Welcome... to the Winter 2023 issue of #BestForPets magazine. Our New Year issue is packed full of features and fun to get you through the chillier months. As we all start to compile our thoughts for what we’d like to do in the next 12 months, we’re here to offer you some ideas to inspire and motivate. If you’re looking for some fun for your feline friend, we check out some top product picks for guaranteed purrs. We also put the Siamese in the spotlight…could this beautiful breed be a good match for you? We keep tails wagging with our brand new Wonderful Walkies feature. This time we head to the village of Beddgelert for a nice easy walk for all the family with a legendary tale to boot. We’re here to help keep your hoppers happy, so vet nurse Amanda offers some top tips on indoor games and fun fitness ideas for brilliant bun fun. The usual bits and bobs return, including Ask the Vet, Problem Cat, Percy’s Puzzles and Pet Horoscopes… what’s in store for your furry friend this year? Finally, don’t forget to check out the Pawtraits gallery if you’ve sent us a pic! If you want to get involved, check out our Facebook pages or pop us a pic and their name to hello@mipetcover.co.uk.
Edition 06 - Winter 2023
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Feline Focus The alert and inquisitive Siamese
Clover
Cat’s Entertainment Feline-friendly best buys
Exploring Beddgelert Wonderful walkies with a legendary tale Bun fun! Winter games for rabbits
Koby
Lilo
Alfie
Belle
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To get a free quote in minutes, visit mipetcover.co.uk Indoor fun for buns Cat’s entertainment Keep Valentine’s Day chocs out of paws’ reach Pet pawtraits Ask the vet Health & advice for older cats Vet diaries Feline Focus: Siamese Pet pawtraits Beddgelert Pet pawtraits Barking Breeds: West Highland Terriers Pet pawtraits Horoscopes Percy’s Puzzle Time Problem cat Percy’s Puzzle Time answers Pet news Dog fitness Pet pawtraits Giving your pet their best life Contents Click on the page you’d like to read
Welcome... to the Winter 2023 issue of #BestForPets magazine. Our New Year issue is packed full of features and fun to get you through the chillier months. As we all start to compile our thoughts for what we’d like to do in the next 12 months, we’re here to offer you some ideas to inspire and motivate. If you’re looking for some fun for your feline friend, we check out some top product picks for guaranteed purrs. We also put the Siamese in the spotlight…could this beautiful breed be a good match for you? We keep tails wagging with our brand new Wonderful Walkies feature. This time we head to the village of Beddgelert for a nice easy walk for all the family with a legendary tale to boot. We’re here to help keep your hoppers happy, so vet nurse Amanda offers some top tips on indoor games and fun fitness ideas for brilliant bun fun. The usual bits and bobs return, including Ask the Vet, Problem Cat, Percy’s Puzzles and Pet Horoscopes… what’s in store for your furry friend this year? Finally, don’t forget to check out the Pawtraits gallery if you’ve sent us a pic! If you want to get involved, check out our Facebook pages or pop us
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Lifetime Flex Our comprehensive lifetime pet insurance to suit your pet’s needs... and your budget 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
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a pic and their name to hello@mipetcover.co.uk . Stay furbulous! Rebecca Editor
10% discount with code ‘PARTY’ mipetcover.co.uk
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The #BestForPets magazine team Editor: Rebecca Gardiner
2 10% discount code expires 30 March 2023. *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. 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
Design: danidixondesign.co.uk Clinical contributor: Shula Berg
Contributors: Rebecca Gardiner, Audra Shreeve, Emma Simpson, Amanda Hillier, Linda Simon
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MiPet Cover revealed as a finalist in the Moneyfacts Consumer Awards 2023
We’ve pawed through the data and can exclusively reveal the top ten puppy and kitten names from 2022. These new fluffy friends joined The Healthy Pet Club or took advantage of four weeks free WalkawayCover to get them off on the right paw. Did you welcome a new canine companion or feline friend in the last 12 months? The top purr-ferred and pup-ular pet names of 2022
After scooping the Commended award in last year’s Consumer Awards, MiPet Cover are delighted to be a finalist again in this year’s Consumer Awards. The shortlists are first assessed by Moneyfacts’ highly qualified research team who, using a strict set of criteria, drill down into the small print of each provider’s product range to measure their
technical strengths and weaknesses. Only the companies that offer the best products go on to form the shortlist. We would like to thank everyone for their support so far and we currently have our fingers and paws crossed at MiPet Cover HQ! The winners will be revealed 8 February. We’ve probably heard the saying “it’s like herding cats!”, but can some felines actually be open to learning new tricks? According to an article recently published in The Scotsman, the Siamese, Maine Coon and Bengal have all been named as some of the most intelligent cat breeds. With some patience and purr-serverance, you never know what could be possible, although we’re sure plenty of treats will be needed along the way. New year, new tricks?
The accolades just keeping rolling in! Thank you to the readers of Your Cat Magazine who chose MiPet Cover as their highly commended pet insurer in the 2023 Product Awards. Your Cat Magazine readers choose MiPet Cover as Highly Commended Pet Insurer
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For the more zen… Doga Many dog owners are reluctant to get involved in doga if they have a large dog that would be heavy to lift but this is not necessarily a requirement of the activity. Dogs of all sizes can potentially get involved in yoga through some simple stretches and poses.
