Welcome to the Autumn issue of #BestForPets magazine, dedicated to helping the nation’s pawrents do the best for their pet’s health, protection and wellbeing. As the seasons change and the winter months draw in, we’re focussing on how to keep your furry friends happy and in high spirits through the colder, darker months. With fireworks season upon us, RVN Nikki is here to extend a helping paw with practical advice on how to keep your canines calm, your felines fine and your rabbits restful. Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work as a veterinary surgeon? Delve into our Vet Diaries feature, where Lyndsey tells us all about one particular day at her practice, Knox & Devlin. Blink and December will be here. Santa Paws is probably finalising the ‘naughty or nice list’ in preparation for the big day. Of course, we all know our pawsome pals have definitely clawed their way onto the ‘nice list’, but what treats might be in store? Avoid un-yappy holidays with our festive gift ideas and tips on keeping things zen throughout the celebrations. If you sent us your pet’s piccies, you may find them featured in our pawtraits gallery. We have received so many, we now have four galleries throughout this issue! Keep an eye on our Facebook pages for future chances to get involved. All cover stars receive an exclusive #BestForPets goody bag as a terrific treat. The usual bits and bobs return for your reading (and puzzling) pleasure. Check out page 5 for your chance to win our exclusive new card game, Pawpoints. We’ve spent many hours battling it out here at #BestForPets Towers… it’s animally addictive! Thank you for reading. Our winter issue will be pouncing out in January, ready for all that New Year motivation.
Edition 05 - Autumn 2022
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Magazine
Top of the Pups We review some great product picks for new pups
Snap, crackle and pop! No more scaredy cats and petrified pups this fireworks season
Feline Focus The athletic and sociable Norwegian Forest Cat
Happy Hoppers Recycle and re-use for bun fun
Max
Kate & Ernie
Doc & Hudson
Otter
Cwtch
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Contents Pet news Fireworks Pet pawtraits How to become a Veterinary Nurse Puppy pandemonium! in your home Pet pawtraits Ask the vet Household hauls for happy hoppers Feline Focus: The Norwegian Forest Cat Vet diaries Pet pawtraits Furbulous festive fun Barking Breeds: Jack Russell Terriers Pet pawtraits Horoscopes Percy’s Puzzle Time Problem cat Percy’s Puzzle Time answers Top of the pups Tackling critters Click on the page you’d like to read
Welcome... to the Autumn issue of #BestForPets magazine, dedicated to helping the nation’s pawrents do the best for their pet’s health, protection and wellbeing. As the seasons change and the winter months draw in, we’re focussing on how to keep your furry friends happy and in high spirits through the colder, darker months. With fireworks season upon us, RVN Nikki is here to extend a helping paw with practical advice on how to keep your canines calm, your felines fine and your rabbits restful. Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work as a veterinary surgeon? Delve into our Vet Diaries feature, where Lyndsey tells us all about one particular day at her practice, Knox & Devlin. Blink and December will be here. Santa Paws is probably finalising the ‘naughty or nice list’ in preparation for the big day. Of course, we all know our pawsome pals have definitely clawed their way onto the ‘nice list’, but what treats might be in store? Avoid un-yappy holidays with our festive gift ideas and tips on keeping things zen throughout the celebrations. Check out page 5 for your chance to win our exclusive new card game, Pawpoints . We’ve spent many
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Help your pet live a healthy, long and happy life with a Healthy Pet Club membership
Our Dog & Cat Club gives you all the tools you need to give your pet the best care throughout their life. Vaccinations, health checks and parasite treatments are just some of the benefits included to keep your pet in tip top health. Join The Healthy Pet Club today for peace of mind that your pet’s health care is covered, so you don’t have to worry.
The following benefits are included:
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hours battling it out here at #BestForPets Towers… it’s animally addictive! Rebecca Editor
Plus much more...
Find your nearest vets today >
The #BestForPets magazine team Editor: Rebecca Gardiner
Design: danidixondesign.co.uk Clinical contributor: Shula Berg
* Savings are based on the cost of purchasing these benefits separately (taking average prices charged across a sample of CVS practices) which would result in an average annual saving of up to £200 (more for larger breeds). Benefits, costs and savings vary depending on the type and size of your pet.
Contributors: Rebecca Gardiner, Audra Shreeve, Linda Simon, Christina Brazzale, Nikki McLeod, Lauren Lyon, Lyndsey Pass, Amanda Hellier
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The Healthy Pet Club hops onto TikTok
You could get your paws on the £1,000 cash prize simply by choosing MiPet Cover as your Best Pet Insurance Provider. It only takes a minute to cast your vote. Don’t delay, the deadline to take part is 17 October, with the prize winner revealed shortly after by Smart Money People. Vote now in the 2022 Insurance Choice Awards
Are you on TikTok, the social media rabbit hole of videos? Why not follow our channel @thehealthypetclub ? We’ll be delivering some top quality content featuring pet health advice in collaboration with some veterinary professionals across the UK. Please let us know about any pet topics you’d like us to cover and then ‘watch this space’!
Vote now >
Take your seats for the premiere! The new MiPet Cover video has recently launched, explaining how pet lovers across the UK can do the #BestForPets by offering them lifelong protection in case of an accident or illness. Our pets only have us humans and we are their world, so let’s give them their best life. Click below to take a peek.
Win a pack of Pawpoints Pawpoints, the nose-to-nose card game, is a fun and furry pastime for all the family. Can you grab the most cards and be declared as the ‘top dog’?
