Deciding when to say goodbye

Losing a pet is a sad and distressing time and choosing whether to have them put to sleep is one of the hardest decisions a pet owner can make.

Many factors will play a part in the decision and talking each through with family, friends and veterinary staff will help.

Your veterinary surgeon will be able to help you to assess your pets quality of life – are they in pain (this can sometimes be difficult to assess), have they stopped eating, or are they showing any changes in behaviour, such as not playing or greeting you when you come home?

Upsetting though it is, putting a pet to sleep (also called euthanasia) is sometimes the best course of action to avoid unnecessary pain and suffering. Your vet will be able to help you decide when the time is right and what’s best for you and your pet.

If you feel the time has come to say goodbye, or if you would like guidance and support, please book an appointment to see your veterinary surgeon.

What actually happens?

Euthanasia typically involves an injection into a vein which quickly and painlessly sends the pet to sleep. Their breathing and heart will stop within a minute or so, and they will gently slip away. You can choose to have your pet put to sleep at the surgery, or at home in relaxed and familiar surroundings.

Should I stay with my pet?

This is a very personal decision and has to be your own. Some people find that staying with their pet helps them to come to terms with the loss. Others find it too distressing. You must do what’s best for you and your pet. Do not feel guilty if you decide not to be there, this can be a very upsetting time for all concerned and we will fully support whatever decision you make.

Laying your pet to rest

Once your pet has been put to sleep, you will need to make a decision on whether you would like to have your pet cremated or buried. We will look after your pet until you are able to decide.

Pet cremation

You can choose to have your pet cremated at a specialist pet crematorium, either alongside other pets, or individually. If your pet is cremated on its own, the ashes will be carefully collected and returned to you in a casket, scatter box or urn. We will be able to arrange this for you.

Home burial

If you choose for your pet to be buried at home, please be aware that certain restrictions apply. For information contact your local council’s environmental health department.

Grieving for a pet and the support available

First reactions to the death of a pet can include numbness and shock, followed by intense feelings of sadness, despair, pining and anxiety.

Feelings can be overwhelming. Your house may feel emptier without your pet. Empty beds and food bowls, even meeting other pet owners in the street, can be painful reminders of your loss.

Treasure good memories and, where possible, share them with friends and family. You may like to create a memory box with photos of your dog, their collar, lead, favourite toys etc.

Remember we are here to help. Our fully trained bereavement counsellors offer you professional and compassionate support with complete confidentiality.

Talking about your grief helps to initiate the healing process and reduce the pain and guilt often felt after the loss of a pet.

Do you know how to provide your pet with first aid if an emergency occurs?

Here are a few tips to help you prepare for an unexpected pet health issue:

Wounds

If your pet sustains a wound, wash it with clean running water.

If there is a lot of bleeding, apply pressure for at least five minutes with a clean cloth, such as a flannel, a towel or even a t-shirt.

As soon as you can, call the vet, as the wound may require stitching or further treatment – especially if the wound is large or contaminated.

A common injury is a dog bite, and these can be much more severe than they initially look. It is important to always seek veterinary attention in these cases.

Lameness

If your pet suddenly becomes lame, carefully check the foot of the affected limb for thorns, bits of glass, grass seeds or other items that may be irritating.

You can usually remove these items safely, but do be careful, as the animal will most likely be in pain and may behave in an unpredictable manner.

If the lameness persists call the vet, as the injury may require further investigation and treatment. Animals limp when they are in pain, so at the very least they will need pain relief.

Road accidents

If you come across an injured pet in the road or yours gets hit by a car, talk gently to it as you approach.

Move slowly and avoid making sudden movements, and put a lead on if possible.

If the animal is able to move and walk, go to the vet – even if there appears to be no pain, as there may be internal injuries.

If the animal cannot walk and you can pick them up, place one hand at the front of the chest and the other under the hindquarters.

Improvise a stretcher for large dogs with a coat or a blanket.

If the animal is paralysed, find something rigid to carry them on, such as a board, and cover them with a blanket.

Burns and scalds

Run cold water over a burn for at least five minutes and then contact the vet.

