Animal Pain Awareness Month (September) is a great time to focus on the wellbeing of our beloved dogs and cats, especially those grappling with arthritis. The team at Edgewood Vets have put together a guide to help you better support your arthritic dog or cat at home.
Not sure if your pet has arthritis? The main signs in dogs and cats include limping, stiffness, difficulty jumping or climbing, reduced activity, noticeable pain during movement, and a change in demeanour.
How to help your arthritic dog or cat at home
Arthritis can make everyday activities uncomfortable for our furry friends. Getting your pet diagnosed promptly by one of our vets means they can receive the multi-modal treatment they need – this might include medication and various types of physical therapy. But Edgewood Vets’ support doesn’t end there. Vet Jürgen Theinert is here to tell you that with some thoughtful adjustments at home, you can significantly improve your arthritic pet’s quality of life.
1. Create comfortable resting areas
Jürgen recommends providing your pet with a comfortable, quiet resting place. Choose a soft, supportive bed and position it in a calm, draft-free area. Consider an orthopaedic bed for extra comfort and ensure the bed is easily accessible (avoiding high platforms, high sides, and steps) to prevent further discomfort.
2. Modify your home environment
Avoiding stairs whenever possible is important for dogs with arthritis. If you live in a multi-storey home, consider installing ramps or pet-friendly stair aids to make it easier for your dog to navigate. You can also help them by preventing slips on floors by using non-slip rugs or rug tape, and ensuring food and water bowls are at a comfortable height to avoid bending and stretching. Cats will benefit from low-sided litter boxes in multiple locations to reduce travel as well as ramps by furniture to help them reach their favourite spots.
3. Encourage gentle exercise
For dogs, regular, gentle exercise is crucial for maintaining joint flexibility. Choose short, slow walks over high-impact activities or long walks that could strain their joints. Engage in low-impact play with soft toys and incorporate flexibility exercises such as gentle paw lifts (supported at the elbow) and sit to stands – ask our vets for more advice on this. For cats, Jürgen recommends encouraging light exercise and play with mentally stimulating, interactive toys that don’t require excessive jumping or running.
4. Maintain a healthy weight
Excess weight can exacerbate feline and canine arthritis symptoms. Ensure your pet is on a balanced diet that supports their overall health and helps maintain an ideal weight. Book an appointment with our vet nurses, who can help you choose the best diet and portion sizes for your arthritic pet’s needs.
5. Consider therapeutic aids
Jürgen recommends using items like heated pet mats or blankets, which can provide soothing warmth for sore joints. Joint supplements specifically designed for dogs or cats and as recommended by one of our vets, may also help support joint health and reduce inflammation. Always consult with a vet before giving your pet supplements for arthritis or anything else.
6. Provide extra support
Dog harnesses or support slings can help when your dog is walking or climbing stairs. For cats, a soft, supportive carrier or sling is ideal for vet visits or moving them around. These aids can provide additional support and reduce the strain on their joints. Ensuring your pet has easy access to all their favourite spots can also help them feel more comfortable and secure.
Managing arthritis in dogs and cats requires a combination of thoughtful adjustments and compassionate care. Animal Pain Awareness Month is a reminder of how important it is to be attentive to our pets’ needs so they can have a more comfortable and enjoyable life despite the challenges of arthritis. Get your pet checked for arthritis by one of our vets in Purleigh now.
Fireworks season can be a stressful time for cats and dogs. The loud noises and bright lights can cause significant anxiety. Creating a quiet, comfortable space with familiar items can provide much-needed relief from the sensory overload. Here’s Edgewood Vets’ guide on how to create a safe haven for your pets, to help them feel secure and relaxed throughout Autumn’s noisy events.
Talk to our vets about the best calming products for dogs or cats and order them in time for firework season.
Create a safety den for dogs
- Quiet Location: Select a quiet area in your home away from windows and doors. A room or corner that’s less exposed to noise and light is ideal.
