Author Archives: gray_ealingvets

A puppy eating

Welcoming your new arrival!

Welcoming your new arrival!

 

Welcoming your new arrival!

Bringing a new puppy or kitten into the family home is a super exciting time. There’s lots of things to consider when bringing them home. We’ve included some of the important ones in our latest Pet care Blog from vaccinations to socialisation, microchips and worming. If you have a question about your new pet, do not hesitate to contact our team for more advice.

If you have not yet registered with a veterinary practice you can register yourself and your pet with our friendly team here, today.

Be the first to read our Pet Blog here.

 

Microchips and your pets,

For a number of years, it has been a legal requirement for all puppies over 8 weeks of age to be microchipped, the law has now changed and includes all cats over 20 weeks of age to also be microchipped in the UK.

Here at Young Vets, we will always recommend microchipping your pet. Read our latest Pet Blog Here to understand why we feel these tiny ‘rice sized’ implants are a vital part of responsible pet ownership.

 

If your pet isn’t microchipped yet, don’t panic – Contact our friendly team to arrange your pets chip appointment today.

More about vaccinations,

We all know that we should vaccination our pets and its part of responsible pet ownership, but do you know what diseases we actually vaccinate against?

Our Summer Pet Care News, explains what awful diseases we vaccinate your furry family members against. When our team provide a vaccination for your pet, we automatically include a full health and weight examination from one of our friendly veterinary surgeons, during these health examinations feel free to raise any pet concerns that might be worrying you.

 

Surviving the summer!

Summer is here, we can officially light the BBQ and spend evenings in the garden, but we also need to consider our pets. Our Summer News Blog, has put together some top tips on helping your pet to cope with the warmer weather.

During the really hot summer days, please pay particular attention to very young or elderly pets and brachycephalic breeds (squashed face Pugs, Frenchies, Persians).

 

Exercise early or on extreme days not at all – Try some brain games like ‘find it’, teach your dog a new trick, search You Tube or social media for inspiration, spread their usual dinner around the garden and allow their nose to seek it out. All of these enrichment ideas will give your dog mental stimulation when its too hot for the usual walkies! Tags us on the socials in your trick training and enrichment ideas – we’d love to see them! #youngvets

We hope you enjoy our latest Pet Care Blog, if you have a query on any of the articles mentioned please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team for more advice on your pet.

Ear disease – is my pet affected?

 

Ear disease – is my pet affected?

Our pet’s ears come in all shapes and sizes and consist of three main components. Our Spring pet care blog has arrived and discusses your pets ears; How to check them, signs of infection to watch out for and potential underlying causes of ear disease.

 

If you would like more information about ear disease and your pet, please click here to read our latest Spring pet care blog, or if you are concerned your pet’s ears are causing problems, please telephone our friendly teams for more information.

Worming worries!

Our Spring Pet Blog explains the three main types of worms to be aware of – Tapeworms, Roundworms and Lungworm. Worming prevention is something all pet owners should provide for their pets periodically, if your pet does not currently have a parasite prevention plan in place, please contact our friendly teams for more advice.

 

If you would like to spread the cost of your pets parasite protection, join our Healthcare Club today, our Healthcare Clubs include all of your pets veterinary essentials from Booster vaccinations, parasite protection, nail clips, anal gland expression and a 10 % discount off all other products and services we provide. As soon as your first payment has been made you can start to collect the benefits for your pet. 

Our healthcare club allows you to spread the cost of your pets veterinary essentials across affordable monthly payments on a date that suits YOU. Sign up today and save money in 2024.

 

Easter and your pets!

 

Easter is often a time to allow for a few extra sweets, treats and beautiful flowers to be around the family home. It is therefore important that you are aware of what items that could be poisonous to your pet. Read our latest Spring Pet Blog here to be aware of the common items that could be cause for concern in your home.

 

 

If your pet ingests something they shouldn’t of, visit our free pet poisons checker immediately by clicking the picture below.

Why not save the link in your web browser? Then its always available to use no matter what adventure you and your pet are having. Remember when treating a patient for poisoning, timing of treatment can play a major part in their recovery.

 

 

Also included in our latest Pet Care Blog – Alabama Rot – the signs to watch out for on your dog, Spring Parasite Alert – prevention and protection for your pet, Kennel Cough – is your dog vaccinated? Spring Hazards!

We hope you enjoy reading our latest Pet Care blog, if you have a question regarding your pet or any of the articles mentioned please do not hesitate to contact our team for further information.

Tinsel, String and Turkey Bones!

Chipping away!

Chipping away!

 

Did you know it is now law in the UK for any dog over the age of eight weeks of age to be microchipped? Whilst microchipping your cat isn’t compulsory at the moment, in England, it will be mandatory for pet cats to be chipped from 10 June 2024. If your cat is not yet chipped, don’t despair, the chip itself is no bigger than a grain of rice and takes just a few seconds to implant in a routine consultation.  Our Winter newsletter discusses the importance of chipping your pet and the things to remember, if you need to arrange microchipping for your pet please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team today.

