Cape Companions Veterinary Clinic

26/08/2024

Wishing all our canine clients a very happy International Dog Day! We hope you get extra cuddles and treats today 🥰

09/08/2024

Happy Women's Day!

Today we celebrate the women who have made a big impact in our lives and we know these 4 amazing females definitely have 🥰

Thank you Dr Lesleigh, Louise, Yolanda and Dr Nadine for all you do for our animals!

18/07/2024

Lucky Spokie!

Spokie had a run in with a porcupine and the porcupine won 😬 Miraculously, this quill only scratched the cornea and missed the eyeball. Spokie will make a full recovery with no vision loss.

12/07/2024

Did you know that normal body temperature for dogs and cats is between 38.3 and 39.2°C?

While we're used to seeing 37°C on the thermometer for a human, your furry friend runs on the warmer side. Body temperature is a useful indicator of how your animal's body is doing, so you may have noticed your vet checking this during an examination. Re**al temperature gives us the most accurate reading, though it may look uncomfortable!

09/07/2024

Are your dogs getting a little frustrated being stuck indoors due to this wet and cold weather? Try this easy activity to keep them entertained!

All you need is an empty egg box (or alternatively a box with scrunched up paper) and your dogs favourite treats. Scatter the treats in the egg box, close the box and allow your dog to use their nose to figure out how to get to the treats. You could also use their normal dry food in place of treats.

Remember to supervise your dog if it is their first time interacting with such a toy, to make sure they don't get frustrated or try to eat the cardboard itself.

Let us know if you try out this activity in the comments below! 👇

04/07/2024

Please make sure your pets have appropriate cover in this icy weather! 🥶

27/06/2024

NEUTERING GUINEA PIGS

Neutering is a surgical procedure performed to prevent reproduction in both female and male guinea pigs. In males (boars) the testicles are removed, which causes a drop in the level of testosterone. In females (sows), the ovaries and the uterus are removed, preventing your guinea pig from falling pregnant. This is usually performed anywhere between the ages of 4 and 12 months.

Female and males are sexually reproductive by 2 and 3 months of age, respectively. Females are Polyestrus meaning they can have multiple litters a year, and litter sizes range from 1-6 young, with an average of 3.

Unlike rabbits, neutering your male guinea pig will not reduce aggression or change his personality, nor does it prevent mounting or sexual behaviour. It will, however, prevent unwanted pregnancies, which is important if you have a bow and sow living together. If you have two boars living together, there is no need to neuter them.

Some males also have an active scent gland around the tail area with a noticeable waxy or greasy build-up. Neutering can help reduce this build-up.

Please contact us if you would like to discuss options for neutering your guinea pig!

25/06/2024

Some useful info on reactive dogs:

- reactive dogs
You’re out for an evening stroll and your dog spots a neighbour's cat lounging on the driveway. Most dogs will, at the very least, notice the cat, and a few might let out a warning bark or two, but some dogs’ reactions are on a completely different level. Barking, straining at the end of the leash, fixated on the cat and unwilling to keep walking no matter what you do. This type of over-the-top response is typical of a reactive dog.

“Reactivity” encompasses a spectrum of behaviour's that can be challenging for pet parents to handle. The intensity of the canine responses and the feeling of powerlessness on the human end of the leash might be overwhelming, but there is hope for training reactive dogs.

What is a Reactive Dog?
Responding to stimuli is normal — many dogs will alert and react to things that surprise them or make them feel unsure, like other dogs, strangers, loud vehicles or people on bikes. However, the intensity of that response is what sets reactive dogs apart from a dog responding in a typical way. It isn’t just a “reaction” — it’s an overreaction. Reactive dogs tend to display behaviours that seem out of proportion in response to the stimuli, whether in volume, intensity, or duration.

Let’s look at the causes of dog reactivity in a little more detail:
Exaggerated breed traits. Some dog breeds, like those in the herding and working groups, are selected for specific behaviours that can tip over into reactivity.
Lack of socialization. Early socialization helps puppies grow into confident dogs. Dogs who miss this important developmental step might be more likely to become fearful and reactive.
A negative experience. Trauma, whether accidental or due to abuse, might lead to reactivity.
Environment. Dogs in high-stress scenarios, like those living in a shelter, might be more likely to exhibit reactivity.
Lack of training. Dogs who have not been taught impulse control can exhibit frustration reactivity.

21/06/2024

We have the cutest clients!

Little Jeff was so pleased with our service (😉) when he came in for his 3rd puppy vacc that he fell asleep in contentment on his way home 😅

In 2 weeks time, Jeff will be protected from the main health risks that may be present on walks and at dog parks. We think he's going to love having a bigger world to safely explore 🥰

19/06/2024

BREED FOCUS: GREYHOUNDS!