- Comfortable Bedding: Provide a soft, cosy bed to snuggle in and add extra comfort with their favourite blanket.
- Toys and Distractions: Place your dog’s favourite toys or chew items in the safe space. Interactive toys or puzzle feeders can also help distract them from the noise.
- Comfort Items: Include items that carry your scent, such as worn clothing, and your familiar smell can be reassuring for your dog.
To order calming products for your dog in time for firework season, call 01621 828381.
Create a cosy hideaway for cats
- Quiet Hideaway: Cats often prefer enclosed spaces so a covered bed or a box where your cat can feel secure is ideal. Ensure the hideaway is in a quiet part of the house.
- Soft Bedding: Line the hideaway with soft, comfortable bedding or a blanket. Ensure your cat is familiar with and likes their new space.
- Toys and Treats: Provide your cat with their favourite toys or treats to keep them occupied. Catnip toys or treat-dispensing toys can be particularly effective.
To order calming products for your cat in time for fireworks season, call 01621 828381.
General tips for both cats and dogs
- Introduce the Space Early: Allow your pet to explore and get comfortable with the safe space well before fireworks season begins. This will help them feel more at ease when the fireworks start.
- Stay Calm: Your pet can sense your emotions, so remaining calm and reassuring can help them feel more secure. Don’t fuss too much though as this can make them associate extra fuss with a ‘fear response’.
- Introduce Calming Products: Our vets often advise owners to use calming products such as diffusers, sprays, collars, chews, or anxiety wraps that can have a soothing effect and reduce anxiety. Call us on 01621 828381 for advice and to order them in time for firework season.
- Avoid the Outdoors: Keep your pets indoors during firework displays. Make sure all escape routes are secured to prevent them from running away in fear.
- Reduce Outdoor Sounds: Close windows and doors, and draw curtains to reduce the impact of external sounds.
- Use Background Noise: Use white noise machines, calming music, or a TV to help mask the sounds of fireworks. Choose soothing sounds that your pet may be used to.
By preparing in advance and creating a cosy safe haven for your pets during fireworks season, you can help ease their anxiety and ensure a more peaceful experience.
If you have any concerns or need additional advice, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Edgewood Vets. We’re here to support you and your pets through every season.
Cats are known for their impeccable grooming habits. So, it can be quite a surprise and a concern if your usually clean cat starts eliminating outside their litter box. While the occasional accident might happen, persistent indoor toileting (also known as inappropriate elimination) shouldn’t be ignored.
Here at Edgewood Vets, we understand how frustrating and upsetting this behaviour can be for both you and your cat. Our Vet Jürgen Theinert has a wealth of experience in this area and is sharing some reasons why your cat might be using your home as their new toilet, and what you can do about it below.
Why your cat could be soiling indoors
Medical Mishaps:
1. Urinary Tract Issues: Urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or other urinary problems can cause discomfort and lead to inappropriate urination.
2. Diabetes or Kidney Disease: These conditions can increase thirst and urination, making it difficult for your cat to reach the litter box in time.
3. Painful Elimination: Arthritis and other painful conditions can make using the litter box uncomfortable, prompting your cat to find a softer spot. If your cat normally toilets outdoors, pain could be causing them to struggle with the cat flap.
Jürgen recommends booking a check-up for your cat at our vet practice in Purleigh, so we can rule out the above or get your cat the treatment they urgently need.
Litter Box Blues:
4. Location, Location, Location: Is the litter box in a quiet, easily accessible location? Loud noises or heavy foot traffic might deter your cat from using it.
5. Cleanliness Counts: Cats are very particular about hygiene. A dirty litter box is a major turn-off. Scoop waste daily and completely change the litter regularly.
6. Box Style Matters: Some cats prefer open litter boxes, while others prefer covered ones. Experiment to see what your cat finds most comfortable.
7. Not Enough Boxes: Jürgen advises that the general rule is one litter box per cat, plus an extra one. For a multi-cat household, consider having boxes on different floors or in separate areas.
