Tag Archives: veterinary

Stay Flea Free This Spring!

Stay Flea Free This Spring!

 

With Spring on its way and hopefully some warmer weather, the potential for parasite infection is greatly increased on your pet and in your home! Fleas are extremely fast so just because you can’t see them, it doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Our Spring News gives some great seasonal tips on the pet parasites that are out and about and ready to hitch a ride on your pet.

 

Condition scoring your pet.

 

If your pet is looking a little broad in the beam, we can help you. Our Spring News gives some top tips on how to body score your pet from home. We understand it can be a real challenge helping your pets to lose weight. Our newsletter provides you with some top diet advice for your pet, plus don’t forget all four of our West London surgeries offer free weight checks and diet advice for your pet.

 

 

 

Easter Alert!

 

With Easter and Mothering Sunday on the horizon this can bring a whole host of new pet poisons into your home, from chocolate to lilies. Our Spring News discusses the seasonal poisons that could be lurking and what to do if you suspect your pet has ingested them.

 

 

We hope that you enjoy reading our Spring 2020 News, if you have any queries or concerns please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team for more advice.

 

 

We are passionate about pets, and have been providing a caring service to our clients and their pets from across West London for over 50 years. We believe that preventative healthcare is very important and offer a Pet Healthcare Club to help support this. Many diseases can be prevented or treated more effectively with earlier interventions. Annual health check-ups are an essential part of our healthcare plan, why not take a look at our Pet healthcare club here and see how we can help your pet.

Should You Give Your Cats Milk?

Should You Give Your Cats Milk?

 

We are frequently asked whether or not you should give your cats milk. It has always been seen as the go-to drink for them, with the traditional image of the cat sat by the bowl of milk, lapping it up. However, can cats drink milk?

 

The cat that got the cream

The reality is that cats are indeed very fond of cream. It contains a high fat content, which is why many cats enjoy drinking a bowl of thick cream. Given the relationship between milk from a cow and cream, many cats naturally gravitate towards milk – especially if it has the cream risen to the top. A saucer of milk for a 4.5kg cat (or an average-size woman) with ordinary cow’s milk inside it can contain the equivalent of four burgers’ worth of fat.

That said, times have changed from the days in which cats would be able to drink milk as fresh as the day is young. The milk that is now available to humans and cats from the supermarket is typically very low in fat. Some cats do still like the taste, but when it comes to how their body interacts with it, many researchers have found that cats struggle to digest milk. Many cats would actually prefer to eat a sardine, rather than be given a bowl of milk that is indigestible.

 

 

Milk requirements

This varies slightly depending on the age of the cat. As with all infants, kittens are born with the ability to digest lactose, which is the main sugar in milk. This sugar serves as a very valuable source of energy, and can help them grow and gain strength. Ideally they need their mother’s milk as this is packed with nutrients, and the first milk, called colostrum, contains antibody molecules that importantly help provide disease protection against diseases.

However, once they have reached the age of weaning, the ability to digest milk starts to dissipate. This is due to a reduction in the enzyme lactase, which had previously enabled them to tolerate lactose. At this point, milk starts to become indigestible, and the lactose that hasn’t been absorbed by the body may begin to ferment in the gut. It struggles to pass through the intestinal wall easily into the bloodstream, meaning it remains stuck in the intestines. Once the bacteria starts to invade and the fermentation sets in, this can lead to a lot of painful gas forming. It can also lead to an upset tummy for your cat. This may lead to them vomiting, suffering from stomach ache, or getting diarrhoea.

 

Keeping cats hydrated

These problems can sometimes be fatal for cats, especially if they are very young. Experiencing diarrhoea can lead to them becoming dehydrated very quickly. It’s important to ensure your cat is staying hydrated, especially in hot weather, and has constant access to a bowl of clean, cool water. This can be challenging as, unlike dogs, cats are not able to easily regulate their water balance and lack the innate ability to recognise when they need a drink. It can be difficult to get them to stay hydrated, and often mixing water with their food can be one of the best ways to encourage them to drink.

You can buy lactose-reduced cow’s milk, which can help their bodies digest the milk. This can be purchased from a range of different food stores or supermarkets.

Some of these drinks even contain added vitamins and minerals. Lactose-reduced cow’s milk contains almost 89% water, which means it can help with keeping your cat hydrated while they feel as though they’re getting something tasty. You can either use it on its own to help with weaning, or mix it in with solid food to encourage your cat with lapping. You should always ensure there is a bowl of water around for them too though. Lactose-reduced cow’s milk is often given to cats as a healthy treat, rather than as an everyday element in their diet. If you are looking after a stray cat, you may find that they benefit most from being given some high-quality cat food rather than milk. This will enable them to get all the nutrients and energy that they may be missing.

 

 

 

Keeping milk at bay

In a nutshell, while some cats can tolerate lactose-reduced cow’s milk, in general milk is seen as bad for cats and the whole cats and milk myth is exactly that – a myth. That’s not to say they won’t drink it – and many cats do actually enjoy drinking milk. However, it’s a little bit like giving someone who is gluten intolerant a plate of pasta. They may thoroughly enjoy the flavours when they start eating it, but the repercussions on their body will soon leave them feeling that they shouldn’t have eaten it. Ideally, you should give your cat clean water to drink as their main source of hydration. They can survive on this absolutely fine. It’s all they will actually ever need.

