Our Nursing team at Towcester suggest these New Year resolutions for small furry pets

As we enter the next year, we think about what our goals and challenges are going to be to help refocus ourselves. Many of us set goals of exercising more or trying something new. Our pets are also often a part of that focus for looking ahead and thinking of how we want to build our relationships with them as we go forward.

Our Towcester Vets nursing team have come up with some ideas for how to strengthen your bond with and enrich the lives of your rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and other small furry pets in 2023.

Setting goals

Setting goals for our relationship with our pets can come in all sorts of different ways and our small furry friends are equally a part of that goal setting. Goals help to organise our thoughts and think of ways we want to improve.

Our Towcester nursing team recommend that using this opportunity at the beginning of a new year to help improve our pets’ lives is a great way to identify where we can make improvements and then implement them.

A few suggested goals may be:

To change enrichment more regularly to help with mental stimulation
To expose them to new activities or games
To get into a routine for giving them regular health checks or grooming sessions
To build or buy a new living area or expand on their current one

Goals don’t need to be expensive or take masses of time but just consider what little improvements we can make to help our small furry friends have a more enjoyable life.

Towcester Vets advice on keeping your outdoor cat inside over the winter

Winter is a time of fun and festivities; however, this season can be dangerous for outdoor cats. There are many hazards, from the freezing temperature to de-icer chemicals that can be fatal for your pet.

When the days and nights get colder and bleaker, the veterinary team at our Burcote Road practice recommend encouraging your cat inside more, so they are safe.

Health risk

When the weather takes a turn and drops below 7 degrees Celsius, this enters the danger zone for our household cats – especially shorthairs, elderly cats and young kittens. It is very easy for them to develop hypothermia or pneumonia, especially if they don’t have any shelter outside. Indoors, you can control the temperature and provide a blanket for them to keep warm, dry and safe.

It’s important to note though that forcing cats to stay indoors against their will can actually cause your cat to become stressed. So, unless there is a medical reason not to, you should allow your cat to go out if they want to.

Dangers outside

Often in the winter lots of antifreeze is used which seems harmless, however if your cat ingests it, there may be fatal consequences. Antifreeze is highly toxic for our feline friends, so be very aware of this in the mornings. In addition, cats often seek shelter in vehicle engines for warmth which can clearly be dangerous if they are left unfound. Road grit also poses a threat to their paw health as the pads can become irritated and inflamed.

For your own peace of mind

With all of the threats and hazards winter brings for our cats, it can be much safer for them to be kept indoors. This way, you won’t have to worry about them finding shelter and staying dry at night when the temperatures drop.

How do I go about implementing this change?

All of these reasons are well and good, but you still may have the problem of transitioning your outdoor cat from exploring all day to snuggling inside. So here are some tips from our veterinary team at Towcester Vets to help you encourage them that indoors is best.

Feed your cat indoors and every time they’re fed, keep them inside for longer to encourage a gradual change
Invest in scratching posts or cat trees to entertain them and urge them to stay inside, as they can still carry out natural activities such as scoping out what is going on from a high spot. This will also help prevent them from scratching the furniture.
Add more enrichment to their everyday lives such as treat balls, food puzzle boxes or even a play session with you!
Provide them with their own comfy space where they feel safe, warm and happy.

So, is it cruel to keep your outdoor cat indoors over the winter?

Not at all! As long as you are providing sufficient indoor enrichment, love and care, your cat will be relatively safe from the hostile dangers of winter. This doesn’t mean you have to always keep them inside. If the day is a bit warmer of course you can let them outside, but our Towcester Vets nursing team advises that you don’t keep them out for too long – especially not overnight!

Get the Towcester Vets list of new activities to do with your dog in 2023

New year brings new resolutions. One of those resolutions may be to try new things and get out more with your dog. In this article our Towcester Vets team have identified the top 10 things to do with your dog in 2023.

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10 things to do with your dog in 2023

Trying UK Agility at your local club
Visit a dog friendly beach
Try UK Hoopers
Enjoy a fun swim at a Hydrotherapy pool
National Trust days out (check for those that are dog friendly)
Try Scentwork classes
Enter Battersea muddy dog run
Take a walk in your local forests with Forestry Commission
Teach your dog a new trick
Try Paddleboarding at a dog friendly centre

There are many different activities and places to visit with your dog, some of them even completely free or with a small fee and are available all over the country such as National Trust or local forests.

