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February is Dental Awareness Month!
While we all believe that we do our best to keep our pets as healthy as we can, many owners underestimate the importance of dental care. Problems are often only noticed when they reach a late stage, such as severe bad breath or discomfort that’s become bad enough to put a pet off their food.
Why Is Pet Dental Health Important?
Dental disease is very common, with up to 80 per cent of dogs and 70 per cent of cats over the age of three suffering from poor oral health. This is significant for more than just cosmetic reasons. Studies have shown a direct link between poor oral health and disease of the heart, brain and kidneys.
The good news is research has demonstrated that dogs with healthy, clean teeth live longer and oral disease can be largely avoided by having a good home care routine in place.
Brushing your pets’ teeth is the best way of keeping teeth clean and free from disease. Brushing at least three times a week but ideally once a day, will help to remove plaque and build up of tartar.
I’ve Never Brushed My Pets’ Teeth Before – What do I do?
It’s just like any other form of training. Starting when your pet is young is often easier but regardless of your pets’ age, if you are planning to introduce a new dental hygiene routine, it’s best to approach it slowly.
Step 1
Start to regularly rub your pets face with your fingers and hands. When they become comfortable with this – if they aren’t already, start to very gently hold their mouths shut for a short period of time. This is done my placing your fingers on top of the muzzle and your thumb under the lower jaw.
Work towards your pet being comfortable to allow you to do this for 30 seconds, remembering to reward their positive behaviour afterwards.
Step 2
Now that you are able to gently close the mouth, you can progress to a finger brush.
You MUST use a toothpaste designed for pets as some of the ingredients in human toothpaste can be toxic to animals.
Start by applying a small amount of toothpaste to your fingertip or finger brush and very gently slide your finger under the lips to rub the paste onto the teeth. The incisors (small teeth at the front) can be very sensitive, so leave these until last when your pet is accustomed to the sensation.
Step 3
Once your pet is used to finger brushing, you can progress on to a toothbrush. One specifically designed for dogs or cats Is best.
Use the toothbrush in exactly the same way as you did previously with your finger or the finger toothbrush. Don’t worry if you see a small amount of blood on the toothbrush to begin – it is perfectly normal and should stop if you continue to brush the teeth regularly. If it continues more than a few weeks, consult a vet. Keep brushing session’s short, no more than two minutes.
What Else Can I Do For My Pets’ Teeth?
Dental Chews – Dental chews are a great way to help keep teeth clean, especially the hard to reach back ones. It’s important to choose those specifically designed to gently remove plaque. These should be used in addition to regular brushing not instead of, as chews alone are not capable of maintaining long-term oral health.
Specialist Diets – Some brands of pet food offer a range that are specifically designed to be kind to your pet’s teeth and can be used in conjunction with brushing. The biscuit size, shape and texture is formulated to provide an increased abrasive action.
If you have concerns over or would like further advice about your pets’ dental health, please don’t hesitate to call us:
St Kitts Veterinary Centre: 01252 844044
Basingstoke Veterinary Centre: 01256 844944
Crookham Park Veterinary Centre: 01252 913990
Firgrove Veterinary Centre: 01252 877799
It is believed that around 1 in 3 dogs and 1 in 4 cats in the UK are overweight and numbers are growing. If left, what starts off as a little excess weight can easily lead to obesity. This brings with it some very serious health issues for your pet that could include diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
It is therefore really important to keep a close eye on your pet’s weight and if you think they may be overweight, address it straight away. This will help ensure that your pet enjoys a long, happy and healthy life.
How Do I Know If My Pet is Overweight?
There are several ways of establishing whether your pet is overweight.
My Pet is Overweight, What Should I Do?
Measure their portions – Double check that you are feeding your pet the correct portion size. Many owners often overfeed their pets so make sure that you follow the advice on the food packaging regarding size, age, and lifestyle. If your pet is on the chubby side, give them slightly less than the packet advises until they are back to a healthier size.
Move more – Increase the length of your dog’s walk or add another walk to your usual routine. Even a few more minutes playing in the park can help burn calories. If your dog has reached the point where they are struggling with a long walk due to their weight, take them for more frequent, shorter walks to burn calories.
It’s not just kittens that are playful, older cats can be also encouraged to play with an interesting new feather toy or laser pen. Even just a couple of 10–15 minute play sessions per day with your cat can really help with weight issues.
