You are here:      Home / 2015 / July 2015

Archives for July 2015

Why Does My Cat Have Six Toes?

By Paul Roberts

On July 30, 2015

4 comments

cat

Most cats have 4 toes and one ‘thumb’ on each front paw and four toes on each back paw, for a total of 18 toes altogether. Some cats actually have more toes than this and it’s not as unusual as you might think. These cats are known as “polydactyls”, which literally means “many digits or fingers”.

Also known as “mitten cats” or “thumb cats”, many polydactyl cats have one extra toe on each paw, which can resemble fingers and a thumb. It’s not uncommon for polydactyl cats to have anything up to 3 extras digits. It’s more common for the front paws to be affected but it’s not that rare for the back paws to also have extra toes. The additional digit(s) can be located anywhere on the paw.

If your cat is polydactyl, you may wonder what this means for them and whether they are negatively affected by their extra digits. Here’s what you need to know about the condition!

Why It Happens

Polydactyl cats inherit the gene from a parent that also has the condition. Affected cats will therefore only develop it if at least one of their parents is also polydactyl. They will not necessarily pass on the gene to their own kittens but this is a possibility.

Is It a Problem?

Many cats with extras toes are not hindered by this at all, especially if it is not linked to another condition. Climbing is not a problem for most affected cats, and some are even better at it than their ‘normal’ counterparts.

Potential issues can sometimes stem from the positioning of the extra digits. In a small number of cases, the extra toe(s) do not form fully, which means that the nail bed is also likely to not have developed properly. This can lead to problems with ingrown and overgrown claws. You may therefore want to pay special attention to your cat’s feet and claws to make sure that this does not become a big cause for concern, and to trim their claws on a regular basis to pre-empt problem.

For some polydactyl cats, extra digits can be one aspect of a wider condition that do cause problems. This is the case if a condition such as Radial Hypoplasia is present. Here, it is not solely the extra digits that are the culprit. The radius bone is the lower front legs is abnormally short and this makes it very difficult for affected cats to walk normally. They will therefore often hop around to put less pressure on the spine.

 

Filed Under: Cats, Pet Guides & Help

Dullness and Lethargy in Older Dogs

By Paul Roberts

On July 28, 2015

0 comments

collie dog

What can you do about developing dullness and lethargy in older dogs?

Many dogs will suffer from lethargy as they get older but this is not necessarily an inevitable result of their age. Older dogs can become more prone to the type of health problems that make them feel weak and lethargic and it can therefore be a big cause for concern, especially if your dog was previously energetic and lively.

There are lots of reasons why your dog may start to appear lacklustre and listless, many of which will require treatment from your vet. You may also notice that their coat no longer looks as healthy.

Potential Causes of Lethargy

Chronic conditions

Various health conditions can make your dog feel lethargic and weak. This can include hypothyroidism, diabetes, Addison’s Disease and problems with the liver and kidneys. Lethargy can be an early sign of problems, although other symptoms will often be present as well.

Older dogs can be at risk of developing Congestive Heart Failure, which is characterised by chronic fatigue and an unwillingness to be active. This is caused by a weakening of the heart (that is often due to age), which can eventually mean that blood cannot be pumped around the body properly. Heart disease can also cause lethargy and a reluctance to exercise.

Obesity

If your dog could stand to lose a bit of weight, this could be contributing to their lack of energy. Obesity can increase the risk factor for conditions such as arthritis, heart disease and diabetes that could then lead to lethargy.

Infection

Lethargy is a common symptom of infection, regardless of the severity. Some infections that can potentially be serious for your dog include canine distemper, parovirus, kennelcough and leptospirosis. If your dog is displaying additional signs of one of these infections such as fever or coughing, take them to see the vet as soon as possible for treatment.

Pain

Pain from cancer, osteoarthritis and other conditions will slow your dog down and deplete their energy levels. You won’t necessarily notice if pain is present as dogs are very good at hiding it so this is something that may only become apparent if lethargy and weakness is investigated further.

Medications

Some medications can potentially contribute to lethargy and this is something to consider if your dog has recently started on a new type and is now appearing listless. Speak to your vet if you are worried that your dog’s medication is having negative effects on their health.

When Your Dog Needs to See a Vet

Lethargy can sometimes just be a natural consequence of the ageing process but it’s definitely worth consulting your vet if your dog has lost their energy, particularly if this has only been the case recently. This can rule out any underlying factors that are at fault and if necessary, treatment can start as soon as possible.

How is Lethargy Treated?

Treatment will depend on the root cause of the problem. This could be as simple as losing weight or a course of treatment to overcome infection but for more complicated underlying problems, your vet will decide on the most appropriate form of treatment and work with you to manage your dog’s condition.

Reviving a Dull Coat

As your dog gets older, their coat is likely to lose its shine and become duller looking. Good nutrition can help to keep your dog’s coat in good condition, as can regular grooming. If you’re concerned that poor health may be playing a role in the state of your dog’s coat, speak to your vet about tests and treatment options.

