If labelled “do not apply to cats” – believe it
Permethrin is poison to cats “I think I’ve killed her!” Mrs Poplar was hysterical on the phone. She stuttered out that she had decided to apply the flea stuff onto her cat, Cassie, and had just realised that instead she had applied the dog’s anti-tick spot-on. Almost at once Cassie had started shaking, and Mrs […]
Suprising things that can be toxic to our pets
I have always said that the day I stop learning new things is the day I should retire! But I was surprised to learn last week that avocado leaves can be toxic to rabbits, if eaten in sufficient quantity. I only heard recently that a person can die if we bite into just two cherry […]
Fly strike risk in rabbits
Rabbits need regular tail checks through the summer. Rabbits are not second-class citizens! OK, so maybe we are a bit bonkers about bunnies at The Mewes, but we really do believe that they deserve the same levels of care as our pet cats and dogs. That’s why we were upset to read about a new […]
Not all pets have fur
As it was St George’s Day last Tuesday 23rdApril, let’s celebrate the dragon. Bearded dragons are perhaps the easiest of the reptiles to keep in captivity. Having said that, no reptile should ever be considered an easy pet. They are completely dependent on their owner, so that if we get things wrong within their little […]
Can humans be affected by the transfer of ticks from domestic animals?
What is a tick? Ticks are eight-legged spider- like parasites that live by sucking the blood from other creatures. This year we seem to be seeing far more pets than usual being affected by ticks, and so we are changing our advice on routine parasite prevention. Ticks can bite people, but it is very rare […]
Dogs: Christmas Care Advice From Your Local Vet
Christmas is a traditional time for friendship, family and feasting. But as we enjoy the festive season, spare a thought for those who can’t control their instinct to guzzle! I know a few dogs who snatch at put themselves at risk by snatching potential foodstuffs and swallowing them without a moment’s thought. A not-so golden moment for […]
Nip your pet’s romance in the bud with a simple snip
“My kitten’s only four months’ old. She can’t get pregnant.” Wrong – at this time of year, the onset of puberty comes early, and even a four month old queen can fall pregnant, or start a pregnancy if he’s a tom. “My cat’s kittens are only four weeks’ old. She can’t get pregnant again.” Wrong […]
Cat care – one paw-kward patient
Some cats just don’t want to be helped! Bob was one such patient. And when a cat chooses not to cooperate they can be nasty. The problem was that Bob had every reason to be bad-tempered – he had a seriously injured cornea. Ideally he should have received regular eye drops, but he let his owners know that […]
Our advice: make first aid your first choice
My daughter has put louse treatment onto the cat! Is it safe? We received this call just last month. A small child had regularly watched Mum apply the flea and worm protection I prescribe safely to the cat. She herself had the leave-in shampoo against nits. How could she possibly know that it might be […]
It’s time to put down your spanner & read this cat care advice
In this quiet week, perhaps you’re planning to do a little car maintenance? Catch up on the winter checks, top up the antifreeze? If so – a word of caution! Antifreeze is incredibly toxic to pets and wildlife, and even a minor spill could spell death. The problem is that it tastes so good! Animals, […]
Fireworks Night – The Night To Keep Your Pets Extra Safe
Fireworks night is coming again! And while the colours that light the night sky are impressive, for me the most important thing to remember is our pets. Caring for your rabbits If you have outdoor hutches with rabbits or guinea pigs, please spare them some of your time. When you know which night is going to be […]
Weight Management – Have You Made Your New Year’s Resolution?
For many of us, this is the time of year to get our weight under control. But for pet owners, they have double responsibility: for themselves and their pets! A client shared with me recently that she saw a saying at a canine rescue shop: “If your dog is fat then you’re not getting enough […]
National Handwashing Awareness Week
Reptiles make fascinating pets. But they are not easy to keep, and we need to be very aware of our hand hygiene whenever we handle them. As it is National Handwashing Awareness Week, I thought it worth mentioning that many pet reptiles carry the bacterium Salmonella on their skin. It is harmless when on the outside […]