Trying new challenges such as dog agility, paddle boarding or hoopers can really help stimulate your dog’s mind and body giving them new challenges from very energetic activities like agility through to the gentler activities such as hoopers or Scentwork training.

Just being in a new environment can have a huge impact not just physically but mentally also. Engaging their brain by introducing them to new activities and environments can have so many beneficial affects so why not make it a goal for 2023 to try new things.

Check your pet’s health

Before you do take on any new challenges however make sure your pet’s health is in good working order before pursuing an activity that may be difficult or put too much stress on them physically.

If you have an older pet or one who struggles with strenuous activity then there are still ways to adapt the activities to suit them, whether it’s finding shorter easier walks or activities such as hoopers that are designed for those that struggle with impactful exercise.

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Common winter pet hazards

Winter can be the most wonderful time of year for people and pets; with the snow, playtime with the family, and best of all, snuggling up under a comfy blanket and watching a film. It is important to keep in mind though, the dangers that colder weather can bring for your pets.

Here is Towcester Vets guide to keeping your cats and dogs happy and away from danger over the winter months.

Winter hazards for pets and how to keep them safe

Winter pet hazards are pretty common, wherever you live. But what are the specific risks for your type of pet and them as individuals? Ask yourself, what is their lifestyle like? Indoor or outdoor cat? Does your dog shudder at the thought of getting rained on?

Despite pets having furry coats to keep them warm, it is our job as pet owners to provide the right care for when the temperature drops too low. So, here are Towcester Vets top tips for keeping your cat or dog safe and comfortable in the frosty season.

1. Shelter

Make sure your pet has a place of refuge indoors (and outdoors for cats) especially when temperatures drop to below freezing. Soft blankets to keep them warm are greatly appreciated – especially by our feline friends!

2. Wellness

Cold temperatures can exacerbate the symptoms of some health conditions, arthritis especially. If you are concerned about your pet this winter, arrange a wellness check up with one of our vets at our surgery.

3. Exercise

Being in the cold and wet for too long is not a good idea for your pet, but they still need to exercise. For dogs, reduce the length but increase the frequency of walks. If you have a cat flap, your cat can go out and exercise as much as they want and come back in when they’re too cold.

4. Dangerous areas

When walking your dog, avoid frozen lakes, ponds, and icy roads – especially in the dark. If you have a frozen pond, consider covering it in a tight mesh or finding another way to stop pets walking on it and falling in.

5. Body heat

Think about buying your dog a jumper and a coat, maybe even winter boots for going out in. This is especially wise if they are small, very old/young, or don’t have thick fur. Most pet shops and even some high street stores will stock these. Getting cold and wet on a walk can be miserable for dogs so dry your pet after they have been out, cats too. Left unattended indoors, pet jumpers could make them overheat, so blankets are a good idea instead. When it comes to beds, most cats like a bed by a radiator and anywhere else that is warm. Keep pet beds away from draughts and off cold floors.

6. Visibility

Winter always brings lower visibility whether that’s from the shorter daylight hours, grey skies, fog, or rain. This can be particularly dangerous on the roads. Attaching reflective items or lights to your pet’s collar or dog’s coat can really help reduce the likelihood of losing your pet and them getting into serious trouble.

7. Identification

Ensure their collar, tag, and microchip details are up to date, just in case your pet does get lost; you want to be able to find them quickly, especially in cold temperatures.

8. Winter poisons

Keep pets away from antifreeze as it is poisonous and potentially fatal. If you suspect they have licked antifreeze or similar toxic chemicals, contact your local Towcester vet practice immediately.

9. Paw problems

Winter pavements can be quite treacherous for pets. Ice, snow, and road grit can be irritants and often contain chemicals. Walking on them can make paws become cracked and potentially bloody. Make sure to clean your pet’s paws after being outside.

