As of 1st January 2021, the UK will become a Part 2 Listed Country regarding the European Union and pet travel.
Anyone travelling to, or through, Europe with a pet cat, ferret or dog (including assistance dogs) will no longer be able to use their UK issued Pet Passport.
To travel from 1st January 2021 pets will need to be issued with an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) that can only be issued by an Official Vet (OV). The AHC must be used within 10 days of issue and is only valid for one single trip. It will be valid for return to the UK within 4 months of issue. Once the pet has entered the EU it will be valid onward travel within the EU for 4 months OR when the rabies vaccine expires.
It will only be valid for the travel of non-commercial dogs, cats and ferrets. A maximum of 5 pets will be allowed to travel with owners unless the purpose of travel is for competitions/shows/sporting events or training. You will need written evidence of registration to prove this.
To qualify for an AHC pets must be microchipped and be vaccinated against rabies a minimum of 21 days before travel. Pets must be 12 weeks old to have a rabies vaccine. If the pet is remaining in the EU for the duration of the stay, they no longer need to have a rabies blood test.
For return to the UK dogs must be given a tapeworm treatment 24 to 120 hours before travel and this must be administered and recorded by a veterinary surgeon.
If you are a UK national living in the EU and plan to travel with a UK issued Pet Passport you should speak to your vet. They will help to ensure you are compliant with the EU Pet Travel Regulations.
5 things to buy your pet this Christmas
We might be celebrating Christmas differently this year, but one thing remains the same – presents! Here are a few that your pets might like to find under the tree…
Of course, we owners know our pets are always the star of the show, but this Christmas why not make sure your dog lights up the room – and the park, pavement, field… with a safe illuminated collar or tag? There are lots of options available to keep your pet safe and make them look magical this Christmas.
Cheers! If you want to try giving your pet a different drink as a treat this Christmas (although your pet may agree with us that plain water is best 😉) then several companies make pet-friendly non-alcoholic pet ‘wine’ or ‘beer’. Check out Pawsecco or Bottom Sniffer for dogs, Snuffle meat-flavoured beer and Pinot Meow catnip wine, available from a selection of retailers.
After a busy morning unwrapping presents when everyone just needs to rest and digest, a boredom-busting activity toy will keep your pet occupied and help them have some quiet, calm time. Look for good quality, safety-tested toys. We like Kong company’s selection of durable chew toys and puzzle feeders available at kongcompany.com and from pet retailers.
Looking for the ultimate customised pet apparel? Why not buy a kit so you can knit your own pet’s jumper – for Christmas and beyond? We found great kits for dogs of all sizes (and sphynx cats) at woolandthegang.com and weareknitters.co.uk
One for when Christmas is over (boo). For pets that are struggling with not having their owners at home all the time, a remote pet camera can help you keep an eye on them and give reassurance for you both. Some will alert you to barking, others allow you to speak to your pet or even toss them a treat. The Furbo dog camera (available from various retailers) even lets you use your Alexa to dispense treats regularly.
We hope you won’t need us this Christmas but if you’re worried about your pet’s health you can rest assured the PetGP Vet Nurses are available 24 hours a day for friendly expert advice.
Written by Gill Holloway RVN
Celebrations may not be quite the same this year, but where possible, we will all be trying to catch up with friends and family at this special time. And while we can still indulge in our favourite traditional food, some of it isn’t so good for our pets. Here are some of the foods that should not be on the menu for pets (at any time of year).
Entrées and Mains
Onions, garlic, leeks and chives are super tasty but they can cause serious blood problems if pets eat even a tiny amount. As well as being the star of a dish, at festive times they can be hiding in soups, sauces, bread, stuffing, accompaniments, pickles, preserves, crackers. Spices can cause an excess of gas in your pets stomach which can be dangerous in large breed dogs!
Like all fatty foods, turkey skin, gravy, ham and other pork products can be difficult for pets to digest and may even cause a painful condition called pancreatitis in dogs and cats. You should seal that carcass carefully before tossing in a secure (pooch-proof) rubbish bin. Poultry and turkey bones can be sharp and cause vomiting and serious internal damage to your pet if they obstruct or puncture the stomach or guts.
Accompaniments
Raisins, sultanas, grapes and currants: did you know that just one of these little tasty fruits can actually kill your pet by causing kidney failure? Mince pies, Christmas Cake and Christmas Pudding are all tempting for your pet! And it’s not just sweet treats that are the culprits (more on those later). At Christmas time these dried fruits can be lurking in sauces, bread stuffing’s, accompaniments, pickles, preserves.
Lactose intolerant dogs or cats who eat mashed potatoes with milk or butter could end up with vomiting and diarrhoea, or even pancreatitis due to the fat content.
If you’re whipping up a batch of fresh home baked bread (yum!), don’t let your pet have any uncooked yeasted dough. It can cause a very serious condition called bloat or a twisted stomach.