 

Central heating – fleas love the warmth too!

Fleas – They used to be a summer problem, now sadly, they are a year round concern for many pet owners but prevention is key! Fleas love the warmth of a cosy home, our Winter News discusses how they can sneak onto your pet and into your home and more importantly, how to stop them before they enter!

 

 

Don’t forget if you need a helping hand to spread the cost of your pets parasite protection, consider joining our Heathcare Club today! Our Clubs allow you to spread the cost of your pets healthcare across affordable monthly payments on a date that suits YOU. Our clubs also includes your pets annual booster vaccinations, two nail clips, two anal gland expressions and a 10 % discount across all other products and services we offer. Start saving and sign your pet up here today.

 

Festive alert!

With Christmas on the horizon, ask all family members and guests to keep the extra treats and sweets out of reach from your pets paws and claws.

If your pet ingests something they shouldn’t of, don’t delay, visit our Free Pet Poisons guide here, for advice on whether to seek emergency veterinary treatment.

Our Winter newsletter provides some great advice on the seasonal issues to be mindful of at this time of year.

 

We hope you enjoy reading our latest pet care blog, if you have a concern about any of the articles mentioned please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team for more advice.

Arthritis and your cat.

Arthritis and your cat.

 

Arthritis in cats is a surprisingly common and serious health concern, without treatment the pain will continue to worsen, particularly as the damp, cold weather starts. Recognising signs of pain in your cat can be tricky as they are very good at hiding the signs of struggling and discomfort. But as your cats protector, you know your pet better than anyone in the world so if you think that your cat is not quite as agile as they used to be, please do not hesitate to contact our team for advice and support.

 

Other signs to watch out for include

Dull, matted coat – due to less self grooming.

Changes to personality – more irritable.

Not jumping up to their usual window sill / sunny spot.

Having accidents / missing the litter tray.

If you suspect your cat is struggling, do not panic, our team are available to help support you and your pet. We have a new injectable pain relief designed specifically to target the aches and pains of arthritis, meaning your cat can enjoy a comfortable, pain free life again.

All four of our West London surgeries are able to provide a treatment plan to support your pet. If you are not yet a client please register yourself and your pet here.

Already a client – please contact your local Young Vets surgery to discuss the treatment available and whether your pet is a suitable candidate.

  Read a success story from Charlotte & Mandu, clients at our Chiswick surgery.

 

 

 

“Last year I noticed that when my 10 year old cat walked away from me, his back legs seemed stiff and he resembled a cowboy, akin to John Wayne! When Mandu climbed stairs, it was laboured and he didn’t like jumping up on to walls anymore.

My husband built some ramps around the home to help support him, the fence ramp is very popular but the stair ramp, not so much!

 

Last October, at Mandu’s yearly vaccination, the vet checked his hips and back legs and, after much hissing, the vet announced her suspicions – osteoarthritis. I had no idea that cats, like dogs and humans, could be inflicted with this horrible condition.

Mandu was prescribed a joint supplement, but after one month there was no change. I was recommended a new treatment, produced especially for cats to alleviate the pain of arthritis and improve mobility. Results from other patients were proving to be very promising.

In February, Mandu had his first dosage (two vials as he’s nearly 8 kilo’s) and it was amazing to see the difference, within days he became more agile and comfortable. As a result, he returns every month for his top up dose, the cost of which is supported by my pet insurance.

The impact of chronic pain will affect your cat’s quality of life, as a fellow osteoarthritis sufferer, I know. Here’s hoping a human version is produced soon!”

 

 

 

Why not take a short 8 question checklist, to help identify your cats quality of life, not just physically but emotionally.

The good news is that by identifying your cat’s condition, together with the help of our experienced team, we can develop a care plan to help put the spring back into your feline. Take a short feline only quiz here.

If you have concerns about your cat, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team for advice and support on your pets individual needs. This pet blog is not intended to replace discussions with a veterinary surgeon and has been produced by the Young Veterinary Partnership with support from Zoetispetcare.com

Autumn Pet Poisons

Autumn Pet Poisons

 

Autumn Pet Poisons

pet poisoning is a concern throughout the year, please keep an eye on what your dog is sniffing during his daily walks, especially if he is off the lead.

Conkers, acorns and rotting fruit are plentiful during the Autumn season and can cause upset tummies.

Our Autumn News discusses the other Autumn awareness issues that pet owners should consider, read our latest pet care blog here.

 

Caring for your pets teeth.

Did you know that dental problems are probably one of the most common issues our pets suffer from, yet concerns are often not mentioned, as bad breath is considered as “normal” by many pet owners.

