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FLEAS: PREVENTION IS CHEAPER THAN TREATMENT

Fleas, the very word has you itching and scratching but if you have a pet then please read on, as the weather starts to get milder, we should start thinking about preventitive treatment for our pets: Fleas infestations are one of the most common health problems in your pets life.  These tiny pests are much more than just an annoyance to your pet.  The flea season was traditionally between April to November, however with central heating for an indoor pet it is all year round.  A female flea lays as many as 50 eggs a day on your pet.  They fall off into the surroundings and hatch in 2-5 days.  Female fleas can lay about 1500 eggs in her lifetime.  After hatching the larvae move into the cracks and crevices of your house and grow to pupae.  They can remain dormant for up to a year and when the environmental condition is right will hatch into adult fleas.  This is when they detect heat and carbon dioxide indicating that a pet is nearby.  Then they jump onto that pet and begin the life cycle all over again. Warning Signs: Flea Dirt:Black spots on your pets bed could be flea dirt. Flea Comb: Run the comb over your pet if black dirt sticks to the comb this could be flea dirt. Scratching: They usually scrath excessively if infested with fleas. Fleas can cause all kind of illness in your pet, to name a few: FAD: Flea allergy dermatitis: TAPEWORM: If a flea is ingested by your pet the tapeworm is released and continues to develop into the adult worm within the intestine of your pet. ANAEMIA: Can occur in older or younger pets. Prevention: There are many different types of prevention on the market for your pets.  We stock a large range at them in the Veterinary Centre, from spray to topical form.  Fleas can be prevented easily by just applying a liquid to the back of your pets neck.  Remember Fleas and Worms go hand in hand, so treat your pet for both.  All pets vary in size and it is important that your pet receives the correct dosage so pop in and talk to one of our highly trined staff at the Vet Centre and they will ensure that your pet gets the correct treatment/prevention as required. At Gubbins O'Shea & Bramley we offer you a reminder service to let you know when your next worming treaatment is due or we can give you stickers/fridge magnet with a breakdown of how often you need to treat your animal.  If worried about you pet ring for advice on 0539145755.  Remember Fleas can and will bite humans leaving a red lump that can be very itchy. Flea Flea Bites on a human. Flea Life Cycle

TOP TIPS FOR CARING FOR YOUR PETS THIS WINTER

1) Does your pet spend most of his time outside? Ask yourself if you had to spend all your time outside would a fur coat be enough to keep out the cold weather? Probably not, your pets fur coat is not enough protection either during the cold, freezing nights.  Remember it takes more energy to stay warm when its cold, outdoor animals need to eat more during the winter.  Also fresh water is vital for your pets health. 2) Indoor animals have different dietary needs.  They tend to conserve energy and sleep more in the winter months.  You should consult us at Gubbins O'Shea & Bramley, and adjust your pets food intake to make sure they do not become overweight. 3) Make sure your feline friend does not end up going for a joy ride with you, by this, I mean, cats love the warmth of a cars engine and often love to curl up on the warm motor.  This as you can imagine can lead to horrible accidents, before getting into your car, tap the bonnet of your car to awaken your feline friend from its sleep, your cat will thank you in the long run !! 4)Although i have said it before, the most menancing fact of winter can be its deadly chemicals, antifreeze, which can leak from a car,this can taste delicious to your pet but is deadly.  Clean up any spillage, keep your pet away from the garage if possible and if your pet starts to convulse or act in a dizzy, "drunken" way bring him in to us immediately for treatment.  Ring on 0539145755. Remember if your cold in the winter months then most probably so is your pet.  This is a time of year when our beloved pets need that little bit extra attention, if you are concerned about any of the above give us a call and any of our girls in the office can give you advice on how to treat / look after your pet.  Coats can be obtained for short haired pets that need a little more heat when outside and if salt is spread on the road due to freezing conditions this can be very sore on your pets feet cover them up with booties. 