Do not apply ointments or creams, but if you can’t get to the vet right away, apply a saline-soaked dressing to the area.

Be prepared

Have the following things ready in your home so you are prepared for any incident:

A pet first aid kit – your vet can advise on what to keep in there.

The phone number and address of your vet – including alternative numbers for evenings and weekends.

A pen and paper – you may wish to note down the vet’s instructions.

A clean, large blanket.

Try not to panic – an emergency situation will require you to be speedy, calm and most importantly, safe.

It is vital to remember that a sudden illness or injury will cause your pet to be potentially very frightened. In this situation, even tame pets can bite, so you must ensure your own safety. Having a muzzle will allow you to help your pet confidently.

Muzzles cause no harm to the animal and reduce the risk of harm to you..

Increasingly popular at celebrations, fireworks can be very traumatic for our pets. For some pets the loud sudden noises, bright colours and flashing lights are scary but the fear is eased with some home remedies. For other pets the fear of fireworks is a sign of true noise phobia.

How to help at home

Some simple changes around the house can help reduce stress for both dogs and cats. Dogs should be walked before dark so they’re home before any fireworks start, and cats should be kept in the house. Make sure identity tags and microchip details are up to date so that if pets do run off they’re able to be reunited with you. When fireworks do start try and act as normally as possible. Keep curtains drawn to block flashes of light and play the television or radio to cover some of the noise.

Both dogs and cat may appreciate a den to hide in. A dog crate is ideal; cover with a thick blanket containing a comfy bed and one or two favourite toys. Make sure outdoor cats are provided with a litter tray when kept inside overnight.

Can medication help?

Canine and feline pheromone products (such as Adaptil and Feliway) can help relax your pet in strange or stressful situations. They’re available as a spray (great for around a den) or a plug-in diffuser. They’re best used for a few days before fireworks start and can help to encourage your pet to relax.

Natural remedies are also available which can be given by mouth. These contain natural ingredients which can exert a calming effect. Like pheromone treatments they should be started a few days prior to the stressful event. Your vet can recommend a product, or they can be purchased online.

In some circumstances sedatives can be administered for firework phobias. These are only available via prescription from a vet who has examined your dog. Heavy sedatives such as diazepam will cause pets to be sleepy, but often don’t reduce awareness. This can ultimately make phobias worse, so are really only advisable for patients at high risk of self-injury. Lighter sedatives have more recently become commercially available; your vet will be happy to advise on the best products for your pet.

What if the noise phobia is severe?

Fear of loud noises can be specific to fireworks, but for some dogs will extend to fear of gun shots, crow scarers and some traffic noise. Those truly affected animals are at serious risk of self-injury during periods of fireworks, alongside potentially severe mental stress. Noise phobias are often deep rooted and can be difficult and time consuming to resolve. The majority are treatable but with patience and hard work.

The most appropriate way to attempt treatment at home is by purchasing a noise desensitization CD. These are recordings of loud sounds such as fireworks. They should be played during daylight hours while the dog is relaxed, starting at a volume barely audible to human ears. Once the dog is paying no attention, the volume should be gradually increased until the dog is tolerating a high volume. This process can take months, so should be started in spring well in advance of bonfire night.

If desensitization using a recording is not progressing, you should consult the advice of a specialist veterinary behaviourist. They will assess your individual circumstances and work with you to help. Your vet can put you in touch with a recommended professional in your area.

Pets rely on us as owners to keep them cool during warm weather. Even in the UK we get heatwaves and warm spells, so here are a few hints and tips to help keep your pets cool.

All pets

If your pets are outside, keep them in a cool or shady area. However, if it gets too hot you may need to bring them indoors.

Make sure to keep an eye on your pet when they are outside, as when animals are thirsty they will drink anything – including liquids like Antifreeze which is toxic to animals.

Offer your pet plenty of fresh water, possibly in a few bowls just in case one is accidently knocked over.

Animals can get sunburn too, so please apply sunscreen to the nose and ears of pale coloured cats and dogs – if in doubt please ask your local veterinary practice for advice.

