We’re a little unaccustomed to hot weather here in the UK, so with the summer holidays almost upon us, we thought it would be good to remind our readers of the importance of keeping your pets cool if the temperature (hopefully!) rises.

Heatstroke can kill
We all know that dogs can die when left alone in hot cars, and yet every year we read more heart-breaking stories. PLEASE never leave your pet alone in a vehicle – in full sun the temperature can rise to deadly levels in a matter of minutes.
If you do see a dog in distress in a parked car, the RSPCA’s advice is to call the Police on 999 (it is a genuine emergency). If the Police are unable to attend, you should call the RSPCA’s 24-hour cruelty line, 0300 1234 999.
You can find more detailed information on this subject here.

Aside from the headlines, there are lots of practical steps you can take to ensure that your pets don’t overheat:

• Always ensure that your pets can move to a cooler, ventilated environment if you are leaving them at home.
• Never leave dogs alone in cars, glass conservatories or caravans, even if it’s cloudy.
• Always provide good supplies of drinking water, in a weighted bowl that can’t be knocked over. Carry water with you on hot days.
• Groom pets regularly to get rid of excess hair. Give long-coated breeds a haircut at the start of summer.
• Never allow dogs to exercise excessively in hot weather – walk dogs in the morning or evening – before 8am and after 5pm is best. Not only will this prevent them overheating in the daytime sun, but road surfaces, pavements and sand can burn paws when hot.
• Dogs can get sunburned – particularly those with light-coloured noses and fur. Ask your vet for pet-safe sunscreen.
• If you have a small furry pet, such as a hamster or gerbil, put a nearly full plastic bottle of water into your freezer and, when frozen, wrap it in a towel and place by the side of the cage, next to the sleeping area, to keep it cool. It’s not a good idea to put the bottle in the cage as it can cause leaks and make the pet too cold. Putting two in the freezer means you’ll always have one available.
• Provide plenty of shade whilst rabbits and guinea pigs are in their runs.
• Fishponds and aquaria can get very hot in the summer – check regularly and make sure the pond has a shaded area where fish can shelter

Dogs are particularly susceptible to heatstroke and the condition can be fatal; short-nosed brachycephalic breeds (e.g. Bulldogs, Pugs), longhaired breeds, old and young animals are most at risk. The signs can include any or all of the following:

• Heavy panting
• Profuse salivation
• Rapid pulse
• Very red gums and tongue
• Lethargy
• Lack of coordination
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Loss of consciousness

If you recognise any of these symptoms in your pet, it’s important to act quickly in order to lower the body temperature gradually, before seeking further advice from a vet:

• Wet with cool (not cold) water – you could use a shower, or gentle hose spray – and place your pet in the breeze of a fan.
• Offer small amounts of cool water to drink as long as your dog is conscious and alert enough to drink

Hot sun is not the only potential hazard your pets may encounter over the summer. We recommend that you check your pet regularly for:

• Grass seeds. These irritants are very sharp at one end, which means that they can easily become embedded in your pet’s skin, causing significant damage. Always remember to check your dog’s paws and ears after summer walks.
• Harvest mites. The larvae of these mites are tiny (just 0.2mm long) yet these orange/yellow insects can trigger allergies and skin disease in susceptible animals. Contact your vet for further advice if you think your pet is affected.
• Stings. Inquisitive dogs and cats can easily get more than they bargained for when chasing insects or sniffing in undergrowth, and a sting on the nose is very painful! As you probably know, if a bee stings your pet, the barbed sting will remain in your pet’s skin and must be removed. The best way to do this is by gently scraping it with a flat object such as a bank card (tweezers may squeeze additional venom out of the stinger). Bathe the affected area with a mix of water and bicarbonate of soda and apply an ice pack if your pet will stay still long enough! Wasp stings are not left behind, and because they are alkaline, the area affected should be bathed with vinegar or lemon juice to neutralise the sting, with an ice pack then applied to the area.
• Snake bites. The adder is the only venomous snake found in the UK – adults are around 60cm long and have brown-black zigzag patterns along their backs, with a V shape on their heads. If you suspect that a snake has bitten your pet, you will see a dark swelling with two puncture marks in the centre – bathe the wound site in cold water to reduce the swelling and contact your vet immediately. Note that bite marks are not always visible. Symptoms of a snake bite can include:
  • Pale gums
  • Bruising
  • Excessive salivation/dribbling
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Restlessness
  • Drowsiness and lethargy

Of course, with care and common sense any issues your pet encounters can be dealt with quickly and successfully, leaving you and your pet to enjoy the summer while it lasts!

