JANUARY 2012
WE WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL OUR CLIENTS A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!
ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT YOUR PET’S WEIGHT?
This months at the Animal Care Hospital we are offering:
* FREE weight checks
* FREE weight clinics
* 50% back off your first purchase of top of the range diet pet food.
Please ring us for more information about this great offer.
CHRISTMAS NEWS!
Christmas is a time for celebration, fun and relaxation for all. However the festive season is not all plain sailing for our pets, there are a number of hazards we need to watch out for:
FIREWORKS
Fireworks frighten out animal friends. There are many ways we can help out cats and dogs with this stress. We recommend the use of diffusers and supplements such as Kalm Aid. Talk to us for further advice on this issue
CHOCOLATE
Chocolate is poisonous to dogs so keep those Roses and Quality Street for yourself!
CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
Dogs and cats have an unhealthy fascination with all shiny substances from the star on the top of the tree, the tinsel bedecking the branches and the Christmas stockings below. Take care decorations are out of your pets reach to avoid a seasonal visit to the vet
Follow these little tips and be assured that you and your pet with have a fantastic Christmas season.
Happy Christmas from all at the Animal Care Hospital
DECEMBER 2011
PET PASSPORT CHANGES FROM 1ST JANUARY 2012
PETS ENTERING THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND FROM ANY OTHER EU STATE WILL REQUIRE:
* Passport/Certificate showing identification
* Subsequent rabies vaccination at least 21 days prior to entry. (The rabies serology test and 6 month wait period no longer apply).
* Tapeworm treatment of all pet dogs, certified in the pet’s passport by a veterinary surgeon, between 1 and 5 days prior to entry.
* The requirement for tick treatment prior to entry to the Republic of Ireland will no longer apply (although it is still strongly recommended that pets are treated regularly when on mainland Europe and prior to return to ensure their health and welfare.
Pets travelling from other qualifying (low-risk) non-EU countries can also travel into Ireland on the same conditions as set out above.
PETS TRAVELLING FROM REPUBLIC OF IRELAND TO THE UK
From 1st January 2012 the requirement is that all pets travelling from the Republic of Ireland to the UK should be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies and accompanied by a pet passport. As both the Republic of Ireland and the UK have had no indigenous rabies for many decades, compliance checks on pets travelling between the two countries will not be applied. Pet owners travelling with their pets should therefore not experience any changes on the ground from the 1st January. Nothwithstanding this we have been advised to inform our clients if travelling to the UK it is a legal requirement that their pet must be microchipped, have a pet passport and a valid rabies vaccination done at least 21 days prior to travel.
PETS TRAVELLING FROM UK TO REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
From 1st January 2012 the requirement is that all pets travelling from the UK to the Republic of Ireland should be microchipped and accompanied by a pet passport. As both the Republic of Ireland and the UK have had no indigenous rabies for many decades, compliance checks on pets travelling between the two countries will not be applied. Pet owners travelling with their pets should therefore not experience any changes on the ground from the 1st January.
The situation regarding travel to/from the UK is an unexpected consequence of pan-EU harmonisation of pet travel rules.
Pets travelling from other non-EU non-qualifying (high risk) countries can also travel into Ireland without quarantine provided the pet has a passport/certificate showing identification and a subsequent rabies vaccination. At least 30 days after rabies vaccination a pet must be blood tested to confirm a neutralising titration at least equal to 0.5IU/ml. A pet may enter Ireland only when at least three months has expired since a successful blood test.
NOVEMBER 2011
SENIOR PET MONTH
As our pets get older they fall prey to a variety of conditions- from lumps and bumps to bad teeth and joint stiffness.
We are delighted to designate November as Senior Pet Month. We can offer FREE SENIOR PET CHECKS all month. So call us to book an NCT for your old friend.
Here is a little ‘tail’ from the animal care hospital about a group of wise Senior Pets
THE SENIOR PET CLUB
“Order, order!” Lambchop was an able chairperson of the Senior Pet club but sometimes her meows didn’t carry over the general hubbub. “.. Couldn’t get out of the bed this morning, these old hips.”. “missed my foodbowl today, the eyes aren’t what they used to be”
Lambchop yowled. All chat ceased. She looked at the cats and dogs sitting around in a circle. The senior pet club (minimum age 8) met once a week in the park. “So” she said “Any other business?” Mutley raised a paw. Lambchop was surprised. Mutley, a cuddly Labrador, normally snored until the titbits appeared. ”Well” Mutley said “I went to the vet this week” General meows and yelps of commiseration greeted this. “ No” he said “ It was great, she put me on some new juice. I feel about ten years younger. Watch this!” And with that Mutley took off through the trees after a couple of young ‘uns who were stealing the half tin of sardines that Jim the old tabby had brought along. They scattered with yelps of joy at the chase. He gambolled back to the group who were looking at him in stunned silence. “ And that’s not all, she says she can fix my bad breath too!” Everyone breathed a general sigh of relief at this.