Manage the treats – Keep an eye on the type of treats your pet is given. Human food given as treats can cause your pet to pile on the pounds quickly, so make sure the whole family know not to. It’s much better to stick to those specifically designed for animals, remembering to limit the number given.
Don’t assume they are hungry – Even though they look like they are begging for your food, it doesn’t necessarily mean they want it. They may be after your attention so try a pat on the belly, a brush or scratch behind the ear instead of immediately giving tidbits.
Prescription Diets – Some overweight pets might need a little extra help to go along with their daily exercise. We offer a great range of prescriptions diets that are designed to help your pet lose weight without losing nutrients.
Just like humans, too much food and not enough exercise is not a good combination if we want our pets healthy, happy, and around for a long time. If you have questions or concerns over whether your pet is a healthy weight, please do get in touch. We offer weight loss clinics with a Veterinary Nurse who will organise regular weigh ins and measurements to track your pets weight loss and set new goals!
St Kitts Veterinary Centre: 01252 844044
Basingstoke Veterinary Centre: 01256 844944
Crookham Park Veterinary Centre: 01252 913990
Firgrove Veterinary Centre: 01252 877799
For all the latest practice news and health information, check out our newsletter with the link below!
Christmas is nearly here and it’s a busy and exciting time for many of us. For our pets though, the festive period can be fraught with potential dangers to their health and wellbeing.
The last thing anyone wants is an emergency trip to the vet at Christmas so reduce that risk by following the advice below and ensuring the whole family has a very merry Christmas.
They look and smell fantastic in our homes but the oils found in fur trees are mildly toxic to most pets and can cause a tummy upset if eaten. Tree needles can also easily become lodged in a paw or throat so make sure fallen needles are cleared up promptly and try to make sure pets aren’t left unsupervised near the tree.
Baubles can look just like toys to pets and they may decide that they want to play with them resulting in broken glass and potential damage to paws. Pets may chew plastic decorations or even eat them, which can often mean a visit to the vet. Rabbits, cats and dogs have all been known to chew through wires so make sure any cables are tucked away safely.
Chocolate – A Christmas staple that many pet owners already know is toxic to animals, chocolate should always be kept out of reach. Don’t forget to check that there are no confectionary gifts under the tree, that advent calendars are on a high shelf and any chocolate tree decorations are on the upper branches because they might well be sniffed out and devoured!
Mince Pies, Christmas Pudding and Christmas Cake – All these delicious seasonal desserts contain vast amounts of currants, raisins and sultanas which are highly toxic to dogs. Eating even a handful can cause vomiting and diarrhoea and in extreme cases even kidney failure.
Artificial Sweetener – Xylitol in particular is known to cause fatal hypoglycemia in pets. It’s found in many foods such as cakes and even a small amount can cause serious problems.
Nuts – Macadamia nuts in particular are highly toxic and can cause weakness and vomiting in pets if consumed.
Onions – Anything containing onions such as gravy can cause stomach irritation to your pet and may result in vomiting and diarrhoea.
Bones – Cooked bones can splinter into sharp shards that can easily get caught in a dog’s throat or bowel. Make sure the turkey carcass is inaccessible!
Alcohol – Even a small amount of alcohol can create levels of toxicity in a pet that can cause tremors, difficulty breathing and sometimes even death so keep drinks out of reach and clear up spills promptly.
Poinsettia, Mistletoe, Amaryllis and Holly are firm Christmas favourites but they do present a danger to a pet that likes to nibble on plants. With varying levels of toxicity, the side effects depend on how much of the plant is consumed. Display these plants well out of reach to avoid any tummy troubles.
Christmas usually means a busier than usual home, with friends and family coming together to celebrate. Unfamiliar people and more noise can be frightening for your pet so it’s a good idea to provide them with a safe room where they can escape and feel at ease if it all becomes too much. Pheromone diffusers are useful as they can help to calm animals and provide comfort in these circumstances.
It’s really important to maintain your pet’s normal routines over the festive period. Keep feeding them their usual food and taking them for regular exercise. Find non-food ways of involving them in the fun. A new toy and more attention can help to ensure that our pets remain happy and are able to enjoy the festive season too.
If you have any concerns regarding the health and wellbeing of your pet or any other questions or queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
St Kitts Veterinary Centre: 01252 844044
Basingstoke Veterinary Centre: 01256 844944
Crookham Park Veterinary Centre: 01252 913990
Firgrove Veterinary Centre: 01252 877799
Fireworks and pets sadly do not go well together and safeguarding your pets around Bonfire Night can be a difficult job. Fireworks often cause stress, anxiety and sometimes even aggression in pets. Keep reading for tips on preparing your home and pet for the upcoming fireworks season.
