Tag Archives: puppies

Have you wormed your pet recently?

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Do you know how easy it is for your pet to pick up a worm burden? By just licking the slime of a snail trail can help spread worms into your pet! Some worms can cause a pot bellied appearance and some can cause, in extreme cases, death – this is why it is so important to worm your pet regularly. There are many different worming products on the market. Our vets will assess and weigh your pet and arrange a suitable prescription to help prevent worms. Worming products are all included in our monthly Pet Healthcare Plan if you want to spread the cost of your pets preventative healthcare, why not join today? 

 

Toxocara Canis is a common type of roundworm found in the digestive tract of dogs. The parasite can be found in the environment particularly in parks and exercise areas. They can effect any type, age or breed of dog. Puppies can get the worms passed on from their mothers can become infected whilst still in the uterus. Many dogs (between 10% – 40%) have this worm present in their body and show no external signs.

 

Toxocara cati is the common feline roundworm, again this can be found in any breed, type or age of cat or kitten. The parasite has been found in 26% of cats. Cats can get worms through contact with infected soil, licking fur near their feet, and eating a host animal such as a rodent.

 

The larvae of both worms can move through the body and cause damage to the animals internal organs. Young puppies and kittens are the most likely to show clinical signs, these would include :

   

 Abdominal pain 

Diarrhoea

Coughs

Nasal discharge

Pot bellied/bloated appearance 

If your kitten or puppy shows any of these signs contact us immediately. We will be able to  treat the animal with the appropriately, if left to worsen worms can cause serious health issues.

   

 The Toxocara worm can also infect humans, this is called a zoonosis (where an infection can spread between animal and human). Although rare the worm larvae can migrate into the human eye. Symptom’s can include vision loss, eye inflammation or retina damage. The worm can also travel to other parts of the human body and cause wheezing, coughing or a fever. If you are concerned please contact your doctor.

 

 Is your pet protected?

 We have a number of different prevention and treatment options available so ask one of our friendly staff today and we will be able to advise of the best course of treatment for you pet and don’t forget the most important step ……..

 

 Prevention is better than cure so always clean up after your pet has been to the toilet! 

 Dogs can also pick up a dangerous disease from slugs and snails in your garden, called lungworm or angiostrongylus. It is being spread by foxes to the slugs or snails and if your dog eats a slug or snail, or even licks the slug trail it can pick up the disease, which can cause severe bleeding, and even death.

Vet Matthew Wilson comments ” We are seeing more cases of this dangerous disease each year in Hounslow,  as foxes are very common in our region. Young dogs and certain breeds such as Staffordshire Bull Terriers are infected most commonly.”

You can protect your pet from this potentially deadly disease with a monthly spot on application. This is a vial of liquid that is poured on the back of your dogs neck once a month. We use a prescription only medicine and is dispensed according to the weight of your dog.

Practice ‘vet checks’ at home with your pet.

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We want your pet to be as happy to see us as we are to see them!

  • One of the first things to help create this trust is to drop in, particularly when your pet is young if you need a reason, our nurses and reception team love cuddles with your puppies and kittens and usually have a spare treat or two for them but we also offer free weight checks. This allows us to keep a record ensuring they’re growing up and gaining weight as they should be.

  • If you are nervous about the visit – don’t be! Our staff are highly experienced and have seen and heard it all. If it concerns you then please ask us , no question is too silly. Remain calm and ‘normal’ as your pet will pick up on any anxiety you may be feeling.

  • When visiting with cats we strongly recommend travelling your cat in a secure carrier not in your arms, even the calmest of cats can get stressed. If you have time, leave your carrier out a few days before your appointment, so your cat can climb in without being rushed. Try leaving a few treats and toys inside to tempt an investigation! Placing a towel over your carrier in the waiting room can help anxious cats – if you need one just ask us.

  • When travelling with dogs Invest in a doggie ‘seat belt’ or secure caged area of your car. If your dog suffers car sickness travel them on an empty stomach. Allow plenty of travel time so you are not rushed or late. Please keep your dog by your side in the waiting room. A vet practice can be a stressful place for pets and your laid back family dog could become stressed and snappy towards other dogs.

  • Practice ‘vet checks’ at home. Your pet is never to young or old to do this training: Gently look inside your pets eyes and ears, teeth and mouth, practice lifting each paw in turn and nail clipping this is something that can be done at home, check out our free guide> Cats and Dogs. Feel your pet all over from toe to tail. Spend 5 minutes a day practising the ‘all over’ handling and your pet will find an examination ‘normal’, when they come to us.

  • If you are coming in for a specific problem i.e. behaviour or tummy troubles write a diary of events and problems. Try to include what foods they’ve eaten, treats, where they have been park , swimming etc, times of day – all of these things may be useful when finding a diagnosis.

  • Please ask our vets to write notes for you to take home if you are concerned you may not remember something that was mentioned or bring a friend or family member for help and support.

We do our very best to ensure that you are seen on time at you appointment time but emergencies and unpredictable cases can happen so please bear with us, our reception team will endeavour to keep your updated if the consultations are running a few minutes late.