Stressful Situations:
8. New Arrivals: A new pet, baby, or even changes in furniture placement can cause stress in your cat, leading to inappropriate elimination.
9. Feeling Unsafe: Does your cat feel threatened by other pets in the house or outside? Providing them with hiding spots and safe spaces can help them feel more secure.
What to do if your cat is soiling indoors
- Schedule a Check-up: Jürgen advises that the first step is to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Book a check-up with us at Edgewood Vets to discuss your cat’s elimination habits and overall health.
- Investigate the Environment: Consider the factors mentioned above and adjust the litter box setup, location, and overall household environment to see if things improve.
- Interim Solutions: If your cat is soiling in a particular spot (or two), scrub the area with pet-safe cleaning products to remove/mask their scent and avoid this becoming a long-term ‘toilet spot’. You could also try using cat training pads in the interim to keep your home clean whilst you investigate.
- Patience and Care: Addressing inappropriate elimination can take time and patience. Focus on creating a positive association with the litter box and avoid punishment, which can worsen the problem.
By understanding the reasons behind your cat’s indoor toileting and taking steps to address them, you can help your feline friend return to using their litter box and create a more harmonious household for everyone.
We’re here to help your cat stay healthy and happy so don’t hesitate to book a cat check-up with us via our website, or call us now on 01621 828381.
As the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite in 2024, our Vet Jürgen Theinert runs through some important reasons why anyone who owns a Dog, Cat or Rabbit in Purleigh, Malden, Althorne and the surrounding areas should consider joining our Pet Health Club.
Discover our membership benefits & discounts
There’s never been a more appropriate time to consider the benefits of joining our Pet Health Club. The reasons most clients join a pet health plan fall under two key headings. Firstly, to improve the welfare of their pet and secondly because of the financial benefits. Given what’s happening in the world at the moment, it’s no surprise that the financial case for joining is actually growing in importance, especially if you have more than one pet.
How our Pet Health Club helps pets & owners
Prevention is better (& cheaper) than cure
Jürgen shares that the main reason we started to offer our plan was to make it easier for clients to invest in preventative healthcare measures for their pets. Things like vaccinations, flea & worm treatments for cats and dogs, flystrike prevention for rabbits and an annual check-up are the bare minimum that pet owners should consider.
Save money on your pet care
You’ll save money by joining the Pet Health Club, even more so if you have more than one pet! Investing in the core elements listed above is much more expensive if you purchase them individually. You can see the cost of joining our plan by visiting our Pet Health Club page and when you compare that to how much you pay per year for the same items, you’ll be making considerable savings. Our team can help you work this out, just get in touch!
Manage the cost of your pet’s health
Our clients value the fact that they can pay for the plan monthly as it allows them to budget for the basic healthcare of their pet. We know that predicting the cost of looking after pets is important to a lot of people.
Great value pet care
As well as getting a discount on the core preventative treatments, by being a member of the plan, you’ll also be offered additional discounts and exclusive benefits. You can see the latest offers for plan members on our Pet Health Club page.
The best deal for you and your dog
When it comes to dogs, many of their preventative healthcare treatments are priced based on weight. As dog weights vary so much between different breeds, we don’t offer a ‘one size fits all’ plan. Edgewood Vets have designed four dog plans to ensure you’re only paying for what your dog needs, giving you the best deal.
We cater for rabbits too!
Unlike some veterinary practices in Essex, we cater for rabbits in our Pet Health Club too, so even more of our clients can save money on their pet’s care!
The best value pet health plan near you?
We think we offer one of the best value pet health plans in Purleigh, Malden & Althorne that caters for rabbits, cats, and dogs. You can get an idea of the costs and benefits of the Pet Health Club plan for your pet here:
Find the cost for your pet & join
Getting a new puppy or kitten during the school summer holidays is a popular choice for households in Essex. Edgewood Vets has put together a guide to help soon-to-be pet parents prepare for their joyful addition below.
