Alongside a well-balanced diet, one way to support their microbiome, or “good bacteria” is by incorporating pre and probiotics into their diet. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of pre and probiotics for dogs, how they work, and how you can introduce them into your dog’s daily routine.

So whether you’re dealing with digestive issues or simply looking to boost your pet’s health, pre and probiotics might be the answer you’ve been searching for!

What are prebiotics and probiotics?

Probiotics are live bacteria, often referred to as “the good bacteria”, and can be found to have various health benefits which contribute to healthy gut function, enabling proper digestion and boosting the immune system.

While probiotics are naturally occurring in the body, they can be supplemented to manipulate the gut bacteria to a more favourable balance of good bacteria.

Prebiotics are “the food” for the probiotics. They are specialised fibres that help support the probiotics already present in the gut. They act as nourishment for the probiotics, stimulating their growth and aiding their effectiveness.

Why are pre and probiotics important for dogs?

Promoting a well-balanced ecosystem of gut bacteria is fundamental for your pet to have a healthy gut and body. An imbalance can contribute to a range of common health challenges in pets such as digestive issues, allergies and weakened immunity. Probiotics can support the digestive system, helping with issues like diarrhoea, constipation and food sensitivities. They can also aid in supporting strengthening the immune system as well as skin and coat health.

In short, pre and probiotics are an essential part of a healthy gut and a happy, thriving pet.

How can pre and probiotics support behaviour in dogs?

The expansive microbiome support health benefits such as good digestion and strong immunity, but they can also play a role in dogs’ behaviour. As part of their metabolism, they communicate with the brain via neurotransmitters. The gut and brain can also communicate via neural and immune pathways in a two-way direction. This is known as the gut-brain axis.

Research is showing that the composition of the gut microbiome can have an effect on the cognitive abilities of dogs, and that a healthy gut microbiome could support positive behaviour in dogs.

What are the health benefits?

• Improved digestion
• Relief of diarrhoea and constipation  
• Can help support anxious dogs via the gut brain axis
• Can help with higher energy levels and alertness
• Helps boost the immune system
• Healthy skin
• A shiny, soft coat

Types of probiotic supplements for dogs

Probiotics for dogs can come in many forms, some of the most common are powders, pastes, chews and tablets. The best form of supplement will be down to your individual pet based on their preferences and needs. For help on choosing the right supplement, speak to your vet for advice.

One option is Omniflora, a symbiotic that combines probiotics, parabiotics, postbiotics, prebiotics, adsorbing agents, simple amino acids and electrolytes, in amounts that favour the balance of the microbiota, provide intestinal nutrition and support the restoration of electrolyte losses. Omniflora comes in paste and tablet form to cater to different pet preferences.

How to introduce probiotics into your pet’s routine

• Start with small doses to monitor tolerance.
• Mix with food or treats for easy consumption.
• Gradually increase the dose as recommended.

It is always best to consult your vet before starting your pet on any supplements, but when you have a plan in place, see our top tips on introducing them into your pet’s routine:

Do you have any questions on pet probiotics? Reach out to a member of our team today, or have a look at our probiotic for dogs, Omniflora, an excellent solution to support gastrointestinal health and balance.

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Delve into our top tips and tricks to keep your pets safe this bonfire night. 

1. Keep your animals safely indoors  

Ensuring that your furry friend is safely indoors during firework displays is essential for their comfort and wellbeing. Keeping pets inside not only prevents them escaping, but also helps to muffle the loud noises created by fireworks.  

Try to create a calm and secure environment where they can feel safe. Consider preparing a cosy area with their favourite blankets and toys. -Let your pet pick the spot –  behind the sofa, under the table, a covered crate or indoor kennel… Playing some calming music can also help to mask the sound of fireworks and create a more relaxed atmosphere.  

For dogs, a long-lasting treat or chew toy can provide a good distraction, and for cats, interactive toys or puzzle feeders may help to keep them occupied. Make sure to stay nearby if you can, as your presence will also offer comfort and reassurance.  

2. Desensitise your dogs and cats  

Desensitising your dog or cat to loud noises is a good idea but this has to be done well in advance of firework season. Pick a calm and quiet place to carry out firework desensitisation. Start to play an audio recording of fireworks at a very low volume and reward your pet for calm behaviour with a treat , their favourite toy, or just some fuss from you . Increase the volume gradually and remember that each individual will respond differently, so take things at your pet’s pace. 