10. Sustenance

It’s important to keep your pet hydrated and fed appropriately during the winter months. They tend to drink less and eat more than usual, so bear this in mind and monitor their food and water intake. Cats especially love to have fresh water and some prefer this to be outdoors so keep their supply topped up. If your pet is gaining a lot of weight, book a weight check with one of our vet nurses for advice – contact us to book.

11. Boredom

With shorter walks and more time indoors, it’s a good idea to play with your cat or dog more at home – you could even try teaching them a new trick! Animals who are not mentally stimulated can become bored, anxious, and destructive. You could also try scatter feeding your pet so they have to work harder to get their food, burning calories as they go!

When is it too cold for my cat or dog to be outdoors?

Generally, 6 degrees Celsius is a no-no for pets being outdoors, but anything below freezing won’t be comfortable for them – animals can develop hypothermia and pneumonia too. Cats who like to roam outdoors, however, can get stressed if they are kept in. Instead, make evening mealtimes earlier to encourage them indoors at night.

How to tell if your pet is dangerously cold?

According to our vet team, the tell-tale signs usually include shivering, difficulty breathing, cold skin, weakness, loss of consciousness, rigidity, and pale skin. It is extremely important to know this as temperatures drop to ensure the safety of your furry friend.

If you suspect your pet is unwell, contact our team who are happy to offer advice and answer any questions in the first instance, remember the quicker you get them seen by a vet, the better.

We hope you found our advice helpful and are now ready to enjoy the winter months safely with your beloved pet.

Cat and dog owners, have you seen our Christmas list of pet poisons?

Christmas is a joyous time of year filled with fun and family gatherings, however, festive presents, decorations, and food can often prove to be dangerous for our inquisitive companions. Read our guide below to find out more about common Christmas dangers that our cats and dogs can encounter.

Call us in an emergency

Unfortunately, lots of our loved products we indulge in over the Christmas period are poisonous for our cats and dogs. Our vet team have explained this a bit further – poisons are any chemical substance that causes harm when ingested by damaging cells, shutting down organs, and even causing death. Here is a list of the most common poisons for our pets over Christmas.

Download our essential oils and pets infographic

Towcester Vets Christmas danger list:

Human Food

One of the big Christmas killers of pets is inappropriate food. Popular treats can be toxic to pets, including:

Chocolate
Grapes, raisins, currants, sultanas and anything with them in I.e., mince pies and Christmas pudding or cake
Alliums such as onions, garlic, and leeks
Alcohol

Beware of foods such as gravy and leftovers which can contain these fatal ingredients. On top of this, fatty foods can cause gastrointestinal upsets such as vomiting or diarrhoea, and foods high in sugar, salt, and spice can cause health problems too.

Christmas Plants

If you’re planning on having a kiss under the mistletoe this Christmas, make sure it’s out of your pet’s reach! Plants such as mistletoe and holly are poisonous when ingested and Christmas tree needles are very spiky so will be particularly dangerous when swallowed. Also, plants such as ivy and poinsettia are dangerous, and potpourri can clog up their throats when ingested, so keep them out of reach too.

Decorations

From baubles, ribbon, wrapping paper, and tinsel to tree lights, batteries for gifts, and fake snow; Christmas brings lots of new furnishings which may excite our furry friends. If any of these objects are ingested by your pet, we advise pet owners to call our Towcester vet practice straight away as materials can get lodged or cause burns or discomfort.

Household products and medication

It is always useful to know that cleaning products and any pills left lying around will most likely be toxic for pets. Antifreeze is highly toxic to cats and dogs. Be careful of anything lying around the house during the festive season. Call us immediately if your cat or dog has swallowed anything or has any substances on their fur or skin.

Essential oils

Whether you use these yourself via candles, diffusers, oil burners, or out of the bottle, or you have bought one as a present, be aware that many essential oils are poisonous to pets, especially cats. Google the oil before using it and keep it well out of your pet’s reach if necessary. Some oils can cause harm through inhalation or absorption through the skin too.

Learn more about essential oils and pets in our downloadable infographic.

Keep in mind that the list above is not exhaustive and only outlines the most common household dangers for cats and dogs. If your pet has ingested or come into close contact with any of the hazards above, or anything else you are concerned about, contact our vets immediately.

