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The Christmas season brings joy, decorations, and Christmas trees into our homes. However, as a pet owner, it's crucial to know if these festive additions are safe for our dogs. At Chess Vets, we often get asked, "Are Christmas trees toxic to dogs?" The answer is yes, certain aspects of Christmas trees can pose risks to dogs.

This blog explores why dogs might find Christmas trees enticing, why they can be toxic, and how to keep your dog safe during the Christmas season.

Pets, much like humans, can experience anxiety. Recognising and addressing this anxiety is crucial for their wellbeing. At Chess Vets, we understand the challenges of managing anxious pets and are here to provide you with practical advice to help soothe your anxious dog or cat.

This blog will explore what makes dogs and cats anxious, how to manage their anxiety, and offer tips for keeping them calm.

What makes dogs and cats anxious?

Understanding the root causes of anxiety in pets is the first step toward helping them. Common triggers in anxious cats and dogs include:

For Dogs:

1. Separation anxiety: Dogs are social animals, and being left alone for extended periods can lead to anxiety.
2. Loud noises: Thunderstorms, fireworks, and other loud sounds can be terrifying for dogs.
3. New environments: Moving to a new home or travelling can cause stress.
4. Changes in routine: Dogs thrive on routine, and any significant changes can make them anxious.

For Cats:

1. Changes in environment: Moving to a new home or rearranging furniture can unsettle cats.
2. Loud noises: Similar to dogs, loud sounds can cause anxiety in cats.
3. New pets or people: Introducing a new pet or person into the household can be stressful. We have an article to help guide you on introducing your pet to children, which might be helpful.
4. Lack of stimulation: Cats need mental and physical stimulation, and boredom can lead to anxiety

Managing pet anxiety

Effective management of anxiety in pets involves a combination of environmental changes, behavioural training, and sometimes, medical intervention. Speaking with our team at Chess Vets can help tailor the best approach for your pet.

Environmental changes:

• Create a safe space: Provide a quiet, comfortable space where your pet can retreat when feeling anxious. This could be a cosy bed in a secluded area for dogs or a high perch for cats.
• Consistent routine: Maintain a consistent daily routine for feeding, walking, and playtime to provide stability and reduce anxiety.

Behavioural training:

• Desensitisation: Gradually expose your pet to their anxiety triggers in a controlled manner to help them become less sensitive over time.
• Positive reinforcement: Reward your pet with treats and praise when they remain calm in situations that typically cause anxiety.

Medical Intervention:

• Consult your vet: If your pet's anxiety is severe, speak with Chess Vets about possible treatments. Our professionals may recommend care plans, anti-anxiety medications or supplements to help manage your pet's stress.

If you have an anxious dog or cat, don’t hesitate to speak to our team today to find out more about how we can help your pets feel more at ease.

Get in touch with Chess Vets today

Tips for Keeping Your Pet Calm

Once you've identified and managed the triggers, keeping your pet calm during anxious moments is essential. Here are some tips:

For Anxious Dogs:

• Exercise: Regular physical activity helps reduce anxiety. Take your dog for walks, play fetch, or engage in other active games.
• Interactive toys: Provide toys that stimulate your dog’s mind, such as puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys.
• Calming products: Consider using calming sprays, diffusers, or treats designed to reduce anxiety. Products containing pheromones or natural calming ingredients can be effective.
• Music therapy: Playing calming music or white noise can help drown out loud sounds and soothe your dog.

For Anxious Cats:

• Vertical Space: Cats feel safer when they have high places to perch. Provide cat trees or shelves where they can escape and observe from above.
• Interactive play: Engage your cat with toys that mimic prey, like feather wands or laser pointers, to provide mental and physical stimulation.
• Comforting scents: Use synthetic feline facial pheromone diffusers or sprays to create a sense of security.
• Hideaways: Provide hiding spots such as boxes or covered beds where your cat can retreat when feeling anxious.