A 2018 report showed that around 40% of cat and dog owners reported that their pet is afraid of fireworks. It’s understandable that loud bangs and high pitched sounds can be scary for our pets but being prepared and with the right care, you can keep your pet calm and help them to cope.
If you know your pet becomes stressed and need some help, your vet can offer advice and may well prescribe calming medication such as Nutricalm. If you have a new pet or you aren’t sure, stressed pets can often exhibit the following behaviour:
Dogs:
Cats:
Rabbits:
1. Plug in a diffuser
Pheromone sprays and diffusers such as Feliway and Adaptil can help ease pet stress and anxiety. Buy these in advance of a firework event, ideally a couple of weeks. Placing one or two around the house.
2. Walk dogs early
Avoid evening or late night walks so your dog isn’t outside when the fireworks start. Even if they don’t normally show fear around fireworks, dogs can be easily startled by loud, unexpected bangs. Gradually alter your normal walking routine about a week before fireworks occasions to get your dog used to the change. Make sure you keep them on a lead.
3. Keep cats inside
If your cat is an outdoor cat, it may be worth trying to keep them in when they come home earlier in the day. Otherwise, there’s a chance they will still be out when the fireworks start and may become scared and anxious.
4. Create a safe space
Creating a safe space in your house gives your pet somewhere calm and familiar to retreat to when they get scared. Fill a room or corner with food and water bowls, their favourite toys and bedding to create a pet-friendly haven.
6. Close windows, curtains, and blinds
Keep your windows shut and close any curtains or blinds to soundproof your home and shut out bright flashes that can scare pets. Don’t forget to lock the cat flap to prevent your cat from going outside.
7. Turn up the radio or TV
Turning on the radio or TV not only helps mask the loud bangs and crackles of fireworks but also provides a familiar noise to help distract your pet. Play calming music or turn on a programme you watch regularly to help reassure your pet.
8. Consider bringing rabbit hutches indoors
Due to their sensitive nature, outdoor rabbits suffer the most when it comes to fireworks. One option is to bring their hutch inside during fireworks season. This could be in the house, garage, or shed and provides a solid barrier from the noise outside, helping to reduce their stress levels. If you’re unable to move them inside, lay a few thick blankets over their hutch to help muffle the bangs and keep them calm. Don’t forget to leave a suitable gap for ventilation.
9. Give rabbits extra bedding
Rabbits tend to burrow when they get scared, so adding some extra bedding into their hutch gives them plenty to hide in and helps them feel protected against the noise. You may also want to give them some extra hideaways, such as a cardboard box filled with hay, to ensure they have lots of opportunities to take refuge from the noise.
10. Stay at home
If at all possible, try to ensure that somebody is at home. This will help soothe your pet’s fears. Left on their own, pets could become very stressed and destructive in your absence. Keep talking to your pet and give them plenty of love and attention during the fireworks. Knowing you’re there to protect them will reassure them and keep them calm.
11. Give them a treat
A tasty treat can make a world of difference to your pet’s stress levels and it’ll also reward their good behaviour and bravery. A stuffed chew toy can keep dogs occupied for hours, while a treat puzzle ball can have the same effect on cats and rabbits. These stimulating toys help take their mind off what’s going on around them and can even help them forget their fears.
12. Make sure they’re microchipped
Spooked pets can run away, especially cats, so make sure they’re microchipped to make them easily identifiable. If your pet is already microchipped, make sure your contact details are up to date so you can be contacted straight away.
It is often dogs that are affected most severely by loud noises. In addition to the tips above, going through the process of desensitising your dog to loud noises can be a good, long-term solution.
There is lots of advice available on how to desensitise your dog but the most important part to understand is that the process needs to be gradual and often can take months.
The training needs to take place indoors and you will need access to sound effects such as fireworks, thunder or a vacuum cleaner. The training starts by playing the various sounds at a low volume, watching out for signs of stress in your dog.
The volume is then gradually increased until the dog becomes used to the noise at each level and doesn’t show any signs of anxiety. Sounds are played in this way daily, over a period of weeks until your dog no longer reacts – even at a high volume.
If your dog is still stressed by loud noises after trying these steps, you should contact your vet for further advice.