3. Make sure your pet is microchipped  

When pets feel scared and stressed, their natural instinct may be to run. Keeping dogs on leads, securing cat flaps and closing doors and windows will help to keep pets safe, but if the unexpected does happen, having your pet microchipped could make the difference between finding them and not. Microchips are a reliable way for vets and charities to identify lost pets and to contact their owners. However, this relies on the microchip having accurate and up-to-date contact information. So, make it a habit to update your contact details any time there’s a change so that you can be reached quickly once your pet is found. Did you know it is also a legal requirement that all UK dogs and cats are microchipped and the contact details are up to date? 

4. Small pets and fireworks  

Fireworks can be quite frightening for small pets, especially those that are prey animals in the wild, like rabbits and guinea pigs. 

So, if you have pets that usually live outside, consider bringing them indoors while the fireworks are going off. Make sure to choose a cool, quiet room to help reduce any stress that they may feel from the sudden change in environment or temperature.  

To help them feel secure, create several hiding spots using items like cardboard boxes, tubes or small covered enclosures. Filling these hiding places with bedding can help to muffle the noise and create a sense of comfort.  

5. Tips for horse owners  

It’s not just pets at home that can be frightened by fireworks – horses can too. If you are a horse owner, you’ve likely encountered this problem before, but with the right preparation, you can help your horse to feel more secure.  

One of the most important things you can do is plan ahead. Knowing in advance when and where local firework displays will take place allows you to prepare properly. Speak with your neighbours and let them know that you have horses and that you need to prepare for firework displays so that so that they can make sure to let you know in advance if they are planning any private displays. 

If there’s a fireworks event nearby, consider bringing your horse into their stable. However, if they are used to living out, leaving them in their field may be less stressful, as it avoids the added disruption of a change in environment.  

There are also a variety of calming supplements available that may help to ease your horse’s stress. If you know that a display is coming up, you could try giving your horse calming cookies or supplements. Administering these a few hours before and during the fireworks can help to keep your horse relaxed.  

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Although summer is a time for lots of fun, it also brings unique challenges to pet owners and their furry friends.

What seasonal stressors should you be on the lookout for? Read on to learn our top 5 hazards to pets this summer and how you can keep your pet happy and healthy all season long.

1. Ensure Proper Hydration

One of the most important summer pet care tips is ensuring proper hydration for your pet. Just like we need to up our fluid intake when it’s hot, your pet should have access to a constant supply of fresh water to prevent dehydration. Make sure to provide multiple water sources throughout your home and, if possible, in the shade outside too. For pets that live outdoors, such as some rabbits and guinea pigs, ensure that their water bottles remain topped up with ample amounts of water throughout the day and remember to replace this regularly to keep it fresh and cool.

What if your pet is reluctant to drink? Some animals, such as cats, require less water than others to stay hydrated, but they must be still offered a constant supply of water that they can easily access.

How can you encourage your pet to drink more?

• Regularly top up their water.
• Carry a water bottle and a convenient collapsible bowl on walks and when away from home.
• Consider using a pet water fountain to keep water moving and fresh. These are particularly popular among cats.
• For small animals, introduce leafy greens with a higher water content to their diet alongside their existing water supply.
• Use ice cubes or frozen water bottles to keep water cooler for longer, especially if you know you may not be around to replace it as frequently.

• Keep your pet cool

Keeping your pet cool during the hot summer months is essential to prevent heatstroke. Different pets require different methods of keeping cool, but all pets need access to a shaded resting place to escape the heat.

If you have a pet that lives outside, make sure that their home or hutch is situated out of the direct sunlight at peak times of day, and in the shade as frequently as possible. For dogs, cats and other pets that live indoors, make sure that they have access to the coolest rooms in your home. This could be tiled rooms, rooms with fans or just rooms that let the least direct sunlight in throughout the day. If you don’t have trees or other natural shrubbery providing shade, use umbrellas or tarp to make a shady area for your pet to rest outside the house. For birds, ensure their cages are kept out of direct sunlight and mist them lightly with water to help them cool off.

• Consider the time of day that you exercise your pet.

Exercising your pet is important for maintaining their health and happiness, but it can be more challenging to find the right time in the summer when working around more intense heat.

Early mornings and late evenings are typically the best time to take, or let, your pet out for some fresh air. If you aren’t an early riser, try going out with your pet as soon as possible, before the mid-day heat. The earlier you can get out with your pet, the less time the ground has to warm up, making it more comfortable for their sensitive paw pads. To test if the ground is safe to walk your dog on, place the back of your hand on the pavement to test ground heat. If the ground is uncomfortably hot for you, it’s uncomfortably hot for your pet too.

If you must go out in the heat of the day, consider protective boots for your pet, take plenty of water with you and avoid any high intensity exercise that could tire your pet.

