To celebrate International Cat Day the @lonelyplanet and @the_blue_cross have teamed up up with an AMAZING offer!
They are giving away copies of the @lonelyplanet’s new children’s book, The Atlas of Cats
This beautifully illustrated hardback book features information about 60 domestic breeds of cats, 40 wild cats and all sorts of fascinating facts about them, their behaviour and their environments.
To collect your copy completely free of charge, just pop down to your local @the_blue_cross charity shop.
AND for every copy taken, @lonelyplanet will donate £10 to the charity!
This copy was very kindly #gifted to me and I love it!
#internationalcatday #lonelyplanet #bluecross #thebluecross #bluecrosscharity #gifted #childrensbooks #atlasofcats
It is really important that if your dog has to be muzzled in public, they are wearing one that gives them enough room to pant, stay cool and be comfortable.
Especially in this hot weather we are having.
If they cannot pant properly and open their mouths fully, our dogs are at a much greater risk of heat stroke, especially of they are shorter and broader faced.
For information on how to fit a muzzle properly and wear to get one large enough, I can recommend @the.muzzle.movement and Muzzle Up Pup on Facebook
#muzzleup #muzzlemovement #catthevet #heatstroke #heatstrokeindogs #xlbully
#ad A pet is for life, not just for likes!
Having a pet in your life is a wonderful thing but it is also a big, long term, commitment.
Here are some of the things that as a vet I would love for you to consider before you become a pet parent!
When it comes to dogs, I think most people appreciate that all of them need training, time and attention but please research the breed and type very carefully before making your choice.
For example, you may think you are an active family, but are you Border Collie active? Long walks at the weekend don’t cut it for them, they need them every day! And plenty of effort to keep their brains busy too.
Other common, but high energy breeds, like Springer Spaniels, Huskies and Beagles are fabulous dogs but need a great deal of input and are often underestimated in my experience.
Rabbits can be seen as an ‘easy, children’s pet’ but they not! They’re active, busy and need lots of care and should never live alone, every bunny needs a bestie!
Cats can be pretty chilled out companions but, again, don’t underestimate their needs.
And a personal plea from me as a vet; look into the common health problems you might encounter with your pet. Your vets are always on hand to help advise you on how to avoid them, you must have a plan to be able to fund veterinary treatment if it is needed. Either money in the bank or a great insurance policy!
Finally, be prepared for the changes that come as your pet gets older.
It is a very different experience caring for a geriatric and while it is still wonderfully rewarding, what they need, how much they can manage and the care we must provide is very different to their younger days, which sometimes can come as a bit of a shock.
Did you think hard enough before starting out on your pet owning adventure?
What advice would you give to someone thinking about adding a furry (or feathery or scaly!) family member?
For information about dog breeds and which one might be best fo
Prevention is the best cure for heat stroke & if you are worried about your dog, here are two golden rules to remember;
Cool them FIRST & cool them FAST
Get them WET & to your VET
The longer a dog’s temperature remains in the danger zone, the greater the chance of them developing permanent damage or even dying. So lowering their temperature as fast as possible is vital.
Dogs cooled by their owners before heading to the vet have lower temperatures on arrival & therefore a better chance of not suffering serious damage or death.
Cold water immersion is a great way to cool down fit young dogs & results in very quick reductions in body temperatures.
For older, flat faced or unconscious dogs, dampening their coats & putting them in a strong breeze can be preferable because then we avoid water in their airways but the advice about water temperatures is the same.
Any water cooler than your dog will cool them down but we should not avoid cold water.
There have been concerns that vasoconstriction would slow heat loss but this is not significant and we shouldn’t be afraid of them shivering (although if they shiver that is a sign we can stop cooling them) becauseit won’t send them back into the danger zone.
With good cooling, some dogs can become hypothermic & while we should try to avoid this, the development of hypothermia does not increase the risk of death.
Once you have started cooling your dog down by whatever method is most suitable at the time, you need to get them to your vet.
Start cooling the car before nyou get in it, if it’s a hot day it will be warm in there! Open the doors & windows, turn on the aircon & make sure your dog benefits from a breeze of the open windows on the journey.
There are lots of myths about heat stroke in pets and how to treat it, especially when it comes to home care, where you really can be instrumental in saving a life if you do it properly.
Which is why combatting and correcting them is s
Ramps and steps for dogs, especially if they are older or arthritic, are a brilliant idea!
But even if they are younger, do consider using them.
Our dogs are living longer these days and we need to look after their joints well before they reach their senior years to give them the best chance of an active and comfortable old age.
