SCOPS Nematodirus Forecast, Risk factors, Action & Treatment

The SCOPS Nematodirus forecast predicts the hatch date for Nematodirus based on temperature data from 140 weather stations throughout the UK.

At Towcester Farm Vets we monitor the three weather stations in our area and put a notification on our Facebook Page if the forecast status in our area changes. The stations we monitor are Church Lawford, Bedford & Woburn. If you follow us on Facebook we’ll let you know as soon as one of those stations indicates a change in its status.

The information below is based on the material on the SCOPS website and is designed to be used in combination with your grazing history (more below) to assess the risk of your lambs becoming infected.

Using the SCOPS forecast

Use the SCOPS map to locate the station(s) closest to your holding.Use knowledge of your farm and the surrounding area to choose a weather station that is most relevant to you. In most cases this will be the nearest station but if, for example, there is a large difference in the height above sea level between your holding and the nearest weather station, then look to see if another station further away may be more representative. If you click on a station on the SCOPS map, it will give the height above sea level. Alternatively take a view across a combination of stations in your area.
Click on the station(s). Each station has more detailed information on the current risk level, guidance on what to do next, and information on when the forecast was last updated.
Carry out a risk assessment and take action if needed. See below for more information on how to assess risk and what action to take.
Consider additional information to the forecast map.
- The map predicts hatch date on temperature data, but the risk will vary from farm-to-farm and from field-to-field. When deciding whether or not to act, it is important to assess the risk to each group of lambs based on the history of the field, its aspect and altitude.
- South-facing fields tend to have an earlier hatch and, as a guide, every 100m increase in altitude will delay hatching by about seven days. So, for example, if your nearest weather station on the map is at 200m above sea level and your farm is 100m above sea level, hatching could be around seven days earlier than the forecast.
- You can also click here to see a table capturing data from the map over the previous weeks, so you can see when the dot indicating your nearest weather station changed colour. You will need to know the name of your nearest station to find it in the table, so click on that station on the map above to check the name.

Understanding Nematodirus

Nematodirus is a particularly nasty disease in lambs, causing a high number of mortalities and stunting the growth of many others. It is caused by the Nematodirus battus worm, which has a different lifecycle to other sheep worms. Under certain climatic conditions it can strike very quickly, with little or no warning. The main difference in the lifecycle of Nematodirus battus compared with other parasitic worms is that development to infective larvae takes place within the egg and infection passes from one lamb crop to the next year’s crop. Cold weather delays hatching so when we get a sudden change in temperature it can trigger a mass hatch. If this coincides with the time when lambs are starting to take in significant amounts of grass (over about six weeks old), the result can be devastating.

Nematodirus can strike very quickly so you can’t afford to have a ‘wait and see’ policy. And because the damage is done by large numbers of immature larvae that are not producing eggs, faecal egg counts (FECs) are not a reliable indicator of risk. Rapid action is often required and this has to be based on a risk assessment and the forecast for your area.

Main risk factors

If your lambs are grazing pasture that carried lambs last spring and you answer yes to one or more of the four questions below, then your lambs are at risk.

Are your lambs old enough to be eating significant amounts of grass? (generally 6-12 weeks of age but may be younger if ewes are not milking well)
Do you have groups where there is also likely to be a challenge from coccidiosis? For example, mixed aged lambs are a higher risk
Has there been a sudden, cold snap recently followed by a period of warm weather?
Have you got lambs that are under other stresses e.g. triplets, fostered, on young or older ewes

Recommended actions

If possible, avoid infection. Move at-risk lambs (as determined by the risk assessment) to low risk pastures (i.e. pasture that was notgrazed by lambs the previous spring).
If you cannot avoid high risk pasture grazed by lambs the previous spring and decide you need to treat for Nematodirus, SCOPS advises farmers to use a white (1-BZ) drench. Check that treatment is effective by taking a FEC 7 to 10 days after treatment. Remember, it may be necessary to treat lambs more than once depending on the spread of ages in a group and subsequent weather conditions.

The timing of a potential problem will vary from region to region. In the south of England for example, it is likely to occur earlier in April/May; in northern England and Scotland it may be early June.

