Dogs

Senior Pets

By DevAccount 27 May, 2022 Cats, Dogs

Aging is an unavoidable part of life, and when it comes to our pets, some will age without any major issues, and some will need a little extra TLC. It is important to know what age-related changes look like and how to manage them appropriately, so we can ensure our pets are comfortable.

When does my pet become a senior?
This can vary between individuals and can be greatly influenced by breed, size, pre-existing health conditions and living situations, but typically:

• Small dogs – six to seven years old
• Large dogs – five to six years old
• Cats – eight to ten years old

You might notice some physical and behavioural changes, such as:

• Greying or whitening fur around the nose and mouth or throughout the coat
• A general ‘slowing down’ or a slightly less bouncy personality
• Longer and more frequent naps throughout the day
• More frequent urination, and perhaps the odd ‘accident’
• Increased vocalisation – this can be caused by increased anxiety, confusion or frustration

Common Senior Pet Ailments
Some of the age-related changes our pets may experience may be uncomfortable and impact their daily lives a little more than a greying moustache. If you notice any of the below it is important to have your vet check them out to determine a plan to help your pet

• Arthritis (inflammation of the joints, making it uncomfortable to stand up and move around).
• Loss of eyesight –caused by a clouding of the eyes, cataracts or other eye diseases.
• Loss of hearing.
• Incontinence – this is common in older pets but there are plenty of treatment plans your vet can recommend. Incontinence can also indicate urinary tract infections, kidney disease or hormonal changes.
• Weight changes – due to reduced physical activity and/or changes in hormones as they age, older pets can gain weight. You may also find that they lose weight due to a changed appetite, reduced nutrient absorption, reduced muscle mass or even a digestive illness. Weight gain or loss as a pet ages isn’t normal and should be investigated by your vet.
• Lumps and bumps are definitely more common as our pets age! It is always recommended to get them checked by a vet to rule out possible nasties.
• Smelly breath – just like us, our pet’s immune systems weaken with age, so their bodies can’t fight off germs as easily as they once did. We can see this as gum disease, tooth decay, or other infections in the mouth, leading to smelly breath. Smelly breath can mean a painful mouth for your pet (not to mention offensive to us!) so check in with our team if you notice this.

How can I make my senior pet more comfortable? 
There are plenty of ways to manage your pet’s aging, and these tips are very easy to implement:

• Talk to your vet about your pet’s diet – they may need more nutritious food for nurturing specific conditions and even the inclusion of dietary supplements.
• Let your senior pet sleep inside in winter – keeping them comfy and warm will keep them feeling safe and secure, as well as help to alleviate any arthritis symptoms.
• Provide them with soft and easily accessible (not too high or low) bedding.
• Add extra water bowls around the house (and closer to their bed area) so they do not need to move around unnecessarily.
• Raise food and water bowls to prevent your pet needing to hunch to access the contents.
• Offer extra litter trays or make sure their toileting area is easily accessible.
• Keep your senior pet active with simple, low impact activities and exercises.
• Keep an eye on the temperature. As pets age they may struggle with regulating their body temperature – in winter keep your pet indoors where possible, move their bedding inside and investigate pet jackets or jumpers for some breeds.

If you have a senior pet, we invite you to come into the clinic for a health check to make sure your best friend is in tip-top shape, especially ahead of the winter months where the cooler temperatures can slow everyone down. Call us on 07 3357 3882 or email info@wilstonvet.com.au to book your consultation today.

Winter Grooming

By DevAccount 27 May, 2022 Cats, Dogs

Grooming your pet is just as important in winter as it is during the rest of the year – it’s not just about looking good, but promoting good health and comfort. Every pet’s coat is different, so it is important to make sure you understand how to look after them properly. If you are not sure, speak to us before the cool weather sets in. Grooming your pet for winter doesn’t need to be an ordeal, it can be an extremely simple and comfortable activity with these squeaky-clean tips!

Bathing:
Bathing guidelines are a little different, depending on your pet. When it comes to cats, most don’t really need (or enjoy!) a bath. Dogs on the other hand, typically need more frequent bathing.  Of course, there are special circumstances when you may need to bathe your pet more or less:

• If they are recovering from an injury or procedure and cannot clean themselves efficiently you may need to bathe your pet.
• Some hairless cats require frequent bathing, speak to your vet for advice.
• They may need an unscheduled bath if their coat has become matted, stuck with something that cannot be cleaned naturally or even just rolled in something smelly.
• If your pet has dry skin or other skin conditions, they may benefit from less (or more) frequent bathing.
  
  

When you do have to bathe your pet, keep in mind a few important tips:

• Never use human shampoo and conditioner! The pH levels are different to what your pet needs and can cause skin irritations. Make sure you buy a specific kitten, cat, puppy, or dog shampoo.
  
  
• Check the temperature – pets can’t tolerate the same water temperatures adult humans can. Make sure the water is comfortably warm but not hot or cold – imagine you are running a bath for a newborn baby. Use the tip of your elbow to check the temperature.
  
