The Ridge Vet and Pet Spa

09/01/2025

Protect Your Cat from Panleukopenia with Vaccination at The Ridge Vet and Pet Spa !!

What is Panleukopenia?
Panleukopenia, also known as feline distemper, is a highly contagious and deadly viral disease that affects cats. It is caused by the feline parvovirus and can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. Kittens and unvaccinated cats are most at risk of contracting panleukopenia.

What are the symptoms of panleukopenia?
Common symptoms of panleukopenia include:
Lethargy
Loss of appetite
Vomiting and diarrhea
Dehydration
Weight loss
Fever

How can I protect my cat from panleukopenia?
The best way to protect your cat from panleukopenia is to get them vaccinated. The FVRCP vaccine is a combination vaccine that protects cats from panleukopenia, feline rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus.

Why should I choose The Ridge Vet for my cat's vaccinations?
The Ridge Vet is a team of experienced and compassionate veterinarians who are dedicated to providing high-quality care for cats. We offer a variety of vaccination services, including the FVRCP vaccine. We also offer a variety of other services, such as wellness exams, dental care, and much more..

Schedule your cat's vaccination appointment today!
Tel 031 566 4505
Email [email protected]

09/01/2025

Vaccinations protect your pet from several highly contagious diseases such as canine distemper, parvovirus infection and respiratory tract infections. It also protects against transmissible diseases such as rabies that also pose a risk to humans.

Basic vaccination programme for dogs as set out by South African Veterinary Association :
First vaccination at 8–9 weeks
Second vaccination at 11–12 weeks; includes the first RABIES vaccination
Re-vaccinate at 14–16 weeks; includes the second RABIES vaccination
Re-vaccinate at one year of age
Re-vaccinate every 3 years, including RABIES

Core vaccines for dogs :
Canine distemper
Canine adenovirus infections
Canine parvovirus infection
Rabies

Non-core vaccines for dogs :
Leptospirosis
Kennel cough
Canine coronavirus
Canine herpesvirus

Basic vaccination programme for cats as set out by SAVA :
First vaccination at 8 weeks of age
Re-vaccinate at 12 weeks of age; includes RABIES vaccination
Re-vaccinate at 16 weeks in environments with high infection pressure or in breeding catteries. If not applicable, only give the second RABIES vaccination
Re-vaccinate at one year of age
Repeat every three years, including RABIES

Core vaccines for cats :
Feline panleukopenia
Feline herpesvirus infection
Feline calicivirus infection
Rabies

None-core vaccines for cats :
Chlamydiosis
Feline leukaemia
Feline immunodeficiency virus

Please call The Ridge Vet with any enquiries or to book a consultation for your pet's vaccinations,
Tel 031 566 4505
4 Westridge Road, Umhlanga
www.theridgevetandpetspa.co.za

09/01/2025

The SPCA Durban’s marketing manager, Tanya Fleischer, says only 10 of the 400 stray animals have so far been reclaimed by their owners.

Following a busy festive season the Durban and Coast SPCA are encouraging residents to come forward to claim any loss pets or adopt a stray.

09/01/2025

04/01/2025

With the current heat wave, it is important to keep our pets cool!
Heatstroke is extremely dangerous, so here are some tips on keeping your pets cool:

-Avoid walking them during the day, take dogs for walks early in the morning or later in the early evening or if still too hot please rather skip the walk. Take some water with on the walk. You can use it to give your dog a drink, but also to cool him down if needed by pouring it over him.

-Make sure there is always cool water around and a cool place for them to find shelter from the sun.

-Don't leave your pets in the car, even with the windows slightly open, not even for a few minutes !!!!

-Certain breeds are more prone to overheating, like English bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, but also overweight dogs can overheat very easily..

What to do when your dog is suffering from heat stroke?

All heat stroke pets must be taken to the vet, but there is a few things you can do at home while someone is grabbing keys and bags.

-Move them out of the sun to a cool place, cool tiles inside will help
-Cool them down with cool wet towels on their bodies and head, you can also use a fan
-Give them cool water to drink
-Get them to your vet as soon as possible

Ps - Please dont walk them on hot tar or hot beach sand !!

The Ridge Vet and Pet Spa 031 566 4505

04/01/2025

BURNING PAWS :
An important message as the weather heats up 🐾🐾

PLEASE leave me at home if it's too hot or please wait until it's cooler ! It's not nice for me to run next to you on the burning beach sand and hot tar.

But because I am a loyal dog, I often go beyond my limits. And so I run beside you, stand still if I must. And feel my paws burn. I look at you for a moment, but you don't understand. Because in 5 minutes, we will be at the cool puddle, right? But those 5 little minutes can now just be fatal for me.
Because I sweat through my tongue and feet
and this heat I just can't reach it the puddle in time...

