Tag Archives: dogs

Feliway and Adaptil.

Loud bangs, fireworks and other scary noises

Leave a reply

Fireworks are a particular problem for many dogs, and can cause severe anxiety in some. Here are a few ideas that may help in dogs that are scared of loud noises.

 

Dog den.

How to help make your dog feel safe during fireworks season.

 

  • Give your dog a safe area to go to such as a crate or cupboard under the stairs, and provide plenty of bedding to allow him to burrow in.
  • Leaving a loud radio or turn the television up  can help also, or play classical music.
  • Use dog pheromones – a spray , plug in diffuser or collar are available which emit a scent that reassures and calms the dog. This is called DAP (dog appeasing pheromone) and can be purchased at the veterinary surgery. The plug in diffuser should be placed near the safe area.  Your dog can also wear a DAP collar, so that the calming scent accompanies him if he moves around.

  • Dog appeasing pheromone
  • Ensure that your dog does not get extra attention when acting in a frightened manner. This can make the problem worse in that he may think that by acting frightened he will get more attention. You should continue with your normal routine, and only give him reward with attention after he has calmed down.
  • Provide toys or chews as a distraction.
  • Take your dog out early to toilet before the fireworks begin.
  • Close the curtains, and put on lights to reduce flashes from the fireworks.
  • It is possible to try to desensitize your pet to noises, by using various CD’s such as Sounds Scary, or soundtherapy4pets.co.uk , which start off by playing noises at low volume and gradually increasing the volume. This can take many weeks or months and is best started early in the year well before bonfire night.
  • Occasionally sedatives may be required for dogs that become extremely distressed, but an appointment with the vet would be needed to discuss this.
Feliway and Adaptil.

We have a full range of Feliway and Adaptil products available.

Black and white dog.

10 interesting dog facts

Leave a reply
chihuahua puppies

chihuahua puppies

 

Every pet dog from the tiny Chihuahua to the  Great Dane, is born with the heart of a wolf. They are the domesticated version of the gray wolf and show the greatest variation of any species on the planet. Our dogs offer us protection, companionship, and loyalty not to mention being pleased to see us in the morning!

Fact 1:
A dog’s nose is not just used for smelling, but also to keep him cool.

Fact 2:
Humans have kept dogs as pets for over 12,000 years.

Fact 3:
Smaller breeds mature faster than larger breeds.

Fact 4:
A canine’s heart beats up to 120 times per minute.

Fact 5:
A puppy is born blind, deaf and toothless.

Fact 6:
The oldest reliable age recorded for a dog is 29 years.

Fact 7:
The average canine lives 8 to 15 years.

Fact 8:
Puppies sleep ninety percent of the day for their first few weeks.

Fact 9:
The Chihuahua was named after the state in Mexico where they were discovered.

Fact 10:
The basenji is the only breed that cannot bark.

Do NOT use dog flea products on cats.

Why do we get flea problems in November ?

Leave a reply

 

 

We see many cases of flea allergy related skin problems, in both cats and dogs. Many people think that as it gets colder, fleas become less of a problem. However we tend to see more flea related problems, at this time of the year. This is because when you turn your heating on in the cold weather, any flea eggs that are in the carpets will suddenly hatch out and cause problems.  One flea can lay hundreds of microscopic eggs, and they can lay dormant and then  hatch out months later. Cat fleas will happily bite dogs and vice versa !

We also see many flea problems despite people using a variety of products. In many cases it is because the products are not potent enough to kill all the fleas.  If only a few fleas are not killed, as mentioned above they can lay hundreds of eggs and an infestation can quickly arise.

Our recommendations of effective spot on treatments  products are Stronghold, Advocate or Advantage.   It is important to also treat the house, with a product that lasts at least 6 months. Nothing kills the eggs, it is only when they hatch into microscopic larvae that they are killed, and as they can lay dormant for upto 6 months a long lasting household spray is needed.

Don’t forget also that fleas can transmit tapeworm, so regular worm treatment is needed also.

It makes you itchy just thinking about it !!

 

See  http://www.itsajungle.co.uk/parasites/detail/fleas/ for more information about fleas including some great pictures and video.

Dental care month JUNE 2011

Leave a reply


Four out of five dogs over the age of three years have teeth problems and suffer from dental disease so Young Veterinary Partnership has teamed up with Pedigree Pet Food to offer a free dental check up during Dental Care Month in June 2011.

For the whole of the month of June you can bring your pet along to our surgeries in Hounslow and Brentford for a free dental exam with one of our vets. We can give you advice on cleaning your pets’ teeth and diets and chews that can help keep teeth and gums healthy. Areas of concern that may require further treatment can be brought to your attention. This examination is free of charge during June.

Dental care is extremely important to the well being of your pets. Animal teeth need just as much care and attention as human teeth. If neglected, your pets’ teeth, like your own can suffer from infection, pain, cavaties and eventually tooth loss/decay. Unfortunately we cannot yet fit doggy/cat dentures! Therefore it is important to have your pets’ teeth regularly checked (every six months). When problems start they are better treated straight away as they will only get worse over time causing chronic pain and bad breath (halitosis).

Simply phone and book your free dental check appointment during June. Plus you can take home a free pack of Pedigree ® Dentastix ® for your dog as a reward for being good at the dentist!