Did you know a preventative approach to your cat’s care is the best way to keep them in tip top condition for longer, and prevent them from catching a number of harmful diseases?
Here at Edgewood Vets in Purleigh, our Vets and Nurses have many years of experience dealing with serious cat health conditions that could have been prevented. In this article, our Head Vet Jürgen has put together their top five preventative healthcare ‘must-haves’ for cats.
To help cat and kitten owners further, our team have also created a handy checklist of everything your pet will need for a happy and healthy life on top of the preventative care list below.
Download our Cat Essentials Checklist
Five important preventative care needs for cats
1. Cat vaccinations
It is important to keep up with the recommended cat vaccination schedule advised by your Vet to give your pet optimum protection against infectious diseases. These preventable diseases can have devastating consequences and include:
- Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV, feline infectious enteritis; feline parvovirus)
- Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1, cat flu)
- Feline calicivirus (FCV, cat flu)
- Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV)
Many cat owners ask our Purleigh Vets, “do indoor cats needs vaccinating every year?” It is wise to remember that sometimes indoor cats can get out and neighbouring cats can get in, so there is always a risk for un-vaccinated cats. Also, FPV can be transferred via contaminated water, feed bowls, or on shoes and clothing.
Not sure if your cat’s vaccinations are up to date? Give us a call on 01621 828381 and our helpful reception team will check for you.
2. Cat flea & worm control
Fleas multiply at an alarming rate and will affect your cat, your human family, and your home. Cat fleas cause itching and irritation, leading to excessive scratching, sores, hair loss, and scabbing. An infestation can also cause anaemia and fleas can carry tapeworms and other diseases. Unprotected cats are at risk of picking up roundworms too. Therefore, an ongoing programme of vet-recommended cat flea and worm treatments is always the best option. Call 01621 828381 to see if your cat is due a treatment.
3. Cat neutering
The obvious reason to neuter any cat is to stop unwanted pregnancies – especially as female kittens can get pregnant at just 4 months of age. However, there are many more benefits of cat neutering including:
- reduced risk of mammary and prostate cancer
- prevention of testicular cancer and pyometra (uterine infection)
- prevention of stressful phantom pregnancies and seasons
- can stop some undesirable behaviours and make pets easier to live with
Talk to us about cat neutering
4. Health & dental checks
It is a good idea to get your cat’s dental and general health checked every 6 – 12 months so our Vets can begin treatment for any issues that could be brewing right away. Dental disease can be especially problematic for cats as most tend to hide pain and dislike having their teeth cleaned. Ensuring our Vets can get a good look at your cat’s teeth regularly means any concerns can be dealt with to improve your cat’s quality of life.
Cat microchipping
Finally, this might not seem like a preventative measure, however, it is something our experienced Vets always discuss with cat owners when talking about preventative healthcare. Microchipping your cat will greatly improve your chances of being reunited with them should they get taken to a vet practice, or an animal shelter, after going missing or being in an accident.
We hope the above advice is helpful. When it comes to your cat’s overall health and happiness, do you know what all their essential needs are? We have got you covered with our handy cat checklist – download it now.
“New year get fit” and “live more sustainably” – if these are your new year resolutions, our team at Edgewood Vets in Purleigh have just the thing for you. Keep reading to discover some exercise ideas you can do with your dog, ways to stay motivated, and tips on being more sustainable at the same time.
Before you start, booking a check-up is wise to ensure your dog is in the right physical condition for your chosen activity. Doga should be fine though!
New year fitness motivation tips
Sticking with a new year fitness challenge is much easier if you don’t do it alone. Who better to motivate you than your dog? Dogs are almost always up for exercising with their humans!
Finding an activity that you enjoy together will also help with motivation. Why stick at just one? You will both benefit from a varied exercise routine as it gives overused muscles, joints, and ligaments a chance to rest and recover. It will also make your fitness journey more interesting and more likely to continue past the end of January for longer term benefits.
