Pets March 2013

Lifelong care for pets providing clinical excellence, knowledge and experience

NEWS ASK THE VET

by Laura McKirdy MICROCHIPPING YOUR DOG We all know obesity can cause health problems for dogs and cats and can even shorten their life expectancy.

It’s true for rabbits as well. Extra pounds can put a strain on their cardiovascular systems and make arthritis problems worse.

Fat rabbits also find it very difficult to groom themselves and this can lead to flystrike.

So - how can you tell if your rabbit needs to go on a diet? A thick fur coat can hide a multitude of sins, so make sure you feel your pet properly. You should be able to feel his ribs under a thin layer of muscle.

However if his backbone sticks up in a ridge - he’s probably too thin (or possibly very old).

If you’re not sure, one of our Vets or Nurses can do a weight check and give you advice.

From April 2016, all dogs in England must be microchipped.

Owners who don’t comply with the new legislation will face fines of £500.

The news has been welcomed by many animal welfare groups such as Dogs Trust. They believe it will help reunite owners with their lost pets.

Here at Paragon we’re running a special promotion to encourage more owners to have their pets ID chipped ahead of the deadline.

March 2013

Contact us: CALDEW VETERINARY HOSPITAL 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

You can have your dog microchipped for just £10.

It’s a quick and easy procedure. Our Receptionists, Vets and Nurses will be happy to tell you more.

PARAGON VETERINARY GROUP Visit us at: www.paragonvet.com and please ‘like’ us on our FACEBOOK page www.facebook.com/ParagonVets.Pets

24 hour emergency service

TRAINING CLASSES The first session of Training Classes for puppies got off to a great start at our Dalston practice.

The classes are for fully vaccinated puppies and are running in six-week blocks, on Tuesday evenings from 7-8pm in the spacious reception area. The first evening saw Trainer Gary Hodgkinson meet his new canine pupils - and the group included a wide range of shapes, sizes and breeds. Gary says teaching the owners is just as important as teaching the pups - if not more so. At this early stage of their education, the main priority is to get the pups to focus on their handlers - not an easy task when there’s fun and games to be had with the other dogs!

After the initial six week block, the puppies can then progress onto a more advanced course.

This will also be held on Tuesdays, from 8-9pm. Both courses will take a maximum of eight puppies so that everyone is guaranteed individual attention from the trainer.

Well trained dogs are a pleasure to own and these classes will give your youngster the best possible grounding in life to help him or her mature into a happy, confident and sensible dog.

Both courses cost £40.

If you’d like to know more about the courses, just talk to one of our Receptionists, Nurses or Vets.

FACTS ABOUT CATS

Have you seen our new Thundershirts DVD?

Did you know... * The oldest cat on record was Crème Puff

from Austin, Texas, who lived from 1967 to 2005, a grand old age of 38! * Foods that should not be given to cats include onions, garlic, green tomatoes, raw potatoes, chocolate, grapes, and raisins. * Female cats tend to be right pawed, while male cats are more often left pawed. * Cats make about 100 different sounds. Dogs make only about 10.

Anxiety issues such as fear of being left alone or fear of travelling can cause all sorts of problems for dogs and their owners. In this DVD, two owners explain how Thundershirts have helped their pets. It’s being shown regularly in the reception area of our Dalston practice.

You can also see it on our Paragon Pets Facebook page.

PARAGON VETERINARY GROUP Visit us at: www.paragonvet.com and please ‘like’ us on FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/ParagonVets.Pets