Which pet to choose?
Choosing a Dog
Choosing a Cat
Choosing a Rabbit
What about a Small Furry?
Small Furry Facts
Caring for your rabbit
Guinea pigs as pets

Pet Insurance
Get your free 4 weeks insurance with Petplan here...

Neutering your pets
Neutering (Spaying / Castration)
Spay (Ovario-hysterectomy)
Castration (orchiectomy)
Neutering Rabbits


Pets (Pet Travel Scheme)
Pets Passport
Dental care for dogs and cats
Firework phobias

Choosing a Dog

There are many breeds of dog that offer a selection of behavioural and personality traits. However, there are certain requirements that apply to all types of dog and careful consideration of these points can help decide if a dog, or a breed, suits you best and matches your lifestyle.

Time & Commitment
Dogs are social animals that need lots of attention especially to avoid behavioral problems and also require training, exercise and grooming. If you expect that you will be leaving a dog on its own for more than four hours on a regular basis then you may need to reconsider your choice of pet.

Space and Exercise
The size of your house and garden will need to be considered, as will your ability to provide your dog with exercise. Different breeds of dog have different exercise requirements - some are content with a short walk every day but others need several hours a day.

Expense
There are one off and ongoing expenses to bear in mind. These include:

• The initial cost of your puppy/adult dog

• Daily costs of feeding (especially the larger breeds)

• Budget for veterinary fees / insurance premium costs

• Kenneling / care costs during holidays

• Grooming fees for some breeds

Experience
Have you kept a dog before?  There are easier breeds and there are more demanding breeds to care for.

Reasons for Having a Dog
Are you hoping for a protective, working or companion dog?

Making that Choice
There are rough guides to each breed available from books, websites or by visiting pet shows. Our veterinary surgeries will be able to offer advice and guidance.

Points to remember:

• Purebred vs. crossbred?
  It is possible to look at information on a particular breed and have an idea of what to expect - with crossbreeds this is more difficult to judge however it is fair to say some diseases are strongly linked to some purebreds.
  

• Size / image issues
  Big dogs generally need more space, possibly more exercise, more food and often have a shorter life expectancy than many smaller breeds. Each breed has its own image - somebody walking a Chihuahua sends a different message to someone out walking with a Mastiff.
  

• Male or female?
  Male dogs tend to be larger than their female partners and are more prone to being competitive with other dogs, bitches will have a season twice a year unless spayed. These all bring their own set of issues.
  

• Coat
  Long hair or short hair? Long coated breeds such as Afghans need a lot of grooming attention but other shorter haired breeds may shed hair at every step. Some dogs will need regular clipping - often at a professional grooming parlor to maintain a healthy and attractive coat.
  

• Age
  Puppies are fun, haven't learnt any bad habits yet (?) and you get to watch them grow up but come lacking toilet training and with some playful but possibly destructive behavior (like chewing your favorite shoes). Older dogs come with a little more training (hopefully) and you avoid the messy years but you should be cautious about the reasons why it now requires a home.
  

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Choosing a Cat

Cats come in a selection of shapes and styles - long haired, short haired, striped or pointed. They all have a special appeal either because they are independent and aloof or because they are cuddly and sociable.

Care points for cats include consideration for exercise - access to the outside, need for company and fees such as vets bills, insurance premiums and cattery charges. Whilst the food bills for a cat may be less than a dog the cost of cat litter (if used) needs to be considered.

Moggies and Pedigree cats
There are approximately 40 different breeds of cat with about 500 varieties. The breeds come in four groups:
Longhair
Shorthair
Siamese
Foreign shorthair

Each breed has its own general characteristics such as the placid, sociable Persian or the noisy, busy Siamese. Moggies come in all shapes, colours and coat types. Sometimes they are more resistant to diseases thus having a slightly longer life expectancy.

Making That Choice
Long hair or short hair?
A commitment to daily grooming is needed from the owners of a long haired cat to prevent matting of its coat and the development of fur balls. Short haired cats can still get fur balls and shed hair so they will also need some grooming.