We’ve also created a handy checklist for adopting or buying a new puppy or kitten – download it here.
Tell us all about your new pet and book their first appointment by calling 01621 828381.
Why summer holidays are ideal for new pets
At Edgewood Vets, we often see an increase in new puppies and kittens in July and August. Here’s why this time is ideal:
- More Time at Home: Holiday time provides a perfect opportunity to care for, train, and socialise a new pet. It’s also important to gently introduce them to being alone to avoid separation anxiety later on.
- Kids’ Involvement: With children off school, they can participate in your new pet’s early days and learn valuable lessons about pet care.
Before you adopt or buy, use our checklist
Before getting a new puppy or kitten, use our checklist to ensure you avoid any red flags.
How to get prepared for their arrival
1. Pet-Proof Your Home: Puppies and kittens are curious explorers. Make your home safe by removing hazards, securing loose cords, and locking away chemicals. Consider installing a stair gate for added safety and check your garden for harmful plants.
2. Gather the Essentials: Before your pet arrives, ensure you have suitable food, bowls, a collar & lead (dogs), a crate or carrier, bedding, and toys. Stick to the breeder’s food brand to begin with to avoid tummy upsets. Our team will be happy to advise you on puppy or kitten nutrition at your first appointment with us.
3. Plan for Toilet Training: Choose a toilet area in your garden for your puppy, or set up litter trays for your kitten. Maintain a consistent schedule (after they have eaten, played, and slept) and use training pads for any accidents. Use positive reinforcement and reward successes.
4. Socialisation for Puppies & Kittens: Summer is ideal for socialising your new pet. Gently introduce them to new experiences, sounds, people, and animals to build their confidence and ensure they grow up happy and well-adjusted.
5. Research Training: Explore training techniques and consider classes for your puppy in Essex, which will help them grow into a well-mannered adult. Even cats can learn some commands with gentle training and perseverance!
6. Prepare your family: Teach your family about gentle handling, playtime, feeding, and exercise. Encourage everyone to be involved in your pet’s daily care, fostering a loving environment. Young pets also need lots of rest, so place their crate or bed in a quiet part of your home.
By following Edgewood Vets’ tips, you’ll create a welcoming and safe home for your new furry friend this summer.
We’re excited to support you in this beautiful journey of adding a new member to your family! Remember to register your pet and book their first appointment with us.
Welcome back from your summer adventures! After all the excitement of your trip, it’s time to reconnect with your best pet friend. Whether you’ve been sunbathing on sandy beaches or exploring bustling cities, your faithful companion has been eagerly awaiting your return.
Here at Edgewood Vets, we understand the importance of rebuilding that bond after some time apart. Vet Jürgen Theinert has put together 7 creative ways to help you reconnect with your pet and make them feel loved and included again.
How to reconnect with your pet post-holiday
Take a look at Jürgen’s ideas below and enjoy some quality time with your beloved pet.
1. New Adventures
Instead of only resuming your usual routine, why not plan some additional new adventures with your pet? Take your dog on a scenic hike, or set up a garden treasure hunt or indoor obstacle course for your dog or cat. These unique experiences will provide physical stimulation and create lasting memories for you and your pet.
2. Sensory Stimulation
Treat your pet to a sensory-rich environment by introducing new sights, sounds, and smells. Take your dog to a dog-friendly garden centre in Essex, or set up a bird-watching station for your cat. These enriching experiences will stimulate your pet’s senses and keep them engaged and entertained.
3. Mindful Moments
Set aside some dedicated time for bonding activities with your pet that promote relaxation and wellbeing for both of you. Practice yoga or meditation together, give them a calming massage, or snuggle up on the couch with a good book or movie. Why not groom your pet at the same time? If you need any pet grooming advice, our team will be happy to help – get in touch.
4. Culinary Creations
Pet obsessed with food? Get creative! Make homemade treats with healthy ingredients your pet will love. Bake dog cookies or craft catnip toys – let them “help” cook for extra fun!
