Forth Valley Veterinary Clinic Blog
Our top tips and useful information regarding pet and animal health…
Keeping Birds Cool in Summer
Heat, stress and dehydration can be fatal, and small animals such as birds are especially susceptible. Hot humid days are especially dangerous, as heat loss is reduced in high humidity. Most birds have a body temperature of about 40 degrees, which is higher than that of mammals.
Grooming
~ The Importance of grooming your Dog ~
Brushing and combing your dogs coat is an important part of general pet care
Exotic Short Hair
The Exotic Shorthair cat breed is a mid-century masterpiece, developed in the 1950s to be a shorthaired version of the Persian cat. Persian breeders crossed their prize-winning kitties with American Shorthairs and boom the Exotic Shorthair cat breed was born!
Feliway
Pheromones are chemical messengers used for communication between members of a species. The pheromones emitted by one individual can affect and change the behaviour of other individuals of the same species.
Cat Aggression
Animals of many species strive to expel or keep out other individuals from their territory, and cats are no exception. Both male and female cats are territorial, but males may defend larger territories than females.
Train your Dogs Responses
All dogs have many different triggers that can cause a fear response. Unfamiliar dogs and people are common triggers. Loud noises can also be very problematic for fearful dogs. Fireworks are especially terrifying, trucks, motorbikes and excessively noisy cars can also be problematic.
Compassion
We’re feeling sad. One of our patients died.
One of the vets spent an enormous amount of their own time working on this patient. There is a feeling of deflation.
Heat Stress and Dehydration
Dogs cannot sweat through their skin as humans do, they sweat primarily from their nose and paw pads and expel heat via panting. On a hot day they can easily become overheated, signs of a heat stressed animal include excessive panting and lethargy. Avoid your dog becoming too overheated and succumbing to heatstroke.
Tips to Keep Your Short-Nosed Friend Cooler This Summer
We all know that summer can be a dangerous time for dogs. As they are susceptible to heatstress and suffer very easily. There is a breed of dog that is even more at risk than others- the Brachycephalic dog breeds, these breeds need more precautions than normal when it comes to the dangers of heat.
Parasites
The warmer weather provides the perfect breeding conditions for fleas and ticks. Breeding requires energy and energy requires food and that food is BLOOD. Fleas and ticks bite animals (and sometimes humans) and secrete saliva into the bite site to allow easy extraction of blood. This saliva can cause allergic reactions and sometimes more complicated conditions as discussed below. Prevention of fleas and ticks is the best treatment.
BBQ's and Family Picnics
Everyone loves a cookout, especially your pet, who gets to feast on table scraps. Some surprising foods, such as grapes, onions, garlic and raisins, can be toxic to dogs if consumed in large quantities and should stay off their menu.
Ancestry of Dogs
Dogs or at least the modern-day breeds have come a long way since their original canine ancestor; the wolf. Domestication has caused the canine companion to have a reduced brain size, floppy ears, increased docility and hormonal changes.
Easter Dangers
Easter... my favourite holiday. They only time you can eat chocolate for breakfast without the guilt.
Unfortunately the same isn’t for our fur babies. During the month of April we will be doing mini blog posts on dangerous foods for your pets!
Christmas Dangers
Christmas is coming!!
Along with unwanted extra weight, Christmas carries some added dangers for your pets that you may not be aware of.
Beach Etiquette
If you like taking your pooch to the beach, there are a few simple rules to follow to keep everyone safe and happy.
Water Safety
Safety around the water is not just a priority for people, but for pets too. Not all pets know how to swim, not all pets are comfortable in the water
Safe Summer
We all like getting ourselves, children and the furry loved ones out and about over the summer months, so here are some quick tips to having a safe and happy experience for all!
Parasite Control
The weather in Tasmania is too cold for the mosquitoes that spread heartworm to survive. However, if you’re travelling to the mainland then you’ll need to protect your pet from heartworm
Hydration
While on your trip, it is highly advisable to ensure that your dog is fully hydrated at all times, especially during the day. Water and shade are essential to any dog because they play a key role in preventing pets from overheating and dehydration.
Exotic Cat Breeds
As you know, during the month of February we are having a focus on ‘Exotic Pets’.
As Kath would say to ‘Team with the Theme’ - we thought we would do a little blog on ‘Exotic Cat Breeds’.
Our staff are wildly passionate about animals and making sure your pet is living its healthiest and happiest life
Back that passion with expert qualifications and a love of learning, and it’s safe to say your fur family is in very safe hands.