Check out this video of a very clever canine companion pawfecting some doga >
Dog Fitness
After some festive indulgence, it always feels good to scamper into the New Year with a vision of being fitter, healthier and happier, and that goes for our dogs too.
Or simply a good old fashioned walk… with a boost!
With more and more activities and events opening up to include our canine chums, we’ve made like a Collie and herded up our favourite picks for some 2023 motivation! Parkrun… or should that be Barkrun?! Parkrun is a free, timed 5k event taking place throughout the UK every Saturday morning, usually at 9am (9.30am in Scotland and Northern Ireland). Human participants are encouraged to register and bring their personal barcode every week when taking part. Dogs are welcome as long as they are kept on a short lead. parkrun is a fully inclusive event and can be a great way for you both to meet new
two and four-legged friends! Please check with your local event as not all allow dogs due to land or course restrictions. For the more energetic… Canicross Canicross organise trail running events which you can take part in with your furry friend. Your poochie pal stays connected to you with a bungee harness. Canicross claim that their events provide a physical workout for your dog and the use of directional commands will help them to learn to use their brain and build up their confidence.
Why not elevate walkies up a notch by turning up the effort level? Brisk power dog walks can be a great way for you both to do more exercise, especially of the aerobic variety. The idea is that you get your dog’s heart rate elevated (and yours too!) but not to the extent that it could be dangerous if either of you is very out of shape or at risk of injury.
Before em-barking on any new exercise regime, it’s a good idea to speak to your vet to make sure it will be suitable for your dog and that they do not have any underlying issues that would potentially make the activity unsafe.
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Pet pawtraits
Jenny
Bradley
Brio
Blue
Alika
Alfie
Honey & Hugo
Belle
Bruce
Chester & Devon
Ari & Millie
Banjo
Mika & Sam
Poppy
Chinook
Bruce
Milo
Boo
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Pet insurance Having cover in place is always a good idea as you never know when you may rely on it. Some may choose to stash money away in a bank account in case of the unexpected (also known as ‘self-insuring’), but consumer research group Which?** claim it may only take one significant event, such as a hip replacement, to wipe out the balance and leave pet families with a sizable deficit. They state that having surveyed 46 pet insurance policyholders:
It’s crucial to really consider if you could afford a significant vet bill in the event of an illness or accident, as the Association of British Insurers revealed in their 2022 report that the average cost of a claim had increased to £848. With some pets also developing life-long conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis or a heart condition, the costs of medications, procedures and consultations can really start to stack up.
Giving your pet their best life
There is no NHS for pets
83%
of them had claimed on their pet’s cover in the last ten years.
Tip Decant dry food into a secure, air-tight container to keep it fresh.
We’ve all been feeling the pinch lately and, sometimes, it feels like the doom and gloom of it all will never end.
instalments, you can save around £200 * a year on your pet’s health care .
Saving on pet food For rabbits, there are plenty of great nibbles that can be foraged, such as roses and herbs from your garden, that your bun would be delighted with. With The Healthy Pet Club, you can also grab a bag of food for cats and dogs for free when you’ve bought five. Rabbits have a free bag of food or hay included as part of their membership every month. It’s always worth buying in bulk and shopping around for the best deal. Although buying a bigger bag can sting to start with, the savings over the longer term will add up.
With rising energy prices, inflation, the cost of basics and interest rates having an impact on our purses and pockets, it’s important to bear in mind that our pets still need to be cared for as best we can. We’ve pulled together some ideas and tips to get us all through, with purrs and tail wags intact! Pet health club memberships It’s easier to swallow a small monthly fee as opposed to a sudden sizable vet bill in one go. This is where The Healthy Pet Club can certainly offer a helping paw. Not only can members spread the cost across 12 monthly
The Healthy Pet Club scheme includes vaccinations, vet-prescribed parasite prevention, a full health check with a vet and a six month follow up with a veterinary nurse, plus there’s so much more, including discounts on food, medications and clinical procedures. With memberships starting from only £15.98 a month for dogs and cats, you’ll access all the tools you need to keep your pet healthy and happy.
*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.
**Source – Which, November 2022
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Do the best for your bunny with our Rabbit Club Rabbits are susceptible to a number of health issues including fatal
Grooming your pet at home Nothing beats strutting out of a salon with freshly clipped claws, conditioned fur and emptied anal glands, but if the pennies are super tight, tide your pet over until your bank balance feels a tad healthier with a home grooming session.
Spread the cost
Check their skin Firstly, check your dog’s fur for tangles and matting, then inspect their skin for signs of lumps, bumps, fleas, ticks, fur loss and other skin issues.
Comb, then brush Use a metal comb first, in the direction of the hair growth. After this, switch to a bristle or rubber brush.
For a monthly or annual subscription, The Rabbit Healthy Pet Club is tailored to give you all of the best preventative healthcare available to help your rabbit stay protected and healthy.
diseases like Myxomatosis and Viral Haemorrhagic Disease, and parasitic infections like flystrike.
Keep things brief In the early days of beginning to groom, it’s best to keep sessions to a matter of minutes before gradually building up the time spent grooming as they get more comfortable with the idea. If your pet shows signs of distress or fights against your grooming efforts, cut the session short and try again on another day.