Treatment

As explained above, SCOPS advises farmers to use a white (1-BZ) drench when treating. These are normally highly effective against this parasite and suitable for young lambs. However, the first confirmed case of Nematodirus resistant to the 1-BZ group was reported in 2011 and so farmers are advised to follow the SCOPS guidelines on correct drenching technique and dose carefully to the correct weight of the lambs and to check afterward if the treatment has been fully effective. If in doubt speak to one of our vets by calling us on 01327 350239.

Cats, dogs and bee stings – what you need to know

Cats and dogs are naturally inquisitive animals. This has many benefits but can also get them into trouble! A common problem in the spring and summer months is Bee or Wasp stings. Our Veterinary Nurses have some advice for Northamptonshire owners of cats and dogs on this topic.

To help you tell the difference between bees, wasps, and hornets, our team have put together a handy guide for you to download.

Download our Insect Guide

Why do bees sting cats and dogs?

Often in the warmer months we spend more time outdoors and naturally our animals will then spend more time nosing at the flowers. This is typically how cats and dogs get stung as their inquisitive noses disturb the bees and wasps collecting pollen. Trying to catch a buzzing insect can also seem like a fun game…until they get stung!

Signs that your cat or dog has been stung

In most cases, owners will not actually see the stinging occur. Instead, you may see your pet suddenly shaking or pawing at their head or body, or they have a swollen face all of a sudden.

Typical bee and wasp sting symptoms include:

Swelling (often around the muzzle where they have been sticking their nose in)
Constantly licking either at a specific area or their lips if the sting is inside the mouth
Redness around the area where the sting went in
Pawing at the area
Sneezing
Vocalising more than usual

Severe symptoms could include:

Brachycephalic breeds can have added breathing difficulties if the sting is around the throat area
Vomiting and diarrhoea
Allergic reaction such as anaphylactic shock (although this would be very rare)

How to treat a bee or wasp sting on a cat or dog

Unless you saw the stinging occur, it will be difficult to tell if your pet was stung by a wasp or a bee. Either way, you can use our first aid tips below.

First, you want to make sure the sting is removed. Our Towcester Vet Nurses suggest using something flat like a credit card to scrape the sting off your pet’s skin and dispose of it. Avoid using tweezers to pull the sting out as they could squeeze venom into your pet.

Second, if you do know whether it was a bee or a wasp, you could apply the correct substance to soothe the pain;

Wasp = vinegar/lemon juice
Bee = bicarbonate of soda & water paste

Do you know the difference between a bee and a wasp? Download our Know Your Insects Guide

If you do not know the culprit, or after you have used the above first aid advice, you can then apply a cold pack to the swelling.

When to call a Vet

If you are at all concerned, especially if the swelling is causing further distress to your pet or is likely to affect an airway, you should always ring a Vet for advice. Our Burcote Road veterinary team are here to help, just give us a call on 01327 350239.

Some pets may need pain medication, which can be prescribed by one of our Vets too.

Northamptonshire pet owners sometimes ask if they can use antihistamines to help with the reaction; these can only be prescribed by the Vet to ensure the correct dosage is given, and because some ingredients could possibly be fatal in some brands.

Just to be safe this season, why not print our Know Your Insect guide and stick it on your fridge to help you spot the differences between bees, wasps, and hornets?

Get our Insect Guide

Remember to share this advice with your pet-loving friends on Facebook!

Understanding laminitis in horses & ponies

Veterinary Surgeon Holly Gimmler has written this short article looking into the causes, diagnosis and treatment of laminitis as well as the implications for ongoing management once a horse has suffered from this common condition.

What is laminitis?

Lamellae are the soft tissue structures that hold the pedal bone in the foot to the hoof wall. Laminitis occurs when these tissue structures become inflamed. It’s a common and painful condition which often results in lameness. Laminitis normally affects both front feet, but it can affect all feet.

What causes laminitis?

Although often considered a disease of overweight ponies, laminitis can be triggered by a variety of metabolic or physical causes in any horse, including:

Endocrine disease e.g., Equine Cushing’s (pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction; PPID) and equine metabolic syndrome (EMS)
Diseases causing inflammation, such as colitis
Mechanical overload such as supporting limb laminitis
Concussive laminitis from trauma to the feet

There are many predisposing factors, including obesity and seasonality. Spring and Autumn are the times of highest risk for laminitis as the sugar content in grass peaks. However, laminitis can present itself at any time of the year.

