Monthly Archives: February 2024

Whatever the true reasons for and nature of climate change, it seems we need to get used to the concept of warmer summers and milder winters. One severe consequence of this will be an increase of parasites such as fleas and ticks. They will breed for longer periods and more will survive over winter. Not a happy prospect for dogs and cats!

Over the years in my veterinary practice I have found that some pets seem very prone to picking up parasites, whilst others rarely have any 'visitors'. I have come to the conclusion that healthy adult dogs and cats with good immune systems who are fed a healthy diet are much less likely to suffer from fleas and ticks. To help ensure pets stay free from parasites, keep them healthy by paying attention to:

Spring is in the air and with the days getting longer we are able to spend that much needed time outdoors with our pets. However for some of us spring means itching and we are not alone, dogs and cats can also suffer as a result of the increased pollen in the air at this time of year.

Although itching can strike at any time of year and can be caused by a number of things including food, cleaning chemicals and dust mites, spring is a time when pet allergies can be at their worst and these allergies tend to be caused by outdoor triggers such as grasses, tree shrub, pollens, farm crops such as cereals, oil seed rape, mould spores and ragweed.

Unlike humans whose allergy symptoms are usually respiratory, symptoms to watch out for in dogs and cats are most often skin-related including itchiness

Some hints to help pets stay safe and well in Summertime

Following the miserable Winter we have had, it’s hard to remember that we do sometimes get hot summery weather in the UK, but we do and here are a few hints to help pets stay safe and well in Summertime.

• Check regularly for fleas and ticks on the skin, and look out for adders when walking in country areas.
• If you are leaving your pet at home for several hours, make sure there is a cool room or area available – leave a fan on if necessary, and also plenty of water.
• If you are leaving

Allergies in dogs and cats are common with an array of symptoms; so what causes these symptoms and what changes could you make?

Allergies in dogs and cats are an abnormally intense / overreaction of the immune system to something that is normally harmless to the body, known as an allergen. Your pet may be born with sensitivities or for other pets, allergies are acquired over several years of continual exposure to the allergen.

Your pet, each day will also come across hundreds of harmless substances or particles, which are all part of the normal environment and which are not harmful. Under normal circumstances your pet’s immune system will recognise these and not see them as unwelcome invaders. However,

Help Make Your Dog More Comfortable

Canine atopic allergies are becoming increasingly common. They are especially prevalent in younger dogs, but unfortunately can develop into a life-long chronic condition. This is because canine atopic allergies are often caused by environmental and seasonal allergen.

As a result, many dogs are constantly surrounded by the allergens that trigger their symptoms. These include dust mites, pollen, trees, flea bites, mould, grass and chemical cleaning products.

 Itchy Dog - A Case Study LUCAA+ Pet Allergy-Free Spray

Constant Itching and Scratching is a concern for many dog owners. There are many possible causes – from seasonal and environmental allergies, to flea bites and sensitivity to chemical shampoo. It makes life miserable for your beloved pet – and for you!

This news post shows how Provilan ‘itchy dog spray’ (better known as

Summer is here, which means more time spent outdoors and relaxing in the garden. But with sharp tools and toxic plants, our outdoor spaces can be potential danger zones for curious pooches. To keep your dog happy and safe this summer, there are a few “pup” proofing tips to bear in mind. Here are some safety precautions to consider before you let Fido romp around the garden this sunny season.

When the warm summer months are upon us we get the chance to enjoy the outdoors more and this means more time can be spent with our canine companions.

But before you head out to spend more time outdoors, you may want to be aware of some possible dangers that come with warmer weather.

Beware of poisonous plants

Whether for enjoyment

When a pet passes away, it can be an incredibly difficult and upsetting time for owners. Emotions run high and it’s not always easy knowing what you should do next. If your pet is old or has been unwell for some time, you may already have plans in place. But it’s always good to know what your options are when the time comes. You don’t want any added stress when you’re grieving for your beloved pet.

Cremation

Many owners choose to arrange a cremation for their pet, either with their vet or with an external company. This can give you more options if you’re keen to memorialise your pet. You can keep your pet’s ashes in an urn close by, or scatter them at their favourite

How to help a fussy eater

There are times when your dog may be off their normal food, which of course can be of great concern. There can be a number of reasons to explain why your dog has changed its eating habits. All too often we assume this must be because they are feeling unwell, but this isn't always the case, as this could be for a number of reasons. It is important to find out what is behind the change in food preferences and hopefylly this blog will give you some informationto you need. 

When your dog is off its food, there may be other reasons, other than not finding their food appealing. There could be underlying health reasons.

Intestinal Hygiene -  Dogs and Cats 

There are many types of worms (known as intestinal parasites) that can get into your dog's and cat's GI tract. However some dogs and cats are more vulnerable than others, with an increased risk of contracting an intestinal parasite. 

The different types of worms can also affect your dogs in different ways as the symptoms of each type of worm vary as well as the way in which dogs are infected. In the UK, the most common intestinal worms are; roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms and whipworms.

Let's look in detail at each of these worms:-