#nationalpetmonth
April is #nationalpetmonth and a great opportunity to highlight the elements of responsible pet ownership. IT’S A BIG RESPONSIBILITY!!!
But what is responsible pet ownership? The BSAVA define it as:
- Committing to the responsibility of providing for an animal’s needs for the life of the pet.
- Recognising that ownership requires an investment in time AND money which can be substantial over the lifetime of the animal.
- Carefully selecting a pet that is suited to your home, lifestyle and family members.
- Avoiding an impulsive decision about getting a pet and only obtaining a pet from a reputable source that safeguards the health and welfare of the animals they supply.
- Ensuring the pet is kept in accordance with all relevant legislation.
- Keeping only the type and number of pets that you have the knowledge and resources to care for; providing a safe environment, appropriate exercise and mental stimulation, housed apart from other animals if needed and provide access to appropriate food and water.
- Protecting your pet from pain, suffering, injury and disease.
- Registering all pets with a veterinary practice and implementing their advice regarding the preventative and therapeutic healthcare needs of your pet.
- Ensuring that pets are properly identified and registered on a recognized database and that the information is kept up to date.
- Controlling your pet’s reproduction through neutering, containment or managed breeding to avoid producing unwanted young. This includes ensuring that the appropriate health tests to reduce the risk of the offspring suffering from inherited disease are undertaken and considering temperament and socialization of animals being bred and the parents of those offspring.
- Ensuring that your pet is well socialized and trained to ensure it’s health and welfare and so that its behaviour does not have a negative impact on other people or animals.
- Making suitable arrangements for your pets in the event that you are away, taken ill or in cas of emergency.
- Making animal welfare your primary consideration especially when it comes to end of life care.
CHOOSE WISELY!
Choosing a pet for you and your family is a very important decision to make and there’s lots to consider. The first step is doing your homework! Look at the specific needs of the various pets and whether you can meet those needs. Having young children or people with weakened immune systems in the household, for example, may affect the choice of pet you make.
Want some help choosing? Visit the PDSA website and answer their questions to see which pet might suit you!
If you have any concerns about the health of your pet, contact the team via PetsApp or by calling 01772 639800 OR 01253 766352.
Photo by Andrew S on Unsplash
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To neuter or not? That is the question!
The #testicles are a major source of testosterone production in dogs. When we #castrate or #neuter a dog, testosterone levels drop dramatically, but #didyouknow that testosterone is a valuable hormone from a behaviour perspective?
Testosterone is a hormone that is closely linked to confidence in many species, including dogs. Behaviour issues in an unneutered dog are often linked to a lack of confidence, anxiety and fear. By neutering a dog and reducing the testosterone levels, the lack of confidence, anxiety or fear can become more pronounced, making those already difficult behaviours even worse.
There is much to consider when deciding to neuter or not neuter your dog, and one of the more difficult ones are those related to behaviour. So how do you know if neutering is right for your dog?
Nicole, one of our experienced vets, sometimes #recommends using a product that “mimics” #castration. It’s a small implant that is placed under the skin, much like a microchip. The implant releases a hormone into the body that reduces the level of testosterone in the blood and in 95% of dogs after 6 weeks, visibly reduces testicle size and semen function.
This process gives the vet and owners a really good idea as to how a dog who may have testosterone linked behavioural issues, might behave after #castration. The implant can either last a minimum of 6 or 12 months depending on which implant is used. The implant does not need removing and can be repeated when it is due to run out if required.
Here at #rowan, we’re also massive advocates of #fearfree principles. To make the implantation as pleasant as possible, we can provide a local anaesthetic and also provide medication for those dogs that find visiting the vet #stressful.
If you’d like to find out more about neutering your pet, why not book in for a COMPLIMENTARY consultation with one of our vets. Contact the team on PetsApp or by calling 01772 639800 OR 01253 766352.
#rowanvets #vetsinpreston #vetsinblackpool #vetsinlytham #vetsinkirkham #vetsinwarton #vetsinfreckelton #photooftheday #instagood #nofilter #picoftheday #love #healthypets #goldstandardpetcare #pethealthplan #vetlife #spring #easter #vetcareers #einstein #neutering
Fear Free – what can you do?
Today we’re looking at how you as an owner can help make your pet’s visit to the vet #fearfree. Take a look at this short film HERE which gives some great hints and tips on how to prepare your pet for a visit. There’s also lots of other resources and support for owners HERE to help learn more about their pet and how to help them in the home.
One thing you can do as a dog owner is to visit the site often without actually having an appointment. Due to the COVID restrictions, entering the building wouldn’t be an option but wandering around the grounds and letting them sniff will help them to become familiar with the sites, sounds and smells and associating the visit with this rather than an examination or treatment.
When COVID restrictions lift further, bringing them inside the building when they don’t have an appointment to say hello to the staff and getting a treat will further enhance the positive association they can develop towards visits.
If you have any concerns about the health or behavior of your pet, contact the client care team on PetsApp or by calling 01772 639800 OR 01253 766352.