Until next time, best wishes from Shailen and The Ralph Site team
The Ralph Site, non-profit pet loss support

Please note: The Ralph Site is not affiliated with the third-party organisations in any of the links shared here, and the views, ideas and suggestions expressed in this and other blogs are simply shared with the intention of helping you, our friends, take care of the special animals in your lives.

We all know that bereavement is just about the biggest stressor any of us will experience in our lives – losing someone we care deeply for is painful and raw, throwing up emotional responses and physical reactions that can’t truly be anticipated. But whilst we can’t know exactly how we’re going to feel, we do know that we will feel differently and with this in mind there are steps that we may be able to take to prepare in some small way for the turmoil ahead.

Many people believe that knowing a bereavement is imminent is somehow ‘better’ than facing it completely out of the blue – certainly there is time to prepare as you try to come to terms with the shift in normality ahead. Of course, any loss is deeply felt and so it’s perhaps more true to say that rather than being ‘better’, knowing in advance of a good friend’s passing simply presents a different set of responses and emotions in the form of ‘anticipatory grief’.

Those of us with pets in our lives may have had to take the decision to end the life of our companion through euthanasia, and knowing that it is the kindest option does not make the decision any easier, or the guilt any less after the event. Not only are we bereft at the loss of a friend, but also their immediate passing is as a direct result of our actions; albeit actions taken, and decisions made, with love and compassion. Of course, our rational logical brains know that euthanasia really is the right choice, but our fragile hearts may feel the burden of one or all of the seven stages of grief at different times: shock or disbelief, denial, bargaining, guilt, anger, depression, and acceptance / hope.

Self-help books, online resources and bereavement counsellors can all provide support and advice in advance of a traumatic event, and speaking with friends and family who may have undergone similar experiences is always beneficial. Psychologists advise that a child’s stress levels are at their highest of any point during the bereavement process just before the death of a loved one, and therefore it’s particularly important to help children prepare as best they can for this difficult time with additional love, time and space. The death of a pet is often the first time a child may have experienced loss, and of course the bond between a child and his / her pet is particularly strong. If this is an area that applies to you and your family, you might like to explore the online resources available from the Childhood Bereavement Network.

There is lots of practical information on preparing for and coping with bereavement available on the NHS website as well here.

But it seems appropriate to leave the last word to the great philosopher of our time, Winnie the Pooh, who received these wise words from his good friend Christopher Robin on the subject of love and loss:

“If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together… there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart… I’ll always be with you.”
(‘The House at Pooh Corner’, A.A. Milne)

Until next time, best wishes from Shailen and The Ralph Site team
The Ralph Site, non-profit pet loss support

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Please note: The Ralph Site is not affiliated with the third-party organisations in any of the links shared here, and the views, ideas and suggestions expressed in this and other blogs are simply shared with the intention of helping you, our friends, take care of the special animals in your lives.

Those of you with rabbits will no doubt already know that Saturday June 18th marked the start of Rabbit Awareness Week – an annual focus that runs until June 26th, covering all things leporine. Rabbit Awareness Week was established ten years ago by coalition of experts, organisations and welfare charities from the rabbit community, to educate old and young alike on the best ways to provide domesticated rabbits with happiness and health. You can find out more about the many aspects of RAW’s work here.

To mark the occasion, hundreds of vets, rescue centres and pet stores across the UK are holding special events; ranging from free health checks to food sampling and rabbit education workshops. 602 events across the UK have been registered on RAW’s website for 2016, so why not take a look at what’s happening near where you live here.

