smalltalk WORKING TOGETHER FOR A HEALTHIER FUTURE SUMMER 2018

Parasite control The common problem of flea infestation in our pets continues

Inside... Kennel cough Signs and symptoms of this condition Socialisation What you need to know to help your puppy Pet allergies The problem of asthma in dogs and cats Travelling with your pet on holiday

Medicating your pet

The importance of compliance and adherence

Mark Banks BVSc, CertOphthal, MRCVS Penbode Vets A range of interventions In human medicine, compliance describes the degree to have been shown to which a patient correctly follows medical advice. In veterinary medicine, compliance describes the extent to which pets improve medicine receive a treatment or procedure. compliance. They fall into three categories: Compliance involves both percentage of their patients veterinary staff recommending actually are in compliance’. G Technical - Simplify the regimen. In recent years, treatments and procedures, So client compliance was not more topically applied and pet owners following those as good as the profession medicines, palatable recommendations. believed and research suggests medicines and longer that over a third of pets are Adherence describes the acting medicines have not receiving their medications extent to which patients take made administration correctly. medications prescribed, and easier, and are popular involves the pet owner The results of poor medicine with pet owners. administering the correct dose, compliance means a poorer G Behavioural - Offering at the correct time, completing outcome for the pet, and a praise and rewards to the prescribed course, and then feeling of failure, frustration pets following medication. collecting a repeat prescription and disappointment for the course (if required). pet owner. G Educational - Veterinary staff should be training Until fairly recently, the and supporting clients. veterinary profession did not Keeping in contact with believe medicine compliance regular consultations, was an issue. However, in 2003 telephone conversations the American Animal Hospital and repeat prescription Association published a study reminders all help. that clearly demonstrated that, ‘although most practices ‘‘ believe that a high percentage of their active clients are compliant with veterinary If you are struggling with medicating your pet, be recommendations for good reassured that you are not alone. Please contact your vet care, a much smaller ‘‘and speak to a member of staff. 02 smalltalk

Pet vaccination Kennel cough BVetMed By Keith Barrand VP(VetGP) CertSAM CBiol MRSB CertAFenwold CertAVP(GSAS) MRCVS Veterinary Practice Ltd

The term ‘Kennel Cough’ (KC) is a very broad term which refers to any infectious cough in the dog.

t is correctly called Infectious that we might catch a cold i.e. Can my dog have KC more ILaryngotracheitis, and is breathing in the infection on than once? caused by a variety of bacteria droplets of moisture coughed Yes. The wide variety of and viruses that cause a harsh, or sneezed out by an infected different causes of KC means dry cough. dog. It can also be transmitted that it is like colds in people. by shared bowls, toys etc. The What are the signs? incubation period is 2-14 days. Can I catch KC? A harsh dry cough which sounds Some dogs may be infected One of the bugs causing KC like your dog has something without showing signs. is related to the cause of stuck in their throat. Sometimes Whooping Cough but is not the cough will trigger a gag/ As an infectious disease spread by close contact, dogs coming considered infectious to people. choke reflex. Other than having If you have a cough at the a cough most dogs are not ill into contact with other dogs are at most risk. This includes: dogs same time as your dog it is with KC. Some dogs may have a coincidence. a runny nose or discharge from in kennels, at shows, or at their eyes, and be off their food. puppy classes. Should I have my dog vaccinated? Is it dangerous? How is it diagnosed? The most effective vaccine is KC is usually not particularly It is usually diagnosed by given in the form of nasal serious, but like respiratory the typical signs present. drops, annually. Vulnerable illnesses in people, vulnerable Occasionally, other tests such dogs should be vaccinated - dogs may be at risk of as a throat swab may be used. discuss with your vet. complications such as How is it treated? pneumonia. Vulnerable dogs include the old, the young, and Cough suppressants and dogs with other illnesses. KC is a anti-inflammatory treatment nuisance-disease and the cough may make your dog feel can persist for several weeks. better while the disease runs its course. Avoiding the use of How is it caught? a collar and lead may help, as Some boarding KC is very infectious. It is usually pressure on the throat may kennels and dog caught in the same manner cause a coughing fit. walkers insist on KC vaccination.