Six ways to get fit with your dog
- Upgrade your daily walk – A one-hour walk can burn up to 200 calories and can be very rewarding for you both. Warm up in winter months by exploring new routes that you and your dog can enjoy together. Don’t have an hour? You can also upgrade shorter walks by changing the speed, adding hills, using obstacles, and incorporating some play time.
- Doggy jogging – It might take a bit of training to get the pacing right and make sure you don’t trip over each other, but dog jogs are a great bonding activity and exercise.
- Dog agility classes – Agility training is fun, energetic, and stimulating for both you and your dog. You can buy (or make) equipment for your garden, or start visiting a dog club or training centre with all the right gear. Search dog agility classes near Purleigh or in Essex.
- CaniX (Canicross) – If you’ve not heard of this, CaniX involves running with your dog attached to a harness around your waist. There are running events countrywide, starting at 2K. Find out more about this activity and find a CaniX weekend event near you.
- Bikejoring – Also new to you? Bikejoring means you get on your bike and cycle while your dog runs ahead, pulling you in a harness. It is typically geared towards medium to large dogs, and is a high-intensity workout. Discover more about bikejoring.
- Doga – Doing yoga with your dog can benefit body and mind, for you both. Dogs pick up on human emotions and can suffer the same stress. Doga lets you spend quality bonding time being calm and reassuring your dog. Plus, yoga has been proven to be good for heart health in humans, so why not dogs too? Learn more about the practice of doga.
Six ways to make your dog activities more sustainable
- Can you walk to your activity location? Save on carbon emissions and get a warm-up.
- Use eco-friendly dog poop bags – biodegradable poop bags will help reduce plastic pollution, as will compostable ones (just don’t put these on compost used for food crops!)
- Did you know you can get eco-friendly dog collars, leads, and harnesses?
- Take a re-usable water bottle with you. Here are some eco-friendly options our Purleigh team found at Ocean Bottle and wearthlondon.com
- Need new gear? Search for ‘sustainable sportswear UK’ and find a range of active brands.
- Don’t throw away your old sportswear and dog leads, try donating them instead.
Why not invite friends and local dog owners to join you on your 2022 fitness journey? Just hit the share button in this article or copy the link to your Facebook page.
Don’t forget to book your dog’s new year check-up before you get started.
The run-up to Christmas is usually a busy time spent out and about shopping for gifts & decorations and seeing friends & family. But does this mean your dog has to spend more time home alone? Dogs thrive on attention and time with their favourite human companions. A bored and lonely dog can develop behavioural issues like destroying your belongings, excessive barking, and soiling indoors.
The solution? Dog friendly days out!
This way, you can spend time with your dog AND tick off your pre-Christmas to-do-list at the same time. Our Chelmsford Road team have listed some ideas for dog friendly places below; it’s a good idea to check the website and reviews to ensure they are dog friendly before setting off.
Share dog friendly places on Facebook
You can help other dog owners in and around Purleigh, Maldon, and Burnham-on-Crouch, by sharing your favourite dog friendly days out on our Facebook page.
Edgewood Vets’ top ideas for places you can take your dog:
- Cafés, restaurants & pubs – With so many dog-friendly options in Essex, why not persuade your friends to meet you at one of them so your dog can hang out too? Remember though, six hours sat under a table in a rowdy pub while you drink and talk with your friends isn’t ideal either. We suggest reading some reviews first to see if the establishment is a good fit for you all.
- Pet shops – Pottering around your local pet shop is a great way to make both you and your dog happy. While you’re buying pet products for your dog and as presents for your pet-loving friends, your dog can be basking in the heavenly smells a pet shop has to offer.
- Garden centres – Many garden centres these days are dog friendly and of course free to visit. You can often get some lovely Christmas gifts there and enjoy some tea & cake. Your dog will enjoy wandering around, taking in the interesting sights and smells.
