15th April 2020
Winter illnesses in pets are not necessarily season-specific but they do tend to occur with greater frequency during the colder months. Taking steps early on to prevent or contain them can make a big difference to how your pet responds, and to his quality of life. Here’s what to look out for as the months […]
3rd March 2020
My pet is always thirsty. She drinks wherever she finds water, even from the pond and my glass. If dogs or cats are emptying their water bowls quickly or searching for water at places they don’t usually, such as the swimming pool or outside pond, they are most likely experiencing ‘polydipsia’ or excessive thirst. This […]
3rd March 2020
Older dogs, like people, begin to suffer a range of illnesses as they age. Many of these ailments aren’t detected until they are far advanced which means treatment is probably going to cost a lot and success is not guaranteed. That’s why veterinarians the world over encourage owners of older dogs to plan for regular […]
28th October 2019
As medical science extends the lifespan of pets, age-related cognitive decline in cats and dogs is on the rise. Clinical signs associated with cognitive dysfunction include disorientation, social interactions, sleep-wake cycle disturbances, house soiling, activity changes (apathy or aimless wandering) and increased anxiety. These are reported in almost half of dogs over the age of 10 […]
12th August 2019
Understanding a senior cat’s needs is essential if we want to prolong their lives comfortably and happily. These top 10 tips will help you do just that. 1. Schedule regular wellness check-ups Develop a close relationship with your cat’s veterinarian while your cat is still healthy. This way they get to know your cat and […]
20th June 2019
My dog is limping but he’s healthy. That’s a refrain that vets hear time and again. What pet owners don’t realise is that limping can be a sign of arthritis but because pets are good at hiding their pain, you may not be aware of it until the disease has progressed. My dog is limping. […]
5th February 2019
How to keep your cat healthy from birth to old age need not involve expensive veterinary fees; nor is it particularly complicated. The key to good health is prevention and the earlier you start, the easier – and cheaper – it is to keep your cat healthy well into his senior years. How to protect […]
30th October 2018
Osteoarthritis is commonly associated with elderly humans but it is also relatively common in pets, particularly as they age. It is a chronic, degenerative joint disease that makes movement difficult and painful. Though it is more common in cats and dogs aged 6 and upwards, younger animals can also be affected. Studies suggest that up […]
26th September 2018
Senior cats, like people, need more focussed healthcare and attention as they age. Most vets consider cats ‘senior’ from the age of 7 and will recommend six-monthly wellness checkups rather than the usual annual veterinary exam. This is because cats are very good at hiding illness and the signs and symptoms may be so subtle […]
25th June 2018
Workouts are more commonly associated with humans and Virgin Active but pets, particularly those that are ageing, need to maintain an active lifestyle too. Regular exercise promotes muscle strength, joint flexibility and overall health and is particularly important to keep age-related ailments like arthritis at bay. Workouts to keep your pets moving > Step-ups. Encourage […]
