Gill's Pet Sitting Services UK

08/08/2023

😻 Happy international cat day 😻
Enjoy snuggles, head bops, tail tickles and chirps XX

31/07/2023

31/07/2023

Sadly, I've seen numerous cats in the OOH ECC clinic suffering, sheet ingesting this. It's really nasty and unless caught early, the outcome is usually fatal.

⭐Next up on our A-Z pet poisoning campaign is the letter E⭐

Ethylene Glycol

Ethylene Glycol (also known as ethanediol) is a compound found most commonly in antifreeze, coolants, screen-wash, certain de-icers and some printer cartridges. Note that just because a product contains ‘antifreeze’ does not mean it contains ethylene glycol.

Exposure is a hazard mainly via ingestion, dermal toxicity is low – however does increase the risk of secondary exposure via self-grooming.

The initial signs from ethylene glycol can be vague and non-specific and resemble drunkenness and is followed by kidney failure. Most cases of ethylene glycol poisoning occur in the winder months. Cats are at particular risk of ethylene glycol poisoning as the exposure may not be witnessed, initial signs may be missed and even a very small volume may cause fatal poisoning.

Ethanol is the antidote to ethylene glycol poisoning but it needs to be started as soon as possible after ingestion.
Treatment is recommended for any amount of ethylene glycol in cats. If you suspect your pet has been exposed to ethylene glycol it is recommended that you contact your vet immediately.

☎️ Pet owners can call Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000
🤳 Veterinary professionals can call VPIS on 0207 305 5055

29/07/2023

This is a very common, household item. Please don't leave it out after use! As always, keep medicines out of reach of children and pets.

⭐A-Z of pet poisoning - D⭐

Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly used for the management of pain.

Diclofenac is found in many different forms - the most common being gel but tablets and suppositories are also commonly prescribed.

If ingested, diclofenac can cause gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting and diarrhoea (which may be bloody), lethargy and inappetence. If an animal has been exposed to a large volume, there is a risk of kidney impairment, although this is uncommon.

Even a very small amount of diclofenac could be enough to cause complications and early treatment is essential to reduce the risk of secondary complications.

If your pet has ingested diclofenac, it is important that you seek advice as soon as possible.

☎️ Pet owners can call Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000
🤳 Veterinary professionals can call VPIS on 0207 305 5055

29/07/2023

Chocolate - is the obvious choice for the letter C!

⭐A-Z of pet poisoning - C⭐

Next up, we have (you guessed it..) chocolate!

The primary toxic components in chocolate are theobromine and caffeine. The amount of theobromine and caffeine in products will vary dependent on the type of chocolate and the manufacturer. Common signs associated with large consumption of chocolate in animals include:
🍫 Vomiting (in animals that can)
🍫 Diarrhoea
🍫 Hyperactivity and restlessness
🍫 Increased thirst
🍫 Increased heart rate
🍫 Tremors

Whilst many of us are aware of the danger that chocolate poses to dogs, other species are similarly as affected.

If your pet ingests chocolate, it is very important that you seek advice to check the dose and see whether treatment is necessary.

☎️ Pet owners can call Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000
🤳 Veterinary professionals can call VPIS on 0207 305 5055

29/07/2023

VPIS line is available for not only the veterinary professionals but owners also!

⭐A-Z of pet poisoning - Letter B⭐

Next up this week, we have baclofen!

Baclofen is a skeletal muscle relaxant prescribed for the management of chronic muscle spasms.

Baclofen can cause clinical signs within 1-2 hours of exposure, and potential signs include wobbliness, vocalisation, drooling, vomiting and drowsiness. With severe cases, there is a risk of a reduced heart rate, respiratory arrest (due to paralysis of the respiratory muscles) and seizures.

Animals can develop signs at very low doses, and therefore it is recommended that advice is sought after any potential ingestion so that treatment can be initiated as soon as possible if it is required.

☎️ Pet owners can call Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000
🤳 Veterinary professionals can call VPIS on 0207 305 5055

29/07/2023

Anyone interested in this webinar?

Preparing for your dog’s cruciate surgery can feel quite daunting as there is a lot to arrange and think about - from readying your home, to following the surgeon’s post-op protocol.

Enrol in our new FREE course with the wonderful Canadian physiotherapist, Carrie Smith, and set your dog up for a successful recovery by being prepared for what’s to come!

Head to the link for more info and to enrol:
https://www.cameducation.co.uk/course/cruciate-surgery-prep

29/07/2023

22/07/2023

The VPIS telephone number is at the bottom of the post and is available for pet owners and veterinary professionals alike.
If you are concerned about a potential ingestion you can call them direct.
It's always best to seek professional advice for these matters.

⭐A-Z of pet poisoning - Letter A⭐

Next up this week, we have alphachloralose.

Alphachloralose is a rodenticide licensed in the UK for the control of house mice. When ingested, it can cause neurological signs such as wobbliness, tremors, visual impairment and drowsiness. With severe cases, ingestion can lead to coma and seizures. Signs can be very quick in onset (sometimes within 15 minutes of ingestion) and can last for a couple of days, even with treatment.

There is a risk of secondary poisoning (ingestion of a dead or dying rodent or bird) with alphachloralose.

If you suspect that your pet has come into contact with alphachloralose, we recommend that you seek advice as soon as possible.

☎️ Pet owners can call Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000
🤳 Veterinary professionals can call VPIS on 0207 305 5055

22/07/2023

⭐First up on our A-Z pet poisoning campaign is the letter A⭐

Antibiotics - what are they used for and what is the risk?

