Tag Archives: puppy training

Can you pinch an inch?!

Can you pinch an inch?!

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Can you pinch an inch?!

Can you pinch an inch?! With pet obesity becoming increasingly common, it is wise to know the additional strain that carrying these extra pounds can put on your pets body. Our Spring News, discusses how to visually assess your pets weight from home, the problems associated with pet obesity and how to help your pet if they are a little larger than they should be.

 

 

 

 

Did you know, all of our clinics offer FREE weight checks, just call our friendly reception teams and they can arrange a time that suits you. Drop in, pop your pet on the scales and if necessary we can refer you to a vet or nurse for further advice on your pets weight.

Spring has sprung!

Now is a great time to build up your dogs exercise programme, if it was reduced during the cold, dark winter weather. Our Spring News discusses how to build up exercise over time, and why you should always throw a ball NOT a stick, for your dog. Click here to read our top tips for Springtime Pet Care.

 

 

New arrival check list

Are you introducing a new pet to your family in 2023? We’ve put together some top tips on things to consider before your new pet arrives. From vaccinations and parasite protection, life stage diets and pet insurance, our Spring News Blog includes all the veterinary essentials you need to consider for your new pet.

If you are not yet registered with a vet, register yourself and your new family member with our friendly team today Register your pet – ealingvets We are passionate about pets and cannot wait to meet your new family member.

 

Small kitten.

 

Kennel Cough

Our Spring News discusses the harsh, honking canine virus – Kennel Cough. If you have a dog, Kennel Cough is something to be aware of, it can come on suddenly and can sound quite distressing! Our Spring News discusses how the virus can be spread, the high risk areas and how prevention is better than cure.

 

Don’t forget our Pet Healthcare Club is still welcoming new members! Sign up today and start spreading the cost of your pets veterinary essentials across affordable monthly payments on a date that suits you. Our Healthcare Clubs includes all of your pets veterinary essentials, payments are spread across affordable monthly payments on a date that suits you – From vaccinations to parasite protection, its all included.

 

We hope you enjoy reading the articles mentioned in our Spring News. If you have a question please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team for more advice on your pets individual needs.

 

Summer Bites!

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Summer Bites! 

The warm weather brings the best out in all of us, but it also brings out plenty of pesky parasites as well! Our Summer Newsletter will provide you with some helpful advice on what to watch out for and how to prevent these pesky parasites entering your home!

 

Summer Bites!

 

More about vaccinations

 

As soon as you collect your new puppy or kitten, contact our friendly team regarding their vaccination requirements. All of our West London surgeries offer Puppy and Kitten Packs which will provide your new pet the healthiest start to life with your family. Other things to consider are diet and pet insurance. We are here to help, so please don’t hesitate to ask us for further information on any aspect of caring for your pets.

 

Consultation

More about vaccinations.

 

Keeping cool!

Our Summer News provides you with some tips to keep your pet fit and well at this time of year. It is vital to ensure your pet keeps cool in the hot weather. Dogs should be walked early or late in the day to avoid heat stroke. Heat stroke is a common, and serious problem and overweight or heavily coated dogs are most at risk. Sometimes even minimal exercise can trigger it, so take care at all times throughout the warmer days.

 

Heatstroke is a common, and serious problem.

 

 

We hope you enjoy reading our Summer Newsletter. If you have questions or concerns about the articles mentioned please don’t hesitate to contact our experienced team for further advice.

Don’t forget to give us a ‘like’ on Facebook, Tweet at us and you can subscribe to our pet care videos on You Tube.

 

8 simple tips for bathing your dog at home

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8 simple tips for bathing your dog at home

 

Like humans, doggies can get smelly. Sweat, muck and all the rest – so bathing your dog is a necessity. But it’s not as easy as taking your car to the jet wash. Your four-legged dirt-machine can be a tricky, sensitive and even once they’re in the tub (and we don’t mean the snappy dressing kind). Let’s sort out the dos and don’ts of dogwash. Bring a towel. Or three.

 

1. Brush before use

Give their coat a good brush prior to getting in the bath or shower. May as well minimise the amount of fur you’ll be unclogging from your plughole later on.

 

Remember to brush before you wash!

Doggy Bath Time

 

2. Make it fun

Tempt your pup into the tub with their favourite squeaky toy, or even a treat. Standing in a giant acrylic container of water is a fairly alien concept for a hound, so you’ll need to lure them in and keep the sensation a pleasant one, where possible. Remember to stay calm (your pooch picks up on your emotions) and even try a few taster sessions of them in the tub with no water to get them truly familiar with the location. Last thing you’ll want to do is make them associate the experience with stress, so leave any anxieties at the bathroom door. We’ve even seen on social media smearing peanut butter (Xylitol free) on the side of your bath tub can help with anxious dogs – beware this could get messy!