Filed Under: Articles, Dogs, Pet Guides & Help

The Importance of Microchipping Your Pet

By Paul Roberts

On July 23, 2015

0 comments

puppy

Have you had your pet microchipped? You’re probably aware that cats and dogs can be microchipped but this can also extend to rabbits and horses. For dog owners in the UK, it is also set to become a legal requirement.

What is Involved in Microchipping Your Pet?

A small microchip is inserted underneath your pet’s skin, often by a vet but sometimes by another trained professional. This is roughly the size of a grain of rice. The procedure is very quick and painless for your pet, and usually only takes a matter of minutes. Each microchip has its own unique code, which can be scanned. After the microchip has been implanted, your owner details and the microchip’s code will be stored once you have registered your pet with one of the authorised national databases, such as the Petlog database.

You can get your pet microchipped by a vet, and it is also being offered by trained professionals from animal welfare organisations such as the Blue Cross and Dog’s Trust in preparation for compulsory microchipping becoming the law in most of the UK from next year.

Bringing Lost Pets Home

The main benefit of microchipping is the ability to reunite lost pets with their owners. If your pet is lost or stolen and they have been ‘chipped’, their microchip can be scanned to locate your details Assuming that your contact information is kept up-to-date, microchipping is a far superior option to collars with ID tags, which can easily be removed to discard any evidence of ownership.  In contrast, microchip technology is permanent and highly effective, as long as you make sure to stay on top of any changes to your details, such as a change of address or phone number.

The Legal Situation for Dog Owners

If you’re a dog owner, microchipping won’t necessarily be a personal choice for too much longer – and is already compulsory in some parts of the UK. Dog owners in Northern Ireland must have their pet microchipped to avoid falling foul of the law and this has been true since 2012. There are plans underway for this to also become the case in England and Wales too.

Dog owners in Wales currently have until spring 2016 to get their pet microchipped and registered.

By April 2016, all dog owners in England and Scotland will also be obliged to have their pet microchipped and registered on a database. This will officially come into force on 6th April 2016. If your dog is older than 8 weeks and is not microchipped and registered by this date, you can expect to be issued with a notice confirming the need to do so and you will have 21 days to get it done. Any failure to comply with this will then incur a £500 fine.

It’s important to realise that microchipping is only half of the legal requirement; you are also obliged to register your pet on one of the authorised databases after they have been microchipped. Failure to do so will mean that your contact details are not stored and it is unlikely that your pet would be returned to you if they are lost or stolen in the future.

[Photo Credit-=RoBeE=-:]

Filed Under: Articles, Cats, Dogs, Pet Guides & Help, Small Animals

How to Teach a Dog to Swim

By Paul Roberts

On July 16, 2015

0 comments

dogs in pool

Dogs are not born with the ability to swim, even the breeds that are very comfortable in water. In the same way that humans need to learn, you will need to teach your dog to swim. While many dogs will enjoy themselves once they learn to stay afloat, some breeds are very uncomfortable in water and will need help to avoid getting into difficulty. However, in most cases, you can teach your dog to swim with careful training.

Which Dog Breeds Can’t Swim?

Before you first introduce your dog to water, it’s important to recognise whether they are one of the breeds that will not be able to swim very well, or at all.

Some of the breeds that struggle in water include bulldogs, basset hounds, dachshund, pugs, corgis and greyhounds. This does not necessarily mean that these breeds will never want to venture into water, but they are not natural swimmers and will usually need to be supported in the water with buoyancy aids.

This is particularly true of Bulldogs, who find it virtually impossible to keep their head above water without a life jacket and will quickly find themselves in big trouble if left to their own devices.

Dogs with short legs can also find it difficult to stay afloat unaided.

What is the Best Age to Teach a Dog to Swim?

Puppies should be a minimum of around three months old when they first learn to swim. However, it is always best to get advice from your vet that is specific to your dog’s breed and personality, as introducing them to water too early could result in a negative experience that puts them off for life.

How do you Introduce a Dog to Water?

In the early days of your dog swimming lessons, the key will be to get your dog used to being in shallow water. Later, you can move onto a depth that will require them to take their paws off the ground and swim to stay afloat.

Start off in an area of shallow water that does not have any waves or currents that would unnerve your dog. The ideal location will also be quiet so that your dog isn’t overwhelmed, confused or distracted by their surroundings during training. A child’s pool can work well for initial training.

Some dogs will be inquisitive enough to approach the water on their own. This will not always be the case. If they are not inclined to go into the water of their own accord, you can try to entice them. Take a couple of steps into the water yourself, use treats and positive encouragement to persuade them to follow you.

Breeds that are not overly comfortable in the water should wear a life jacket, even in very shallow water. Stay beside your dog at all times in case they start to panic once they are in the water.

Spend some time getting your dog more familiar with being in shallow water by playing games. The aim is to grow your dog’s confidence and enthusiasm for spending time in the water.

Be patient with this aspect of the training; not all dogs will feel comfortable quickly and some may not enjoy being in water at all.

How to Teach a Dog to Swim

Once your dog is comfortable in shallow water, you can take things up a notch by going into deeper water. This will require them to start paddling to stay afloat as they will no longer be touching the bottom. It’s therefore essential that your dog wears a life vest in case they get into trouble in the water, even if you are right beside them.

