|
Box Hill Veterinary Hospital Newsletter
Welcome to our latest newsletter. We also have copies of our previous newsletters archived.
If you would like further information about any of the articles, products and services, or petcare advice that we present for you in this newsletter, please don't hesitate to contact us.
February 2010 Newsletter
In this
issue:
1. Valentine's Day and our pets
2. Send us your stories
3. Who's the boss?
4. Always itchy
5. Excuse me please!
6. Flea facts
|
|
|
1. Valentine's Day and our pets
|
|
|
February is certainly the month for love, romance, flowers, chocolates and... er... vomiting cats and dogs?
Please remember this Valentine's day that the tasty chocolates you might have, are also tasty to your canine friend who unfortunately cannot digest it in the same way we humans can.
Theobromine is a compound found in chocolate that is toxic to many animals. The general rule is: the darker the chocolate, the higher the theobromine content.
This doesn't mean it will be an emergency if 'Rover' snaps up a couple of choc-chips that have fallen to the floor while the kids have been eating biscuits! It simply means we should NEVER offer our dogs (or any other animals) any form of chocolate snacks.
Before you opt solely for flowers instead of the chocolates please bear in mind that the pretty smelling bunch sitting on your table may be an irresistible toxin to your cat! There are many flowers that are appealing to a cats sense of smell, and even taste!
There is such a massive variety of plants that it would be impossible to list them all or even know if some of them are toxic, the best rule is simply to keep your flowers in a spot where your pets cannot easily access them.
One very popular flower are lillies. These are a highly toxic flower that cats seem quite attracted too and in extreme cases can cause kidney failure.
Toxicity can depend on: the rate at which chocolate/flowers are ingested; the quantity ingested; the size of the pet compared to the amount ingested; the age of the pet (very young or very elderly pets often have weaker gastric systems)
Signs of toxicity can include: vomiting; diarrhoea; excessive thirst; excessive urination; muscle spasms/trembling; un-coordination
Of course we want you to be spoiled on Valentine's Day... we just want to make sure your pets are there to spend it safely with you! And just for the record..... chocolate is better when you don't have to share and roses (luckily) are non toxic!
Back to top
|
|
|
|
2. Send us your stories
|
|
|
Have you heard about the dog who likes to be groomed with the vacuum cleaner rather than a brush? What about the cat who is fascinated with the fax, stealing anything that is printed and shredding it with her claws!
Our pets are very entertaining and sharing these stories with others is a favourite pastime of ours. We want to hear your stories! We have plenty of great prizes up for grabs and we'll even publish the best stories in upcoming newsletters.
Email us your funny, sad or memorable pet tale (less than 200 words) by clicking here.
We would love to see any funny photos or videos of your pet so feel free to email these too.
Back to top
|
|
|
|
3. Who's the boss?
|
|
|
Did you know that having a pet around the workplace is reported to increase productivity, help coworkers get along better and even reduce the rate of absenteeism?
The presence of a pet can be entertaining, calming and reduce stress. Many employers feel that having a pet around breaks down communication barriers and makes employees work harder. An animal in the office can also be a great icebreaker for new clients.
There's no need to pay a pet sitter, feel anxious about getting home to walk the dog and for people working long days, an element of their home life can be brought into the workplace.
Two of the best work places in the world, Google and Amazon have canine friendly policies. The policies are even used to attract future employees.
Here are some key recommendations:
1. Only allow sociable, well trained pets that are up to date with vaccinations and flea and worm control
2. Keep pets on a lead and don't allow them to wander
3. Restrict access to the kitchen and bathrooms
4. Consider implementing a roster and having cat friendly days so everyone is happy
Click here to read more tips. You may even want to send them to your boss.
Back to top
|
|
|
|
4. Always itchy
|
|
|
Does your dog suffer from any of the following?
- Chewing at the feet
- Scratching and itching the body
- Recurrent ear infections
- Anal gland problems
- Flaky and red skin
Your dog may be suffering from a condition known as Atopy. This is the doggy form of hay fever but instead of a runny nose and sneezing, the allergy causes problems with the skin. Dust mites (pictured on the left), moulds and pollens inhaled by your dog produce an allergic response. This results in red and itchy skin especially under the forelegs, in the groin and around the bottom. Unfortunately Atopy can cause your pooch continual discomfort.
What can we do?
If your pet is itchy, a consultation with us is required. It is important to clear up any infection with a course of antibiotics. Hormonal diseases as well as flea and mite problems need to be ruled out. We have a great range of options when it comes to controlling the itch including a product called Atopica that helps to reduce the body's allergic response.
It is difficult to stop your dog inhaling the allergens but thankfully there are a few things in addition to medication that can help. Soothing oatmeal shampoos can settle the skin and diets rich in essential fatty acids or fatty acid supplements help nourish the skin and prevent dryness. We will help advise you on the best products for your pet.
Ask us for more information.
Back to top
|
|
|
|
5. Excuse me please!
|
|
|
Do you ever notice an abnormal smell coming from your pet? Consider the possibilities below:
Anal Glands: These are located at the anus and each time your pet produces a poo, the glands release a liquid scent as a marker for other animals. The glands can become blocked, causing irritation and a very smelly bottom. Ask us to empty the glands and to discuss ways to prevent the problem. Diet is especially important in maintaining healthy anal glands.
Ear infections: The ear is a mini environment and if the balance is upset with moisture and humidity, such as after swimming, bacteria and yeast may flourish. Ears can become very greasy and smell horrible; medications are needed to control infection.
Skin problems: Allergies, flea bites, mite infections and hormonal diseases can lead to a greasy and very smelly coat.
Flatulence: Poor quality diets which are low in digestibility, food allergies and a sudden change in food can produce wind in your pet. We can recommend a diet that will help reduce the problem.
Bad breath: Bad breath is a sign of dental disease. Your pet could be in pain and the unhealthy teeth may be causing disease elsewhere in the body. Ask us for a dental check today.
Back to top
|
|
|
|
6. Flea facts
|
|
|
We all know that the flea can make our pets itchy and uncomfortable but here are some interesting facts about this pesky pest that may intrigue you:
Fact 1: Fleas have been around for 100 million years, they have been found as fossils dating back to the dinosaur period!
Fact 2: Fleas can live without a blood meal for 100 days
Fact 3: Female fleas consume 15 x their body weight in blood daily
Fact 4: After a meal, eggs are laid within 36 hours
Fact 5: One female flea can lay 2000 eggs in her lifetime (usually 2-3 months)
Fact 6: Some fleas can jump 150 X their own body length- that's equivalent to a human jumping more than 300 meters - higher than some of Australia's tallest buildings
An important fact: Fleas love the warmer weather so make sure you keep up with regular prevention over summer. We will recommended a suitable product for your pet.
Back to top
|
|