Pet Passport 2012

New rules will  apply 1st January 2012 regarding pet passports: Dogs, Cats and Ferrets: The UK does not permit the import of dogs, cats and ferrets that have not been vaccinated against rabies.  You the pet owner are resonsible for ensuring your pet meets all the rules for entering the UK under the pet travel scheme.  Make sure you have had the procedures carried out in the correct order and your pets documentation is correctly completed.  If you do not your pet may not be able to enter the country or may have to be licensed into quarantine on arrival.  This means delays and will cost you money. Under the EU pet movement system, all pet dogs, cats and ferrets moving between EU member states must the same animal health rules.  From 1 January 2012 the requirement is that all pets travelling from Ireland to England should be microchipped, Vaccinated against rabies (21 days prior to your journey)and accompanied by a pet passport. As both the Republic of Ireland and the UK have had no indigenous rabies for many decades, compliance checks on pets travelling between the two countries will not be applied.  Pet owners travelling with their pets should therefore not experience any change on the ground from the 1st January. Dangereous dogs in Great Britain: In the UK it is illegal to possess certain types of dogs.  If you bring one of these dogs into great britain, you could be prosecuted and the dog seized and destroyed.  If in doubt dont travel with it. Pets entering Ireland from any other UE state will require: 1) Passport / certificate showing identification 2) Rabies vaccination at least 21 days before entry. 3) Tapeworm treatment on all dogs certified in the pets passport by a veterinary surgeon, between 1 - 5days prior to entry.(this is not required from dogs coming directly from the UK) There is a list of high risk and low risk non EU countries, which have a further list of requirements, please check out www.agriculture.gov.ie/pets for further information.

House Training your puppy!

I was asked today about puppy training and if you are a new dog owner you will find that one of the first tasks and most important ones is house training. Training your puppy should take approximately 2 - 3 weeks to establish a routine and training should start from the moment you take possession.  When collecting your new puppy call in to us for a puppy health check and we can go through his vaccinating, worming, de-fleaing treatment etc.  We have Free puppy packs at Gubbins O'Shea & Bramley, full of helpful information on your new puppy.  Have a look in our shop and get your pet a collar and lead, this is needed for training. 1) Desingate an area outside for your puppy. 2) Do not allow your puppy to free feed until house training is well established. Be careful to feed your puppy the correct food, check with us or call 0539145755 for advice. You should schedule your pups feed time for at least 2 hours before you leave the house, that way he can eat, digest and relieve himself before you go.  Do not leave snaks for him. 3) Keep your puppys nap times and sleep times as routine as possible. Supervising your pet: 1) when your puppy stops playing and starts to look around, it usually means he needs to go out. 2) If your pet makes a mistake firmly but quietly say No and take him straight to where he should go. 3) When your pup relieves himself in the correct area, calmly praise him. Everyone should use the same word "Good potty". 4) Take your dog out, when he wakes up after he has eaten and after all play sessions. If you catch your dog in the act, firmly say No and clap your hands, bring him outside to the designated area and praise him if he goes there.  Clean the mess with a deodorizing or odor killing cleanser.  Vanilla extract helps eliminate the smell. If you find a mess, do not punish the dog, accept that you were not paying attention to him, put the dog on his leash bring him to the mess and scold the mess, do not scold the dog, with a piece of paper bring the mess to the desingnated area and praise it for being in the right place. Now after reading this I'm sure your thinking how silly you will sound, scolding your puppies mess but believe me It does work, stick with it and enjoy your pet, remember you have lots and lots of friends he only has you. Puppy Training

Winter has Arrived!! Dangers of Antifreeze to our pets.

Antifreeze: This is actually a winter and summer potential problem. Cats and dogs are attracted to the sweet smell and taste of antifreeze and will often sample some if left out in a container or spilled onto the garage floor.  Antifreeze is highly toxic and it is rapidly absorbed and unfortunatly has a high mortality rate. Success of treatment is dependent upon quick treatment.  If you suspect that your animal has come into contact with antifreeze contact us immediately on 0539145755. PROTECT YOUR PETS THIS WINTER

Could your pet be diabetic

It is well known that there are millions of people living with undiagnosed diabetes all over the world.  There could also be a similar number of undiagnosed diabetic pets !! Dogs and cats suffer from diabetes in the same way as people do.  It is thought that approximately 1 in 300 dogs and cats have diabetes - which makes this one of the most common hormonal diseases in pets.  Like any other disease early diagnosis is beneficial so it is important to look out for signs of diabetes in your pet.  Is your pet showing any of the following symptoms: 1) Increased drinking 2) Weight loss despite a healthy appetitie. 3) Increased urination 4) Lethargy. It should be noted that not all pets show these signs however if you're worried that your pet may have the condition, please let us know.  At Gubbins O'Shea & Bramley we can confirm if your pet suffers from diabetes by performing a simple urine or blood test. If your pet does have diabetes we can treat successfully with insulin.  If you would like your pet checked out please contact the office and make an appointment at 0539145755, remember early diagnosis and treatment is the best way forward. written by Michelle Monitor your pets water intake

