Pet WOF with Shivaun
Pet WOF with Shivaun
Make sure your pet is in tip-top shape with advice from one of Purina’s pet care experts
Spring is a great time to shake off the winter blues, come out of hibernation and get your life in cracking good order (as we do with our yearly ‘spring clean’). But it’s not just our own lives we need to organise – spring is the perfect time to make sure that your pet is in barking-great health after the cold season. Here are some tips from Purina’s pet care expert Shivaun Statham on what to look out for with your pet’s health:
Problematic
Parasites
Both cats and dogs are prone to getting
parasites, and will most likely house some of these nasty
critters at some point in their lives. However, there are
signs you can look for that will mean you can recognise and
treat parasites as soon as possible, reducing the discomfort
for your animal companion.
The most important thing to look for is any changes in your pet’s behaviour, appetite and/or water consumption – any change can show that something is astray. If you’re concerned about any changes, go and see your vet for a proper check.
Fleas
If you notice your pet
scratching, check to see if they have any fleas. It’s
easiest to check on any light-coloured patches of fur –
you should be able to see the fleas on your pet’s skin if
they have them. If you can see fleas, there are
over-the-counter products you can buy from your pet store or
vet that will have
instructions.
Worms
Some common ways to
tell if your pet has worms are: visible worms or eggs in
fecal matter (if you’re brave enough to check!); visible
worms in fur or the area around your pet’s rear; your pet
scratching or rubbing their rear on the ground or against
furniture; vomiting with visible worms; a bloated belly;
diarrhoea; weakness; weight loss; or changes in appetite. As
with fleas, there are products available for treating worms
overthe- counter. However, if these treatments don’t
relieve your pet’s symptoms – see your
vet.
Grooming
If your pet has a thick coat,
spring can be a good time to get them groomed and shed their
winter layer for the warmer months coming. This is
especially important if you live in warmer areas of the
country, and your pet gets a lot of exercise – it will
help them stay cool. Fleas and ticks are also more prolific
in the summer months, so giving your pet a shorter coat will
make it easier for you to check for
pests!
Nails
Take this opportunity to also check
if your pet’s nails are getting too long – if the nails
are making contact with the floor, it’s time for a clip.
Nails that are too long can affect the way dogs or cats walk
and make it hard for them to grip the floor – overgrown
nails can also become ingrown and infected. The trick is to
cut just above the quick (the blood vessels and nerves that
supply the nail) but not into it, as this will cause pain
and bleeding. If you’re unsure, ask your vet to show you
how to do it the first time.
Melanoma
Yes, pets
can get skin cancer too! It seems unlikely (due to the fact
that most of our pets are covered in fur) but skin tumours
are the most common tumours found on pets. Areas that are
not shielded with fur are more susceptible (such as the nose
and pads of the feet) and animals with light-coloured or
thin coats are also more at risk. Use spring as a time to
check for lesions before the hot summer sun risks making
them worse. Check for lumps and bumps, wounds that don’t
heal, swelling, enlarged lymph nodes, lameness, swelling in
the bone or abnormal bleeding. If you unveil anything that
concerns you, see your vet. If caught early, a lot of skin
cancers can be treated, so it’s definitely worth
doing.
Oral Health
Oral disease and tooth decay
– horrors you wouldn’t wish on anyone, let alone your
lovely furry friend! To make sure all is well and good in
your pet’s mouth, do a WOF test by: sniffing their breath
– if breath is especially offensive, it’s worth checking
out; examine their lips and gums – the gums should be pink
(not white or red) and show no signs of swelling; check
their teeth – teeth should be clean, without brown tartar,
and free from chips or damage. If your pet has really bad
breath, excessive drooling, inflamed gums, tumours in the
gums, cysts under the tongue or loose teeth – take them to
your vet. Infections are no fun and can usually be treated
or prevented before they get worse.
Foot
Pads
Even though the pads of our pets feet are the
toughest part of their skin, they’re subjected to a lot of
shock and pressure from running and standing on all sorts of
surfaces all day. As pets don’t wear shoes, if an injury
does occur on the pads of their feet, the injuries can often
just worsen. Make sure you watch for bleeding, limping,
discolouration of the pad, excessive licking of the pad and
lacerations, punctures or abrasions.
Eye
health
Your pet’s eyes are crucial to their safety
and well-being, so it’s important you look after them! If
you notice that your pet has red eyes, an excess of mucus,
lots of blood vessels, weeping eyes or cloudy eyes – make
sure you see your vet.
If you have any questions or concerns about your pet this winter, Purina New Zealand offers a FREE advice service at 0800 PET VIP (0800 738 847). A dedicated team of pet care experts, including veterinary nurses and animal behaviourists – like Shivaun – are available to offer advice and support on a wide range of pet care questions, from health and nutrition to behaviour, training and socialisation, as well as information about Purina products. www.purina.co.nz.
ENDS