- Markets & shops – Some fantastic Christmas gifts can be purchased at outdoor markets. Dogs are normally welcome but be careful if they are wary of large crowds. Plus, we bet there are more dog-friendly shops in Essex than you might think, where you can take your pal for a walk while you shop.
- Dog parks & countryside walks – Catch up with friends and family by going for a dog walk. Everyone gets some fresh air and exercise, and your dog gets to be by your side.
- Dog friendly attractions – You may be surprised how many places you can find to take your dog by searching for ‘dog friendly days out near me’. Perfect for that festive fix!
- Dog friendly holidays – If you’re planning a Christmas break, check out the wide variety of dog friendly accommodation on websites like Airbnb and dogfriendlycottages.co.uk research local dog friendly attractions before you visit too.
To ensure you are welcomed back to these places time and time again, our team recommends:
- Cleaning up and disposing of your dog’s poops.
- Keeping your dog on a lead (unless you see a sign saying otherwise) and under control.
- Being courteous to business owners and other visitors by not letting your dog eat or urinate on any goods, furniture, or decorations.
We hope you enjoy some fun times with your canine companion this Christmas. Don’t forget to share your favourite dog friendly places on our Facebook page.
Share your favourites on Facebook
If your dog has been spending more time home alone lately and you notice any unusual behaviours, book a Vet appointment with our team.
If your rabbit stops eating or begins to eat less, it can be fatal! So, if you notice a change in their eating behaviour you should contact us immediately on 01621 828381 – time is of the essence.
As your rabbit will tend to hide health problems for as long as they can it’s important you bring them to see us at the first sign that something’s changed as by then, they may already have been suffering for a while.
Rabbits must eat regularly to keep their digestive system ticking over yet many things can cause your rabbit to suffer from reduced appetite. Dental disease and gut problems are the most common but there are others. As you should always keep rabbits in pairs, signs of one eating less can be hard to spot. Even if you do spot that there’s more food left over it can be hard to figure out which one is not eating. For that reason, we’d also recommend you look out for the following signs and behaviours that indicate your rabbit may be in distress.
- Slobbering / dribbling / wet chin
- Abnormal droppings
- Weight loss
- Grinding teeth or overgrown teeth
- Wet / dirty bottom
- Withdrawal or hiding away
- Head tilt
- Noisy breathing
- Bald areas or hair loss
- Crust or wax in the ears
What you should do if you spot a change in your rabbit’s behaviour
If you spot any change to the way or amount your rabbit is eating, or if you spot any of the ten signs above, you should call us. You’ll need tell us what’s changed and we’ll advise if you should bring your rabbit in to see one of our vets.
Flystrike (or fly strike) can quite literally be a nightmare for rabbits and rabbit owners. Edgewood Vets expert team answers common questions and shares their top tips on fighting flystrike below.
Call us on 01621 828381 if you suspect flystrike.
What causes flystrike in rabbits?
Flies (especially bottle flies) like to lay eggs in warm, damp places. A rabbit that smells of faeces, urine, or blood is a prime target. If you’re wondering how common flystrike is in rabbits, they are the most at-risk small pet for this deadly condition. Why? Unfortunately, flies are also drawn to a rabbit’s scent glands.
Flystrike occurs when certain types of flies lay eggs on a rabbit, or in soiled bedding. The eggs hatch into maggots, which burrow into rabbits through open sores or moist areas (like the rear), eating flesh as they go. Pets that have digestive problems and struggle to keep themselves clean (due to illness, old age, arthritis, or dental issues) are most at risk.
Why do rabbits die from flystrike?
Flystrike in rabbits is a horrible condition that is often fatal. If the shock or infection doesn’t cause death, then euthanasia can be the kindest option to end their suffering. If you suspect your rabbit has flystrike, contact our vets quickly on 01621 828381.
Symptoms: how to tell if your rabbit has flystrike?
Flystrike progresses at an alarming rate and can cause death if untreated. You may notice:
- Your rabbit is quiet and lethargic.