How do I know if my horse or pony has laminitis?

Common clinical signs include:

Lameness
Reluctance to move, or short pottery steps
Preferring soft surfaces to hard or stony surfaces
Difficulty turning in tight circles
Unwilling to pick up feet
A “rocking” stance, or weight shifting backwards or between feet

If your horse or pony exhibits any of these signs, it is important to call a vet.

Your vet will examine the patient to rule out other causes of lameness, or other conditions that can present similarly (colic, foot abscess, tying up). Your vet may also identify strong and bounding digital pulses, sensitivity on application of hoof testers and an elevated heart rate or sweating and distress.

Treatment in the first instance

Box rest on deep shavings as this helps to pack the foot, providing support
Pain relief, as prescribed by your vet. The first line option is often phenylbutazone (bute), sometimes in conjunction with paracetamol
Your vet may recommend taking a blood sample to diagnose underlying diseases which can then be addressed or managed
In severe cases there can be sinking or rotation of the pedal bone. Your vet may take x-rays of the feet to assess the severity of this
Sadly, in severe cases where the pain cannot be controlled, euthanasia is recommended to relieve the horse of suffering

Ongoing management of laminitis

Unfortunately, once a horse has had laminitis it is more likely to suffer in the future. Good ongoing management therefore becomes very important.

Dietary restriction. Aim for 1.5% bodyweight hay per day, ideally soaked. Hay need only be soaked long enough to leach out the soluble carbohydrates (sugars), so 30-45minutes at most. Avoid concentrates as these are rich in carbohydrate. Strip grazing or grazing muzzles should be considered for particularly good do-ers during high-risk periods
Arrange a farrier visit to help address discomfort and stabilise the feet; there are specific shoes that may be recommended to provide support
Schedule frequent reassessments with your vet to monitor your horse or pony’s comfort and progress

Holly Gimmler BVSc MRCVS

Holly joined our equine veterinary team in July 2021 having just graduated from the University of Liverpool. During her studies she gained valuable experience treating equine emergencies and caring for inpatients under the guidance of top specialists at the Philip Leverhulme Equine Hospital. She enjoys all aspects of equine veterinary work and has gained particular interests in anaesthesia, medicine and reproduction.

Cat hay fever symptoms & treatments you need to know about

So, can cats have hay fever?

It is one of the most common illnesses in cats, yet many Northamptonshire owners are not aware of it. Hay fever, at its worst during spring and summer, does in fact plague both humans and animals alike.

At Towcester Veterinary Centre, we have seen many cats with a grass or tree pollen allergy. It affects the skin more than it does the sinuses and can make your pet chronically ill. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help…

1. Be aware of cat hay fever symptoms

Excessive licking and scratching are signs that are often associated with fleas, but they can also be brought on by an allergic reaction to pollen. This can make the skin, ears, and bottom very irritable and itchy. Plus, if your cat has bald patches around the lower back, groin, tail, or paws, there is a high chance they are suffering from hay fever.

2. Check for fleas

So that you do not confuse hay fever with fleas, Towcester Veterinary Centre’s nurses recommend that you should check your pet’s fur for flea dirt. You should also ensure your cat is up to date with their preventative parasite treatments. Most spot-on pipettes and tablets need to be given monthly.

3. Treatment of cat hay fever

If you are concerned your cat may have an allergy, bring them in to see one of our Vets. We can run tests to help pinpoint the problem and, if needed, subscribe treatments such as antihistamines and anti-allergy vaccines.

Important: Never give your cat human medicines unless instructed by your Vet as only some are safe for cats and dosages will differ.

4. Preventative measures?

It is hard to avoid pollens, as many hay fever sufferers in Northamptonshire will know. Sometimes even staying indoors to avoid pollens can still be miserable and forcing your cat to stay in can damage their health in other ways. In addition to anti-allergy injections or antihistamines, here are some other ways to help your cat beat hay fever:

Evening primrose oil can be effective in reducing a reaction – drop into your cat’s food or directly into their mouth, or on their nose to lick off
Wash your hands before and after handling your cat to reduce the transference of pollen
Wipe your cat’s fur when they come inside with a damp (but not soaking) cloth to remove some of the pollen
If your cat is willing, an occasional bath can help to remove pollen from their fur

We are here for you and your pets, so do get in touch if you would like more advice on cat hay fever.