  
• Make sure to dry your pet properly after a bath. Whether this is with a hairdryer or towel, it is important to make sure your pet dries thoroughly. Leaving your pet’s coat wet can lead to problematic skin conditions, matted fur and can also cause hypothermia in cold weather. If your pet prefers to air dry after a quick towel rub, make sure you bathe them early on a warm day so they have plenty of time to dry in the sun.
  
  
• Remember to keep an eye on your hair dryer’s temperature if you use one – these can get HOT!

Brushing:
Brushing your pet’s coat is extremely important for removing knots to prevent mats from forming. A smooth, well brushed coat is key to properly insulating and keeping your pet clean in winter. Some dog and cat breeds have double (and even triple!) coats, so getting rid of tangles needs to be a priority! Try to brush your pet every couple of days (depending on their coat).

Footcare:
Our pets need paw-dicures too! Here are some easy tips for looking after your pet’s feet:

• Keep your pet’s nails trimmed – this will prevent painful cracked or curling nails and more serious long-term foot and leg damage.
• Take your dog outside to walk on hard and rough surfaces like concrete – the rough surface will act as a file and help to wear their nails down naturally.
• Trim your cat’s claws during winter – if they spend more time indoors when it is cold outside, they might be more prone to scratch household furniture and other indoor pets!
• Keep the fur in between your pet’s toes trimmed neatly. If this becomes wet through walking, it may be slow to dry, encouraging bacterial growth that causes skin irritations and other issues (not to mention, it will become smelly!).

Dry Skin
Just like us, our pet’s skin can become dry in winter too. This can be for a number of reasons (incl. parasites, cool weather or allergies) and may be treated with moisturisers, dietary supplements, regular grooming and if needed, medication (check with us before starting your pet on any treatment). It is important to check your pet closely for signs of dry or irritated skin –

• Itchiness (look for excessive scratching),
• Dandruff, scabby and flaky skin,
• Cracked paws,
• Hair loss,
• Increased oiliness,
• An unpleasant odour.

No matter how big or small your pet is, proper winter grooming will keep them happy, healthy, comfortable and looking fantastic over the cooler months!
Have a chat with us today about grooming and any concerns you may have – you can get in touch by calling 07 3357 3882 or emailing info@wilstonvet.com.au!

Obesity & Weight loss

By DevAccount 27 May, 2022 Cats, Dogs

The internet is full of cute, funny photos and videos of ‘chonky’ pets – but a fat cat or pudgy pup is no laughing matter. Much the same as humans, overweight and obese animals are susceptible to a range of dangerous and uncomfortable health conditions, and ultimately can lead to a shortened life.

Obesity is one of the most common nutritional disorders our vets see in cats and dogs. In Australia and New Zealand, nearly half of all pet dogs and approximately a third of pet cats are overweight!
Some common ailments caused by being overweight include:

• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease (heart disease)
• Degenerative joint and orthopedic disease (including arthritis)
• Joint stress or musculoskeletal pain
• Respiratory problems
• Cancer and tumours
• Skin problems
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Reproductive disorders
• Decreased quality of life
• Shorter life expectancy

What causes pets to become overweight?

There are a few ways our pets can gain excess weight, and whilst some breeds are more susceptible to weight-gain than others, most reasons come down to our willpower as a responsible pet parent! These causes can include:

• Feeding extra treats
• Feeding unhealthy treats
• Feeding an unbalanced diet
• Lack of exercise
  
  

How do I know if my pet is overweight?

Your pet might be overweight if:

• You experience difficulty when trying to feel their ribs
• You cannot see a defined ‘waist’
• You can see obvious fat deposits and rolls
• They are no longer grooming themselves efficiently, if at all
• They are reluctant to exercise or are disinterested
• They quickly become tired and refuse to continue exercise
• They have a ‘waddle’ to their walk – or other abnormal movement
• They are at a weight dramatically different from breed guidelines
• They are often panting – even without movement or exercise

Healthy treats and fun exercise

Avoid feeding your pet ‘junk food’ treats like jerky type strips and highly processed snacks that might be purchased in the supermarket. Human treats are also a big no-no – no matter how cute those begging eyes are. It is also important not to feed your pet treats here and there ‘just because’. Use treats as a reward for positive behaviours and training.
Some healthier reward treats include:

• A small percentage of your pet’s daily feed allowance (kibble)
• Fresh foods like carrots, zucchini, berries, or beans for dogs
• Small amounts of cooked fish, catnip, or cat grass for cats

Some simple ways to include fun exercise in your pet’s day include:

• A walk
• Playing with your pet – inside or in the backyard
• Fetch (for cats and dogs!)
• Tug-o-war
• Swimming
• Climbing toys and spaces for cats
• Chasing laser toys
• Socialising with other animals your pet is comfortable with
• Nose-works – get your cat or dog moving by hiding healthy treats or interesting smells for them to sniff out

What can I do if I think my pet is overweight?

If you suspect your pet is overweight, it is important not to change their diet or exercise schedule drastically or quickly – this could exacerbate the problem. Book an appointment to see our team, and together we will create a plan to help your pet reach their optimal weight in a healthy and sustainable manner.