Arthritis
Ouch! Do you ever experience sore joints on a chilly morning?
Like humans, our furry best friends can experience aches and pains caused by arthritis. These pains can become more intense over the cooler months - let us teach you a little about this common condition, so you can keep an eye out for symptoms and how to look after your pet before they become too uncomfortable.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a broad term that relates to inflammation of the joints (knees, elbows, shoulders etc.). It is known for causing discomfort, stiffness, pain and can often worsen as your pet grows older. Arthritis can affect all sorts of pets – from a tiny mouse to a 1.8m tall horse! Many different kinds of arthritis can affect your pet; some of the most common types we see are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
What causes arthritis?
Depending on the type of arthritis your pet may be experiencing, the cause can vary greatly. Some of the more common causes we see include:
- General 'wear and tear' – as your pet ages, their cartilage (a spongey, rubber-like material that covers the end of a bone, acting as a cushion) can start to break down.
- Genetic – unfortunately, some types of arthritis can be passed down through family lines. It is important to be aware of this or talk to your Vet about genetic conditions if you are not sure!
- Weight-gain – Carrying a few extra kilos can put additional stress on your pet's joints, especially when they are walking, running and jumping!
Arthritis symptoms to look out for
Arthritis affects every pet in different ways. Some of the most tell-tale signs your pet might be suffering are:
- Limping or an unusual posture/stance when moving about
- Stiffness, especially after exercise
- A reluctance to move or stand up
- Changed behaviour, such as a lack of interest in playing as usual or increased sleep
- The inability to jump on furniture, climb stairs or jump into the car
- Irritability or depression (lack of interest)
- Growling or biting when touched
- Visibly deformed or swollen joints
What to do if your pet is suffering from arthritis:
Visit your vet! There are so many treatments available today, thanks to modern medicine.
Depending on the severity and type of arthritis your pet is suffering, our team will tailor a treatment plan just to them! It is also important to check that your pet's arthritis isn't an indicator of a more sinister illness.
Treatments we can suggest range from dietary supplements, special diets, weight reduction plans for overweight pets, muscle massages, specialised strengthening exercises, laser treatments, acupuncture, anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical treatments and other pain relief. We can also give you some excellent advice about making your home more comfortable for your pet (think comfy bedding, stopping cold drafts, non-skid flooring and ramps!).
Arthritis can be efficiently managed with the help of your Vet – let's work together to make sure your best friend is enjoying life to the fullest! If you're worried about your pet or think they are showing signs of arthritis discomfort, please call you local vet to organise a consultation.
Easter Hazards
Easter can be an exciting time for both adults and children. While we prepare for Easter, it is essential to keep an eye on potential dangers for your furry friend.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine (a chemical compound found in the cacao plant), which can be fatal to our pets.
It is important to keep chocolate out of reach this Easter. If you are hiding chocolate eggs, keep your pets in a safe location away from the hunt and record where you have hidden the eggs.
If you do suspect your pet may have eaten some chocolate, call your local vet straight away, as symptoms can take up to three hours to show.
Some symptoms to look out for include:
• Vomiting,
• Diarrhoea,
• Increased urination,
• Restlessness,
• Hyperactivity,
• Twitching,
• And in severe cases, seizures.
Hot cross buns
Hot cross buns are another treat to keep out of reach of our furry friends. Some hot cross buns contain chocolate which can be fatal to our pets. They can also contain raisins. Raisins, grapes, sultanas and currants have been shown to cause acute kidney failure in dogs. The exact reason is still not identified; therefore, we cannot determine how much is toxic or which pets will be affected. Some pets can eat a few grapes with no ill effects, whereas others may become severely ill with the same amount.
It is always better to be on the safe side; if you suspect your pet has eaten any, please call us immediately.
Initial signs can include:
• Vomiting,
• Diarrhoea.
Noises and crowds
New visitors, noises and smells can sometimes cause anxiety for your pet. To help minimise your pet's stress;
• Create a calm, quiet spot for your pet away from the noise.
• Exercise your pet before any guests arrive.
Decorations
Small and cute Easter decorations could become choking hazards for your pet or, if broken, can cause cuts to their mouths. Ensure all decorations are out of your pet's reach or too big for them to fit in their mouths. If your pet has swallowed or eaten any decorations, please call our team.
