Pet Medical Advice

Firework and noise phobias - advice for Pet Owners The weeks leading up to November 5th and continuing through until New Year can be a traumatic time for some pets. Signs of 'firework fear' or the phobia of loud noises can range from mild behavioural changes to severe destructive behaviour (click for more details)

Heart Disease in dogs Heart disease affects an estimated 15% of dogs in the UK, making it the second most common cause of death after cancer. But science has been coming along in leaps and bounds over the last few years, and the outlook for a dog with heart failure is often not as gloomy as it once was. (click for more details)

Horses - breathing rate, heart rate & body temperature Knowing the normal values for things such as breathing rate and heart rate in your horse can be very useful in identifying stress or disease early. Any changes form these normal values indicate a problem. (click for more details)

Epilepsy in cats & dogs Epilepsy is a term used to describe fits or seizures. Epilepsy can be from a number of different causes ranging from brain damage to liver disease and infections. Fitting with no clear reason or cause is called idiopathic epilepsy and this is diagnosed when all other causes have been ruled out. (click for more details)

Hepatic (liver) disease in dogs Liver disease is a common disorder among older dogs and cats. It has many different causes and can show in a number of different ways. The liver is a large organ that plays a vital role in a number of the different processes within the body (click for more details)

Which shampoo for my pet? A good shampoo removes dirt, leaves the coat smelling fresh, leaves a glossy finish and supports the delicate skin type of your pet. A guide to helping you select a shampoo that suits your pets coat and skin type. (click for more details on shampoos for different skin conditions)

Ticks - Information about ticks and removal of ticks Summer and Autumn are months were ticks are particuarly active in grassy areas and wood land. These can be a problem if they attach themselves to your pets, causing irritation and disease. (Click for more details about Ticks)

Why worm your pet? Why your pet needs Drontal - regularly. Parasitic worms infect nearly all cats and dogs at some time in their lives. They can still damage your pet's health - and worse still, your family's. The answer is regular worming. If you worm at least every 3 months you will help to keep your pet healthy, and importantly, the number of worm eggs shed into the environment will be vastly reduced. (more about worming your dog or cat)

Sickness & Diarrhoea in pets Just like humans some pets will have sensitive stomachs and suffer from sickness and diarrhoea at some stage. Mild cases are usually caused by a food intolerance and there are medications which will help. For more severe cases it is best to speak to your vet to rule out anything else that may be causing the problem {more details about sickness & diarrhoea in dogs)

Fleas, understand the facts Some people think that fleas are only the problem in the summer but with modern central heating our homes are an ideal environment for fleas all year round. Fleas breed very quickly and you need to ensure regular protection for you pets and your home. (click here for more about fleas and your pets)

Understanding Joint Disease (Arthritis) Joint disease can take a number of forms. Sometimes the problem may originate as a growth deformity, for instance large breed dogs. Alternatively joint disease may result from an injury (for instance a fracture or road damage accident). Or the joint may be damaged simply thought the process of wear and tear (for instance in older dogs & cats). (more about joint disease & arthritis)

Inactive cats, or do they need joint support? Older cats are more likely to suffer reduced mobility. Limping and stiffness the most commonly used and easy to detect parameters in dogs, are not as frequently seen in cats with degenerative joint disease. (more about joint supplements for cats)

Dental Care for your pet Believe it or not, taking care of your dog's teeth is as important as looking after your own. It is critical for your pet's overall health to have proper dental care. Did you know that, just as in humans, gum disease is very common in pets with typically 85% of pets over the age of 3 affected. (more about dental care for your dog or cat)

Bladder & Urinary problems in cats & dogs Cats and dogs can suffer from many problems to do with the bladder, some dog breeds such as Dalmatians are thought to be predisposed to urinary disorders. Cystitis is a very common problem in cats; it's very painful and if left untreated can quickly escalate into a more serious problem. (more about bladder & urinary problems in cats & dogs)

Sensitive skin care for pets Skin problems are very common amongst our domestic pets affecting them all year round, seasonally, or with no particular pattern depending on what the causal agent is. Symptoms range from an annoying itch to severe inflammation and hair loss, sometimes nasty infections causing painful sores. (more about dogs & cats sensitive & itchy skin)

Kidney Disease in cats & dogs Kidney Disease is a common condition affecting pets of all ages, although it tends to be found in older cats and dogs. You may observe strange behaviour, increased thirst, bad breath, weight loss and inactivity; we would recommend you consult your vet if you are concerned. If kidney disease is diagnosed, there are medicines available with a prescription that will control the progression and the symptoms of the disease; these are essential for your pet's well being. (more about kidney disease in cats & dogs)

Cat Behaviour Cats, unlike dogs, are considered to be territorial animals, i.e. cats have very specific behaviour, based on managing their territory. Only when they feel their environment is secure, will some cats develop a relationship with other pets or humans. Territorial animals (like cats) have a very strong link with their territory, much stronger than the link they have with the other occupants. (more about your cats behaviour)

Is your pet overweight? Are you concerned that your pet may be overweight? You're not alone. Almost 50% of domestic pets are classed as obese. This has massive health implications for your animal and will more than likely be having a direct impact on your wallet! Find out how you can make a substantial difference to yourself and your pet for healthier, happier living.... (more about helping your cat or dog loose weight)

Is your pet afraid of fireworks & noise? My Pet is terrified of Fireworks! What do I do? You are not alone - recent research suggests that almost half of dogs in the UK show some level of fearful response to loud noises. See our notes to help manage your pets anxieties. (more about how to help your pet cope with firework noise)

Stress & anxiety in pets Stress is a common problem in both dogs and cats and can occur at any time or be a continuous problem in some more sensitive animals. Many dogs and cats find it difficult to adapt to change and this can be the major source for many animals. Something like moving a piece of furniture can be a stressful event for some. (more about how to help your pet deal with stress or anxiety)

Hyperthyroidism in cats Hyperthyroidism is a common condition affecting middle aged and older cats; this can be helped with medication such as Vidalta. Hyperthyroidism is a common condition affecting cats typically older than 8 years of age. It is caused by an excessive production of thyroid hormone (thyroxine) from the thyroid gland located in the neck. (more about Hyperthyroidism in cats)

Worming horses Worming your horse is not an easy task; there are many areas to consider: Basic Rules 1.Understand what type of wormer you are using or needing to use 2.Make sure you have chosen the correct worming interval between worming applications 3.Make sure you know your horses or ponies weight 4.Check the weight the wormer covers 5.Minimise worm larvae in your pasture (more about horse worming and wormer types)

Horses - Stressed about Stress Just like humans, there are some horses who don't cope with life's challenges quite as well as they might. They can experience apprehension or stress when faced with situations that will not faze their fellow stable-mates. While some degree of stress is normal and can have a positive impact on the horses' responsiveness, pushed too far, stress can lead to short and long-term behavioural problems. (more about Horses & Stress)

Horses general health & when to call the vet This section looks at details about horses general health, when to call the vet, basic healthcare and gives information about field and stable management and horse insurance. (click for more details)

Common diseases of the horse (strangles, tetanus, equine herpes, influenza) Common diseases of the horse include Equine Herpes Virus, Equine Strangles, Equine Influenza & Equine Tetanus (click for more details)

Colic in horses The term 'colic' is a symptom or sign and is not a diagnosis of a disease. It means there is pain in the abdomen or belly. Details on what Colic is, what are the signs and how to help your horse with colic. (click for more details)