Pet Health

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Category: Pet Health

Advice, tips and reviews – Everything you should know about keeping your pets fit and healthy.

Arthritis - Pets can get arthritis too

Arthritis In Dogs – Pets & Arthritis

by Pet Insurance UK

Did you know dogs and other pets can get arthritis?

Stiff joints and aches and pains are problems that many of us suffer as we age. Dogs and other pets also suffer similar effects of aging.

Arthritis is the name given to swelling or inflammation of the joints. Dogs in particular can suffer with similar aches and pains to us humans. Arthritis affects dogs in common areas like the legs, hips and back. As well as paws and ankle joints, which can often make walking and running painful.

What causes arthritis in pets including dogs and cats?

Arthritis in dogs, cats and other pets is largely the result of ageing and wear and tear on bones, joints and cartilage. It can be made worse by things like damp and cold weather, and food intolerances. 

In some cases it can be a symptom of other underlying illnesses, so it is advisable to consult your vet if you have concerns.

What treatments are available for pets with arthritis?

There are numerous treatments for arthritis and rheumatism in pets. Dogs with arthritis can be prescribed NSAIDs (Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs), in the same way these are prescribed for humans.

NSIAD drugs can reduce inflammation, swelling and reduce pain levels. However as with humans prolonged use of NSAIDs can lead to issues with the stomach and gut which can cause other complications.

What natural treatments are available for pets with arthritis?

There are a number of natural treatments developed for pets with arthritis and rheumatism, these include magnetic collars for pets, omega and CBD oils and supplements. It is important to understand some supplements are unsuitable for pets, dogs and cats can take a range of supplements similar to those used by humans.

For other pets these can be extremely harmful, so always check suitability with your vet before using supplements on a pet.

Dosage in pets is often dependent on their weight so it is vitally important you check and adhere to the guidance on the instructions stick to recommended dosage. Natural treatments for inflammation and arthritis in pets include:

HEMP Oil – CBD oils is the hot new natural supplement for humans. It is thought that hemp oils have beneficial effects for pets with inflammation and joint pain.
BUGALUGS – Dog Hemp Oil Supplement for Dogs & Cats From £21.98 for 500ml

MEDI Paws – Organic Hemp Oil for Dogs & Cats
From £12.50 for 50ml  

Primary Pets – Hemp Oil for Dogs & Cats
From £12.50 for 60ml  

Turmeric (Curcumin) & Ginger – These two root herbs are extremely popular, they  are used daily by a growing number of humans, the anti inflammatory effects of turmeric and ginger are also likely to have an effect in naturally lowering the inflammation in pets.

Zipfit – Turmeric Glucosamine & Ginger for Dogs & Cats
From £11.95 90 capsules

IMMAL – Tumeric (duck flavour chews) for Dogs & Cats
From £15.99  180 chewables

Primary Pets – Tumeric & Black Pepper for Dogs & Cats
From £12.99 for 120 capsules  

Glucosamine & Chondroitin – Are natural complex sugars, the two are powerful anti-inflammatories. It is thought that they play an essential role in the maintenance and regeneration of healthy cartilage. Lower doses can be given to dogs and sometimes cats to combat the effects of rheumatic disorders and arthritis. Together they can help prolong the life of joints and cartilage, thus reducing inflammation.

YUMOVE – Glucosamine & Chondroitin joint care for Dogs (meaty flavour)
From £47.50 150 chewables

ZipFit– Glucosamine & Chondroitin joint care for Dogs (splittable capsules)
From £12.57 180 capsules

Stella Lab – Glucosamine & Chondroitin joint care (pork flavour)
From £17.97 for 120 chews  

The supplements shown are available from Amazon UK – prices are provided as a guide and may vary.

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Pets magnetic healing collars

Magnotherapy For Dogs & Cats

by Pet Insurance UK

Magnotherapy & magnetic collars could help your pets

Magnetic pet collars are becoming more and more popular with pet owners. Magnetic therapy or ‘magnotherapy’ for pets has a growing following. Pet owners who have experienced the benefits of magnetic wristbands & bracelets with their own aches and pains and are keen to see if magnetic collars can help their dogs and cats.