The morning after a nearby fireworks display, check your garden for any firework remnants fallout that may cause harm. Fireworks contain highly toxic ingredients that can be fatal to your pet if eaten, so remember to check your garden for debris and keep an eye out on your dog walks.
If you have any concerns over stress and anxiety in your pet, please contact us.
St Kitts Veterinary Centre: 01252 844044
Basingstoke Veterinary Centre: 01256 844944
Crookham Park Veterinary Centre: 01252 913990
Firgrove Veterinary Centre: 01252 877799
Just like us, as our pets age they can experience an increase in health problems. Regular check-ups are essential to ensure good health and become even more important as your pet ages because age-related diseases can be subtle and are often easy to miss.
While every animal is different, there are general guidelines to determine when a pet becomes a ‘senior citizen’. Cats are considered mature at 7 to 10 years, senior at 11 to 14 years and geriatric at 15 or older.
In dogs it differs according to their average lifespan. Small dogs that generally live longer, are considered senior citizens when they reach 11 years of age. Medium sized dogs become seniors at 10 years of age. Larger sized breeds are seniors at 8 years of age and the giant breeds are considered seniors at 7 years old.
Rabbits become ‘senior’ sometime between 5 and 8 years old.
Again, just like humans, lifestyle and genetics play a big part in the aging process of pets but there are things you can do to help ease your pet into their senior years.
Age Appropriate Diet
Diet plays a big role in maintaining your pets’ health throughout their life. As your pet ages though, they generally don’t have the same levels of energy as they used to, don’t burn as many calories and are therefore prone to weight gain so it’s important that their diet is revised.
Overweight and obese animals are at increased risk of developing disease. Extra weight also puts unnecessary pressure on ageing joints. Feeding your pet food that is specifically designed for those in their senior years is therefore recommended. These are often lower in fat and calories and will complement the nutritional needs of your pet.
Exercise
Age can cause deterioration in a pet’s joints and muscles. A run around the park might become a walk around the block for dogs and you might find your cat is sleeping more and climbing trees less.
It may be that your pet starts to suffer from arthritis. Pets who struggle to run and jump like they used to may be in pain. Even things like getting onto the sofa can become tricky for older pets but treatments are available to help them regain some of their mobility.
Older pets will benefit from exercise – just at a gentler pace. For dogs, two or three short walks a day can be more beneficial than one long walk.
Be Patient
Keep an eye out for changes in your pets’ behaviour. They may become disorientated, sleep more in the day, wake in the night and might lose interest in interacting with people. These are all a normal part of the ageing process and it’s important that your pet still feels loved as it can be a challenging time for them.
Extra TLC
As your pet ages, physical contact is more important than ever. Pets that have difficulty grooming themselves will love an additional brush and all pets will benefit from lots of love and fuss.
Even older pets still enjoy toys! ‘Puzzle’ toys can provide welcome stimulation for a senior pet if they aren’t interested in anything more physical.
Orthopaedic beds, with or without a heating element, can keep your pet really comfortable especially in colder weather. The comfort a soft bed provides can be really soothing for tired joints.
With proper nutrition, regular vet check-ups and a little extra tender loving care, there’s no reason why your older pet shouldn’t stay happy and healthy throughout their later years.
If you have any concerns regarding your senior pets’ health or any other questions or queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
St Kitts Veterinary Centre: 01252 844044
Basingstoke Veterinary Centre: 01256 844944
Crookham Park Veterinary Centre: 01252 913990
Firgrove Veterinary Centre: 01252 877799
St Kitts Pet Health Plans are designed to save you money and help spread the cost of your pet’s routine and preventative treatment with simple low monthly payments. Plans are available for cats, dogs and rabbits and include worming treatment, booster vaccinations, microchipping and a six-monthly health check. Our Plus Plan additionally includes flea and tick treatment and a discount on your vet bills.
St Kitts Pet Care Plans are not designed to replace insurance and we recommend taking out a pet insurance policy to cover the costs in case of an accident or illness.
Please contact us for more details.
Having pet insurance ensures you’re there for your pet when they need it most without worrying about vet bills. Some policies will also cover other costs, such as theft and liability cover. Things such as the age, breed, location, whether the pet is neutered, type and size of the pet play a part in determining how much your pet insurance will cost.
It is important you choose the right type of cover for your pet. There are many options on the market, but we would recommend taking out a lifetime policy. Sometimes the cheapest insurance can cost you more in the long run, so be sure to shop around to find a policy that offers the best value overall, not just the best price.
