Love your pet ... love your vet - September 2010
Autumn Alert!
It's hard to believe that summer is nearly over and autumn will soon be upon us again. Although this special time of year has its own beauty it can also hold many hazards for our pets.
With colder darker nights coming it is important to make sure that you still find the time for walking your dog or his mobility (and yours!) may suffer; affected pets may show signs of joint stiffness, particularly after rest. Visibility also becomes an issue at this time of year, particularly in the early mornings and evenings so always wear pale and reflective clothing and collars to avoid accidents.
Now is the time to keep pets indoors in the evenings leading up to fireworks night to avoid injuries. Dogs with noise phobias may benefit from medication to help relieve the anxiety associated with fireworks; habituation to loud noises over a long period of time can also be helpful. Speak to your vet if you are in any way concerned about your pet's behaviour during this time.
This will also be the time of year that many car owners prepare for winter – anti-freeze (used in car radiators) is a very palatable poison and if ingested in even small amounts can cause serious kidney failure and usually death. Always clear up any spillages immediately.
As the weather cools off, bees and wasps become dozy and are easily caught by pets. Unfortunately they can still give nasty stings so beware!
If you are planting bulbs, bear in mind that many of them are toxic to pets. It is important to ensure that newly planted bulbs are not dug up and eaten by inquisitive pets. Another hazard to avoid is dogs eating autumn fruits and developing digestive problems. Prevent access to fallen apples, conkers and anything similar.
Surprisingly for many pet owners, fleas and ticks are still a huge problem at this time of year! Don't drop your guard against these pests and keep up treatments throughout the season. Your vet will be able to advise the best options for you and your pet.
Autumn is also a time for tortoise owners to ensure their pets are adequately prepared for hibernation. See your vet for a pre-hibernation check up!
Keith Moore BVSc MRCVS is a Veterinary Surgeon at Hillside Veterinary Centre in Corfe Mullen. For more information visit www.hillsidevets.co.uk.
Archived Articles :
- May 2013 - Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) and caring for your bunny!
- April 2013 - New pet in the family
- March 2013 - Itchy skin – could it be an allergy?
- February 2013 - Thyroid problems in pets
- January 2013 - Arthtritis - is your pet affected?
- December 2012 - love your vet this Christmas
- November 2012 - Combat firework fear!
- October 2012 - Troublesome ticks!
- September 2012 - Thirsty work…
- August 2012 - Kennel cough – is your dog protected?
- July 2012 - Don't get the summertime blues!
- June 2012 - Rabbit dental problems & a growing issue
- May 2012 - Fact file: Heart Disease
- April 2012 - Healthy teeth and gums
- March 2012 - Healthy teeth and gums
- February 2012 - Drinking like a fish?
- January 2012 - New Rules for the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)
- December 2011 - Top ten tips for Christmas
- November 2011 - Remember, remember your pets this November
- October 2011 - Autumn aches: is your pet affected?
- September 2011 - Worms: a wriggly problem!
- August 2011 - Kennel cough – is your dog protected?
- July 2011 - Summertime: The heat is on!
- June 2011 - Pet passengers - are fleas and ticks an issue?
- May 2011 - Rabbit Awareness Week
- April 2011 - Eyes: taking the long view!
- March 2011 - Spring has sprung!
- February 2011 - Getting to the root of the problem!
- January 2011 - Pet Insurance - a really good idea!
- December 2010 - The big chill – a seasonal survival guide!
- November 2010 - Ticker trouble! Is my pet affected?
- October 2010 - Remember, remember your pets this November
- September 2010 - Autumn Alert!
- August 2010 - Thyroid disease – is your pet affected?
- July 2010 - It's official: Chips are good for pets!
- June 2010 - Beat the heat this summer!
- May 2010 - Wriggle your way out of this one!
- April 2010 - Parasites… spring into action and pollen problems
- March 2010 - Planning your trip abroad this summer?
- February 2010 - Meal deal – choosing the ideal diet!
- January 2010 - Winter Worries!
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