As 2013 has come to a close and 2014 has started, it is inevitable that apart from the celebrations, we also look around ourselves and at our loved ones, pets included.
Pets are an integral part of our life and offer sources of happiness and, unfortunately, also sadness. Whether it is an ailing cat you’ve had for close on 20 years, or a puppy that you have just welcomed to your home and suddenly falls ill, you’ll want to do all you can to maximise their chances of the longest possible, good-quality life.
Loving your pet plays a big role in extending their life, but it’s not quite enough. Rather, it is the preventive care and medicine you can and should provide that favours their longevity.
From administering preventative medicine when your dog is still a puppy or your cat a kitten, to feeding them best-quality food, as well as getting them veterinary treatment when problems arise, the important thing is that you do this under the guidance of your vet and that you obtain the advice you need in a timely manner.
How long has it been since your last trip to the vet? Six monthly check-ups are always advisable. Apart from getting a thorough examination of your pet, any routine advice given to you in terms of feed-ing regimes, vaccinations, internal or external parasite treatment, skin, ear or teeth care will always be intended to extend your pet’s lifetime.
The first couple of months of the year are the time to start thinking of your dog’s protection from sandflies, ticks and fleas, which can suddenly flourish and catch you unawares during unseasonably warm spells in March. It is also a good time to discuss your cat’s flea protection for the coming months since it is far more effective if you start off early rather than letting the problem occur and then attempting to remedy.
Remember that you can really help your veterinarian’s examination if you take with you a fresh urine sample taken from your pet.
It is particularly important that any medication you administer to your pet is prescribed by the veterinary surgeon in whom you have faith and who is familiar with the history of your dog or cat. It is also good practice to ask your vet when you should return for your pet’s follow-up.
A cat’s New Year’s resolution: screaming at the can of food will not make it open itself- Anon
If your pet suffers ongoing problems, such as chronic ear infections, skin conditions or continuous itching, or maybe your pet has a lump that has been there for a long time and you have always delayed getting it seen to, you should get professional advice rather than procrastinate or attempt a self-cure regime.
We are what we eat and the same goes for our pets. Quantity, quality and feeding times are important factors in this respect. Irrespective of whether we feed our pets home-made or commercial food, we should ensure this is of good quality and that it is well-adapted for the type and age of our pet.
Much of the feeding habits our pets develop depend on how we bring them up as puppies or kittens. Kittens used to wet food from an early age - they are not dry-food dependent - are likely to have a lower incidence of urinary problems at a later age, particularly in tomcats that are fussy drinkers.
Older pets need a different diet, which is based on a lower protein level to safeguard against kidney disease, which represents our pets’ greatest enemy in old age. A beneficial thing to learn early on is how to recognise the body condition of your pet.
This would make it easier for you to know whether you should increase or decrease the quantity of food you are feeding. Your vet will demonstrate how to assess your pet’s body condition.
You may have lost a pet during 2013. It is certainly true that this is one of the few dark sides of the veterinarian profession. Even if you and your pet have enjoyed a good life together, the lifespan of dogs and cats is what it is –generally too short. Remember that it is perfectly normal after having lost a pet that you go through a time of grieving for your loss, but you will know when it is time to let a new pet into your life.
The new year may bring a new cat or dog into your household. Whether mixed breed or pedigree, always make sure you get the best advice as to possible defects, health issues and the first steps to make this an enjoyable experience.
It is never too early to discuss such a decision with your veterinarian to know what to expect and what possible hereditary problems to look out for. Examples of potential problems could be polycystic kidney disease in Persian cats and in bull terriers, as well as hip dysplasia in German shepherds, labradors and many other breeds.
A dog’s New Year’s resolution: I will not chase that stick unless I actually see it leave his hand!- Anon
It would always be a good idea to purchase your pet on condition that it is checked out by your vet, since the latter would be acting in your interest to identify any visible clinical defects, such as hernias, cryptorchidism (failed testicular descent), abnormal bite (undershot or overshot jaws according to breed standards) as well as possible heart defects.
Your vet will also provide timely advice on the initial and long-term care of your new pet.
With this I hope that you have enjoyed a good Christmas and I also wish you a 2014 full of joy with your pets.
thisweekwiththevet@gmail.com
Dr Martin Debattista is a veterinary surgeon.