Male or female?

Male cats (toms) are generally larger than their female partners and there is usually a marked difference in behavior between the toms and female cats (queens).

Fighting is a frequent behavior seen in tom cats as they fight over territory and queens. This often results in war wounds and infections. Many toms are castrated for this reason. Castration is also part of responsible pet ownership as un-neutered roaming toms will sire many litters of kitten, many which become strays.

Un-neutered queens will come into season regularly and give birth to several litters a year if allowed to do so. Again this often results in many unwanted kittens. You should have her spayed unless she is of show standard and you wish to breed from her.

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Choosing a Rabbit

Rabbits come in all shapes and sizes i.e. small, medium or large, a coat of one colour or several, erect ears or droopy etc. Many people now keep their pet rabbit indoors as they can make ideal house pets. They can be toilet trained and a few modifications will make your home safe. However, they are more traditionally kept outside under shelter in the winter months and in the garden during the summer months.

Picture courtesy of Supreme Petfoods Ltd

Making that Choice

Time & Commitment
Rabbits need attention every day. The benefits of this are in terms of effects on their behavior and good health. The more a rabbit is handled and in contact with humans the friendlier they become. It is also important to check over pet rabbits regularly for things like overgrown teeth, overgrown toenails and messy bottoms. The hutch or pen will need cleaning weekly and bedding replaced or topped up daily. House rabbits need attention to their pen daily. Rabbits should be groomed weekly, or more frequently for the long haired varieties.

Space & Exercise
Outdoor rabbits need accommodation to protect them from harsh weather and also to provide them with space for a sleeping area, food area and toileting area. They should have access to grass, preferably with a run that allows them to stand up on their hind legs and to bounce around. If the weather is good and the garden is secure from escape check that the rabbit is safe from cats and dogs and let them have a run around in the garden - provided you are present to keep an eye on them. Indoor rabbits need a pen that is large enough to allow them to lie down stretched out. If the rabbit is likely to spend a significant period of time shut in then the pen should be larger. Indoor rabbits should also have access to the garden in summer.

Expense
Pet rabbits are usually available at a fair price - but show standard purebreds will be more expensive. Other costs of the rabbits include:

• Housing (hutch and run) and bedding

• Food - pellets and fresh

• Insurance

• Neutering

• Vaccination

• Vet bills

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What about a Small Furry?

If you don't have the time to care for a cat or dog but still want a pet for yourself or your children you might consider one of the following:

 






 

 

Picture courtesy of Supreme Petfoods Ltd

• Guinea Pigs
  What's involved:  Guinea pigs are clever and socialable pets.  They don't need a high space because they don't jump or climb but they do need a lot of floorspace.  They need a temperature between 18-26 degrees C and so in winter they should be housed indoors.   Guinea pigs should be fed twice daily with a high fibrous diet and vitamin C (this is why guinea pig food is different to rabbit food - guinea pigs must have added vitamin C in their food).  Guinea pigs love to have companions - littermates or single sex guineas (not rabbits).
  

• Hamsters
  What's involved:  Hamsters are very clever and adventurous - they are determined escape artists.  They must live in a wire cage (they will gnaw their way out of a wood or plastic cage).  Hamsters need lots of toys and frequent handling to keep them tame and socialised.  They are naturally nocturnal so play with them in the evening.  Hamsters are omnivorous, they hoard food and need chewing material to keep their teeth short.  Some species of hamsters like to live along (eg Syrian) and some prefer a companion (dwarf hamsters).

• Gerbils
  What's involved: Gerbils are friendly and inquisitive.  The ideal gerbil house is a gerbilarium, made of glass with a lid containing ventilation holes but secure to prevent escapes.   Gerbils eat seeds, grains, roots and insects in the wild.  They are very active and in the wild live in tunnels in the desert sand.  They need very little water but their supply should be fresh.  They are not smelly pets as they are adapted to preserve water and their faeces are dry.  They like a thick layer of sawdust, or something similar, to tunnel in and when in a glass aquarium or the like they can be very entertaining to watch.  They can be handled if not taken by surprise.
  