Towcester Vets share spring safety tips for dog, cat & rabbit owners

Dogs, cats, and rabbits have many differences, which is why we choose them as pets. However, as the spring season gets underway and the flowers start to bloom, these three species have a few things in common… The team at Towcester Vets are sharing advice on common dangers that can affect all pets this season.

To help owners of dogs, cats, and rabbits further, Towcester Vets’ nurses have pulled together some extra tips for keeping pets happy and safe in spring – download these below.

Download our Spring Safety Tips

Be aware of these common spring dangers

Parasites on & in pets

Dogs and cats are prone to catching fleas if they are not regularly treated with vet-recommended parasite prevention products – ask us about these. Fleas can be difficult to get rid of as they lay eggs and multiply extremely quickly, living in your carpets and furniture as well as on your pets. Worms can be problematic too if your pet isn’t treated regularly. Lungworm in dogs can be fatal – get tips about this and other spring safety advice here >

Rabbits can get fleas and worms too, but they are mostly a target for flies. Flystrike in rabbits occurs when blowflies (green & blue bottle) lay their eggs on or near a rabbit’s anus, after being attracted by faeces and urine. The hatched maggots then feed on the rabbit’s flesh. Flystrike is a painful and life-threatening condition. A clean and dry rabbit and hutch will be less appealing to flies.

Pet diseases

Parvovirus, Distemper, Feline Leukaemia, Cat Flu, Myxomatosis, and Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD) – these are just some of the life-threatening contagious diseases that pets are at risk of. All of these diseases are preventable through annual vaccination.

Our experienced team of Vets advise that vaccinating your pet not only protects them, but protects other pets too by reducing the spread of disease. Parvovirus and VHD can be carried on inanimate objects including shoes, car tyres, clothing, and food bowls.

Pet poisons

Common spring pet poisons can be found in many homes and gardens in Towcester. Spring is synonymous with spring cleaning, indoors and out, and this can mean many toxic substances being left where pets can access them. Keep products out of reach and behind closed doors when they are not in use.

Many garden and house plants are poisonous too – do a search online for ‘poisonous plants for rabbits’ or ‘plants that are toxic to dogs’, or cats. Do you have any of these? Common culprits are lilies, foxgloves, rhubarb, daffodils (bulbs especially), and tulips. For the safety of your pets, our Vets recommend removing them or putting in measures to ensure your pets cannot reach them.

Now to an extremely common poison this time of year – chocolate! With Easter on the horizon, there is likely to be more chocolate in your home than usual. Chocolate is extremely toxic to all pets and should always be kept well out of reach. If you think your pet could have eaten any, contact us straight away on 01327 350239.

We hope you found our information on springtime dangers useful. Get our extra Spring Safety Tips for dogs, cats and rabbits here:

Download our Spring Safety Tips

What do you get for your levy?

Last month we published an article on why our beef and sheep clients should Register with AHDB to help shape the future of beef and lamb. This month we have another article from AHDB that explains what you get for your levy.

Register to shape the future of AHDB

AHDB wants beef and lamb farmers to succeed and thrive in a rapidly changing world. The Shape the Future campaign is not only to demonstrate the services and resources which AHDB make available but is to ensure that levy payers are right at the heart of every decision we make.

AHDB are committed to being more transparent about how the levy is spent. To do this, spend will be broken down into priority areas for each sector. The purpose of the vote is to allow levy payers to become more involved in what work AHDB do and how the levy is spent.

Get the AHDB infographics

Find out more about how the levy money is invested and how it makes a difference to your business by

Clicking on this link https://ahdb.org.uk/beef-and-lamb-what-do-i-get-for-my-levy
Downloading ad reading
1. The Beef infographic from AHDB that explains what you get for your levy
2. The Sheep infographic from AHDB that explains what you get for your levy

Please note: Prices listed on the infographics are per head for cattle or lamb.