Ramps are great to avoid them hurting themselves when they jump in and out of cars but also anywhere in your home where they have to negotiate steps or heights.
Not only does this make their lives easier, it also reduces the risks of falls, which can be catastrophic for older pets with compromised joints.
(And, top tip!, getting your dog used to using them before they are less steady on their feet means they will be more confident to climb when they really will benefit)
Also, it’s @amazon Prime day today, which means (if you shop with them) there are some great deals on these products.
I have some linked in my favourites for you; https://amzn.to/3W0b2qU
Have you got a car ramp for your dog?
#olddog #caninearthritis #doglove #catthevet #dogsofinstagram
Heat Stroke Myths That Need To Die …. Because If They Don’t, Dogs Will
1) A thick coat keeps them cool
No, it doesn’t. A thick coat keeps them warm.
Newfoundlands & Chow Chows recently topped a list of dogs most likely to suffer from heat stroke, ahead of even the flat faced breeds. Their coats definitely didn’t help them.
There is no truth to the myth & if you see that heat map picture of the dog appears at this time of year, the reason the outside of the dog is cooler where it is clipped, is because the coat is trapping the heat inside, where we definitely don’t want it to be.
I can understand owners of dogs with big coats not wanting to clip them out because of the regrowth but if you chose not to, you HAVE to work hard to keep them cool.
2) Only ever cool them with lukewarm water.
Nope, the cooler the better!
The key with treating heat stroke is to get the body temperature down as fast as possible. The long it is high, the more risk of organ damage and death.
If you have iced water, use it, but as cold as it comes out of the tap is fine.
Any water lower than their body temperature will help but don’t fiddle about trying to get it ‘tepid’ before putting it on them.
3) Dogs in hot cars are most at risk
More dogs die from over-heating with exercise than in hot cars.
And that doesn’t have to be running like a loon, even gentle exercise on warm days can be dangerous, especially for flat faced or heavily coated breeds.
4) Don’t feed them ice cubes
Feed them ice cubes! And iced snacks! And iced water!
These all make super treats on hot days and help keep dogs cool, just like they do us.
5) Cover them in wet towels
An over-heating dog under a wet towel will soon continue to heat up if you don’t remove it quickly.
Just wet them directly and get them in a breeze. This will lift the heat off them better than any towel could.
Please share and lets make sure these myths die, rather than our pets.
Useful links for this subjec
Extraordinary claims need extraordinary evidence and if that evidence isnt given, don’t listen to what they say.
Unfortunately, it really is as simple as that.
(And even then, if you are really keen on making evidence-based choices, go and read those sources and judge for yourself if it is any good or not! Science is all about asking questions and remaining sceptical!)
Sadly there is a great deal of misinformation online about pet food, sometimes from people who are well-meaning but misinformed and sometimes from people who seek to mislead or shock for click bait and views.
If you ever see anything online that makes you worry about what you are feeding your pet;
First of all, instantly question that because a good educator would make you supported and informed about your choices, not guilty..
.. and secondly, next time you are in your local vets, ask them what they think! Many of my colleagues, just like me, love talking about nutrition and are more than happy to help you.
Here is the paper I cited; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11991408/
The original creator here is @tonichealth
#petfood #petnutrition #dognutrition #catnutrition #catthevet
The weather is improving, and it's time to choose adventure with our dogs! Which means it's finally time for…
…hiking to the top of the mountain and racing about in the heather (but take care in areas with ground nesting birds),
…embracing the muddy paths, …bouncing through the long grass, …running along the woodland trials, ..and celebrating with Zoomies!
But now we are getting out and about, we have to be ready to protect our pets from the parasites as they become more active this time of year.
Mandy loves to run and explore and get deep into the undergrowth and off the beaten track and I want to make sure she is protected from parasites while she does that.
Which is why I choose to use the Seresto Flea and Tick Control collar. It gives 7-8 months of protection against fleas and ticks, killing them without the need to bite Mandy*, and has a proven tick repellent effect, which is very useful when we are up on the moors where the sheep and deer graze!
Picking the perfect parasite protection for your pet is important and the best people to discuss your options with and to help you to choose are the team at your veterinary practice!
To find out more about the Seresto Flea and Tick Control collar and whether it is the right choice for your pets, check out @serestouk ; Seresto.co.uk
*Mehlhorn et al. Parasitol Res (2001) 87:198-207, information is regarding mode of action and is not intended to relate to speed of kill or to imply parasites can be completely stopped from biting. An attachment of single ticks after treatment cannot be excluded; for this reason a transmission of infectious diseases cannot be completely excluded if conditions are unfavorable.