• Rats
  What's involved: Rats are very intelligent and agile.  They should be housed indoors with a large wire cage.  The cage should be high enough to allow them two levels.  Rats are omnivores and need protein.  They should not be fed human food or nuts.  They need feeding once a day and need cleaning out regularly as they hoard food.  Rats are nocturnal and so will be playful in the evening.  They enjoy being handled if it is done properly.   They are very sociable creatures and so are best kept with another rat of the same sex, preferably a litter mate as they can fight if introduced to a new rat.

• Chinchillas
  What's involved: Chinchillas are very bright, inquisitive and good climbers.  They need a large cage with a climbing area, a sleeping box and a daily fresh sand bath.  They are indoor pets and need a constant temperature above 28 degrees C.  Chinchillas are herbivores, needing a lot of fibre.  This helps grind down their constantly growing teeth.  They are very intelligent pets and so need lots of toys for stimulation.  They are sociable and like to be with a single sex group.

• Ferrets
  What's involved: Ferrets are very intelligent and inquisitive pets.  They can live in wire cages with several levels so they have lots of space.  They can also live freely in the house and use a litter tray.  Ferrets are omnivores and need high levels of meat protein and fat.  They need to be fed little and often throughout the day.  They are very playful and play happily with humans with tunnels and balls.
  
  

Information courtesy of Supreme Petfoods Ltd

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Picture courtesy of Supreme Petfoods Ltd

Picture courtesy of Supreme Petfoods Ltd

• Companionship - to be with other guinea pigs. Guinea pigs are sociable creatures and prefer to be with the company of other guinea pigs – the same sex of course! (unless you are prepared to get them neutered).The widespread practice of keeping guinea pigs and rabbits together is not recommended.
• Feeding twice a day, with a mixture of meadow hay, green stuff, pellets, washed fruit and vegetables.
• A constant supply of fresh, clean drinking water in a drip feed bottle with a metal spout.
• Guinea pigs can be kept as indoor pets but care must be taken as they can chew electric cables, furniture etc. Ideally your guinea pig should be kept outside in a large hutch with an outside run. A large weatherproof home kept off the ground, out of direct sunlight and strong winds. It should be moved to an indoor area or porch in cold weather.
• A separate sleeping area for each animal inside the home.
• A clean layer of wood chippings on the floor of their home and plenty of soft hay for bedding and burrowing.
• Daily exercise in a grassy area safe from predators and an indoor run in cold weather.
• Their home to be cleaned every day and bedding changed weekly.
• A gnawing block to wear down long teeth.
• To be brushed every day if they have a long or rough-haired coat.
• Some quiet time alone or with other guinea pigs every day.
• To be taken to a vet if they are ill or injured.
• To be looked after when you are on holiday.

A sound of contentment and happiness

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Pet Insurance

Why Insure? Veterinary medicine has, in recent years, become increasingly sophisticated. We are able to diagnose and treat many conditions that a few years ago would have remained undetected with, often, fatal consequences especially in the older pet. The down side of these advances is cost. It is not unheard of for treatment of a case to exceed £1,000.

Costs of Veterinary Treatment. Whilst we try to keep treatment costs to a reasonable level, below are some real life cases and their cost of treatment here at Churnet Valley:

• Bloated & twisted stomach in a German Shepherd Dog - £404.91

• Cut to the foreleg of a 5 month old puppy - £95.31

• Fractured humerus and emergency treatment in a cat £392.98

• Diagnosis and 7 months treatment of canine diabetes £713.94

• Exudtive pleurisy in a cat £480.95

• Stabilization of a ruptured cruciate ligament in a St. Bernard £1650.21

When choosing an insurance company, there are a few things you should look out for, but please try to remember that you get what you pay for:

• Check that there is no limit on how long you can claim for each illness, as chronic conditions can go on for life, not just 12 months. However, it is quite common to keep the premiums low by terminating any benefits after 12 months. A certain supermarket pet insurance policy keeps low premiums by stating that a claim must be made within 30 days of treatment being started (claims made after 30 days may not be honoured).