Not all pets are the same when it comes to keeping cool; muscular dogs, overweight pets, long haired pets, young and old pets need extra care during hot weather.

Don’t worry if your dog or cat starts panting – they will do so in order to take on cooler air if they’re really hot. Cats pant more rarely than dogs so any heavy panting should be cause for concern, if this happens please seek veterinary guidance.

Remember for any pet that is kept inside; please ensure that the room is cool and well ventilated. It may be necessary to close the curtains and open a window if there is a breeze.

If your pet seems in discomfort then wetting their feet and using a cooling mist may help. This is an option for dogs, cats, and small animals as many control their body temperature through their feet.

Don’t leave your pet in a glass conservatory, caravan or car, even for a minute. An open window is not an adequate way to keep them cool.

Dogs

Please remember to take plenty of water when you go out for a walk. There are various collapsible and lightweight options for travel water bowls which can be used.

Did you know that up to a third of dogs may suffer from hay fever? This can lead to skin irritations which may become infected if your dog is continuously scratching. Please seek veterinary guidance if there is excessive scratching.

Don’t take your dog for a walk when the day is at its warmest, this is usually between the hours of 10am until 4pm.

Cats

Cats tend to groom more often when it’s warmer- this is a cooling mechanism which is similar to us sweating. The saliva evaporates off the fur and helps the cat to cool down.

Cats need a massive 16 hours of sleep a day. So they are often sensible and nap more when it’s a warm day as opposed to running around.

Try not to allow your cat outside between the hours of 10am until 4pm, as this is the hottest part of the day.

Rabbits

Don’t keep a rabbit hutch on the ground. You can improve ventilation within the hutch by elevating it off the ground on bricks or something similar.

Ensure that hutches are kept in the shade all day – if necessary you may need to move the hutch as the sun moves round, or bring the hutch inside if there are no shady areas in your garden.

Do not get lax with hygiene for your bunny. The hot weather results in more flies thus more maggots which may lead to Flystrike. This is often a fatal condition in rabbits so regular cleaning is recommended.

It’s a good idea to provide small animals with pieces of water rich vegetables or fruit, for example celery as this will help keep them hydrated.

Do not ignore the signs of heatstroke in your pet. These include:

Heavy panting.

Excessive salivating.

Rapid heart/ pulse rate.

Very red gums and/ or tongue.

Lack of coordination.

Lethargy.

Vomiting and diarrhoea.

Reluctance or inability to stand.

In extreme cases there may be a loss of consciousness.

If your pet is showing any of these signs then try to cool your pet down gradually by dousing them in cool water (not ice cold as this may cause shock) and ensure that your pet is drinking. Please seek immediate veterinary attention as heatstroke can be fatal to pets.

Remember that your local veterinary team is there to help you with hints and tips for ensuring that your pets stay safe and healthy throughout warm spells. Please do not hesitate to contact them should you need further advice.

Why giving your pet human medication is dangerous

A recent study by the insurance company MORE TH>N has revealed some very worrying trends relating to owners choosing to self-medicate their pets. It was shown that over a third of owners have given their pets human medicine in order to avoid paying vet bills, or simply just because owners believed their pet’s health problems weren’t serious enough to visit the vets with.

Putting pets health at risk for image

Worryingly, the study also showed that many owners have given their pets’ protein shakes or diet pills to encourage their pets to ‘look better’. Although dogs and cats eat meat and require protein, many of the proteins found in protein shakes aren’t found in nature, so they can actually harm pets instead of providing additional muscle strength or assisting in weight loss. Diet pills are also hugely risky, as the metabolism of our pets is very different to our own, meaning side effects are much more likely.

What may be good for you, isn’t always good for your pet

The most common drugs we see being given incorrectly to our pets are over the counter pain relief, like paracetamol and ibuprofen. Both of these medications can be exceptionally toxic to our pets, causing liver and kidney failure, and potentially even leading to death.

It’s worth noting that not even children’s medicines are suitable for our pets. Sadly, at one of our practices, a dog suffered from liver failure after its owner had given it a toxic dose of Calpol.