Use treats This can help your pet to build a positive association with being groomed, particularly parts that are less enjoyable such as being bathed or having their nails clipped.
When you join The Healthy Pet Club, your rabbit’s routine health care is covered, so you don’t have to worry. The following benefits are included:
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When it’s bath time… Bathing can help remove debris and dirt from your dog’s coat. Groom your dog first and use pet friendly shampoo. You can use a rubber mat in the bath or sink to prevent slips and slides while your pet’s coat is being cleaned.
plus much more...
Remember to stand clear of your dog after bathing… else you risk a soaking when they shake!
Do you have any money saving tips that you’d love to share with our readers? Get in touch at hello@mipetcover.co.uk
Find your nearest vets today >
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Indoor Fun for Buns It’s important to keep your rabbits entertained as bored rabbits can become destructive. By introducing some games with simple objects found in the home, you can help them stay happy and hoppy. Above all else, the fun you have with your bunny will ultimately improve your bond and relationship. Vet nurse Amanda returns to offer you some ideas to get your bunny motivated and moving.
With any household items used for rabbit entertainment please ensure that your bunny is not left alone long enough to eat something they shouldn’t. !
Hanging baskets Add some hay and treats so bunny has to stretch out to reach it.
Pine cones Ensure they are clean and dry. Tie string or ribbon around them to use as a toy to drag across the floor for your rabbit to chase.
Books Making little jumps out of books piled up can also get your bunny hopping around and sitting on top of them.
Dog or cat activity toys Fill these with dry food to get your bunny moving by pushing it around.
Baby toys Stacking cups are ideal as you can build these up for your rabbit to topple over and throw around. You can also hide treats underneath for your bunny to sniff out and find.
Empty cardboard boxes These can be turned into rabbit-sized forts by cutting a doorway. Try filling it with shredded paper or hay so your bunny can dig around.
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.
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Cat’s entertainment Purrfect product picks for furbulous felines
Audra and kitty duo, Marcel & Mila, pounce on the challenge of testing some cat-tastic products to see what gets the paw of approval. 4-year-old Marcel and 3-year-old Mila are both indoor cats, so it can be challenging to find ways of getting them moving and engaged. Both felines have very different personalities, with Marcel being bold and confident and Mila being sweet and loving, but quite shy.
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Catrine Catmosphere Dispenser Ball Being indoors cats, a cat treat dispenser ball is a great way to help keep them interested and active. Marcel took to this straight away, purring whilst batting the ball around. Mila was a little wary at first, but gradually got the hang of it over a couple of days. This treat ball is well made and, even if one of the cats gave it
Virbac Enzymatic Toothpaste Kit
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I’ve started to notice some plaque building up on Marcel’s teeth, but the idea of regular teeth brushing filled me with dread considering how we all know cats can be! However, this toothpaste kit is really user-friendly and comes with a handy finger brush, which made it easy to introduce Marcel to teeth brushing. The toothpaste also went down well and he was happily licking it off the finger brush when I first introduced it to him. Gleaming teeth… here we come!
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KONG Snake Teaser Cat Toy First up, Mila takes on the Kong Snake Teaser Toy. She’s still very kitten-ish, so she loved jumping, swatting and kicking at the snake. The toy itself feels durable and able to withstand a lot of teeth and claws. It definitely stimulated her natural hunting instincts as she was running around after it, which gave her some great exercise. Even Marcel, being a little reluctant to play generally, had a little burst of kicking the snake and chasing it around.
a fair whack across the room, it seems
Length of time entertained: 5/5 Durability: 4/5 Fun factor: 5/5
FURminator Small Cat De-shedding Tool
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like it would be durable enough to take it.
For short haired cats, they shed a lot, so this was an ideal product to try out. I found it to be very effective for loose hair and both cats looked very smart afterwards. The fur-ejector tool was really handy for removing the built up fur from the
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Thrive Cat Treats As soon as I opened the packet, both kitties came running and started meowing at my feet. It’s safe to say this was a paws up all round!
Length of time entertained: 3/5 Durability: 4/5 Fun factor: 5/5
I really like how natural these treats are and the fact that they are 100% fish. It’s also settling to know exactly what your cat is eating and that the treats are nutritional.
Taste test: 5/5
brush, which is a lot easier than having to pick out the bits of fur from their normal brush.
Groom test: 4/5
User friendly: 4/5 Taste Test: 5/5
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It’s sensible to keep any relevant wrappers in order to try and work out the amount that you suspect or know your pet has eaten. Your vet will be able to calculate how much theobromine your dog has ingested and may need to induce vomiting to stop further toxins being absorbed. The vet may also wish to perform some tests to see if the toxin is having initial effects on the body. Sometimes, your vet may wish to repeat these blood tests 24 hours after the ingestion, as it can take some time for the toxin to take effect. If the theobromine has already been absorbed, your vet may need to place your dog on a drip to try to help flush the toxin out of their system. If they’re showing any signs of chocolate poisoning, your vet will probably want to treat them with medications too. Not only is a case of chocolate poisoning extremely worrying, it can be very costly, which is why having pet insurance can help with these unexpected scenarios!
