This ‘science experiment’ is nothing of the sort. It is a typical example of the misleading marketing we are seeing commonly from pet food brands.
No, there is are no carbohydrates in the raw food but is that really a good thing? When it leaves the pet vulnerable to missing out on vital nutrients, and with no fibre, how healthy is their microbiome?
Sure, their poo is rock solid but I’m not convinced borderline constipation is to be celebrated, even if they are easier to clean up after.
The lack of nutritional knowledge this advert displays is extremely concerning from a company creating meals for pets.
Which is why I actually hope that this is misrepresentative marketing, rather than them actually believing what they are saying..
… because despite my deep loathing of this kind of messaging, at least then pets health is less likely to be being put at risk.
Pet food companies - Do Better.
#petfood #rawdogfood #rawpetfood #catthevet
I’m excited to share some tips for a cat-friendly festive season with the help of my friends at Ever Clean UK! 🎄🐾
They’re truly passionate about creating the perfect home environment for your cat.
Is your house ready for Christmas? Share your favourite cat-friendly holiday tips and ideas in the comments!
This is a #sponsored post but all advice is my own!
This video first appeared on @Pubity but it is a great demonstration of how there is always a reason why our cats do what they do!
So I get why this is entertaining but I would be wondering what this cat is struggling and how I could help him.
They look like they are in a vet clinic, so presumably their owner has realised there is an issue as well.
Arthritis, obesity and Diabetes could all be playing a role here and are something all cat owners need to be kn the look out for, especially as our pets get more mature.
#cathealth #catadvice #felinearthritis #catarthritis #catthevet
Today the ‘Import of Animals Bill’ is being introduced to parliament by @danny_the_vet MP and it is absolutely vital we support it
This bill ensures;
🐶 No puppy or kitten can be imported into the UK until they are over 6 months
🐶 No heavily pregnant animal can be travelled into the country
🐶 No animal who has suffered mutilations that are illegal in the UK will be allowed entry
🐶 The rules around importing rescue animals are being tightened up
This will is kill the imported puppy trade, where pups bred in horrendous conditions on the continent are brought into the UK for sale.
Currently the limit is 15 weeks but it is not too difficult to pass off a much younger puppy or kitten as this age, especially with small breeds.
Not only is this far too young to travel such distances but animals this young cannot be vaccinated properly against Rabies.
I appreciate pedigree puppies from responsible breeders travel this young but they are a tiny proportion and if any loophole is left, it will be exploited.
Travelling a pregnant animal is only to be able to pass off the pups as ‘UK bred’ & risks bringing in Brucellosis.
Ear cropping has been illegal in the UK for a long time but because cropped animals can be brought in, this has been used as a smokescreen for the people mutilating pets in this country. By closing this gap, it will be far easier to secure convictions and save dogs from harm.
That is not to say that cropped dogs do not deserve safe and loving homes, but few are likely to be genuine rescues and those that are can be cared for in their home country.
Finally, if we are importing animals for rescue into the UK it is absolutely vital that is done in accordance with all the regulations, that those animals are properly cared for in transport and are brought in with a solid plan for them once they arrive. The changes in this bill will make it clearer for importing organisations how they can do that and limit the numbers on each tr
I can absolutely see the appeal of French Bulldogs, but the sad fact is they often suffer hugely because of the way they have been bred to look.
Their flat faces make breathing difficult, their large wrinkles are vulnerable to painful infections, particularly as they often have sensitive, allergy-prone skin, and did you know they also commonly suffer ear disease?
Their short backs, which give them their signature stocky build, are hugely prone to slipped discs. These are extremely painful and often result in permanent paralysis.
If you are thinking about a Frenchie in your life, it is absolutely vital to consider it very carefully and if you do go ahead, consider adopting instead.
To find out more, go to:
rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/campaign/healthierbreeds/frenchbulldogquiz @rspca_official
#frenchbulldogs #frenchbulldog #frenchiesofinstagram #breedtobreathe #catthevet
Why did you pick your dog?
There are lots of reasons why we choose the breeds we do, and everyone is different, but things like attractiveness, popularity and appeal are all common ways to help make a decision.
However, we have to always think with our heads as well as our hearts when we are taking on the responsibility of dog ownership.
For example, how much are they likely to cost? No dog comes for free but some breeds are almost inevitably going to cost more than others because of the way they have been bred and that is never more true than for those with very flat faces like pugs.
