News and updates from Animal Ark - vets in Essex

Understanding the impact of stress on your pet's health 

We all know stress can take a toll on our health, but did you know it can also significantly impact your pet's wellbeing? Just like us, pets experience stress and anxiety in response to various situations. Chronic stress, however, can have a detrimental effect on your pet’s physical and mental health. 

Treats and Hidden Threats: Protecting Your Dog from Xylitol Poisoning 

We love sharing the good times with our dogs, and sometimes that means indulging them in a special treat from time-to-time.  

However, together with the fun, it's crucial to be aware of hidden dangers that can be in seemingly harmless snacks. One of those dangers is xylitol, a sugar alcohol commonly used as a sweetener in many everyday products, which is perfectly safe for humans, but extremely toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. 

PRESCRIPTIONS UPDATE

On 1st September 2023 our regulatory body, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) introduced new guidance on prescribing prescription-only medicines. There was a grace period until 1st January 2024 for some classes of medication including parasiticides (flea, tick and worming treatments). The new guidance requires that a clinical assessment, which usually entails a physical examination of your pet, be performed every time antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals and parasiticides are prescribed.

The guidance is an important step towards ensuring responsible antimicrobial use and reduces the veterinary impact on the wider issues of global antibiotic resistance and decline in insect populations.

Your pet will need to have seen a Veterinary Surgeon for an in-person consultation to make an appropriate parasiticide treatment plan personalised to their lifestyle and risk. We will aim to do this at regular, routine vaccination and health check appointments to reduce the need for additional appointments. However, a separate 'parasiticide check up' consultation may be required.

We will enter a prescription 'authorisation' of our recommendations onto your pet's clinical notes, which can then be used to issue medication for the following 12-months. Once this authorisation is in place you can order parasiticide treatment as you previously have done so.

A 'parasiticide check up' consultation is free for members of our Pet Health for Life (PH4L) plan.

For long term prescription medication which is not an antimicrobial/antiparasitic, our usual policy of requiring a regular examination usually every 3-6 months continues to apply. The medication review consultations will be charged at our usual fees.

You can read the full guidance from the RCVS on their website.

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If you are not registered to our Pet Health for Life preventative healthcare plan, do check our website to find out how you can save money and relax, knowing your pet’s treatments are kept up to date.

We look forward to seeing you soon. Please contact us for further information.

Summer in Ilford is a time for fun in the sun, and many of us enjoy spending time outdoors with our pets, however, on the surface of ponds and lakes can be a hidden danger: blue-green algae. While not all algae are harmful, blue-green algae (also known as cyanobacteria) can produce extremely dangerous toxins and be fatal to dogs.  

The silver years: Special considerations for senior pet wellness 

Our pets in Ilford bring us countless moments of joy and unconditional love throughout their lives. As they enter their senior years, however, their needs can change. They may become less energetic, require adjustments to their diet and environment, and be more susceptible to certain health concerns. 

Summer is a time for fun in the sun in Ilford, but it's important to remember that the warm weather can be just as uncomfortable for our pets. As dog owners, it's our responsibility to ensure they stay safe and stay cool in the warm weather.

Don't let the heat slow you down! With a few essential tips and tricks from Animal Ark Vets, you can make summer walks enjoyable experiences for you both.

Keeping your pet's claws trimmed is an essential part of their overall health and well-being. Long nails can cause discomfort, make walking difficult and even lead to accidental injuries to both you and your pet.

While clipping your pet's claws might seem daunting at first, with a little practice and the right approach, it can become a quick and stress-free experience for both of you. Here at Animal Ark Vets, we're dedicated to helping you provide the best care for your pet in Ilford, therefore, this guide offers some helpful tips and tricks for clipping your pet's claws safely and effectively.

The most common allergies in cats

Cats commonly experience four types of allergies:  insects (fleas), food allergies, atopic dermatitis (triggered by house dust, pollen, and moulds) and contact allergies. While they exhibit shared physical expressions and signs, each allergy type also presents unique features. If you believe your cat is showing signs of an allergy, then speaking to a vet at Animal Ark Vets to help you find a solution for making your cat more comfortable and improving their quality of life.

A frequent question our pets at Animal Ark Vets get asked is whether cats should consume canned or dry food.

Fortunately, many commercial cat foods offer an excellent nutritional source, whether in the form of dry or wet cat food. However, hinges on various factors, including weight, health conditions and budget.

Deciding whether to opt for dry, canned or a combination of both is a choice you and your vet or nurse can collaboratively make to ensure the optimal health of your cat. Here's some advice on the comparison between wet and dry cat food.

Children and pets can form wonderful bonds and many parents aspire for their children to grow up alongside furry companions. When introducing them for the first time, it's essential to establish a safe and comfortable environment where children and pets can begin to familiarise themselves with each other. Having pets is a great way of introducing responsibility in the home for your children. Establishing household guidelines for children (and sometimes adults) can aid in their learning and comprehension of what is expected in terms of caring for their new furry family member.