PETS TALES & TIPS

Q&A WITH DR. PAULINE TAYLOR, BVM&S MACVSC DR. PAULINE SAYS: Part 1: Festive Decor & Setup 1-All that glitters! Tinsel shines and is attractive to cats to eat. However it can easily get wrapped round their tongues and fatally block your cat's intestines. 2-Candles! Try flameless candles to avoid cats knocking them over and starting a fire that could endanger the whole family. 3-Chocolate! Chocolate can cause cardiac arrests and seizures so make sure no chocolate is left lyin

Q&A WITH DR. PAULINE TAYLOR, BVM&S MACVSC DR. PAULINE SAYS: Part 2: Health & Wellbeing 5-Liquid perfumes and potpourri! Your cats may try and lick them and this could cause chemical burns to the tongue or mouth. If they get in their eyes it could cause eye irritations and even blindness. Consider plug in air fresheners with holiday scents instead. 6-Guests! Take care as influxes of new people can upset a nervous cat. If you are having people over it is best to store your ca

Ask the Vet: "Do dogs and cats have a concept of time?" Q&A WITH DR. PAULINE TAYLOR, BVM&S MACVSC DR. PAULINE SAYS: Absolutely! Most vertebrates including dogs and cats have their daily "time" manipulated by an internal body clock, controlled by the release of the hormone melatonin from a brain gland, the Pineal Body, in response to changes in daylight. If you ever try not feeding your cat on time, or not walking your dog when they expect a walk, they will soon let you know t

Q&A WITH DR. PAULINE TAYLOR, BVM&S MACVSC DR. PAULINE SAYS: At holiday and festival times there are many goodies around that can cause hazards for our pets. Most visits to emergency veterinary treatment clinics are caused by things dogs or cats eat. Holiday goodies include many foods with a high fat content. These are wonderful for causing upset tummies. Raisons, grapes and onions are toxic to our small pets leading to blood abnormalities and renal failure. Sweet items that c