How To Care For Your Pets During The Cold Winter

Winter has well and truly hit Adelaide! As the days get colder and shorter it can be difficult to find the time (and energy) to spend with our pets – especially outside. You may also notice changes in your pet’s behaviour – eating more and being less active for example. While this is normal behaviour, it is important to be aware of your pet’s winter habits and manage their health accordingly.

We’ve put together some useful tips to help you and your furred and feathered friends keep those winter blues at bay.

It’s cold outside

If your pet spends most of their time outside, it is very important that they have the correct bedding and housing to keep them safe and warm. Enclosed kennels or shelters, filled with warm, soft bedding and blankets are ideal. For smaller animals such as rabbits, a hutch with enclosed areas filled with warm bedding such as straw – which is a better insulator than hay – will enable them to stay warm and comfortable. Provide birds with a nesting box or ‘bird bed’ filled with shredded newspaper.

Comfort food

During the colder months, your pet’s appetite may increase. Outside pets are particularly susceptible to this, as they are using more energy to keep their body warm. It is important to maintain a healthy diet during this time. Keep a careful watch on your pet’s eating habits – aim to keep them comfortable, while not overfeeding them.

Keep a close eye on older animals

Cold days are particularly hard on senior and small/slim animals. Keep them cosy by placing a hot water bottle or wheat bag in their bed, and/or bring them inside at night. HOWEVER – if you have a mischievous dog that likes to chew, other options such as heating discs or mats may be better suited. Dog coats and onesies are also available at many pet shops and are great for helping retain body heat.

Old bones

The winter months are also hard for animals with arthritis or joint problems. You may notice your pet struggling to get out of bed or moving more slowly. If you have concerns about your pet’s health, contact your vet immediately.

Exercise!

Just like in humans, nothing gets the blood flowing like some exercise! When the weather is mild, make sure you and your pets get as much exercise as possible. This will help maintain a healthy weight and keep your pet entertained!

How To Manage Your Pet’s Arthritis

If you have a cat or dog that suffers from arthritis, winter is not a fun time of the year. The colder months can mean that your pet’s already sensitive bones and joints become more stiff and uncomfortable. But there are ways that you can help them! Take a read through some of our best tips for helping your pet through the cold winter months.

Maintaining a healthy weight

One of the most important parts of managing your pet’s arthritis is maintaining a healthy weight. When your dog or cat carrying extra weight, an unnecessary pressure is placed on their joints. This can accelerate arthritic changes, causing more pain and immobility. Make sure that your pet gets enough exercise during the winter months. A small walk at their own pace will do wonders for their weight management, as well as keep them from going stir crazy.

Keep moving!

Exercise will not only help to maintain your pet’s weight it will also help to keep their joints and muscles moving, helping to reduce stress and pressure. Controlled exercise such as walking and swimming is very beneficial for dogs that suffer arthritis. Avoid exercise that has sharp movements such as chasing a ball and running. For cats, maintaining movement by walking is also beneficial for arthritis – this could be as simple as moving their food bowl to the top or bottom of a stair case (if they’re mobile enough). Leaping and jumping unnecessarily is not recommend and may cause pain.

Comfort is key!

Making sure your pet’s home environment is comfortable and cosy will help their arthritis. For example, providing a warm place to sleep, plenty of comfy bedding, and providing alternatives to stairs (such as ramps) will also give your pet comfort and help them to relax. Massage therapy is also very beneficial in keeping blood circulating and helping ease some stiffness.

Treatment

As you pet gets older, it is likely that their arthritis will become more severe and cause them significant discomfort. There are a number of treatments that your vet can recommend based on age, weight, the extent of arthritis, and exercise habits. If you think that your pet may be suffering arthritis and needs additional treatment, please contact your vet today to discuss your options.

Advice For Dealing With Canine Parvovirus 2c

You may have heard that there is a new Canine Parvovirus (CPV) variant in Australia. A study from Adelaide University has identified CPV-2c has been detected in Australia for the first time. This has generated a lot of interest from the press as well as concern from dog owners!

But what is CPV-2c and what does this mean for your dog? We’ve put together some helpful facts to educate pet owners on the causes, effects and how to protect your dog.