How to Care for Your Pets in Cold Weather

They’re not ‘just pets’; they’re more like family members who need extra care, especially when the weather becomes harsh and they start to show signs of discomfort. When it’s extremely cold outside and temperatures drop to sub-zero levels, it’s time to ensure that your pet is warm and comfortable, just as you are. And to do this, here are a few tips: Indoor pets don’t face much of a problem during extremely cold weather; ensure that their bedding is warm and dry and that they have enough food and water that has not frozen over in the bowl.   If you cannot take your pet out for their daily exercise because of the cold weather, find a suitable way for them to expend their excess energy indoors. Also, supplement their diet with protein and other nutrients to keep them healthy and their coats glowing.   For dogs that live outdoors and sleep in kennels, ensure that they have closed and well-insulated sleeping and resting areas during cold weather. Their bedding must be warm and dry, and also comfortable to sleep on. Also provide them with a heated water dish to ensure that their water does not freeze.  If you own a cat, don’t let them outdoors during cold weather because they could easily get lost. Also, ensure that you keep your dogs on a leash when you take them out in cold weather to prevent them from running away and getting lost – dogs can lose their sense of smell in cold weather and are unable to find their way back home.   Don’t use heating elements unless they are recommended for use in animal habitats – you don’t want accidental fires or burns to harm your pet.   If your pet chews through cloth and other material, don’t provide them with blankets or anything else they can choke on.  Use straw or a similar alternative.   Keep your driveway clear of ice, and if you see your pet limping, clean their paws in between the toes to remove the ice that’s accumulated there. If you de-ice your driveway and the road outside your home, ensure that you clean your pet’s feet and belly once you get home to prevent them from becoming dry and chapped because of the salt and other anti-freeze agents, and causing pain and gastrointestinal problems as well.   Don’t leave your pet alone in your vehicle during cold weather.  This is just as dangerous as during hot weather.   If you give them a bath, ensure that they’re completely dry before you take them outdoors.   Keep your dog’s coat well brushed and groomed.  The coat needs to breathe in order to insulate against the cold, and matted coats cannot function properly.  If your dog is of the hairless variety or has minimal body hair, dress them up in a wool sweater or similar jacket before you take them out.     Puppies, senior dogs, and dogs that are ill are more sensitive to cold weather than adult dogs.   Prepare for days when you’re housebound because of heavy snowfall and unsafe roads by stocking up on food, medication, litter, and anything else your dog needs on a regular basis. You never know when the harsh weather could keep you indoors for days.   If you see your pet exhibiting signs of hypothermia or frost bite (their body temperature drops drastically), or if they exhibit strange and unusual behavior, take them immediately to see your vet.   And finally, before winter sets in, take your pet to the vet to get them checked out for any sign of disease and prepare for the winter months ahead.