Register to vote now

In April this year AHDB levy payers will be able to have their say and influence the work AHDB does across the beef, lamb, dairy, pork and cereals & oilseed sectors. They will also be able to voice what they think are the major challenges across the industry. We’re encouraging beef & lamb clients to register in order that your opinions can be sought and heard by AHDB.

Register to shape the future of AHDB

4 common types of skin problems in dogs

Approximately 21% of dogs suffer from a skin condition at some point in their lives, so it is important to know what clinical signs to look for. There are many different skin problems a dog can develop, so the symptoms may vary. However, here are some common diseases and manifestations our Head Vet advises you to look out for.

Skin conditions can be painful and uncomfortable and some can also be symptoms of a more serious health condition. Our Head Vet advises that the first step towards treating your dog’s skin complaint is to get them checked over by one of our experienced Vets – they can diagnose the problem and begin treatment.

Common skin problems in dogs include:

1. PARASITES

Fleas are very common and can cause itchy/sore skin and bald patches from excessive scratching. Mites and lice can cause irritation, red skin, and severe itching – mites can also burrow into the skin to lay eggs, causing mange. Mange and Fleas are treated with medication and vet-recommended shampoo. Ticks must be removed straight away as on top of causing sore skin, they can transmit Lyme disease.

2. ALLERGIES

Allergies are often from the environment or food, causing itchiness, scratching and sometimes inflammation, coughing, or sneezing. Atopy (or allergic hypersensitivity) occurs when the dog’s immune system overreacts to something that would otherwise not bother them – such as dust, pollen, grass, or flaky skin. Food allergies usually occur if the dog is allergic to certain proteins that will trigger an immune response if eaten. Mild allergies can be treated using anti-inflammatory drugs, but more severe allergies may need to be monitored more closely alongside alternative treatments or a change in diet.

Severe allergic reactions to insect stings, some poisonous plants, or toxic substances, can cause hives, rashes, or swellings anywhere on your dog’s body. A severe allergic reaction is an emergency so get in touch with our Vets asap on 01327 350239.

3. SKIN INFECTIONS

It is quite normal for bacteria and yeasts to live on a dog’s skin without causing problems. An infection can take hold if the skin is damaged, usually from scratching. A bacterial infection can cause circular red patches on the skin that often smell pungent. To diagnose the disease, a bacterial culture will be made so the corresponding antibiotic can be administered.

Yeast infections are frequently caused by allergies or overproduction of oil leading to the increase of yeast on the skin. This leads to skin thickening and crusting, a greasy coat, and a sour smell which is very unpleasant. Yeast infections are treated with prolonged medication prescribed by a Vet.

Moist dermatitis, or ‘hot spots’, can appear very quickly – they are red skin patches of infected skin that look wet and may weep. Ringworm in dogs is a fungal infection that is thankfully quite rare – it causes circular patches of red, raised, hairless, itchy skin. Skin wounds can easily become infected, besides being painful and uncomfortable.

4. HORMONAL ISSUES

The most common are Hyperthyroidism and Cushing’s disease, both causing hair loss, flaky skin, and sometimes rashes. Treatments include medication, therapy, and sometimes surgery.

Our Vets can advise you on how to treat and prevent many of the above skin complaints during a dog check-up appointment at our Towcester veterinary practice.

Important spring parasite advice for Towcester Vets cat owners

With warmer temperatures and pets outside more in spring, parasitic problems can start to ramp up. Your cat cannot avoid all parasites but can be protected from them and believe us when we say, prevention is so much better than cure.
Our Veterinary nursing team in Towcester have some advice below for cat owners on which parasites to be more aware of this spring.
Why not come and talk to Towcester Vet nurses about the right combination of ongoing flea and worm treatments for your cat?

Book a nurse appointment

Cat fleas

Fleas are tiny 2-3mm long, blood-sucking parasites that are common in the environment. They are dark brown/black, oval-shaped critters with legs, that grow and turn a lighter colour the more blood they ingest. They excrete a mixture of blood and waste, leaving tiny specs of ‘flea dirt’ behind.

Fleas can jump up to 100 times their body length onto ‘hosts’ e.g. cats, dogs, rabbits, mice etc. Fleas can live up to one year and females can lay up to 50 eggs per day. Around 95% of flea eggs, larvae, and pupae live in the environment (including your home) and not on pets. Fleas can carry diseases and will irritate your cat, other pets, and your human family.