PERCY’S PRIZE CORNER!
Scamper over here for your chance to win >
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Get them used to loud noises in a gentle way. The charity ‘Dogs Trust’
produces a FREE downloadable programme called ‘ Sounds Scary ’ where you can introduce your pet to noises in a slow, soft, quiet manner to begin with, gradually building positive associations with the sounds by providing high-quality treats at the same time. It’s important not to rush this process; slow and steady is best and this should be done over a period of weeks, not days.
Similarly, give your cat lots of different hiding areas and places to climb. Cats
naturally like to be up high and they like to hide. Tops of cupboards, shelving, hammocks are all examples of options. Cat-hide bedding, step stools covered with a towel (sprayed with species-specific pheromones) and even an empty cardboard box can provide somewhere for your cat to scoot into, or just chill out in.
Fireworks Nikki McLeod, Registered Veterinary Nurse at Albavet, offers a helping paw with keeping your pets calm this fireworks season.
Talking of pheromones, you can start using a diffuser in the main areas your
pet rests in. Pheromones are continually dispersed into the air, producing happy signals which can offer a sense of calm. Don’t worry if you think the diffuser doesn’t work, you can’t smell the chemical signals. Alternatively, you can try an essential oils-based diffuser.
What can we do to help them? Think ahead Pre-planning can ease everyone’s anxieties and that includes your own too!
Lights, bangs, crashes… fireworks can be amazing to watch! Who hasn’t been like a little kid watching the local display? Yet, we have to remember not everyone likes this time of year and fireworks can actually be quite stressful for our beloved cats and dogs. Why do our pets get scared? Fear is a normal phenomenon, an uncomfortable feeling brought on by the potential for harm, discomfort or danger. If your dog or cat hasn’t had the necessary socialisation when young, they may not be used to loud, unpredictable sounds and lights, so when a display is in progress, they might think their world has ended!
As fireworks season approaches, start to reduce the amount of night-time walking for your dog so it’s not such a sudden change to their routine. To avoid abruptly upsetting their habit, make these adjustments gradually over a few days. Towards the end of October, start walking your dog always on a lead or longline in case someone decides to start the celebrations early. If your cat has free access to the outdoors particularly at night, start keeping them slightly longer each night in October. Go slow and steady with this so they don’t get frustrated. Always ensure access to a minimum of two litter trays in separate locations from each other and provide small amounts of food and water in bowls around the home.
As the nights start to get darker, it’s the right time to introduce a den for your
Think about adding nutraceuticals to your pet’s daily diet. Dog treats like
dog. A correctly-sized crate in a quiet spot of your home, partially covered with a thick blanket and with the door open, gives them their own place to come and go as they please. Line the crate with warm bedding, pre-sprayed with species-specific pheromones (allow 20 minutes post-spray before letting them in the crate to allow the alcohol carrier to disperse). Scatter some of your dog’s favourite treats in there, so they can associate it with a happy place.
‘Adaptil Chew’, ‘YuCalm’ and ‘Calm-K9’ contain ingredients like L-Arginine and L-Trytophan. These are natural amino acids involved in the production of serotonin, and can help to reduce stress. Please follow the instructions closely as to how much you can give daily.
Introduce playtime with your pet. Cats love wand toys as they can
pounce and catch. Playing with them during a firework session may take their mind off the noise outside.
If you know your pet already has a noise phobia, speak to your vet about long term
medications, which ideally need to be started at least 4 to 6 weeks before the stressful period.
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Think on the spot If you have been unable to get any of the aforementioned on board before the big event, here are some other things you could try: Think about using music Music4Dogs, Music for Cats or a classical radio station played constantly in the background at a decent sound level can have calming effect as well as covering up the sudden bangs. Keep the lights on Dogs may become anxious when they hear fireworks in addition to seeing the light show and sky-wide flashes. Keep the lights on inside to lessen the effect of the flashes as well. Thick curtains can also dull the sounds of the fireworks.
Offer them a space they can feel safer in
A table draped with a blanket is a great retreat, or if your dog is used to being in a crate, cover it and leave it open with blankets inside. Don’t lock your dog in the crate, as this can be even more stressful for them. Give your dog options so they can choose where to hide. Don’t keep them in one room at all times as they could hurt themselves trying to escape, especially if they become stressed. Dogs may prefer to curl up with you in their customary position rather than in a designated ‘safe place’, so give them access to all of the safe spots in the house. Give cats lots of hiding places and also places to climb up to. Cats are natural predators and like to be up high, so in times of stress, they may wish to climb up on top of the cupboard, or the fridge. Or they may wish to hide in a cupboard; if it’s safe, let them!
Add some entertainment There’s plenty of fun and tasty things to try, like stuffing puzzle toys like a KONG with layers of food. Dogs are happy to receive a sustained chew to help keep them occupied. Alternatively, try items such as snuffle mats, lick mats, puzzle games, toys and chew items; use high-value treats as well as some of the daily allowance of their regular food. Try a pheromone spray If you haven’t managed to get a pheromone diffuser up and running by the big day, you can try the spray version. You’ll need to keep your pet away from the sprayed area at least 30 minutes until the spray starts working.