Desserts
Chocolate should be kept for humans only as it’s poisonous to dogs and cats. Advent calendars, selection boxes, tins of chocolates, chocolate Santa’s, Chocolate tree decorations, the list goes on!!
Some sugar free candy and baked goods contain a sweetener called xylitol which is also toxic.
Macadamia nuts can make your dog vomit and become weak, give him diarrhoea and could cause pancreatitis too, due to their high fat content. And they’re a choking hazard for smaller breeds.
Pets that eat wrappers and packaging to get to the tempting food inside, could develop a serious blockage internally. Another common cause of blockages at this time of year is tinsel, or any type of decoration really! Cats and dogs love chasing and chewing these shiny objects so keep them out of harm’s way.
Keep pets away from candles, fireworks, lanterns and any naked flames.
Give them somewhere quiet and secure to rest.
We hope you find our tips helpful. Enjoy a happy and safe celebration!
With the Nation in lockdown due to the Covid 19, we find social distancing and working from home now a necessary part of our lives. Whether its due to regional lockdowns or self isolation, our Registered Vet Nurses have some tips on how best to look after our pets in these unprecedented times.
As the economy tries to continue, the need to adapt and work from home is a must for much of the world. Many benefits of this have been seen both for the owner and pet, company and interaction can help reduce stress and anxieties. Like owners, our pets are used to their ‘normal’ routine so try to keep mealtimes and the main walks for dogs the same as usual. Keep in mind that cats are opportunistic feeders so don’t be fooled by the starving looks they will be giving you at least 14 times a day!
With the restrictions in place during lockdown try introducing some activities and exercise to your pet’s routine. Mental stimulation may entertain your pet helping to keep them occupied and break up the day. Try a food hiding game using a cardboard box or maybe a Kong could replace a normal treat to make it last longer. Consider introducing a new trick or game of hide the toy to encourage interaction and exercise. Hide treats around the house or in the garden to help stimulate your pet. Podcasts for pets can help relax and calm then and there are now TV channels dedicated to cats and dogs, this may help during busy working days.
There is no evidence to suggest that we can catch the virus from our pets or pass it on to them. We should continue to maintain good hand hygiene before and after playing with them and try to keep your distance from them if you are showing any symptoms. The current rule is that each person in the house can walk your dog once a day, when you are out on that walk make sure you practice social distancing and politely request that people do not stop to stroke your dog. Cats can go out and about as usual. If you are self-isolating or showing any symptoms, then you should only walk your dog in your garden or very close to your house and perhaps consider if there is someone you could ask to help. It is sensible to ensure you have enough food to last for two weeks at a time but please don’t stockpile.
Your vet is still available through this time but their protocols may have changed. Video calling and remote prescribing are now part of the new "norm". Don't be afraid to ask for help if you think your pet needs it.
Stay Safe.
Clean teeth and a healthy mouth are a good start to looking after your furry friend’s overall health.
Just like our own teeth, our pet's teeth can develop a build-up of plaque which, if left untreated, can become tartar - a hard substance made up of bad bacteria. This build up on the teeth will eventually cause gingivitis. You will know your pet has gingivitis if they have red, swollen gums that can sometimes bleed and may have a bad odour from their mouths. Most times this is diagnosed by a vet. If your pet has gingivitis this may mean bacteria can travel through the blood stream and, in extreme cases, has been known to cause heart and kidney problems. If you notice a build of tartar on your pet’s teeth or would like advice on looking after their mouth, then contact one of our Registered Veterinary Nurses.
The following are signs there may be a problem with your pet’s mouth:
Prevention is always better than cure so, if possible, you should brush your pet’s teeth regularly. As a rule, dogs seem to tolerate this more readily than cats but once your pet is used to the process it is much easier than you think. Make sure you are using an animal friendly toothpaste as human toothpaste is toxic to dog and cats. It might be easier to start off with a finger brush and build up to a toothbrush as your pet becomes more used to it. Providing your pet with natural chews and toys that have been designed to improve dental health will help control plaque and tartar build up. Changing your pet’s diet to a dry kibble will also help in the fight against dental disease. Tinned meat and pouches of pet food contribute to plaque build-up so adding in dry food or changing over to a complete dry diet will help a great deal. Changing your pet’s food must be a gradual process so for further advice on this speak to a Registered Veterinary Nurse.
Keeping Pets Safe at Diwali, Hanukkah and Christmas
These celebrations may not be quite the same this year, but where possible, we will all be trying to catch up with friends and family at this special time. And while we can still indulge in our favourite traditional food, some of it isn’t so good for our pets. Here are some of the foods that should not be on the menu for pets (at this or any time of year).
Onions, garlic, leeks and chives – they’re super tasty! But they can cause serious blood problems if pets eat even a tiny amount. As well as being the star of a dish, at festival times they can be hiding in soups, sauces, bread stuffings, accompaniments, pickles, preserves, savory crackers. Spices can cause an excess of gas in your pets stomach which can be dangerous in large breed dogs!
