All posts in Pet Care

Vomiting and diarrhoea

These are common minor problems and they can follow changes of diet, scavenging and feeding on left-over food. Changing to new food should be done gradually. Take at least three days and start by adding small amounts of the new diet to the current one. Avoid giving “left-overs” – this can trigger serious problems, such as pancreatitis (inflamed digestive gland). Try to prevent your dog from scavenging by keeping your rubbish secure and, if necessary, by using a muzzle when your dog is in the park. Bones should never be given. Bowel irritation from chewed up bone fragments can cause gastrointestinal upsets and blockages.

Vomiting usually means a tummy upset but it can also be a sign of other illnesses. If your dog has been vomiting frequently or seems weak and lethargic, always contact your vet. For adult pets that remain bright and keen to eat, you can follow the advice below. However, if vomiting persists for more than a day or if your dog seems unwell, contact the vet. Do not let your dog drink too much at once. Drinking lots of water tends to result in further vomiting with the risk of dehydration. Give cooled, boiled water little and often. Do not feed until at least 12 hours after the last episode, then offer small amounts of a white meat diet such as boiled chicken or boiled fish (cod or coley), with white rice. Provided there is no further vomiting, offer small amounts every two hours for the first day and then larger quantities less often for the next couple of days. If all remains well, start to mix in the usual diet.

Diarrhoea – do not feed for 12 hours, but allow access to water, then feed a bland diet as described above for vomiting. If diarrhoea persists for more than one to two days (depending on the severity), your vet should be consulted.

Important – always consult your vet if you have a puppy with vomiting or diarrhoea.

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Always phone first, whatever the situation, as there may not be a vet constantly at the clinic. However, staff may be able to suggest immediate action to take. Have a pen handy in case another number is given. Treatment can usually be provided more quickly if the cat is taken to the surgery, rather than calling the vet to your home. Always bear in mind the safety of yourself and others. Keep calm and assess the situation before acting. Injured animals are frightened and in pain, and may try to bite anyone who touches them.

Approach your cat quietly and slowly, avoiding sudden movements. The best way of lifting an injured cat is to put one hand under the chin on the front of the chest, and the other behind the hindlegs. If the cat seems frightened and potentially aggressive, it is better to lift the cat in a thick towel, but be careful as cats can bite through towels. If you are dealing with an unknown cat, you may be able to encourage the animal into a shed or garage before seeking help. Sometimes cats can be persuaded to run into the safety and security of a cat box, if there is no other obvious escape route. If you are bitten, see your doctor.

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In emergency situations:

• Contact the vet. Keep your vet’s phone number to hand and know the name of the practice.
• Always phone first, whatever the situation, as there may not always be a vet available but staff may be able to suggest immediate action you can take.
• Have a pen handy in case another number is given. Treatment can usually be provided more quickly if the dog is taken to the surgery, rather than if the vet is called out.
• Always bear in mind the safety of yourself and others. Keep calm and assess the situation before acting. Injured animals are frightened and in pain and may try to bite anyone who touches them.
• If there is a risk of biting, put a muzzle on, or wrap tape around the nose and tie behind the ears, unless your dog has difficulty breathing. Small dogs may be restrained by putting a thick towel over their heads.
• Never give human medicines to a dog – many will do more harm than good. Do not offer food or drink in case anaesthetic is needed.
• Drive carefully when taking the patient to the surgery.
• If you do get bitten, see your doctor.

Is it an emergency?

Sometimes, outside normal hours, it is difficult to decide whether urgent attention is needed. You can always call and ask for advice.

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Young cats are the most curious and the most prone to getting into scrapes. Especially as pets age, it is a good idea for them to have a regular (at least annual) check-up at the vet. This may pick up on hidden problems. It is better for the vet to discover that your cat has a heart problem than to have to rush to the vet in the middle of the night with a seriously ill pet.