If you have ever had a filling at the dentist you will understand how uncomfortable dental disease can be, sadly, cats and dogs are extremely good at hiding their pain. Our Autumn Pet Blog discusses what’s normal and the signs to watch out for. A home dental care routine can be started from when you first bring home your new pet, ask our friendly team to explain more at your puppy or kittens next appointment.

 

 

How the heart pumps,

The heart is a busy organ! It pumps an average of 4.5 litres of blood around the body of a dog every minute. Like humans, cats and dogs can sadly suffer heart disease, unlike humans, heart disease in pets is often genetic, and not caused by lifestyle. Read our Autumn pet blog here, to understand more about the most common types of heart disease we see here in practice and the signs to watch out for in your pet.

 

 

We hope you enjoy reading our latest pet care blog, if you have a concern about any of the articles mentioned please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team for more information.

Beat the heat.

Keeping your pet cool.

Keeping your pet cool.

 

Summer is here and so is the heat! Our Summer Pet Blog is busting with top tips to keep your pet cool during the summer heat. Be the first to read it here.

It’s not just cats and dogs that can be affected by the heat, rabbits, guinea pigs and indoor pets can struggle too! For any pets kept in a cage and / or run during the day time, make sure they have constant shade over their enclosure and plenty of fresh cool water. Click here for our summer care pet tips.

 

Anal gland issues – is your pet affected?

Does your dog scoot their bottom along the floor or constantly nibble at the base of their tail area? This could indicate a blocked anal gland! Understand more about this common problem and how to manage the condition here.

 

Booster alert!

We all know that pets should receive once yearly vaccinations after their puppy and kitten vaccines, but do you know what diseases we actually vaccinate against? Our Summer pet blog explains the disease we vaccinate against in the UK and why.

The diseases we vaccinate against can be extremely challenging and sometimes fatal to pets. Here at Young Vets, we believe that prevention is better than cure and in support of this we have Healthcare Clubs available for cats, dogs and rabbits.

Choose the Healthcare Plan and payment date that suits your pet and your lifestyle here. Our healthcare plans include vaccinations, health checks with one of our friendly vets, nail clips, parasite protection and a 10% discount off all other products and services we offer. T&c’s apply. Why not join today and see how much you could save!

 

 

We hope you enjoy reading our Summer News Blog if you have a question on any of the articles mentioned please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team for more information.

 

Pet Behaviours: Dog Marking Territory

Pet Behaviours: Dog Marking Territory

Have you ever wondered why your dog is rubbing their face against the side of your sofa? It might seem like odd behaviour, but there’s a reason behind their actions; it’s often as simple as them marking their territory, but can also be a sign of health problems. Rubbing themselves on other people or items is a common pet behaviour for both cats and dogs, who can become obsessed with rubbing their face on you as well as your furniture and carpets in the home, or on more revolting items like animal remains or deposits when out and about.

 

 

 

Motivation for nose rubbing

Dogs are motivated by smells, so this could well be the reason behind your dog’s behaviour. If they find a smell they like, such as your laundry bag or even a cow pat, they’ll rub themselves against it to pick up the smell. The reverse can also be true when this behaviour is observed nearer home – your dog could also be leaving their smell around the house to mark their territory.

Another common reason for dogs rubbing their faces is to clean themselves. When they’ve been exploring, your dog can pick up all manner of things on their whiskers or fur, such as grass, seeds or burrs. These can be irritating, so your dog will rub against the carpet or furniture to get rid of any unwanted hitchhikers. If you’ve got a particularly messy eater, it may just be food that’s stuck to their whiskers or fur and they need a helping hand cleaning up. Their paws aren’t quite as effective as our hands when it comes to cleaning so step in and help them out if you feel they’re struggling to clean themselves.

 

A sign of health issues

Scent rubbing could also be an indication of an allergy or infection, causing your dog to rub to relieve their itch; if it isn’t normal behaviour to rub their nose, but they keep doing so, an environmental allergen may be at play. They could be allergic to something in their food or surroundings, or their rubbing could be a sign of fleas – take a regular look for ticks or fleas, to ensure there’s no infestation that could be easily treated to relieve their discomfort. If your dog doesn’t usually rub his face, take him to the vet to check out any potential allergies or infections.

Irritants include pollen, lawn products, household chemicals or medication – it can even be something in your dog’s diet that’s causing their discomfort. Severe reactions can even cause breathing difficulties and shock so do watch out for signs of unusual behaviour.

Some dogs suffer irritation by the nature of their breed. For example, dogs with wrinkly skin such as Pugs, Bulldogs or Pekingese are more likely to suffer with skin fold dermatitis, or pyoderma, which can leave them with moist reddened skin that has a discharge, often with a foul smell. By giving them a hand cleaning using a medicated skin cleanser, it may be enough to clear this up. However, there may be a need for antibiotics – your vet is best placed to advise on such conditions.

 

 

 

 

This dog blog has been produced by the dogdialog team. If you have a question or concern about your dogs behaviour please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team for more advice.