 

3. Cool hand luke

When you’re confident of running the water, make sure it’s lukewarm. Not scalding, not freezing. Us humans like the luxury of a soaring temperature in the tub, but dogs have a higher body temperature than us. Anything approaching hot will come across like we’re trying to make dog stew. Err on the side of cooler.

 

Don’t forget to check the temperature BEFORE the water touches your dog!

 

4. Shoulders, knees and toes (not head!)

Using either the showerhead (on light spray, your dog won’t react kindly to a fire-fighter’s hose-down) or cup, gently massage the water into the fur from the shoulders all the way down. Whilst many adore a good tummy rub, some poochies are very precious and snappy around their stomachs, so be cautious. Same goes for their tail. You should hopefully have already established your boundaries, so build on that trusting relationship.

 

5. Avoid the ears

As well as being seemingly woven from the softest candyfloss in the universe, a doggy’s ears are worryingly delicate. They’re prone to infection and used for pooch’s balance, so treat the ears and head as a water exclusion zone!

 

6. Get the right shampoo

Most importantly, don’t use human shampoo. It’s not formulated for canine kind (think diesel in an unleaded, only much more valuable and furry). Use a vet-approved medicated dog shampoo that moisturises your panting pal’s coat and skin, instead of stripping away precious oils. A bad choice can either lead to or aggravate an existing skin condition. Poor pooch will be scratching like a doggy possessed if you buy the wrong product.

Natural ingredients such as oat-based products are preferable. And make sure the suds are out before the bath is over. Consult our team or your local dog groomer on which brand best suits your breed. They may recommend a coal tar-based product, which can alleviate itchy skin, but it all depends on the breed and frequency of the wash. There’s still debate about exactly what ingredients should comprise your pup-wash, so again, ask your doggy doctor for advice.

 

7. Face facts

A simple wipe down with a wet flannel will do. And whatever you do, don’t accidentally use it to wash your own face. Ew!

 

Make it fun

8 simple tips for bathing your dog at home

 

8. Drying off

A hairdryer is best avoided, given your wet-nosed pal’s higher body temperature. Grab a towel or two and give your pup a gentle rubdown. Emphasis on the word gentle.

 

So there you have it. You’ll have your four-legged chum sparkling and keen to get twice as filthy in no time. Happy sploshing!

 

If you need further help or advice contact your local Young Vets surgery and we will be able to offer you advice and / or if you are not confident in doing this alone we can provide you with the contact number of some local dog groomers to help.

 

Lost pet advice

What to do if your cat or dog goes missing.

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   What to do if your cat or dog goes missing.

 

Have a read through our 5 minute blog below. Hopefully you will never experience the panic of a missing pet but its good to know what to do in the event of a missing pet emergency.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Did you know it is a legal requirement for all dogs over the age of 8 weeks old to be micro-chipped. Here at Young Vets we always recommend micro-chipping your cat too, as it is the most reliable form of identification and cannot be lost unlike a collar or harness. Should your dog disappear whilst out on a walk or your cat isn’t waiting at its food bowl at dinner, don’t panic, have a read through our short blog for help and advise.

 

Lost Dogs : 

If your dog has gone missing at the park, walk an extra lap or two, ideally squeaking their favourite toy or rustling a packet to tempt them out if they are hiding. Call anyone you live with, to check if your dog has taken its self home. Your pet may be waiting on your doorstep – it happens more than you may think!

 

Lost Cats :

Firstly triple check your house, cats are fantastic at hide and seek and can squeeze into the smallest spaces and highest cupboards. If you are sure your feline friend is not home knock on  your neighbours doors and put posters around where you live. Curious cats often get shut in garages and sheds by accident so ask around where you live.

 

 

 

Remember do NOT panic. Contact all local vets, dog wardens and animal charities in the area. Make sure you have handy :

A description of your pet – Colour, sex, breed and age

Your pets microchip number

What area they are missing from

Your contact information

 

   Call your pets microchip company to inform them your pet is missing and make sure that your contact details are all up to date and correct. You may even want to do this TODAY – so should your pet ever go missing you will be reunited quicker if your contact details are all up to date.

   Pet Insurance – Your insurance company may be able to offer you help and support in reuniting you with your lost pet. The small print of your policy may also require you notify them in-case it results in you making a claim on your policy.

   

 

   Social Media – Like it or hate it – In the event of a missing pet the power of social media can be very useful. In a matter of hours hundreds of people and companies near you can be made aware of your missing pet, helping spread the word and more eyes on the look out to help you.

Our vets Top Tips :

 

   If your puppy or dog has not quite perfected their recall – work with a dog trainer to improve this but if you have to let your dog off lead for exercise, please only do this when it is safe. Make sure you are in an enclosed space and your puppy has a long lead attached making it easier for you to catch them.