The Facts

• There are many strains of Canine Parvovirus. Including CPV-1, CPV-2 (now considered extinct in the wild), CPV-2a, CPV-2b and now CPV-2c. Each strain differs by 1-5 amino acids
• CPV-2c is new in Australia, however has been present on other continents. Including Europe, North America, South America, and parts of Asia. There is a significant body of research available to draw on

What are the signs of CPV-2c?

• The signs of CPV infection are the same in all of the infecting type. Making it impossible to differentiate between types based on clinical signs alone
• Common signs include vomiting, anorexia, lethargy, and haemorrhagic diarrhoea
• The more recent strains of CPV are associated with more rapid disease progression than the original CPV-2. However, there is not sufficient evidence to suggest that there are variations in severity between the more recent types
• From previously conducted overseas research on CPV-2c, there is nothing to suggest that the virus acts differently to previous strains

Testing your dog for CPV-2c

• Confirming if your dogs have CPV-2c requires the detection of the organism or genetic material in faeces from the dogs. Your vet can detect using a point-of-care kits
• Supporting information such as providing medical history (e.g. vaccination records) can also assist in the detection of CPV

How can you protect your dog?

• The best way to protect your dog against all strains of CPV is to vaccinate them!
• The current CPV vaccines in Australia use either the original CPV-2 or newer CPV-2b antigenic types. Studies showing both types providingcross-protectionn against all existing CPV antigenic variants (2a, 2b, and 2c)
• Vaccinations against CPV have historically been very effective and there is no data to suggest that CPV-2c will react differently

Based on the current understanding of the CPV-2c, which includes overseas experiences and published data, the presence of CPV-2c in Australia should have no significant impact on your dog. If you do have concerns, contact us for more information.

Managing your pet’s weight is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. Much of their health and wellbeing comes back to diet, and as pet owners, we are responsible for maintaining a healthy diet.

However, did you know that over a third of Australian pets are overweight or obese? This makes Australian pets some of the most overweight in the world!

The good news is that to maintain a healthy weight for your pet is not a difficult task! Read on for some helpful hints on how to keep your pet’s weight in check.

The facts
• Desexing an animal slows down its metabolism
• Female dogs and male cats are the most at risk of developing weight issues
• Overweight/obese pets tend to have a shorter life span
• Excess weight and obesity are associated with many health problems

Weight management
The majority of obesity cases in pets are a result of poor diet and lack of exercise. This causes an imbalance where the intake of energy exceeds the energy that is used. Very few cases are attributed to medical conditions (less than 5%).

The following advice should be considered, in consultation with your vet, in order to better manage your pet’s weight:
• Don’t dramatically reduce your pets caloric intake
• Weigh your pet regularly and keep track of their weight
• Read the labels and understand what is being put into your pet’s body
• Monitor treats and small amounts of food you may be giving your pet
• Increase your pet’s exercise
• Consult your vet and educate yourself on the risk and effects of pet obesity

It is important to remember that you are responsible for your pet’s health and wellbeing. If you believe your pet has a weight problem, consulting your vet is the first step to recovery.

 We all love getting spoiled on Valentine’s Day! And while chocolates and flowers make perfect gifts for humans, not all of these romantic presents are safe to have around our pets.

Chocolate is for humans

Whenever we ask clients if they know what foods are toxic to animals, chocolate is always the first to come to mind. But many don’t know why this delicious treat is so potentially harmful.

Chocolate contains cocoa, and cocoa contains a compound called theobromine. Theobromine is toxic to dogs (and other animals) at certain doses as they are unable to metabolise it as quickly as us. The concentration of theobromine varies depending on the type of chocolate, but as a general rule, the darker the chocolate, the higher the theobromine levels. For example, cocoa powder, baking chocolate, and dark chocolate contain higher levels of theobromine than milk chocolate.

The toxicity of theobromine is dose-related, meaning that the overall effect depends on the animal’s size, the amount of chocolate eaten, and the type of chocolate.

Symptoms of chocolate toxicity may include: restlessness, excitement, hyperactivity, nervousness, trembling, vomiting, diarrhoea, increased drinking/urination, increased heart rate, muscle tremors, seizures, and even death.

Make sure to keep all chocolate at a safe distance from your pet. If your pet ingests any chocolate products, contact your vet immediately for the best course of action

Not all flowers are safe

Lilies are a popular choice of flower for Valentine’s bouquets as they are bold, beautiful, and fragrant… but unfortunately they are also extremely toxic, especially to cats.