Their non-existent noses make breathing difficult and the folds of skin on their faces often become sweaty and infected. They are also prone to obesity, which can put extra pressure on their respiratory system and leaves them vulnerable to other diseases like painful arthritis.
If you are considering buying a pug, it’s important that you are aware of their common health issues and think very carefully before you get one.
To find out more, go to: rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/campaign/healthierbreeds/pugquiz @rspca_official
#pugsofinstagram #pugs #rspca #rspcaofficial #catthevet
#ad When it comes to ticks, prevention is definitely better than cure!
Ticks are blood sucking parasites that attach themselves to our pets, feed off them and stay in place for at least a couple of days.
Not only are they unsightly and pretty fiddly to manually remove, but they can also spread some nasty diseases to our animals.
Which is why using something with a strong repellent effect and a quick kill time if they do manage to bite, is such a good idea!
We have a variety of options, and I would always recommend you ask your vet for their advice but one thing I always advise my clients to consider is the Seresto UK Flea and Tick Control collars.
They are available for both cats and dogs, are effective for 7-8 months, have a safety release mechanism (particularly important for adventurous kitties!) and are a proven repellent and killer of ticks, and protect against fleas as well!
If this is something you think might suit your pets, check out: https://mypetandi.elanco.com/en_gb/our-products/seresto-flea-and-tick-control-collar to find an authorised seller, but always do consult with your vet team first before buying any product for your pets.
This time of year is a really difficult one if you have a dog who finds fireworks frightening.
And as much as we might wish the fireworks didn’t happen (and supporting campaigns to that end is a good thing) there is no sign they are going to stop any time soon, so it is our responsibility to support our pets.
Also, even if your dog doesn’t seem too fussed, making some changes will help because most are stressed to some degree, some just don’t show it as much.
So here are some of the things I would advise;
🦮 Walk them early.
Well before dusk so there is little chance of them being spooked by an early firework. If this is difficult because of your work hours, then it may be best to drop the walks on those days and stay at home playing games to get some energy out of them.
🐶 Feed them early.
So they are nice and full and relaxed as the dusk comes in.
🐕 Build a den.
Dogs feel safe in small, dark covered spaces. It also helps to muffle noises of the fireworks. Use calming pheromones like @adaptildog and treats to help them relax in the space
🦴 Use chew toys.
Licking and chewing are incredibly calming activities for dogs. So using @kongcompany Kongs, @lickimat Lickimats or other chew toys to help them work through their anxieties is a very good idea.
💊 Use calming medicine.
We have an array of safe and effective options to help dogs stay calm and learn to manage their fears. It can take a few tries sometimes to find the right doses and combinations for some dogs. So if you have used meds and they haven’t helped, don’t give up!
For many dogs they are absolutely vital and make things so much better for them and for you.
🧑🏼⚕️Get professional help.
Many dogs can improve hugely with the right training techniques and desensitisation programs, and getting a well trained behaviourist is something I would always advise. The @apbc_official and the @abtcouncil or asking your vet are the places to start.
These do take t
Have your Heard Of The HT Vista?
We all know you can’t tell exactly what a mass is by just looking at it but sometimes it can be a challenge to persuade owners to go for biopsies straight away.
Which is where the HT Vista can come in!
This is an exceptionally cool bit of kit that uses thermal technology and AI analysis to give a percentage likelihood of a mass being benign in just 40 seconds.
The evidence behind it is robust and improving all the time thanks to the learning element of the AI.
And this is something your whole team can get involved with, with recommendations to test coming from vets and nurses alike and the scans can be performed by the nurses just as well as the vets (probably better!)🤪
Having a lower chance of being benign doesn’t mean the mass is malignant, as you can see from this video, but it does mean it is sensible to test and so the @htvista_ can be another tool in our armour to ensure our patients receive the very best of care.
Learn more about the HT Vista and to book your own demo, check this out; https://www.ht-vet.com/
They are also going to be at London Vet Show this year, so pop along and have a chat to their super lovely team on Stand F67
#htvista #catthevet #ad
Is Your Cat Fat....?
Is Your Cat Fat? Is Your Dog Dumpy?
#ad You might say not but did you know at least 50% of dogs and 43% of cats in the UK are overweight but 77% of pet owners think their animals are a healthy weight*….
