News and updates from Animal Ark - vets in Essex

We all want to include our pets during the Christmas festivities and treating them to something special isn’t uncommon. Read below for guidance on safe, pet-friendly foods you can give your pet this Christmas.

The question of whether to put a bell on your cat's collar sparks a lot of discussion among cat owners, and for good reason! There's no single right answer; what's best depends on your cat's unique personality, lifestyle, and your home environment.

The Christmas season brings joy, decorations, and Christmas trees into our homes. However, as a pet owner in Essex, it's crucial to know if these festive additions are safe for our dogs. At Animal Ark Vets, we often get asked, "Are Christmas trees toxic to dogs?" The answer is yes, certain aspects of Christmas trees can pose risks to dogs.

This blog explores why dogs might find Christmas trees enticing, why they can be toxic, and how to keep your dog safe during the Christmas season.

Pets, much like humans, can experience anxiety. Recognising and addressing this anxiety is crucial for their well-being. At Animal Ark Vets in Essex, we understand the challenges of managing anxious pets and are here to provide you with practical advice to help soothe your anxious dog or cat.

In this blog from Animal Ark Vets, we will explore what makes dogs and cats anxious, how to manage their anxiety, and offer tips for keeping them calm.

If your pet in Ilford has been to see the vet and they have been given a treatment plan, you may want to continue this at home to ensure your pet’s ears fully recover. Our guidance at Animal Ark Vets on caring for your pet’s ears below is based on post-treatment and after your pet has had a full examination on their ears.

We do not recommend that you clean your pet’s ears if they have not been examined by a vet or nurse. Regular ear cleaning for no reason can damage the canal or cause irritation that can result in further problems.

Travelling with your dog in Essex can be an exciting adventure, but it requires some planning to ensure a smooth journey for both you and your dog. Whether you're embarking on a road trip, flying to a new destination, or simply heading to Animal Ark Vets for a check-up, preparing your dog adequately is key to a stress-free experience. Here, we share some top tips to make sure your dog is travel-ready and comfortable throughout your journey.

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 in Ilford 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.

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.