   When doing recall practice no matter how long it takes when your dog comes back to you give them a treat and a pat – Do NOT tell them off, even if they have been a bit slow coming back. Their recall will not get better if you tell them off when they come back to you.

   Microchip your pet and ensure that you keep your contact information up to date.

   If you have a new cat or kitten, keep them inside for at least 2 weeks so they are relaxed and happy in their new home. When the time comes and you do let them out, do it when they are hungry – they are less likely to stray if they know where their food bowl is.

   Take regular pictures of your pet – should you need to make a missing flyer or poster the more recent the picture the better chance people have of noticing your pet.

   Neutering your pet – Female dogs can panic and bolt if they are receiving too much unwanted male attention. Castrating your male dog tends to control their testosterone levels making them less likely to wander off in search of a mate. Neutering your cat can reducing them straying and fighting with other cats in the area.

 

 

Pet Healthcare plan dogs

How to care for your new puppy

Puppy.

White pug puppy – Nelly.

 

How to care for your puppy:

Make sure that you have suitable transport for your new puppy.  Puppies may be put in a collapsible cage in your car, which ensures they are safe during a journey. Be sure to have them on a lead/harness so that they can’t run away. Also before your puppy has its first vaccinations it is imperative that your puppy does not touch the floor outside (other than your garden) and is only introduced to dogs that are vaccinated.

  • Night Time: Your puppy may whine about being left alone for the first few nights. Soft toys can be good company. If you are planning to train them to use a crate you can cover the crate to make them feel more secure. Leaving a radio station on (eg. Classic FM) quietly in the background can also help them to feel more secure. Sometimes a ticking clock could provide some company. A covered hot water bottle may also be a very warm friend.

  • Training: Make sure you train and handle your puppy from an early age. Plenty of handling will make them comfortable with human contact. Reinforcing good play behaviours with treats is also recommended. When doing any training always give verbal praise first, and immediately after give a little treat. Eventually you  will be able to give verbal praise alone. Practice handling your new puppy all over include – lift and handle the ears, try getting a dog toothpaste and brushing their teeth, with a finger brush. Lift and handle the paws. Be sure to expose your puppy to a number of things whilst it is developing. This can include a person in uniform (eg. A postman), someone wearing a hat, someone with a beard even! Puppy classes are a great way to socialise them. Other puppies will help to teach your little oneto behave in social situations.

  • 1stVaccinations: This can be done on the first vet check between 8-10weeks of age. The 2ndvaccination is 2-4weeks after. Until a week after the 2ndvaccination it is imperative that you keep your new family member away from unvaccinated dogs and do not place him/her on the floor in public spaces where viruses could be on the ground.

  • Worming and parasite control– Puppies will need to be wormed as most will have picked up worms from their mother. This can be done with either tablets, or with a spot on treatment, which will treat other parasites such as fleas and lungworm.

  • Exercise: Puppies do not need long walks – they only have little legs! They aren’t considered fully grown until 6-18 months of age (larger breeds mature more slowly). It is then that a good exercise plan can be implemented. Larger breeds especially may be prone to bone and joint problems, and should not be over exercised, when growing.

  • Food:Little and often. A puppy’s tummy is very small and so their food intake needs to be split between 3-4 meal times. Find out what your puppy has been fed on at the breeder’s and try to maintain that regime for continuity. If your puppy has diarrhoea, give them boiled chicken and rice. Introduce any new puppy foods gradually over 3 days, as a sudden change in food will often cause a digestive upset.

  • Play: Puppies like to chew a lot especially during teething between the ages of 3 and 6 months, when they will lose all of their milk teeth.  Provide rubber Kongs or rope chews. Avoid bones as they can crack their milk teeth on these.  Play is an important way of learning for your new puppy and can be a lot of fun too!

Finally enjoy playing with your puppy – they grow up much  too fast !

 

white cat with glasses

Puppy care- feeding, vaccinating, worming, and training

Cavalier King Charles puppies

 How to care for your puppy:

 

Make sure that you have suitable transport for your new puppy.  Puppies may be put in a collapsible cage in your car, which ensures they are safe during a journey. Be sure to have them on a lead/harness so that they can’t run away. Also before your puppy has its first vaccinations it is imperative that your puppy does not touch the floor outside (other than your garden) and is only introduced to dogs that are vaccinated.

 

  • Night Time:

     

    Your puppy may whine about being left alone for the first few nights. Soft toys can be good company. If you are planning to train them to use a crate you can cover the crate to make them feel more secure. Leaving a radio station on (eg. Classic FM) quietly in the background can also help them to feel more secure. Sometimes a ticking clock can provide some company. A covered hot water bottle may also be a very warm friend (care though- it should be hand hot only – any hotter can cause burns).