#rowanvets #vetsinpreston #vetsinblackpool #vetsinlytham #vetsinkirkham #vetsinwarton #vetsinfreckelton #photooftheday #instagood #nofilter #picoftheday #love #healthypets #goldstandardpetcare #feliway #fearfree
What is #fearfree? The benefit for pets
Last week we touched on the principles of #fearfree.
Here is a great example of #fearfree principles in action. This is Benji who came in for a nail clip. Benji is a lovely boy but he gets very cross when he is handled. This is because he becomes anxious and stressed when he comes to the vets which makes it difficult for the team to treat him.
Prior to his visit, his owner had given him a dose of an anti-anxiety medication prescribed by a vet which will have an effect before he arrives. This makes him calmer and easier to handle. It also makes the visit quicker and nicer for him, his owner AND the team.
Find out more
As you can see, with minimal handling as well as a tasty treat, his nails are clipped in a jiffy! To find out more about #fearfree visit the website HERE
Although not currently subscribed to the scheme, we have already implemented MANY of the principles the scheme advocates to improve a veterinary visit for both cats AND dogs. For example:
- Having an owner muzzle their dog instead of a vet.
- Use of colour coded kennel cards to advise staff of temperament.
- Staff using their “canine communication” skills to observe a dog’s mood before handling or undertaking an examination.
- The use of a mild sedatives before a visit, prescribed by a vet.
- Allowing a cat to remain in their cat box during an examination.
- Use of treats to distract and pet during routine treatments such as nails clips.
These and many more processes makes for a much calmer and more pleasant experience for the pet AND much safer for the owners and the team. Stress and fear can also affect clinical measurements too such as blood pressure or heart rate so a calmer pet gives a more accurate reading too!
Contact the Client Care Team if you have any concerns about the health of your pet or their behaviour. You can do this via PetsApp or by calling 01772 639800 OR 01253 766352.
#rowanvets #vetsinpreston #vetsinblackpool #vetsinlytham #vetsinkirkham #vetsinwarton #vetsinfreckelton #photooftheday #instagood #nofilter #picoftheday #love #healthypets #goldstandardpetcare #feliway #fearfree
What “Fear Free” means for your pet
Many of you know that we are a “Cat Friendly” veterinary practice – learn more about how we support cats. Learn more about Cat Friendly Clinic accreditation HERE
We understand that some cats can find a visit to the vets very stressful and frightening. This can also be a barrier for owners who are reluctant to bring them regularly because they get so stressed. We have many, well established procedures and processes in place as part of the status that helps to reduce the stress of a visit for our feline patients and it works really well!
What perhaps owners might not know is that many dogs ALSO find a visit to the vets a very stressful and frightening experience. The sad part is that it often goes unnoticed and that’s usually due to us humans not being the best at reading a dog’s body language.
Thankfully, our skilled and knowledgeable team are pretty fluent in “dog” and can spot the subtle signs of stress and fear quite easily. Hayley, has led the way for a “Fear Free” approach to dog health care. Although we are not currently subscribed to the scheme, we have already implemented MANY of the principles it advocates. This improves the visit experience for both cats AND dogs. To find out more about Fear Free, visit the website.
The team are looking to work towards gaining the “Fear Free Veterinary Certification Programme FFVCP.” To find out what we are aiming to achieve, watch this short YouTube footage of what this could mean for your pet.
Stay tuned over the next few days for more on #fearfree. Find out how you, as an owner, can contribute to the process of making a visit for your pet less frightening and stressful.
Contact the Client Care Team if you have any concerns about the health of your pet or their behaviour. You can do this via PetsApp or by calling 01772 639800 OR 01253 766352.
#rowanvets #vetsinpreston #vetsinblackpool #vetsinlytham #vetsinkirkham #vetsinwarton #vetsinfreckelton #photooftheday #instagood #nofilter #picoftheday #love #healthypets #goldstandardpetcare #feliway #fearfree
Laura Underwood – PgCertDerm BSc BVSc MRCVS
We’re really excited to say that she has also passed her Advanced Practitioner qualification, a Post Graduate Degree and is currently in the process of applying for Advanced Practitioner (AP) status with the RCVS. This status means she will appear on an approved list of Aps and be one of only 12 in the UK!!!
An AP is a veterinarian who is accredited to have knowledge and expertise in a particular field and are dedicated to keeping up to date in that field.
Laura has built up a great client base to deal with skin issues that are uncomfortable for the patient and often difficult to diagnose and get under control.
This new qualification allows Laura to offer a referral service and is currently only available to our clients due to the high demand.
Laura LOVEs working with challenging cases, especially ear cases. She loves having a great relationship with clients and their pets and always delivers high quality care in a friendly atmosphere. She prides herself on listening to the clients so that she can tailor the care needed for each pet and budget.
The cases that fall under dermatology referral are:
- Itchy pets
- Lumps and bumps
- Wound management
- Any changes to the skin, nails or anal sacs
- Hormonal diseases, such as Cushings, hypothyroidism etc
- Ear disease including recurrent ear infections.