• Don’t neglect the SPF

Did you know that pets can get sunburn?

Particularly for pets with short fur or a light-coloured coat, sunburn can be a real concern during the warmer months. Over exposure to the sun’s rays can lead to burns, skin damage and an increased risk of cancer in pets.

For dogs and cats, protect areas of exposed skin – such as the nose, ears and tummy – with a pet safe sunscreen. Apply the sunscreen before they go outside, as per the recommendations on the packaging.

Smaller animals and birds are also susceptible to sunburn, but it may be more of a challenge to douse them in sunscreen. This is when it’s especially important to place their cage or hut in the shade, especially during the peak hours of the day such as in the early afternoon.

If you do notice that your pet shows symptoms of sunburn or heatstroke, don’t delay getting help. Contact your vet if you have any major concerns about your pet’s health. Or, for superficial sunburn, use a high-quality wound healing cream to aid your pet’s recovery.

• Be on the watch for flystrike

Flystrike is a condition that can affect several pet species during the warmer months of the year. Small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs are typically associated with the disease, but dogs are not immune. Flystrike occurs when flies lay eggs on an animal, and the larvae from these eggs burrow into the skin. This can cause severe pain, infection and even death if left untreated.

To prevent flystrike, maintain excellent hygiene for your pet. Ensure that their huts, cages and items such as blankets are clean. Frequent grooming and daily checks for signs of these eggs can help you notice and remove them before they burrow into the pet’s skin. In particular, check around some of the most common areas where flies might lay eggs, such as their bottom, open wounds, damp fur and skin, matted or tangled fur and skin folds. These areas are all ideal breeding grounds for flies, so make sure your pet’s fur is trimmed and dry, particularly in these areas.

In conclusion, ensuring that your pet is topped up with fresh water, shady spots, pet-safe sunscreen and regular exercise during the cool parts of the day will help them to remain happy and healthy all summer long.

Got any questions? Reach out to a member of our team today, or have a look at our wound healing cream, Omnimatrix, an excellent solution to cuts, grazes and sun damage.

Get in touch with a member of our team.

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Read on to learn the ins and outs of rabbit ear health, find tips for selecting the perfect ear cleaner and to discover the results of our recent owner survey.

Do rabbits clean their own ears?

Healthy rabbit ears do have a built-in self-cleaning mechanism, which is one of the reasons many owners overlook the manual cleaning process as an important step to maintaining rabbit ear health. Our recent rabbit owner survey revealed that 91% of owners agree that ear cleaning can help rabbits with ear issues. This is true, but what about rabbits with healthy ears? Should you clean their ears too?

The importance of ear cleaning in rabbits

While it isn’t always necessary to clean the ears of a healthy rabbit, it is important to monitor your rabbit’s ears for any signs of an issue, such as a build up of wax, a foul odour or unusual discharge.

This said, the use of an ear cleaner as a routine step in rabbit healthcare can improve rabbit ear health in the long run, reducing the chance of dirt or debris build up that could turn into a problem. This will also help to condition your rabbit to having their ear touched, which can make trips to the vets less stressful for the both of you.

How often should you be cleaning your rabbit’s ears?

It’s clear that it is important to clean your rabbit’s ears. But, how often should you be doing so? Depending on their breed and ear shape, rabbits require different frequencies of ear cleaning. For example, lop-eared rabbits are more prone to ear issues and may benefit from more regular cleaning. As a general rule of thumb, cleaning your rabbit’s ears at least once or twice a month will prevent any build up from occurring, and reduce the likelihood of an infection or other issues occurring that can impact their hearing or overall ear health.

What makes for a good rabbit ear cleaner?

70% of rabbit owners recognise the importance of looking for safe cleaners. Ensuring that the ear cleaner you choose to use is rabbit safe and provides a thorough clean is important to preserving the overall ear health. Cleaners such as Omniotic that feature anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties can serve as an excellent all-round cleaner.

Should you be using ear cleaning wipes?

When considering ear cleaning methods within our rabbit owner survey, 51% of owners reported that they use wipes to clean their rabbit’s ears.

Perhaps you are among these owners?

Is there anything wrong with this method?

Many people elect to purchase wipes for the convenience and ease of use. However, there are a few areas of consideration when using wipes.

