Pets

New Stour & Avon, July 30, 2021 Pets Look out for ticks during warm weather

The lovely warm weather is here, but unfortunately this means so are ticks. Ticks are small, blood-sucking bugs and range in size from as small as a pin’s head to as large as a pencil eraser. They attach by inserting their mouthparts into your pet’s skin and will suck blood slowly over several days (given the chance) as part of their complex life cycle. These unsightly parasites can pose many risks to our pets. Whether it’s through sore inflamed lumps after being bitten, right through to serious diseases such as Lymes disease and Babesiosis. Heather, woodland and coarse grassland are all home to ticks –we have an abundance of these types of areas here in Dorset, so you need to be aware. Ticks will climb onto blades of grass or shrubs and stretch out their legs, waiting for your dog or cat to pass by and latch on. Disease is spread through their saliva, which is only released after 24 hours of being attached. This is why it’s vitally important that pet owners are using products that kill ticks within this time frame. Always check your pet’s coat thoroughly after any outdoor activity, including walks, playing in the garden etc, paying particular attention to their head, chest, legs and ears. If you find a tick, this is best removed as soon as possible. A special tick removal tool is the most effective way of removing the whole tick safely and effectively. These can be bought at any good pet shop. Lymes disease symptoms in dogs include fever, loss of appetite, low energy and joint swelling. Strangely these symptoms can show up many months after being bitten. If you are concerned about Lymes disease we advise speaking to your vet. There are blood tests that can diagnose it and treatment involves a course of anti-biotics. Babesiosis is prevalent on the continent in Europe but has also been seen in pockets of the UK. It’s caused by a tiny parasite, spread by ticks, that infects your pet’s red blood cells. Symptoms include anaemia (pale gums), dark urine and sometimes collapse. If caught early, Babesiosis responds to treatment but can be fatal if delayed. We recommend getting in touch with your vet if you are concerned about any tick-borne disease or if your pet is feeling unwell. In all parasite cases prevention is far better than cure. vetsmiths.co.uk 01202 119988

BEAUTIFUL PURE-BRED BRITISH SHORT HAIR KITTENS for sale Tel 07799 296502

BABY BUNNIES looking for lovely homes! Mini lop/ Rex cross. Ready to go 31st July. £60 each. 07970 916660. Beautiful POODLE CROSS GSP PUPPIES for sale. 4 remaining. Henstridge. 07967 634706

ALSATION PUPPIES for sale, one girl, 7 boys. All microchipped. Ready 26th July. Both parents can be seen. Father is an ex-police dog. £800 each. 01747 850129

FOX RED LABRADOR PUPPIES FOR SALE. Both parents are KC registered. Working/ family pets. £2,000. 07527 202088 BEAUTIFUL, WORKING COCKER SPANIEL PUPPIES FOR SALE. Ready 31st July. 01935 864587. £1500

FERRETS FOR SALE nice colours £10 each 07407 347142

DNA CLEAR MINI DACHSHUND BOYS. Black & Tan. Vet checked, vaccinated and microchipped. Raised in a family home with lots of love and affection. 5 star homes only please. £3,000 - 07707 646359

PURE HOME BRED FOX RED LABRADOR PUPS kc reg Microchiped Wormed etc. With mum lovely natured working or pet. Ready 26/08/21. Contact 07545379439

Pet of the week

One-year-old Ezra came in from a multi cat household and is now ready to find a loving new home. He is a very nervous chap and will need plenty of gentle handling to help him build in confidence. He has found cattery life quite stressful and staff are continuing to spend time with him to gain his trust. He is looking for a quiet home where he can come around in his own time and have the space he needs. Ezra would benefit from living with another cat as this could help with his confidence but no dogs. Children 12 years plus and should know when to give him space. Not to be rehomed within 5 miles of Portsmouth PO2. Call the RSPCA at Ashley Heath on 0300 123 0749 or go to their website.