Precautions for your dog against ice/snow

The first snowfall of winter is always exciting. Children bundle up, drag the sleds out of storage, and play outside as long as their parents allow. The family pet usually heads out there with them, rolling and snuffling in the snow, chasing the children as they run from each other’s flying snowballs. When the children come in with chapped lips and faces, we can readily see it and treat it. What you may not be aware of, unless your dog holds up a paw for you, is that the pads of a dog’s feet take a major beating in the cold weather. We need to be aware of the dangers that snow and cold weather present to our pets’ paws, and make dog paw care a top priority. Winter is hard on everyone’s skin. Your dog is no different, except that his skin is completely exposed. Bitter cold can cause chapping and cracking of the dog’s pads, especially if he is outdoors much of the time. Rock salt and chemical de-icers are very irritating to pads as well. Exposure to salt and de-icers, which are commonly used on sidewalks or paths that your dog may frequently walk on, will cause sore pads, infection, or blistering. Not only are the chemicals harmful to paws, but they can be toxic when ingested, causing diarrhea and vomiting. To combat the effects of salt and chemicals, wash the paws with warm water after outdoor play time or walks. You can either use a washcloth, or dip the entire paw into a bowl of warm water. This will wash away any residue so that your dog cannot lick the salt off later and become sick. Pay attention to the space between the toes as well, because small grains of salt can become trapped in there, causing irritation. Once clean, apply Vaseline (other dog paw care products will work, but Vaseline is quite inexpensive and readily available) to the foot pads. This will help to prevent chapping, cracking, and soreness. Make sure to apply the Vaseline again before any outdoor time or walks. As a rule, brush or remove any snow or ice that builds up on your dog. Trim any long hair from the legs that touches the ground. Also, trim any hair from between the dog’s toes; ice loves to collect on this hair. Trim the hair so that it does not hang below the foot pad. Be sure to keep the nails trimmed, because long nails actually cause the toes to separate, allowing ice and salt to become trapped between them. Ouch! If your dog really seems to hate the snow and cold, or if you would like an easier way to protect their paws, consider dog booties. Though it may take a while for your pet to adjust to wearing the booties, they provide a protective barrier at all times. Taking preventive dog paw care measures in the winter months can save your pet a lot of pain and trouble. Be aware of the dangers that snow removal products and cold weather may present to your dog, and protect him!   Call into Gubbins, O’Shea & Bramley for advice or feel free to contact us on 053 9145755

Feliway for cats

Feliway- What do I need to know? What is Feliway? Feliway which can be purchased at Gubbins O'Shea and Bramley is a synthetic copy of the 'feline facial pheromone' and is proven to reassure and comfort cats, helping them to cope with changes in their enviroment or other stressful situations. The effects of Feliway has been shown in more than 13 studies published in scientific journals or presented at veterinary conferences all over the world. Clinical trials show a reduction in urine spraying in up to 91% of households and up to 96% reduction in stress-related vertical scratching. What are 'Facial pheromones'? When a cat feel's safe and comfortable in its enviroment, it rubs its head against the furniture, walls, bottom of curtains etc, leaving a substance called the facial pheromone. This pheromone is specific to cats and conveys a message of security and reassurance. In the presence of this pheromone cats are seen to show less signs of stress. Feliway can be used to: Help reduce, prevent or stop indoor spraying or vertical scratching. Help prevent tension or reduce conflict between cats and restore harmony with your household. Help prevent or reduce stress-related behavioural or medical problems (i.e.:Loss of appetite or reduced desire to interact and play, general nervous behaviour, urinary problems etc...) Help your cat cope in stressful situations - Multi-cat households, changes to the enviroment (i.e. a stay in a cattery, new home or another disruption in the cat's territory such as visitors, builders, Christmas etc.) Transportation. Feliway can also be used under direction from a vet or feline behaviourist to help cats showing other stress-related behavioural or medical problems. Please feel free to contact us for further information on 053 9145755.

Dog Stress

Because dogs get stressed too! As the saying goes it's a dog's life and sometimes it couldn't be more true... The modern day dog may have the luxuries that their ancestors could only dream of but it dosen't mean that life isn't stressful for them. Stress in dogs can be caused by many factors, such as a new home, car travel, going on holiday or fireworks and loud noises. Signs of stress in dogs can go unnoticed, as most owners think that there dog is being naughty or that's just what dogs do, but if left these signs can develop into behaviour problems in later life. Your dog may withdraw from play, become nervous, pace, hide or shake. Adaptil which can be purchased at Gubbins O'Shea and Bramley can help, it is the only non-prescription product proven to control signs of stress in dogs; helping to reassure and comfort them so that they can cope with changes in their enviroment. When using Adaptil clinical trials have shown a positive effect on helping puppies settle into a new home and during puppy socialisation. In adult dogs is has been shown to help with coping in kennels, re-homing, car travel and during fireworks. Adaptil is a copy of the natural dog appeasing pheromone released by the mother when she is feeding her pups. Adaptil is easy to use and available in three convenient forms. As a diffuser, a discrete plug-in which releases the odourless pheromone into the home, a collar and a spray which can be applied directly to objects or areas. Feel free too contact us for more information on 053 9145755. Because dogs get stressed too! As the saying goes it's a dog's life and sometimes it couldn't be more true... The modern day dog may have the luxuries that their ancestors could only dream of but it dosen't mean that life isn't stressful for them. Stress in dogs can be caused by many factors, such as a new home, car travel, going on holiday or fireworks and loud noises. Signs of stress in dogs can go unnoticed, as most owners think that there dog is being naughty or that's just what dogs do, but if left these signs can develop into behaviour problems in later life. Your dog may withdraw from play, become nervous, pace, hide or shake. Adaptil which can be purchased at Gubbins O'Shea and Bramley can help, it is the only non-prescription product proven to control signs of stress in dogs; helping to reassure and comfort them so that they can cope with changes in their enviroment. When using Adaptil clinical trials have shown a positive effect on helping puppies settle into a new home and during puppy socialisation. In adult dogs is has been shown to help with coping in kennels, re-homing, car travel and during fireworks. Adaptil is a copy of the natural dog appeasing pheromone released by the mother when she is feeding her pups. Adaptil is easy to use and available in three convenient forms. As a diffuser, a discrete plug-in which releases the odourless pheromone into the home, a collar and a spray which can be applied directly to objects or areas. Feel free too contact us for more information on 053 9145755.