1. Technique: Cleaning a rabbit’s ears requires a gentle hand to preserve the structure of the inner ear and avoid damage. Using wipes forcefully increases the risk of discomfort or injury.
2. Improper ingredients: Many wipes are a water-based method of cleaning, meaning that they are not antibacterial and fail to clean the ears effectively. Additionally, unless ears are dried thoroughly after cleaning with water-based wipes, the resulting moist environment could encourage bacterial growth.
3. Inadequate depth of cleaning: Wipes often do not grant the level of cleaning that a solution-based option can provide, meaning that cleaning is less thorough and may have to be repeated more frequently.

What about homemade ear cleaners?

A massive 25% of all rabbit owners use a home prepared or homemade solution, such as saline, to clean their rabbit’s ears. Is this the optimum method?

While saline and other similar solutions are generally safe and gentle on rabbit ears, using an at home ear cleaner can be risky for many reasons. For one, home ear cleaners often don’t contain the level of antibacterial and cleansing ingredients required for a thorough clean.

Additionally, achieving the correct concentrations and blends of ingredients at home can be challenging. Inaccurate measurements can render the solution ineffective or, in some cases, too harsh for your rabbit’s sensitive ears. Home cleaners may also contain toxic ingredients, such as tea tree oil, which can do more harm than good.

Which ear cleaner should you use?

So, what is a better solution?

Our Omniotic ear cleaning solution is a fast-acting, highly effective solution-based ear cleaner that can be used on dogs, cats and rabbits, designed to remove earwax and debris from the outer ear using harmless anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral ingredients for complete rabbit ear health.

Join the 60%+ of rabbit owners who said they would want to use Omniotic and purchase yours today on our website or via Amazon.

Or, if you have any questions about the product, get in touch with a member of our team, who will gladly discuss the benefits with you.

The post Rabbit Ear Health : How to Select and Use an Ear Cleaner appeared first on Vita Animal Health .

In this blog we’ll take a look at how you can spot the signs of ear disease, some common causes of bunny ear infections, and steps you can take to keep your rabbits’ ears healthy.

What are the signs of ear disease in rabbits?

Signs of ear disease in rabbits can be very variable depending on the type of ear disease, its severity and the individual rabbit.

Rabbit ear infection symptoms include:

• Head shaking
• Ear scratching or overgrooming
• Discharge from the ears
• Crusting around the ears
• Swelling at the base of the ear
• Reaction to touching the ears
• Behavioural changes (e.g. increased affection, grumpiness, reduced binkying)
• Reduced appetite
• Head tilt
• Facial asymmetry
• Reduced hearing

The signs you might see depend on the type of ear infection your rabbit has. For some ear infections, symptoms can be minimal or even absent. However, ear disease can worsen if left untreated, so it’s important to see a vet if you think your rabbit is showing any sign of ear disease.

Which rabbits are at risk of an ear infection?

Many factors are involved in the development of ear disease in rabbits, and any rabbit can be affected. It’s also important to note that some rabbits can have ear disease without an infectious cause, due to excess wax, for example.

Rabbits with lop ears, including lop-eared breeds like the Dwarf Lop and English Lop, are at significantly higher risk of infection than rabbits with upright ears. In the standard ear, three pieces of cartilage interlock to hold the ear up. In lop-eared rabbits, there’s a gap between two of these cartilages that allows the ear to fold over and effectively close off the ear canal.

Just like humans, rabbits produce constant low levels of ear wax to keep their ears clean and healthy, but this system relies on the wax migrating out of the ear successfully. In lop-eared bunnies, the wax often becomes trapped and accumulates. This can result in swelling at the base of the ear, inflammation and infection.

Other risk factors for rabbit ear infections include age, with older rabbits potentially having slightly higher risk, respiratory tract infections and even dental disease. In the case of ear mites, exposure to either an infected rabbit or items that have been in close contact with one is also important.

What actually causes a rabbit ear infection?

Mites are a common cause of rabbit ear infections and typically cause itchiness, scratching, head shaking, discharge and crusting around the outside of the ear canal. These are contagious and can easily spread from rabbit to rabbit, either directly or on objects like clothing.

In lop-eared rabbits, accumulation of excess wax is a relatively common cause of ear disease, but this built-up wax often also allows secondary infections to develop.

Rabbit ear infections are usually caused by bacteria and/or yeast and may affect just the outer part of the ear or the middle part too. Infections that affect the middle ear may cause symptoms like a head tilt, facial asymmetry or poor balance.

Ear infections caused by respiratory or dental disease typically affect the middle ear, so signs like scratching and discharge are less common. Some rabbits may not show any signs at all.

Occasionally, rabbit ear infections or ear disease can be due to other causes, including foreign objects like grass seeds, trauma, or, rarely, a growth affecting the ear canal.

