STARIS VETERINARY CLINIC
OUR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
September 2020, Volume 3
Our training & communication channel
Welcome to our Monthly Meetup
Dear friends,
This is the third newsletter of our Clinic. It is the beginning of September, we have recently returned from our holidays, so we are in a mood to have a “lighter” newsletter.
For this reason, the topic we have picked for September, is not about purely medical problems, but about something that is equally important: Safety of your pets.
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Safety first for your little friends!
Why should you put a microchip to your pets?
You have probably seen several post on Facebook or other social media about an animal that went missing and his/her parents are looking for their beloved pet. In cases where the animal is marked (e.g. has a microchip) and has been registered at the Veterinary Services database, finding the animal’s parent is much easier.
But what is a microchip and how is an animal marked?
The microchip is a tiny capsule with a 15-digit number imprinted on it. This number is unique. It is inserted by injection, subcutaneously, usually behind the neck, between the two shoulderblades of the animal.
The whole process takes a few seconds. The dog or cat can then eat, play or go back to their normal routine immediately.
The microchip is usually placed in animals from 2 to 6 months (depending on the breed). However, all dogs or cats could be microchipped even later in their lives if needed.
After placement of the microchip in our clinic, the data of the animal are registered together with the contact details of its parent in the relevant register of the Veterinary Services and we issue the certificate of identification and registration of the animal.
The microchip code is read by a special electronic device (scanner) available to all veterinarians. The data is accessible to all veterinarians, police, municipalities and communities.
Watch For summer Toxic Plants
Especially during summertime, we love having beautiful gardens, full with multicolored flowers. However, be aware! Many common household plants can be toxic to animals if ingested, including some beautiful summer bulbs.
Lilies are known to be one of the more dangerous plants and are particularly toxic for cats, so if you own cats, it is better to avoid them. Other summer plants that can be toxic to animals are Gladiolas, Hydrangea and Ivy.
If you see your pet having symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, drooling and seizures, your pet might have eaten a poisonous plant.
In this case you should seek veterinary advice. Take a sample of the suspected poisonous plant with you, as this will held your vet to have a better idea of what could be the problem.
How to keep your cat safe in the sun
Signs of heatstroke in cats are similar to signs in dogs, however they may be more subtle.
- Watch your pet for signs of over-heating, including heavy panting and loss of energy. If you recognise these signs, encourage your cat to drink water.
- If your cat continues to breathe rapidly, her skin is hot when you touch her or is drooling or vomiting, seek veterinary advice immediately.
- Be particularly attentive to elderly or overweight cats.
What you should do to avoid heatstroke?
- Always keep a plentiful supply of fresh, cool water in easy reach for your cat – don’t forget to put bowls both inside the house and outside in the garden
- Cats can get sunburnt, particularly pale-coloured ones. Ears, noses and areas with sparse fur are especially susceptible.
- Keep them indoors when the sun is at its strongest, between 11am and 3pm.
- Provide shade and avoid any stress
- Seek veterinary advice if your cat’s skin looks sore, crusty or scaly.
Summertime Dehydration and Your Dog
What exactly is dehydration in dogs?
Dehydration refers to a shortage of water within the body. Water represents approximately 60% of your dog’s body mass. Water is the basic component of blood, but is also present inside the cells and tissues.
As a result maintaining adequate amount of water within the body is crucial for having a dog with normal blood pressure, circulation, and bodily functions.
But what are the causes of dehydration and what are the symptoms that you can see at your pet?