#strapinwithSeresto #chooseadventure #chaseadventure #seresto #serestouk #mandythelabrador #catthevet #ad #sponsored #brandambassador
Money Saving Tips From A Vet
This week I was asked by BBC Wales News for my advice on how you can reduce your pet’s costs.
You can read the article on their website but here is my video in full.
Here are my tips;
Always let your vet know if you are concerned about costs.
We are here to help you and find a solution that heals your pet and suits your budget
There are lots of things you can do at home that will cost nothing, or very little, but can go a long way to saving you money.
Obesity is expensive and a killer. Save on snacks and keep your pet slim. This will have a hugely positive impact on their health and very likely lower health costs, especially as they get older.
Look after their teeth! Brushing on a regular basis will combat dental disease, pain, infection and the chances they will need veterinary dental care.
If your pet is older, especially your dog, then they will very likely be arthritic and sore and we can really improve their pain, and often lower the need for medication, by making some simple changes around your home.
Mats and runners on slippy floors, ramps on steps, stools for getting on and off the sofa, will all prevent painful injuries and protect delicate joints.
What supplements and ‘extras’ are you spending your money on?
Are they any good? Will they help or are they a waste of money? Many are very poor quality and are simply a waste. Ask your vet what they think, whether your pet even needs supplements and if they do, what they wpuld recommend.
You can ask your vet to write prescriptions for long term medications. The cost will generally be lower, we simply cannot compete with the online pharmacies.
I hope this helps!
Thanks, as always, to FIGS for my lovely #gifted forest green scrubs! I love them!
It's not weird, it's normal! #ad
In this video I explain some of the common things cats do when using litter, and why they are completely normal.
Thank you to Ever Clean UK for collaborating with me on this important message!
Does your cat do any of these things?
#evercleanuk #everclean #catlitter
If we are going to breed an animal it should always be with their best interests at heart, with their health and welfare paramount.
This is breeding for the ‘scene’.
This is about breeding for social media clout and inexplicably eye watering sums of money.
We shouldn’t glorify these animals, we should pity them.
#breedtobreathe #breedforhealth #notok #catthevet
Watch how easy it is to microchip a cat!
Microchipping cats is, as you can see, quick, painless, stress free and also pretty cheap! #ad
And from June 10th this year in England it will also be a legal requirement.
Having your cat protected by a microchip really is important, it serves as a permanent identification of them, so if they ever get lost, they will easily and quickly find their way home.
But just as important as ensuring your cat has a chip, is ensuring the details held on the database are up to date and that that database has permanent online access for finders, so you can always be contacted.
In this video I am using the HomeAgain UK Thermochip microchips, which can also measure your cat’s body temperature. Making it more than just a microchip!
So if your cat isn’t microchipped, give your vets a ring and get them booked in
And if they are, take 5 minutes to check what database your details are on and if it doesn’t have online capabilities, change it to one which does!
#microchipyourcat #catmicrochipping #microchippinglaw #homeagain #homeagainmicrochips #catthevet #brandambassador #ad #sponsored
Did you know we are in the middle of tick season?!
Ticks are parasites that bite our pets and feed off their blood. They stay in place for a few days gradually getting larger and if we don’t spot them, they then drop off and lay their eggs.
Ticks can pass disease to dogs, tick borne illness is rare in cats, but they generally need to be attached for at least 24 hours for that to happen.
In the UK these diseases are not common, although like I say in this interview, some areas are worse than others but in other countries they can be extremely serious and even fatal.
To protect our pets you can do a daily tick check and remove them with a tick puller but it is possible to miss them when they are first attached and it ks very important to do it correctly so they come out alive.
Alternatively you can use protection from your vet which comes in the form of tablets, spot-ons or a collar.
Have a listen to my chat with BBC Radio Kent for more information!
Have you ever found a tick on your pet?
#ticks #petparasites #catthevet #bbcradiokent #vetadvice
Why you shouldn’t microchip your cat; 😉 #ad
1. They never wander far!
Are you sure? Cats often go further than we think & even the homebodies can get out unexpectedly, have an adventurous day or get into a pickle like jumping into a van or, worse, have an accident & run away in fear.
2. It will hurt!
I promise you your cat won’t even notice! They get a cuddle from a nurse, some lovely snacks & it will be over before they have realised anything has happened.
3. They wear a collar and tag.
Cats lose these SO often. Sometimes by accident, sometimes they remove them themselves, & it is always possible for a person to deliberately take it off.
4. A chip cannot be removed
It’s a great thing that they can’t be removed, it means it’s a permanent form of ID for your cat & animal professionals like me can use it to identify owners.