The RAW focus for this year is ‘#BuddiesforBunnies’ – just like us humans, rabbits are naturally social animals, which means that companionship is crucial for their wellbeing. Unfortunately, research finds that in stark contrast to this, 57% of the UK’s pet rabbits live alone. RAW 2016 aims to inspire pet carers to take on a suitable friend for their single rabbit by encouraging them to re-home a rabbit from a local welfare centre.

And there are certainly plenty of rabbits waiting for a new forever home – sadly over 67,000 rabbits are given up for adoption in the UK every year. So if your rabbit currently lives alone, please do consider finding him or her a new friend – not only will you improve your pet’s life, but you’ll be able to bring companionship to a local bunny who is currently housed with a rescue charity or welfare organisation – everybody wins!

There are some important things to remember when introducing a new rabbit to your current pet, and the RSPCA has an excellent factsheet  on the topic:

•  Provided both animals are neutered, a male and a female will live together quite happily. Single-sex pairings are also common
• As prey animals, rabbits are naturally cautious and territorial, and so the two animals should meet in a neutral environment for the first time – not in your current pet’s hutch or run for example
• Ideally, choose a large space with plenty of distractions (food, toys, hiding places)
•  Introduce the two animals into the meeting area at the same time. The rabbits may ignore each other initially, or may watch carefully from a safe distance. If they begin to fight, separate the two and try again the next day. Keep persevering until the two rabbits bond
• At this stage it helps to position the two separate hutches facing each other so that the rabbits can get used to each other when they are not yet living in the same space
•  Once the pair sit together and groom each other, you’ll know that they have successfully bonded. In almost all cases they will remain friends for life!

Aside from the #BuddiesforBunnies campaign, RAW also works to educate those with rabbits in their lives on the optimum conditions for pet rabbits. You can find lots of advice on diet, housing, behaviour and health issues on RAW’s website, as well as here.

Until next time, best wishes from Shailen and The Ralph Site team
The Ralph Site, non-profit pet loss support 

Please note: The Ralph Site is not affiliated with the third-party organisations in any of the links shared here, and the views, ideas and suggestions expressed in this and other blogs are simply shared with the intention of helping you, our friends, take care of the special animals in your lives.

Now that the weather is warming up, many common parasites such as fleas and worms become more active. Fortunately there are plenty of highly effective products available, in a range of different application methods, so you’re sure to find one that suits you, your pet and your purse.

Fleas

If you see your pet scratching excessively, notice small scabs and spots on his / her skin, or find small brown specks of flea dirt in the fur (particularly round the bottom), then you may have a flea problem. Aside from causing irritation, if left untreated fleas can also cause a number of related health problems for your pet:

•  Hair loss resulting from intense itching and scratching
•  Flea Allergy Dermatitis – a very common and unpleasant skin condition caused by an allergic reaction to flea saliva
• Tapeworm infestation
•  Anaemia in puppies and kittens

Fleas live and feed on pets – females lay their eggs on the host animal and multiply fast: each female flea can lay 50 eggs a day so in only three weeks one flea can become 1,000! However, killing the fleas and eggs on your pet is only half the problem, and no treatment can prevent a re-infestation. Some of the eggs and flea larvae will drop off into your pet’s bed or favourite resting spot and wait for a passing host. That’s why it’s important to treat your home with a thorough vacuuming, followed by the application of specially formulated flea spray, in addition to treating your pet.

And whilst fleas are certainly more active during the summer months, they are present all year round, so we recommend regular treatment of all pets living in the household, treated at the same time with a product of your choice: tablets, spot-ons and so on.

Worms

Rabbits and smaller pets do not tend to suffer with worms, whilst the most common in cats and dogs are:

Roundworms

Looking like strings of spaghetti or elastic bands, they are picked up from the environment, as well as being passed from animal to animal, and possibly on to the two-legged members of the household! Roundworm eggs are almost invisible to the human eye, so can be difficult to spot.

