Paragon Pets - December News

Compassion, care, clinical excellence

NEWS DECEMBER 2014 Contact us: Top 10 dangers to your pets over the Festive Season By Ruth Simmons BVMS MRCVS & Emma Sturch RVN

1.

Christmas cake, mince pies or anything containing raisins, sultanas and grapes 2. Nuts: in particular macadamia nuts 3. Chocolate: watch those tasty tree decorations and advent calendars 4. Onions and garlic: don’t forget gravy, stuffing and other sauces can contain this 5. Bones: these splinter and cause perforation to the guts 6. Rich fatty foods: can cause pancreatitis so watch those left over table scraps!

7. Plants: mistletoe, lilies in cats (eg. Poinsettias) 8. Tinsel and ribbons: it is not uncommon for cats and dogs to eat this or other shiny new things around at Christmas time 9. Overdose of human medication: watch Grandmas tablets left lying within easy reach or the Ibuprofen and Paracetamol tablets for that hangover!

10. Anti-freeze: cats in particular can drink this.

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year from all at Paragon Veterinary Group.

Our surgeries will close earlier on Christmas eve and New Years eve. For details of surgery times please contact your local branch. Our emergency line is still available every day over the holidays.

PARAGON VETERINARY CENTRE Carlisle House, Townhead Road, Dalston,Carlisle, CA5 7JF Tel: 01228 710208 vets@paragonvet.com TOWNHEAD VETERINARY CENTRE Newbiggin, Stainton, Penrith, CA11 0HT Tel: 01768 483789 townhead@paragonvet.com LONDON ROAD SURGERY 87 London Road, Carlisle, CA1 2LG Tel: 01228 591005 pethealthcentre@paragonvet.com

PARAGON VETERINARY GROUP ONLINE Visit us at www.paragonvet.com or ‘like’ us on our facebook page www.facebook.com/ParagonVets.Pets

24 Hour Emergency Service

“A dog or a cat is for life not just for Christmas”

Thinking of getting a new pet this Christmas? Please think about whether it is the right time for you and where to get your pet from. Take the time to do your research before making that impulse purchase, as this ensures that our rescue centres don’t get filled up.

Ask yourself a few questions first: Is your lifestyle suitable? Remember this is a long-term commitment with some cats living until 20 years old and dogs 15+ years. Do you have the space and suitable environment for the dog or cat?

Can you afford the care they will need? At this time of year we are all feeling purse strings tighten and the cost of a dog or cat is often underestimated. You will need to consider the initial outlay of buying food bowls, collar and leads, bed, toys, and the cost of your pet. Then there is the preventative care; vaccinations, ID chip, regular flea and worm treatment and neutering. And the emergency fund should your pet have an accident or illness. An operation to remove a stuck toy or repair a broken leg for example can cost thousands of pounds and this is where having your pet insured can be invaluable.

Do you have the time they require? A dog will need walked daily, regular training and cannot be left in the house all day.

How will your current pets cope? Don’t forget about your other animals; introducing a new animal may not be a good idea or the right time. Cats in particular can be very hard to integrate without causing stress to all involved!

Where to get your pet from?

Consider a rescue animal – our local rescue centres are full of lovely pets that can offer a wonderful companion for the right person. If you’ve never considered a rescue animal before, now is the time. Why not go along to one of the local rehoming centres and have a chat with them about the benefits of rescuing an animal.

Reputable breeder – we are still sadly seeing a rise in puppy farming. To avoid this ensure you visit the puppy in its home environment. They should be clean and health looking. Ideally you will be given a written list of the exact feeding requirements, what worm and flea treatment has been given and when, as well as other useful information. Make sure you see the parents or at the very least the bitch.

Getting a new animal is a very exciting time, but can also come with its challenges. Naturally, we see a wide variety of breeds and we can advise you on what may be suitable for your lifestyle.

We are here to offer you advice and support throughout the whole process.

Animal Concern

Pet Health Club

This is a great way of spreading the cost of preventative health care, whilst also saving some money, with an affordable monthly direct debit.

As a member, you will get a 10% discount on the vaccination course/booster when you join.

Monthly direct debit payments (incorporating a 10% discount) cover: 1. Future boosters 2. Fleas and worm prevention throughout the year 3. Routine health checks by a vet 4. Great advice and healthcare checks with a nurse 5. Complementary bag of Royal Canin food, then 10% off future food 6. 10% off waiting room sales Yes all this from as little as £10.60 a month!

This is a brilliant way to ensure your puppy or kitten has the best start in life. We also have plans to suit your adult dogs and cats and not forgetting the geriatric animals out there.

Remember: Prevention is better than cure Why not contact us to find out more about the best plan for your pet.

PARAGON VETERINARY GROUP ONLINE Visit us at www.paragonvet.com or ‘like’ us on our facebook page www.facebook.com/ParagonVets.Pets