• Be careful to check that the amount of Veterinary Fee Cover is adequate, over time a single illness can cost many hundreds of pounds. Some policies marketed as lifetime policies have a maximum amount per condition, a large dog with a chronic illness could reach this maximum amount in a few years.

• Check that your pet will still be covered in later years, when he or she may need it most, and the premium in those years will still represent good value. Remember that as your pet gets older, it is more likely to develop long-term illnesses.

• Check that congenital and hereditary conditions are included. Many companies will load premiums following a claim and subsequently place exclusions for that condition. Other things to check are that dental treatment, behavioural therapy and alternative therapies are included in the policy.

• If you chose to pay by direct debit, some companies will insist monthly payments are continued even after your pet has died.

• Check what won’t be covered.

• Vaccinations, neutering and routine treatments such as worming are usually excluded.

• Some companies may exclude complimentary treatments including homeopathy, herbal medicine or acupuncture. Many policies exclude treatment for behavioural conditions.

N.B. All insurance companies exclude pre existing conditions.

My last pet was fine, why bother insuring?

Accidents/illness can always happen, and veterinary medicine has advanced so that there is far more that can be done for a pet these days. As with any insurance policy you may never need to make a claim, however the stark reality is that 40% of pets have an insurance claim over a 12-month period. This rises to 60% above 12 years of age. Compare this to car insurance, where most people claim about once every 6.5 years, or home insurance once every 4 years.

Third party cover Dog owners are liable for injury, illness or death of a third party, if the dog is found to be the cause of an incident. If a claim is brought against an owner it could result in hefty legal bills in order to defend a claim or paying out compensation. Most policies will give adequate cover for third party liability.

Like the British Small Animal Veterinary Association, this practice endorses the concept of pet insurance and we thoroughly recommend it to our clients. Our only interest is to ensure that we never have to compromise the quality of veterinary care on the basis of cost. A recent survey by the market research company, Mintel, found that 90% of pet owners with pet insurance say that it is well worth the money. Check out Martin Lewis's website : www.moneysavingexpert.com on his advice. There is a pet insurance form on there which makes interesting reading

There are proposal forms for Petplan available in the waiting room. We recommend Petplan Covered for Life policies as they are comprehensive (meeting all of the criteria set out above) and the company settles claims quickly and with the minimum of fuss. If you have any questions please feel free to ask one of the practice team.

Why Petplan?

Did you know 1 in 3 pets may require unexpected veterinary treatment each year?* Whilst advances in veterinary medicine mean we can do more for your pet, treatment costs can soon mount up. We recommend Petplan insurance to all our clients to help cover unexpected vets bills.

You may be surprised to hear that you are more likely to claim on your pet insurance than your car or household policies (Allianz Insurance plc). In fact, in our experience if you are one of the few people who don’t need to claim on your pet insurance you really are very lucky indeed!

It’s important to be aware that not all pet insurance is the same. Some policies limit the amount of time or money that you can claim for. Don’t just shop around on price alone.

At Churnet Valley Vet Clinic we recommend Petplan insurance for the following reasons:

• With Petplan’s Covered for Life guarantee your veterinary fees cover is renewed each year no matter how much you claim.

• Petplan doesn’t place exclusions at renewal on their Covered for Life policy so on-going conditions such as eczema continue to be covered by the policy.

• Petplan won’t increase your premium or excess just because you make a claim.

• Petplan is a pet insurance specialist so they understand the animal market and work closely with vets, charities and breeders.

Click here to find out more about the different types of pet insurance.

Why not try before you buy? For 4 weeks free Petplan insurance simply click here and quote our practice reference number 1100184362.

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A common misconception is that neutering will cure behavioral problems in dogs. Unfortunately this is not the case. Only correct behavioral training will modify a dog’s behaviour.

