Hazards for pets to be aware of this Christmas. Whilst we love a little festivity, it can be a very dangerous time for our pets. A lot of tempting and very poisonous treats are around and pet owners need to be aware of the dangers surrounding them.
DetailsTravelling after Brexit to Europe with your pet. Dogs, cats and ferrets have been able to travel to the EU on the basis of a Pet Passport for many years now. The effect of Brexit on pet travel is currently unknown but there are three possible scenarios. Of most impact is the effect of a No Deal Brexit as this has implications if you wish to take your pet to an EU country on or shortly after the 30th March 2019.
DetailsPet diabetes month has been created to raise awareness nationwide about diabetes in cats and dogs.
Diabetes is becoming increasingly common in both cats and dogs especially over the age of 6 years old. Overweight pets and certain breeds are more at risk than others of this disease.
DetailsFirework associated anxiety can be very traumatic for animals. November 5th and the weekends around it are some of the noisiest nights in the year and this can make this time of year especially difficult for animals. Therefore it is important that pet owners don’t forget about their animals. Flashes and loud noises maybe exciting for humans but it can be very frightening for pets.
Furthermore, the loud noises can cause our pets to behave unpredictably putting their safety and others at risk. As a dog, cat or rabbit owner, you should plan ahead to ensure your animals feel safe and to help avoid any incidents of them becoming aggressive, fearful or running away.
DetailsSeasonal canine illness (SCI) is a very serious and potentially life-threatening illness. It generally affects dogs which have been walked in woodland areas 1 – 3 days prior to becoming unwell.
Seasonal canine illness was first found back in 2009 in dogs which had been walked at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. Shortly afterwards dogs which had been walked in Thetford, Sherwood and Rendlesham Forest and Clumber Park were also reported to have shown similar signs of seasonal canine illness.
Generally, cases of the illness are seen between the months of August through to November, with the highest figures in September.
DetailsWhen it comes to fleas, ticks or worms any type of investigation is not good. Therefore it is essential that you know how to protect your pets against them and stop them from coming back.
DetailsTaking your dog abroad does not have to be difficult. In recent years we have seen a lot of changes which have made the whole process much smoother. However research still needs to be carried out and you need to be aware of the requirements for your chosen country.
Many dog lovers hate leaving their dogs at home or in kennels whilst on holiday, so more and more people are choosing to take their dogs on holiday with them.
People also move abroad and want their beloved pets to go with them. It was not that long ago when dogs had to go through a six month quarantine period when they came back to the UK. This was traumatic for the owner as well as for the dogs. Now it is a lot easier and as long as you follow the rules, you should be fine to travel with your pet abroad.
DetailsVaccinating your dog helps protect them from some of the most serious infectious diseases, such as Parvovirus, Distemper, Viral Hepatitis and Leptospirosis.
When should a dog be vaccinated?
Puppy vaccinations are generally given from as early as 8 weeks of age. The courses generally consist of two vaccinations typically between two and four weeks apart. At Dragon Vets we don’t give the second vaccination before 12 weeks of age as this ensures the immunity gained from the mother has waned as this would blog the effect of the vaccine. We also recommend a third vaccination at 16-18 weeks old, especially for certain breeds such as Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers. After this period an annual booster injection should be given once every 12 months. This is vital to the dogs to maintain the immunity against infections.
DetailsAs the temperatures are quickly rising, we look at the dangers of leaving dogs in hot cars.
Even parking in a shaded spot with the windows open can be dangerous for dogs on warm sunny days. According to the RSPCA, the temperature inside a car can rise very quickly; although it can be 22 degrees celsius outside a vehicle, the inside can quite easily reach 47 degrees Celsius within an hour.
DetailsVeterinary Nurse Awareness Month started back in 2005 as National Veterinary Nursing Day. It then progressed to a week and since 2012 it has been for a full month.
It was established to inform people of the importance of a veterinary nurse’s role in the practice of keeping your pets safe and well. Over the years more and more practices have become involved throughout the UK.
DetailsAt this time of year, many of us are looking to lose weight with New Year goals, however many of us have a pet overweight too, which often we overlook.
Just like humans, obesity in pets is a problem around the globe. Although our pets may not face the same social stigma as humans do, the emotional and medical damage is still being done just the same. Obesity in animals can cause many complications in almost every system in their bodies, in turn generating conditions from diabetes to osteoarthritis.
DetailsDiabetes in dogs is caused by a lack of hormone insulin or an inadequate response to insulin. When dogs eat their digestive systems breaks the food into different components. One of which is glucose, this is carried into the cells by insulin. I a dog does not produce insulin or cant utilize it, generally, their blood sugar levels elevate. The result of this is hyperglycemia, if left untreated, this can cause many complicated health issues. In dogs is considered a manageable disorder, there are many diabetic dogs living healthy lives.
Details