Last week we shared that dogs can be blood donors - and greyhounds are high on the list as the majority of greyhounds have the DEA 1.1 negative blood type, which makes them universal donors.

Greyhounds are renowned for being the fastest dog breed, reaching a top speed of around 70kph. Their anatomy is adapted for this, giving them their unique appearance. Their pace can put them at risk of neck and spine injuries, as well as leg injuries.

Greyhounds are favoured as pets by some as they have low grooming needs, and despite their pace, are only active for short periods in the day. Their high prey-drive means one needs to be careful when adding a greyhound to a family with smaller animals like cats and bunnies, however if introduced as a puppy they tend to co-exist easily.

14/06/2024

Today is World Blood Donor Day!

Did you know cats and dogs can donate blood? In cases where we have very sickly animals, we have a rotation of blood donors that we call upon to assist with this life saving gift 🩸

There is little impact on the donor animal. Today we thank all blood donors that have come to the aid of others in times of need 🙏

11/06/2024

Rabies has been detected in seals in Blouberg, Strand and Muizenberg. Please be careful if you are walking your dogs on beaches in these areas and avoid interactions with the seals.

Rabies infections are fatal in unvaccinated animals and people. If your animal hasn't had a rabies vaccination in the past year, we strongly advise that they receive a booster vaccine. All dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies under South African law.

See more information here:

On 7 June 2024, a case of rabies was confirmed in a wild Cape fur seal from Big Bay, Blouberg, Cape Town. Suspected positive results have also been received for seals sampled at Strand on 15 May and Muizenberg on 26 May. The Western Cape Veterinary Services, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and...

03/06/2024

Please remember to bring your pets indoors or provide them with suitable shelter in this inclement weather.

The South African Weather Service has advised the Disaster Risk Management Centre of the following weather warnings:

• Yellow Level 4 Warning for Disruptive Rain resulting in localised flooding of roads and susceptible settlements is expected over the southern parts of the West Coast, western parts of Cape Winelands, City of Cape Town and western parts of Overberg districts tomorrow, 4 June

• Yellow Level 2 Warning for Damaging Winds leading to difficulty in navigation at sea of small vessels and personal watercraft is expected between Cape Point and Cape Agulhas today, but Cape Agulhas to Plettenberg Bay tomorrow

The DRMC has alerted all relevant City departments to be on standby to deal with any impacts brought on by the forecast.

Residents are requested to please help reduce risks to their properties by:
• Clearing out drainage systems
• Raising the floor level of a structure so that it is higher than the natural ground level
• Raise furniture on bricks to clear from the floor to limit water damage
• Make sandbags
• Dig trenches around the house to divert water away from the house
• Report blocked drains, intakes and illegal dumping – illegal dumping in the storm water canals and sewers make flooding worse
• Waterproof roofs, clear gutters and remove dead tree branches

For emergencies, residents can contact the Public Emergency Communication Centre by dialling 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 from a cellphone.

20/05/2024

Foster needed 🙏

Birdie is a sweet, timid young girl who we have been treating for a skin condition. She is slowly coming out of her shell and is very affectionate. She is stable enough to leave us now, but would benefit greatly from a foster home to complete her recovery.

Bird is under the care of Safe Hands Animal Rescue Franschhoek . She is around 6 months old, and gets on well with other dogs. She is on the smaller side of medium (around 11kg).

Please share to help us find Bird the family that can help give her a 2nd chance!

20/05/2024

🐝 Happy World Bee Day! 🐝

Bees are a keystone species, meaning that they are vital to our ecosystem. Bees pollinate many plants and crops, including a large proportion of those that we eat daily.

How can you help the humble, hard-working bee?
🐝 Grow more flowers, shrubs and trees
🐝 Let your garden grow wild
🐝 Cut your grass less often
🐝 Don't disturb insect nest and hibernation spots
🐝 Think carefully about whether to use pesticides

15/05/2024

DID YOU KNOW?

We offer veterinary treatment for pigeons? With pre-racing season upon us, please get in touch if you require our services!

08/05/2024

06/05/2024

There’s an extra chill in the air! Here are a few tips to check if your pet is feeling it too:

Physical signs:
❄️ Shivering is a way for your pet’s body to generate heat – just like in humans!
❄️ Paws and ears that are cold to the touch.
❄️ A tucked tail or curling up in a tight ball.