The lilies of greatest concern are any from the family Lilium sp., which includes Easter lilies, tiger lilies, and Asiatic lilies, and any from the family Hemerocallis sp., which includes day lilies.

The most toxic thing is the flower itself, but all parts of this plant are potentially fatal. Cats can develop kidney failure after ingesting even the tiniest portion of this plant (or even the water they’re kept in). The gastrointestinal and nervous systems may also be affected. Contact your vet immediately if you think your cat has chewed on or eaten some lilies.

It is also important to keep in mind that animals can be affected by the pollen of any flower, just like humans. It may potentially irritate your pet’s skin and eyes if they come in to direct contact.

Not so sweet

A common ingredient in sugar-free lollies and soft drinks is xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is extremely toxic to dogs. Make sure to store any sweets in a safe place that adventurous pets can’t get to!

Don’t spill the champagne!

Australians like to celebrate special occasions with a glass (or few) of their favourite alcoholic beverage, however be careful of leaving drinks or open bottles lying around where your pets could reach them. Even a small amount of alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and a lack of coordination. If by chance your pet does consume alcohol, contact your vet immediately.

Unwrapping the presents 

Many of us like to give and receive gifts as a sign of love and affection. Once you’ve finished unwrapping your gifts, however, be sure to dispose of any ribbons and paper securely. Lots of animals (especially cats) love to chew and swallow these fascinating objects because of the smell, texture, and crinkly sound they make. If ingested, ribbons can become lodged in your pet’s throat and/or intestinal tract, causing blockages and necrosis (death) of the surrounding tissue.

Valentine’s Day means different things to different people, but however you choose to celebrate (and with whom), don’t forget that our pets deserve love and attention today too.

Happy Valentine’s Day, from all of the team at Pet Doctor ♥

During the summer months, your chances of encountering a snake are drastically increased. Snakes become more active in the warmer weather and, with over 6000 pets receiving veterinary treatment in Australia for snakebites each year, safeguarding your pets is extremely important. We’ve put together the following tips to make sure you’re prepared should you or your pets stumble across a slithery serpent this summer.

Be ready!

Snakes will usually try to avoid you and your pets, but while you will have the foresight to walk away if you spot one, dogs and cats will often try to investigate/harass the snake and get bitten as a result.

Making sure your property is safe and secure is the first step in keeping your pets safe. Reduce the risk of snakes entering your property by maintaining your outdoor areas: trim back overgrown grass and trees, keep paths and walkways clear, and store firewood away from your home, as snakes like to hide in these areas. If a snake is sited, seek professional assistance in locating and catching the unwelcome guest.

What to look out for…

If a snake bites your pet, identifying the kind of snake is extremely important for treatment. In South Australia, the most common types of snakes are tiger, brown, black, red-bellied black, and copperhead. Being able to tell the vet the kind of snake will save precious time and help in your pet’s recovery.

Wide-open spaces

When walking your dogs, stick to wide-open paths with minimal shrubs and grassy areas, as these are areas that snakes like to hide in. If you encounter a snake, remain calm and keep a good distance – snakes can strike up to half the distance of their own body length! Keep in mind, however, they will only strike if they feel threatened. Give the snake space and time to move on before passing by.

It is also important to steer clear of dead snakes, as their fangs can still be venomous after death.

What to do if your pet is bitten

If your pet is bitten, remain calm and seem immediate veterinary attention.  If they are bitten on or around the head and neck, remove the animal’s collar. Getting prompt help dramatically increases the chances of your pet making a full recovery.

When transporting your pet, keep them as calm as possible and reduce their movement to prevent the venom travelling further from the bite zone. Try to keep the area of the bite below the level of the heart.

Know the signs

As it is not always possible to monitor your pets, knowing the signs of a snake bite is very important. Generally, most animals will show symptoms between 1- 24 hours after being bitten.

Collapsing and vomiting are two of the most common effects of snakebites. Other signs include: dilated pupils, hind leg weakness, rapid breathing, drooling, blood in their urine, pale gums, and paralysis.

