Helen Pope has this advice on how to feed your dog
It might sound like an odd question, but how do you feed a dog? Don’t you just throw some dog food in a bowl and put it in front of them? According to our head vet Helen Pope, there’s a little more to it than that…
- The right type of food – Opt for a high-quality, commercial complete food, as they’re designed to give your dog all the nutrients they need. DIY, plant-based, and raw diets can all lack the vital nutrients your dog needs to live a healthy and happy life, as can some poor-quality commercial brands. Raw foods are especially concerning as they can contain harmful bacteria and parasites.
- Match food to your dog’s needs – Many commercial complete dog foods are designed to support life stages (puppy, adult, senior), breed size, health conditions, and dietary requirements. If your dog has a health condition, such as kidney disease, talk to your vet about the right type of food for their needs.
- Dry, wet, or both? – Dry kibble will give your dog’s teeth a workout, whereas wet food will add moisture to their diet. You may want to try a combination.
- How much – Canine obesity is common and can reduce quality & length of life. Avoid this and other health issues by consistently giving your dog the right amount of food for their needs. Follow the packet guidelines and weigh your dog’s daily meals. How much they need also depends on activity levels i.e. a working sheepdog will require a lot more food than a less active dog.
- How often – Twice a day is good for small/very active dogs to regulate glucose levels and keep energy up. Three or more smaller meals can benefit dogs who have trouble absorbing nutrients or maintaining weight. ‘Free feeding’ i.e. leaving a day’s worth of food out for grazing, can work for some dogs, however, most (especially puppies) will eat way more than they need.
- Choose good snacks – Give your dog healthy snacks in moderation like carrot, cucumber and apple (not the seeds) and avoid scraps of human foods that will add extra calories and potentially harm them. Fatty and sugary foods can cause serious health issues and some foods are toxic to dogs, such as chocolate.
- Make changes slowly – Avoid health problems and picky eating by changing your dog’s food slowly. Swap a bit of their normal food for the new food, and gradually increase the ratio over 1-2 weeks. Introducing new foods in small amounts should avoid tummy upsets, or at least let you know quickly what to avoid. This includes a complete flavour change if you’ve always stuck to one.
If you’re unsure about what, when, and how much to feed your dog, why not pop onto our Facebook page and ask us any diet related questions?
Coat care for cats in Northamptonshire this winter
Winter in Northamptonshire is in full swing, and that can be problematic for your feline friend’s fur if you don’t help them take care of it.
A cat’s coat contains millions of soft, silky hairs designed to regulate heat and protect them from the elements, as well as provide vital sensory aids. Our head nurse Katy Kirkham has this advice on how to provide optimum winter coat care for your cat.
Ask us about cat coat care products. Contact Us.
1. Help with grooming
Cats sometimes need help grooming their thicker winter coat to remove dirt and debris from the outdoors. Brush your cat more regularly this season to help prevent their thicker coat from becoming matted and tangled.
2. Be careful with tangles
If your cat’s fur has become matted, be extra careful when trying to remove tangles as they can be painful and cats can be sensitive. Use clippers designed for sensitive areas and never use scissors as you risk cutting their thin skin.
3. A winter coat of fur not fat
A cat’s winter coat should be lined with fur, not fat. If your cat is less active during winter, keep an eye on their weight. An overweight cat is at risk of health problems and won’t be able to reach everywhere to groom.
4. Omega 3 is key
A healthy, balanced diet containing Omega 3 can help your cat grow a thicker, shinier, and healthier coat. Opt for a cat food that’s been specially formulated for healthier coats. Before changing your cat’s diet, speak to your vet for advice.
5. Keep parasites away
Fleas, worms, and mites can cause havoc inside and on your cat. Make sure to keep up to date with parasite treatments to avoid any extra problems for your cat’s coat.
6. Too much heat can cause problems
Turning up the heating too much and drying out the air indoors can lead to skin and coat problems, like dandruff and itchiness. It can also create static electricity. Avoid giving your cat an electric shock by using a dehumidifier, wiping your cat with a pet-friendly wipe before grooming them, and not using fabric softener on your cat’s bedding (some contain chemicals that are toxic to cats).
7. Only bathe if absolutely necessary
Most cats dislike water, that’s a given. If your cat is muddy, try waiting for it to dry before brushing it off. Sometimes though, a cat bath might be your only option.