Pets in

Planning ahead, to motorhome. However, it is but this doesn’t protect your ensure that taking your important to be aware of the pet from encountering them potential increased health risks whilst away. Many diseases pet on holiday doesn’t and new diseases your pet may that occur abroad are not turn into a nightmare, is encounter when abroad. seen here, and several are an important part of transmitted by insects and You can now take dogs, cats, ticks. Pets here in the UK are keeping everyone safe. even ferrets away without likely to be highly susceptible the need for quarantine, but nder the Pet Travel Scheme to them, so we recommend travelling from country to (PETS), it is now easier, and a suitable flea, tick and U country with your pet requires more affordable, to travel with worming treatment before planning and preparation as your pets, and it is a great idea you travel, as well as additional a responsible pet owner. to take your four-legged friend protection against mosquitos with you for some holiday fun, The Pet Travel Scheme is and sandflies. especially if you are heading off designed to minimise the risks to Europe by car, caravan or of diseases entering the UK,

By Bob Pettit BVM&S BSc CertSAS MRCVS Kingsway Veterinary Group

Parasite Awareness

Your pet may come across a A microchip, rabies vaccination number of diseases such as and pet passport are all legal Lung, Tape and Heart worm, requirements, but there are tick borne disease (Lymes a few other things to be disease, Erlichoisia and considered before heading off Pet travel Babesiosis) and Leishmaniasis on holiday together, and you (spread by the sandfly), will be responsible for fines if checklist: especially in the more southern you don’t follow the pet travel parts of Europe. Many of these guidelines outlined on the  Get your vet to examine diseases can be prevented by government website - your pet to ensure they appropriate use of wormers, tick are fit and well to travel, and flea treatments, or collars, https://www.gov.uk/take- and check that the and dogs can also get a vaccine pet-abroad/pet-passport microchip is working against Leishmaniasis. correctly So you have run through the You also need to consider the checklist and you are ready to  You must wait 21 days potential stress on your petfrom hit the road - the pet travel after a rabies vaccination the long distance travel and the checklist doesn’t just end there. has been administered, increased temperatures in heat Whether you are having a and the PETS passport has they will experience abroad. staycation here in the UK or been issued, before you When travelling to or from heading further afield, travel, and we recommend countries not included in the remember pets left loose to the medication for the Pet Travel Scheme, you should roam in a car are a real safety prevention of other contact the country’s embassy risk. Ensure they are suitably diseases is given a few for advice. restrained, so as not to distract days before travelling to you whilst you are driving, or allow it to take effect injure you or them if you have to stop quickly.  Dogs must be specifically Remember even here in the treated by a vet for UK, you must never leave your Tapeworm between one dog in the car if it is warm to five days before outside - the temperature in returning back to the UK the car can rapidly rise to and the pet’s passport lethal levels. Always carry must be certified water bottles and a collapsible bowl for them, keep them  You must return to the UK entertained on the journey using an approved route by packing their favourite and carrier, so you can’t toys and ensure you take bring your pet home on a frequent breaks to prevent private boat or plane - them becoming too bored with the exception of and restless. returning from Ireland Bon Voyage!

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Puppy socialisation

By Shelley Heading DipCABT APDT (308) ICAN ABTC Cert NUT (RQF level3) The Dog House Academy

Socialisation is a Socialisation IS about steadily vicinity and knowing how to (at your puppies pace) react. How you socialise your term that is often introducing people, dogs puppy will also have a large misunderstood. and situations in a calm and impact on your dog's controlled manner, ensuring behaviour, such as walking on ocialisation is NOT that every outcome is a a loose lead and recall, to introducing your puppy positive one. being able to wait calmly in a veterinary waiting room. Sto as many people, dogs, Puppies do not need to interact situations and environments and play with every person or At an early age your puppy is as possible in the shortest dog. They need to be able to very dependant on you and possible time. cope with having them in the you are the most important

