What parasites does your flea and worm treatment cover?
A useful table which lists all the flea and worm treatments available and shows which parasite they cover. Easy to follow!
{click here to see the table of parasites}
March 2013 | |
|
How do flea treatments work?
There are so many flea treatments now available with many of the veterinary drug manufactures bringing out a flea treatment the questions is what makes one different to the other and how does each of them work?
The most common ingredients used in flea treatments are Fipronil, Imidacloprid and Nitenpyram, these are active in common flea treatments including Frontline, Advantage, Effipro, Capstar and Eliminall.
{click for more details on how flea treatments work} | |
|
Sweet Itch in horses, how to treat sweet itch in horses
Sweet itch in horses, ponies and donkeys is an allergic response to the saliva in the bite of the Culicoides midge and to a lesser degree the black fly (Simulium Equinum), horn fly and stable fly which gives rise to intense itching.
Sweet Itch can be the bane of many horse's lives throughout the spring and summer months. If you have a horse or pony that suffers from sweet itch, not only is it frustrating for your horse but it's frustrating for you to manage also.
(sweet itch in horses, more details)
February 2013 | |
|
Hyperthyroidism in cats, what are the treatment options?
What is hyperthyoidism in cats?
The thyroid is made up of two glands on either side of the windpipe at the base of the cats neck. These glands produce thyroxine, a hormone which helps to regulate his metabolic rate. In some cats, they thyroid becomes overactive and produces excessive amounts of thyroxine. This is called hyperthyroidism and it speeds up the metabolism.
(click for more details on hyperthyroidism in cats)
added February 2013 | |
|
RAO in horses
Recurrent Airway Obstruction, or RAO, may also be referred to as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD; although the latter is less specific and therefore RAO is the term of choice at present.
RAO is an obstructive disease, caused by a hypersensitivity (or allergy) to inhaled dust particles in the small airways of the lungs. It occurs most frequently in stabled, middle-aged horses and is the commonest cause of chronic coughing in mature horses in the UK.
(click here for more details RAO in horses)
added February 2013
| |
|
Caring for dogs or cats with arthritis
Arthritis is a painful degenerative disease of the joints that reduces your pet's mobility. In Arthritis the degeneration of the joint causes cartilage erosion, it is this damage that is responsible for the chronic pain and restricted joint function that can spoil your pet's quality of life. Any joint can be affected, but it is most common in the hips, elbows, shoulders, knees and back.
(Caring for your dog or cat with arthritis continued....)
added February 2013 | |
|
Early diagnosis of equine osteoarthritis
The symptoms, management and importance of early diagnosis of equine osteoarthritis
Equine osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD), is a chronic debilitating condition that is responsible for up to 60% of lameness in horses.
(click for more details on Equine Osteoarthritis)
added January 2013 | |
|
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) | |
|
|
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) | |
|
Caring for dogs or cats with arthritis
| |
|