5. New Toy Extravaganza
Invest in some exciting new toys (or breathe new life into old ones) for engaging playtime together. Interactive toys like puzzle feeders for dogs or laser pointers for cats can keep your pet entertained and mentally stimulated, and more importantly, strengthen your bond while you play
6. Travel Together
If you have a dog, next time you head out for errands or a social visit, consider bringing them along for the ride. Travelling around with you will give you time to enjoy life more together.
If you have any other ideas for reconnecting with your pet after your holidays, share them on our Facebook page and help other Essex pet owners. And don’t forget to schedule a post-holiday check-up for your pet at Edgewood Veterinary Group to ensure they’re in good health, ready for your next adventure together.
Welcome home, and let the bonding begin!
If you haven’t enrolled your pet in our Pet Health Club yet, you’re a) spending more ££’s than you need to on routine pet health care and b) risking forgetting an important health check or treatment. Don’t worry, joining Edgewood Vets’ Pet Health Club and starting to reap the rewards doesn’t take long at all!
Did you know, when it comes to your pet’s healthcare, forgotten parasite treatments and vaccinations can have a bigger impact on your pet(s) and your human family than you might think?
- FACT: Without ongoing protection from fleas, these creepy critters can lay up to 50 eggs a day on your cat and in your home.
- FACT: Missing out on annual vaccinations puts your dog at risk every time they are around other dogs.
- FACT: Without annual Rabbit VHD and Myxomatosis vaccinations, a dose of either disease could be fatal for your rabbit.
Our Vet Jürgen Theinert, is here to explain why enrolling your pet in a veterinary health plan is a must-have for pet owners in and around Purleigh, Maldon, and Althorne.
Benefits of our Pet Health Club
Jürgen shares that we are already helping hundreds of Purleigh, Malden and Althorne pet owners lighten the load with our Pet Health Club which caters for dogs, cats and rabbits. Here are the main benefits of joining:
- Vaccinations and parasite treatments for the year are part of our Pet Health Club, helping to keep nasty parasites and many harmful diseases away.
- Regular health assessments are designed to help your pet stay in tip-top condition.
- We’ll remind you when every treatment is due so your pet never has to miss out.
- Save money by paying for your pet’s routine healthcare monthly.
- Enjoy easier budgeting and affordable direct debits – never miss a payment.
- Choose from a range of benefits and discounts to help keep your pet happy & healthy for longer, including 15% off primary consultations, neutering, microchipping, and dental procedures.
- Knowing your pet’s essential and life-saving healthcare treatments are in hand is a huge tick on your to-do-list.
See a full list of Pet Health Club membership benefits & discounts and join today
What pet owners think
Our Pet Health Club has become a “can’t do without” subscription for many pet owners. We asked some of our members to share what they like most about it:
“We’ve saved hundreds of pounds over the years on healthcare treatments we’d have had to buy anyway.”
“Just knowing our dog is covered against so many diseases has given us peace of mind.”
“I love getting monthly reminders to apply Barny’s treatments, such a help”
The sun is blazing and the heat is on in Essex. While we humans have various ways to beat the heat, our furry friends often need a little extra help staying cool when the mercury soars. Fear not, pet parents, for we’ve got you covered with some cool tips to keep your beloved companions comfortable and safe on those scorching summer days.
If your pet is not coping well in the heat, contact our team at Edgewood Vets for advice.
The Art of Keeping Pets Cool
Whilst most of us look forward to a hot summer in Essex, it can get too hot for our pets and affect their health. Here’s our advice on how to keep your pet’s cool:
- Hydration: Keep water bowls filled up, ensuring your pet stays refreshed and revitalised.
- Cool Spaces: Create cool havens indoors, avoid hotspots like porches & conservatories.
- Shady Retreats: Offer shady spots for your pet to relax in away from the sun’s glare.
- Outdoor Comfort: Design outdoor areas & enclosures with shade and consider bringing pets indoors on very hot days.