Road accidents

Cars are the greatest danger for cats. It is a good idea to keep your cat indoors at night (serving a tasty morsel at nightfall encourages your pet to come home!). Failing that, a reflective collar makes your pet more visible. Neutering makes your cat less inclined to roam and is particularly beneficial for males. Male cats that have not been neutered are at serious risk of an incurable virus disease called FIV.
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Among the most common problems are injuries following road accidents or dog-fights, and illnesses resulting from swallowing objects, medicines or household chemicals. If you think your dog has eaten something dangerous, contact the vet immediately (phone the emergency number if necessary). Keep any packaging so that you can tell the vet exactly what the substance is. Do not try to make your dog sick without asking the vet. If your dog is staggering or fitting, clear away obstacles so he cannot hurt itself, and make the room dark and quiet.

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Simple measures, such as checking for any ear discharge, attending to dental care and feeling for external lumps, are an important part of routine healthcare. Keeping your cat indoors at night can help to reduce the risk of road accidents. Daily grooming is particularly important for long-haired cats to avoid matting but is beneficial to all cats, and provides an opportunity to examine your pet. Start by doing a little at a time, and try to do areas such asthe belly, under the tail and around the hindlegs. However, you will need to consult your vet about other important healthcare measures for your pet.

Why you should neuter your cat

Too many kittens grow up to be unwanted cats, and there are also health reasons for neutering your cat. Female cats come “on heat” at least every three weeks. During this stage they are restless, may miaow loudly and roll around, appearing to be in pain. Drugs to suppress heat are available but there is a risk of side effects. Recurrent heats may distress your pet, but they can be stopped by spaying. In addition, spaying prevents womb infections later in life and reduces the risk of breast cancer. A cat does not need to have had a litter first. The operation is usually done at around five to six months of age, although it can safely be done younger or older, and can also be performed on cats in early pregnancy. Male cats should also be neutered at five to six months in order to minimise the risk of contracting the cat form of AIDS (FIV) from fighting.

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Neutering

All dogs have a right to a caring home and too many puppies grow up to become homeless dogs. For this reason all dogs should be neutered. Neutering has health benefits as well. Spaying females under a year of age reduces the risk of breast cancer, the most common cancer to afflict female dogs. Unless spayed, older bitches risk developing a dangerous pyometra (a pus-filled womb). Spaying also prevents false pregnancy that can occur after a season (symptoms are moodiness and milk production). Drugs are available to suppress heat or prevent pregnancy after accidental mating, but these can have side effects.

In males, neutering makes both prostatic disease and some cancers less likely. There is also less risk from fighting or accidents while roaming. Many owners worry that their pet will become fat after neutering, but this is easily prevented by correct feeding. Over-feeding, not neutering, is the real cause of obesity. Neutered animals require less food, therefore reduce the amount fed after neutering and weigh your dog regularly. Occasionally, older spayed bitches may leak a little urine whilst sleeping, but this can be easily controlled. Neutering can be done at any age but, for the greatest benefit, should be done under one year of age. A bitch cannot be spayed during a heat, when producing milk during false pregnancy or after whelping. Your vet will advise on the exact timing.

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Cats can be wonderful companions. Although they may seem independent, caring for one demands as much commitment as with any other animal.

Cats often live for 20 years or more, so do not assume that it is always best to take on a kitten. An older cat has much to offer and may be better for owners who are out working, are elderly, or have families with young children.

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Before you start

Please consider the following:

• Does everyone in your home want a dog?
• Do you have the time to provide exercise – walks and play, in all weathers and on dark nights, etc – and give adequate daily attention such as grooming?
• Do you have time for the training and socialisation a dog will require throughout life? You will be legally responsible for your dog’s behaviour so ensure training and socialisation are done correctly.
• Can you afford the vet’s bills, including annual vaccinations and regular worming? Other expenses include providing a proper diet to keep your dog in good condition. Also, boarding kennel costs need to be considered if you have regular holidays where your dog will be unable to accompany you.
• Can you provide a safe and secure home for the dog for life?

Dogs of all ages are appealing, so it is easy to get carried away with the idea of taking a dog home without thinking of the consequences. Your dog may be with you for 15 years or more, so consider the time, effort and money required. Your dog’s health and happiness will be your responsibility, so if you do not think you can provide care for the rest of the dog’s life, please do not get one.

Remember, you will be responsible for behaviour – your dog must be taught good manners and be well socialised. Should unforeseen circumstances arise and you can no longer care for the pet, a dog with bad manners might face an uncertain future.

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