Paracetamol is extremely toxic to our feline friends, and your vet will never prescribe this medication for your cat. Very rarely, your vet may prescribe paracetamol for arthritic pain control in your dog. It’s important to remember that your vet will have worked out a specific dog dose, and this isn’t at all comparable to the doses used by us. Your vet will also have the knowledge to prescribe the drug correctly, ensuring it doesn’t clash with any other medication or act negatively toward any other conditions your pet may have.

Dogs and cats are very sensitive to ibuprofen, and it is toxic for them. It can cause stomach ulcers and is commonly fatal, so it should be avoided at all costs.

Requirements of cats and dogs are different from those of humans

Although dogs, cats and humans do suffer from similar diseases, subtle differences within our anatomy and physiology are often the reasons we need different doses and therefore can’t have the same medication. In the case of paracetamol, cats don’t have the liver enzyme required to break down paracetamol into non-toxic waste products when it’s processed by the body. Humans have this enzyme, which is why it is safe for us to use pain relief medication. As the liver can’t process paracetamol, signs your cat may be ill are similar to that of liver failure, which includes: yellow/brown gums, lethargy, swelling, blood in the urine and difficulty breathing.

Aspirin is another medicine that is often incorrectly given to our pets. As well as its anti-inflammatory properties, aspirin greatly thins the blood, and can cause pets to have serious bleeding disorders which may prove to be fatal. Again, this medication may be prescribed at suitable doses for certain conditions (often not related to pain) by your vet, but it’ll never be used long term.

Legal prosecution

Not only is self-medicating your pet extremely dangerous and expensive if your pet has a bad reaction, it can lead to legal prosecution. In 2012, an owner was prosecuted for giving her cat several doses of paracetamol for its arthritis. The cat unfortunately died as a result of this treatment, and the owner was prosecuted by the RSPCA for causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. She was fined £280.

Why you shouldn’t attempt herbal healing for your pet

Many owners often ask if it’s safe to give herbal or homeopathic medications to their pet. We do sell safe, animal supplements at the vets, but some people still choose to use human medication. This can make existing conditions worse, or even cause toxic reactions to our pets. For instance, some of the oils used by humans to relieve arthritic pain shouldn’t be given to pets with a history/risk of pancreatitis, as these will almost certainly exacerbate the condition. Another common myth is that giving garlic tablets to your pet will kill fleas. Garlic doesn’t kill fleas, but is toxic to a pet’s liver, and can be fatal.

Don’t take matters into your own hands: Talk to your vet

Obviously, pets should never be given any type of human medication, prescription or over the counter medicines. If you feel your pet needs medication, or may benefit from a herbal/ homeopathic medicines, it’s always vital to discuss this with your vet. Remember, our pets rely on us to take care of them and make the correct choices for their health.

How to spot signs of stress

You know your pet better than anybody and will often notice changes in behaviour in traumatic situations. Some of the most common events which pets find stressful are:

Moving house.

Sudden noise, eg fireworks, thunder.

New members to the household, eg another pet, a baby.

Multi-cat households.

Kennel or cattery visit.

Grooming.

Another cat moving into the territory.

During the firework season, many pets become stressed and fearful and the symptoms to look out for, in any stressful situation, include:

Trembling and shaking.

Clinging to owners.

Cowering and hiding behind furniture.

Barking or meowing excessively.

Trying to run away.

Soiling the house.

Refusing to eat.

Pacing and panting.

Habits such as excessive licking or grooming.

Your vet will be able to assess your pet and advise on suitable treatment and/or ways in which you can help to reduce the stress.

Products to help relieve stress

There is another aid to help dogs in the form of a plug-in device, very similar to the plug-in air fresheners. When plugged in, the device warms up and gives off a dog appeasing pheromone (DAP). This is the same pheromone as that produced by a bitch after whelping which helps to reassure her puppies. The DAP has no sedative effect and cannot be detected by humans.

A similar diffuser – Feliway – is also available for cats. The DAP and Feliway diffusers can be purchased from your vet.

