Archives for May 2020

How to prepare your dog for lockdown ending

On May 29, 2020

When the Coronavirus lockdown restrictions lift and we slowly return to a ‘new normal’ our dogs will have to get used to us being away for longer periods of time again. For some dogs, the transition will be easy, but others, especially those who have suffered with anxiety in the past will find it difficult adjusting to another sudden change to their routine.

Top tips to prepare your dog for lockdown ending and prevent separation anxiety

Practice separation in short bursts

Get your dog used to the idea of your absence by leaving them alone for short bursts of time, gradually increasing it daily over a period of one to two weeks until you reach the full eight hours of a working day. This will reassure the dog that you will return.

Provide entertainment

Boredom could play a part in your dog’s separation anxiety. In order to prevent this boredom when you’re back at work, provide them with plenty of toys to keep them entertained – food mazes and food related toys are often popular.

Don’t make a fuss

Don’t make a fuss of your dog when you leave or return home, when you come back in, wait until your dog settles and then reward your dog for settling down.

Say goodbye well before you leave

If you like to say goodbye to your dog, say your goodbyes at least thirty minutes before you have to leave the house. This means that your dog will get your appreciation and attention but won’t associate it with the imminence of your absence.

Calming Products

There are a number of calming products that can be used alongside environmental changes. Supplements like Zylkene help to promote the feeling of relaxation. Or, if your dog isn’t keen on tablets, Adaptil diffusers are scientifically proven to help anxious dogs. The pheromones they release help dogs feel safe, calm and secure.

Every dog will require different levels of help when it comes to reducing their anxiety. However, taking these steps could make a difference. As with any pet health concerns, mental or physical, you should always seek veterinary advice.

Filed Under: Articles, Dogs Tagged With: anxiety, dog advice, dog care

Stopping Cats From Hunting

By Emily Moss

On May 10, 2020

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It is not unusual for cats to bring dead birds, rodents and other small animals into the house and, as unpleasant as it may be, your cat is only displaying its natural instinct to hunt, and is bringing their prey back to their safest place. It is not often that your cat actually wants to kill the animal, as most pet cats are well-fed, meaning the hunt isn’t out of a survival instinct, but it is in their nature to simply carry out the process of a hunt.

Stopping cats from hunting? Can you really?

It is not unusual for cats to bring their catch into the house but there are some things you can do to stop this.As a result of this, it can be very hard to stop your cat from hunting and killing these animals altogether. However, there are some things you can do to prevent them from bringing them into your home.

Get Them a Collar with a Bell

As successful hunters as cats are, they rely on their speed and silence to catch their prey. Replacing your cat’s normal collar with one that has a bell means that their prey will hear them coming in advance and is therefore more likely to make a successful escape. If your cat can’t catch it, it can’t bring it home! However, when choosing the collar, ensure it is one that will come undone if caught on a tree or bush to prevent any injuries to your cat.

Keep Your Cat Home at Sunrise and Sunset

Cats are independent animals, which means that it can be difficult to monitor their every move when they are out. However, you can control when your cat goes outside, and this may make a difference to the number of animals they catch and bring home. Small animals are most vulnerable at sunrise and sunset, so preventing your cat from going outside at these times means they are less likely to get an ‘easy catch’.

Play With Your Cat More

Reducing the success of your cat’s hunting attempts may mean you have to face fewer dead animals, but it could mean that your cat becomes bored or frustrated, and it is important to offer a replacement for their hunting. You should aim to increase the amount of time you play with your cat each night, and invest in more toys that can mimic the activity of hunting, such as fishing-rod style toys.

Quickly Dispose of any Dead Animals Without Fuss

If your cat does bring back any dead animals, it is best to make as little fuss as possible, otherwise, your cat will associate these ‘gifts’ with getting attention and might encourage them to continue to bring them home. Ideally, you should quickly dispose of the dead animal, and replace it with a catnip-filled toy instead. This means that your cat is likely to forget about the animal, and associate fun with the toy instead.

