Consider leaving the TV or radio on for your pet.

With the strange noises associated with people being out later than usual in your area, consider leaving some noise on in the house to distract your pet.

9. Keep any Halloween chocolates or sweets out of reach of pets.

Pre-Halloween and during trick-or-treating, keep candy safely stashed in a high cabinet secured with a lock or child-safety latch. Many foods, such as chocolate, gum and xylitol (a sweetener used in many foods) are hazardous to pets. And sweet bags and wrappers can also cause a choking hazard or obstruction if ingested. Small plastic bags could pose a suffocation risk.

Watch your kids! Children may make the harmful mistake of sharing their loot. Make sure they know the difference between a treat for them and a treat for their four-legged friends.

If you suspect your pet has ingested anything they shouldn’t have, contact us immediately.

10. Ditch the real candles!

Pets can easily brush against the open flame resulting in severe and painful burns and possibly even lighting your home on fire. If you want to set the mood for Halloween, opt for the LED variety instead. One less thing to worry about if your pet accidently knocks the pumpkin over!

Understanding how your pet’s shape could indicate weight problems

The shape of your pet can indicate whether your pet is overweight, underweight or of an ideal weight. Many people will look at their cat and dog and think they’re healthy, but don’t realise that their weight or shape isn’t correct.

Understanding your pet’s shape and monitoring it over time will help you keep your pet’s weight in check. Sudden weight gain and weight loss can also indicate health problems, therefore if they’re not overeating and have no cause for the changes in weight, you’ll be able to pick up on this quickly and discuss it with your vet.

Checking your dog’s shape

The shape of your dog will indicate if they are over weight, the steps below can help you determine this.

  • You should be able to see and feel the outline of your dog’s ribs without excess fat covering.
  • You should be able to see and feel your dog’s waist and it should be clearly visible when viewed from above.
  • Your dog’s belly should be tucked up when viewed from the side.

If your dog does not pass these checks, or if you’re in any doubt please contact your practice. We will be able to provide a health check, advice and nutritional guidance to help your dog shift any extra weight.

oakhill weight

Checking your cat’s shape

The shape of your cat will indicate if they are over weight, the steps below can help you determine this.

  • You should be able to see and feel your cat’s ribs, spine and hipbones.
  • Your cat’s waist should be clearly visible when viewed from above.
  • Your cats belly shouldn’t be sagging underneath, there should only be a small amount of belly fat.

If your cat doesn’t pass these checks speak to your practice. We will be able to provide a health check, advice and nutritional guidance to help your cat shift any extra weight.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.

An Easter Warning

As Easter is approaching we will be enjoying the treats and flower that this encompasses however dogs and cats can become very ill if they ingest or come into contact with certain things.

Chocolate

During Easter we all enjoy eating some (a lot of) chocolate. Whilst for us it is a delectable treat, for dogs (and cats) if ingested, can cause life threatening illness. Chocolate contains theobromine that at toxic levels can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and shaking and can lead onto seizures (fits), heart issues and ultimately death. If you suspect your dog has consumed chocolate please ring the practice immediately as if treated early can reduce the risk to your dog.

Hot Cross Buns (raisins)

Raisins within hot cross buns can cause irreversible kidney failure and sadly death if consumed by dogs. Toxic doses vary and a very small amount can be deadly. If your dog has or even is suspected to have ingested raisins or grapes immediate veterinary treatment is indicated.

Bulbs

Easter is a time when spring emerges and our gardens and hedgerows are bright with colour from flowers. Certain flowers for example daffodils and hyacinths originate from bulbs buried in the ground. Dogs, especially puppies may be dig them up and may chew and ingest them. Toxicities can vary but usual signs of vomiting and diarrhoea are common. Veterinary intervention may be indicated so please contact the practice if you have any concerns.

Lilies

Lilies are highly toxic and extremely dangerous for cats and will cause kidney failure and sadly death. All parts of the lily is toxic i.e. stem, flower and pollen. The most common route of ingestion if through the pollen whilst grooming. Our advice would be to NEVER have lilies in a house where cats are present.

Anti-freeze

As the weather warms and people get out and about into their gardens and garages, cats have access to areas where chemicals such as antifreeze are stored. Antifreeze is sweet and is sadly enticing to cats which if consumed causes irreversible kidney failure. As cats are outdoor animals it can be hard to stop this however owners can alert unaware neighbours to keep chemicals such as antifreeze locked away from prying paws.

PetPlan Veterinary Awards 2020

The PetPlan Veterinary Awards 2020 are now open!

2020 marks an amazing 21 years of these awards celebrating excellence within the veterinary industry.

The Petplan Veterinary Awards recognise the fantastic work that goes on in veterinary practices across the UK. Petplan has worked closely with the veterinary profession for over 40 years and hosts these independent industry awards to recognise the hard work and dedication of veterinary staff caring for our pets.

If you think that the Oakhill Veterinary Centre practice or someone in our practice team deserves to win, click here to complete the nomination form.

Thank you!

HEAT STRESS IN DOGS

Overheating and heat stress can be a killer so here are some tips to help your dog have a happy and healthy summer.

 

SYMPTOMS:

  • Panting excessively
  • Drooling
  • Increase in heart rate
  • Reddened/purple gums
  • Vomiting and Diarrhoea
  • Seizures progressing to coma and even death.

TREATMENT:

As soon as possible move your pet to a cooler spot, keep them as quiet and calm as possible. Use wet cool towels to gradually lower the temperature and use a fan if possible. Contact your vet as soon as possible as serious complications may result.

 


PREVENTION:

  • Exercise your dog early morning/late evening to avoid the midday sun.
  • Ensure access to shade in the garden you could even supply a paddling pool!
  • Have fresh cool water available, put ice -cubes in the water if taking some out with you.
  • Be extra careful with either very young or old, overweight or longhaired animals. Some breeds are more likely to suffer including short-nosed breeds such as boxers and pugs etc.
  • NEVER leave your pet in a parked car even on overcast days the temperature can increase dramatically.
  • Clip longhaired breeds.
  • Use a fan in the rooms where you pet likes to settle.