When 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.
DetailsChristmas is a time for celebration, and many of us like to include our dogs in the celebrations. At Christmas time we bring food into our homes which are less common. Many of these foods can be potentially harmful to dogs. In our article, we warn you of some of the most dangerous types of foods and why you should avoid giving them to your pet.
DetailsBonfire night looking after your pets As Bonfire night approaches, we would like to offer some important advice to keep your pets safe. Pets can be extremely afraid and distressed with fireworks. Many dogs show signs of fear throughout Bonfire Night. We have put together a few steps to help reduce your pet’s anxiety making…
DetailsIt is important we look after our senior pets as they start to get older.
As dogs get to the age of 8 and cats to the age of 10 they are then classed as “seniors”. Although they can live for many years after the ages of 8 or 10, just like humans they may develop age-related diseases.
Pets can suffer from diseases such as; arthritis, diabetes, kidney problems, heart conditions and liver problems. Some of these diseases can be life-threatening but can be successfully treated with medication.
Nutritional needs and exercise can change as your pet gets older. Often changes in your pet’s health can go unnoticed and therefore, it is important they have a regular check up at our veterinary centre.
DetailsFeral cats are the descendants of domestic cats and their offspring, which now live in the wild. Often these can be the descendants of domestic cats which were abandoned or who have wandered from home and ended up lost. Feral cats are wild-living cats which quite often form colonies where they can find shelter and a food supply. Areas such as industrial estates, rubbish tips, farms etc.
DetailsTravelling with dogs can be a problem in the summer as even in a shaded spot with the windows open cars can heat up extremely quickly inside. According to the RSPCA, it can be 22oC outside but the inside temperature can reach 47 oC within an hour. Dogs can overheat quickly and heatstroke can be fatal.
Many pets love to travel, however for some this can be a very stressful experience. Fortunately, there are lots of products out there which may help your dog with travel sickness.
Many pets l stress with travel sickness, we can prescribe tablets that may help relieve these symptoms such as Nutracalm.
Benefits of Nutracalm
It has been specially formulated by vets to naturally calm anxious pets.
Another popular product we prescribe is Adaptil, this helps reduce your dog’s stress levels, in most cases this will also help reduce the travel anxiety and sickness as well. It helps with the following symptoms.
Travel sickness products can last for 24 hours. Please ask us for more advice before travelling with your pets.
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