How to prevent a rabbit ear infection

Regular veterinary health checks are important for all rabbits and can help to ensure the early signs of a bunny’s ear infection aren’t missed. If you suspect an ear infection, it’s important to see your vet as soon as possible.

Doing your best to avoid exposure to mites is one important step to minimise the risk of infection, but what else can you do? Using a rabbit ear cleaner can also help to prevent bunny ear infections.  

If you’ve been told your rabbit has excess wax or you think they could benefit from a rabbit ear cleaner, you may be wondering where to start. Cleaning rabbit ears doesn’t have to be daunting, but there are a few tips and tricks to get it right.

1. Pick a high-quality rabbit ear cleaner

It’s important to use an ear cleaner that’s been proved to be safe in rabbits’ delicate ears. Other things to look out for include a comfortable applicator, gentle formulation and antibacterial ingredients to help keep your rabbit’s ears healthy. Omniotic, our gentle antibacterial ear cleaner, is tried and trusted by vets to help keep rabbits’ ears clean.

2. How to clean their ears

How do you go about cleaning rabbit ears? Position your rabbit in a sitting position with their head in a neutral position. Gently lift your bunny’s ears one at a time so you can see the entrance to their ear canal, and fill this with cleaner. Massage around the base of the ear gently for 30-60 seconds before wiping any excess out with some cotton wool.

3. How often should you use a rabbit ear cleaner?

Cleaning rabbit ears can help to clear excess wax and reduce the risk of infection, but you don’t want to overdo it. If your vet has diagnosed an ear issue, they may recommend cleaning daily. For more routine cleaning, weekly or fortnightly use can help to prevent bunny ear infections and keep their ears clean and healthy.

Keen to start cleaning your rabbits’ ears? Check out our rabbit-safe, tried and tested advanced ear cleaner, Omniotic. Suitable for routine cleaning, the gentle but effective formula can help to keep your rabbits’ ears clean and clear and stop ear infections before they begin.

Find more pet advice here…

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1. Darker nights call for something bright

As the nights draw in and evenings (and early mornings) become darker, keeping pets safe from vehicles and ensuring you can spot them easily is more important than ever. Reflective collars and harnesses can play a major role in keeping your pets safe, while light up collars for dogs take this to the next level. Make sure that whoever walking the dog is also wearing clothes which are highly visible. Off lead exercise is best kept for daylight hours, but a long lead in appropriate areas can help to give your dog more freedom while keeping them safe.

2. Spooky season doesn’t need to be scary: stay safe on Halloween

Halloween can be an exciting time for the whole family, but there are some specific hazards to be aware of. Chocolate toxicity is a common concern so making sure children don’t share their treats with pets is crucial, but it’s also important to make sure they don’t get their paws on other potentially toxic items like glow sticks. If your pet does eat something they shouldn’t, you should speak to your vet as soon as possible to determine if treatment is needed.

Keeping an eye on your pets and being aware of their body language is also vital: while some may enjoy playing dress up, others can become distressed or overwhelmed by costumes or excited children.

Finally, it’s worth keeping cats indoors over Halloween, and keeping your dog on-lead. The noise and commotion of trick or treaters can be frightening and could cause your pet to panic and put themselves in harm’s way.

3. Help your pets manage their firework fears

For many pets, the scariest part of autumn has nothing to do with Halloween. Fireworks can cause anything from mild anxiety to severe distress, but there are some things you can do to help.

First, pets should always be kept indoors or on a lead when fireworks are expected; in addition to the physical danger posed by fireworks, including scavenging of debris, they may also panic in response to the noise.

Secondly, it’s important to take measures to keep them calm at home. Keep windows closed, remain calm yourself and play some background noise, whether it’s soothing music or the TV. Creating a safe space, whether it’s a covered crate, hiding spot under a bed or a den on the sofa, can help to ease many pets’ fears, while distraction with toys and snuffle mats may also help. For some pets, it may be worth discussing calming supplements or even medications with your vet. Longer-term, desensitisation training can help to manage noise phobias.

4. Ticks: the real Halloween monsters

Most active in spring and autumn, ticks are a common parasite of dogs and cats. Risky locations include heathland, woodland, areas with long grass, and places frequented by wildlife and farm animals.

Ticks in the UK can transmit infections like Lyme disease, but usually need to remain on your pet for several hours to do so. You can use parasite products that kill ticks, but these usually take 24-48 hours to kill a tick, so checking your pet after walks and removing ticks as soon as they’re spotted can help to reduce the risk of disease transmission. Sticking to paths and open spaces can help to avoid ticks, but if you live in a high-risk area you may want to discuss repellent products with your vet.