6 simple lifestyle changes for older dogs

As our pets get older their needs change. Dog owners will need to adapt their pet’s home environment, lifestyle, and routine to reflect these changes and give their pet the best quality of life in their senior and geriatric years.

Our veterinary team at Towcester Vets are highly experienced when it comes to treating senior pets and are here to help if you have noticed your dog struggling with mobility or simple tasks. Perhaps their behaviour has changed too?

Bring your dog in for a senior health check so our vets can see what’s going on and offer you practical advice.

Home & lifestyle changes for senior dogs

Adapting your senior dog’s home environment and routine is important to ensure their comfort and wellbeing. Owners can perhaps implementing these 6 changes and lifehacks to help make life easier for them.

Avoid any impactful exercise such as jumping and ball catching
Add non-slip rugs (or anti-slip tape underneath existing rugs) to laminate/tiled floors to prevent slips
Raise food and water bowls off the floor
Add ramps to steps or flooring height changes where your dog may struggle
Get good quality, supportive bedding – try memory foam
Do little exercise more often, rather than fewer long walks

Now, let’s look at these points in more detail.

Exercise

Simple environment and lifestyle changes really can have a huge impact on your senior dog’s comfort levels, as well as their mental health. Exercising regularly can help to keep their joints moving and give their minds regular mental stimulation. However, it’s important the exercise is little and often so that they are not doing too much that could cause harm to their joints. Our vet team also recommends avoiding walking small dogs off high pavement curbs and avoiding exercises that may cause impact to the joints such as playing frisbee and catch.

Swimming can be a great exercise for senior dogs as the warm water supports their joints and helps to strengthen muscles, whilst having a positive impact on their overall wellbeing.

Flooring

Modern day houses often have laminate and tiled flooring which can be a slip hazard to many dogs. As well as causing injuries, pets can develop anxiety about walking across flooring. Using non-slip rugs and runners is a great way of helping to give your dog stability and better grip so those incidents can be avoided. Lifehack – you can buy anti-slip tape to go under rugs too.

Food & water bowls

Many dogs eat and drink from a bowl off the floor. This can put a lot of pressure on their front legs when leaning down and make it uncomfortable. Raising the bowls up helps to relieve the pressure off their legs and makes eating and drinking more comfortable. This is very important in older dogs as they will often have higher hydration needs.

Impactful activities

As well as impactful exercises, it’s also important to consider the day-to-day activities that may be a concern. Activities such as going up and down stairs, jumping on and off the bed or settee, and in and out of the car, all put added pressure on a dog’s joints. Using ramps is a great way of still enabling your pet to do these activities but without the stress on their joints that can cause discomfort.

Comfortable bedding

As our pets age their activity levels decrease naturally and they spend more time resting and sleeping. Appropriate bedding can really make the difference between a comfortable or uncomfortable rest. Avoid using beds with high sides that can make it difficult to get in and out of as well as bedding that is very soft and unstable. Memory foam beds usually give good support whilst being comfortable and are a great option for arthritic dogs. For pets showing signs of incontinence, the use of toddler mattresses can be a great way of giving them comfort whilst keeping their bed hygienic.

Many of these simple changes really can make huge improvements to your dog’s comfort. However, different dogs have different needs based on their health, size, and activity levels.

Discussing your pet’s needs with one of the vets or nurses at your local Towcester Vets Clinic can help you identify more of these simple changes that can make a big difference.

Senior dogs & arthritis

Our team can also help you learn how to manage canine arthritis at home – a condition that affects most senior dogs. Speak to our team at Towcester Vets about the many resources that are available for arthritic dogs and the support we can offer to your pet and you – get in touch.

You may also find the Canine Arthritis Management website helpful as it has advice and products for arthritic dogs – visit it now.

Towcester Vets shares signs of kidney and heart diseases in dogs and cats

Heart disease and kidney disease are two of the most common diseases cats and dogs can develop. Veterinary surgeons at Towcester Vets are here to help pet owners understand more about these ailments and the signs to look out for.

Read their explanations abut these illnesses below.