5. They don’t need one for anything else.
Did you know there are now microchip activated cat flaps and cat feeders & water fountains that use the chip to identify your cat and track how much they eat
and drink?
These technologies are useful in lots of ways; the flaps ensure only your cat can get into your house & the feeders & fountain allow you to monitor their
food and water intake, which is brilliant for keeping an eye on their health & picking up on problems early.
And some microchips measure your pet’s temperature, so no need for thermometers! 😳🙌🏻
5. I don’t have to.
Yes you do! As of 10th June 2024 it will be a legal requirement in England for your cat to be microchipped.
Microchipping is quick, easy, inexpensive and gives wonderful peace of mind.
If your cat isn’t microchipped, get them booked in with your vet!
And ensure you register your details on a reputable microchip registration database so if they ever do go missing they can be tracked back to you.
All microchips are welcome at HomeAgain! It’s DEFRA-compliant so you will be in-line with the legislation in England an
What Makes The Perfect Litter And Litter Tray For Your Cat?
#ad Ever wonder how to make your cat purr-fectly comfortable with their litter setup?
Drop your litter questions in the comments below, and I'll address them in our upcoming video!
#evercleanuk #instinctivelybetter #everclean
This video is part of a paid collaboration with Ever Clean UK but all advice is my own!
Do You Love Dogs? Or Do You Love The Way Dogs Look?
Because if we love dogs, how can we say that we truly love the ones who struggle to live and be dogs, because of the way we have bred them to be?
That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t care for them or adore them but by continuing to breed and buy them how they are, we are proving we love the way they look, more than we love them.
Because otherwise we would breed them to be less extreme and therefore suffer less.
They can still exist as the dogs that we love, with the same personalities and joy for life, but they can actually live the lofe they deserve.
We love them but right now, love is not enough.
#catthevet #breedtobreathe #frenchbulldog #englishbulldog #pug #animalwelfare #animalhealth #veterinarian
And thanks, as always, to @wearfigs for my lovey #gifted scrubs!
Sound on!
Neutering your cats is an absolute must, they will be better pets and live longer and happier lives.
Cat castration is a simple, quick and very safe procedure, that your cat would thank you for.
To neuter is cuter!
And thank you @wearfigs for my lovely #gifted scrubs. I look cute but not as cute as my patient!
#cathealth #neuteriscuter #spaynotstray #catthevet
#stitch with @aboutyourdog Fling your ball flingers in the bin!
Ball flingers seem like a great idea but they are hugely damaging for joints and really bad for their mental health as well.
Dogs can get addicted to the high of the chase which puts their brains into overdrive and makes it hard for them to calm down or concentrate on anything else.
A good walk for our dogs doesn’t mean crazy running about, it is better for them to go at their own pace and be free to sniff and explore as they please.
If you are disabled and find ball play a good way to help you exercise your dogs, use the flinger to roll the ball on the floor or hide it in the undergrowth.
#binballflingers #ballflinger #dogexercise #dogwalks #dogadvice #catthevet
Look, if you do these things, you do you but it’s not what I would recommend.
* Cooking all your pets meals will almost certainly leave them nutritionally deficient. Even if you follow a recipe. And no, ‘rotating proteins’ or other ingredients will not help.
Yes, we cook for ourselves and our families but we are not very good at it! It is HARD to create healthy, balanced diets and nutritional disease in humans is extremely common, especially obesity.
And our pets have unique needs, particularly during growth, especially for larger breed dogs, not to mention in their senior years or if they have a chronic illness.
Regardless of the type of food you want to choose, it is always best to opt for a commercially prepared option created by expert nutritionists.
* ‘Never’ taking your pet to the vet is not something to be proud of. Animals are extremely good at living with diseases and not showing any obvious signs.
Please have them checked by your veterinary team at least annually, which is the equivalent of you only going to the doctors every 5 years at least!
* Not using preventative treatment is a choice you can make if you wish but we don’t recommend them for fun!
All vet professionals have seen pets suffer, and even die, from preventable conditions and we desperately want to avoid that for our patients and your pets.
Do remember though to thank all those owners who do vaccinate and treat their animals. The herd immunity they create is what is keeping your pet safe.
* Walking off lead near roads.
Yes I know it looks cool and your dog is very obedient but this isn’t the time to show off. Keep them safe and keep your ego in check.
* Letting children crawl all over them.
Most of the time the dog isn’t happy about this and is tolerating the kid only. One day, many of them snap; a child is mauled and they are put to sleep.
It did not ‘come out of nowhere’, their distress was ignored and they were le
