Anglesey Pet Clinic

Hot dogs warning! Given the lovely weather today, be aware that dogs can overheat easily in cars even when the fan or air conditioning is on. Be sure to allow regular access to water and opportunities to cool down. If you are worried about your dog suffering from a heat stroke, please get in touch on 01407 764999.

Please help the postman/postwoman! Royal Mail and Parcelforce are appealing to dog owners to help them deliver the mail safely by securing their pets before opening the door to receive or sign for deliveries. A total of 2,484 attacks on postal delivery personnel have been recorded for 2018-19 which is a 9% increase on the year before and equates to almost 50 attacks per week.

Who is the top dog? Research on packs of free-roaming dogs has shown that the highest levels of intra-pack aggression exist in the middle levels of the dominance hierarchy. Previously it was assumed that dominance behaviour was more common among the top dogs, but this now does no longer look correct. Researchers explain this behaviour as the result of the unavoidable costs of climbing a dominance ladder.

All Creatures Great and Small reboot Channel 5 has announced that it will remake the popular show in collaboration with the US broadcaster PBS. The original series ran on BBC from 1978-1980 and was a major hit, following the trials and tribulations of James Herriot. If you want our James to audition for the lead role, please contact Channel 5!

Obesity on rise in UK companion animals The latest obesity report by the Pet Food Manufacturer's Association (which represents 90% of the pet food market) has shown that 51% of all dogs, 44% of all cats and 29% of all small mammals are overweight or obese. This is a considerable increase from 2015 when the last survey was undertaken (dogs 45%; cats 40%; small mammals 28%). If you want us to check your pet's body score or advise on weight loss strategies, please contact our clinic for an appointment on 01407 764999.

Allergic to cats? As many as one in five adults worldwide are sensitised to cat allergens. Research is underway that may allow those of us allergic to cats to live with them afterall! Recent research by scientists has shown that the major cat allergen, Fel d 1 - responsible for 95% of reactions in cat allergen-sensitive people, can be reduced by feeding the cat a diet that contains anti-Fel d 1 antibodies. In trials, cats fed this diet showed an average of a 47% reduction in the allergen over 3 weeks. Researchers stress that this is not a cure, but could reduce the allergy threshold sufficiently to allow allergic adults to continue living with cats.

British bulldogs under the microscope British bulldogs have grown greatly in popularity. Ownership almost doubled between 2009 and 2013. The largest study of British bulldogs has thrown up the following results: The average lifespan of bulldogs is 7.2 years and they weigh an average of 26kg. The main medical problems this breed suffers from are ear infections (12.7%), skin infections (8.8%), obesity (8.7%), skin fold dermatitis (7.8%), and 'cherry eye' (6.8%), and most seriously, 3.5% of the bulldogs analysed suffered from brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (i.e. breathing problems related to the short muzzle). So, when your bulldog has breathing problems, or makes snorting noises, please have him/her checked out by a vet. And, keep them cool during the current heatwave!

Dogs Honoured Nineteen police dogs that supported emergency services during the London terror attacks at Westminster Bridge, London, Bridge and Borough Market have been honoured for their services by the PDSA. Seven of the dogs were selected to represent the Metropolitan Police and British Transport Police animals that served during the 2017 attacks. They received the PDSA Order of Merit - the animal equivalent of the OBE.

Human genes influence dog ownership Researchers from Sweden and the UK who were studying human twins found that genetic variation explains more than half of the variation in dog ownership, implying that the choice of getting a dog is heavily influenced by an individual's genetic make-up. The precise genes have not yet been identified, but the study demonstrates for the first time that genetics and environment play about equal roles in determining dog ownership.

Dogs thefts are up According to Direct Line Pet Insurance, the number of dogs stolen increased from 1,879 in 2017 to 1,959 in 2018. This is equivalent to 5 dogs stolen every day. Chihuahua, French bulldogs and Jack Russell Terriers are among those breeds most likely to be stolen. The number of dogs reported stolen to UK police forces has risen for the 4th consecutive year. Only 17% of stolen animals are returned to their owners. Thus, please make sure that your dog is microchipped, so that it can be returned to you should the worst happen!

Hot weather! Hot dogs! The RSPCA reports that reports of dogs left in hot cars hit a 3-year high last year. The RSPCA received almost 8,300 emergency calls about this issue - a 5% increase from 2017 and a 15% rise from 2016.

Rabbit Awareness Week The 13th Rabbit Awareness Week will take place between 1 and 9 June 2019. This year's focus is on raising awareness around the importance of vaccinating against Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease Type-2 (RVHD2). RVHD2 has few symptoms, and is fatal, and outbreaks have already been reported all over the UK and Ireland. Protection against RVHD2 requires an annual vaccination on top of the usual myxo-RHD vaccination. To find out more about this disease and how rabbit owners can prevent it, go to: https://www.rabbitawarenessweek.co.uk/

Dog Health Workshop The Kennel Club is hosting the 4th International Dog Health Workshop on behalf of the International Partnership For Dogs from 30 May to 1 June. It will take place at the De Vere Beaumont Estate in Windsor and brings together health advocates, breed clubs, health, welfare and breeding experts and organisations, vets and academics from across the world. For further details, check out the website: https://doghealthworkshop2019.co.uk/

Brushing your dog's teeth is good A recent study on the benefits of dental treatments has shown that brushing a dog's teeth after a veterinary tooth clean was more than three times effective at preventing dental plaque buildup than using dental chews or special dental diets. If you want to find out more about how to brush your dog's teeth, please make an appointment on 01407 764999 or pop in for our tooth brushing guide.

Adders bite! Be careful when walking your dog in areas known for adders as we already have had the first adder bite case in. Poor Jack gotten bitten on the nose which swelled up to almost double its normal size. Luckily, we stock stock the adder anti-venom, so Jack is recovering well after a night at our surgery. So, should your dog get bitten by an adder, please contact us straight away and make your way to practice as a matter of urgency, so that we can administer the anti-venom as quickly as possible. Our phone number is 01407 764999.

Petplan Practice of the Year 2019 Nominee. A big thank you to all clients for nominating us for the best practice awards in the Petplan competition. This is the 7th time we have been nominated, and we are delighted! Many thanks!

Dogs personality research Researchers from Michigan State University surveyed owners of more than 1,600 dogs from 50 different breeds. They found that, in dogs as in humans, personalities are likely to change over time. The also found out that it is at age 6 when dogs are most receptive to obedience training once they have outgrown the excitable puppy stage.

Guinea Pig Census - open until 18th March The world's first guinea pig census has been launched by Burgess Pet Care. The census will allow researchers to understand health and welfare of these animals better. Despite the fact that the UK is estimated to have a population of nearly half a million pet guinea pigs, very little research is so far available on how they are being cared for. To take part in the Great British Guinea Pig Census, visit https://www.burgesspetcare.com/greatbriti shguineacensus/