Keep Valentine’s Day chocs out of paws’ reach
How to help prevent it Many cases occur when owners are at work, and so storage in high cupboards where pets can’t reach is strongly recommended.
Rubbish bins should be pet proof in the case of any cheeky scavenging!
The classic Valentine’s gift is a box of chocolates, and although us humans very much enjoy this sweet treat, it can make our pets very poorly indeed if they get their paws on it.
It’s also important to educate children that animals should never be given chocolate, as we often find that cases arise when youngsters treat them to titbits of chocolate. Preventing our dogs from eating chocolate is one of the best things that we can do as pet owners. However should a case of ingestion arise, swift veterinary treatment will often result in a happy ending for our pets.
Symptoms of Theobromine poisoning The poison itself takes between 4-24 hours for symptoms to show, which include: • Muscle stiffness
This is due to a toxin called Theobromine, a chemical found in the plants used in chocolate manufacture. Humans are able to break down Theobromine quickly enough for it not to act as a poison. However, dogs metabolise the chemical much slower, meaning it can cause detrimental effects.
• Tremors • Vomiting • Heart arrhythmias and fitting
If you suspect your pet has eaten any chocolate, seek veterinary advice immediately. !
The toxin stimulates the nervous system and makes muscles work much harder; this can have detrimental effects on both the heart and kidneys.
Unfortunately, if left untreated, some cases of chocolate poisoning can be fatal.
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Pet pawtraits
Pumpkin & Marmalade
Ellie
Darcie
Ted
Carat
Bruno
Champagne
Ernesto
Harry
Claude
Clover
Cooper
Riley
Midnight, Whiskey & Eevee
Sally
Jaxx
Waffle
Xandrah
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I’ve noticed recently that one of my 9 year old cat’s eyes is slightly glazed over and milky looking. Is this a normal part of aging or should I take him in for a vet check? Although changes to the opacity of the eye can happen with age, such as cataracts, these are less common in cats than dogs and usually affect both eyes. If you have noticed a recent change to one eye I would strongly recommend getting him checked by a vet. They can perform a full ophthalmic exam to examine the front and back of the eye, as well as making sure there aren’t any more systemic health issues going on.
I’ve noticed that my cat’s claws are getting pretty long and keep snagging on my clothes when I pick her up. She’s an indoor cat. Should I be clipping her claws? If so, where do I start?! House cats don’t tend to wear their claws down as much as their free-roaming friends, as they aren’t using them to climb and grip. Some indoor cats will be happy to use scratching posts or toys to prevent sharp nails so it’s worth trying these if you haven’t already. If this doesn’t help then clipping the claws may be needed. This is simple to perform, but some cats tolerate it better than others (like us, some really hate having their feet touched!). It may be sensible to book an appointment with your vet nurse initially, as they can show you what to do and help with the best way to restrain your cat safely. If you feel confident you can buy clippers online to continue every 6-8 weeks at home, but if not nail clipping is included in The Healthy Pet Club’s memberships, so your practice will be happy to do this for you, as needed.
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.
Provided by Shula Berg
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Young cats are the most likely to suffer injuries such as cat bite abscesses and road traffic accidents, or need treatment for eating things they shouldn’t Young animals are inquisitive, adventurous and often lack common sense. This makes them playful and fun, but also means they are more likely to need veterinary care for unexpected illness or injury. As a member of The Healthy Pet Club , you benefit from 10% off all products and services automatically, including overnight or weekend care at all MiNightVet clinics. We strongly recommend pet insurance to cover you for major events, however many minor incidents may not go over your excess.
Roundworms can cause health problems in people too, even occasionally leading to blindness in children. Fleas can be picked up from other animals, including wildlife such as rabbits and hedgehogs. They are most commonly seen in outdoor cats, but they can be brought in on our clothing or by other pets, such as dogs, so even housecats can become infested. Fleas are well adapted to indoor life, especially over winter when the heating is on, and rapidly jump off the cat to breed in our soft furnishings. Anyone who’s ever tried to clear an infestation from a house knows flea prevention is much, much easier than cure! Most parasites have a life cycle of 4-6 weeks so treating at regular intervals is essential to prevent infestation. Many animals don’t display symptoms until an infestation is severe, so no symptoms doesn’t mean they’re safe. Over- the-counter products are available however these are generally less effective, as the active ingredients have to be around for many years before they are considered suitable for general sale. Prescription treatments from your vet will always remain the safest, most reliable option.
The invisible perils for pusses Think preventative health care isn’t particularly necessary for younger cats? Think again!
