Fireworks -It’s that time of the year again!
As the clocks go back and the nights draw in, it can be a very distressing time of the year, for both pets and their owners. Over 40% of dogs in the UK are reported to suffer with a fear of fireworks. It should also be remembered that cats will also suffer with the fireworks.
Animals who do differ with firework phobias will display a range of problems, varying from those animals who simply bark at the fireworks to try and make them go away, those that hide from them, those that show obvious signs of distress, right through to those that appear to “freeze”. For us as owners, these signs can be greatly distressing to see. Yet for the animals this fear will not only cause emotional trauma, but often lead to physical injuries as well.
So what do we, as pet owners, do to try and reduce the problems our animals suffer due to firework phobias? Simply put, there is not one simple solution. Yet, by adopting numerous strategies, we should be able make this time of year easier for our cats and dogs.
The following strategies may apply to a greater or lesser extent to certain individual situations, and often many different approaches need to be taken at the same time.
1. If at all possible avoid the fireworks, which is easier said than done these days. If you do have a friend who lives in a remote area consider spending time with them on the worst of the fireworks, for example when the local display is on. Sadly, we all known that now firework ‘night’ seems to last many weeks.
2. To reduce the impact of the sound of fireworks you can try to create competing noises such as loud music. Remember not to play this too loudly as this noises itself may end up causing anxiety.
3. It may seem obvious, but do close blinds and curtains well before any fireworks start to reduce the effects the sights the fireworks have on our animals.
4. Absolutely avoid any form of punishment. This will simple lead to more anxiety and even cause your pet to become aggressive.
5. Comforting you animal when they are scared is a controversial area. Definitely try to be at home during any known firework events. Although you shouldn’t pet or over fuss your animal when they are worried, as this can reinforce the fearful behaviour, it may help some pets to hold them firmly and lean into them, while using long, firm massaging strokes, rather than normal petting.
6. Create a ‘safe haven’ by covering an indoor crate with a blanket and put their bedding and one or two familiar toys inside. This will become a darkened den for them in which to hide, but it’s a good idea to try to get them used to this area before firework season.
7. In many situations the most helpful method to help control firework phobias is through the use of a technique called desensitisation and counter conditioning. Essentially, this is getting your pets used to the sounds of fireworks by playing a CD at a volume that doesn’t provoke a fearful reaction, and rewarding them for this non-reaction. The volume is gradually increased, and a strict programme followed over several weeks to months. This needs to be, therefore, started well before firework season and should not be undertaken if fireworks are likely to start soon. One of the most successful programs is Sounds Scary and is available through www.soundtherapy4pets.co.uk for less than £10. If your pet suffers from firework phobia we would strongly recommend purchasing this now and to start the program in the New Year once all the fireworks have finished, and to then consider repeating the program next summer.
8. Various medications are available to reduce our pets’ anxieties. These medications are used alongside a behaviour modification plan such as the desensitisation and counter conditioning described above, and need to be started weeks or months prior to the fireworks starting. Often at the hospital we asked at the last minute to supply something to help to calm pets. Medications are available that reduce anxiety in the short term, and will help at the time but have no lasting effect – your pet will again suffer with the same fears next year. A key point for owners is not to be scared to use these drugs. By not medicating animals when appropriate we may be simply prolonging their suffering.
9. Pheromone treatments area available such as ‘Adaptil’. These are available as a plug-in and collar and may help some dogs. We also now stock ‘Pet Remedy’ plug-in’s that contains a blend of essentials oils that are Valerian based.
10. Dietary supplements such as ‘zylkene’ may help some dogs with mild phobias.
11. It is now possible to purchase a tight fighting wrap such as an Anxiety Wrap which is design to apply constant pressure to help relax muscles. Studies suggest these may help some, but not all, dogs. They are available through www.anxietywrap.com.
12. To date there has been no study which has successfully shown any definite beneficial effect for behavioural change for any homeopathic treatment studied in companion animals.
The expected outcome for helping animals with firework phobia should be good if we follow and commit to a thorough desensitisation program. This will take time and patience. It has also been recognised that many animals who suffer with firework phobia also experience other behavioural issues such as Generalised Anxiety Disorder or Separation Anxiety. If you feel this may apply to you and if you are truly committed to your animal’s emotional well-being, there are many qualified people to help both you and your pet. Don’t be frightened to ask for help!
Blue-green algae
Following water safety checks at Caldecotte Lakes (North and South) on 19th July 2016, a potentially toxic bloom of blue-green algae has been reported to the Environment Agency.As a precautionary measure, notices are being posted at the lake warning that contact with the algal scum should be avoided.
What are blue-green algae? Blue-green algae naturally occur in inland waters and blooms can form when their numbers become excessive. It is these ‘blooms’ that give the water a blue-green appearance or a ‘pea soup’ like colour. The behaviour of these algae is erratic and the level of its toxicity can fluctuate; it can appear one day, be dispersed by the wind and, mix and re-accumulate at any time.
How can blue-green algae affect you and your animals? Blue-green algal blooms can produce toxins hazardous to both people and animals. Not all blue-green blooms produce toxins, but it is not possible to tell which are dangerous without testing, and therefore all blooms should be considered potentially toxic. Dogs that enjoy swimming and playing in lakes and ponds may be exposed to blue-green algae.