- Your rabbit may be refusing food and drink.
- A strong smell coming from their hutch.
- Your rabbit is digging into corners for pain relief.
- Maggots and flies around your pet and in their hutch.
Fighting flystrike in rabbits – top tips to prevent it
Keeping your pet and their bedding clean and dry is the best flystrike prevention. Here are our Head Nurse Nicola’s top tips to help you.
We suggest adding this Summer Rabbit Checklist to your phone:
- Check your pet’s rear end and fur (incontinence can attract flies) at least twice a day.
- Feed your rabbit a fibrous diet including hay, vegetables, and fresh water. This will help to:
- Keep their digestive system working well and avoid upset tummies and soiling.
- Keep them in shape so they can reach to groom all areas.
- Avoid dental issues, which can in turn cause upset tummies and soiling.
- Ensure your rabbit is producing and eating their caecal (soft poops) – call us if not.
- Clear your rabbit’s hutch of poo pellets and soiled bedding daily.
- Give them a gentle ‘butt bath’ with pet-safe shampoo if they’re not keeping clean.
If your rabbit has a condition that is causing soiling or incontinence and they are struggling to clean themselves, there are preventative treatments you can get for flystrike. Request a visit with our vet nurses to learn more.
Having your dog neutered is a personal choice. Many owners find it helpful to know what happens during a dog neutering procedure and any pros & cons, before deciding. Our Purleigh veterinary team are here to answer your dog neutering questions.
Dog neutering is usually carried out at around six to eight months of age. Certain breeds can benefit from being neutered slightly later, so it is always best to ask our team for advice on when is the best time to neuter your dog. Before your puppy reaches their 6-month birthday, book an appointment with one of our vets for advice.
The dog neutering procedure
Dog neutering involves removing reproductive organs, or ‘de-sexing’. A male’s testicles are removed, and females have their ovaries (and sometimes other parts) removed. Our team will advise you on what to do before your dog’s neutering procedure (last food & drink times), and how to care for them at home afterwards.
On the day, your dog will be admitted in the morning, and they will be examined by one of our vets prior to the neutering procedure. Careful monitoring is carried out before, during and after. Pets usually go home on the same day with pain relief and have a post-op check a few days later.
Pros and cons of dog neutering:
Male dog neutering (castration)
- Reduces wandering and therefore the chances of being involved in a road accident.
- Can help with some behavioural issues such as sexual aggression and territory marking.
- Eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and reduces the risk of prostate disease.
Female dog neutering (spaying)
- Stops your dog from coming into season, or ‘in heat’.
- Prevents phantom pregnancies, which can be distressing for your dog.
- Prevents unwanted pregnancies, reducing the number of unwanted puppies.
- Eliminates the possibility of life-threatening pyometra (uterine infection).
- Reduces the risk of mammary tumours (breast cancer).
Disadvantages of dog neutering
- As with all operations under general anaesthesia there is some, but very low risk attached.
- Weight gain can be an issue, as neutering can lower the metabolic rate. This can be balanced with less or lower-calorie food, and more exercise. Our head vet, Jürgen Theinert, recommends regular weight checks with one of our nursing team after neutering.
- Urinary incontinence in neutered female dogs can be a problem later in life, for which there is medication to help control it.
What if I want to breed from my dog?
Jürgen advises that breeding dogs should always be well thought out, with the health & wellbeing of the parents and offspring being the top priority. Some dog pregnancies are straightforward, whereas others can have complications. Certain breeds (typically small) can struggle with carrying puppies and some dogs require a caesarean section if birth. Male dogs can have more behavioural issues if used as studs.
In older dogs, neutering itself may not change some developed behaviours. It can, however, still provide many health benefits.
Our team will be happy to answer your questions about dog neutering, just contact us for advice.