I cook from the inside, but I keep going.....
And so I end up on the asphalt or blazing sand. In the heat and in the sun. With my tongue out of my mouth and my eyes blinking in the sun.

My feet burned my tongue dry and my head pounding from the heat that my body can't get rid of the heat.

Don't brand the paw print!

Let your dog enjoy the sun, at home with a large bowl of water, a place in the shade. And best of all, preferably a cool patch of grass.

Via edenvale spca

04/01/2025

The same applies to scorching hot beach sand - so many people don't realise how badly burnt your dogs paws can get during the heat of the day - take water with to keep them hydrated and try to walk them early in the morning or later in the day when the sun is not so hot.. Take extra care with young puppies and elderly dogs !

04/01/2025

With the onset of our summer months, we can expect some hot and uncomfortable temperatures. And if it’s hot and uncomfortable for us, just imagine how much hotter it is in a car where you have left your pets while you ‘quickly’ pop into the shop.

The alarming fact is that dogs can die within 6 minutes of being left in a hot car on a sweltering hot day. Even with the windows cracked open, they can succumb to heatstroke and suffer horribly. Dogs naturally cool themselves by panting and releasing heat through their paws – this becomes impossible for them to do when the air and upholstery in your vehicle reaches such a high temperature.

We don’t imagine for one second that anybody would want to be the cause of the death of a beloved pet so we ask you to please be aware of these dangers – even if you think you aren’t going to be long at the shops, do not leave them in the car, rather make alternative arrangements for your animals.

02/01/2025

As received :
Missing dog: please contact me should you find him- black crossbreed male with a microchip - his name is Ford 0724401446 - last seen this am - passer by said a blue bmw fetched him- anyone who has any info please call me urgently. Missing from Broadway / Kenneth Kaunda Durban North.

01/01/2025

Update : FOUND
As received :
Please help find Roxy our Jack Russell
She got scared last night with the fireworks and somehow got out. She is from Brownsdrift Road, Umgeni Park
Please contact Morne on 082 - 908 - 6778 should you see her or have any info on her whereabouts.
Thank you

01/01/2025

UPDATE : FOUND
As received :
Please help find Henry.
He got spooked last night after the fireworks. He is from William Campbell Drive, La Lucia.

Please contact Jeremy on 083 454-7969 should you see him or have any info on his whereabouts.
Many thanks.

01/01/2025

As received :

30/12/2024

30/12/2024

Please do consider lighting candles or sparklers instead of letting off noisy earth shattering fireworks this New Year's Eve ! 🙏

Start the New Year by being considerate to your neighbours, pets, wildlife, environment and just your community at large..

We beg our community to be compassionate and kind by celebrating in a more peaceful way...

Yes, New Years Eve might be a party on two legs (even if you’re not going out), but on four, it might just be the most frightening night of the year.. There are some ways to manage the fear brought on by fireworks and it’s starts now! Here’s what you can do...

1. Go for a solid walk (or run) in the late afternoon/early evening if it’s cool enough to do so. This exercise lowers anxiety levels, releases relaxing endorphins and makes them more inclined to sleep.

2. Bring pets inside. Those fireworks bangs will make them want to bolt for it so a fence will often be no match and tying them up only causes more injuries.

3. Put blinds down, lights on and put music on. Research has shown that classical music is best. This is all about blocking out those stressful sights and sounds.

4. Put a load of washing on. Preferably a long cycle. These familiar and repetitive vibrations from the washing machine drown out the vibrations from the fireworks that are a huge source of stress.

5. Give them a place to hide. Dogs will want to ‘den’ so a pile of cushions, pillows or old mattresses they can lie in will make them feel safe.

What about cats? While they don’t enjoy the fireworks, they’re more inclined to seek shelter rather than take flight like dogs. Keep them inside...

Please stop by our practice to get medication should your pets require them.

Wishing you all a safe, peaceful and healthy New Year !

Dr Naidoo and The Ridge Vet Team

30/12/2024

Do you recognise this dog?
Found at Phoenix Industrial Park.

This beautiful dog has been picked up by the Springfield SPCA.
Please share to help us find his owner.

Please contact 0723594324 or WHATSAPP 0836616824 if you have any information.

NB-POSTED AS RECEIVED.

***************
Did you know?
Majority of missing pets are unsterilised males. They try to escape from your property to mate. They then get lost/stolen/knocked/injured, etc.

It's cheaper to neuter your pet, then spending thousands at the vet if they get injured.