Talk to your vet You might wish to speak with your vet if, despite following these recommendations, your pet is still very scared by fireworks. Your vet might be able to give your pet some fast-acting anti- anxiety medication to help in the short-term. Any medication should always be used in conjunction with a behaviour modification strategy. There’s no magic remedy to completely cure your pet from the possible stress caused by fireworks. You can only be proactive and assist your pet through these difficult times. In their earlier years, good training and desensitisation will have them started on a good foot (or should that be paw?!) and perhaps your pet may even snooze through the celebrations.
Make your house and garden escape-proof
Ensure that all windows and doors are shut tightly. If at all possible, keep your pet away from exterior doors, especially when people are entering or leaving the house. Make sure everyone in the home is aware that they must quickly open and close exterior doors, and secure any escape routes in your garden just in case.
Nikki McLeod Nikki has been a RVN since 2000, working as the Cat Advocate and consulting nurse for a small animal practice in Fife, Scotland. She’s currently studying for multiple certificates, including a Masters degree in Clinical Animal Behaviour at University of Edinburgh, with a view to becoming a practice-based Clinical Animal Behaviourist. Nikki will also be keeping a BVNA Council seat warm for the next three years.
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Pet pawtraits
Eric, Norman & Alun
Coco
Buddy B
Barbie & Ken
Albus
Ade
Kate & Ernie
Cooper & Stanley
Cuddles
Bramble
Buddy
Angie
Chase
Doc & Hudson
Coco
Daisy
Cwtch
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Calling all vet professionals of the future!
MiPet Club is here for kids aged 5-11. To get involved, hot foot it down to your local participating CVS practice to join in today. This mini toolkit offers aspiring youngsters practical help and advice on animal care and wellbeing, as well as taking kids on a journey with family pets by completing cool challenges and collecting badges.
How to become a veterinary nurse
What does it take to enter the profession? Did you know that it takes three years to train to become a veterinary nurse? You’ll either need to go to university or study at college part-time while working (known as a Level 3 Diploma). To get there, it’s important to have achieved good grades at A-level and this needs to include at least one science subject.
It’s a good idea to get as much experience with animals as possible. Doing work experience in a vets is a great way to do this, and gives you the opportunity to find out about any career vacancies in the future. Most vets will take students for placement, but you’ll usually have to be at least 16 years old. What do vet nurses do? • Consultations including checks after surgery, giving vaccinations and providing health care, such as diet advice • Helping in surgery and are often responsible for monitoring anaesthetics • Doing x-rays , cleaning teeth and taking blood samples to assist the vet • They’re often found giving patients cuddles after surgery or to help patients feel happier
If you choose to study at college, you’ll need GSCEs in maths, English and science.
Shula Berg (BVSc CertAVP(GSAS) MRCVS) Shula is a Senior Veterinary Surgeon and Advanced Practitioner in General Small Animal Surgery at Springfield Vet Group .
Part of the process is to secure a job at a veterinary clinic registered as a ‘training practice’.
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In another glorious twist to the tale did I mention that Hattie’s accident occurred the day before our Walkaway Cover expired? Thankfully, I had converted to a Lifetime Flex policy days before it expired, so all of Hattie’s treatment is covered under her new lifetime policy. I am so relieved that I was able to do this and didn’t have the added stress of worrying about how I was going to pay for the treatment myself. It takes minutes to take out a full policy. Please don’t ever think you have time to wait, shop around and make a decision in a few months’ time. Get cover as soon as you possibly can. I found out the hard way… puppies can get injured very easily!
Hattie
Puppy pandemonium! Hattie, a happy-go-lucky young pup, found herself in a pickle one day. Lauren tells us the full story on how events unfolded…
Hattie went on to recover well at home, completely unaware that anything has happened and most put out that although I had promised her that she would be the ‘Lady of the House’, she was confined to a crate for the next few weeks. I won’t tell you that it has been sunshine and rainbows, it really hasn’t and I wouldn’t recommend any puppies try this at home. Cage rest is not easy. Hattie and I both struggled with it as much as each other as we were both desperate to be out for walks again. It was such a shame to see her not able to be running around doing what other puppies should be doing at her age. As guilty as I felt every time I looked at her, I would’ve far rather seen those weeks out and her have a full recovery than for her to have to face further hurdles down the line. Hattie continued to be closely monitored, through further x-rays. The wire that was in place could restrict growth therefore may have needed to be removed to allow her leg to grow as it should.
When thinking of fractures, my immediate thoughts of how they would generally occur is through a Road Traffic Accident, something serious and very dramatic. I never thought that something so simple as my puppy falling off the sofa whilst sleeping (I think) would end up with surgery to fix a leg and several weeks of cage rest! Admittedly, I had been possibly a bit too trusting of my Cockerpoo, Hattie, as from the moment we brought her home she had been so laid back, hadn’t shown any signs of being destructive in the house and generally just slotted into our home life so well that I had decided to knock crate training on the head and just let her be. One evening, I had nipped out for half an hour and came back to a very sheepish looking puppy who was walking on three legs. After many panicked texts and videos sent to my forever suffering vet friends, we decided that I would let her rest as it couldn’t possibly be broken… could it?!
The following day, after a trip to Alnorthumbria Vets, it was confirmed that my lovely pup Hattie had indeed fractured her leg at the ripe old age of 16 weeks. A tibial tuberosity avulsion to be precise. In Layman’s Terms, at the top of the shin bone there is a growth plate which is a comparative weak point, which can fracture with relatively mild trauma (yes I did ask my vet to write that bit for me!). Apparently, this is a very common fracture in young puppies and the most common cause of such trauma is falling from a sofa or a bed and landing with the knee flexed; Not very dramatic and something that probably happens regularly in most puppy households. Thankfully, the team at Alnorthumbria were able to get Hattie booked in for surgery the next day and their Orthopaedic Surgeon, Richard Cuthbert, was able to repair the fracture by putting two pins down through the fragment and into the tibia. A wire was then used to keep the pins and fragment compressed onto the tibia.