About kidney disease in cats and dogs

Kidney disease can be acute or chronic and caused by many different things. The kidneys are very important organs and are responsible for:

Removing toxins from circulation
Getting rid of waste product from the body
Keeping your pet’s blood pressure regular
Stopping your pet from dehydrating

Acute kidney disease means the kidneys have stopped working suddenly. Chronic kidney disease means they have been deteriorating over a period of time.

Treatment for kidney disease in cats and dogs will depend on the severity of symptoms but may include IV fluids or hospitalisation for more intense treatments.

About heart disease in cats and dogs

There are many different types of heart disease a dog or cat can have. Some of these are:

Mitral valve disease
Dilated cardiomyopathy
Arrhythmias
Congenital heart disease
Pericardial disease

Each one affects the heart differently, but they all have very similar symptoms and can affect any dog or cat at any age. Heart valve problems are most common and typically affect small breed dogs aged five or older. Some breeds may be more likely to develop certain heart conditions such as Dobermans are more likely to have dilated cardiomyopathy.

Treatment for heart disease in dogs and cats will depend on the type, severity of symptoms, and your pet’s general health.

Common signs of heart & kidney diseases

According to our experienced vets, pet owners can help their pets by learning how to monitor any changes in their health at home. There are a few common signs of heart disease and kidney disease that you can look out for. The earlier the symptoms are picked up, the sooner your pet can undergo investigations and get the vital treatment they need.

The common signs are:

7 signs your pet may have kidney disease:

Drinking more water
Urinating more than usual (may look like water rather than urine a lot of the time)
Feeling tired
Quiet and lethargic
Vomiting
Unexplained weight loss
Off food

7 signs your pet may have heart disease:

Coughing
Breathlessness
Exercise intolerance
Lethargy
Collapse/fainting
Weight loss
Abdominal swelling

Many of these signs can be linked with other conditions but if you have any concerns, it is always best to get your pet looked at by a vet. The veterinary surgeons at our Towcester vet practice advise that you should not overlook any symptoms whatever age your pet is as some diseases can affect them at a young age. Another sign of heart disease is a heart murmur, which a vet can listen out for during a health check.

Causes of Heart & Kidney disease

There are a few factors that can cause heart disease and kidney disease in cats and dogs. These include:

Kidney disease:

Poisoning
Underlying health problems such as heart disease
Long term urinary issues
Genetics
Long term dehydration
Age related changes

Heart disease:

Genetics
Age related changes
Obesity and nutrition can play a role too

Regardless of which heart condition your dog or cat has, it is important to spot the signs early – the same goes for kidney disease.

Five ways to spoil your pet post-holiday

If you are going on holiday without your four-legged friend this half term, or perhaps at Christmas, have you thought about how you are going to spoil them when you get back? The team at Towcester Vets have come up with a few ideas.

Generally, dogs are super excited to see their owners return from a trip. Cats often appear aloof and a little miffed that you went away so do not be surprised if you get the cold cat shoulder for a short while. After they are done sulking, you will receive lots of purrs and leg rubs, we are sure. As for rabbits and small furry pets, we reckon they will be pleased in their own way that their faithful owner has returned.

Whichever type of pet you are returning to in Northamptonshire, our Burcote Road nursing team have come up with five ways to spoil your pet, post-holiday.

1. Extra exercise – It is unlikely your pet sitter will have given your pet the amount of exercise they are used to. Spoil your dog with some extra walks, your cat with more outdoors time or build them a home cat gym, and give your rabbit or small furry some extra exercise time too.

2. Playtime – Spend some quality one-on-one playtime with your pet – ideal for mental stimulation and re-connecting with each other.

3. Grooming & cuddles – Stick on a movie and snuggle up whilst giving your pet a good groom. This not only improves their fur and wellbeing but also strengthens the bond between you.

4. Treats – How about getting some of your pet’s favourite food or treats for them to enjoy?

5. Travel together – Next time you visit the shops or a friend, if you can, take your dog with you and enjoy an outing together.

You may also want to treat your pet to a health check at our Burcote Road, Weedon, or Paulerspury veterinary centre to make sure they are in tip-top condition. Your pets will be thankful you did!

TW // Towcester Vets explains cancer risk to unneutered female rabbits

Trigger Warning – This article contains subject matter that some readers might find upsetting.