Older cats and dogs will always benefit from a check up at the vet. Many of their problems are easily solved so make an appointment to get the full MOT for your old friend.
SEPTEMBER 2011
MYXOMATOSIS ALERT!
Myxomatosis is a fatal disease of rabbits. It is widespread among wild rabbits in Ireland. Pet rabbits can catch this nasty virus from their wild neighbours or from the rabbit flea.
At the Animal Care Hospital we have recently seen an upsurge in this terrible disease. Luckily there is a vaccine available to protect your pet rabbit. The vaccine is safe and easy to administer. Contact us to make an appointment for vaccination or if you have any concerns or queries about your rabbit and Myxomatosis.
ATTENTION PET OWNERS! 
It may be back to school time but it’s not all bad!
We have a range of offers to ease you into Autumn at the Animal Care Hospital.
These include DISCOUNTED VACCINATIONS AND NEUTERINGS, FREE NEW PET CHECKS as well as DISCOUNTS TO OAP’S AND BENEFIT HOLDERS.
So if you have a new puppy or kitten why not bring them in for a free check up!
VOUCHER DISCOUNTS!
Over the next few months we will be sending out discount vouchers via An Post. Keep an eye on your letterbox for these vouchers. Bring them in to us to avail of significant discounts on consultations and microchipping. Microchipping is a safe and easy way to trace your pet if they are lost or stolen. Many pets are reunited with their loving owners through their microchip.
Terms & Conditions:
* Offer valid until 31/12/2011.
* Free new pet check is available to newly registered healthy pets only.
* Discounts on Consultations and Microchipping only available to voucher holders.
* One Voucher per household.
* Old Age Pensioner and Benefit holder discounts available Thursday 9am-5pm.
ENTER OUR FACEBOOK PHOTO COMPETITION AND BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN A FANTASTIC PRIZE
We are holding a draw with the fantastic prize of one years supply of preventive health care for one of your pets.This includes your pet’s Annual booster vaccination, Milbemax worming tablets (four treatments for one year) and Effipro, Flea & Tick treatment (six treatments for one year).
To enter just become our friend on Facebook and post a picture of your pets on our Facebook wall. It’s as simple as that! Then on the 11/11/11 we will randomly draw a winner.
You can let any friends or family with pets know and they are welcome to become our friend and enter too.
The photos posted so far are wonderful.
Good luck everyone, we’re looking forward to seeing more photos.
JULY 2011
LET’S TALK ABOUT CATS!
We are delighted to launch our brand new KITTEN CLASSES this month. Every kitten that receives primary vaccinations in the Animal Care Hospital is invited along for a special one on one session with one of our experienced staff.
There will be fun and games along with some special advice on topics such as litter training, feeding and socialising your new bundle of fun.
Phone us to make an appointment at your convenience or for further information.
FREE WEIGHT CHECKS FOR ALL PETS THIS MONTH!
Make an appointment now for a nutritional consultation with one of our vets or nurses. Give your pet a springboard to a new healthy start.
FREE PARASITE CHECK FOR ALL BOARDERS
All cats spending their holidays here with us in the Animal Care Hospital will be given a full FREE check up for parasites.
We are also delighted to offer our loyal clients twenty percent off vaccines when you purchase your flea and tick treatment with us.
Celebrate independence day by gaining freedom from nasty parasites for your pet! 
JUNE 2011
HEAT STROKE ALERT!
With the temperatures set to rise over the next few days and months take care your pet can escape the sun! Heat stroke is a serious and possibly fatal condition that we see commonly in the Animal Care Hospital.
Make sure your pet has access to shade and water at all times. If you have to leave your dog or cat in the car for a few minutes make sure to park in the shade and leave a window open.
Irish pets, like Irish pet owners are not built for the heat!
FREE SENIOR PET CHECKS FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE
For the month of June we are offering FREE senior pet checks for all pets over the age of 7. This involves a thorough assessment of your senior pet’s health, as well as plenty of advice on how to make your pets life more comfortable in their golden years. Please contact a member of staff to make an appointment.
SUMMER HOLIDAYS!
HAVE YOU SEEN OUR 5-STAR CAT BOARDING FACILITIES! 
Are you planning your holidays for the summer? Have you booked your cat in for their holidays yet? We are now taking bookings for our cattery for the busy summer period. If you book before the end of June we will give you 1 night FREE for every 7 nights that your cat holidays with us. For more information and pictures of our cattery go to the services section of our website.
IS YOUR DOG GOING INTO KENNELS THIS SUMMER? HAS YOUR DOG BEEN VACCINATED AGAINST CANINE COUGH (KENNEL COUGH)?