Zylkene

Zylkene is a novel product proven to help manage stress in common situations in dogs and cats. It can also help your pet adapt to change. Zylkene is natural, palatable and easy to give with food, and only needs to be given once daily. You will need to ask your vet if Zylkene can help your vet manage firework stress, short or long term. It may also be used to aid behaviour therapy such as noise desensitisation.

The summer months can present a variety of hazards for our pets so it is important to be vigilant.

Ticks

One of the biggest summer dangers is ticks, especially if your pet likes being outside. Check your pet for ticks at least once a day; dogs are often more affected than cats, and ticks can be harder to find on thicker-coated dogs.

Ticks are the number one spreader of diseases in pets, with symptoms hard to spot, so do speak to your vet about an effective tick prevention program.

Pools and water

Not all dogs like to – or are able to – do the doggy paddle. So if you’re planning on introducing your dog to water, it’s best to use a floatation device made specifically for dogs, or try a shallow children’s pool. If your dog really doesn’t want to go in, don’t force them. Cats and rabbits do not like to swim, so try to keep them away from water altogether.

If your pet does enjoy swimming, always rinse them after; chlorine, salt and bacteria can be harmful. Animals should also have access to fresh water, as drinking pool and lake water can cause health problems.

Bee stings

The buzzing of a bee may not be a pleasant sound to us, but it can intrigue your pet, causing them to investigate and get stung. If your pet does get stung and there is swelling, see your vet for advice and treatment.

Barbeques

Everyone loves a BBQ, especially your pet, who gets to feast on scraps. This can be dangerous however, as some foods, such as grapes, onions, garlic and raisins can be toxic to dogs. Grapes and raisins are safe for cats, but keep onions and garlic away.

Table scraps and treats should be kept to less than 10% of a pet’s diet. Boneless chicken, hamburgers and hot dogs are okay, but limit them to small quantities. As you know, most pets eat anything and everything, so keep an eye on them.

These dangers may all sound a little bit scary, but with some consideration, you can relax and enjoy the summer, and your furry friend can too!

If you’re travelling with your pet this summer, here are a few tips that will help things run smoothly.

Ensure your pet is microchipped and the contact details are up-to-date – microchipping is FREE with the Healthy Pet Club.

Check that there is secure fencing at your accommodation, as well as access to dog-friendly areas such as beaches and parks.

If your pet requires a specific diet or medication, take enough for the holiday and a little bit extra, just in case.

Keep up-to-date with the worm and tick prevention treatments that you’re using. Pets can easily pick these up when interacting with unknown dogs and in unfamiliar places.

Keep pets amused with toys and little treats on long car journeys.

Motion sickness

If your pet is prone to motion sickness:

Don’t feed them for four to six hours before travelling.

Schedule short breaks to allow pets to have a stretch.

Open a window to ensure fresh air in the car.

Be mindful of loud music – what’s loud to them is not necessarily loud to us.

Try to get your pet used to being in a car before the trip. Anxiety is one of the main causes of car sickness in pets. Symptoms include drooling, panting, yawning and trembling. If your pet displays these signs when in the car, allow them to become familiar with their surroundings and spend time with them inside the vehicle while it’s stationary. Once they feel relaxed, take them on short trips before the main journey, rewarding them for calm, relaxed behaviour.

Make sure your pet is restrained while you’re driving. Cats and small dogs should be in cages, while medium- and large-breed dogs should have a secure harness.

If these suggestions don’t work or your pet is extremely sensitive to motion sickness, effective medication is available from your vet.

Remember – your Healthy Pet Club package includes 20% off all Adaptil and Feliway calming products!

Travelling abroad

The rules for taking your cat or dog abroad changed as of 2012. To bring your pet into the UK from the EU and selected non-EU countries – including the US and Switzerland – you no longer need to get a rabies serology blood test. However there are still strict rules in place.

If you are considering taking your pet abroad with you, check the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) website and speak to your vet.

There are a few standard factors to consider:

Your pet must have had a rabies vaccination at least three weeks prior to your trip.

You must have a pet passport for your pet.

For your dog to re-enter the UK, you must ensure that it is given a worm treatment by a vet between one and five days before entering the UK. The vet must sign your dog’s passport to show that this has been done.

