All the latest info on caring for your pet

For the last week or so, the world has been watching with horror the Chinese city of Wuhan, the epicenter of a new viral disease outbreak. The catchily-named 2019-nCoV is a coronavirus, one of a very large family, but this particular version is very new (in fact, genetic research is suggesting that it might be only a few months old, having evolved by spontaneous mutation late in 2019). However, Coronaviruses themselves are nothing new - they are in fact ubiquitous, and most species of animals seem to have their own. So, what do we know about coronaviruses? Where did this one come from? And what’s the impact, especially on animals, likely to be? 

A common and very simple question without a simple answer. All cases are as individual as the treatment they need. We will talk about how the ears of a ‘normal’ dog work, highlight why problems could occur which lead to a need for cleaning, and detail signs to watch for. If your dog’s ears are functioning normally you should not need to do anything. Just like the old saying goes: ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.’ Cleaning your dog's ears with an inappropriate cleaner or technique could cause problems where there were none. For a demonstration on the best way to clean ears without causing damage, and what to use, make an appointment to see your vet or a vet nurse.

I’m sure it’s not only me that finds January a depressing month. The Christmas run up and frivolity has passed and has left everybody feeling a little deflated... The weather gets even colder; New Year’s Resolutions are already being broken; and even though logically you know the days are getting longer, it doesn’t feel like it yet!  But for some people, it’s more than finding it a little cold and dreary. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a recognised mental health condition that affects 1 in 15 people in the UK. It’s thought to be caused by a lack of sunlight affecting part of the brain that produces hormones, and it causes long periods of depression, lethargy and sleeplessness in people it effects. So, what about our pets? Do our dogs get depressed? Can cats get low spirits? 

Owning a reptile is a big responsibility and is very different from owning a bird or a mammalian pet. Reptiles have highly specific care requirements and it is essential to thoroughly research exactly what your chosen species will need to thrive before going ahead with a purchase or adoption. This article talks through the main aspects of reptile care and husbandry to consider if you are new to reptile-owning.

Fatty Liver Disease, or Hepatic Lipidosis, is one of the most common liver disorders of cats in the developed world. It typically occurs when an overweight cat loses weight too fast – either because of an excessively aggressive diet plan (good idea, but poor execution!), or due to some other disease process that results in a loss of appetite. Unfortunately, fatty liver disease is often in itself more dangerous to the cat than the underlying problem, and without rapid and effective treatment, is frequently fatal.