Symptoms of poisoning include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Blood in stool or black, tarry stool
- Pale mucous membranes
- Jaundice
- Seizures
- Disorientation
- Coma
- Shock
- Excessive secretions (e.g., salivation, lacrimation, etc.)
- Neurologic signs (including muscle tremors, muscle rigidity, paralysis, etc.)
- Blue discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes
- Difficulty breathing
Dietary Dilemmas- let us help you fix them!
“What is the best food for my pet” is one of the most commonly asked questions we are asked. There are so many opinions and so much choice, how do we chose? The breeder recommends one thing, the trainer recommends something else, your friends pet has another food altogether. Well, let’s start with the basics. The phrase “you are what you eat” is applicable to our pets as well as ourselves. Good quality nutrition begins at birth. Of course, it is usual for puppies and kittens to be fed with mum’s milk, the most natural and balanced nutrition available. But after weaning, it is up to us to provide the best we can to ensure healthy growth and development, and a diet specifically made for youngsters fills the requirements for them as they grow. These usually cover the period from weaning to approx. 1 year old.
As they approach the one year old mark, the dietary requirements change. They no longer need the energy dense food to grow, but instead we should be trying to ensure good long-term preventative health. Adult food should be less calorific with appropriate levels of protein and fat to maintain an ideal weight. This is particularly important for dogs, for whom excess weight can cause mobility issues. A good quality dog food will provide the building blocks of healthy joints – glucosamine & chondroitin. Cat food should help maintain a healthy urinary tract through controlled levels of minerals and pH, in addition to having safe levels of sodium and phosphorus to support healthy vital organ function, particularly the kidneys.
And as our babies move into their golden years, good nutrition is as important as ever, but the requirements change again. Mature adult dogs need just the right balance of nutrition to keep healthy. Staying active and fit (and young at heart!) requires healthy bones and organs, strong immunity, healthy teeth, and more. Feeling great means feeling younger and avoiding conditions which can lead to disease. Additionally, some older cats don’t need as many calories to maintain their ideal weight, so they run the risk of gaining weight more easily. Over time, excess weight makes them prone to other related health conditions, making it imperative to keep cats fit and slim after neutering. Other cats may lose weight due to underlying medial conditions, for which a specialised diet may be more appropriate. Easy to digest food with the right fibre blend keeps cats’ digestive systems running smoothly, and high antioxidant levels help bolster natural defences for a long, healthy life.
This Friday, 15th July, we have invited Nikki Morgan RVN, Nutritional Advisor and territory manager for Hills Pet Nutrition to stay with us for the day at Walnut Tree to meet with anyone who would like to discuss their pet’s nutritional needs. It will be an informal day, from 9.30 to 4.30, no appointment required. Please feel free to bring your dog or cat along to be weighed and to show you how to check their Body Condition Score, an important way of monitoring obesity or weight loss.
Further information can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1125803034109689/
And here: http://www.hillspet.co.uk/en-gb/vetessentials/index.html
Fun at the Big Doggie Do
On Saturday 28th May, some of the Milton Keynes Veterinary Group team had a great day out at the Parks Trust’s ‘Big Doggie Do’ event at Willen Lake.
This year it was our priority to spread the microchip message, and we diligently ‘checked the chip’ on over 100 dogs.
The doggie inspired event hosted a variety of fun activities including a variety of stalls, displays, competitions and entertainment. Highlights includes dog dancing displays, obedience demonstrations, and a dog show.
As you can see, a great day was had by all, and we look forward to sponsoring the dog show again next year.
Photographs used with thanks to Kelly Cooper Photography.
Microchip Mania
Following the flurry of activity in April to get dogs up to date on the microchip database, we can take a breath and look at what has changed.
What is a microchip?
A microchip is a tiny device the size of a grain of rice, which is implanted under the skin in an animal’s neck. It holds information about the pet and owner electronically. But it is only as good as the information it holds.
What has changed?
Legislation changed in April to make it a legal requirement that all dogs in England are microchipped and their registered details are up to date. This is to enable stray dogs to be returned to their owners, to encourage responsible ownership and to help the fight against puppy farming. If your dog is found to be wandering without you and is picked up, the dog warden must be called. If there is no microchip, or the details are out of date, you could be liable for a fine of up to £500 but initially, you will be advised that you have 21 days to get your dog chipped and/or registered.
How much does it cost?
For the small price of only £10, your dog can be microchipped at any of our branches.
Once registered, you will be invited by Petlog to upgrade to their Petlog Premium service. This upgrade costs £16 but provides flexibility to amend your records as many times as you need. More details can be found here – https://www.petlog.org.uk/upgrade-to-petlog-premium/
Simply bring your dog to one of our branches and we can scan them and give you the chip number and contact number for Petlog. It’s a good idea to get the chip checked whenever you are in the surgery for your own peace of mind. We can give you the microchip number and telephone number so that you can check your details are up to date. Or you can look it up on this website – http://www.chipitcheckit.co.uk/
In conclusion, the law has changed, and the fact remains that this law must be adhered to. It is still a legal requirement for dogs to wear a collar with an identity tag when in a public place. We want to help you and your dogs keep safe.