Pottering in the garden and chewing on grass is every rabbit’s dream. Plus, it’s excellent for their digestive system and teeth. However, not everything that grows in your garden this summer will be safe for your rabbit.
Our head nurse Nicola Watson has pulled together a list of plants that are poisonous to rabbits, and plants that are safe for them.
It’s a good idea to pop Edgewood Vets’ emergency number in your phone now, so we can help you with what to do if your rabbit eats a poisonous plant.
Get our emergency number here.
Plants that could harm your rabbit this summer in Essex:
- The most poisonous plants for rabbits include Azalea, Bittersweet, Buttercups, Daffodils, Deadly Nightshade, Figwort, Foxglove, Hemlock, Meadow Saffron, Poppies, and Ragwort.
- Other poisonous garden plants for rabbits include Begonias, Chrysanthemums, Clematis, Dahlias, Delphinium, Hyacinth, Iris, Lily of the Valley, Lupins, Morning Glory, Primrose, Rhododendron, Sweet Peas (there is a rabbit-safe variety), and Tulips.
- Garden-grown human foods that rabbits shouldn’t eat include Apple Pips, Garlic, Onion, Potato Plants, Rhubarb (all of it), and Tomato Plants.
- Most evergreen leaves are poisonous to rabbits and some lighter coloured lettuces (e.g. iceberg) can harm them too.
Nicola suggests making a note of these potential signs your rabbit has eaten a poisonous plant: abdominal tenderness, bleeding, breathing difficulties, depression, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, mouth irritation, pain, seizures, vomiting, weakness, and death. Call us straight away on the number above if you’re concerned.
If your rabbit likes to dig, Nicola recommends removing dormant bulbs and filling your flower beds with rabbit-safe plants. Alternatively, how about a designated patch or digging container filled with plants & vegetables your rabbit can eat? For more rabbit enrichment tips, get in touch with our pet-loving team.
- Safe plants for rabbits include Chickweed, Clover, Daisies, Dandelion, Nasturtiums, Nettles, Roses, Pansies, Pot Marigolds, and Sunflowers.
- Safe garden vegetables for rabbits include Kale, Romaine Lettuce, Bok Choy, Carrot Tops (carrots themselves are high in sugar so give these sparingly), Basil, and Broccoli Greens.
Now you’re ready to spend a sunny afternoon inspecting your garden and ‘weeding out’ any plants that could get your rabbit in trouble. We’re here for your rabbit emergencies, just call 01621 828381.
For more rabbit care advice, book a consultation with one of our team.
April marks the start of National Pet Month, a UK-wide initiative aimed at raising awareness of responsible pet ownership. So Nicola Watson, our head nurse, and their team, thought that they would take the opportunity, to mark last year’s introduction of Lucy’s Law, on buying new pets, and offer advice on the best way to get a new kitten.
They’ve given you some quick pet purchasing pointers below as well as creating a handy infographic for you to download and share with friends and family who may be considering buying a new kitten during the last throws of lockdown and beyond.
Edgewood Vets four top tips for anyone considering buying a new kitten.
- Before going straight to a licensed breeder consider buying a rescue pet. The RSPCA’s ‘Find a Pet’ service is a great starting point
- If you’re planning to get a new kitten from a breeder then do your research and check they are legitimate
- Take your time, perhaps wait until lockdown rules allow you to visit the breeder or rescue centre a few times
- Never, ever, buy from someone ‘online’ who then offers to hand it over somewhere ‘convenient’, like a car park or motorway services
Please do download and share our full list of buying advice from the link below. By sharing & following these pointers, we can all help stop the illegal trade in puppies and kittens.
What is Lucy’s Law and what Does it Mean?
When Lucy’s Law was enacted the in April 2020 the Government made a statement that said…
‘Lucy’s Law’ means that anyone wanting to get a new puppy or kitten in England must now buy direct from a breeder or consider adopting from a rescue centre instead. Licensed dog breeders are required to show puppies interacting with their mothers in their place of birth. If a business sells puppies or kittens without a licence, they could receive an unlimited fine or be sent to prison for up to six months.