5. A (wasp) sting in the tail

As the warmer weather fades, it’s not just ticks that become more active; wasps also spend more time foraging in the autumn months. Keeping your pet away from fermenting fallen fruit can help them to avoid a nasty sting.

Wasp stings in pets typically cause some mild swelling and discomfort but resolve within a couple of days; however, some pets may show more severe symptoms and require veterinary attention. If your pet is stung in the mouth or throat, has been stung multiple times or shows signs of an allergic reaction like facial swelling or breathing difficulties, you should see a vet urgently.

6. Pumpkin spice or something not so nice…

Autumn flavours are hugely popular, but unfortunately for our pets there are several potentially hazardous items. Common examples of so-called ‘dietary indiscretion’ in autumn include:

• Conkers: these are bitter so are usually only eaten by particularly inquisitive or greedy dogs. They contain aesculin which can cause symptoms ranging from abdominal discomfort, vomiting and diarrhoea to weakness, collapse or even death. Conkers also pose a choking risk and can cause gastrointestinal obstruction.
  Keeping dogs distracted with toys and chews on walks can help to avoid conker ingestion, but if your dog does eat any you should contact your vet for advice.
  
  
• Acorns: these nuts are also poisonous, containing tannins and other compounds which can cause symptoms ranging from a stomach upset to liver and kidney injury or even death. Again, gastrointestinal obstruction is also a concern. Contact your vet as soon as possible if your dog eats acorns.
  
  
• Fallen fruit: many dogs will eat fallen fruit in autumn, and it may result in nothing more than an upset stomach. However, in some cases fermentation and growth of mould can pose a more significant risk. Consuming large amounts of the seeds or stones of some fruits may also cause toxicity or gut obstruction.
  
  
• Mushrooms and toadstools: just as these can be toxic to humans, they can also have a range of toxic effects in dogs, some of which can be very severe or even cause death. If you notice your dog eat any wild mushroom, you should contact your vet immediately for advice.
  
  
• Rat and mouse poison:these are often put down in the cooler months as rodents move indoors, increasing your pets’ chances of consuming either the poison itself or rodents that have been exposed. The toxins are usually anticoagulants, resulting in weakness, signs of bleeding, bruising and breathing difficulties. Emergency veterinary treatment is necessary for any pet that’s ingested rat or mouse poison, even if they’re not yet showing signs. Taking the packaging with you if it’s available can help your vet to determine the best treatment.
  
  
• Spring bulbs: often planted in autumn, these can cause a range of toxic effects so it’s worth keeping your pets well away.

7. Seasonal Canine Illness

This relatively rare condition is something to keep on your radar in autumn. Its cause is unknown but it typically affects dogs shortly after walking in woodland between August and November, causing gastrointestinal symptoms, pain and muscle tremors. These symptoms overlap with many other conditions, but if you notice your dog become acutely unwell – especially after a woodland walk – it’s worth seeking urgent veterinary attention.

8. Autumn for arthritics

Finally – and much more commonly – autumn is also the time when many older pets start to struggle more with arthritis. The symptoms of this common condition can be very subtle and are often chalked up to old age, with affected cats and dogs seeming just a little slower or stiffer than usual, or sleeping more and exercising less.

Cold weather and slippery surfaces can see pets start to struggle more, so it’s important to keep an eye on your them and speak to your vet if you suspect there might be something wrong. There are many changes you can make to support your pets’ joints, including avoiding slippery floors, minimising jumping and supporting your pets’ joints with supplements like Omnicondro and Omniomega.

Find out more about arthritis in dogs and cats.

The post Autumn Advice: Keep Your Pets Safe as the Leaves Start to Fall appeared first on Vita Animal Health .

Arthritis has been estimated to affect up to 80% of dogs older than 8 years¹, and up to 90% of cats over 12 years show changes associated with arthritis on x-rays². It is the most common chronic pain condition in older pets, but it can also affect younger cats and dogs.

Luckily, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of your pet developing arthritis, and help affected pets to live a long and happy life. Read on to find out more.

What causes arthritis in dogs and cats?

To understand how to reduce the chance of your pet developing arthritis, it’s important to understand some of the causes. Like humans, it’s been suggested that arthritis in cats can be related to general ‘wear and tear’ rather than a specific underlying cause – although factors like obesity can still have a significant impact.

In dogs, ‘wear and tear’ isn’t a leading cause of arthritis. While it contributes, arthritis in dogs is usually due to either an abnormal joint (e.g. hip, elbow or shoulder dysplasia), or abnormal wear (e.g. obesity placing extra strain on joints, an injury or excessive very high level exercise)³.