We are all familiar with these drugs which are used to treat infections, and they are usually found as tablets or as an ingredient in a cream which your doctor prescribes.
They are of low acute toxicity and are well tolerated. In cats and dogs, an overdose of antibiotics, even a large overdose, will cause no more than some mild gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting and diarrhoea, and it would not be necessary to go to your vet for treatment.

Pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils, hamsters, and other rodents, however, are much more sensitive to antibiotics, as these drugs alter the normal “good bacteria” in the animals’ guts and cause an overgrowth of “bad bacteria” which can have very serious consequences.

If you suspect your rabbit or rodent has been exposed to a dropped tablet, contact your vet immediately, as treatment will probably be required.

By contrast, antiseptic creams contain no antibiotic component; they may case some vomiting or some drooling, as they do not taste particularly nice, but would not be a concern unless your pet has consumed many tubes.

☎️ Pet owners can call Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000
🤳 Veterinary professionals can call VPIS on 0207 305 5055

22/07/2023

Giant Hogweed may look harmless, but it can cause serious burns, blisters and long-term skin damage to both pets and humans ⚠️

The stems and leaves of the plant contain dangerous toxins, putting pets at risk even just by brushing against it ☣️ The toxin is further concentrated in the sap released when the plant is damaged or broken, increasing the risk. Although pets may have some protection from their fur, hairless or thin-furred areas (such as the ears, mouth and belly) can be badly affected 😟

Giant Hogweed can be found throughout the UK. Particularly common along river banks, it flowers in June and July and looks like a huge cow parsley plant. Dogs can come across it while exploring undergrowth, so we’re urging pet owners to keep a close eye out when walking their dogs ❗

If your pet comes across it, be sure to wash their coat well with soap and water, whilst protecting yourself using gloves. And if you’re worried, contact your Vet immediately 🐾🩺

13/02/2023

Dog trolleys are becoming more popular!!
As dogs are living longer, some with degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis, these provide an excellent way of ensuring your dog leads an inclusive and exciting life. The trolleys afford your beloved pooch the cognitive simulation they require, just enables you to travel further than "the end of the road" before heading back.

Your dog can still lead a fulfilling life, even if they cant walk as far as they used to.

Your dog uses their nose above all other senses, so using a dog trolley gives them the freedom to get out and experience different environments, and to interact with the world in a way they will still enjoy. It also gives them a great way to rest as and when they need to.

25/01/2023

Please read and share amongst your doggy friends. I've always believed that ALL dogs should be muzzle trained. It can be done in an educational way and made enjoyable for the pooches and the owners. If you need any advice please don't hesitate to to get in touch. 💗

Muzzles Are NOT The Devil!

The world has officially gone crazy. I saw a post earlier from someone who ‘didn’t agree with muzzles because they’re cruel’ and it’s absolute insanity.

You’re potentially walking around with a 40kg dog with 42 massive teeth in its head. Let’s say he breaks his leg and naturally he’s not gonna understand why the vet is hurting him, he’s gonna be stressed, in pain, scared… now what? We wait for him to stop mauling the vet and click and reward? Nonsense.

Every single dog walking this planet should be conditioned to a muzzle. Are they all likely to need one? Not at all. But WHAT IF they do. Now you’ve got an already scared dog, who’s gonna be further stressed because you rammed a muzzle on his face.

Aside from this STOP judging dogs you see with muzzles on. There’s a million different reasons a dog is wearing a muzzle. Maybe he chews his paws, maybe he eats stuff off the floor, maybe he’s scared and unpredictable.

Condition the muzzle. We’ve been training with it today for no reason whatsoever. Don’t need it, no vet visit planned but my dogs see the muzzle as a positive thing. He comes and shoves his face in it because it brings reward.

Muzzles are very very useful, and if you think they’re cruel, you’ve not yet met the dogs they save. Open your mind.

23/01/2023

Being a vet is not always fun. This problem is bigger than most people realise

23/01/2023

Hey everyone. This is my dog Max. He is a 9yr old pointer cross. He is a loyal, loving and very friendly boy. He is a sofa hound who loves snoozing in front of the fire. He is whistle trained and walks perfectly on a slip lead. However, he is far from perfect. He can be grumpy "on a lead" if approached and has a habit of running away if he sees a squirrel!
No one is perfect, we all have bad days but keep working with you dog! Exercise is the BEST way to de-stress and to get the most out of your pooch. Training is life-long and I'm now working everyday to make him feel more comfortable but I implore that if you see a dog on a lead, or that someone is trying to recall their dog please do the same. Your dog MAY be friendly but it stresses mine (and others) out no end and un-does all the hard work making him feel relaxed by "rushing him" while he feels uncomfortable. Thank you for reading this.

23/01/2023

Hey followers! Please share far and wide! Free download here......❤️

We are excited to tell you about our new free download!

We have been asked to write something on puppy caregiving for a while now, so we have been working hard behind the scenes to make it happen. And its' finally here!!

This one is more about prevention rather than treatment, and when it comes to interventions; earlier = better.

We all want our furry friends to live long and happy lives, and reducing the risks and identifying OA concerns from an early age is the best way to make that happen.

This guide is designed for everyone thinking about getting (or have already got) a new puppy - but also for breeders, puppy classes, vet practices, etc. We would love this guide to be included in puppy packs from vets and breeders!

Take a look and download for free here:https://caninearthritis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/CAM-Puppy-Guidance-Caregiver-Handout.pdf