When to contact your veterinary practice

If your pet's anxiety persists despite your best efforts, it may be time to seek professional help. At Chess Vets, we offer comprehensive behavioural consultations to address your pet's anxiety. Our team can develop a customised plan that includes behavioural modification techniques and, if necessary, medication to help your pet live a happier, stress-reduced life.

We know that vet visits for cats can lead to anxiety; this is why all of our practices are cat friendly clinics. We have separate waiting areas for cats and dogs to meet each pet’s needs.

Book your appointment with Chess Vets today

Seek support and advice from Chess Vets

Calming an anxious pet requires patience, understanding, and sometimes professional guidance. By identifying the triggers, managing the environment, and employing calming techniques, you can significantly reduce your pet's anxiety. Remember, Chess Vets is here to support you every step of the way. Book a consultation with us to create a tailored plan for your anxious pet, ensuring a happier and more peaceful life for your beloved companion.

By following these tips and working closely with Chess Vets, you can help your anxious dog or cat find their calm and enjoy a better quality of life.

If your pet has been to see the vet and they have been given a treatment plan, you may want to continue this at home to ensure your pet’s ears fully recover. Our guidance on caring for your pet’s ears below is based on post-treatment and after your pet has had a full examination on their ears.

We do not recommend that you clean your pet’s ears if they have not been examined by a vet or nurse. Regular ear cleaning for no reason can damage the canal or cause irritation that can result in further problems.

At Chess Vets, we understand the importance of pet ear care and are here to provide you with tips and products that work for cleaning your pet's ears, whether you have a cat or a dog.

Travelling with your dog can be an exciting adventure, but it requires some planning to ensure a smooth journey for both you and your dog. Whether you're embarking on a road trip, flying to a new destination, or simply heading to Chess Vets for a check-up, preparing your dog adequately is key to a stress-free experience. Here, we share some top tips to make sure your dog is travel-ready and comfortable throughout your journey.

Treats and Hidden Threats: Protecting Your Dog from Xylitol Poisoning 

We love sharing the good times with our dogs, and sometimes that means indulging them in a special treat from time-to-time.  

However, together with the fun, it's crucial to be aware of hidden dangers that can be in seemingly harmless snacks. One of those dangers is xylitol, a sugar alcohol commonly used as a sweetener in many everyday products, which is perfectly safe for humans, but extremely toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. 

PRESCRIPTIONS UPDATE

On 1st September 2023 our regulatory body, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) introduced new guidance on prescribing prescription-only medicines. There was a grace period until 1st January 2024 for some classes of medication including parasiticides (flea, tick and worming treatments). The new guidance requires that a clinical assessment, which usually entails a physical examination of your pet, be performed every time antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals and parasiticides are prescribed.

Understanding the impact of stress on your pet's health 

We all know stress can take a toll on our health, but did you know it can also significantly impact your pet's wellbeing? Just like us, pets experience stress and anxiety in response to various situations. Chronic stress, however, can have a detrimental effect on your pet’s physical and mental health. 

Summer is a time for fun in the sun, and many of us enjoy spending time outdoors with our pets, however, on the surface of ponds and lakes can be a hidden danger: blue-green algae. While not all algae are harmful, blue-green algae (also known as cyanobacteria) can produce extremely dangerous toxins and be fatal to dogs.  

The silver years: Special considerations for senior pet wellness 

Our pets bring us countless moments of joy and unconditional love throughout their lives. As they enter their senior years, however, their needs can change. They may become less energetic, require adjustments to their diet and environment, and be more susceptible to certain health concerns. 

Summer is a time for fun in the sun, but it's important to remember that the warm weather can be just as uncomfortable for our pets. As dog owners, it's our responsibility to ensure they stay safe and stay cool in the warm weather.

Don't let the heat slow you down! With a few essential tips and tricks from Chess Vets, you can make summer walks enjoyable experiences for you both.