 

Spaying, or neutering, involves the removal of the ovaries and the uterus (Ovario-hysterectomy). Surgery can be performed from 5½ months of age in both cats and dogs. We do not spay bitches that are in season as surgery is more risky at that time and, if surgery has been delayed to after the first season, then the optimum time to spay is 3 months after the finish of the season.

Frequently asked questions

1. 'Will it make my pet fat and lazy?' No. Obesity is due to excessive calorie intake. Weight can be controlled with proper feeding and exercise.
2. 'Shouldn't my pet have a litter first?' No. There is no advantage in allowing your pet to have a litter and there are potential health problems associated with pregnancy and labor.

Reasons for ...

1. There will be no more seasons (no mess or inconvenience).
2. She will be unable to get pregnant - so there will be no unwanted offspring.
3. The risk of her getting a potentially life-threatening uterine infection (pyometra) is removed. This is common in older cats and 75% of entire (un-neutered) bitches will develop womb problems later in life; the vast majority of these will need neutering. Surgery at this stage carries a much higher risk, as the pet is invariably quite ill.
4. The chances of her suffering from hormone induced mammary (breast) cancer can be reduced. Neutering early in life reduces the incidence of mammary (breast) cancer; it is the most common form of cancer in the bitch. If neutered early in life the incidence of breast cancer in bitches is reduced by 3- 7 times.

 

Reasons against ...

1. Weight gain. This is always a worry as this in itself can cause problems. Neutering doesn't make your pet overweight, too much food does! Once your pet has been neutered food requirements will lessen; reducing the daily food allowance by a third will help to prevent excess weight gain. You can monitor your pet’s weight by regular weight checks - the scales at the surgery are free to use.
2. All general anesthetics involve some risks. The risk is smaller in young, fit animals than in older pets (e.g. those that are ill with a womb infection).

 

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Castration (orchiectomy)

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Castration is the surgical removal of the testicles. The operation may be performed on any male cat from 4½ months onwards. Castration can be done in any male dog from around 6 months onwards.

Reasons for ...

1. Reduction of the desire to stray or roam.
2. In cats, castration can reduce: aggressive behavior; territorial marking - spraying urine to mark territory; the strong, offensive odor of cat urine; and territorial fighting (so reducing the risk of Feline Leukemia).
3. In entire male dogs, some potentially life-threatening medical problems are more likely to occur e.g. hernias, prostate trouble, testicular tumors. Castration reduces or removes the danger.
4. He will be unable to reproduce - so there will be no unwanted offspring.

Reasons against ...

1. Weight gain. This is always a worry as this in itself can cause problems. Neutering doesn't make your pet overweight, too much food does! Once your pet has been neutered food requirements will lessen; reducing the daily food allowance by a third will help to prevent excess weight gain. You can monitor your pet’s weight by regular weight checks - the scales at the surgery are free to use.
2. All general anesthetics involve some risks. The risk is smaller in young, fit animals than in older pets.

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Incidentally have you ever considered having your rabbit neutered? Neutered rabbits are more social towards one another and relations between owner and rabbit can be improved. More importantly females can suffer from womb cancer; the incidence is in excess of 80% in rabbits over 4 years of age. If you would like more information about neutering your rabbit, please contact the clinic.

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PETS – (Pet Travel Scheme)

The Government will now allow some pets to re-enter the UK from certain countries without the need to go through quarantine. This means you may be able to take your pets on holiday! Of course there are strict conditions that must be met first:

• Your pet to be microchipped.  The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination and should meet International Standards so international machines can read it.

• A rabies vaccination AFTER your pet has been microchipped.  Three weeks needs to elapse after the vaccination before your pet can enter or re-enter the UK

• A pet passport to be issued by your vet

• Tapeworm treatment (dogs only) not less than 24 hours or  more than 5 days before returning to UK.  Tick treatment is no longer required (but is still advisable) 

• In some countries an extra certificate is needed to meet with their own regulations, this is an export health certificate and DEFRA (Department for the Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs) will be able to inform you if your pet needs one.