Six common signs your cat has fleas:

You can see them moving about
Flea dirt (looks like tiny dark specs) – common around the tummy and groin
Your cat is scratching excessively
Bold or sore patches, red irritated skin, spots, or scars from scratching
Thickened skin in areas such as the edges of the ears
Members of your human family have unexplained bites

Our team of nurses advise that if your cat has fleas you will need to act fast, treating your cat, other pets, and your home to eradicate them. Ask our team about cat flea treatments.

Cat worms

The most common types of intestinal worms that affect cats of all ages are tapeworms and roundworms. Quite often cats won’t show symptoms of having worms until there is a heavy burden of them causing weight loss, vomiting, diarrhoea, irritation around the bottom area, and a failure to thrive. Some cats may appear constantly hungry but do not put on weight.

Roundworms – eggs are passed through cat faeces and can remain viable in the environment for several years. Cats might eat eggs from the environment or eat mice and rats who have eaten the eggs and become intermediate hosts.
Tapeworms – eggs are released from these long flat worms into their host and look like grains of rice in the faeces, around your cat’s bottom and/or in their bed. Intermediate hosts tend to be mice and fleas, which cats eat or ingest when grooming.
Hookworms – can damage the intestinal lining and cause anaemia, bleeding, and weight loss, but are thankfully rare in the UK. Eggs are eaten from a contaminated environment, or a ‘host’ is eaten. Their larvae can also burrow into your cat’s skin.

Ticks on cats

Ticks are more common in certain areas of the country and generally become more active in warmer months. They tend to live in long grass and fields where livestock graze. Like fleas, they jump onto their hosts and attach their mouthparts to suck blood, growing as they feast. Ticks are particularly dangerous as they can transmit Lyme disease and jump onto humans and other pets too.

Our Veterinary nurses advise that if you notice your cat scratching or over-grooming in one area, you should check them for ticks (and fleas). You may feel a small bump under your cat’s skin before you see these tiny critters. It is important to remember that ticks need to be twisted and pulled out slowly using a special tick remover; pulling a tick straight out can leave the head in and increase the risk of disease transmission.

Effective parasite protection

When it comes to preventative tick, flea, and worm treatments for cats, many over-the-counter brands are not effective. The best protection comes from putting your cat on a regular programme of vet-recommended parasite treatments, rather than a one-off treatment when a problem occurs.

Book an appointment with our experienced nurses who can talk to you about the best combination of treatments for your cat, which you can get from any of our three veterinary practices in Towcester.

Get Towcester Vets advice on dog fleas, worms, and ticks

What do dog fleas look like? Could my dog have worms? Why are ticks so dangerous? These are just some of the questions we get asked by our dog owners at Towcester Vets.

In this article, our experienced team of veterinary surgeons invite all dog owners to take a closer look at common dog parasites as we head into spring. Keep reading to discover what you need to know about dog fleas, worms, and ticks, and download our handy infographic highlighting the common signs to look out for here:

Get our Spotting Pesky Parasites guide

Dog fleas

As well as making your dog feel itchy, sore, and uncomfortable, fleas pose a serious health risk. They lay flea eggs on dogs and in your home, multiplying rapidly. A flea infestation can lead to anaemia (due to the volume of blood they consume), which can be fatal especially in puppies or unwell dogs.

Towcester’s veterinary surgeons advise owners that fleas do not spend all their time on pets. Fleas can also survive in cracks and crevices, on furniture, and in carpets for up to a year. If your dog gets fleas you will need to treat them, your home, and other pets – never share flea treatments between pet species.

How do dogs get fleas?

Fleas are common in the environment and can be easily picked up in the garden, on walks, and from other pets carrying them. The only way to avoid your dog getting fleas is to treat them (and cats if you have them) regularly throughout the year with vet-recommended preventative flea treatments. One-off treatments might remove existing fleas but won’t protect your pets going forward, neither will many over-the-counter products.

What do dog fleas look like?

Dog fleas are small, black/brown in colour, and swell after feasting on blood. You can sometimes spot them crawling or jumping on your dog, or you. To help you spot other tell-tale signs of fleas, get our dog parasite guide here.