Shula Berg explains why young, active cats are often at the highest risk for infectious diseases, parasites and injury. Cat vaccinations protect against
More serious health problems are less common in young cats, but can happen.
common in young cats and often relate to territorial disputes. FeLV causes severe depression of the immune system, anaemia, and can cause some types of cancer such as lymphoma and leukaemia. There is no cure for FeLV and sadly the majority of infected cats die within a few years of diagnosis. FeLV virus vaccination is administered every three years to maintain immunity. Cats are susceptible to fleas, lice, mites, roundworms and tapeworms, all of which can cause serious health problems Worm infestations can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and weight loss. Worms can be picked up from infected faeces or soil, but also through hunting rodents or birds. This means young active cats are at the most risk, but they are also the most able to cope with a worm burden so infestations are often severe by the time we see symptoms.
upper respiratory tract virus (“cat flu”), panleucopenia, and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) Respiratory viruses are spread from cat to cat, or by objects in the environment such as food bowls. Symptoms can range from eye infections and ulcers, to inflammation of the mouth and gums, or snotty nose and sneezing. Most importantly, cats can never be cured once they are infected, and often experience relapses of infection through their lives. Vaccination against the most common viruses, calicivirus and herpesvirus, is recommended yearly to ensure cats remain protected. Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) is spread by direct contact between cats, most commonly bite wounds during fights. These are most
Healthy Pet Club members are entitled to two examinations every year as part of the plan; a full clinical exam from a vet at the time of their booster vaccination, and a six month health check with a nurse. This allows the clinic to get to know your cat and keep a record of important statistics such as their weight. Regular checks make it much more likely for problems to be detected early, and subtle warnings signs like weight changes can be identified before other symptoms develop.
Join The Healthy Pet Club’s Cat Club today to start saving on your cat’s every day health care. You can spread the cost throughout the year, and members will generally save around £200 annually. Membership starts form only £15.98 per month.
Join today >
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A night in the life of a MiNight Vet
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Emma, a vet surgeon at Springfield Vets night clinic , fills us in about what a typical twilight shift looks like in the out-of-hours veterinary world.
An afternoon alarm clock… When I’m working the night shift, I wake up around 5pm. In the winter, it’s already dark! Everyone approaches eating on the night shift differently, but for me, I make sure I have a full dinner before heading to work. Whatever the night holds in store, this helps fuel me through. A couple of cups of coffee later, I get changed into my scrub uniform, checking I have my stethoscope and trusty bandage scissors. I’m always on a tight schedule so I have to hurry to get out the door by 6pm. One advantage of working unusual hours is avoiding the rush hour on the way into work. I arrive at the main Springfield hospital half an hour later. I head straight for the heart of the practice, the prep room, sometimes referred to as ‘the back’. Here is where the vets and nurses are all working together, with a whiteboard on the wall listing our inpatients. After glancing at the board and catching up with the vets and nurses coming off shift, the day inpatient vet and I sit down for handover. This is a detailed one-to-one discussion regarding every patient staying overnight. Today, the patient we are keeping a
particularly close eye on is Fred, a golden retriever puppy seen vomiting since lunch time. He has had some medication and we plan to ramp up the investigations if he starts vomiting or his stats worsen overnight. Handover complete, all remaining day colleagues make their way home leaving me and two night nurses to hold the fort. Henry the domestic shorthair arrives from another local practice… From 7pm, practices without their own out- of-hours service send patients to us for continuing care.
Henry is an elderly black cat who went to his local vets after his owner noticed he had been drinking more than usual and losing weight. His vets ran some tests which confirmed that Henry has kidney disease and they started him on fluids. As Henry will need continual treatment for 48 hours, his owners have brought him across to Springfield for us to look after. The nurse has a chat with Henry’s family and admits him to the hospital, getting him settled quickly into the cat ward. Phone calls As the many vet surgeries that service the community close their doors for the night, the phone calls start to ignite our phone. Many people are looking for reassurance that their pet is OK to wait until morning to be seen by a vet. Where appropriate, myself and the nurses who take the calls will offer advice to help ensure the comfort and safety of the animals. Tonight, the owner of Rosie a two-year-old cockapoo, calls to say that her otherwise healthy dog has had a seizure. The nurse taking the call checks on what Rosie is doing right now and is told she is looking a little dazed but no longer seizuring. The nurse advises that Rosie is kept in a quiet, cool, dark room for around 30 minutes to prevent
Myself and the nurses take calls and offer advice to ensure the comfort and safety of animals
another seizure starting, after which an appointment can be booked. Rosie’s owner opts to bring her in to be checked up. Juggling act Before Rosie is scheduled to arrive, I check over some of the inpatients, including a thorough check of Fred. A few blood tests are run to check on the direction of travel of a few of the most pertinent blood values. When Rosie arrives, she appears to have recovered from her seizure. A thorough history, a clinical examination and a blood panel, run in-house, leaves us with a presumptive diagnosis of epilepsy. Rosie is admitted to the hospital for 12 hours seizure watch in case of a repeat event. Happily, she passes a peaceful night but we remain on standby to intervene should any incident occur.
Me and two night nurses hold the fort
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Around midnight, all the inpatients are checked over.
Kids! Get your paws on a MiPet Club activity booklet today and do the #BestForPets
Unfortunately, Fred vomits again so we take some x-rays. The images indicate that Fred has an obstruction of his gut. I call his owners to update them and offer surgery, which they opt for. Fred is taken to surgery with the skilled nurses monitoring the anaesthetic and prepping him, before I scrub in to perform the operation. Fred has eaten a stone so I make a small opening in the gut, remove it and, after flushing the abdomen, close up the wounds. With surgery safely over, the nurses move Fred to recovery and I call the owners. There will be a significant monitoring and recuperation period for him but removing the stone was a critical first step. Before dawn In the small hours of the morning, I write up my medical notes. A cup of coffee and some snacks are great fuel to power me through to the end of the shift.