I can offer welfare rates for sterilisation.

30/12/2024

The festive season is a joyous time for us, filled with family gatherings, delicious meals, and celebrations. But for our pets, it can be a bit overwhelming.

The noise, extra people, and unexpected changes in their environment can lead to stress. Add to that the fireworks on New Year’s Eve, and you’ve got a recipe for anxiety. In this blog, we’ll cover how to prepare your pets for the holiday season, ensuring their safety and comfort, all while using force-free, methods.

Safe Spaces for Dogs and Cats When Your Home Gets Busy
When friends and family visit, our homes can become lively with the energy of the holidays. While this is fun for us, it can be stressful for pets, especially those who are not used to a lot of activity. Providing a safe, quiet space for your pets to retreat to is crucial.

Cats: Creating a Sanctuary
Cats, in particular, are creatures of habit and can easily become overwhelmed by too many new people or noises. Before your guests arrive, set up a quiet room where your cat can stay undisturbed. This space should include:

A litter tray
Food and water
Comfortable bedding
Enrichment toys to help keep them occupied

Spend a little time in the room with your cat before guests arrive to help them settle. During the day, pop in occasionally to check on them and give them some attention. Without a safe space, some cats may attempt to escape the house in search of peace, which could result in them getting lost or scared.

Dogs: Chill-Out Zones
Even the most social dogs need downtime. Your dog may not realize they need a break, so it’s up to you to guide them to a quiet area to decompress. You can condition this space as a relaxation zone by introducing it in advance. Give them a chew toy or food puzzle when they’re in the room or crate, encouraging them to relax in peace away from the hustle and bustle. Remember to keep the area free of distractions and use it before things get too noisy.soothe them using force-free methods.

Use Music to Mask the Noise
While there are various calming music tracks for pets, not all music is created equal. Taiko drum music, with its similar frequency to fireworks, can be effective at masking the noise. There are many free YouTube tracks featuring Taiko drums that can be played for hours. However, it’s important to desensitize your dog to the sound in advance.

A week before fireworks night, start by playing the music at a very low volume while your dog is doing something they enjoy, such as a food puzzle or playing. Gradually increase the volume over the course of a few days if your dog remains unfazed. By New Year’s Eve, the loudness of the music will help mask the sound of fireworks, giving your pet some relief from the stress.

Create a Den-Like Space
On the night of the fireworks, set up a cosy, enclosed area for your dog. This could be a crate covered with a blanket or a small room with their bedding, toys, and water. Play the Taiko drum music or other calming sounds in this space while the fireworks are happening outside.

Setting Your Dog Up for Success: Force-Free Training Tips
When interacting with your dog, whether you’re teaching a new behaviour or simply taking them somewhere, it’s important to set them up for success. Force-free training focuses on making learning experiences positive, low-pressure, and as error-free as possible. Here’s how you can ensure your dog thrives during the festive season:

Manage the Environment A dog will struggle to listen and learn in a busy, noisy environment. When you’re teaching them something new, start in a quiet space where they can focus on you. This is especially important during the holidays when distractions are everywhere.

Take Baby Steps Don’t expect your dog to learn everything at once. Break new behaviours down into small, manageable steps, and reward your dog for each success. This will keep training fun and help them stay engaged.

Keep it Fun and Rewarding Even if your dog is doing well, don’t make the tasks harder every single time. Occasionally throw in easy wins with quick rewards. This keeps training enjoyable and ensures your dog remains motivated.

Final Thoughts
By preparing in advance and using force-free, science-based training techniques, you can ensure your pets have a safe and enjoyable festive season. Whether it’s helping them cope with busy holiday environments or easing their anxiety during fireworks, these tips will set your pets up for success, making the holidays more relaxing for everyone

https://welovepetssa.co.za/blogpost/get-ready-for-fireworks-and-the-festive-season?utm_medium=paid&utm_source=fb&utm_id=6616868094117&utm_content=6616868096317&utm_term=6616868095717&utm_campaign=6616868094117&fbclid=IwY2xjawHffJZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHYHuWzUFJ9fRuRYtuuFiTpiQhcIJeSujxILWvpX6SX_MHhu6BW31vCRwIQ_aem_-5_vHc-RJDYoyccujQOfjQ

For the humans the Festive Season is a joyous time, for our pets, it can be overwhelming. Start early and prepare your pets for the holiday season.

30/12/2024

Pet Classics is back with a special extended edition, to help calm pets during the New Year’s Eve fireworks. Join us for a soothing musical sanctuary on 31 December, 7pm to 10am. 🐾

28/12/2024