Don’t attempt any home treatments (cold packs, tourniquets, trying to suck the poison out etc.) as these just waste precious time. If your pet shows any of the above symptoms, take them directly to your closest veterinary clinic or emergency centre! Even if it’s not a snake bite, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Taking your pets on holidays? Here are 8 tips to keep you pets safe on your next travel adventure!

It’s holiday time! And everyone deserves a break, even our pets! If you are planning on taking your pets away with you this holiday period, make sure you take a look through our handy tips to make sure everyone stays safe and happy along the way.

1. Consider visiting your vet before you leave

See your vet before you leave to make sure your pet is in good health and is in fit condition to travel. It’s important to make sure their vaccinations and parasite control are up to date to avoid picking up any unexpected nasties.

2. Make sure their registration details are up to date

Unfamiliar places can be scary. If you are taking your pet to an unfamiliar location, make sure you take copies of their identification papers and/or that they are wearing up-to-date registration/identification tags just in case they become scared and escape. This way you have a greater chance of being reunited!  If your pet is microchipped, ensure all your contact details are up to date; if they’re not microchipped, consider getting this done before you go away.

3. Take regular breaks on long journeys

Long drives can be stressful for many animals. Take regular food and bathroom breaks on long journeys, and make sure your pets stay hydrated! It is also important to make sure that they feel safe and secure. Taking their familiar food /water bowl and bedding can help reassure them and give them the comfort of routine.

4. Check your accommodation is suitable

Make sure where you are staying is pet-friendly! Many caravan parks will allow only small dogs or dogs on leads so call in advance to check if your dog will be welcome. Having a secure yard area or tether for dogs so they can’t escape is strongly recommended. If you are planning on taking your feline friends away, make sure there is a secure place they can stay and not escape, preferably inside, as cats can become easily scared in new environments.

5. Maintain a regular diet

Maintain your pet’s regular diet as much as possible while on holiday. This will help keep them calm and happy, and avoid the onset of an acute illness due to a sudden diet change. Remember to take plenty of food with you as many stores do not operate regular hours during the holiday period.

6. Research your destination

Be respectful of the location you’re staying in, for the safety of your pets, other patrons, and the environment and local wildlife. Remember, dogs are not welcome everywhere and some destinations, such as beaches or camping grounds, have specific “on leash” areas.

Please note: Cats and dogs are banned from National Parks, Nature Reserves, and State Recreation Areas, as they are considered a threat to native wildlife.

7. Be prepared for the worst

First-aid kits are just as important for pets as they are for humans! Make sure you have the appropriate items in your first-aid kit to cater for humans and animals. You can pick up a copy of a first-aid manual for your pets from Pet Doctor or the Animal Emergency Centre at Magill.

8. Should you even take your pet?

Keep in mind that not all pets like to travel – usually due to anxiety or a proneness to motion-sickness. Consider leaving your pets at home in a safe and secure place with a familiar person, or placing them in a trusted boarding kennel. Considering their needs is vital for their well-being.

We’re coming to the end of another year, which means it’s time to celebrate! New Year’s Eve is synonymous with fireworks and loud celebrations – which is exciting and entertaining for us, but is often something many animals fear and dread. It’s important to take our pets in to consideration and be prepared, so take a look through our top tips to keep your pets as safe and happy as possible this New Year:

Get Ready!

As you make yourself up for a night out, make sure your pet is prepared as well:

• Consider walking your dog in the daylight hours. This will allow you dog to use up excess energy and hopefully sleep through the loud celebrations.
• If you know your pet is particularly affected by loud noises, consider skipping the celebrations and stay home. At the very least, make sure they have someone with them at all times to keep them safe and prevent any accidents. Every year we see animals (mostly dogs) that have been left home alone, only to climb fences or jump through glass windows in a bid to escape what has frightened them. This causes great physical and emotional damage to the animal, as well as to their owner’s home and wallet!
• If your pet requires medication due to anxiety and/or noise phobia, make sure to visit your vet in advance of the celebrations and have medication on hand. Don’t wait until your pet is already in a panic before contacting your vet, as by this time it’s already too late.
• Consider using products like Feliway or Adaptil to help reduce anxiety.

A Safe Place

Giving your pets a safe place to stay is one of the most important things to remember.