Be careful as some pet shampoos can exacerbate existing dryness by stripping the skin and fur of its natural oils.
Talk to our team about the best cat coat care products.
20 most popular dogs breeds of 2020
Whether you love a bouncy labrador, a feisty yorkie, or a cheeky dachshund, everyone seems to have their favourite dog breed. But which breeds topped the list of the UK’s favourites in 2020?
According to Rover.com, the world’s largest network of 5‑star pet sitters and dog walkers, their database shows exactly which breeds the nation favoured last year.
Published in June last year, Rover.com reports the top 20 dog breeds as:
- Mixed breed
- Labrador retriever
- Cocker spaniel
- Jack russell terrier
- Staffordshire bull terrier
- Cockapoo
- French bulldog
- Border collie
- Shih tzu
- Chihuahua
- Dachshund
- German shepherd
- Golden retriever
- Yorkshire terrier
- English springer spaniel
- Pug
- Cavalier king charles spaniel
- Beagle
- West highland white terrier
- Bichon frise
With adoption figures at an all-time high last year due to people spending more time at home during the pandemic, mixed breeds are standing proud at the top of the list. With many more people continuing to work from home in 2021, it’s likely the adoption trend will continue.
Katy and our nursing team are delighted to see mixed breeds as the number one choice. In general, mixed breeds are less likely to suffer from breed-specific health issues than purebreds. Plus, with many dogs in rescue centres being mixed breeds, a surge in numbers hopefully means more unwanted dogs have found their ‘furever’ homes.
Did your dog make the list? Share a photo of your dog and tell us their breed on our social pages and let’s celebrate the many different breeds together!
Making new year’s resolutions for dogs in Northamptonshire
If your dog could make new year’s resolutions, what would they be? More snacks… more slippers to chew… more squirrels to chase… more fox poop to roll in… As dogs rely on their owners to make decisions on their behalf, we wanted to help you to make some new year’s resolutions for your dog with their best interests at heart.
5 top new year’s resolutions for your dog:
1. Get into an exercise routine whatever the weather – Exercise is essential for your dog’s health & happiness, and that doesn’t stop because it’s cold and wet outside. Weight gain and boredom are two common outcomes from a lack of exercise, and can lead to further problems. Find out how much exercise your breed of dog needs each day here and try to stick to it: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/search/breeds-a-…
2. Spend more quality time together – Whether you choose to play with your dog, groom them, watch the squirrels together from the window, take them with you on errands, or sit and stroke them while you read a book or watch TV, your dog will truly benefit from spending more time by your side – even better if you’re doing something they enjoy. Commit to 20-30 minutes each day to be with your dog.
3. Break up the boredom – Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. You can break up your dog’s day with a variety of activities such as:
- Make meal times more interesting with activity feeders or hiding food.
- Make an indoor agility course with cardboard boxes and toys.
- Introduce mind challenging toys to your dog’s routine.
- Teach them some commands for rewards.
Check out these boredom busting ideas on www.amazon.co.uk
4. Swap snacks to healthier ones – Your dog will still love you if you swap the calorific dog treat you give them every day for a carrot to chew on. Swapping your dog’s snacks to healthier options like carrots, apples (excluding the core & pips), green beans, and cucumber, will improve their health and help with weight loss.
Here’s some more fresh healthy snacks your dog might enjoy: https://www.thefarmersdog.com/digest/top-14-dog-friendly-snacks/
5. Enrol them in a pet health plan – Most people these days have busy lives, and sometimes it can be hard to remember things like locking the back door, buying toilet roll, and applying the dog’s monthly flea treatment. A pet health plan is designed to send you regular reminders about your dog’s health needs, and provide the home and veterinary treatments to fulfil these needs.
Talk to our head nurse Katy about how a pet health plan can benefit you & your dog this new year – get in touch.
Towcester Veterinary Centre’s top tips for housed cattle health
Having the cows in for winter is the perfect opportunity to give your cattle a once over, and we recommend doing this before the winter season kicks in properly. Towcester Veterinary Centre’s farm team offers five tips to ensure your heard remains healthy while housed
1. Check vaccinations
The housed environment is pretty much a perfect one for viruses to multiply and affect your stock. So, we strongly advise checking that your vaccination protocol is up to date. Prevention will save Cow weight time and money on treatments when the real cold weather of January & February arrives.