Flowers
Some flowers are toxic to our pets. If you decorate with flowers or receive them as gifts, place them in a location your pet can't get to. Some flowers and plants to look out for include:
Common Poisonous House Plants
| Common Name | Botanical Name | Poisonous Part |
| Bird of Paradise | Strelizia regirae | Fruit, seeds |
| Boston Ivy | Parthenocissus quinquefolia | All parts |
| Caladium | Caladium | All parts |
| Creeping Charlie | Glecoma hederacea | All parts |
| Dumbcane | Dieffenbachia | All parts |
| Emerald Duke | Philodendron hastatum | All parts |
| Glacier Ivy | Hedera glacier | Leaves, berries |
| Heartleaf | Philadendron cordatum | All parts |
| English Ivy | Hedera helix | Leaves, berries |
| Lily/Liliaceae Family | Lilium | All parts |
| Marble Queen | Scindapsus aureus | All parts |
| Majesty | Philodendron hastatum | All parts |
| Nephthytis, Arrowhead Vine | Synogonium podophyllum albolineatum | All parts |
| Parlor Ivy | Philodendron cordatum | All parts |
| Pothos | Scindapsus aureus | All parts |
| Red Princess | Philodendron hastatum | All parts |
| Saddleleaf | Philodendron selloum | All parts |
| Split leaf Philodendron | Monstera deliciosa | All parts |
| Umbrella Plant | Cyperus alternifolius | All parts |
Common Poisonous Outdoor Plants
| Common Name | Botanical Name | Poisonous Part |
| Apricot | Prunus ameniaca | Stem, bark, seed pits |
| Azalea | Rhododendron occidentale | All parts |
| Baneberry | Actaea Spicata | Berries, roots, foliage |
| Buchberry | Lantana | All parts |
| Castor Bean | Ricinus communis | Seeds, if chewed |
| Choke Cherry | Prunus virginica | Leaves, seed pits, stems, bark |
| Daffodil | Narcissus | Bulbs |
| Daphne | Daphne mezereum | Berries, bark, leaves |
| Foxglove | Digitalis purpura | Leaves, seeds, flowers |
| Hemlock | Conium maculatum | All parts, root and root stalk |
| Hens-and-Chicks | Lantana | All parts |
| Hyacinth | Hyacinthus orientalis | Bulbs, leaves, flowers |
| Hydrangea | Hydrangea macrophylla | Leaves, buds |
| Jerusalem Cherry | Solanim pseudocapscium | All parts, unripe fruit |
| Jimson Weed | Datura stramonium | All parts |
| Jonquil | Narcissus | Bulbs |
| Lily-of-the-Valley | Convallaria majalis | All parts |
| Mandrake | Podophyllum peltatum | Roots, foliage, unripe fruit |
| Mistletoe | Phoradendron Flavescens | Berries |
| Morning Glory | Ipomoea violaces | Seeds |
| Nightshade | Atropa belladonna | All parts |
| Oleander | Norium Oleander | All parts, including dried leaves |
| Poinsettia | Euphorbia pulcherrima | Leaves, flowers |
| Pokeweed, Inkberry | Phytolacca americana | All parts |
| Red Sage | Lantana camara | Green berries |
| Rhododendron | Rhododendron | All parts |
| Rhubarb | Rheum raponticum | Leaves |
| Sweet Pea | Lathyrus odoratus | Seeds, pods |
| Tulip | Tulipa | Bulbs |
| Wisteria | Wisteria | Seeds, pods |
| Yew | Taxus | Needles, bark, seeds |
If your pet has nibbled on any of your plants, please take a photo of the plant for later identification and reference, and call your local vet immediately.
We hope you enjoy a lovely Easter.
Separation Anxiety
You've likely been spending lots of time at home during the pandemic, and no doubt your dog has enjoyed this quality time with you. If like many, you've welcomed a new furry family member into your home during this period, they'll be very used to having you around most of the time. This poses a challenge for our pets when they start spending more time alone. Some dogs may take these new changes to their routine fine. But for other pets, it could bring about separation anxiety, which can be very distressing for dogs and owners alike.
Separation anxiety is one of the most common yet most underdiagnosed behavioural problems in dogs. The clinical signs of excessive barking, howling, destruction, self-mutilation, urination, and defecation can significantly affect both dogs and owners. Luckily, veterinarians understand separation anxiety, and there are treatment options available to manage this condition and improve the quality of life for your special furry family member.
Separation anxiety is distress experienced on separation from you as the owner(s). Anxiety is the "anticipation of future danger or misfortune" – Dr K Seksel. Dogs are social animals, and it is normal for a puppy to become attached to their litter and then subsequently to the human family that becomes their home.
Some dogs do not adjust to being without their owners and develop separation distress. Some dogs may become destructive or vocalise if under-stimulated and not provided with the appropriate physical exercise and mental stimulation. However, signs of separation anxiety become apparent when they are linked to the owner's departures or absence, when they cannot gain access to them and when they cannot adjust to their absences over time. These dogs are anxious and are not "acting out" or trying to spite their owners; they are having a difficult time and need help.
Pay attention to your dog's behaviour before you leave the house. Some possible signs to look for are:
• Signs of distress, especially when your dog sees cues that you are leaving like picking up keys, putting on shoes or applying make-up
• Following you around unusually
• Pacing
• Try desperately to go with you
• Reacting to noises unusually
• House soiling
• Panting and drooling
• Freezing
• Barking
• Scratching
• Other signs of distress
Some possible signs of separation anxiety while you're away from your dog include coming home to:
• Digging in the garden
• Destructive behaviours around the house
• Trying to escape
• Reports from neighbours of repetitive barking, whining or howling
• House soiling
If you notice any of these signs of separation anxiety, please speak to your veterinarian. Depending on the case, they may refer you to a veterinarian with further qualifications in behaviour or a veterinary behaviour specialist. Go prepared for your Vet consult with a thorough understanding of your dog's history, routine, and any changes to their routine that could be causing the anxiety.
Things your Vet may recommend to address your pet's separation anxiety:
• The use of calming pheromones, like Adaptil diffusers, sprays or collars
• Encouraging independence through positive reinforcement exercises
• Creating a structured and predictable routine for your dog
• Make departures and arrivals low-key (calmly speaking to your dog, but not ignoring them completely)
• Offering your dog food puzzles, long-lasting chews, and feeding devices to give your dog something to enjoy while you're away
• A focus on physical exercise and mental stimulation – a tired dog will be more likely to relax while when you're gone
• Desensitisation and counterconditioning to cues that hint you are leaving the home
• Enriching their environment – leave the radio on to make the house feel less quiet and empty. Make sure they have access to their favourite bed and toys.
• Medication or supplements to address the underlying anxiety
It is essential that a puppy or dog can cope with being left alone. In our busy lives, it's unrealistic to be with them 24/7, so separation anxiety needs to be addressed with your veterinarian. It may be a journey to help your distressed friend to find comfort on their own, but there are options available to help. If you suspect your pet may be suffering from separation anxiety, please give your local vet a call.