- Heat-Free Zones: Keep pets away from outdoor hot spots like greenhouses & sheds.
- Cool Runnings: Plan outdoor activities for cooler times of the day to prevent overheating.
- Car Safety: Never leave pets in hot cars, ensuring they’re always safe and cool by your side.
- Water Watch: Supervise pets around water features, ensuring they play safely.
- Vigilant Monitoring: Watch for signs of heatstroke like panting & vomiting, and act quickly.
- Emergency Care: Seek vet help immediately if your pet shows signs of overheating.
If you would like any further advice or your pet is struggling in the heat, contact our team at Edgewood Vets.
Now, for some more pet tips & treats!
Dogs:
Treat your dog to a splash in the paddling pool or set up a shady spot with a wet towel or cooling mat for them to lie on. Frozen treats like doggy ice lollies made from pet-safe ingredients (such as strawberries) are also a paw-some way to keep your canine companion cool and satisfied.
Got a favourite doggy ice-cream hot spot in Essex? Let our followers know on Facebook!
Cats:
Provide plenty of fresh water for your cat to drink, add ice cubes to keep it cold. Create a cat-friendly chill zone indoors with closed curtains, a fan, cooling floor tiles or even a damp cloth straight from the freezer. When trying something new, introduce it slowly and monitor your cat’s response.
Rabbits & Small Furry Pets:
Fluffy furballs like rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters can quickly overheat and need cool retreats. Our vet nurses in Purleigh suggest frozen water bottles wrapped in towels or a ceramic tile that’s been chilled in the fridge make excellent cooling spots. For rabbits, you can lightly mist their ears with cool water, but don’t leave them too wet & cold.
Remember, pet parents – when it comes to keeping your pets cool on a hot day, a little extra TLC goes a long way. So, break out the frozen goodies, set up the shade, and let’s keep our pet pals happy!
For more heat-related pet advice, contact our experienced team at Edgewood Vets.
Ah, the sizzle of sausages, the aroma of burgers on the grill… there’s nothing quite like a summer barbecue with friends and family. But while we humans may be drooling over the delicious delights cooking up, let’s not forget about our furry friends who are eager to join in on the fun. To ensure a paw-some barbecue experience for everyone, here are some top tips from our Vet, Jürgen Theinert at Edgewood Vets, to keep your pets safe and happy around the grill.
And just in case you need it, here is the emergency number for our vets in Purleigh – 01621 828381.
See our contact and emergency information
How to Grill & Chill this Summer
If you know your pets will be into everything, it may be wise to keep them indoors, but if your pets can handle your ‘BBQ rules’, here’s Jürgen’s tips for how to Grill & Chill:
- Create a ‘Safe Zone’: First things first, Jürgen recommends establishing a designated ‘pet zone’ away from the grill and cooking area. Set up a shady spot with water bowls and comfy bedding where pets can stay cool while you flip the burgers. Portable pet pens are handy for this.
- Keep an Eye on Pets: Naturally, the sight & smell of food cooking on the grill will tempt pets to investigate. To prevent them from getting too close to the grill or attempting to steal barbecue food, keep a close eye on them or put someone on ‘grill guard duty’ to steer roaming pets away to safety.
- Beware of Hot Surfaces: Grills can reach scorching temperatures that pose a burn risk to curious noses and paws, long after cooking has finished. Jürgen suggests using a grill cover or barrier to prevent pets from accessing the grill area altogether to avoid accidental burns, and have a plan for hot ash afterwards – see our emergency information.
- Pet-safe Barbecue Foods: While it’s tempting to share your barbecue feast with your furry pals, not all barbecue foods are safe for pets. Avoid giving them toxic or harmful foods like onions, garlic, grapes, chocolate, chicken bones, corn on the cob, and foods high in salt, spices, fatty juices, or sugar. Stick to pet-safe treats like plain grilled chicken or lean meat without seasoning. Consider grilling apple, mango, or cucumber for a tasty BBQ treat, if your pet can eat them.