Thank you to Lauren for sharing Hattie’s story.
having pet insurance cover is always a good idea in the event of an unexpected injury or illness. * ABI Report, 2022 With the current average claim standing at £848 *
To find out more about MiPet Cover’s 4 weeks’ free WalkawayCover , or to get a quote in minutes, please visit mipetcover.co.uk today.
Find out more about Walkaway Cover >
(Kitten or puppy must be between eight weeks to one year of age and is subject to a CVS health check. WalkawayCover covers illness and accidents instantly. Not all breeds of dog are eligible.)
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All of these products should be always used with supervision. Please remember that no toy is indestructible. You can find all of these barking buys, plus more pupular pet picks at animeddirect.co.uk.
Christina and German Shepherd puppy, Juniper, put some pupular barking buys to the test. Let’s see how they fare through the ‘scores on the paws’! At five months old and in the midst of teething, we were very excited to see how these toys stood up to her strong jaws and generally fussy nature.
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KONG Puppy Teething Stick Juniper is more a fan of slightly harder textures when it comes to her chewing habits, but the handy grooves in this toy can make a great enrichment item. We added plain frozen yoghurt into the grooves and stuffed a natural treat into the centre. It is easy-to-clean and will be perfect for younger pups who need a gentle teething option. There are some clever angles to help relieve teething in hard- to-reach places.
KONG Puppy Wubba Tug Toy
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Our pup enjoyed the two options of squeaker in the toy. These feel
really strong and will probably outlast many of the other squeaker toys we’ve introduced her to. With its floppy tails, the Wubba is great for tug games and shaking about. The stitching is extremely strong and suitable for rough play, likely best for small to medium puppies.
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KONG Puppy Activity Ball Juniper loved the look of this! The activity ball fits up to 30g of her large kibble (or lots of little treats), which are randomly dispensed. The size of the opening means that the ball doesn’t dispense treats too quickly. Juniper loves tennis balls, and the activity ball gives us peace of mind that the durable Kong plastic will hold up to plenty of nips, chews and paw bats.
Length of time entertained: 3/5 Durability: 5/5 Fun factor: 3/5
Length of time entertained: 2/5 Durability: 5/5 Fun factor: 3/5
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KONG Classic Puppy Toy A must for every dog! The Kong Classic is one of the most iconic and versatile enrichment toys on the market, and is a favourite in our household. We usually stuff these with some of Juniper’s daily meal allocation or a variety of frozen foods as a treat (you can use anything that is safe for your dog to eat).
Lily’s Kitchen Puppy Salmon and Chicken Nibbles It’s important to us that we’re providing the best nutritional treats. With 66% Chicken and 20% Salmon as the top two ingredients, we can be surev that these are a great choice for Juniper’s daily treat allowance. It usually takes a lot more effort to hold Juniper’s attention, but with these treats, she was extra focused 6
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Coachies Puppy Training Treats We only train Juniper using positive reinforcement, and this has taken many, many treats. Coachies are semi-moist treats and, without any additives, this is ideal as part of Juniper’s balanced diet. These also don’t have a strong smell, making them ideal.
Length of time entertained: 3/5 Durability: 5/5 Fun factor: 5/5
We happily did a great game of “Find it” with these around the house. They’re a great size to carry in a pocket or dog walking bag if you’re out for the day.
Length of time entertained: 5/5 Durability: 5/5 Fun factor: 3/5
on me. The nibbles are soft and can easily be torn into smaller pieces for training, which makes the bag feel like it goes a lot further.
Taste test: 4/5
Taste test: 5/5
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Your vet or nurse can recommend the best quality anti-flea products to protect your pet
It’s important to remember that not only do fleas live on your pet, they live in the home too. If you are concerned that your pet may have fleas, it’s always wise to treat your home as well. Flea eggs will drop off the coat of your pet, and into the environment. Flea eggs love carpets, cracks in laminate flooring and are very resistant to changes in the environment. Obviously, in the winter, warm and humid houses are an ideal breeding ground for these parasites, and they’ll want to take advantage of your central heating! Your vet or nurse will be able to advise you on good quality products to kill the fleas that may be a problem in your home. Bedding (both pet bedding and human bedding) shouldn’t be treated with house sprays as they may cause
skin irritation. Instead, these items should be washed on as warm a wash as possible for the fabric.
It’s always wise to discuss flea prevention with your vet, rather than relying on pet shop strength treatment. Some of these treatments aren’t strong enough to tackle severe flea infestations, and so the problem may get worse whilst you’re waiting for the product to be effective. It’s also very common that pets are either over or under dosed when given pet shop products, as pet shops don’t insist on weighing the animal before administering treatment.
Tackling critters in your home
Unfortunately, it’s very common for vets to see serious and severe flea infestations in the winter months.
Fleas are a real worry for our pets
We may often believe that due to the cold weather, fleas aren’t so much of a problem compared to the spring and summer months.
