Tag Archives: veterinary

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.

 

Can you pinch an inch?!

Can you pinch an inch?!

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.

 

Brushing up on dental disease! Our Spring Newsletter has arrived,

Brushing up on dental disease!

 

 

Brushing up on dental disease! Our Spring Newsletter has arrived, it discusses the very common but under-diagnosed dental disease in pets! Do you know what a healthy mouth looks like? What to do if you notice a problem? How to help prevent dental disease? It’s all explained in our Spring Newsletter read about it here.

 

Brushing up on dental disease!

Warmer weather

As the weather warms up and the Winter recedes, we hope you are enjoying longer days and longer walks with your canine companion. With this in mind, we’ve put together some seasonal tips to keep your dog safe, read them here.

Lump alert: Is your pet affected?

One of the many benefits of regular cuddles and grooming your pets is that you can keep and eye out for lumps, bumps and parasites. Our Spring Newsletter discusses what to do if you find something unusual on your pets, the different types of lumps and bumps and their causes. If you find a lump on your pet, don’t panic, contact our friendly team today to book an appointment with one of our experienced vets.

 

We hope you enjoy reading our latest Spring News. If you have a question about any of the articles mentioned don’t hesitate to email our team for further advice or ask a vet at your pets next consultation.

 

 

 

 

What are the signs of arthritis in dogs?

What are the signs of arthritis in dogs?

 

How common is arthritis?

Arthritis in dogs is very common, exact figures vary but it has been estimated to affect up to 20% of dogs over 1 year of age. There are an estimated 9 million pet dogs in the UK1 so this means a significant proportion of our pets could be affected with arthritis which can substantially affect their quality of life. Arthritis is a painful disease of the joints which is progressive in nature; it cannot be cured but it can be managed to ensure dogs can continue to have a good quality of life. It is also worth bearing in mind that some of the symptoms of arthritis can be subtle or maybe simply attributed to increasing age and therefore go unrecognised, so it’s very possible that the true prevalence of this disease may be higher. All ages, breeds and sizes of dogs can be affected, it is not just a disease of older and bigger dogs. However, whilst this disease can affect all dogs, there are some breeds in particular who are predisposed to developmental joint disease and consequently arthritis; common examples would be the Labrador retriever and hip dysplasia or the English Springer spaniel and elbow dysplasia.

 

What are the signs to look for?

Our dogs may not be able to communicate to us in words, but there are many signs that you can look for that could indicate that your dog is one of those affected:

  • Trouble walking or running; if your dog appears to be limping or even just moving more slowly than normal, this is an indication all is not as it should be. You may notice that your dog appears stiffer when first getting up in the morning but appears to improve throughout the day; this is typical of early OA and is important to be aware of.

 

  • Reluctance to play/interact with the family as normal; every dog is different and some are certainly more playful than others but if you have noticed a change in their activity it can signal something is causing them a problem.

 

  • Restless at night; painful joints mean finding a comfortable sleeping position is more tricky and you may notice your dog seeming unable to settle as before.

 

  • Difficulty with stairs or jumping onto the sofa or into the car; jumping or ascending/descending stairs puts increased pressure on joints and can highlight signs of joint disease.

 

  • Licking repeatedly over joints; persistent licking of skin can signal many different issues but if your dog appears to be licking over joints this can indicate that the joint is painful.

 

  • Change in behaviour; if your dog appears quieter or even more grumpy than normal, this can be a sign of pain or ill health.

What should I do if I suspect my dog has arthritis?

If you spot one or more of these symptoms, a visit to your vet would be recommended so a full clinical examination can be carried out. Though arthritis cannot be cured, there are now many treatment and management options that can help to manage the pain slow the progression of the disease and improve overall quality of life for your dog.

 

Our Ealing surgery is open and available for you and your pet. Our telephones provide our clients with veterinary advice 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We have been providing a caring service for pets from all over West London for over 50 year and have a wide range of facilities to help you care for your pet. Not yet a client? Register here, and visit a vet who is passionate about your pet.

Blog written by Jayne Clark MRCVS, provided by dogdialog on behalf of Zoetis.

Tinsel, String and Turkey Bones!

Tinsel, String and Turkey Bones!

Tinsel, String and Turkey Bones!

 

Tinsel, String and Turkey Bones!

Pieces of string, tinsel and bones from your festive dinner should be kept well out of reach from your pet to avoid an intestinal blockage and possible need for life saving surgery. Baubles and lights, if broken and ingested, will cause serious damage to your pet. Our Winter Blog takes a closer look at the toxins and hazards to be aware of at this time of year.

 

 

Arthritis

Arthritis is commonly first diagnosed in older patients during the winter months. This isn’t because the disease first strikes during this period, our Winter Blog explains why the signs of arthritis are more obvious in winter. It is important to remember that arthritis cannot be cured but there are ways to make an arthritic pet more comfortable.