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Puppy Socialisation

thing in their life - you supply to give you attention because in control, preventing any over food and water, shelter, you reward well. This will arousal play that could lead to entertainment and activities, prevent puppies running after possible fights (which could but most importantly you other dogs or people in the have a lasting impact on how provide companionship and park, because you are the your puppy reacts to dogs in safety - so early on you trump reinforcement of the desired the future). Stop play if it is anything or anyone else - so behaviour. one-sided and the same use it. puppy/dog is getting chased You can practice the same and jumped on, or if one of When meeting dogs and exercise with other stimuli, them stops interacting whilst people, ensure good things such as cars, lawnmowers, the other continues to nudge happen, and that these good vacuums, etc. While these or bite. things come from you - this items are at a distance that will ensure you are the allows the puppy to focus on Remember not every dog important one in their world. you, play a game, or ask for wants to interact with people Give something nice to eat, simple fun behaviours such as and/or dogs, and that is or maybe play a game, but twist or touch, or even a simple perfectly normal and will give them your attention. sit and reward with tasty titbits not impact on your dog's The outcome is that they are of food. happiness. Do not flood your happy with people and dogs puppy with people, dogs or When you allow your puppy to close by, but they continue other stimuli, or leave them interact with people - be clear to ‘sort it out’, as damage on their behaviour too. If you will occur be it physical or do not want your puppy to emotional. Help your dog to jump up when they are an make a choice - learn to adult, don't allow people to understand their body let them jump on them as language, are they over puppies - ask them to stop excited (create space) or are fussing them when they do, they worried (create space), and ask your puppy to sit allow them to reassess and let and feed whilst the person them choose to move forward, interacts with them. On move away or just engage occasions, where I get a with you! non-compliant individual who tells me ‘I don't mind, I love dogs jumping up’, I will usually advise them that my puppy In summary has a contagious skin disease! All interactions should Works a treat! have a positive impact When allowing your puppy to on the puppy. Don’t play with other dogs always be afraid to seek interrupt regularly with an professional advice offer of some fuss, a game from a qualified dog with you, or some tasty trainer or behaviourist food (small and soft if you think your puppy titbits are advised). is struggling. This ensures you are

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Pet Allergies

Asthma& Allergies By Helen Ashworth BSc BVSc MRCVS In humans and cats the airways are described The Glenthorne Veterinary Centre as being hyper-active and, under the microscope, they have an over-abundance of a particular inflammatory cell (eosinophils). sthma in humans has some Additionally, the inflammation can cause a Aparallels to the situation partial or complete blockage of the airway. in cats, both in presentation and when the lung tissues are examined under the microscope.

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Feline allergic airway the cells from the airway lining. disease (Asthma) This procedure should show an unusually high proportion Examination of the airway of the inflammatory cell s lining fluid from cats, shows eosinophils, in the samples. there are at least two subsets This condition is treated mainly of inflammatory disease. with glucocorticoids (steroids) Chronic Bronchitis is but antibiotics may be characterised by more of the necessary if there is evidence inflammatory cell, neutrophils, of a secondary bacterial while the inflammatory cell, infection. eosinophils, are seen more commonly in Feline Bronchial Canine Chronic Bronchitis is Asthma. seen mainly in older, small breed dogs. Whilst the causes Feline asthma is one of the of this condition may be due to most common respiratory The situation in dogs is slightly hypersensitivity reactions, it is diseases of cats. It is different. probably more commonly characterised by clinical attributed to air pollutants, signs ranging from irregular viral or bacterial infection or wheezing and coughing to Canine allergic a weakened immune system. episodes of difficult and airway disease On an x-ray, these dogs may laboured breathing that can There are two main types appear to be normal but some be life-threatening. X-rays of disease in dogs that most will show the more classic from asthmatic cats may closely resemble asthma: airway changes, as mentioned be normal or may show Canine Eosinophilic above. A different type of characteristic changes, Bronchopneumopathy is inflammatory cell (neutrophil), especially if the disease has a condition where there is is the main cell recovered been going on for some time. airway inflammation but from a sample taken from the Examination of the airway and without the airway being airway lining. There may also the taking of a cell sample hyper-active or having a be evidence of a bacterial might be too risky in cats with blockage. The disease is often infection. severe asthma. Treatment of seen in young Siberian Huskies asthma will usually start with and Alaskan Malamutes. glucocorticoids (steroids) and These dogs are usually in possibly bronchodilators, which good physical condition, but Treatment is aimed at help to dilate or open the show clinical signs such as removal of, or treatment of, airways. Many cats can be coughing, laboured breathing the cause. Glucocorticoids maintained on inhalational or nasal discharge. (steroids) are commonly versions of these medications. used and may be needed If any aggravating or direct Chest x-rays may show signs long term. Antibiotics may

causes to the attacks can be typical of this kind of disease, be needed to clear any

identified, then they should but in order to obtain a infection.

