Different pets have different needs. The more you know about your pet, the better you can plan and respond to their long term healthcare requirements – and your local Leicestershire pet doctor is here to help. Our friendly pet doctors and nursing teams can answer any enquiry you may have; in the meantime, here are some handy pointers that’ll help you do right by your furry friends.
Dental care for dogs and cats
We take dental care for granted. Most people brush twice a day and pay a regular visit to the dentist. Our companion cats and dogs need just as much dental care as we do. Dental disease in cats and dogs causes painful mouths – not easy to detect – and can put your companion animal at serious risk of disease and damage to organs in the body such as the heart, liver and kidneys.
Signs to watch for…
Cats and dogs are pretty good at disguising pain so it’s important to check their mouths for warning signs of dental conditions. If you spot:
Bleeding/red and inflamed or recessed gums
Layers of tartar overlying the teeth or discoloured teeth
Loose teeth, missing teeth or really bad breath
Pawing at the mouth, a reluctance to eat dry food or preference for soft food
… then there’s likely a problem. Bring your companion in for a free dental check-up with one of our friendly veterinary nurses.
How Cockburn Vets can help…
Without intervention, conditions can get worse fast. Once animal dental disease has set in, we can help slow progression but it’s unlikely things will return to good as new.
At a check-up, we’ll advise you on whether a dental procedure may be necessary. Typically the earlier we intercept disease, the less treatment needed and the more success we have.
Pets with dental disease need a professional scale and polish. You know how tricky it is for them to sit still so we have to do this under general anaesthesia – this has attendant risks but putting pets under is a routine procedure.
Lastly – remember that prevention is always better than cure.
Read our pet dental care leaflet for all the tips you need – ask for one at reception on your next visit.
Need advice on dental care for cats and dogs? Call us on 01530 836654 at our Coalville animal surgery during opening hours. We’ll be pleased to help.
Feeding rabbits and guinea pigs
Rabbits and guinea pigs are herbivores – and therefore strictly vegan – but have adventurous palates. Apart from the usual like clean grass and carrot tops, they are very partial to foods and herbs you might find on your own plate – like pak choi, parsley, chicory, coriander, watercress and mint. We recommend you avoid commercial pellet mixes unless it’s a quality brand like Supreme Science or Oxbow – most are high in protein, fat and sugar and the pet equivalent of junk food.
Vegetables should make up 20-30 per cent of their diet. For a two kilo rabbit or two guinea pigs, this translates on average to a loosely packed three-litre container per day.
The other daily 70-80 per cent per day should be fresh green cut hay.
Greens and leaves are often a personal choice so find what your pet likes. Try new foods a little at a time and once you work out what your pet thrives on, keep your rabbit diet consistent.
Download our rabbit and guinea pig feeding leaflet for all the tips you need – or ask for one at reception on your next visit.
A quick word on fresh green cut hay…
Rabbits and guinea pigs can be notoriously stubborn when it comes to their food – possibly a familiar experience if you’re a parent too! While it can take time for rabbits and guinea pigs to realise that fresh hay is edible, it’s healthy and they’ll love it.
However: there’s hay … and there’s hay. Read our hay feed for rabbits and guinea pigs leaflet for all the tips you need – ask for one at reception on your next visit.
Need extra advice on rabbit and guinea pig feeding regimes? Call us on 01530 836654 at our Coalville animal surgery during opening hours. We’ll be pleased to help.