… and they can’t all be right!
It isn’t always easy to tell if a pet is too big; weight gain can happen very gradually, some are very fluffy and they won’t let you know they have hit their calorie limit for the day!
But it is really important to keep an eye on them and make adjustments as needed because being too fat or obese makes our pets prone to a great number of diseases, which can reduce both their quality and quantity of life.
And the best way to do that is to regularly check in on their Body Condition Score!
You can find these charts online, they are also in this video, and the staff at your local veterinary clinic will always be very willing to help you!
Your pet, regardless of their breed shape or size, should have a nice obvious waist, from both above and the side, easy to feel ribs, and a pert bottom and well defined thighs.
The ideal is a 5/9 on the Body Condition Scoring charts.
If your pet is a six, look at cutting back on their treats, making sure you are measuring out their regular food and maybe consider swapping them onto a ‘light’ version for a while.
If they are a seven or above, you are going to have more success by moving them to a therapeutic weight loss diet for a while. Once they have got to a certain size, these are more efficient in helping them lose the pounds quickly and safely.
So, are your SURE your pet is a healthy weight?
If you have any concerns, do ask the team at your vets. They will be able to give you personalised, detailed and appropriate advice your pet and their lifestyle!
To learn more about body condition scoring in animals, check this out from Petplan UK; https://www.petplan.co.uk/pet-information/blog/body-scoring-how-to-check-your-pets-weight/
*PDSA Paw Report 2024 , UK Pet Foo
What If I Told You.....
#ad If they are overweight, our pets are at a higher risk of many diseases and could potentially live a shorter life.
So it is really important to keep a close eye on them, so we can spot if they are getting a little large and act before it is too late.
As with us, although the number on the scale is a good guide, it is our pet’s body shape that is the most important thing to monitor when it comes to deciding if they are getting a little broad about the beam or not!
To do this we use Body Condition Scoring Charts and the ideal is a 5 out of 9.
This can vary a little with the breed of your pet, as their natural figures can be different, but in all we need to see a nice waist from both above and the side, we should be able to feel the ribs with gentle pressure and there should be no love handles!
If you think your pet might be getting a little porky, the best place to head for some advice is your vets.
They will be able to pop them on the scales, assess them for you and give you advice tailored to them and their needs to help you help them get back to the perfect weight!
To get you started, check out this really informative blog from Petplan UK! https://www.petplan.co.uk/pet-information/dog/advice/how-to-help-a-dog-lose-weight/
#petplan #petplanuk #fatcat #fatdog #felineobesity #canineobesity #weightclinicvets #weightloss #catthevet
Do You KNow What your Dog's Tick Risk Is?
Do you know what your dog’s tick risk is? #ad
Ticks are a common parasite on our dogs & not only are they unsightly, they can pass diseases to our pets.
So knowing your dog’s personal risk & working to reduce that, is a good thing!
🐩 Poodle crossbreeds have been shown to be more at risk than other dogs.
This could be because they are very popular but is also probably because they are busy, curious dogs who like to explore the undergrowth where ticks hang out! Other active breeds like labradors, cocker spaniels & terriers have also been shown to have an increased likelihood of gaining parasite passengers!
🦔🐑🦌 Where you walk can be significant
Ticks also feed off wildlife like deer & hedgehogs, and they also like sheep! So walking in areas where these animals are common often means the ticks are more numerous as well.
🌳Woodlands and grassy areas are also popular with ticks, not only because of the wildlife but also because they climb the thick undergrowth to get onto our dogs.
🍁As the year changes, so does the tick risk
Ticks enjoy humid conditions, so they have traditionally been most active in Spring and Autumn, with May to July being the peak times. But with the cooler, moist summers and milder winters we are experiencing, they are becoming a year round concern.
😎 Holidays are a hot spot!
The ticks on continental Europe carry more & different diseases to those in the UK, so it Is absolutely vital that if you are travelling abroad with your dog this summer, you ensure they have continuous protection while you are away.
There have been cases of dogs in the UK infected with foreign diseases, despite the fact they have never left the county. Although these are still thankfully unusual, it does mean that ticks have been able to cross the border, most likely on pets, and it is vital we prevent this happening.
For the best advice on how to protect your dog against ticks, speak to your vet!
For my dog Mandy, who loves exploring the u