Adult cats don’t need milk in their diet. They’re essentially lactose intolerant. It is important to feed your cat a balanced diet though, with more than just soft tissues like meats as these can be low in calcium. However, milk isn’t necessarily the answer to calcium deficiency and a good cat food diet will ensure they have access to all the necessary minerals and nutrients needed. This will include calcium.

 

If you need advice on what to feed your cat or kitten don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team for more help and advice. We have been treating pets from across West London since 1950 and we can’t wait to meet yours.

 

Blog and images supplied from the CatDialog Team and Zoetis.

 

 

Summer Bites!

 

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.

 

Foliage alert.

 

Foliage alert 

Some plants such as ivy, poinsettia, holly berries and mistletoe can cause stomach upsets. Lilies, including their petals and pollen are VERY toxic to cats. They may brush against pollen and lick it off their fur, which can cause kidney failure. With the festive season just around the corner, the chances of pet poisoning can become higher. Our Winter Newsletter explains some of the other toxic alerts to be aware of.

 

 

The time of year is upon us where sweet treats are a plenty.

With the cold weather setting in, it’s a good idea to start making plans to avoid a Christmas calamity. From string and tinsel to turkey bones – all of these can cause an intestinal blockage and require life saving surgery. Our Winter Newsletter has arrived and it is bursting with advice on how to keep your pets happy and healthy over the festive period.

 

Winter Walkies : As the cold weather really sets in, make sure your pet is receiving enough exercise. If you have a dog, ensure they are ready for the colder weather. Thin coated breeds and older dogs may benefit from a snug coat to help keep them warm and dry. Don’t forget to do regular paw checks too, some salt mixtures on pavements can cause sore paws. Clean and wash your pets feet regularly to stop any sores occurring.

 

 

 

Update on Lungworm in dogs.

Lungworm are swallowed as tiny larvae, which migrate into your dogs circulation of the liver and travel to the right side of the heart. It’s here they develop into adult worms and really start to cause damage. Our Winter Newsletter explains the signs to watch out for in your dog, but more importantly how you can become your dogs hero and protect them from this potentially fatal parasite.

 

 

 

 

We hope your find our Winter Newsletter full of advice to help you care for your pet over the cold winter months. If you have any queries or would like advice on your pet contact our friendly team for help.

Autumn Alert!

 

Autumn Alert! 

Autumn is a fabulous time of year and with the warm weather fading, many people feel it is a better time of year for their pets, but that doesn’t mean we can take our eye off the ball when looking after them. Our newsletter will give you some top tips to keep your pet healthy going into the changing seasons.

 

Autumn joint alert! 

Older pets will often start feeling the cold in their joints; becoming sluggish and stiff. If your golden oldie is starting to slow down, don’t ignore the signs ask us about how you can put the spring back into their step.

 

Autumn Alert!

Autumn weather can cause older pets to feel the cold in their joints.

 

Poisonings

are also a concern at this time of year, so keep a close eye on your dog when you are out walking! Conkers, acorns and rotting fruit can all cause sorts of digestive upsets our Autumn news notes the other issues to be aware of at this time of year.

 

Acorns

Our Autumn newsletter has arrived.

Parasites

are sadly still a big issue! Some of these horrible beasties enjoy the cooler, damp conditions. Ask us if you need parasite protection for your pet. Our News explains the different parasites to watch out for and the diseases that they can spread.

 

We hope you enjoy reading our Autumn Newsletter and learn some useful tips to help keep your pet fit and well in the run up to winter. If you have any concerns about your pet do not hesitate to contact our team who are on call until 10pm 365 days a year.

 

Don’t forget we’re not just ‘In The Surgery’ we have an active Facebook page – give us a ‘like’ to keep up to date with other news and competitions. Our Twitter feed is buzzing with free pet advice and pet pictures and our You Tube channel is crammed with 2 minute videos to keep your pet fit and well.

 

Lost pet advice

What to do if your cat or dog goes missing.

 

   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.

 

 

Is your teenage cat losing weight?

 

Is your teenage cat losing weight? 

 

   Hyperthyroidism is a common disease in teenage cats, sadly sometimes, their symptoms are missed and referred to as just ‘old age’. Overactive thyroid gland (another name for the condition) is something we see quite regularly in older cats, the good news is diagnosis is fairly simple and there are different treatment options available to suit the individual patient.

 The thyroid glands are found in your cats neck, either side of the wind pipe. The glands produce a hormone which controls the body’s metabolism, which is why owners commonly report weight loss as one of the first symptom’s they notice.

 

 

 

Results day.

   Once the diagnosis has been confirmed there are 2 types of treatment that we offer here at Young Vets :

 

  • A daily dose of medication given at home, (usually tablets) to stop the overproduction of the hormone. If choosing the medication from home option, the owner will need to ensure the cat is receiving the specified dose at regular intervals (the same time each day).

 

  • An operation to remove either one or both thyroid glands. We would often recommend 14 days of medication prior to surgery to help stabilize the hormones but following on from the surgery medication would cease. A speedy recovery is usually followed and the patient can go home either the same or following day.

 

Hyperthyroidism in cats

 

 

  • If left untreated it can lead to blindness, heart conditions and in extreme cases even death.

 

Following either treatment option, your cats progress will need to be monitored regularly by yourself and your vet but there is no reason your cat should not continue to live a happy, healthy life.

   If you have concerns about your teenage cat, don’t hesitate to contact your local Young Vets surgery to discuss your cats case with one of our experienced veterinary surgeons.