No matter how careful we are, pets can and do go missing. A very simple solution to this is to make sure that your pet is microchipped.
It is more comfortable for a puppy if they are at least 7 weeks old and under the microchipping law that came into effect in April 2016, all dogs and puppies MUST be microchipped and registered by the age of eight weeks. Although there is no law for cats, it is equally as important. Many cats roam over large distances and some house cats are prone to escaping if the opportunity presents itself!
It is a quick and simple procedure where a tiny chip is injected under a pet’s skin. This chip contains a unique code that is linked to the pet owner’s details. It is important that your information, such as address and mobile number, is kept up to date on the database.
Dental health is a very important part of your pet’s overall health, and dental problems can cause, or be caused by, other health problems. Your pet’s teeth and gums should be checked at least once a year by your vet to check for early signs of a problem and to keep your pet’s mouth healthy.
Have your pet’s teeth checked sooner if you observe any of the following problems:
Some pets become irritable when they have dental problems and any changes in your pet’s behaviour should prompt a visit to your vet. Always be careful when evaluating your pet’s mouth, because a painful animal may bite.
Although cavities are less common in pets than in people, they can have many of the same dental problems that people can develop:
Periodontal disease is the most common dental condition in dogs and cats. By the time your pet is 3 years old, he or she will very likely have some early evidence of periodontal disease which will worsen as your pet grows older if effective preventive measures aren’t taken. Periodontal disease doesn’t just affect your pet’s mouth. Other health problems found in association with periodontal disease include kidney, liver, and heart muscle changes.
Our top tips for feeding dogs
Top tips for feeding cats
Talk to your vet if your cat’s eating and drinking habits change – it could be a sign they’re ill.
Your pet’s mobility and regular movement is important to their joint health but to their overall health as well. Regular movement helps keep your pet’s muscles and joints healthy, warding off arthritis and joint degeneration.
Stagnation, or lack of movement, is one of the leading causes of pet arthritis and joint disease. When a dog or cat spends too much time lying down or sitting idly, their muscles begin to atrophy. When their muscles become weak, too much strain is put on the joints. Even simple acts like standing up or walking down some steps can be a lot of work on joints, especially ageing ones.
Obesity brings a similar peril to your pet and puts them at high risk for arthritis and joint damage. Lots of extra pounds put undue strain on a dog or cat’s joints, causing them to deteriorate more quickly, and risks injury.
Of course, the leading cause of chronic disease like pet arthritis is chronic inflammation. A poor diet creates and feeds inflammation within the body so ensure you are feeding your pets a healthy, balanced diet.
Help your pet to move a little every single day. Even if your dog or cat is advanced in age or already struggling with arthritis pain, regular movement will help their joints and muscles. Keep the blood flowing to these areas helps cell repair, and will encourage muscle building (taking some pressure off of those joints).
Regular massage and passive stretching will also help keep your pet flexible and provide relief from stiff joints and tired muscles. For more information or advice, please contact us.
How much exercise does my cat need?
Every cat is unique and this can mean that their exercise requirements do vary a little. Normally this is based on age or health. For example, a much older pet or one with health problems may not be advised to do a great deal of exercise each day.
The general consensus is that most indoor cats do not get enough exercise each day whilst most outdoor felines do get a sufficient amount. It is recommended that cats should ideally spend an average of 30 minutes doing moderate exercise each day. Cats are naturally less inclined to exercise than dogs and so you may need to make a specific effort to get your cat moving.
One of the best ways to ensure that your cat gets enough exercise is to spend a little time playing with them each day. Choose a game that gets your cat active – such as chasing a feather or laser pointer or other interactive activities. Even if you can’t manage to do this for at least half an hour each day, the more you can do, the better it is likely to be for your pet.
How much exercise does my dog need?
Exercise is essential for all dogs. It helps keep them in shape but is really important for their mental health too. It’s so important that all dogs get a daily walk to keep them happy and healthy.
Getting out and about keeps your dog’s brain active and is great stress relief for them. Dogs love to sniff and explore so make sure your dog has plenty of opportunities to just… well… be a dog!
Not getting enough exercise can cause health problems such as obesity but can also lead to behavioural problems. Bored dogs are unhappy dogs and they can show their frustration by chewing, barking a lot, toileting in the house and over-grooming (licking too much). If your dog has any of these problems, more exercise may help them cope better. If you’re worried about their behaviour, speak to your vet for more advice.