Behavioural signs:
❄️ Seeking out warm spots.
❄️ Whining or meowing may be their way of telling you they’re uncomfortable.
❄️ Being more lethargic, or even reluctant to go outside.

Certain breeds are more prone to feeling the cold than others – particularly those with low body fat or short fur. These animals may need extra protection in the form of jackets / coats in winter – like 2 of our greyhound clients in this picture, Sally and Sirius.

Providing a sheltered area out of the wind, and warm bedding will help your pet have a more comfortable winter!

27/04/2024

Happy World Veterinary Day!

On World Veterinary Day, WMA recognizes the role of veterinarians as essential health professionals who work tirelessly to control zoonotic diseases, safeguarding both animal and human populations: https://ow.ly/iRjJ50Rp4w8

19/04/2024

Our own Dr Lesleigh Rous has been attending the World Veterinary Association Congress in Cape Town over the past few days.

Not only has there been invaluable information shared that she will bring back to the practice, but it has also been a great opportunity to catch up with friends and family who are in the industry! Lesleigh is pictured here with her mum Dr Charmaine Rous.

MSD Veterinary Manual South African Veterinary Association

17/04/2024

❗️❗️ We are seeing an increasing number of tick bite fever cases ❗️❗️

Biliary (or “tickbite fever”) is a disease that is caused by a parasite named Babesia which is carried by the yellow dog tick.

Signs of biliary:
🩸 Lethargy
🩸 Loss of appetite
🩸 Pale gums and inner eyelids

Tick control on your pets at this time of year is vitally important‼️

Tick prevention medication can be given orally to you pet, and there are some environmental controls that can reduce the risk of exposure to ticks:
🐶 Keep grass and w**ds cut short
🐶 Seal off cracks and crevices
🐶 Wash bedding regularly
🐶 Use products registered for tick control in kennels

28/03/2024

Happy Easter!

May your Easter basket be filled with joy, happiness and peace, this season and always.

Remember to take extra care with your pets as chocolates are more readily accessible this time of year. Have a look at our Easter tips here: https://www.facebook.com/capecompanionsvet/posts/796710862476433

21/03/2024

18/03/2024

Update: Jack is in the care of Cat Trapping in the Winelands where he will receive lots of love and attention to support his recovery.

_______________________________________
Jack Sparrow, a stray kitten found with a severe eye injury, is an incredible little guy with a strong will to survive.

One can only imagine what pain he was in before he was found. Dr Rous removed the affected eye today and we will continue to monitor him as he recovers.

15/03/2024

Many of us humans feel losing a limb would be incredibly difficult. Dogs are an inspiration for coping with massive change! We've have a number of amputations this past year and Snowy is a great example of how well a dog can adapt to having 3 legs. We wish you a speedy recovery, Snowy!

14/03/2024

EASTER AND YOUR FURRIES!

With Easter around the corner, there are a few Easter items that you should be aware of avoiding for your pets...

🐶 Dogs 🐶
- Chocolate - this is a big no-no, but very appealing for dogs. Please be careful when hiding easter eggs as your canine companion may want to get involved in the hunt!
- Easter sweets - sugar-free gums and candies often contain xylitol which is toxic to dogs.
- Raisins, grapes and currants - hot-cross buns aren't for sharing with your hound, unfortunately.

🐱 Cats 🐱
- Lilies - this beautiful plant is popular at this time of year, but the pollen is toxic for cats.
- Easter basket grass / fillers - while this may look harmless enough for your cat to play with, they may contain plastic or be treated with plastic, which could become stuck in your kittie's digestive system.
- Roast pork & ham - while you may be tempted to share the festive flavours with your cat, the high fat and salt content of these foods can result in gastric upset.

🐴 Horses 🐴
- Chocolate - an easter egg looks harmlessly small compared to a horse, but chocolate is toxic for your horse!
- Oleander plant - this is a common decorative plants in gardens and deadly for our equine friends.
- Jimson w**d (Dartura Stramonium), Poke W**d (Ricinis Communis) and a lot of the Solanum species are all plants we find in our veld areas. Make sure to pull these out of your paddocks and prevent your horses eating these on an outride .

🐇🐇🐇 TRY THESE EASTER TREATS FOR YOU PETS INSTEAD! 🐇🐇🐇
- Carrots are a fun Easter-themed treat that can be shared safely with your dogs or horses!
- Dog-safe peanut butter. Sugar-free, xylitol-free and salt-free peanut butter is the way to go!
- How about trying some of these fun enrichment toys from local company The Potted Pup, which can be filled with your pet's favourite treats to allow them to also be part of the egg hunt fun! You can purchase these online here: https://thepottedpup.myshopify.com/products/easter-hunt