be removed from the cat’s complete diagnosis it may be ‘ environment if possible. necessary to obtain samples of ‘

Feline asthma is one of the most common respiratory diseases in cats... ‘‘

Parasite Awareness

by Dan Lewis BVSc CertAVP MRCVS Capontree Veterinary Centre

FleasFlea infestation continues to be & a commonTicks problem in pets G Almost every dog or cat will G In adults the main problem G You can do this by combing become infested at some is irritation and skin allergy through your pets' coat time during their life. problems. onto a wet piece of paper or cotton wool. If the specks G Fleas feed on blood from G As fleas are very small they either our pets or ourselves! can be difficult to see; the turn red/brown your pet In young puppies or kittens best way to check is to look has fleas. this can be life threatening. for flea dirt in the coat. Flea G Successful flea treatment dirt appears as small black depends on all year round specks composed of dried control. blood. G Only about 5% of fleas live on your pet at any time, the rest are in your house!

G Regular vacuuming and washing of your pet's bedding can remove a large part of the problem (60 degree wash).

Ticks

These are now very common in many areas of the UK.

G The flea eggs tend to drop of development - indeed the G When a dog or human off in areas where your pet immature stages can remain in brushes past long foliage commonly visits, but since a dormant state for years until the tick will attach itself the larvae are mobile and they feel vibrations e.g. feet to them. tend to move away from walking about. At this point the light it is essential to they hatch and immediately G At this point it is very remember to vacuum jump onto a passing pet or small - the size of a everywhere, especially those human. pinhead. Over the next ‘hard-to-reach’ places such few days it takes a blood as under the sofa and Recommended meal, increasing in size to behind the TV etc. Treatment a small grape. There are now a wide variety G Ticks can transmit several Flea Life Cycle of treatments for your pet; diseases that can be When a juvenile flea hatches most practices are now difficult to treat, e.g. and lands on your dog it will recommending combination Lymes Disease. live for about 3-4 weeks. During products in the form of a G You must keep a close eye this time it will take regular chewy treat that lasts between on your pet for up to 1 blood meals and lay in the 1-3 months. month after a tick bite. region of 300-400 eggs per Please feel free to contact Observe for dullness, day. These eggs fall off into your surgery to discuss your lethargy, reduced appetite the environment. pets needs and the products or stiffness. If you see any These eggs then develop and available. of these symptoms you hatch, looking for a suitable must present your pet for There is no successful flea host to jump onto. a check at the vets. control program that does The eggs are programmed not involve treating the The majority of modern flea to develop at different rates - environment. treatments will also rapidly some complete the lifecycle in In cases of heavy flea kill ticks on your pet. Please 2 weeks whilst others take up infestation we recommend the speak to the practice team to a year. use of an environmental spray for more details. Environmental factors such as that kills both adult fleas and temperature, humidity and larvae - these effects can last vibration also affect the rate up to one year.

smalltalk 11 smalltalk LATEST NEWS 10 hot tips to keep your pet safe this summer

G Provide plenty of water and G Make a shady retreat shade. Dehydration in dogs, G Protect from parasites cats and rabbits/guinea pigs is a real possibility during G Consider a life vest the summer if going in water

G Know the signs of RABBIT dehydration BUDGIE G Apply pet sunscreen

G Never leave your pet in the car

G Don't shave your pet LIZARD FETCH G Walk at cooler times

G Keep your dog's paws cool BUDGIE RABBIT BRUSH TRAINING BUDGIE RAB RABBITBIT BUDGIE FET CH LIZ BUDGIE RAB ARD B D M U C J BITB BITG O P HIP IE RAB MICROC BUDG V K J PVETF U N R I I FETCH LIZARD L C K E J LIZI ARDY A C H RABBIT FETCH BUDGIE J ATRATININP GN J B B P C BRUSH FETCH L C X I NLIZNLIZVARDB Z O CH ARD FET H I A B U D G I E R TRAINING BRU J R Z C T WBRUQSHTSHK C LIZARD TRAINING FETCH T D VETL A X E S F M I MICROCHIP TRAINING M N H S U RBRUBBRUSHV SHB X TRAINING N ZBUDGB AIEZ D N A Q C VET MIC RABBIT ROCHIP HIP MICROC BRUSH VET TRAINING VET MICROC MICHIPROCHIP VET