Like all fatty foods, turkey skin, gravy, ham and other pork products can be difficult for pets to digest and may even cause a painful condition called pancreatitis in dogs and cats. And you should seal that carcass carefully before tossing in a secure (pooch-proof) rubbish bin. Poultry and turkey bones can be sharp and cause vomiting and serious internal damage to your pet if they obstruct or puncture the stomach or guts.
Raisins, sultanas, grapes and currants: did you know that just one of these little tasty fruits can actually kill your pet by causing kidney failure? And it’s not just sweet treats that are the culprits (more on those later). At Diwali and Christmas these dried fruits can be lurking in sauces, bread stuffing’s, accompaniments, pickles, preserves.
Lactose intolerant dogs or cats who eat mashed potatoes with milk or butter could end up with vomiting and diarrhoea, or even pancreatitis due to the fat content.
If you’re whipping up a batch of fresh home baked bread (yum!), don’t let your pet have any uncooked yeasted dough. It can cause a very serious condition called bloat or a twisted stomach.
Chocolate should be kept for humans only as it’s poisonous to dogs and cats.
Some sugar free candy and baked goods contain a sweetener called xylitol which is also toxic.
Macadamia nuts can make your dog vomit and become weak, give him diarrhoea and could cause pancreatitis too, due to their high fat content. And they’re a choking hazard for smaller breeds.
Pets that eat wrappers and packaging to get to the tempting food inside, could develop a serious blockage internally.
Keep pets away from candles, fireworks, lanterns and any naked flames. Give them somewhere quiet and secure to rest.
We hope you find our tips helpful. Enjoy a happy and safe celebration!
Scary cat or scaredy cat? Hellhound or unhappy hound? How can we keep our pets happy and safe at Halloween?
Halloween may not be quite the same this year, but there will likely still be a spooky feel in the air.
If they do come round, trick or treaters at the door can unsettle a nervous dog – or cat - so it helps to make sure they have a ‘safe place’ where they feel secure.
We all enjoy a treat and a game at Halloween but some things can be harmful to our pets if they eat or play with them.
We hope you find our tips ‘Haloweelly’ helpful, enjoy a safe Halloween!
Written by Gill Holloway RVN
Fireworks can be the cause of a lot of stress for our furry friends. Planning and following our top tips, can help firework fears become less stressful for all involved.
For our canine companions:
It is important to remember to walk your dog during daylight hours, at a time when it is unlikely fireworks will be set off. There is a risk a frightened dog may run off if startled on a walk by the noise of fireworks. It is also important to keep your pets microchip details up to date for this reason.
Creating a safe and quiet space for your dog can be a welcome distraction. Some dogs are already crate trained, where they have their own den for comfort and space. Make sure you only ever associate this space with positivity, never use it for punishment. Use this space by placing it in the quietest room in your house, cover with blankets to muffle any noises or flashing lights from fireworks.
You can keep your pet occupied with their favourite toys, a stuffed Kong or similar. Always keep the crate door open, your dog needs to feel they can hide where they feel the safest and that may not always be the place you set up for them. So, give them plenty of hiding spots, without keeping them confined to one room, but ensure there is no way they can escape out of the house as this may leave them in danger.
Once it goes dark, close windows and curtains, play the radio or TV; these will help to muffle the noise and lights of fireworks. Remember to ignore the noises of fireworks yourself and never punish your pet when or if they become scared.
There are many calming aids which can help you and your pet get through the colder months when fireworks use is at their height.
For our Feline friends:
Keeping cats indoors during the dark hours is advisable during the time fireworks are likely to be set off. For cats that spend most of their time outdoors, remember to plan with the availability of litter trays. It is also important to monitor your cat is passing urine and faeces as normal in these circumstances, as outdoor cats kept indoors can cause further stress.
Cats can become quite skittish if alarmed so for their own safety, keep indoors and ensure cat flaps etc are locked so they cannot escape outside and onto a road if spooked. Give them plenty of hiding spots, place cardboard boxes with a blanket in in quiet areas of your home. If your cat prefers to hide under the bed for example, leave them be. Trying to control where they hide will cause more stress, so do not confine them to one room allow them to choose where they feel the safest. Keep windows and curtains closed once the sun has set, and ensure your pet is microchipped with details up to date, just in case. There are many complimentary calming aids available for cats such as:
For our outdoor small furries:
If you plan to bring your rabbits or guinea pigs indoors for bonfire night, this needs to be done gradually. They need time to be familiar with their surroundings so for this, you must plan by spending time with them indoors. For outdoor hutches etc, use a thick blanket to cover a portion of the space so its dark and helps to muffle the noises, but keep an area uncovered so they can see out. Give them extra bedding to allow them to burrow and feel safe.
Start thinking about how you will help your pet stay calm and relaxed this firework season, so you can introduce necessary training or calming aids now. You may need to have these in place ready for the Christmas and New Year period, as we all know, the winter months can be an unpredictable time with at home firework displays.
Written by Chrissie McLoughlin RVN