How do magnetic collars for pets work?

It’s not conclusive but it is believed that magnetic collars could assist circulation, helping to increase blood flow and oxygen delivery from the lungs.

It’s this oxygen enriched blood that flows to your pets organs and around their bodies, enhancing internal health, helping to maintain strong bones, healthy joints and organs.

Magnetic fields may also help increase the adherence of calcium ions to a blood clot improving the healing process. 

Benefits of magnetic collars for pets

In animals magnet therapy may help promote healing and provide additional comfort when used  together with conventional treatments for conditions like arthritis, hip, joint and back pain.

It is important to understand magnetic collars should not be used as a treatment for infectious diseases or cancers – Pet owners should always seek veterinary advice to rule out underlying illness. Your vet will be able to discuss treatment options, including the suitability of using a magnetic pet collar with you.

Pet owners who have cardiac pacemakers should be aware that use of magnetic collars & magnet therapy can effect how a pacemaker functions, especially when in close proximity to items with magnets in them.

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Magnetic collars for dogs

Dog Steamz  – Silicone collar with metal buckle large dogs (neck up to 55cm)
From £39.99

Magno Mutt – Magnetic collar various colours for large dogs (neck up to 65cm)
From £38.95

BIOFlow – Magnetic dog collar large dogs (neck up to 65cm)
From £27.50

The magnetic collars shown are available from Amazon UK – prices are provided as a guide and may vary.

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Pet Health - Diabetes in pets

Spotting Diabetes In Pets

by Pet Insurance UK

Did you know dogs and pets can get diabetes?

Dogs and cats can develop diabetes just like humans. Diabetes has become a common health condition in aging dogs and cats. A diabetes diagnosis can be frightening for owners, but there’s good news, diabetes in pets can be managed with food, weight control, veterinary treatment and drugs.

Why do dogs and cats get diabetes?

There are various reasons why dogs and cats develop diabetes, sometimes it is hereditary, sometimes it can be triggered by health issues such as poor diet, excess weight, lack of exercise, or it can develop due to illness and disease. 

Key factors that trigger diabetes in pets 

  • Faster aging – Animals age faster than humans, typically 6-8 years for every human year. Diabetes can develop in elderly pets due to failing insulin production in the pancreas due to pancreatitis and other conditions.
  • Poor diet – Too much food, poor quality food and food with excess salt & sugar can lead to all sorts of health problems including a higher risk of diabetes.
  • Poor fitness & lack of exercise – Pets benefit from regular exercise just like humans. Pets can gain weight and become lazy if they don’t get regular exercise. Unfit, obese pets have an increased risk of developing diabetes.

A healthy diet & regular exercise is key to diabetes prevention

Our pet’s require suitable food to provide a balanced diet. Most quality ‘complete’ pet foods are manufactured to provide enough protein, fibre, fats, vitamins, and minerals required for a healthy diet. The occasional pet treat is okay as long it’s made for pets (never feed your pets human snacks or sweets). Feeding pets snacks and food meant for human consumption is extremely bad for pet health, it can lead to health issues like increased cholesterol, obesity and even diseases like diabetes.

As your pets age, consider switching them to mature animal foods. Mature complex foods can ensure your cats & dogs get extra essential nutrients but with reduced fat and cholesterol.

Similar to human diabetes, diabetes becomes more prevalent in pets that are unfit or overweight. Dogs benefit from regular walks and exercise which can help keep them stay fit and maintain a healthy weight.

Royal Canin – Veterinary Diet Dry Dog Food Diabetic 7kg
From £48.95

Purina Proplan  – Veterinary Diet Dry Dog Food Diabetic 3kg
From £21.90

Hills – Prescription Diet Diabetes management dry dog food 4kg
From £42.20 

The supplements shown are available from Amazon UK – prices provided are guide price and may vary.

How to spot & test for diabetes in pets

Unfortunately our pets can’t tell us if they feel ill. But if you know your pet you’ll probably know if things don’t seem normal or right.

