•  Pets that spend most of their time with us in our heated homes are used to temperatures that would not necessarily suit their wild cousins, and they aren’t all living in the environment they were designed for anyway. 
• We like to keep our pets clean and tidy. Bathing our pets when they need it keeps them fragrant– and can promote healthy skin - but it also reduces their coats’ natural waterproofing properties. 
• Grooming techniques including stripping, cutting, or clipping, regular brushing and combing also help keep the skin and coat healthy. But they can also reduce the effectiveness of the coat to trap warm air and keep our pets warm in winter.
• Older pets and those with health conditions that cause coat thinning or muscle wastage may feel the cold more than when they were younger, so you may need to rethink or update their bedding.  
• Dogs without a double coat (think whippets, greyhounds, and similar breeds) should wear a warm waterproof coat outdoors in winter. Other pets that have been bred to be hairless (like sphynx cats) may also need to wear a coat or jumper indoors.

•  Snow and ice may have been treated with rock salt that can dry out paws, causing cracking and wounds. It can also be harmful if your pet licks it off their paws. Feet should be cleaned with warm water, checked, and dried thoroughly after walking; don’t forget to rinse and dry between the toes.  
• Keeping dogs’ feet clean of mud and other debris also allows you to check for anything that may have got stuck in the pads or between the toes, or for cuts from sharp ice. If you walk your dog in woodland, daily foot cleaning may also help prevent certain seasonal illnesses.
• Antifreeze often pools onto the ground where drivers have been topping up their cars or defrosting This can be fatal if it is ingested, even in small amounts. Cats and dogs can both be affected so do not forget to check your feline friends too. 
• Do not let your pet run or jump onto frozen water in ponds, lakes and rivers. Skidding might be fun, but it can cause injuries, and if the ice breaks your pet could get trapped under the water.  
• Some health conditions like arthritis can get worse in cold and wet weather. Sitting or lying on cold pavements or paths should be avoided. A supportive cosy bed placed away from draughts will help.  
• Even free-ranging cats that are used to going outside should have access to a warm sheltered bed around the clock, so they don’t get too cold in the winter months. 

• If your dog likes to swim, then you should limit the time they spend in the cold water between October and March (a few minutes only). When they are out of the water you should dry them quickly with a towel and get them out of the wind. (Imagine standing around outside in a wet swimming costume in the winter, brrr!) 
• If your pet is shivering after swimming you should warm them gently. If they stop shivering and become lethargic then they could be hypothermic (have a dangerously low body temperature) and you should contact your vet immediately. 

• Rabbits and guinea pigs also need extra care at this time of year, whether they live indoors or outdoors. A waterproof covering for the hutch like a tarpaulin over a blanket or duvet can provide extra insulation (with a gap for air circulation). 
• The homes of healthy rabbits that share a hutch should not be allowed to get below 0^oCand they should have lots of newspaper for insulation and plenty extra bedding to snuggle into for warmth.  Guinea pigs can tolerate a slightly lower temperature (down to -5^oC), if they are fit and well, have friends to cosy up to and lots of bedding. It is best not to let the temperatures fluctuate too much though. 
• If the weather takes a real turn for the worse, you should consider bringing them indoors. If so, they should still have a light and safe space to exercise. Do not keep them in a garage If you also use it for your car though, as the exhaust fumes would be  

As of 1^st 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 1^st 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

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: 

• Smelly breath 
• Red or swollen gums 
• Bleeding gums 
• Yellow crusty build up on the teeth 
• Excessive drooling 
• Dropping food from the side of the mouth  
• Reduced appetite and weight loss 

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.

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. 

• A bed or crate that can be covered on top and three sides, in a quiet place works well for dogs (this is good advice for fireworks season as well - see our other blog posts for more tips. 
• It’s a good idea to keep cats indoors after dark too, in case there are any early fireworks going off. A startled cat could run away out of their normal territory and get lost, or even run into a busy road if a firework goes off nearby.  
• And you may need to check that visitors have closed garden gates when they leave. 

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. 

• Chocolate should be kept for humans only as it’s poisonous to dogs and cats. 
• Some sweets contain a sweetener called xylitol which is also toxic. 
• Dogs that eat wrappers and packaging to get to the tempting food inside, could develop a serious blockage internally. 
• Any food made with raisins, grapes or sultanas can cause fatal kidney failure in dogs.  
• Even the humble toffee apple can be a problem if the stick is eaten, while the toffee apple itself could be a choking hazard. 
• Candles can be made with essential oils, waxes and paraffins that can all cause harm to your pet if they chew or swallow them. 
• Glow sticks and glow-in-the-dark jewellery or toys (yes, some dogs do chew them!) contain a bitter substance that can irritate your dog’s eyes and skin and make them drool and gag – not much fun for the dog so it’s best to make sure they can’t play with them. 
• If your pooch likes to dress up as a pumpkin, or maybe a little devil at Halloween, remember costumes can be a fire hazard so always keep well away from naked flames. 

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.  

• Adaptil diffuser, sprays and collars release a synthetic calming pheromone to help relax your pet.  
• Zylkene and Yucalm are good examples of complimentary natural calming treatments you can give by mouth daily to your pet, to help reduce anxiety and stress. Adaptil Express stress relief tablets can be administered as little as 2 hours before the required effect. 

• There are also hugging vests such as Thundershirts. These wearable vests give your pet the feeling of a comforting hug, like swaddling an infant the shirt applies gentle and constant pressure to calm all types of anxiety, fear and over-excitement issues. Some dogs will respond well to one or a combination of the aids above, but if your pet has severe trouble, speaking to your Vet about a behavioural referral might be worth-while.  

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: 

• Feliway diffusers and sprays, they release a calming pheromone to help relax and calm your cat. Remember to use the diffusers in an area they spend most time in and away from radiators. Sprays can be used on bedding or scratching towers where they spend their time. 

•  Zylkene and Yucalm are good examples of natural calming agents given daily by mouth or in food and can be used alone or in conjunction with another mode of calming such as Feliway.  

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