 

 

Permethrin spot – ons;

Many pet owners have both cats and dogs, but did you know that sharing their flea treatment could be toxic to your cat! Many canine spot – on flea products from supermarkets and pet shops contain permethrins. Whilst generally safe for dogs, they should NEVER EVER be applied to cats, since they are extremely toxic to cats. Our Winter News Blog takes a look at some of the most common pet hazards around at this time of year.

 

 

Our Winter Blog also includes; Winter birds, how to help them during the coldest months of the year. Can you pinch an inch on your pet? Has your pet gained some extra lockdown pounds, understand how to tell visually if your pet has gained weight and, most importantly, how to help them loose it.

We hope you enjoy reading our Winter News Blog, if you have a question on any of the articles mentioned please do not hesitate to get in contact with our friendly team.

Beat The Heat This Summer 2020

Beat The Heat This Summer 2020

 

Beat The Heat This Summer 2020

The summer heat is a huge problem for many pets and it is essential to ensure free access to cool water at all times. Dogs can easily overheat and become dangerously unwell, our Summer News explains the signs of heat stroke that all dog owners should be aware of to keep their pets safe. Not forgetting rabbits and guinea pigs always ensure that they have access to plenty of shade, plus cool water – preferably in a bowl.

 

 

Age is not a disease in itself,

but it brings with it some conditions that owners of senior kitties need to be aware of. Thanks to improved nutrition and veterinary care, cats are living longer, healthier lives. Our Summer News discusses some of the most common conditions affecting older cats and the signs to watch out for.

 

 

A healthy mouth,

typically has bright white teeth and pink (or pigmented gums). However over time, plaque can accumulate on the tooth surface and start to cause bad breath and painful dental disease. Our Summer News explains the stages of dental disease to watch out for and how to manage them.

 

happy labrador

 

We hope you enjoy reading our Beat The Heat Summer News 2020, if you have a query on any of articles mentioned please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team for more advice.

 

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When is itchy skin a sign your dog should visit the vet?

When is itchy skin a sign your dog should visit the vet?

 

Every dog loves a scratch, yes? Dogs itch, just like they bark at cats, shake after rainfall and growl at the postman. But when is a good scratch actually a bad scratch? Sometimes scratching belies a deeper problem that needs proper attention. Here’s what to look out for to prevent your furry friend from any skin-related stress.

 

Excessive scratching

 

Given your wet-nosed pal’s propensity to claw away at his coat, it’s easy to overlook the odd scratch, but you know your dog best. Observe how long they spend scratching and where on their body seems to be irritating them. Is it one place specifically? Is it causing them stress? Are they super focussed on a specific area? That’s no ordinary itch!

 

 

Biting their legs/feet

If your dog is gnawing furiously at their paws or legs, chances are there’s a problem that’s literally skin-deep – and without treatment it’s only going to worsen. If their skin has dried out, it may be causing them pain, and nobody wants to see their dog in distress.

 

Skin blemishes

Noticed anything unusual just beneath the coat? Have a closer look through the fur to inspect for raw spots. Redness, flaky patches and bleeding means that their skin is damaged and needs attention. Providing your pet lets you, and isn’t already too sensitive from all the surface distress, have a good check through and see if there’s an obvious looking problem. A bath is a good time to inspect more thoroughly, but remember that if he is already suffering he might be even more reluctant than usual to participate.

 

(Too much) ear scratching or head shaking

Dog’s ears aren’t just a velvety accessory. They also act as a great antenna to transmit to you your barking buddy’s state of mind. They alert you to excitement, lethargy, sadness and the rest – the Greek chorus of canine kind, and a valuable asset to all dog owners to let you know how your four-legged friend is feeling. Same too with itchy skin. A dog’s ears are prone to excessive itchiness. Intense scratching or shaking their heads means there’s a problem to be addressed. Again, keep an eye on the ears. If he’s doing it for longer and with greater intensity, check for inflammation beneath the fur.

 

 

Licking

Your mutt will use whatever means they can to soothe that itch. If their skin is still prickly and burning, expect to see that long pink tongue rolling out to lick at the source of their pain. Again, keep a good eye on the amount of time they’re taking to attend to one spot. If they’re repeatedly returning to one area, then there may be an issue which may need medical relief.

 

What next?

Chances are, if your dog is itching excessively there’s a problem that needs to be addressed. Observation is key. It’s easy to dismiss a scratch as part of their usual behaviour. But keeping vigilant about their scratching is key to winning the battle against uncomfortably itchy skin. It’s normal for dogs to scratch, but constantly chewing their feet, flapping their ears or biting their behinds definitely isn’t part of their usual behaviour. If you think you’ve identified excessive itchiness, a vet visit is advised strongly.

Itchy skin is a symptom of many different ailments, from infections to allergies to parasites and disease. Your vet will be able to treat the itch whilst they try to diagnose the problem and provide the medical cure that’s needed.

 

if you have concerns that your dog is unusually itchy please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team for further help and advice.

 

Blog supplied by Zoetis

Written by Gemma Hopkins BVETMED, MRCVS.