If your dog is going into kennels over the summer it is important that they are vaccinated against canine cough (kennel cough). This is not part of the routine annual vaccination and should be given at least a week to 10 days before going into kennels. Canine cough is a highly contagious disease of the respiratory tract and causes a harsh, dry, convulsive cough and dogs of all ages can be affected. Your dog is most likely to contract kennel cough in places where dogs gather together such as parks, boarding kennels, grooming parlours etc. Please contact a member of staff for an appointment or for more information.
MAY 2011
Why it is important to treat your pet for fleas and ticks
Now that the summer months are upon us it is more important than ever to treat your pets for ticks and fleas. Here at the Animal Care Hospital we recommend using a monthly spot on treatment in order to protect your pet and yourself from these little parasites.
FLEAS
Here are some interesting facts about fleas:
1. Fleas can carry tapeworms and if your pet eats an infected flea your pet too can become infected. Therefore it is essential that your pet be regularly treated for tapeworm also.
2. Fleabites can make your pet very itchy and distressed as well as causing inflammation to the skin. Some pets can develop an allergy to flea saliva resulting in itchy crusty spots throughout their coat.
3. Fleas can bite humans too although luckily they do not live on our skin.
4. Only the adult flea is seen on your pet. This means that the majority of their life cycle is spent in the home environment. The flea eggs fall off your pet’s coat onto the places where they spend most of their time i.e. your pets bedding, the furniture, the carpet or if they sleep with you, in your bed!! Therefore it is often necessary to treat the home environment with an environmental spray available from us too.
5. Your pet can get fleas from outside the home as well as from other animals so it is important to check your pet’s coat regularly for fleas. Often you will notice small specks of blackish dirt in your pet’s coat. To confirm that this is flea dirt brush some of these specks onto some moist cotton wool and if it produces a red mark on the cotton wool then it is flea dirt and your pet needs to be treated for fleas.
TICKS
Did you know that ticks can transmit a potentially serious human disease called Lyme disease?
As the weather improves, the evenings get longer and outdoor activities increase, so too does the risk of being bitten by a tick. Some types of tick can transmit a potentially serious disease called Lyme disease. While still relatively rare in Ireland, Lyme disease is the fastest growing parasite-transmitted disease in the northern hemisphere and can cause blindness, deafness, facial palsy and excruciating pain. Lyme disease comes from the bite of a tick that is infected by the bacterium Lyme borreliosis. Some of the types of tick that can spread this disease live on deer, sheep, hedgehogs, mice and other warm-blooded animals. PETS CAN ALSO CARRY TICKS. The main period of risk of being bitten by a tick in Ireland is between mid-March and mid-October when the tick is most active. The risk of coming into contact with ticks is high in areas where there is a significant number of deer and sheep grazing in rough, non-pasture land (e.g. areas with overgrown vegetation). Counties Cork, Kerry and Wicklow are known high-risk areas for coming into contact with ticks.
What can you do to prevent tick bites?
1.Here at the Animal Care Hospital we recommend treating your pet with a spot-on product once a month. These products also treat your pet against fleas. They protect your pets against ticks for up to a month and kill the ticks within 24-48 hours.
2.We recommend that you examine your pet regularly during the high-risk months paying particular attention to the front of chest, ears, underbelly and paws. If you find a tick, it is best to bring your pet to the vet to have it removed correctly (to ensure to mouthpiece is not left in the skin which can cause a nasty reaction).
3.When you are out and about in high risk areas you should wear trousers tucked into your socks, long sleeves and light coloured clothing to make the ticks easier to spot. Also use an insect repellent containing the chemical DEET
4.When in recreational forest parks, keep to the pathways and discourage your children and pets from straying into knee-high vegetation, heather and long grass that is likely to harbour ticks.
5.Check your children regularly for ticks and if any are found remove immediately and disinfect the area with an antiseptic cream.
6.If you are thinking of travelling abroad with your pet, treating for ticks is absolutely essential as there are many more tick-borne diseases in continental Europe that are a danger to your pet.
7.Following a tick bite seek medical attention if you develop a circular red “bull’s-eye” rash and flu-like symptoms
DENTAL MONTH!
FREE DENTAL CHECK FOR YOUR PET THROUGHOUT THE MONTH OF MAY.
Here at the animal care hospital we know how important dental health is in ensuring your pet lives a long and happy life. Bad teeth cause a host of problems including smelly breath, pain, loss of appetite and can lead to serious internal illnesses if left untreated.
This May we are pleased to offer all of our pets a FREE DENTAL CHECK WITH ONE OF OUR VETS.
Phone for an appointment and we will carry out a thorough dental check as well as taking you through “top tips for healthy gnashers!”
We are also delighted to offer 10% OFF ALL DENTAL TREATMENTS throughout the month of May
APRIL 2011
EASTER JOY!