We’re Here to Help
If you’ve just bought a new pet and you’re not sure if the supplier met the new standards, then don’t worry. Just give us a call and bring your new puppy or kitten in for a check-up. We’re here to help whenever you need us.
Once again, please do share this article and our free download with friends and family and help stop the sale of kittens from high volume, low welfare sources.
Spring not only brings warmer temperatures and blooming flowers, it can also bring a swathe of unwanted guests… Checking for fleas is all part of owning a cat, advises head nurse, Nicola Watson.
Fleas are tiny, blood-sucking parasites that jump onto cats and other pets. They feast on their blood, excrete, mate, and then the females lay eggs at an alarming rate. The eggs aren’t sticky so they often fall off and spread throughout the home.
The best protection against fleas is regular vet-recommended flea treatments, which you can get from our Chelmsford Road practice. You should also keep an eye out for any signs of fleas and nip them in the bud.
What do fleas look like?
- Tiny (2-3mm) dark brown, almost black, oval-shaped critters with legs – they turn lighter brown the more blood they ingest.
- If they’re big enough, you might see fleas jumping on/off your cat, or you.
- Fleas excrete the blood they ingest, leaving ‘flea dirt’ behind.
- They can carry diseases and will irritate your cat, other pets, and humans.
How to check your cat for fleas & flea dirt
1.Look out for signs that your cat might have fleas:
a. Excessive scratching, licking and biting at themselves.
b. Bald patches of fur, due to scratching.
c. Bumpy skin/scabs around the groin/tummy due to scratching.
d. Back spots on your cat’s skin or in their fur.
e. Your cat may be jumpy and irritable.
2.Take a flea comb (specially made comb with narrow-set teeth) and run it slowly back and forth through your cat’s fur close to the skin, which is where the fleas will probably be hiding out. Top tips:
a. Put a piece of white paper next to your cat so any potential flea dirt falls onto the paper – when wet, flea dirt turns a reddish brown colour.
b. Have a bowl of hot soapy water handy so you can put any fleas that come off in the comb straight into the water.
If you find fleas on your cat, check when they last had their flea treatment and if they’re overdue, give it to them right away. You can also get additional topical flea treatments for your cat and products to treat your home. If you would like any further advice, Nicola and the rest of our nurses are here to help.
Spring is in the air, and worms want to be in your dogs – not a very nice thought, but it’s reality. That’s why it’s so important to protect your dog from worms and the health problems they can cause. Head nurse, Nicola has this advice.
Did you know that your dog could be more susceptible to certain worms depending on their age and ‘hobbies’?
- Very young dogs tend to be at higher risk of picking up roundworm.
- Dogs who scavenge for food increase their exposure to tapeworms.
- Dogs who play with toys in the garden are more at risk of contracting lungworm from the slime of infected slugs and snails, especially if their toys (and food/water bowls) are left out overnight. You shouldn’t let your dog eat slugs and snails either, as lungworm can often be fatal.
As with fleas, you can protect your dog all year round from worms. However, it’s also important to reduce your pet’s exposure to them.
Here’s Caroline’s dog worming advice for spring:
- Make sure your dog’s worm treatments are up to date – we can check when they’re next due.
- Always give your dog the right worming dosage for their weight, again our team can help you with this.
- If you have a puppy or a new adult dog, get them checked by a vet to ensure they don’t already have a case of worms.
- Wash your hands before and after handling your dog, their food bowls, toys, and bedding. This is especially important if you have young children. Also, you should wash your hands after touching worm treatments.
- Try and stop your dog from scavenging as some worms can live on other host animals, including dead ones.
- Ensure your dog is up to date with flea treatments too as fleas can carry some worm infections, so keep an eye out for these parasites as well.
If you’re not sure when your dog is next due their flea and worm treatments, get in touch with our team.