For both cats and dogs, obesity is one of the most important avoidable contributing factors. Not only does obesity worsen pets’ pain levels when they have arthritis, but it contributes to the development of arthritis from a young age. The extra weight load on joints causes abnormal strain and creates an inflammatory environment⁴.

Symptoms of arthritis

Most pets with arthritis won’t show obvious signs of pain, like limping, unless they’re suffering an acute flareup. Due to its chronic nature, signs can be a lot more subtle so it is important to pay close attention to any changes. They include:

• Stiffness when getting up from rest

• Reluctance to climb stairs or jump

• Muscle loss, especially over the back legs

• Lying down or stopping on walks

• Sleeping more

• Licking or chewing certain joints

Many affected pets will still get ‘zoomies’ or race around when excited – but they often pay the price for this later on, becoming much more stiff and painful after resting.

Cats are experts at hiding pain and tend to simply self-regulate their activity, so it’s especially easy to miss the signs. The main symptoms include sleeping more, reduced grooming (especially over their back), hesitating before jumping or choosing to jump less, and overall reduced activity. To find out more about signs of arthritis in cats, check out our webinar on feline arthritis with Louisa the Vet.

So, what can you do to manage – or even prevent – arthritis?

– Watch out for lameness in young dogs: persistent lameness could indicate joint dysplasia. Identifying this as early as possible and managing it can help to reduce arthritis later in life.

– Keep your pet a healthy weight: If you struggle keeping your pet on the slim side, you are not alone. But reducing excess weight can really help and studies have shown that weight loss can significantly reduce lameness in arthritic dogs5, and keeping your pet a healthy weight throughout life could delay or even prevent arthritis.

– Control their exercise: for arthritic pets, although we want to keep them moving it’s vital not to push them too far. Stick to short periods of controlled exercise, keeping dogs on a lead. Avoid forcing your pet to jump up or climb stairs.

– Support their joints: providing your pet with a high-quality joint supplement can help to support joint health throughout life and soothe stiff joints in arthritic pets.

– Speak to your vet: if you suspect arthritis, you should discuss treatment options including medication with your vet.

How can joint supplements help?

Joint supplements are a great addition to any pet’s diet, helping to maintain joint health throughout life. For arthritic pets, they can play an especially important role. They can be used safely either alone or alongside medication, helping to nourish the joints and support the body’s natural anti-inflammatory systems. Our joint supplement, Omnicondro, offers market-leading concentrations of glucosamine, chondroitin, antioxidants and herbal extracts to support your pet’s joints. For added benefit, consider combining it with Omniomega, our popular high-concentration omega 3 supplement, for even more comprehensive joint health support.

But remember, if you are concerned about your pets’ joint health and comfort levels consult your vet for advice.

Find more pet health advice here…

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Endocardiosis alters the physical structures of the heart valves due to an accumulation of fibrous tissue. This condition is inherited and degenerative. Symptoms vary depending on severity of disease. Once started, treatment will be lifelong.

What is endocardiosis?

Endocardiosis is also referred to as valve disease or insufficiency and occurs when abnormal tissue accumulates within the tricuspid or mitral heart valves (these ‘atrioventricular’ valves separate the atrial chambers from the ventricular chambers of the heart). This alters the physical structure of these valves, and makes them leaky, so the heart muscle needs to work harder to ensure adequate blood flow around the body.

What are the causes of endocardiosis in dogs?

The exact cause of endocardiosis is unknown, but it is likely to be a genetic condition as some dog breeds are more likely to develop this type of heart disease. Unfortunately, it is a degenerative condition, worsening over time. Although any dog can be affected, endocardiosis tends to affect dogs over the age of 10, but younger dogs can also be affected. Dog breeds predisposed to endocardiosis include Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Poodles, Chihuahuas and Dachshunds.

What are the symptoms of endocardiosis in dogs?

Clinical signs will vary depending on the severity of the disease but can include a heart murmur, coughing, less keen to exercise, lethargy, weakness, a distended belly, faster or more laboured breathing, and fainting.

What happens if my dog has endocardiosis?

The vet will perform a clinical examination, and may suggest diagnostic tests such as blood samples, X-rays, and heart scans. While a cure is not possible, there are treatment options to help manage symptoms of the disease and slow progression. The recommended treatment plan will vary depending on severity of the disease, and will be continued through life with regular check-ups to monitor your pet’s health and adjust doses if necessary.