How much exercise your dog needs differs according to the breed of the dog and age. It can be anything from 30 minutes a day to over 2 hours. Remember that there are fun ways to exercise your dog other than taking them for walks. Here are some examples:
A rewarding part of dog ownership is successfully training your dog. Training is an excellent way to bond with your dog and will help you build a good relationship with them but whether young or old, all dogs can benefit from learning some basic commands.
What are the benefits of training my dog?
Teaching your dog basic obedience like sit, wait and coming back when called gives them the freedom to do the things they like to do, like running off the lead and coming with you to meet friends and family, while being safe and under control. Dogs are intelligent animals and most love to learn, so training can be a great way of stopping them from getting bored.
How do dogs learn?
All training should be reward-based. Giving your dog something they really like such as food, toys or praise when they show a particular behaviour means that they are more likely to do it again. The better the reward the more your dog will enjoy training and learning.
Top training tips
For further advice on any of the topics above or if you have any other questions or concerns, please contact us:
St Kitts Veterinary Centre: 01252 844044
Basingstoke Veterinary Centre: 01256 844944
Crookham Park Veterinary Centre: 01252 913990
Firgrove Veterinary Centre: 01252 877799
For all the latest practice news and health information, check out our newsletter with the link below!
Nutrition is the first step in keeping your new puppy or kitten healthy. Puppies and kittens both thrive when fed a balanced diet that changes according to their age and life stage. Developing a healthy and nutritious diet for your puppy or kitten will help set the foundation for their growth, energy levels and overall health.
When choosing a puppy food you need to consider the ingredients, serving sizes and food quality. The following may help:
Puppy Formula – This nutritious, premium-quality commercial food developed specifically for puppies will provide all the necessary nutrients to accommodate their rapid growth.
Breed Formulas And Size – Make sure you buy the correct food for your puppy’s breed and/or size, so that your puppy receives the correct amount of food and doesn’t gain too much weight as it grows.
Clean Water – Clean, freshwater should be available every day.
Avoid Feeding Puppies Human Food – Human foods are a common cause of skin conditions, allergies and obesity in dogs. Fatty foods such as sausages and bacon are common causes for pancreatitis in dogs and must be avoided. Chocolate, onions, garlic, nuts, avocado and grapes are also toxic to dogs.
Meals should be spaced out evenly throughout the day and changing your puppy’s diet or moving on to adult food should be managed gradually over a week to avoid tummy upsets.
Here are some general guidelines for a feeding schedule for puppies that have been weaned from their mother’s milk:
Just like puppies, kittens require special dietary considerations for nutrition and feeding frequency.
To help foster proper growth and lifelong health, follow these guidelines for proper kitten nutrition:
Kitten Formulas – For the first year the best nutrition is specially formulated commercial food ‘for kittens’.
Small Meal Portions – Feed small amounts regularly. Don’t overfeed as this can cause diarrhoea, vomiting and weight gain.
Fresh Water – Make sure your kitten always has access to freshwater, and change it frequently.
Quiet, Secure Feeding Area – Feed your kitten in a clean, secure area away from lots of noise.
Establishing a feeding schedule with your kitten will help it develop lifelong good eating habits and avoid unhealthy weight gain.
Here’s a suggested feeding schedule for kittens that have been weaned from their mother’s milk:
If you want to change your kitten’s diet or transition to adult food, do so gradually over a week to avoid possible stomach irritation.
To prevent potential health issues, don’t feed your kitten these foods:
Other human foods are toxic to kittens and cats and should be avoided:
Puppies and kittens often have endless amounts of energy and enthusiasm and harnessing this energy into appropriate exercise regimes will also result in happier, healthier pets.
Puppies
As standard, the Kennel Club recommends five minutes of exercise per month of age and this can be carried out twice a day. For example, at eight weeks of age puppies should be exercised for 10 minutes, twice a day and at 4 months, it should be 20 minutes, twice a day.
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. It is recommended that puppies are physically exercised, mentally stimulated and allowed downtime so that they can rest and learn to focus through exciting events.
Mental stimulation is exercise for the brain and helps with:
Mental stimulation games to play:
Kittens
With cats and kittens, there is no set amount of exercise that should be carried out, but at least two play sessions per day for 15-20 minutes should help reduce boredom and keep them active.