In the small hours, I write up my medical notes.
Pick one up from your vet’s reception desk
texts to the owners of all the inpatients with brief updates to read as they wake up.
At participating CVS practices only
At 8am the inpatient day vet arrives and we sit down for handover again. With all the animals now in my colleagues’ trusted hands, I make my way home for some much-needed rest. If traffic permits, I can squeeze in a shower and seven hours’ sleep before the alarm sounds and it is time to go all over again.
Cover Stars!
By 5am, the cleaners arrive and soon the early shift nurses start to show up. I send
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.
Emma Simpson Emma graduated from Cambridge in 2019 before moving to Suffolk for a year of mixed practice, treating farm animals, horses, pets and even birds of prey. Having honed some key skills, she returned to Sheffield where she joined Springfield Vets, a team which had played a major role in her veterinary training. Emma moved to the Out-of- Hours service at Springfield in 2021. She enjoys the emergency caseload and is studying further in the field of emergency and critical care. Emma loves teaching and writing, while her favourite activities outside of work include walking, camping and cooking.
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Health Conditions in Siamese Cats These cats are usually very long-lived, with many making it into their late teens. The potential health issues we can see in the Siamese breed include:
Asthma Signs of asthma can include fast and laboured breathing as well as episodic ‘attacks’ when cats struggle to get enough oxygen and audibly wheeze. Asthma is, frustratingly, not easy to diagnose. We need to run a number of diagnostic tests to confirm the condition. This can include a blood test, chest x-ray, heart scan and/ or a bronchoalveolar lavage. Treatment usually consists of medication including oral or inhaled steroids and bronchodilators. We also need to avoid any potential triggers, such as smoke or perfumes. As cats are usually asthmatic for life, the ongoing treatment can cost thousands of pounds. Gingivitis and Stomatitis Bright red and inflamed gums can cause a range of signs including a loss of appetite, drooling and food refusal. Certain breeds, including the Siamese, can be predisposed. We can help prevent gum inflammation by feeding a prescription dental food, brushing teeth daily and getting regular veterinary dental cleanings.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) Those cats with PRA tend to struggle to see in the dark at first. Over time, the vision impairment is present in both bright and dim light. As their blindness develops gradually, many cats learn to cope well. However, they cannot be let outside as it is not safe. Sadly, there is no treatment for PRA. It is advised that predisposed breeds are screened before reproducing.
Siamese The Siamese, an alert and inquisitive cat
Owners should be aware that the Siamese is a very active cat, who doesn’t like to sit about doing nothing. They appreciate being kept entertained and owners have to put in some effort when it comes to preventing boredom. Those who aren’t provided with enough mental stimulation can develop behavioural disorders. Are they the Feline for you? Siamese cats are a beautiful Thai breed that have made a name for themselves internationally. Their elegant physique ensures they are both athletic and agile. They thoroughly enjoy human companionship and many will initiate little ‘chats’ with their humans.
One of the most recognisable cats about, the Siamese is renowned for its bright blue eyes, slender frame and contrasting colourpoint patterns. However, there is much more to this distinctive cat than its appearance. Friendly, alert and inquisitive, the Siamese makes a wonderful companion. They thrive when around people and form strong attachments to the people in their family. Despite their confident personality, they can be sensitive and often pick up on any tension or stress within the household. Some individuals are highly vocal and spend their day ‘conversing’ with their owners. While excess vocalisation can be a sign of a medical issue, if your cat has always been a big talker, it’s likely just their nature.
Amyloidosis While amyloidosis is a rare disease in cats, it is seen more commonly in the Siamese. It is a genetic condition that leads to chronic inflammation and amyloid deposition within the liver, which causes liver failure. Owners may notice jaundice (yellow gums and eyes), vomiting and weight loss. Those affected are generally under five years of age.
Mediastinal Lymphoma Cancer within the chest can lead to fluid build-up and symptoms such as fast breathing and lethargy. We see this condition in younger Siamese cats, especially those with FeLV. Chemotherapy can prolong life but may not be affordable to all.
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Pet pawtraits
Izzy
Koby
Louie & Dougal
Skye
Havana
Forester
Willow
Magnus
Luna
Mollie
Luna
Lilo
Marco
Maisie
Pennie
Ozzie
Patrick
Minnie
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3 Continue along the path until you reach the railway crossing, of which there’s another footbridge to the right. Cross this bridge and then turn right to continue along the path. You may find some friendly bullocks here, grazing on the luscious green grass, so do keep dogs on a lead for all creatures’ wellbeing. 4 You’ll reach a recently replaced wooden gate, so pass through and take the path immediately on the left. This will guide you towards the monument of Gelert, a beautifully structured statue of the hound himself contained within a stone-built enclosure. Why not take a moment to appreciate the views and peacefulness around you, it is a very special place? 5 Follow the path towards the trees surrounded by a low metal fence on a cobbled stone path. Here you’ll find the tale of Gelert and Prince Llywellyn, where it is said to be Gelert’s final resting place. “In the 13th century Llewelyn, prince of North Wales, had a palace at Beddgelert. One day he went hunting without Gelert, ‘The Faithful Hound’, who was unaccountably absent. On Llewelyn’s return the truant, stained and smeared with blood, joyfully sprang to meet his master. The prince alarmed hastened to find his son, and saw the infant’s cot empty, the bedclothes and floor covered with blood.