 

 

  • Training:

     

    Make sure to train and handle your puppy from an early age. Plenty of handling will make them comfortable with human contact. Reinforcing good play behaviours with treats is also recommended. When doing any training always give verbal praise first, and immediately after give a little treat. Eventually your puppy will be happy to receive the verbal praise alone. Get the puppy used to being checked over (like at the vets). Lift and handle the ears, try getting a dog toothpaste and brushing their teeth, with a finger brush. Lift and handle the paws. Be sure to expose your puppy to as many different people as possible whilst it is developing. This can include a person in uniform (eg. A postman), someone wearing a hat, someone with a beard even! Puppy classes are a great way to socialise them. Other puppies will help to teach your puppy how to behave in social situations.

 

 

For further tips on training your puppy see our other puppy and dog training blog post here

 

 

  • 1st Vaccinations: 

     

    This can be done on the first vet check between 8-10 weeks of age. The 2nd vaccination is 2-4 weeks after. Until a week after the 2nd vaccination it is imperative that you keep the puppy away from un-vaccinated dogs and do not place him/her on the floor in public spaces where viruses could be on the ground.

 

 

  • Worming and parasite control–

     

    Puppies will need to be wormed as most will have picked up worms from their mother. This can be done with either tablets, or with a spot on treatment, which will treat other parasites such as fleas and lungworm. Your vet will advise on the most appropriate treatment.

 

 

  • Exercise:

     

    Puppies do not need long walks – they only have little legs! Puppies aren’t considered fully grown until 6-18 months of age (larger breeds mature more slowly). It is then that a good exercise plan can be implemented. Larger breeds especially may be prone to bone and joint problems, and should not be over exercised, when growing.

 

 

  • Food:

     

    Little and often. A puppy’s tummy is very small and so their food intake needs to be split between 3-4 meal times. Find out what your puppy has been fed on at the breeder’s and try to maintain that regime for continuity. If your puppy has diarrhoea, give them boiled chicken and rice. Introduce any new puppy foods gradually over 3 days, as a sudden change in food will often cause a digestive upset.

 

 

  • Play: 

 

Puppies like to chew a lot especially during teething between the ages of 3 and 6 months, when they will lose all of their milk teeth.  Provide rubber Kongs or rope chews. Avoid bones as they can crack their milk teeth on these.  Play is an important way of learning for your new puppy and can be a lot of fun too!

 

 

Finally enjoy playing with your puppy – they grow up much  too fast, and send your cute pictures to our facebook page here !

 

white cat with glasses

Puppy and dog training tips

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Puppy training tips

 

Puppy and dog training is  essential for all, and time taken early on with the basics will go a long way to prevent behavioural problems developing later in adulthood.

 

 

  • Remember that there are only two basic training techniques-

 

 

  1. 1- reward  for good behaviour, and
  2. 2- being ignored if badly behaved.

 

 

  • Always reward your puppy/ dog with verbal praise FIRST and a small treat such as a dog biscuit SECOND, for any good behaviour. It is important that you consistently keep this order so that the dog can learn that verbal praise is likely to be immediately followed with a treat.  Treats should ONLY be given as rewards for good behaviour not just for being “cute and cuddly.”

 

 

  • Over time you should start rewarding good behaviour with praise only sometimes, and do not give a  treat every time, but this will only work if you have followed the guidance above regarding the order of rewards.

 

 

  • You should still follow praise with treats often enough to make the good behaviour for praise only, worthwhile to your dog. The combination of praise plus treat , and praise only, for good behaviour is more effective as a training method than giving a treat every time.

 

 

  • DO NOT shout or try to tell your dog off if badly behaved. They will think the attention they are getting is a reward, so your effort will be counter-productive.

 

 

  • If your puppy or dog is badly behaved, they should be ignored, and you may want to put them out of the room, or if using a crate you could put them in the crate.

 

 

  • Dogs behave like pack animals, and in any pack there will be a leader. The leader receives the most attention.

 

 

  • As your puppy grows into adulthood, sometimes they may try to become higher up your “family pack” and become dominant over one or more people in the house.

 

 

  • Male dogs can be prone to this type of behaviour. To prevent this happening it is important not to give immediate attention when they want it particularly when returning to the house or first thing in the morning.  I would suggest you make a drink and wait a few minutes for your dog to calm down and THEN turn around and greet the dog.

 

 

  • In this way attention is always given on your terms, and this reinforces the fact that your dog is the lowest member of your family pack. It is important that ALL family members follow this advice.

 

 

  • Finally puppy classes are excellent and important ways to socialise your puppy with other dogs and people and are best done at 10-16weeks of age.