Month: September 2021

Time to prepare for the firework season.

Posted on by Rachel Allen
Noisy fireworks.

Although it is over a month before Guy Fawkes, it is time to prepare for what can be an extremely stressful time of year for our noise phobic pets. Whilst desensitising your dog to noise phobia is the gold standard to rehabilitation, it is a long and gradual process; for dogs who have not already undergone the program this is something to look at in the future but will not help your pet for this year.

 

What can be done now?

Environmental support can be put in place, providing a safe den where your pet can retreat whenever they need can help with manage their anxiety. It is good to set this up now so your pet has time to develop a sense of security in this safe haven. Adaptil plug ins for dogs, Feliway for cats can be used to create an even more calm area/retreat. For severely affected dogs, including those who urinate or defecate with fear at the sound of fireworks, certain anti-anxiety medication, can/should be started now, as these can take several weeks to have their full effects. Short term anxiolytics can be prescribed on an individual basis nearer the time, but with firework night being more of a firework season it can be difficult to predict when the noises are going to occur. A more in-depth article can be reviewed on out Autumn 2019 Newsletter.

Please do not hesitate call and book an appointment to discuss the individual needs of your pet.

Thank you for all your support

Posted on by Rachel Allen

Last Saturday, 11th September, our eager team (Dan Moore, Rachel Allen, Rachel Dover and Gemma Gormley) set off from Chepstow racecourse at 8.20, on the Wye Valley walk. Just over 10 hour later, after 9 hours of gruelling walking, plus a few pit stops to refuel, we crossed the finish line at Monmouth. Admittedly the terrain was more demanding than we had anticipated, only with the amazing support we gave each other as a team did we conquer the 26.3mile marathon walk. Together we raised £1785. Thank you to everyone who has supported us to help us raise money for MacMilliam Cancer Support.

Beware Blue Green Algae

Posted on by Rachel Allen
Blue green algae

Dog owners are advised to be vigilant for signs of blue-green algae when exercising their dogs near lakes, rivers or ponds. The Environments Agency and local councils will put up signs to alert owners when a body of water is known to be affected by this toxic algae, which for our area includes Bodenham Lakes. However, not all affected  areas will have been identified so owners should be aware of what to look out for. There are many species of blue green algae but blooms generally appear as green to green-brown scum, seen as sheets or in clumps on the surface of water. As the algae decays it develops a bluish tinge and an unpleasant smell like rotting vegetation.

If a dog drinks from affected water or grooms after swimming symptoms can develop rapidly within minutes to hours, depending on the species of algae ingested. Symptoms of intoxication can include vomiting, diarrhoea (with or without blood), salivating, disorientation, changes in breathing, lethargy, weakness and seizures. Left untreated blue green algae intoxication can lead to liver damage, blood clotting disorders and can be fatal. If you are concerned your dog has been exposed to blue green algae or is showing symptoms please seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.

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