Although it is no longer a legal requirement, we strongly recommend that pets are protected against ticks and other parasites while they are abroad. There are tick-borne diseases present in other countries that we do not have here in the UK, and we do not want these infections entering our pet population. You should check your pet daily for ticks and remove them quickly if you do find any.

If you do not have the valid paperwork for your pet when trying to enter the UK, your pet may have to enter quarantine.

Any pet owner will appreciate how stressful it can be to travel with your pets; however there are various ways in which this can be made a pleasanter journey for all.

Travelling with your cat

The first thing to consider is a suitable carrier – ensuring that it is secure and big enough for your cat.

Secondly, ensure your cat has some identification should they manage to escape their carrier. The best option would be to ensure your cat is microchipped as this is a permanent way of identifying them. If it’s your cat’s first journey then a collar and tag will be fine until a microchip is placed.

Once these things have been organised, the next most stressful thing is getting your cat into its travel carrier – easier said than done! One of the best methods for this is to put your cat in backwards if it is a front loading carrier so they can’t see where they’re going.

Familiarise your cat with the carrier and perhaps leave it in the house for a few days before they have to travel to get them used to it.

Once your cat is in the car, please ensure they are secure and that the carrier doesn’t move around as this can be distressing for your cat. It may be worth putting the seatbelt through the handle of the carrier and covering it with a blanket.

Travelling with your dog

Ensure you have an appropriate seat belt harness or crate for your dog to travel in, as some dogs feel less anxious if they feel more secure in the car. These restraint methods will also keep other occupants in the car safe during travel.

It’s important to be aware of the laws involved in wearing collars and tags and also the compulsory microchipping which came in to force in April 2016. This is relevant when travelling in case your dog panics and tries to escape before or after the journey.

For many dogs, the main reason they go in a car is a trip to the vets, hence it can be a stressful time for your dog. It is therefore recommended that you familiarise your dog and change the association that they have with the car. To start this process you can allow your dog to sit in the car whilst it is parked and sit with your dog throughout, providing praise and/ or treats. Once they’re happy to be in the car, you could also try taking them to the beach or the local park, so they will learn a trip in the car isn’t always a trip to the vets.

Ensure the whole experience is positive for your dog.

Calming your pet

Pheromones

There are specific products available that mimic the pheromone a female dog releases to sooth her puppies after giving birth. The main one is called Adaptil, this comes in a spray form so that you can spray your car prior to a journey to help reduce your pet’s anxiety. For cats, there is a product that replicates the feline facial pheromone called Feliway which provides reassurance to cats. Again this comes in a spray form so you can spray their carrier and your car prior to journeys to help reduce stress. Please speak to your practice for further information.

Conditions in the car

Some pets may travel better if there is fresh air or soothing music/ sounds in the car. If you’re travelling with a dog, ensure the windows are not open too much as you don’t want your dog sticking its head out of the window as this can cause risk of injuries to your dog’s head. Some dogs also feel safer in a crate and sometimes they’re better if the crate is covered.

Medication

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try to calm your pet they still may require medication. If this is the case, you will need to contact your veterinary surgery to arrange a consultation with a vet to discuss this.

Travel sickness

Anyone can get travel sick, even cats and dogs. Most of the time this can be overcome with repeated short desensitisation journeys, ensuring that the trip is not just to take them to the vets, kennel or cattery. It may be worth initially ensuring your pet doesn’t eat a huge amount for at least three hours prior to the journey to reduce the risk of vomiting during travel. If your pet still vomits when travelling then there are anti sickness medications available from your vets.

Hyperactivity

Is your pet bonkers in the car? Are they showing signs of panting, whining and salivating? Then they are displaying signs of hyperactivity. If all of the above calming methods have failed then please contact your vets for advice.

Finally

Eyes on the road

Your attention should be on the road at all times, not on what your pet is doing. If possible, it is best to have a second person with you to help keep your pet calm.

Remember, you are not on your own. There’s advice at your local veterinary practice on ensuring a safe and calm journey for your pet, wherever your travels may take you.