Forth Valley Veterinary Clinic Blog
Our top tips and useful information regarding pet and animal health…
Cat Flu
After infection with feline herpes virus or calicivirus, cats develop lifelong immunity but may shed the virus intermittently. The flu is spread from cat to cat via oral, nasal or ocular secretions. This may be directly or indirectly. Diagnosis is usually based on clinical signs, vaccination history and virus isolation or bacterial culture with lab testing.
Bengal Cat
The beauty of wild cats has always been attractive to people, so efforts were made to breed one of the wild cats to a domestic cat in order to have a wild-appearing but gentle-tempered domestic cat. To this end, the first hybridization of the Asian Leopard cat and Domestic Tabby cats were undertaken in the early 1960s in the United States.
Exotic Short Hair
The Exotic Shorthair cat breed is a mid-century masterpiece, developed in the 1950s to be a shorthaired version of the Persian cat. Persian breeders crossed their prize-winning kitties with American Shorthairs and boom the Exotic Shorthair cat breed was born!
Feliway
Pheromones are chemical messengers used for communication between members of a species. The pheromones emitted by one individual can affect and change the behaviour of other individuals of the same species.
Cat Aggression
Animals of many species strive to expel or keep out other individuals from their territory, and cats are no exception. Both male and female cats are territorial, but males may defend larger territories than females.
Compassion
We’re feeling sad. One of our patients died.
One of the vets spent an enormous amount of their own time working on this patient. There is a feeling of deflation.
Heat Stress and Dehydration
Dogs cannot sweat through their skin as humans do, they sweat primarily from their nose and paw pads and expel heat via panting. On a hot day they can easily become overheated, signs of a heat stressed animal include excessive panting and lethargy. Avoid your dog becoming too overheated and succumbing to heatstroke.
Tips to Keep Your Short-Nosed Friend Cooler This Summer
We all know that summer can be a dangerous time for dogs. As they are susceptible to heatstress and suffer very easily. There is a breed of dog that is even more at risk than others- the Brachycephalic dog breeds, these breeds need more precautions than normal when it comes to the dangers of heat.
Parasites
The warmer weather provides the perfect breeding conditions for fleas and ticks. Breeding requires energy and energy requires food and that food is BLOOD. Fleas and ticks bite animals (and sometimes humans) and secrete saliva into the bite site to allow easy extraction of blood. This saliva can cause allergic reactions and sometimes more complicated conditions as discussed below. Prevention of fleas and ticks is the best treatment.
Easter Dangers
Easter... my favourite holiday. They only time you can eat chocolate for breakfast without the guilt.
Unfortunately the same isn’t for our fur babies. During the month of April we will be doing mini blog posts on dangerous foods for your pets!
Christmas Dangers
Christmas is coming!!
Along with unwanted extra weight, Christmas carries some added dangers for your pets that you may not be aware of.
Water Safety
Safety around the water is not just a priority for people, but for pets too. Not all pets know how to swim, not all pets are comfortable in the water
Parasite Control
The weather in Tasmania is too cold for the mosquitoes that spread heartworm to survive. However, if you’re travelling to the mainland then you’ll need to protect your pet from heartworm
Hydration
While on your trip, it is highly advisable to ensure that your dog is fully hydrated at all times, especially during the day. Water and shade are essential to any dog because they play a key role in preventing pets from overheating and dehydration.
Exotic Cat Breeds
As you know, during the month of February we are having a focus on ‘Exotic Pets’.
As Kath would say to ‘Team with the Theme’ - we thought we would do a little blog on ‘Exotic Cat Breeds’.
Hot Car Dangers
Leaving your pet in the car may be hazardous to its health! When its 26 degrees outside, a car can heat up to over 48 degrees in just minutes. In a temperature that is high, your pet could easily die.
Dogs and Vehicles
When travelling with dogs it is the owners duty to ensure the animal is transported appropriately and provided with its essential needs, including food, water, protection from heat or cold and a safe position on the vehicle.
Watch Where You Walk
When travelling in summer months walking your dog when the ground is too hot can cause serious damage to their paws.
Transporting Cats
It’s inevitable that if not for a holiday, a cat will need to be transported in a car even if just for a visit to the vet. Cats tend not to be as comfortable in moving vehicles as dogs but will become used to it if started early in life, even when they are kittens.
Dairy Products
Easter... my favourite holiday. They only time you can eat chocolate for breakfast without the guilt 🤤
Unfortunately the same isn’t for our fur babies. During the month of April we will be doing mini blog posts on dangerous foods for your pets!
Our staff are wildly passionate about animals and making sure your pet is living its healthiest and happiest life
Back that passion with expert qualifications and a love of learning, and it’s safe to say your fur family is in very safe hands.