Not only do they cause discomfort with their bites, but in high enough numbers they can cause serious anaemia due to the amount of blood that they will drink. In extremely young puppies and kittens, fleas can even cause a life threatening or fatal anaemia. Fleas can also transmit worm eggs to pets, causing them to have upset tummies and weight loss. Although fleas don’t live on humans, they do bite and can cause sores and irritation. Therefore, it’s vital that the good quality flea control measures that your vet recommends are continued throughout the winter in the same way as they are used in the summer.
This is completely untrue.
Fleas live on both our pets and in our homes, and so it’s possible for a population to survive in the winter months as they don’t encounter the cold. In fact, sudden dips in temperature can often cause severe infestations to emerge, as turning on central heating systems can encourage adult fleas to emerge.
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Kids! Get your paws on a MiPet Club activity booklet today and do the #BestForPets
Don’t be embarrassed! It’s common for owners to be embarrassed about bringing their pet into the vet if they have fleas – please don’t let this put you off! Fleas are so common and having them on your pet or in your home is not a reflection of how clean or dirty your house is. Any home can be affected, and your vet will advise you of the best way to tackle an infestation and prevent any further problems. Also, don’t be disheartened if the first round of veterinary strength treatment doesn’t seem to be completely effective. Most treatments can’t kill all stages of the flea lifecycle, and although all adults may be killed, fleas emerging from the resilient eggs may have to be treated again to ensure that they can’t go on to lay any further eggs.
Your vet will be able to advise you regarding how regularly anti-flea products should be used. It’s also important to remember that if you have more than one pet; all pets should be treated, even if you only see fleas on one of them. Most fleas seen by British vets on dogs are cat fleas, and so it’s important to treat all pets in the home. It’s often the case that pet cats bring fleas to pet dogs, as cats tend to roam across wide areas. It may be that you only see your dog scratching, but it’s vital to treat both cat and dog to ensure that they’re both comfortable and an infestation isn’t introduced into your home. For any further advice regarding flea control, please chat to your vet, who will be happy to put together a comprehensive parasite control plan for all members of your furry family.
Pick one up from your vet’s reception desk
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Cover Stars!
Hey pets! We’re on the look out for social media cover stars and pet pawtrait participants. Please like our pages on Facebook and keep an eye out for our pet pic posts. Our cover stars and fave pawtraits will win a very special goodie bag.
Your pet’s flea treatments are included as part of their membership of The Healthy Pet Club. Join today to save money on your pet’s every day health care.
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Pet pawtraits
Prince
Mabel
Luna
Nemo
Daphne & Velma
Daisy
Maisie
Merlin
Kage
Otter
Dotty
Dougal
Poppy
Totty
Rocky, Cooper & Piper
Milo
Maggie
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Do I need to apply flea treatment to my cat in winter? Contrary to popular belief, flea infestations can and do occur in winter! Although fleas don’t survive well outside when temperatures drop, they love to make a home in our houses where central heating keeps things toasty. The majority of a flea’s life cycle is actually off the animal, and eggs can drop from your cats coat into the carpet or cracks in laminate flooring. Once we turn the heating up in winter it creates the perfect environment for these eggs to hatch… quickly leading to an infestation. I recommend using flea prevention year-round; most prescription products kill eggs as well as adult fleas making sure your home stays free from uninvited guests.
Should I be encouraging my senior dog to go out for their full walk each day? Although many older animals start slowing down, it’s important not to just pass this off as old age. Arthritis is incredibly common in dogs and cats, and causes stiff, sore joints. Some animals will limp but many just become more reluctant to exercise. The good news is that arthritis can be managed very successfully with medication, giving some pets a whole new lease of life. Any change in behaviour is worth a check over with your vet as other, less common, conditions can also make exercising harder. In the meantime encourage a short walk every day to avoid stiffness but don’t force your dog to go too far if he isn’t able.
I’ve been seeing warnings about Seasonal Canine Illness and it’s made me feel a little worried about walking my dog in the woods. Should I be? Seasonal Canine Illness (SCI) was first described about 10 years ago, but to- date nobody has been able to identify a definite cause. Affected dogs show acute gastrointestinal signs, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, 1-3 days after walking in woodland. Although it gets a lot of press, because we don’t know exactly what causes SCI there is no specific test. This means it’s impossible to know which dogs have true SCI, and which have a regular tummy bug and also happen to have been on a woodland walk. The vast majority of dogs with vomiting or diarrhea will make a complete recovery with fairly simple treatment. We know that cases are more common around specific woodlands, and keeping your dog on a lead in these areas is sensible. If you do notice any signs of illness, contact your vet for advice but don’t panic. Occasionally dogs need to stay at the vets for a drip if they are dehydrated, this can become costly so having a good insurance policy means you won’t need to worry.
To ask our resident vet, Shula, a question for the next issue, please email hello@mipetcover.co.uk. If your pet needs help sooner, please speak to your local vet in the first instance.
If you are walking near the road, consider reflective clothing for both you and your dog. Many dog coats have reflective strips on them, or you can buy special reflective vests. If your dog doesn’t need a coat, consider a reflective collar, lead and/or harness so you’re easily spotted. You can also get light-up collars or tags that provide continuous light or flash intermittently – these are more useful if you let your dog off lead in a safe area and want to keep tabs on where they are. As the darker nights are approaching, do you have any advice on being more visible when we go on our evening walk?
Provided by Shula Berg
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Household hauls for happy hoppers
Pine cones (plenty around this time of year) make excellent toys for throwing and nibbling. Wash to ensure there are no insects inside by soaking in hot water overnight and drying them in the airing cupboard or on a warm window sill.