FIREWORKS AND YOUR PETS

Fireworks While many of us look forward to Bonfire Night and the accompanying firework displays, many pets become stressed and fearful in the run up to and during the fireworks season. In some situations being fearful can be useful; fear is a mechanism that alerts an animal to danger and so may protect it from harm. However, if an animal is afraid of something that does not pose a threat, for example fireworks and loud bangs, such fear can be unhelful and if not managed it can even escalate into a more serious phobia. So how can you recognise if your pet is scared? There are a number of symptoms of fear to look out for which may vary between cats and dogs. Thankfully, there are a number of things we can do to help our pets cope during and around Bonfire Night. Often mild fireworks fears can be successfully managed by using Adaptil for dogs and Feliway for cats to comfort and reassure, especially when used in combination with these hints and tips. If you do find however that your pet has an exaggerated response to fireworks it may be that it has developed a phobia and you should speak to your vet about the best treatment for your pet. Feel free to contact us for advice on 053 9145755. Pets and Fireworks

Would you like 25% less Clinical Mastitis? if so read on:

Most cases of clinical mastitis occur at housing.  The cause is environmental bacteria that enter the udder immediately after milking, while the teat canal is open and during milking if teat preparation is not adequate.  Most dairy farmers have made improvements here, but we still have far too much mastitis.  It is a pain as it interputs milking and as you well know it very costly.  You may ask why is there so much mastitis?, the reason is that environmental bacteria can also enter the udder during the dry period.  They hibernate and then in the next lactation they can cause a clinical case.  This may be at the time of calving (toxic cases) or could be 2 or 3 months later.  Bugs get into the udder because cows teats dont seal well when dry.  The way to get around this is to seal up the inside of the teat.  You use your antibiotic dry cow preparation as normal to kill the bugs in the udder at the end of lactation.  You then infuse Boviseal to stop these bugs entering.  Its as simple as that. Here are a few answers & questions relating to Boviseal: What is boviseal? Its a non antibiotic teat barrier used at drying off Is Boviseal an antibiotic? No Does Boviseal kill bacteria & reduce cell counts? No. It does not contain any antibiotics and has no effect in eliminating subclinical or clinical infections present when cows go dry. How does it work? It sits like a soft paste at the base of the teat acting as a physical seal at the base of the teat and in the teat canal and stops bacteria getting into the udder. Why should i use Boviseal? Research shows that if you use boiseal with an antibiotic dry cow preparation there is an average of between 25 and 30% less clinical mastitis in the following lactation, Plus you see a significant reduction in toxic mastitis cases post calving. Dont cows form a teat plug sealing the teat after drying off? Some do and some dont.  The teat canal is only between 6 and 10mm long.  Research shows that 40% of cows at 20 days after dry off still had open teats and 18% of cows at 50 days after dry off were still open. How long does it remain in the teat canal? At least 100 days. Does it matter whether I put boviseal or antibiotic dry cow therapy into the udder first.? Absolutely, Its essential that you infuse the dry cow antibiotic first and then seal the teat with boviseal. All Dry cow Therapy & Teat Seals is stocked at Gubbins O'Shea & Bramley, Call us for more info at 0539145755