If your dog or cat is constantly thirsty & is drinking more, if they need to urinate more and the urine is dark or smelly, there is a chance they already have, or are developing diabetes.

A urine test is the easiest way to test for diabetes in pets. You can use the same pee on diabetes tests strips used for humans. If the test strip shows a positive result you will need to visit your vet for blood tests to confirm diabetes and to rule out any other health issues. 

Once you have a confirmed diagnosis your vet will be able to advise on the best course of action. If caught early it might be possible to reverse the diabetes, or manage it with diet, exercise and food. However where this is not possible, your pet will require medication to manage diabetes, this is usually in the form of insulin tablets or injections.

  • Urinating More – Pet needs to urinate more often. Your pets urine is dark &/or strong smelling. Your pet may be having accidents indoors.
  • Always Thirsty – Pet seems to be constantly thirsty. They are drinking more than usual and you are having to refill their water more often.
  • Loosing/Gaining Weight – Pet has lost weight or gained a lot of weight. 
  • Always Hungry – Pet is always hungry and never satisfied, begging for more food.
  • Pet Looks Less Healthy – Pets coat or skin looks dull or dry, fur is shedding or patchy / Pets eyes are watery or cloudy. 
  • Lacks Energy / Always Tired – Pet wants to sleep more, less keen or able to exercise & walk.
  • Maintain A Healthy Weight – Ensure your pets are a healthy weight.
  • Switch food – Switch to a weight loss or diabetes control food like Virbac W1 or similar specialist food.
  • Limit treats – Only feed your pets ‘Pet Treats’, no candy or fatty human snacks. Sugary/salty/fatty snacks are not good for pets. 
  • Daily exercise – Ensure your pets, especially dogs, get daily exercise. A walk has great health benefits for owners as well as dogs.

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Coronavirus in pets 2021

CORONAVIRUS – Can my pets catch it

by Pet Insurance UK

Can pets get Coronavirus?

It is unlikely that your pets will pick up or pass on Coronavirus, however recent studies have shown cats, dogs, ferrets, fruit bats, and hamsters can become infected with the virus. Research suggest cats, ferrets and hamsters can spread the infection to other animals within the same species in a laboratory setting and news reports of outbreaks amongst farmed animals like recent outbreaks in Danish Mink farms show the virus can spread quickly if it takes hold in a species.

We know that it is likely that Coronavirus jumped species in order to become a problem for humans. Once a virus mutates and becomes readily transmissible within a species it can quickly spread and this is what we have seen in the human population pandemic. The CDC in America suggests transmission can occur from a humans to pets but it is not clear if there is transmission the other way around from a pet to their owner. 

One important thing to note is that your pets are unlikely to become seriously unwell from Coronavirus, but if you have had the virus and your pet/s seem unwell you should consult vets advice on treatment. It is advisable to call your vet and explain the issues before taking your pet to the vet surgery (to protect other animals catching anything off your pet/s).

General precautions you can take to keep your pets safe

Ensure your cats or dogs are not allowed out to roam freely.
Limit close contact with other cats and dogs that are not in your household. When on walks only let your dog or cat off a lead when no other dogs or cats are around. Try not to let your pets share water and food bowls with other pets and especially not with other animals outside of your own household.

What should you do if you have the virus or recently tested positive?

Guidance recommends you treat your pets similar to people, therefore you  should take some basic precautions including: 

Don’t get too close to your pets, leave others to care for your pets while you isolate. 
Don’t feed or share food you have eaten or licked with pets
Don’t allow your pets to sleep in your bed, don’t cuddle or have your pets in close proximity to you while you are sick/isolating. 
Wear a mask if you need to have close contact with your pets when you are sick or isolating.  

What you shouldn't do

As there is no evidence that coronavirus can spread to people from the skin, fur, or hair of pets. You should not wipe or bath your pet with disinfectants, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or other products. Hand sanitiser, cleaning wipes and other chemical based products can be more damaging to your pets skin and health. 

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