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Beddgelert Beddgelert is a beautiful Welsh village set in the region of Eryri (known to many as Snowdonia). Its name translates to ‘Gelert’s Grave’, where the legendary tale featuring a sorrowful ending is told.
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Aberglaslyn in summer
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This tale is not the only story found here, as Alfred Bestall MBE penned and illustrated some of the adventures of Rupert Bear in ‘Penlan’, a small white cottage by the side of the River Glaslyn. This short 1.5 mile walk is suitable for all the family and easy going for four-legged friends as the terrain is generally flat with obvious stone and Tarmac pathways.
1 Starting in the heart of Beddgelert, at the village’s public toilet block, you’ll find a turquoise wooden footbridge crossing the river. Cross over the bridge and turn right to follow the well-made path. Here, you have the option to take a short diversion to visit the setting of Bestall’s cottage, which can be found by passing the row of terraced cottages and following the road round to the right. 2 Retrace your steps from here back to the river and proceed ahead, then through a metal gate with a National Trust sign ahead of it. To your left, you’ll notice the magnificent Mynydd Sygyn, a minor peak, which from the summit, offers spectacular views over Beddgelert, Moel Hebog and the Yr Wyddfa horseshoe.
Gelert’s Grave
Gelert’s Gravestone
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Pet pawtraits
‘Penlan’ - Alfred Bestall’s cottage
The frantic father plunged his sword into the hound’s side, thinking it had killed his heir. The dog’s dying yell was answered by a child’s cry. Llewelyn searched and discovered his boy unharmed, but nearby lay the body of a mighty wolf which Gelert had slain. The prince filled with remorse is said never to have smiled again. He buried Gelert here”. 6 From here, follow the path back towards Beddgelert where you’ll find another gate, then a path to the right. Follow the path back towards Aberglaslyn then back towards the village where you started. There are a number of cosy inns and eateries in the centre, but a real treat is the ice cream waiting to be discovered at Glaslyn, a parlour that always has a queue out of the door with many waiting to savour the taste of this silky- smooth dessert, having been traditionally made for over 50 years. For more adventurous two and four legged families, Moel Hebog is Beddgelert’s well- known peak and accessible along a path by the railway station, with Yr Wyddfa via Pen-Y- Pass for the PYG and Miner’s track approx. four miles away or a longer walk out of the village along the Rydd Du path to connect to that route to the summit..
Frank
Enzo
Bowen, Bennett & Bonnie
When Rebecca met Gelert >
Kyon
Leo & Luna
Loki
< When Lily met Gelert
This walk was enjoyed by Rebecca and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Lily. For more information about Beddgelert including places to stay and see, visit beddgelerttourism.com
Luna
Matilda
Rhori
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Health Issues in West Highland Terriers Though Westies tend to live for 12 years or more, there are several health issues that can affect them.
Addison’s Disease: This endocrine disorder is sometimes known as ‘The Great Pretender’ as it can mimic other diseases and can be tricky to diagnose. The symptoms of shaking, runny stool and lethargy can come and go. Blood tests and urinalysis can confirm diagnosis and affected Westies are managed with medication for the rest of their life. For most, they can be very well managed in this manner.
Diabetes Mellitus: High blood sugar levels can lead to signs including excess thirst, urine accidents indoors and an extreme hunger. Dogs may even raid bins and steal food from tables. This condition is easily diagnosed with blood and urine tests. Unfortunately, management of the condition is complex and most dogs require daily insulin injections to control their sugar levels. Over a lifetime, the treatment of diabetes is very costly.
West Highland Terriers
The tenacious and confident little dog
‘Westie Lung Disease’:
(Idiopathic Pulmonary
high and they still enjoy playing games of ‘cat and mouse’ with birds and squirrels. Owners will be the first to admit that Westies are prone to barking and they can become bored quickly. They need at least an hour of exercise a day as well as plenty of mental stimulation to keep them content. If under-stimulated, they may develop vices including furniture chewing and garden digging.
The West Highland Terrier is a Scottish dog that was incredibly popular a few decades ago, but has since been overtaken by newer cross-breed hypoallergenic dogs such as the Cavapoo and Maltipoo in recent years. They were once the most purchased Terrier in England but no longer hold this accolade. Despite this, we still see plenty of Westies within the UK. A small yet stocky dog, the Westie is well known for its snow white coat. They have erect ears, dark black eyes and a good-sized muzzle. Weighing about 8kg, many owners appreciate their small size, especially when living in smaller homes. The West Highland Terrier is tenacious and confident, just like any good terrier. They are also cheerful, independent and very switched on. Bred to hunt vermin, their prey drive remains
Fibrosis). This is a chronic disease that causes lung inflammation, low
oxygen levels and a chronic cough. Chest x-rays can usually confirm the diagnosis. While medicine and lifestyle changes will help delay the progression of this
Westies make an excellent family pet, though are not as popular as they once were. They are typical terriers; full of energy, intelligent and alert to what is going on around them. These dogs are generally hardy and tough but can suffer from a range of medical issues.
