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December 2004 edition
1. Annual Health Check - the inside story 2. Slip, Slop, Slap 3. Training - How to Drop 4. Stocking up for Christmas 5. Fireworks Frenzy |
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1. Annual Health Check - the inside story When you visit us for your pets’ annual vaccinations there’s a lot more going on than meets the eye. We refer to this visit as the "Annual Health Check" because, in addition to the important vaccination, we give your pet the complete once over. It’s probably the most important job we do for your pet. At the Annual Health Check, a dog or cat will have aged the equivalent of 6-7 of our years since the last check 12 months ago. In this period, the body will have changed significantly and so this check is vital to keep your pet in top shape. Here’s what happens: 1. History: We ask how your pet has been. Your information helps us build a clinical picture of any issues that need attention. This is your opportunity to tell us about any changes in behaviour, activity levels or appetite. 2. Full examination: From the "nose to the toes" we examine the whole body of the pet checking for abnormalities. 3. Prevention: This is when we make sure that all the diseases that can be prevented are covered. This includes the lethal viruses [which are protected by vaccination], worms, heartworm and fleas. 4. Further examination: if we feel there is a need for more information to ensure your pet is healthy, we may recommend blood and urine tests. Blood and urine tests are useful, especially in older pets, because they help detect the early onset of disease. Early detection means the condition can be more successfully managed than if detected when more advanced. Back to top |
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2. Slip, Slop, Slap Slip Slop Slap – This mantra has been drummed into us for years. Our pets also need protection from the effects of the sun. A more appropriate mantra for them would be Slop, Saliva, Spray. Here’s why: Slop: Sunscreen is a must for any pet that has exposed white or pale skin. This is usually found around the face and ears, where there’s little hair. Be sure to only use pet sunscreen that does not contain zinc, a potential toxin if ingested and let us know if you notice any sores on the nose or ears - these can be cancerous changes induced by the sun. Saliva: Dogs plus cars plus hot day equals recipe for disaster. A dog can be dead in 4-6 minutes – open windows do little to slow this process. The problem is all to do with how dogs keep cool. Dogs can’t sweat; they evaporate heat through their saliva, by panting. Panting requires large amounts of air to move the heat away from the dog. In a hot car, the heat goes nowhere and the dog literally overheats. A practical solution if you do need to leave your dog near your car on a hot day is to use a long lead and tie him up outside the car but nearby. Find a shady, preferably breezy spot that is safe and provide lots of fresh water. He’ll be happy as Larry. For more information click here. Spray: Flies are a pest to many, but for some unlucky dogs, they’re real vampires. They irritate the ear tips until they bleed leaving the dog in an uncomfortable mess. All the dog can do is shake, discarding the flies for a moment before they land to irritate again. The solution is to use a special fly repellent for pets. It comes as a spray or an ointment. Apply it in advance if you know your dog is likely to be attacked but if the flies have already started, you’ll need to continue until any wounds are healed. Back to top |
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3. Training - How to Drop “How to Sit” was so popular last month, we decided to continue the theme and move onto the next step, “How to Drop”. The drop position is a good one to learn as it's a natural resting position for a dog. To watch a short video of “How to Drop” click here. The steps are simple: · Begin by placing your dog in the sit position · Hold a treat in front of your dog's nose to maintain his attention · When your dog is focused on the treat, lower your hand slowly to the ground in front of your dog's chest. Your dog should automatically follow the treat with his head. It's important you hold the treat to the ground and allow your dog time to figure out how to manoeuvre his body to obtain the treat. Your dog should ultimately slide his front legs forward allowing his chest to touch the ground. When this happens you must reward immediately. Teaching your dog to drop may take a few attempts but the key is patience, persistence and practice. Training tips are courtesy of Erin Mathieson, a Delta Society Australia qualified Canine Good Citizen Instructor. For more information click here. Back to top |
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4. Stocking up for Christmas When you're planning your Christmas feast, take a moment to consider how you'll include your pets. It's a great time for pets as long as they are included in the celebrations. Here are some tips: Gifts: You just have to give your pet a present. Raw bones wrapped with a simple bow are an old favourite or find one of the new brain stimulation toys such as a Kong. To find out how to make the most of your Kong go to www.kongcompany.com and check out the special recipes under “tips and advice”. We have a range of Kongs available and can order in at your request. Food: Train your human guests not to feed your pets scraps from the table during the marathon Christmas weekend. Scraps tend to be high in fat, sugar or include cooked bones and all are dangerous. Excessive amounts of fat can lead to pancreatitis and cooked bones can produce intestinal blockages – both potentially fatal emergencies. Keep to the food you normally feed where possible. Oh, and remember chocolate's a no-no; it's also toxic. Back to top |
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5. Fireworks Frenzy New Year's Eve celebrations can turn pear shaped if fireworks cause your pet to escape. Pets – dogs, cats and even guinea pigs and horses – are frightened by fireworks, some worse than others. The loud noise can cause them to panic and the most common response is to try to escape. This can lead to car accidents or simply losing your pet. Here are some tips for a smooth New Year's Eve: 1. Secure your pets. Bring them inside with you. If you aren't going to be home, put them into a small room or enclosed area, such as a cat basket. Leaving music or the TV on can help to reduce the impact of the explosions. Of course, don't take your pets with you to watch the fireworks display. 2. Ensure your pets have identification. We recommend both microchips and collar tags. This will significantly increase the chance of an escaped pet being returned home quickly. 3. Some pets show severe signs during fireworks – characterised by salivating, shaking, destructive behaviour or aggression. In these cases, a combination of medication and a programme of progressive desensitization may be helpful. Talk to us if you think your pet needs this help. This newsletter proudly in partnership with:  Back to top |
The Vets Nerang Unit 5/90 Spencer Road Nerang 4211 ph 5596 2322 fx 5596 0549 Helensvale Unit 7/14 Sir John Overall Drive Helensvale 4212 ph 5529 8011 fx 5529 4133 www.thevets.com.au |
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