Pet Passport

PETS enables pet cats and dogs to enter or re-enter the UK without having to go through the strict six months quarantine. This is providing that the animal has come from a qualifying country and meets all the requirements of the scheme. Qualifying countries are certain countries which are involved in the scheme. A dog or cat may leave the UK, visit one or more of these countries then return to the UK, providing they meet all the conditions of the scheme.

This list of qualifying countries is frequently being updated. Contact DEFRA, for an updated list of qualifying countries. The conditions of the scheme are to be adhered to precisely. Failure to do so can lead to your pet becoming impounded and forced into six months of quarantine.

• 
  
  Re-entry into the UK
  Before your pet is allowed into the UK your travel company will check at the point of embarkation: its microchip number (this is done using a simple scanner) the official PETS certificate the certificate of treatment against tapeworm.  Providing that all criteria has been met and that all paper work is in order your pet will be allowed into the UK. Failure of any part will be subject to further checks. If there are any doubts about its vaccination and health status, it will not be allowed into the UK, except to go into quarantine. (Visit our own boarding and quarantine kennels on www.chingfordkennels.co.uk) Personal preparation and organization Do this well in advance. Check that all is in order before you go abroad with your pet or if you wish to bring your pet into the UK.
  
  

• Contact your veterinary surgeon before taking your pet abroad. Only certain approved routes and transport companies are involved in the PETS travel scheme; check what is available to you. Your travel company can be contacted for further advice.
  
• Think about your pet's comfort for all of the journey/stay. Does your cat or dog become stressed during journeys and/or nervous when in strange places? If so, it may be kinder to seek alternate arrangements for them at home or book them into a boarding establishment, www.chingfordkennels.co.uk Animals will die in hot cars so avoid direct sunshine and traveling in high temperatures. Make frequent stops to allow your dog to relieve itself and for your pet to have a drink. Always make sure your cat or dog is suitably restrained and secure during the entire journey.
  
• Check to see if your destination will allow your pet to stay.
  
• Enquire about a local veterinary surgeon in case of emergencies during your stay. Your pet may be exposed to diseases which do not normally occur in the UK. In these cases your pet will not have a natural immunity to fight off such diseases and may become very ill. Preventative care is available prior to leaving therefore contact your vet on these matters.
  
• If you are going on a day trip with your pet you will need to have it treated against tapeworm prior to leaving the UK, so that it is treated 24-48 hours prior to embarkation to the UK. This will mean you will need to have your pet treated and have the appropriate certificate before you leave the UK. Your vet will be able to provide you with the relevant certification.
  
• Some insurance companies will insure your dog or cat while abroad but this cover needs to be activated prior to your departing the UK. Check your insurance company to check your existing policy.

For more information contact your veterinary surgery, travel company and DEFRA www.defra.gov.uk

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Dental care for dogs and cats

If you didn’t clean your teeth regularly would you expect to suffer from dental problems? Of course you would.

80% of cats and dogs over the age of 7 have significant dental disease.

Bacteria in the mouth form plaque which hardens to form tartar if not cleaned off. This harbours more bacteria, which cause a bad smell, receding gums and eventually rotten teeth.

Not only is dental disease painful, it also can also lead to lots of other health problems as a result of bacteria from teeth entering the blood stream. These include abscesses, kidney disease and heart disease

Toothbrushing is the best solution

How to brush your dog’s teeth

1.    First introduce your pet to toothpaste by applying some to your finger or a toy. Let them lick the toothpaste – they will love the taste. Do this for 3-5 days

2.    Next step is to place your finger with the applied toothpaste into your pet’s mouth and gently massage the teeth and gums. Repeat this until your pet is comfortable with finger brushing, gradually increasing the areas you are massaging.

3.    Try as above using a finger brush (thimble shaped, soft rubber, available to buy in the surgery). It can take 2-3 weeks to master this.