Orthopaedic Knee Issues: Both Patellar Luxation (when the knee cap pops out of place) and Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture (when one of the main knee ligaments tears) are not uncommon in this breed. Signs will include limping in the back leg and reluctance to run about and jump. As there is often a genetic component, it is wise to screen breeding parents and to only breed from those with healthy knees.
disease, it is not a condition that can be cured. Frustratingly, in most cases, we are not yet sure what causes this disease.
Atopic Dermatitis: Sadly, a large percentage of West Highland Terriers suffer with chronic itchy skin. They are prone to yeast overgrowth and can be allergic to a range of things including food, grasses, pollens and dust mites. For most dogs, they are managed with anti-itch medicine, medicated washes and courses of antibiotics as needed. It may be worth pursuing allergy testing and immunotherapy, though this can be expensive, costing several thousand pounds over the course of 1 to 2 years.
Do you need pet insurance for your Westie dog? 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 . Get a quote >
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Pet pawtraits
Suzie
Ozzy
Snoopy
Thuaidh
Teddy
Wolfie
Reggie
Oreo
Maude & Elsa
Presley
Stanley
Socks
Murphy
Hunter
Milan
Nala
Frank
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Percy the Poodle’s Puzzle Time
Horoscopes
Aquarius (20 Jan – 18 Feb)
Can you spot the 8 differences?
Can you find all the famous dogs? JENRORT I OLKRG L I FET IMEFLEXU I ACANS I D I XYON FRRORPARKRUNA ELCCAN I CROSSP TOANURKARPWER LUBNYUKELUNNO WLSCAMPERTRUL EGAWGELSONNNN SEROCUPUYKYDO TLTOSTEP I NENG IEI FLOERTRIOP ERVTERRI ERIKL TTCFOOEDOGAL I PARKRUN CANICROSS SCAMPER GELERT
As Aquarius is the star sign of friendship, you never have a problem making a friend. For dogs, why not head on down to the local park and meet some new canine chums at your local parkrun? To get started, check out the feature on pages 6-7 . Don’t forget your bark-code! Cats could be adventurous by trying something new with our purrfect product picks on pages 16-17.
Pisces (19 Feb – 20 Mar)
Pisces pets love their home life and creature comforts. Bunnies can strengthen bonds with their humans by having a go at some indoor games and activities. For some inspo and ideas, hop on over to pages 14-15 .
LUNA WOOF DOGA LIFETIMEFLEX
WESTIE TERRIER
Aries (21 Mar – 19 Apr)
Can you sniff out the purrfect pick?
Pets who have the ‘Aries the Ram’ star sign have bundles of forward-going energy and enthusiasm. Let the turning of the New Year bring you some fresh motivation to give life an almighty pounce into 2023. With your playful and boundless energy, why not see how many paw-steps you can achieve in a day?
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See page 45 for the answers
Answers Did you get them all?
PROBLEM CAT
JENRORT I OLKRG L I FET IMEFLEXU I ACANS I D I XYON FRRORPARKRUNA ELCCAN I CROSSP TOANURKARPWER LUBNYUKELUNAO WLSCAMPERTRUL EGAWGELSONNNN SEROCUPUYKYDO TLTOSTEP I NENG IEI FLOERTRIOP ERVTERRI ERIKL TTCFOOEDOGAL I
Q Hi there PC. Recently, I’ve been hopping around the house and I’ve noticed this new circle-humming-thing that glides across the floor. I’m so intrigued by it! Once, while no one was looking, I hopped on and had a little ride around. I must say, afterwards my breakfast of pellets nearly made a re- appearance, but oh, the joy! What is this most marvellous method of transportation? Thumper - Dolgellau A Hi Thumper, I don’t know or care what it is as long as it stays away from me! Q Hello, oh gracious feline of complicated situation-solving. I love nothing more than enjoying a scamper around the park to meet new friends. Recently, I’ve been coming across these mini beasts with bushy tails. They often seem to be strutting around with acorns in their cute little paws. Well, I’ve been bounding over to say “hi” and see if they want to play, but they just dash away from me up into the trees. How will I ever build my social circle if no one wants to join it? Dave - Wick A Dave, my dear, I would expect it’s because they think you are going to eat them. Maybe tone it down a bit?
Our resident feline agony aunt is back to help you get to the bottom of your dilemmas. Q Hey moggy of mystery. I’ve recently been keeping a close whisker on all of these famous felines who have risen to fame as social media sensations. As a cat in the limelight yourself, do you have any tips on how to get started? Sheba - Bradford A As I sit here, replying to you from my diamante cat tower, all I can say is think about what special or unique thing you can bring to the internet. Do you have a very grumpy face? Do you live with the Prime Minister? Can you pull some crazy stunts? Everyone loves a cat video on YouTube. Get filming, I cannot wait to see what antics you get up to. Oh, and if you start making money from it, don’t forget my 90% agent’s fee, OK?
Here are the 8 differences!
Here is your route through...
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Pets… if you’ve got a problem and you want Problem Cat to solve it… you’re wasting your time. Still, you never know, so pop PC an email (if you find out what one is) to hello@mipetcover.co.uk
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