Tapeworms

You may find segments of these worms excreted in your pet’s faeces (they look like flattened grains of rice). An intermediate host, such as a passing flea, is required to transmit tapeworms; therefore it is advisable to treat your pet against both worms and fleas.

As with fleas, no worm control will prevent re-infestation as these products only kill worms already present rather than providing protection against future problems. Therefore it is recommended that you treat your pet regularly, especially if he or she hunts or scavenges.

And don’t forget, if you need further advice on any aspect of parasite control, your vet will be only too happy to recommend solutions that suit your pet’s lifestyle. We would recommend products from your veterinary practice as they are typically the safest, if sometimes more expensive, options.

Until next time, best wishes from Shailen and The Ralph Site team
The Ralph Site, non-profit pet loss support

Please note: The Ralph Site is not affiliated with the third-party organisations in any of the links shared here, and the views, ideas and suggestions expressed in this and other blogs are simply shared with the intention of helping you, our friends, take care of the special animals in your lives.

As much-loved members of the family, pets would ideally accompany us on our holidays. Of course, this is not always possible and most of us will therefore require the services of a boarding service for our pets at some point. This week we take a look at some of the practical considerations involved in choosing a cattery, kennel or pet hotel.

In the UK, the local Council must license all boarding establishments for pets and a valid licence must be on display. An annual inspection ensures that kennels comply with current regulations relating to pen size, hygiene, feeding and general standards of care – however, it’s worth bearing in mind that the requirement is only for a kennel or cattery to meet minimum standards of care. You will therefore want to visit and compare several different options in order to reassure yourself that your pet will be well cared for in your chosen kennel or cattery – it’s a good idea to visit unannounced during normal working hours so you can get a feel for how the place is run.

On your visit, ask lots of questions and look closely at the pens – it’s important that you feel comfortable leaving your pet in the care of the people that you meet. Subjects you may wish to cover might include:

• Does the building look well maintained and secure?
•  How many staff are on site, and how much time do they spend daily with each guest?
•  How often will you be updated about your pet whilst you are away?
• Are the pens clean and draught-free?
•  Is the sleeping area heated in winter / air-conditioned in summer?
• What arrangements are in place for pets to exercise?
•  Do the pets staying at the time of your visit look content and well fed?
• If your pet requires medication or a special diet, how is this managed?
•  What is the procedure for providing veterinary care, if required?

Reputable establishments will insist on all residents being up to date with their vaccinations, so expect to be asked for your pet’s current vaccination record. If you are not asked about this, the chances are that other guests have not been vaccinated either, and there is a risk that disease and infection may be transmitted between residents. We believe that using a cattery or kennel where these standards are not enforced is simply not worth the potential risk to your pet’s health.

Those of you with small furries may find a good pet hotel in your area that can take good care of your rabbit, guinea pig, hamster or gerbil whilst you’re away. The same recommendations apply, in terms of visiting to see for yourself that conditions are clean and the place is well run. If you are planning to board rabbits, you should ensure that your pets’ VHD and myxomatosis vaccinations are up to date, and the boarding hotel should always ask to see the certificate. Most smaller pet boarding establishments house rabbits and guinea pigs in the hutches provided on site, whilst smaller rodents would be housed in their own cage, minimising their disruption and stress.

Ultimately, as with most things, the best way to find trusted pet care services is through recommendation – ask your family, friends, social media contacts and fellow dog-walkers which local places they use. Search online for kennels and catteries in your area and check their reviews. If they have a Facebook page you will be able to get a good feel for their approach, as well as reading feedback from clients.
You might find Find Pet Boarding a helpful place to start.

Until next time, best wishes from Shailen and The Ralph Site team
The Ralph Site, non-profit pet loss support

Please note: The Ralph Site is not affiliated with the third-party organisations in any of the links shared here, and the views, ideas and suggestions expressed in this and other blogs are simply shared with the intention of helping you, our friends, take care of the special animals in your lives.