The preferred methods of play for cats are:
Cats tend to hunt and be most active at dawn and dusk, which is a good time to play. Cats have a natural predatory sequence – search, stalk, chase, pounce, catch and manipulate. So, we must mimic the ‘catch’ part of this when playing with our kittens.
House Cats
Indoor cats may be more at risk of experiencing boredom and frustration so it’s important to plan exercise and activities for indoor cats to ensure they are stimulated.
Examples of enrichment for cats include:
Neutering your kitten or puppy is another really important thing that you can do for the well-being of your pet.
Kittens
It is usual for male kittens to be castrated from around four months of age before they start developing habits such as urine marking around the house. Female kittens come into heat every three weeks and become pregnant very easily. Therefore, we advise spaying from around four months of age.
Puppies
We usually recommend female dogs are spayed before their first season at six months of age, except for certain larger breeds when we recommend before their second season. As well as preventing unwanted pregnancies, early spaying has been proven to result in a huge reduction in the occurrence of mammary tumours in older female dogs. It also prevents life-threatening uterus infections. This protection is dramatically reduced after the second season.
We usually start talking about castration for male dogs from six months of age before they start to develop male traits, such as roaming and urine marking. This also reduces the risk of developing prostate problems, anal tumours and testicular cancer. Also, by having them castrated at a young age, this may reduce the risk of them being stolen for breeding.
If you would like to find out more, please get in touch with us. We’ll talk through the options and discuss what’s best for your pet, considering their age and breed.
Vaccinations help to protect your pets from severe infectious diseases. It also prevents them from passing anything nasty on to other animals in the area. It is another one of the most important things you should do as a new puppy or kitten owner.
To help protect kittens they’ll need two sets of vaccinations. Kittens should have their first set of vaccinations at nine weeks old and the second set to boost their immune system at three months old. After this, kittens and cats usually need ‘booster’ vaccinations every twelve months.
Until your kitten is fully vaccinated (and neutered), you should keep him or her inside. Your vet can advise which vaccinations your cat or kitten will need to help protect them from infectious diseases.
Puppies are typically vaccinated at eight and ten weeks (although they can be vaccinated as early as four-six weeks of age) with the second dose usually being given two to four weeks later. Your vet will be happy to advise you on the best timings.
Your puppy will then require a booster vaccination at 6 or 12 months of age. As your puppy grows into an adult dog it’s important to ensure you visit your vet and keep your dogs vaccinations up to date.
No matter how careful we are, pets can and do go missing. A very simple solution to this is to microchip you puppy or kitten as soon as possible. It is more comfortable for a puppy if they are at least 7 weeks old and under the microchipping law that came into effect in April 2016, all dogs and puppies MUST be microchipped and registered by the age of eight weeks.
Although there is no law for cats, it is equally as important. Many cats roam over large distances and even house cats are prone to escaping if the opportunity presents itself!
It is a quick and simple procedure where a tiny chip is injected under a pet’s skin. This chip contains a unique code that is linked to the pet owner’s details.
St Kitts Pet Health Plans are designed to save you money and help spread the cost of your pet’s routine and preventative treatment with simple low monthly payments. Plans are available for cats, dogs and rabbits and include worming treatment, booster vaccinations, microchipping and a six-monthly health check. Our Plus Plan additionally includes flea and tick treatment and a discount on your vet bills.
St Kitts Pet Care Plans are not designed to replace insurance and we recommend taking out a pet insurance policy to cover the costs in case of an accident or illness.
Please contact us for more details.
Pet insurance can be used for most illnesses and injuries and enables you to claim back veterinary fees (except for a small excess). What’s more, the younger your pet is when you insure them the better! It will help to:
There are many different types of pet insurance policies available on the market, so it’s important you choose the right level of cover for your pet. The four main types of policy are as follows:
Here at St Kitts Veterinary Group, we recommend an insurance company which offers a comprehensive lifetime policy to give you the best overall cover.
Puppy Parties are a great way to add to your socialisation training. These get-togethers are designed to teach your puppy how to interact with others, as well as giving you the chance to pick up some great hints and tips and ask any questions you might have. Why not bring your puppy along to our Puppy Parties at our Firgrove Veterinary Centre in Yateley? Please contact us for more details:
St Kitts Veterinary Centre: 01252 844044
Basingstoke Veterinary Centre: 01256 844944
Crookham Park Veterinary Centre: 01252 913990
Firgrove Veterinary Centre: 01252 877799