4.    At this stage you should be ready to introduce a toothbrush. Wet the toothbrush with a small amount of water and push the toothpaste well into the bristles. Start with just a few teeth, gradually increasing the number as your pet gets used to it.

5.    Lift the dog’s lips to clean the molars and premolars, but you do not need to hold his mouth open. Use an upward and downward motion to gently clean the teeth, paying attention to where the teeth and gums meet.  Start with the back teeth, gradually making your way to the front.  When you have mastered this technique it should become part of your daily routine, along with the feeds, walks and cuddles!

If you have any concerns about this, speak to one of our nurses and she should be able to give you a demonstation of the technique.



Signs of dental disease

* Bad breath
* Drooling
* Pain when eating
* Eating less
* Weight loss
* Not grooming as much (cats)
* Seeming quiet and withdrawn

Dental treatment

If you notice any of the above signs in your pet, they may need dental treatment. You can arrange a free nurse appointment to assess the problem. Once tartar has started to build up, scaling under general anaesthetic is needed to remove it. Often teeth need to be removed - for example if there is severe gum disease or if the tooth is damaged.

Animals' mouths heal very quickly and they are usually eating better than before within 2 or 3 days of treatment, even if they have no teeth left! This is because they are no longer in pain.

If you can brush your pet’s teeth every day you may be able to preserve the remaining teeth. If brushing is not possible, teeth will continue to deteriorate and more dental treatment is likely to be needed, often every year or so.

Prevention is better than cure - and considerably cheaper for you and less painful for your cat or dog!

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Is your pet scared of fireworks?

If so, you are not alone - recent research suggests that almost half of dogs in the UK show some level of fearful response to loud noises.

Fears of fireworks don't get better on their own - in fact they are likely to get worse over time and lead to other behavioural problems.     There are various "cures" on the market - however, although desensitising CDs are thought to work eventually, they do require daily input by the owner for many months before bonfire night.  We can advise you on this and provide you with a desensitising CD.

At Churnet Vets we are promoting a unique product, called Zylkène.   It is a novel product proven to help manage stress in cats and dogs.  It can also help you pet adapt to change.  Zylkène is natural, palatable and easy to give with food and only needs to be given once daily.

Zylkène contains a-casozepine, a protein made from cow's milk, which has relaxing properties.  It can be used both for short-term stress, eg kennel or cattery stay, fireworks, or long-term eg multi-cat household.

Zylkène should be started 1-2 days before the fireworks are anticipated.  It can then be continued throughout the firework period and then stopped.

What can you do straightaway?

• Provide a den or hiding place, a "bolt hole" - animals naturally hide when they are scared and it can help to provide a "safe place" which they can squeeze into, like an understairs cupboard or an indoor kennel with blankets over the top and inside.
  

• Muffle the sound of the fireworks - close curtains, shut outside doors and windows, and have your pet as near to the centre of the house as possible.   Put on the TV or radio to mask the sound.
  

• Keep them inside - don't let pets outside when fireworks are likely or during a display.  Take dogs out for toilet purposes before it gets dark and then keep them in.  A firework going off when they are outside can lead to a fear of going out.
  

• Don't over-fuss them - This can be difficult, but if they rely on you for comfort during scary events, they will be less able to cope when you are not at home and make matters worse in the long term.
  

• Stay calm yourself - most pets can sense when their owners are worried, and this increases their stress.  Let them hide in the den, and leave them there until the fireworks have finished and they come out.  You can give your pet lots of fuss once they emerge.
  

• Don't get angry - although your pet's behaviour may be annoying it is happening because they are scared and getting cross will only make them worse.   Don't try and take your pet out of its hiding place - this increases their stress and could lead to aggression.
  

• Prepare for unusual behaviour - fear can make your pet behave out of character.  For example, if they anticipate that going into the garden predicts a loud noise, they may hide or show aggression to avoid going outside.
  

• Talk to us - we can advise short-term measures wshich may include medications, particularly if they don't settle but pace around in distress.  This will help reduce you pet's stress during upcoming firework events and help prevent their fears becoming worse.

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