As Pet Cancer Awareness Month is in November, the vets at our Towcester surgery are sharing their knowledge on the subject of uterine tumours in rabbits. Our aim is to help pet owners make an informed decision about their rabbit’s reproductive care.

If you have any concerns about your rabbit’s health, get in touch with our Burcote Road team by calling 01327 350239.

About uterine tumours in rabbits

Uterine tumours (cancer of the womb) are said to be the single most common cancer affecting rabbits, even though only females can get this disease. It is extremely aggressive and quickly spreads to the lungs and other organs in the abdomen.

The reason that female rabbits are prone to cancer of the womb is due to their overactive reproductive tract. Regardless of whether they are bred from or not, female rabbits have the ability to breed exceptionally fast. As they age, this causes the uterine wall to undergo metaplasia (cells change form) and then neoplasia – which is the formation of tumours.

Rabbits at risk

All unneutered does (female rabbits) are at risk of developing uterine tumours. It is expected that around 40% of unneutered does will develop tumours by two years old; this number doubles by six years old regardless of whether the rabbit has been bred from. The only preventative treatment for cancer of the womb is neutering as this removes the uterus and therefore the possibility of this disease developing.

Rabbit neutering also helps to prevent unplanned pregnancies.

Signs of illness to watch out for

Blood in the urine
Bloody discharge
Weight loss
A swelling in the abdominal area

The above are all signs that there could be a uterine tumour present. If the cancer has spread to the lungs, you may notice coughing or breathing difficulties.

Some of the above symptoms could also be due to other health issues so it is always best to see a vet.

How we diagnose and treat cancer of the womb

Depending on the symptoms your rabbit is displaying, they are likely to need an ultrasound scan or an x-ray. An ultrasound may be able to show an abnormal growth in/on the uterus and then exploratory surgery can confirm if it is a tumour. An x-ray may be able to show secondary tumours in the lungs if they are large enough.

Treatment for uterine tumours in rabbits involves the surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries for the best chance of recovery. However, if the cancer has spread, sadly the outcome is unlikely to be positive.

At Towcester Vets, our vets will talk you through the best option for your rabbit’s ongoing care and can schedule any necessary exploratory scans or procedures.

If you are concerned about your rabbit’s health, book an appointment with any of our highly experienced vets as soon as possible by calling 01327 350239.

How to choose a good cat sitter in Northamptonshire

There are some excellent catteries in Northamptonshire, but not all cats do well away from home and their normal routine. Stay-at-home care is an increasingly popular option, but it is important to get the details right for your cat. So, our nursing team have put together a few handy tips and checklist that you may find useful.

Download our cat holiday checklist

Types of holiday care for cats

Daily visits can be carried out by a friend, neighbour, or professional cat sitter. They will need to ensure your cat has enough food and water, as well as take care of their basic needs.

Live-in care is a more focussed version of daily visits, ideal if you have a few pets. Your furry friends will have constant company and their routine will be maintained.

In both cases, it can also be reassuring to know that someone you trust is visiting your home each day, checking everything is secure and everyone is healthy.

Whichever option you choose, you will need to check with your selected cat sitter to make sure they will provide the following:

Regular visits – your cat should be visited at least twice daily
Meals – their food and routine should be the same as if you were at home
Water – an abundant supply of fresh water must always be available
Litter – trays should be cleaned twice daily, especially during warm weather

Choosing the right cat sitter

As your pet is one of the most important parts of your life, you will feel better while you are away if you know that someone trustworthy and knowledgeable is looking after your cat.

Our Burcote Road nursing team recommend checking:

References – if it is not someone you know personally, are they able to provide details of a few other people they have pet sat for?
Knowledge – they should be able to spot signs of ill health and be able to care for any specific issues that your cat may have. Plus, if your cat needs regular medication, they should be capable of administering it.
Quality time – the person should be willing to play with your cat or simply spend time sitting with them, for company.
Insurance – if your cat sitter is a professional, they should be insured – ask to check their documents.

Whichever option you choose for your pet, be sure to download our cat holiday checklist . If you have any questions, you can always ask them on our Facebook page if you think they may be useful to other cat owners.

Remember to download our cat holiday checklist before you go.