2. Check parasite control
This is also a good time to check your parasite control regimes, so if you haven’t already then please do talk to us as the requirement varies farm by farm.
- Wormers – We’ll always suggest running a faecal egg count before spending money on wormers if they are not necessary.
- Lungworm and Fluke require further testing so we can diagnose an issue before treating. This will also reduce the risk of resistance.
- Should animals need treating, it’s important to get them the right product, at the right time in order to leave the herd clean for the housed period. For example, if a shed or group of animals has mites/lice, they should be treated immediately to avoid spread. However, if fluke is an issue, it is best to treat animals 6–8 weeks after housing so that you can hit all stages of the fluke lifecycle.
3. Check your sheds
Most of the problems that we see with housed cattle in the Northamptonshire
area arise due to issues with sheds. Back in September we mentioned that fresh air flow is essential to avoid pneumonia, yet it’s also important to avoid draughts at low level to protect younger stock from draughts. So, have another look at the airflow in your housing as we know that cattle in optimally ventilated sheds perform better.
4. Adequate feed and water space
Speaking of space, having the correct feed to face space is essential for getting housed cattle fed properly. Bullying at feed times is common, and this can be hugely reduced by having the correct feed space for your cows. This varies, depending on the size of the animals and whether you have a dairy or a beef heard. Contact our farm vets us for advice if you’d like to check the requirements for your herd.
Other feed tips to bear in mind
- Cows should be able to feed head down to encourage saliva production and you will get more out of your feed.
- Troughs should be clean and smooth to avoid damage to cow’s mouth/tongue.
- Ensure that barriers don’t inhibit your cows’ reach or cause pressure sores that will affect feed intakes.
- Slurry management
Slurry needs to be kept to be kept under control. If you use them, cubicle beds should be cleaned daily with the bedding replaced as required to keep it clear of muck. Feet that stand in moisture of any kind will become soft, which increases the chance of lameness, Digital Dermatitis and claw horn diseases.
We hope that’s useful. If you need any further advice please don’t hesitate to call us or for specific help just book a visit.
Diet friendly treats for dogs at Christmas
The Christmas holidays are a time when our pets tend to get a few more treats than normal. Nothing too wrong with that, assuming you stick to the 90/10 rule and treats end up comprising no more than 10% of a complete and balanced diet.
The good news is that, if you want to give them treats, there’s no need to spend a fortune on specially formulated food, when your fridge and your fruit bowl could be hiding a bunch of tasty titbits that your pooch will pounce on at the first opportunity.
Before you start on the treats though, why not take this opportunity to pop in for a free nurse led weight check at our Curcote Road surgery. A quick hop on the scales is never a bad thing and it may give you some good insight into how your dog’s diet should shape up over Christmas.
Book a Free Nurse Led Weight Check
Assuming all is well then you may like to know that many fruits and vegetables make wonderful treats for dogs. They are nutrient-rich, convenient and generally low in calories. Which will help you meet the challenge that many of us face in striking a balance between treating our furry friends and managing a healthy weight.
So, here are four of our kitchen essential favourites;
- Apples. Good for dogs and people! Packed with nutrients and fibre, a few pieces of apple are great snack, but don’t feed them the seeds or core.
- Green Peas. Defrosted green peas (or fresh) are great treats, and most dogs love them. Use as training treats or just put some in their bowl.
- Carrots. Loaded with vitamins, carrots are a kitchen staple you can cut into bite-sized pieces (depending on your dog’s size) and use as a healthy reward.
- Green Beans. Plain and simple when cut into manageable lengths, beans are a great source of fun & fibre.
Take it easy … peasy
There’s lots more, including bananas, broccoli and even cooked (and cooled) squash like pumpkin & sweet potato. Top tip… if you’re introducing new treats, then it’s generally best to start with one or two pieces to see how they get on.
Finally, it may seem obvious, but actually, dogs don’t really care what they are getting. Often, they crave the attention as much as the treat. So why not keep a fraction of their daily rations to hand out slowly as treats. Fun for you, rewarding for them, easy on their weight and kind to your pocket too.
Four poisonous plants every Northamptonshire farmer should be able to spot
As a rule, most poisonous plants are unpalatable to livestock, however a lack of available food, dead or dying plants and the vagaries of individual animal behaviour make an awareness of the common plant poisoning cases we see in Northamptonshire a useful thing to have on your back pocket.
