CANINE COUGH

NEWSFLASH!

There has been a major outbreak of infectious bronchitis (canine cough / dog flu) in Limavady. This is now officially the most common infectious dog disease in Ireland. Please make sure your pet's vaccines are up to date (this is protected by an intranasal droplet vaccine into your pet's nose). If you are uncertain whether or not your pet has been protected,  please contact the clinic.

  CLICK HERE for more information

OUR SURGERY HOURS

Monday ~ Friday:  8:30 am - 7:30 pm

Saturday:  9:30 am - 2:30 pm

Sunday: Emergencies Only

All Consultations with the veterinary surgeon are by appointment only

so as to minimise the time you have

to wait to be seen.

TELEPHONE US AT: 028-7776-9777

FOR AN APPOINTMENT

24-HOUR ON-CALL EMERGENCY

SERVICE IS PROVIDED

FANCY A CAREER IN

VETERINARY NURSING?

CLICK HERE for more information!

CLICK HERE for information on

our Pet Insurance Plan

OUR CHARITY SCHEMES

Providing financial assistance for

pet owners struggling to meet costs.

CLICK HERE to check out our older

pets section for things to look out for

in your senior pet.

ALL CREATURES VETERINARY

HEALTH CLINIC

CLICK HERE For Contact Information

Steps to Better Health

You are the one who cares for your pet – day in and day out – and therefore you may notice subtle changes in your pet’s behavior or physical abilities.  Take a few moments to review the signs of possible problems; then discuss them with your veterinarian.  What may look like normal signs of aging could actually be early signs of a manageable health condition.

Calculate the age of your cat:  Consider the rapid growth and aging during the first two years and then add four human years to each cat year.

Calculate the age of your dog:  Consider the rapid growth and aging during the first two years and then add four human years to each dog year.

Pet owners often do not recognise the signs of ageing in their canine and feline companions until problems arise. By preparing for later years, we can enhance the quality of life that they deserve. Ideally pets older than seven years should be checked by the vet every 6 months. Many old age problems such as arthritis and incontinence can be alleviated with veterinary treatment to help maintain a good quality of life. Older pets will require more veterinary attention in their later years. It is therefore advisable to consider pet insurance before the age of five years, to help minimise costs which can often be high. 

CLICK HERE for information on

our Pet Insurance Plan

Special allowances and adjustments required for your elderly pet

1) Behavioural issues

Changes can range from irritability, senility, sleeping for longer periods. Be prepared to make allowances and provide plenty of stimulus.

• Many behavioral changes in older pets can be due to an underlying medical disorder. If you are concerned, you should seek advice from a vet.

• Remember young children and old dogs aren't always a good combination. Special precautions should be taken if your dog is going blind or deaf. Never leave a child alone with a dog.

• To enable your pet to remain mentally active, it is important to provide new and interesting aspects to his routine and make time for play.

• Watch out for your pet on stairs and slippery floors and use a fire guard.

2) Feeding requirements

• Older dogs will require less carbohydrate in their diet due to a slower metabolic rate , a avoid feeding too many biscuits or chews. We recommend Royal Canin Mature diet or Hills Vet Essentials Mature diet which cater perfectly for the dietary need of your senior pet.

• By reducing the amount of protein in the diet, you can avoid excessive strain on your pet's kidneys and liver.

• Older dogs with heart, kidney or liver disease may often benefit from specially formulated prescription diets which can help treat the problem. These diets are usually only available at your vets.

• Older dogs with a poor appetite usually benefit from vitamin supplements but always seek advice from your vet on this.

• Feeding 2 or 3 smaller meals a day will be easier on your senior pet's digestive system.

• Always ensure your pet has access to fresh water. Should your pet's thirst increase considerably, consult your vet.

3) Mobility

• Exercise is essential and provides many benefits for older dogs. It helps keep them fit, provides stimulation, keeps the joints mobile and aids bowel function. Never exercise your pet beyond its capabilities. Frequent short walks are better.

• Raising the food and water bowls to head height is a good idea for older dogs with neck or back pain.

Signs of mobility problems including arthritis include:

• Difficulty rising from a resting position

• Lying down or resting more than usual

• Stiffness after exercise

• Reluctance to exercise as long as usual

• Trouble climbing stairs

• Limping

• Difficulty walking, running or jumping

• Decreased appetite or lack of interest in food

• A change in behaviour eg growling more

• Muscle wasting

At All Creatures vets in Limavady we stock a range of medications which will alleviate these symptoms ensuring a good quality of life for your senior pet.

Other problems to watch our for in older pets

• Lumps and bumps. These could be cancerous. Early veterinary attention is paramount.

• Coughing, wheezing or panting more. This could signify heart or lung problems.

• Bad breath, reluctant to eat, dropping food from the mouth or chewing on one side. These could be signs of dental problems such as gum infections, root abscesses, loose or broken teeth. Dental cleaning can be performed at All Creatures and we also stock a range of dental care products and diets.

• Dragging his bottom on the ground. This may mean that your pet's anal / scent glands may need emptying. These need emptying more regularly in older pets.

• Ingrowing nails - your vet is trained to clip these professionally.

• Don't forget to vaccinate your older pet - his immune system is not as strong and he is much more vulnerable to infection.

• Difficulty going to the toilet. This could be a sign of prostate problems in an older male dog and he may need to be neutered to correct this.

• Abnormal discharge from your female dog's rear. This could be a sign of a pyometra, a life threatening womb infection, usually requiring a hysterectomy to save her life.

• Dribbling urine. Incontinence can often be easily treated with modern medications. Don't punish your dog - it's not her fault.

• Obesity. Usually due to decreased exercise and overfeeding. Obesity increases the risk of joint problems, heart problems, diabetes. Control your pets diet to minimise the risk of disease. Obesity can sometimes be a sign of an under active thyroid gland. Always seek veterinary advice if your pet is overweight.

• Dull, dry coat, excessive casting. This may be a sign of skin problems or other internal problems. Your older pet may find it difficult to clean itself therefore extra grooming attention may be required.

• Hearing problems. Get the vet to check the ears for any obvious problems such as ear wax or infections. Avoid startling your pet when asleep and during exercise always keep him on a lead particularly near roads.

• Cloudy eyes. This could be a sign of cataracts.  Keep you pet in familiar surroundings.

• Thirstiness. Excessive drinking may be  a sign of kidney or liver problems. diabetes or a womb infection (pyometra).

All Creatures Veterinary Health Centre is pleased to offer a senior wellness check for all older pets over the age of seven years. This vital check can allow early detection of many conditions allowing earlier treatment and a better prognosis and quality of life for your aging pet.

This important check includes:-

1) A full clinical examination by the vet

2) A weight check and diet advice.

3) A routine blood sample to check on internal organ function.

4) A routine urine check.

5) A heart check including electrocardiogram.

We are pleased to be able to offer this service for the discounted price of £49.95. We think this full professional check is exceptional value for money - we know your pet would think so!