Dog worms

To give your dog ongoing protection throughout their life, they will need a vet-recommended worming treatment every 1-6 months, depending on your Vet’s guidance. Some worms can have devastating consequences for your dog, and some can be passed to humans, hence the importance of preventative worm treatments.

Roundworms: higher risk to younger dogs – can be passed to humans
Tapeworms: exposure risk higher in dogs who scavenge for food and those with fleas – children at risk of contracting from infected faeces
Hookworm & whipworm: like tapeworms, these are common intestinal worms that can cause health complications
Lungworm: often fatal, picked up from the slime of infected slugs and snails – increased risk if dog toys and food/water bowls are left out overnight
Heartworm: dogs travelling abroad can be at risk

To help you spot the tell-tale signs of dog worms, download our parasite guide here.

Ticks

Ticks mostly live in woodland, long grasses, and fields where livestock or deer graze. Although most prevalent in spring and summer, they can be problematic throughout the year in some areas.

Ticks are usually small, oval, and flat in appearance, about the size of a sesame seed. They can swell to the size of a coffee bean after a feast of blood. Towcester’s veterinary surgeons advise dog owners to check for small lumps on their dog’s skin (and their own) after walks.

Why are ticks so dangerous?

Ticks latch on by inserting their mouthparts into the skin to suck blood. A tick bite can cause irritation, anaemia, and temporary paralysis in rare cases. Ticks can also spread Lyme disease, which affects humans too and can lead to a serious, debilitating chronic illness with complications for life.

How do you remove a tick safely?

It is important to use a special tick removal tool in a twist and pull motion instead of pulling a tick straight out, which could leave the head in and increase the risk of disease transmission. Ask our team about tick removal tools.

Get our Guide on how to remove a tick safely

With pets being outside more in spring they are more at risk of picking up parasites. To help you spot the signs of tick bites in dogs as well as worms and fleas, check out our handy dog parasite guide:

Download our Spotting Pesky Parasites Guide

If you found our article on dog parasites useful, why not share it with your dog-owning friends and family by email, WhatsApp, messenger or on Facebook?

Towcester Vets share good and bad foods for rabbits

If you are new to rabbit keeping, or just want a refresher on what they should and should not eat, the bunny-loving veterinary nurses at Towcester Vets have pulled together the following information for you.

Firstly, below is a list of foods that could seriously harm or even kill your pet rabbits. Once you have ‘digested’ that, check out our Healthy Rabbit Meal Planner to help you put together an ideal diet for your pets.

Download our Rabbit Meal Planner

Foods that your rabbits should not eat:

Chocolate: toxic to rabbits – can be fatal
Milk, cheese & yoghurt: severe gastric upset & life-threatening bloat
Avocado: ingestion can be deadly
Rhubarb: all parts toxic – causes mouth irritation, appetite loss, lethargy, diarrhoea, pain, dehydration – can be fatal in rare cases
Iceberg & other light-coloured lettuces: dangerous sedative effect
Apple seeds: contain cyanide – can be deadly in the right quantity
Apricots, peaches & plums: cyanide in seeds/pits, high-sugar fruits
Onion bulbs, chives & garlic: can cause fatal gastric upset
Parsnips: contain psoralens which are poisonous to bunnies
Potatoes: starch can harm digestion and parts of plants and tubers are toxic
Some herbs & spices: fools parsley (looks like regular parsley), echinacea, jasmine, nutmeg, and others
Cauliflower & silverbeet (chard): can cause colic and painful bloating
Cereal (like muesli): can lead to tooth and tummy problems
Walnuts, almonds & peanut butter: high in fat – can cause bad indigestion
Dog, cat, hamster & bird food: could be nutritionally unbalanced and/or contain ingredients that are harmful to rabbits
Grapes & raisins: not necessarily toxic to rabbits, but contain too much sugar for them to process

If you think your rabbits may have eaten an item off this list, or something else that could be harmful, call the team at Towcester Vets straight away on 01327 350239.

The above list is not exhaustive so you should always check online or ask our team if you are unsure.

Now that you know what foods not to give your pet rabbits, you are ready to create the ideal healthy diet for them. Download our handy menu planner and stick it on your fridge – this will help you to consistently give them the foods they need.