Recipe time A tasty treat can be simply made at home by using some dry pellet food, a banana and a carrot. Simply puree the carrot and banana into a pulp, then add the dry pellets and mix together. Make small balls of the mixture and place on a baking tray to cooking on a low heat in the oven until they harden, letting them cool down so your rabbit can have these as a treat. Remember to feed as a treat as the fruit contains sugar.
RVN Amanda brings you some great ideas to help entertain your rabbit using simple natural and household items that perhaps you’d usually pop in your recycling bin or garden waste.
A simple cardboard box sealed up with a hole cut out on the side filled with hay or shredded paper is an ideal hidey hole for them to play in and dig.
Roses are a nice treat, as they can eat the branch as well as the flowers (just be sure that no pesticides have been used).
Cardboard loo/ kitchen roll tubes or egg cartons filled with hay and tasty treats for rabbits to pick up, throw around and chew on. Do monitor your rabbit to make sure they do not ingest too much cardboard.
Herbs from your garden will not only be greatly accepted fresh. You can also dry any herbs or roses ready for your rabbit to enjoy over the colder months.
Tree branches , in particular apple or willow, make great items to chew on to help wear your rabbit’s constantly growing teeth. Avoid any tree branches that bear fruit with a stone, for example, cherry or peach.
A digging tray is also fun for your bun to use. This can be a deep sided litter tray filled with garden soil or children’s play sand making it a fun item for them, but ensure supervision to avoid ingestion.
Amanda is a registered veterinary nurse. She has always had a love of animals and has been working with them for the past 20 years. She’s a foster mum for the RSPCA and always has kittens and the occasional litter of rabbits.
Raspberry canes also make excellent chew items, even with the prickly branches, as well as blackberry branches with thorns on.
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Health Conditions in Norwegian Forest Cats As with other large cat breeds, the Norwegian Forest is not especially long-lived. However, many live into their young teens. Health conditions to monitor for include:
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): Those with HCM have abnormally enlarged heart walls. These thickened walls are not effective for pumping blood. Some cats develop rapid and irregular heartbeats which can be detected when a vet listens to their chest. Sadly, we cannot cure or reverse HCM but we can stay on top of signs with medicine. For those who survive several years after diagnosis, the cost of regular check-ups and medicine can really add up over time.
Hip Dysplasia: It tends to be the larger pedigree cats that are prone to hip disease. As the bones rub against each other, these cats will go on to develop arthritis. Early signs will include lameness and localised pain, which can result in grumpiness. X-rays performed under anaesthetic can confirm the
The Norwegian Forest Cat An Athletic and Sociable Feline
diagnosis. Treatment will be lifelong and can include pain relief, anti-inflammatories, joint supplements and acupuncture.
this should be done even more often. Those who aren’t brushed can be prone to mats and dry skin. High-energy, sociable and intuitive, these cats have a personality that many owners find attractive. Most get on well with children and enjoy playing new games and keeping active. Vocal and interactive, you’ll know when your Norwegian Forest is in the room! Are they the Feline for you? The Norwegian Forest Cat makes a wonderful family pet as they are highly sociable and confident. They are renowned for their loyalty, though can take a while to warm up to new people. They have a distinctive, thick coat which requires regular grooming.
These athletic cats have thick frames and muscular bodies, meaning they are real athletes and are excellent at climbing trees. They are a heavy breed with dense bones and regularly tip the scales at over 7kg. Their ears are placed high and have thick fur tufts, resembling those of the lynx. Built for cold and snowy weather, this handsome cat has a thick fur coat and a wooly undercoat. This means that they can tolerate cold British winters well. However, they can be prone to over-heating in the summer or when we have the central heating turned up high. As their fur is also water resistant, they don’t tend to mind being outdoors in the rain. The Norwegian Forest Cat benefits from regular grooming. Though they are good at keeping their coat in good shape, we should help them out by brushing them every few days. When moulting,
Polycystic Kidney Disease: This inherited condition creates cysts within the kidney which grow larger with time. Norwegian Forest Cats go on to develop chronic kidney disease, though the rate at which this happens varies depending on the individual. While we cannot treat this condition, we can manage signs just as we do in any cat with chronic kidney disease.
Glycogen Storage Disease Type IV: Sadly, most affected cats will die at birth, or shortly after. However, a small number of cats will survive. These cats may seem okay initially but become progressively unwell over the next few months. These kittens develop neurological signs and don’t generally survive past a year. It is important that carriers of this disease are not bred from.
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A day at Knox & Devlin
Lyndsey Pass, a Veterinary Surgeon at Knox & Devlin , gives us a real life peek into what a typical day looks like in the vet profession.
My day starts early! At 5am, Tom, my black & white cat decides to wake me up for breakfast. I rescued Tom about 7 years ago after he was brought into the vets as an injured stray. He had broken his leg after a road traffic accident. Unfortunately, his owners were never traced, so after surgery he came home with me to recover and never left. I have acquired lots of animals this way over the years. I then feed my dogs and let them into the garden for a run around. I have a litter of Labrador puppies at home at the moment, so I have fun playing with them after breakfast.
At 7am, I head to work, via a quick stop on the way to check my horses and spray them with fly repellent, to arrive at the practice for 8am. Today is my ‘ops day’, so my first job is to admit the patients that are coming in. Each animal is given a thorough check up to ensure they are fit for the surgery and anaesthetic. I explain the procedure to the owners as understandably they are worried when their pets come in for an operation so it’s important they can discuss their worries.