Endocardiosis in DogsDownload

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Heart disease is a broad term for any disease affecting the function or structure of the heart. There are congenital or acquired disease which can affect both cats and dogs of all ages. Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options vary depending on the cause of the heart disease and the degree of disease present.

What is heart disease in dogs and cats?

Heart disease is a broad term for any disease affecting the structure and function of the heart. These may be primary heart defects present from birth (congenital) or secondary to disease processes (acquired). Congenital heart disease can include defects with the valves, (such as narrowing known as stenosis), defects within the heart muscle (holes in the heart), or abnormal development of the structure of the heart and major vessels. Acquired heart disease can affect the heart muscle (cardiomyopathies), degeneration or thickening of the valves (endocardiosis), or be secondary to infection or trauma (endocarditis / myocarditis / heartworm disease). Other disease processes can also lead to secondary heart disease, such as hyperthyroidism and hypertension.

How common is heart disease in cats?

Heart disease in cats is very common, but many are unaffected clinically. It is very difficult to predict which cats with heart disease will go on to develop symptoms. In one study of healthy cats, 15% had evidence of structural heart disease despite showing no clinical symptoms¹ .

How common is heart disease in dogs?

It is estimated that 10% of all dogs seen in primary care veterinary practices have heart disease. Prevalence rises with advancing age and in older dogs more than 60% are affected² . Some breeds are predisposed, for example Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, with heart murmurs characteristic of mitral valve disease increasing at a rate of about 10% for each year of life, so that by five years of age 50% have a murmur and by ten years nearly all do³ .

What are the symptoms of a dog or cat with heart disease?

Depending on which side of the heart is affected, different clinical signs may be present. Animals, especially cats, are very good at hiding the early signs of heart disease and compensate well until they have advanced disease. Mild signs may include; lethargy, reduced exercise tolerance, pale or bluish gums especially after exercise. Moderate signs include; breathlessness, increased effort breathing, fainting, inappropriate urination, unsteady walking, swollen belly, cold extremities, weight loss. Severe signs include; open mouth breathing in cats, difficulty rising or walking, collapse, painful lameness (in cats), and sudden death.

How do I know if my dog has heart disease?

Vets use a variety of diagnostic tools to confirm heart disease, depending on the type of disease suspected. These can include x-rays, ultrasound, ECG, blood tests and blood pressure monitoring.

How do you treat heart disease in dogs and cats?

Some early forms of heart disease may require no treatment at all but regular vet checks to monitor the heart are often recommended. Treatment is usually recommended once the heart disease leads to heart failure. Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to keep up with the demands of the body and becomes overloaded. This leads to fluid build-up in the chest or abdomen. Treatment, such as diuretics (water tablets), can be given to dissipate the fluid. Additional treatments may be given to support the function of the heart, support normal blood pressure, normalise the rhythm or reduce the risk of blood clots developing. Once treatment is started it is often lifelong.

Can you prevent heart disease in dogs?

Regular steady exercise helps to maintain a strong, healthy heart. Feeding a balanced diet containing sufficient essential nutrients (such as taurine) is also important for heart health. Some breeds are predisposed to specific types of heart disease and pre-breeding heart check schemes are recommended. Genetic tests are also being developed^4,5 . If you are travelling with your dog to an area where heartworm is endemic, appropriate worming treatment from a vet is important to prevent infection. Speak to your vet for recommendations on how best to support a healthy heart in your pet.

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1760273415000685
2. https://www.epictrial.com/canine-heart-disease-classification
3. http://www.thecavalierclub.co.uk/health/hearts/reports/swift_09.html
4. https://www.vin.com/apputil/content/defaultadv1.aspx?pId=11387&meta=Generic&id=594781%204
5. https://icatcare.org/advice/cat-health/hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy-hcm-and-testing

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Atopic dermatitis is an inappropriate immune response to environmental substances that therefore causes inflammation of the skin.

Causes There is a genetic predisposition for atopic dermatitis. Several allergens can be responsible for triggering atopic dermatitis including grass, pollen, dust mites and storage mites.

Affected Animals

Any animal can be affected by atopic dermatitis but certain breeds such as West Highland White Terriers and Shar Peis are more prone to developing the disease.

Clinical Signs

Clinical signs include itching and can affect all areas of the animal especially ears, axillas (armpits), groin and limbs. Reddening of the skin, increased pigmentation, rashes and infection occurs due to the inflammatory process.

Diagnosis & Treatment Options

Diagnosis of atopic dermatitis can be difficult and involves identifying and treating any other potential contributing factors such as external parasites. There is no specific test for atopic dermatitis. Several treatment options are available and your veterinary surgeon will formulate an appropriate treatment plan.

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