Pesky Parasites

Remember to give your cat regular flea and worm treatments to help prevent any infestations and keep your cat healthy. If your cat is hunting there is a strong possibility they will have been exposed to worms via an infected animal. It is recommended that you treat your cat for worms at least once every 3 months, however a cat that loves to hunt, may require more treatment. Speak to your vet and they will advise you how often you should treat your cat.

Filed Under: Articles, Cats, Pet Guides & Help

Our guide to pet skin care during infection

By Emily Moss

On May 6, 2020

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This article tells you more about pet skin care during infection and how you can help care for it during times of skin infection in particular.

What is the skin?

Skin is the largest organ of the body. It regulates your pet’s temperature and provides a barrier against the environment.

It is made up of different layers, structures and microorganisms and it is important to keep all of these balanced to minimise the risk of skin disease developing.

A barrier against external irritants

The skin barrier is essential in protecting the body from external irritants. It is therefore very important to support and protect the skin before, during and after problems occur. Topical treatments, like Douxo^ⓇS3, will help support and maintain your pet’s skin barrier.

What is a skin infection?

Skin infections occur when there are disruptions to the skin barrier, allowing bacteria or yeasts to multiply and irritate the skin.

If your pet experiences signs like:-

– itching/licking

– redness

– pimples

or odorous skin, it is important to see your vet to get a diagnosis and the correct treatment.

What can I do if my pet is diagnosed with a skin infection?

Topical treatment can help support your pet’s skin during a skin infection, and in some instances, topical treatment is sufficient to control an infection.

If your pet suffers from sensitive and irritated skin and regularly gets skin infections as a consequence of this, topical treatments can help reduce flares and support your pet’s skin by keeping the skin barrier intact.

Your vet will be able to assist you with the best management option for your pet.

How can I help support my pet’s skin during an infection?

There are a range of topical options available on the market to manage skin infections, like shampoos, mousses or pads.

Pads are very good for smaller, localised areas, such as for hot spots.

For larger areas shampoos are used to get rid of crusts and debris from the skin. The initial bath can be followed on with mousse applications (no bath needed) or further baths.

However, not all animals like being bathed or it can be difficult for the owner to get their pet into the bathtub or shower.

At least one shampoo treatment at the beginning of the treatment process is ideal but if you are really struggling even with this, you can ask your vet or groomer to shampoo your dog for you.

For difficult to bath cases, mousses are a great option. Mousses can be used for larger or smaller areas and can be used with a shampoo or on its own.

Your vet will be able to discuss the best option that will suit you and your pet.

DOUXO^ⓇS3 PYO – antibacterial and antifungal with skin barrier support

DOUXO^®S3 Pyo cleanses and disinfects the skin thanks to the antiseptic action of 3% chlorhexidine digluconate, while hydrating and maintaining the skin’s ecosystem.

It has antibacterial and antifungal efficacy, supports the skin barrier and helps to detangle the fur leaving the coat soft and shiny.

Douxo® S3 has proven performance on all 3 skin barriers (mechanical, immune system and microbiological – bacteria on the skin). It also has been shown to be well tolerated on both normal and irritated skin.

It is soap, sulphate, paraben, colourant, phthalates and nanoparticle FREE

Has an adjusted pH to promote a rich and diverse microbiome (bacteria that live on the skin)

Hypoallergenic fragrance selected by pet owners: Coco+Vanilla – fragrance of summer – 97% of owners love the texture and smell!

With close collaboration with pet owners during the process to select the fragrance and ergonomics of the packaging, Douxo^ⓇS3 is designed for maximum customer satisfaction.

For details on general skin care with DOUXO®S3 Care – see our separate blog here for more information.

View the whole Douxo range here

Post Sponsored by CEVA Animal Health

Filed Under: Articles, Cats, Dogs

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