You will often need to support them in the water until they feel more comfortable with the idea of keeping themselves afloat. You should look to support your dog’s midsection and hindquarters in particular so that they are encouraged to use both front and back legs to paddle. Using only the front paws will quickly make your dog tired, so it’s important that they learn to use all four paws.

Use treats and praise

Maintain your dog’s enthusiasm for being in the water with treats and praise to help them to build a positive association with the water. You can offer treats for various milestones such as going into and out of the water. This will help them to recognise that being in the water is both fun and rewarding.

[Photo Credit: Gatorgoon]

Filed Under: Dogs, Pet Guides & Help Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Is It Safe if My Dog Chews Bones?

By Paul Roberts

On July 14, 2015

12 comments

dog with bone

My dog chews bones – Is this safe?

Bones are usually a firm favourite with most dogs but you may be aware that it is not always safe to offer these to your pet. In the wild, dogs would chew on bones as an everyday occurrence by hunting prey but the situation can be a bit more complicated when giving bones as treats.

The right kind of bone can have positive benefits for helping your dog keep their teeth clean but not all bones will be safe for them to chew. You’ll therefore need to know whether it is okay for your dog to have a particular type of bone before you offer it to them.

Cooked Bones Versus Raw Bones

Cooked bones are the most problematic as they are more likely to splinter and can potentially cause serious problems for your dog. The most dangerous risks include blockages in the windpipe, stomach and intestines, and bleeding due to internal lesions but it could also result in damaged teeth and constipation.

Raw bones can be a safer option as they are not so prone to splintering but not all will be a good option. Small, delicate bones can be dangerous (especially those from poultry) as they can be sharp and liable to splinter in much the same way as cooked bones.

Bones will fall into one of two categories: edible or recreational.

Edible bones that are relatively easy to crush and contain marrow that can be a good source of nutrition for your dog, and can include chicken wings and chicken and turkey necks.

Recreational bones do not have the same level of nutrition as edible bones but can provide stimulation for your dog. They are also good for oral hygiene as they can help your dog to scrape plaque and tartar from their teeth. As with edible bones, recreational bones should be raw, and not cooked.

How Big Should Bones Be?

Bones should not be too small for your dog. They should not be able to fit the whole bone in their mouth, or be able to swallow it.

Supervising Your Dog

Always keep an eye on your dog whenever they are chewing on bones. This will stop them being too ambitious with what they try to chew off, and you can also keep tabs on whether the bone splinters.

Alternative Options to Bones

Because even raw bones can still pose a risk of obstruction, choking or dental problems, you may choose not to give real bones to your dog. There are other options available that will not be any danger for your pet. These can be both edible and non-edible.

Dogs will not necessarily enjoy these as much as real bones but they are of far less concern for their owners!

[Photo Credit: Spanish Flea]

Filed Under: Articles, Dogs, Pet Guides & Help

How Often Should I Worm My Cat or Dog and Why?

By Paul Roberts

On July 7, 2015

2 comments

worming cats and dogs

Are you worming your pet regularly enough? “How often should I worm my cat or dog” are among questions of concern our vets are often asked. Many pet owners do not realise that their pet needs to be wormed on a very regular basis to ensure that they are protected. Here, we look at why you need to stay on top of your worming treatment for cats and dogs and how often they will need to be wormed.

The Key Benefits of Worming

Even healthy-looking pets can have worms and there won’t always be obvious signs of this. This is why it is so important to keep up a regular worming routine so that your pet is not affected by worms at any stage.

If symptoms are present, they can include evidence of worms in your pet’s faeces or vomit, weight loss, increased appetite, diarrhoea, dry and coarse looking fur and weakness.

Puppies and kittens with a severe infection can also have a ‘pot belly’.

A good worming routine won’t just protect your pet against the dangers of worms, it will help protect you and your family too as some worms can be passed onto humans and can lead to health problems, including blindness.

How Often Should You Worm Your Pet?

You should be looking to worm your pet about once every three months. It’s particularly important for pets that spend a lot of time outdoors and cats that hunt mice and birds, as they are at an increased risk of picking up worms. Regular worming is key as pets can easily become reinfected after treatment. Most treatments will kill worms that have already been picked up by your pet and stop their development so that they can’t cause damage. This does not provide a long term effect, hence the need for regular treatment.

Young dogs will often get worms but that is not to say that puppies won’t then require regular worming, as they get older. As with all pets, worming will still need to be done frequently to continue the benefits and to prevent future infections.

Because pets can potentially be vulnerable to both roundworm and tapeworm, it is advisable to choose a product that protects against both of these types of worms. Your vet can advise on the most appropriate type of worming product for your pet.  If you are worried about giving your pet tablets, there are worming treatments that are designed to be easier to swallow and some are not in tablet form at all, but easier to administer spot on treatments.

Alongside a good worming treatment, it is crucial to maintain a year-round flea treatment too. This is because tapeworms can also be picked up via flea eggs, which could be swallowed during grooming.

Ask your vet for advice on what to use for your pet, particularly for small puppies and kittens as they can only have specific products designed for younger animals.

Filed Under: Articles, Cats, Dogs