Rhododendron, Ragwort, Oak & Yew are four of the more common plants we see causing problems, in autumn and winter, as available pasture diminishes. Whilst our basic advice is to keep an eye on pastures, inspect field boundaries and where possible, move animals from fields where there is a danger … it doesn’t hurt to know what to look out for as farmers in the areas around Weedon, Paulersbury and Stony Stratford continue to have problems.
If you think you have a livestock poisoning issue, then please keep our emergency details handy.
The main problems we get in this area come from the following four species:
Rhododendron
An invasive species that’s now common in gardens across the UK, Rhododendron contains a poison that slows the heart and lowers blood pressure. Stock become weak and are unable to stand, ruminants often bloat up and then vomit. Poisoning is most common when snow cover reduces grazing. If you suspect Rhododendron poisoning call us, as we can treat with anti inflammatory medication and oral re-hydration.
Ragwort
Most common in the autumn and more dangerous to cattle than sheep, the greatest risk to cattle is from Ragwort in preserved forage that can be readily eaten but has lost none of its toxicity. Ragwort ingestion basically damages the liver, but symptoms usually begin to show when it’s eaten over time. This is actually good news (because you have time to spot the plant) as there is no treatment apart from removing the plant from the diet.
Oak
More likely after stormy weather when leaves and acorns fall and are eaten by animals. Leaves and acorns contain tannins that can bypass natural protection offered by rumen microbes and go on to damage kidneys and cells. Hard to spot but abdominal distention and the animal lying down are the main symptoms. There is no treatment, so the only option is to remove animals from the danger.
Yew
Common in gardens and churchyards, ingestion can lead to rapid death. Again, there is no treatment, so prevention is your only option. Inspect field boundaries and if there is un-movable yew, then be especially vigilant in winter, when heavy snow can cause boughs to sag bringing previously un-reachable branches into play.
There are a couple of other culprits you should beware of too; Bracken, Water dropwort & another plant from the Rhododendron family, Pieris. These tend to be more prevalent in spring and summer as young plants bloom & flourish. So, we’ll come back to those in the Spring.
In the meantime, keep an eye on those field boundaries and keep our emergency details handy.
Towcester Veterinary Centre’s top tips for cat toys and Christmas gifts
Christmas for our feline friends should definitely include some cat toys (who doesn’t like a toy for Christmas?!). But for the family moggy there are plenty of other things you might get them too. We have a selection of Christmas gifts for your pets in our reception but, in addition to these, our head nurse Katy called a short but inspirational meeting and here’s a longer list of inspiration that we came up with.
Ask about gifts we have in stock. Contact Us.
Our Cat Toy & Christmas Gifts Ideas
- Cat Toys – Cats love anything with catnip, especially if it’s small and moves. With our long-stay cat patients in Towcester we often entertain them with small squeaky mice stuffed with catnip.
- Food – Whatever you choose as a treat, do buy good quality, and don’t change your cat’s diet too quickly.
- Bedding – There are some great new bedding ideas around, so why not treat your cat to a comfier Christmas?
- Climbing frame – Cats just love to climb, so why not keep the Christmas tree safe and treat yours to its own specially designed climbing frame?
- Water fountain – These are great for encouraging cats to take more water on board, especially if they eat dry food or have bladder or kidney disease.
- Grooming tools – All cats like and need to keep their coat in tip-top condition, so what better gift than a new grooming brush? Katy and the team are the best people to advise you on brushes and combs. Call them for advice.
- Microchip or GPS collar – There are more ways than ever to keep tabs on our pets these days. Just google ‘GPS Cat collars’ and take your pick. Cool gadgetry.
If you need any advice on what’s suitable for your feline friend or if you’d like us to order anything special from our suppliers, please don’t hesitate to drop us a line.
In the meantime why not contact our reception team to find out what cat gifts we have in the practice today.
How to keep an arthritic cat comfortable at home
An arthritic cat is likely to be very uncomfortable and irritable, even more so as their condition progresses over time. Getting them diagnosed by a vet as early as possible will allow treatment to commence, with the aim of reducing pain and improving their symptoms. You can also help them live a more comfortable life by making some changes at home.
