Pets far more likely to go missing during summer

Since 2000, 20,000 more pets were reported missing to the Petlog database in summer rather than winter, and last year alone, over 3,000 more pets (29%) went missing in June, July and August than during January, February and December.

It is estimated that only 58% of dogs are microchipped, and the number is thought to be less for cats, rabbits and other pets.

Celia Walsom, Petlog Executive said: “It is worrying that so many more pets go missing in summer rather than winter… Microchips are a fantastic tool to reunite lost pets with their owners, as they are permanent. It doesn’t matter when or where missing pets are found; they can still be returned to their owners.”

We are in the last few days of National Microchipping Month, which takes place throughout June each year, and numerous microchip databases, dog welfare organisations and veterinary clinics have been promoting the benefits of microchipping to pet owners.

Find out more about National Microchipping Month

CEVA is planning a grand celebration in the run up to Bonfire Night this year. Whilst a time of much joy and celebration to people, Bonfire Night can often be a scary night for pets full of loud noises and new settings.

CEVA are promoting two treatments designed to reduce stress in dogs and cats by using pheromones to relax pets. The pheromones are administred in much the same way as a room freshener for cats, and a specialised collar can be used for dogs.

CEVA is offering promotional items such as money-off vouchers for clients and merchandise for practices that purchase Adaptil and Feliway. Regardless of whether you purchase these products, it’s important owners know the effects Bonfire Night can have on their pets.

Click here for full details on the promotion and more information on the condition.

Myths and incorrect information pass through all aspects of our lives, and unfortunately when it comes to pet care owners often adhere to beliefs that simply aren’t true and impact on the lives of their pets. Internalising issues, thinking their pets hold grudges against them or believing punishment is a requirement in training all lead to further problems for both owners, pets and ultimately vets who have to correct what happens.

This useful handout from DVM is distributable and should go some way in dispelling these myths before they become full out problems.

Bone and raw food diets (BARF) are often claimed as completely ‘natural’ diets for pets, with cited benefits ranging from realistic to the extraordinary, but how much truth is there to these claims? Tom Dock of PetDocsOnCall.com drew our attention to a very interesting post from SkeptiVet on the risks of raw diet for pets. The very notion of what is ‘natural’ differs greatly for domestic pets.

Domestic pets have been conditioned and bred by people for thousands of years, and in this time their diets have been altered by our own. If a client is considering feeding their pet only raw meat, make sure they are aware of the points in this article and the risks involved before they continue.

Compared to dogs, cats seem to have a much higher rate of behavioural problems and ultimately euthanasia in shelters.

Change can often lead to stress in cats which increases their likelihood of suffering problems both physically and mentally. A lack of space, especially when in heat, and a constant change of location lead to greater problems and unfortunately a higher rate of euthanasia than dogs. Click here for the full story by DVM360.

Responding to advice from the veterinary community, Petplan has changed a number of its policies. ‘Covered For Life’ is has been broken down into Petplan Classic, with Petplan Ultimate and Essentials changing the packages they deliver.

Pet insurance is an important decision for all owners to consider, and clarification on what policies specifically offer is welcomed by both owners and vets. Full story from Zenopa here.

Tortoises, turtles and reptiles are becoming an increasingly popular pet in households.

Brush up and ensure you can assist your clients in how best to look after their pet with a free webinar from Kevin Eatwell at the Webinar Club.

Read more…

From the beginning of next year regulations on pet travel are going to be made simpler and less expensive to carry out. Quarantine may not be needed and the range of pre-emptive treatment will be reduced.

Please read more for the full list of changes. Make sure both you and your clients are aware of what needs to be done and what doesn’t next year.

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The UC Davis Veterinary Medicine Teaching hospital has been fielding dozens of calls about a radiation cloud that may drift across the Pacific Ocean from Japan. People are concerned about possible radiation health risks to their pets, but one veterinarian says there’s nothing to worry about. “At this point there is no risk to pets [...]

It may seem like a never-ending winter in the UK. but vets are already looking forward to summer and reminding pet owners to find out about the requirements for taking their pets abroad in plenty of time.