Today we have Susie, a little cat who is coming in to be spayed, Tegan, a boxer with a tumour, and Maisie, an elderly collie with halitosis and dental disease. The morning starts with Susie… She has an injection into her muscle which is a combination of anaesthetic drugs so she goes to sleep. I then place a tube down her throat to administer oxygen and connect her to the monitoring equipment. This checks all her vital signs, but there is also a qualified veterinary nurse checking her. A second nurse clips her fur and cleans the area, whilst I scrub myself and put on surgical gloves. Cat spays are fairly routine operations and are very important to prevent unwanted pregnancies. The operation involves making a small incision in her side, ligating the blood vessels and removing her ovaries and uterus. After stitching the wound, she is given another injection to reverse the anaesthetic. She will go home later with painkillers to take for a few days to make sure she recovers quickly and comfortably.
Lyndsey jumping on her horse
Next on my list is Tegan… … and although the lump is small, previous tests show that it may be malignant so it’s important to operate. An intravenous catheter is placed so I can inject anaesthetic drugs directly into her vein and place her on a drip. Like Susie, she has oxygen and monitoring. The tumour is carefully removed, making sure every care is taken not to leave any cancerous cells behind. After stitching up, the tumour is placed in a pot to send for further analysis. Once I get the results I’ll be able to decide whether Tegan needs any further treatment to try and manage the cancer or if the surgery has been successful.
Labrador puppy litter
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Finally, I am ready to do Daisy’s dental…
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The nurses have already taken a blood sample and placed her on a drip. As she is elderly this is a sensible precaution to check she is fit for the anaesthetic. Fortunately, these are all normal so I can proceed with the anaesthetic and dental procedure. Once she is asleep and has a tube and oxygen in place, I can assess and chart her teeth. This identifies if there are any broken or missing teeth and checks for gum disease and root infections. She just needs one small extraction, so after thoroughly cleaning her mouth and injecting local anaesthetic, I can scale and polish the rest of her teeth, before finally extracting the diseased tooth. Her owners will be given advice about cleaning her teeth at home to minimize the build-up of tartar in the future.
Fast efficient claims paid and great service My puppy had an accident and broke his leg. It was the most hassle free claims paid i’ve ever experienced - leaving me to focus on his care. Amazing service thank you so so much! -Lex
Lyndsey and her horse
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At 2pm, after making call to the pets’ owners to update them of their progress, I sit down for a late lunch.
My afternoon is fairly quiet, just a few clients to ring and discuss lab results with. I grab the chance to watch a webinar about the latest treatments for eye ulcers. It’s important to constantly update and improve my knowledge. At 4.30pm, it’s time to head home. I meet my son at the stables and we take the horses out for a ride. It’s lovely to have the evening free and, after the ride, I walk the dogs before heading home for tea and some more puppy play time.
Lyndsey Pass Lyndsey qualified from Edinburgh University in 1989. After a short time in mixed practice, she moved to the PDSA in Swansea to concentrate on small animals. She did a certificate in radiology and developed an interest in surgery. She moved back to Manchester 18 years ago and has worked in a variety of practices since. She loves working as a vet and enjoys meeting both the pets and their owners.
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33 Insurance Factory Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (No. 306164). Registered in England and Wales number 02982445. Registered office: Markerstudy House, 45 Westerham Road, Bessels Green, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 2QB. You can check this by visiting the Financial Services Register at www.fca.org.uk/register 10% discount code expires expiry date as 31 Dec 2022. *5% multi pet discount. Minimum premiums apply (including Insurance Premium Tax) of £98.16 for dogs and £67.88 for cats. See more reviews at smartmoneypeople.com/mipet-cover-reviews. MiPet Cover is a trading name of CVS (UK) Limited which is an appointed representative of Insurance Factory Limited.
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Pet pawtraits
Toras
Willow
Seamus
Ruby
Molly
Murphy
Winnie
Seamus
Sidney
Wolfy
Pheobe
Penny
Seve
Zippy
Rosie
Smokey
Sally
Baxter
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Furbulous festive fun Ideas to get your furry friends involved
Treat balls & puzzles Treat balls and other fun puzzle dispensers for dogs and cats. These deliver kibble or treats and will keep your pet entertained, active and using their brain. A lot more engaging than just eating out of a bowl.
Robust soft toys With or without a squeak. If your dog loves retrieving, then these make great fun presents and encourage play and activity. Beware of cheap, easy to destroy toys.
Scratching gifts There is an amazing variety of scratching apparatus these days for your cat. Remember if buying a post, cats prefer it if they can really stretch up high, so get a tall one!
One of the best gifts you can give your pet, is a membership to The Healthy Pet Club . This way you will provide all year round preventative healthcare for your dog, cat or rabbit… and you can save money.
Great present ideas
We look forward to spending the festive season with members of our family and, of course, our pets too. The supermarkets and pet stores are full of merchandise to tempt us, but what would really be on our pet’s pawfect prezzie wish list if they could talk? The best presents are ones that will be beneficial to your pet’s health and welfare and, of course, they need to be safe.
Interactive toys Interactive cat toys where they chase a toy mouse or ball around a specially designed track keep them occupied for ages, and are also fun for us to spectate.
Cap nip Cat nip products are always a winner!
For rabbits There are even Christmas stockings for rabbits. Rather than introducing any new food over Christmas (which could disturb their digestion), our advice would be to stick to familiar treats only.