If you’re a client and have any concerns about the skin health of your pet, contact the client care team via PetsApp or call 01772 639800 OR 01253 766352
#rowanvets #vetsinpreston #vetsinblackpool #vetsinlytham #vetsinkirkham #vetsinwarton #vetsinfreckelton #photooftheday #instagood #nofilter #picoftheday #love #healthypets #goldstandardpetcare
Can you tell if your cat is stressed?
Cat’s bond more closely with their environment so it’s really important to get the home environment right. Anything that isn’t quite right will cause your cat stress which can result in these unwanted behaviours.
Download our information leaflet on Stressed Cats to find out more about what stresses a cat and what kind of behaviour your cat might present as a result.
Pheromone products can help. We have a great special offer available to our clients on a new and improved pheromone diffuser product. It spreads “happy” messages around your home helping to de-stress your cat. With every purchase of a this new diffuser starter kit you get a FREE refill worth £32.69! If you would like to take advantage of this offer, click the link HERE
If you have any concerns about your cat’s behaviour or their health in general, contact the client care team on PetsApp or 01772 639800/01253 766352.
#rowanvets #vetsinpreston #vetsinblackpool #vetsinlytham #vetsinkirkham #vetsinwarton #vetsinfreckelton #photooftheday #instagood #nofilter #picoftheday #love #healthypets #goldstandardpetcare #feliway
Canine Contagious Cough (CCC)
CCC is like any other upper respiratory infection in dogs. It’s just like a human cold and is caused by a variety of bacteria and viruses and is highly contagious. The reason it was originally called Kennel Cough was because it was so easily spread in dogs in shelters or kennels. Dogs do not need to have been in kennels to get this infection. Your dog can catch it from other dogs and from anywhere where other dogs have been. The best way to protect your dog is with vaccination. Download our information leaflet HERE for more information on how your dog can catch CCC.
You can now spread the cost of preventative health care here at Rowan Vets for your pet AND save 30% across the year by joining our Pet Health Club. For a monthly subscription starting from as little as £14.44, you will get your pet’s vaccination, flea and worming prevention for the year, save 50% off the Canine Contagious Cough vaccine and 50% of microchipping!
Learn more about our Pet Health Club
Signing up is easy! You can sign up HERE or ask the team for more details when you’re next in for your cat or dog’s booster vaccination.
If you have any concerns about your cat’s behaviour or their health in general, contact the client care team on PetsApp or 01772 639800/01253 766352.
#rowanvets #vetsinpreston #vetsinblackpool #vetsinlytham #vetsinkirkham #vetsinwarton #vetsinfreckelton #photooftheday #instagood #nofilter #picoftheday #love #healthypets #goldstandardpetcare #kennelcough #caninecontagiouscough #kc #ccc #teamrowan
Multi-cat households
Did you know that unwanted cat behaviours can be caused by having more than one cat in the home? It’s a myth that cats get on. They generally don’t and if you’re not seeing any obvious issues it’s likely that your cats are just tolerating each other.
Here’s a quick quiz to see if your cat is being friendly or wanting a fight!
You could already be experiencing unwanted behaviours from your cat as a result of tensions in the home. Scratching the furniture or urinating indoors, outside of a litter tray, are all signs that your cat is stressed and it might be because they just don’t like their feline house mate!
Cat’s bond with their environment so there are ways in which owners can help improve their cat’s home life. One of these ways is with the use of “happy pheromones”. By using a plug-in, which emits these happy signals, it can improve how your cat feels. It can make them less stressed and less likely to act out these unwanted behaviours. It might even help your cats get along a little better!
We have a great special offer available to our clients on a new and improved pheromone diffuser product. With every purchase of a diffuser starter kit you get a free refill worth £32.69! If you would like to take advantage of this offer, click the link HERE
If you have any concerns about your cat’s behaviour or their health in general, contact the client care team on PetsApp or 01772 639800/01253 766352.
#rowanvets #vetsinpreston #vetsinblackpool #vetsinlytham #vetsinkirkham #vetsinwarton #vetsinfreckelton #photooftheday #instagood #nofilter #picoftheday #love #healthypets #goldstandardpetcare #feliway
CAM – The Big Walk 2021!
If you have an arthritic dog you’ll know how important it is to manage the pain often associated with the disease.
This month the people at Canine Arthritis Management are running their #bigwalk2021. This is a month long virtual adventure for owners to learn more about arthritis. It’s also to celebrate those dogs who suffer from the condition. Head over to their website HERE for more information and sign up for as little as £10. There will be access to discount codes, competitions, videos and hints and tips on arthritis and you’ll be invited to join an exclusive Facebook group where you will find support from a community of other arthritic dog owners.
Learn about the Pain Clinic we run for arthritic pets
#rowanvets #vetsinpreston #vetsinblackpool #vetsinlytham #vetsinkirkham #vetsinwarton #vetsinfreckelton #photooftheday #instagood #nofilter #picoftheday #love #healthypets #goldstandardpetcare #healthypets #pethealthplan