Call us on 01327 350239 for advice on arthritis
Feline arthritis (osteoarthritis) isn’t curable, but it is treatable. Causes include:
- Genetics – some breeds are predisposed to inherited cartilage weakness.
- Wear & tear – just a cat living a normal life.
- Injuries – joints damaged through trauma & dislocations can lead to arthritis in later life.
Symptoms to look out for include difficulty jumping or using the stairs, limping, constant or intermittent stiffness, more prominent shoulder blades due to muscle wastage (may look thinner in this area), over-grooming/licking certain areas or joints, swollen or hot joints, unkempt or matted fur along their back/bottom, and being a bit more grumpy than usual especially when touched.
Signs can be tricky to spot, can come on slowly, and be intermittent. If you think your cat could have arthritis, it’s well worth booking a vet health check to discuss treatment options. In the meantime, our head vet Helen has this advice:
7 ways to provide comfortable care at home for arthritic cats
- Comfortable beds – Put a selection of comfy beds around your home at different heights for your cat to choose from, remembering they may struggle when jumping. Orthopaedic memory foam beds and heat pads can be particularly helpful for aching joints.
- Raised food bowls – Reduce the need for your cat to bend down to eat and drink as this can be painful. You can buy raised bowls, or simply place something underneath their current bowls.
- Specialist diet – Specialist joint diets can help cats long term as they contain ingredients to support joint health. Talk to our team about how best to change your cat’s food slowly and safely.
- Weight watch – Being overweight will exacerbate already sore and aching joints. Keeping your cat slim will help to lessen the strain.
- Accessible litter trays – To help with mobility issues, use indoor litter trays with low sides and ensure they’re accessible on every floor of your home.
- Ramps & steps – Give your arthritic cat a little help by placing pet steps or ramps next to settees or beds if that’s where they’re used to hanging out.
- Keep warm – The cold affects arthritis so it’s important to give your cat a warm place to rest indoors as the autumnal weather sets in. Move beds away from draughts and gently dry their fur when they come in from the rain. On particularly cold days, place a heat-pad under your cat’s bed for extra warmth.
If you have any questions about feline arthritis and what can be done to help your arthritic cat, give our team a call. Contact Us.
Is your older dog suffering in silence from arthritis? Spot the signs
Unfortunately, many dogs suffer in silence as they get older. Unlike humans, who can explain when their joints are stiff and painful and that they’re struggling to get around, dogs with arthritis can’t tell us how they feel.
Many owners believe that their dog is slowing down because “they’re just getting older” and that “there’s probably not much that can be done now” to help them. Take our canine health assessment quiz to understand if your dog could have arthritis.
Take our health assessment quiz
Canine osteoarthritis affects 4 out of 5 older dogs and is one of the most common causes of chronic pain in ageing dogs (some young dogs can suffer from it too). It’s a degenerative condition, for which there is no cure. However, thanks to the advancement of veterinary medicines and treatments, dogs with arthritis can enjoy an active, albeit slightly slower, and happy life with a few lifestyle and environmental changes.
Ask Helen or any of our veterinary team for advice on how to help arthritic dogs. Contact us.
Is my dog ‘old’?
Dogs age at different rates, dependent on their breed, size, lifestyle, and general health. Typically, however, most dogs enter their ‘older’ years between the ages of 5 and 9. Helen explains potential changes in ageing dogs:
Six things you should look out for in your older dog:
- Slower on walks – lagging behind, wanting to sniff more, taking more rest breaks, or refusing to walk.
- Stiff when getting up from resting – stairs and getting on/off the settee may be more difficult too.
- Appears lazy – wants to sleep more and do less, not as keen to play or go on walks.
- Withdrawn demeanor – doesn’t interact with you and your family or other pets as much.
- More irritable than normal – gets grumpier more easily and dislikes being handled, may growl or snap.
- Excessive licking or chewing of sore joints – you may notice saliva stains on their fur.
Health checks for older dogs
Helen recommends regular health checkups for older dogs to ensure they’re getting the healthcare and support they need for their life-stage. Our vets can spot any issues and advise you on how best to treat and manage this life-changing condition through:
- Medication, supplements, and treatments available for arthritis
- Complementary treatments like laser therapy
- Environmental changes you can make in your home and garden
- Lifestyle changes to your dog’s routine and activities