Unnecessary clothing
Unfamiliar chews and treats Although it is fun to give stockings full of treats and chews, if your pet hasn’t had them before, they may cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
Dogs already have a coat and most of the clothing that is designed for them isn’t necessary and almost certainly would not be on their Christmas wish list. However, senior or thin coated dogs may benefit from a simple coat for warmth during colder walks.
Grooming Silicone grooming brushes are easy to use and deliver more of a massage than a brush. A nice idea for an older pet who enjoys a bit of pampering!
Gifts to avoid
For older pets If your pet is getting older and spends less time playing and more time sleeping, a new bed with a memory foam mattress would make an ideal cosy gift.
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Give your pet a stress free time
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Christmas is great fun but also stressful for our pets. If you have a lot of family and friends visiting, take a moment to think about how your pet may feel about it all. Dogs are sociable animals and usually enjoy the company of visitors, but cats will often make themselves scarce until all the hubbub has passed and their normal routine is back. Here are some tips for a fun, festive and stress free holiday.
Ask your friends and family not to bring their pets with them when visiting.
Stress free holiday tips
Have pheromone diffusers plugged in from November.
Make sure your cats have a place to go to get away from the activities, provide food, water and a litter tray.
Make sure to give your dog a good walk before the celebrations begin. If they seem stressed or excited, allow them to go and relax in another room, away from the festive fun for a while.
Do not alter the diet of your pet, or give them a Christmas dinner as some of the ingredients could make them very poorly.
Never leave your dog unsupervised with young children visiting, however trustworthy they normally are.
Beware of any children’s toys that may be left lying around, as these could be swallowed by your pets.
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We hope you have a furbulous festive season and a wag-tastic New Year!
39 MiPet Cover is a trading name of CVS (UK) Limited which is an appointed representative of Insurance Factory Limited. Insurance Factory Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (No. 306164). Registered in England and Wales number 02982445. Registered office: Markerstudy House, 45 Westerham Road, Bessels Green, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 2QB. You can check this by visiting the Financial Services Register at www.fca.org.uk/register.
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Health Issues in Jack Russell Terriers Jack Russells are known for their hardiness and good health. Despite this, there will be several health issues that occur more often in the Jack Russell than in other dog breeds.
Epilepsy: When a dog has seizures and there is no identifiable cause for them, the dog is said to be epileptic. For most, the fits will start between the ages of one and five. A thorough investigation is needed to ensure there is no other cause for the seizures. Once epilepsy is confirmed, patients are often maintained on medication for life. The cost of the check ups, regular blood tests and anti-seizure medicine adds up over the course of the dog’s lifetime.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): Smaller dogs with long backs tend to be the ones affected by IVDD. Depending on the severity of the lesion and the extent to which the spinal cord is compressed, signs will vary. Dogs may experience mild discomfort and a reluctance to jump or may become suddenly paralysed.
Jack Russell Terriers A Confident, Energetic and Smart Little Dog
An MRI scan is the diagnostic tool of choice, though
this can cost up to £2,000. If surgery is required, the sooner it is performed the better the prognosis. This type of surgery is specialised and costly.
Their prey drive remains high so they may not be a good match for families who already own smaller pets such as rabbits and cats. However, they can potentially be trained to get along well with other animals; as long as they are introduced from a young age. Is the JRT the dog for me? If you’re after a vibrant and cheeky new furry family member, the Jack Russell may well be the dog for you. They are low maintenance when it comes to their grooming, though can shed a lot. They do well in a rural environment, where they can spend lots of time outdoors burning off their endless energy.
A confident, energetic and smart little dog, the Jack Russell is a favourite of the British people. Bred in England during the early 1800s, their role was one of a hunting dog; specifically one that would flush out foxes and rabbits. Interestingly, they were only recognised by the Kennel Club in 2016. However, this was not due to a lack of popularity, but more due to a concern by those involved that it could prove detrimental to the breed. They are currently classed within the Terrier breed group. Jack Russell dogs have a strong personality and are generally fearless and tenacious. This should not translate into a dog that lacks manners. Owners need to put a lot of effort into their training and socialisation to ensure they develop into a friendly, well-mannered family pet.
Primary Lens Luxation: This is a disease that tends to affect younger to middle-aged Jack Russells. The lens of the eye can fall forwards or backwards out of place, which can lead to a build up of pressure and even blindness. If diagnosed and treated early, most dogs go on to do very well.
Patellar Luxation: When a knee cap pops in and out of place, you may notice your dog skipping for a few steps, before walking normally again as though nothing ever happened. One or both back legs can be affected. A vet can diagnose this condition after examining the dog and performing x-rays. While mild cases respond well to rest and medication, many dogs will need specialist orthopaedic surgery.
Skin Disease: Jack Russells with atopic skin disease will experience intense itching and will have a constant urge to chew and scratch their skin. This can lead to broken skin and chronic infections. Dogs can be reacting to a range of things including pollen, foods and dust mites. Diagnosing allergies can be a drawn-out and expensive process. We cannot cure allergies in dogs but can manage them with ongoing medication and allergen avoidance. Though costly, immunotherapy will be a good option for some patients.
Pet insurance for your Jack Russell As with any pedigree or cross-breed, it’s always a good idea to have a dog insurance policy in place to help with unexpected vet fees. You can get a free pet insurance quote in the wag of a tail at mipetcover.co.uk .
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