• Keep your pets inside once the sun goes down on New Year’s Eve; draw curtains to avoid bright flashes if you expect the fireworks to be close by.
• Provide additional blankets and pillows as a safe place for cats and dogs to hide in. Consider creating a blanket fort by draping a blanket over a table and filling it with comforting things such as cushions, toys, and things that smell like you.
• If you are having a party in your own home, allow your pets somewhere to escape from all the noise and confusion of a crowd. Guests often want to pet and cuddle pets without understanding that this can cause a great deal of distress.
• If your pet does find a hiding place, leave them be until the excitement is over – don’t try and force them to leave their save haven as this will only reinforce their fears.
• Try masking the sound of the fireworks by turning on the television or radio.
• Provide distractions to take your pet’s mind off their fears – give them their favorite toys or treats, play with them, give them a relaxing massage etc.
• Don’t forget the little guys! Rabbits, guinea pigs and other small animals are all susceptible to loud noises too. Make sure they are moved to a secure location and have adequate bedding and places to hide.

Prepare for the Worst

While we cannot stop a pet feeling anxious and afraid, we can help lessen the severity, hopefully reducing any destructive or self-harming behaviours. However, it is always recommended to be prepared for the worst:

• Always ensure that your pets are wearing up to date ID tags and/or that they are microchipped and registered with current contact details. If your pet manages to escape, this will help them to be reunited with you as soon as possible.

With 2016 drawing to a close, we would like to wish you and your pets all the best for the year ahead. Happy New Year!

It’s that time of the year again! The silly season is here and it’s time to celebrate. And what kind of celebration would it be without our beloved furry friends?

We humans just love including our pets in Christmas activities, and while it’s normal for us to indulge a little more around this time of the year, spoiling our pets can be harmful to their health. Here are some handy hints to make sure your pets stay safe this festive season.

Food

We’re probably all guilty of over-indulging during the holidays (and sneaking a few treats here and there to our pets too). Unfortunately certain foods can be very harmful for your pets.

• While plain meats can make good treats, marinade, sauces, gravies, and certain spices all contain potentially toxic ingredients and should be avoided.
• It’s true that chewing on bones is often recommended for good dental hygiene, but this applies only to the raw, meaty variety. Cooked bones should be avoided at all costs, as they can easily splinter and cause damage to your pet’s throat and stomach, and could potentially cause an intestinal impaction (blockage).
• Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is extremely toxic to animals. If you intend to indulge your sweet tooth this season, keep any sweet treats out of reach of your pets.
• Corn itself is safe for animals to eat, but never give them the cob – these easily become stuck in the stomach or intestinal tract, causing extreme pain and can often lead to death if not surgically removed in time.
• Treating your pets with leftovers and fatty tidbits (e.g. roast meats or anything else they wouldn’t normally get in their diet) can lead to severe inflammation of the pancreas, called “pancreatitis”. This is a serious, potentially life threatening illness.

Decorations

Sparkling lights and hanging decorations are a feature of most households at this time of year. And while they make our houses shine and get us in the spirit, they can also pose a risk to our pets.

• Keep hanging or sharp/pointy decorations, such as tinsel and ornaments to the top of your tree. If ingested, tinsel can block and/or constrict intestines and cause major damage to your pet.
• Christmas lights may add that extra something to your tree, but make sure the electrical wires are well hidden and you pets can’t get to them – chewing cords can lead to electrocution. Again, placing them higher on the tree is recommended.
• Make sure your Christmas tree is stable. Many injuries occur because adventurous animals (mostly cats) like to climb in the branches, causing the tree to fall.
• Consider placing your Christmas tree in a corner where you could fence it off, or raise it on a platform to remove the temptation to climb/play in and around it.
• Gifts placed under the tree can be all too much for some! Elevate presents out of reach from mischievous paws to avoid any presents being opened early (especially the edible kind).

Guests

Spending time with our loved ones is the best part of the holidays. But unfamiliar people can cause distress for your pet.

• Being aware of how your cat or dog is feeling around unknown people or animals is important. If they seem distressed, move them to a quiet place for some alone time.
• Consider walking your dog before your guests arrive. This will mean they will be ready for a snooze, away from all the action!
• Be conscious of how much noise you and your guests are making. Loud music and raised voices often lead to distress and anxiety in animals, so please keep note of their body language and be considerate of their mental health.

Pet Doctor would like to wish you and your pets a happy and safe Christmas.