- Watch Out for Falling Food: Accidents happen, and tasty treats may accidentally fall onto the ground. Picking up dropped food instantly will prevent pets from eating it; some items may pose a choking hazard or cause gastrointestinal upset.
- Keep Your Pets Hydrated: Provide plenty of water during the barbecue festivities for pets to drink. If they seem unwell, call our vets in Purleigh on 01621 828381.
- Have a Plan for Leftovers: Clearing up thoroughly straight after a BBQ is vital when you have pets. Disposing of barbecue leftovers and scraps promptly and securely will prevent dogs and cats from scavenging through the rubbish. Leftover bones, skewers, and other barbecue remnants can pose choking or gastrointestinal hazards if ingested by pets.
With these grill-tastic tips in mind, you and your furry friends can enjoy a safe and enjoyable barbecue season together in Essex. Plus, you’ll be helping to keep wildlife safe too! So, fire up the grill, gather your friends and family, and let the summer celebrations begin!
And remember, call 01621 828381 in an emergency.
If you’re wondering how to give your cat a tablet without getting scratched to pieces, you’ve come to the right place. Edgewood Vets’ experienced nurses are the perfect people to help you with this!
If, after reading our article, you have further questions or are not feeling confident in giving your cat a tablet at home, talk to our veterinary nursing team in Purleigh who will be happy to help.
How to give your cat a tablet
Administering medication to your feline companion doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a variety of methods available, you can find the approach that works best for you and your cat. Here are five effective ways, tried and tested by our Purleigh veterinary nurses, to give a cat a tablet:
- Direct Administration: This involves placing the tablet directly at the back of your cat’s tongue. Hold the tablet between your thumb and index finger, tilt your cat’s head slightly upwards, and place the tablet deep into their mouth. Follow up with a gentle massage of the throat to encourage swallowing. This method won’t be right for all cats and you may need a second person to hold your cat. If you think this will be too distressing for your cat and you are at risk of being scratched or bitten, our nurses advice for Purleigh cat owners, is to try one of the methods below instead.
- Crush & Mix: For cats who are finicky about taking tablets, crushing the medication and mixing it with their food can be a viable option. Ask our team whether your cat’s medication is safe to crush, as some tablets are formulated for extended release and should not be altered. Mix the crushed tablet thoroughly with a small amount of their favourite wet food to mask any bitterness.
- Hide in Treats or Food: Another effective method is hiding the tablet in a high-value treat or food item. Choose a treat that your cat loves and carefully conceal the tablet inside. For example, you can use a small piece of cooked chicken or a dollop of tuna. Be sure to monitor your cat to ensure they consume the entire treat, including the hidden tablet.
- Pill Pockets: Pill pockets are specially designed treats with a hollow centre where you can insert the tablet. These treats are available in various flavours and textures, making them an appealing option for many cats. Simply place the tablet inside the pill pocket, pinch the ends to seal it shut, and offer it to your cat as a tasty snack.
- Liquid Medication: If your cat is particularly resistant to taking tablets, you can ask your vet if the medication is available in liquid form. Liquid medication can be easier to administer, especially for cats who are skilled at spitting out tablets. If liquid medication is available, our Purleigh veterinary team can provide you with a syringe or dropper to accurately measure and administer the prescribed dosage.
Experiment with these different methods to find the one that works best for your cat’s individual preferences and temperament. Remember to always follow your vet’s instructions regarding medication dosage and administration.
If you’re unsure about the best approach for your cat, don’t hesitate to talk to the nurses at our Chelmsford Road vet practice for guidance and support. With patience and persistence, you can ensure that your cat receives the medication they need to stay happy and healthy.
Before you go, May 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of Veterinary Nurse Awareness Month (VNAM), a month-long celebration of veterinary nurses everywhere for their hard work and commitment to providing the very best care for pets and owners. We know our nursing team would love to hear from you, so why not share how they’ve helped you and your pet on our Facebook page, with the hashtag #VNAM24