Easter is almost upon us, a time for sweet indulgences as we all munch on Easter eggs and chocolate bunnies. Not for our pets though! Remember that chocolate is toxic to dogs and even a small amount can lead to problems like sickness or fitting. So keep those Easter eggs out of the reach of your doggies’ paws!
Here in the animal care hospital we also see poisoning due to the lovely Easter lily. Cats will often chew on this plant but it has many harmful affects on them including kidney failure
Be cautious in your garden planting this spring time. And hide the chocolate!
MARCH 2011
HEALTHY PET PROGRAMME (H.P.P)
Based on the old saying that “a stitch in time saves nine”, we are launching our Healthy Pet Programme (H.P.P). This is a new approach to pet health care and is designed to keep your pet healthy and to minimise any problems they might have throughout their life.
This is a Free Service to you and your pet. It is a comprehensive health care programme covering all aspects of healthy pet care.
We will advertise this programme in our hospital and via Newsletter (e-mail), through which we hope to keep you up to date with all the latest advances in pet care and the Free Services we offer.
All you have to do is call in or phone, tell us you’d like to avail of our Healthy Pet Programme (H.P.P) and make an appointment for any of our free services listed on our website.
“A healthy pet is a happy pet”
HEALTHY PET PROGRAMME (H.P.P)
1. FREE New Pet Check - Have you got a new pet and are wondering how to get off on the right foot? Just make an appointment (free) and we will provide you with all the advice required to ensure things run smoothly.
2. FREE Puppy Party – As part of our new puppy vaccination program, we offer a complimentary puppy socialisation class with an approved trainer for free.
3. FREE Neutering Check Up – Wondering whether it is advisable to neuter your pet? Just make an appointment (usually at around 5 months of age) and we will check your pet and advise you of the best options specifically for your pet.
4. FREE Nutritional Advice and Weight Clinics – A very common problem with pets is incorrect feeding and often weight problems. We will advise you on how best to feed your pet, monitor its weight and provide a plan for all its lifelong nutritional needs.
5. FREE Parasite Checks – Worried about fleas and worms and the risks they pose to your family? We will examine your pet and provide you with free professional advice on how to treat any problems, and better still, how to prevent them!
6. FREE Vaccination Advice and Checks – Is your pets vaccination out of date? Are you wondering what is required? We can examine your pet and advise you on the best vaccination advice and protocol specifically for your pet.
7. FREE Senior Pet Checks – Is your pet a senior (usually >7 years old)? Is he/she having difficulty getting up or just slowing down a little? Early detection and planning can help avoid or postpone many of the problems associated with ageing. Just bring in your pet and we will check them out and advise you on what you can do to prolong your pets health and mobility to a ripe old age!
8. FREE Dental Checks – Dental problems are very common in pets, leading to bad breath, gum disease, and if left untreated, illness. Like ourselves, prevention is the key. Bring your pet in for a free dental check and we will give you the best professional advice on how to maintain that healthy smile!
9. FREE Insurance Check – Are you thinking of insuring your pet, or confused by the different policies available? We will examine your pet, provide you with the best advice available and if you wish to insure, we can offer you a more rapid cover and significant discounts following a free examination(rather than insuring it yourself).
10. FREE Travel Advice and Pet Passport Information – Thinking of travelling with your pet? We can provide you with all the information required to ensure your pet is compliant with the strict travel regulations and advise on how to protect them from any illness while abroad. Just make an appointment for our free travel service and we will put you on the right road!
11. FREE Cardiac Check – Heart problems are very common in older dogs, especially the smaller breeds eg. Cavalier King Charles, Terriers. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical in delaying the onset of problems and to significantly extend your pets life. Make a free appointment where we will check your pet and provide the best of professional advice.
FEBRUARY 2011
IS YOUR PET STRESSED? 
There are many sources of stress for dogs and cats in their daily lives such as transportation in the car, living in a multi-pet household, parties in the home or boarding/kennelling. Luckily there are some great products for treating stress in the dog and cat and they are available here at the Animal Care Hospital.
D.A.P
D.A.P (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) products contain a synthetic pheromone which mimics the natural pheromones released by the mother while feeding their puppies. This pheromone reassures the puppies and gives them confidence as they explore and learn about the world around them. D.A.P works on both young and adult dogs, helping to comfort and reassure them in stressful or scary situations. It comes in the form of a diffuser, spray or collar.
D.A.P can be used in the following situations:
* Settling puppies into a new home
* Socialisation and adolescents
* Rescue/boarding kennels
* Travel fears
* Fireworks
* Old Age
* Introduction of a new pet into the household.
FELIWAY
Feliway - The secret to happy cats! When a cat feels happy and safe, it rubs its head against objects leaving behind pheromones. These pheromones convey a message of reassurance and security. Feliway is a synthetic pheromone which mimics the natural facial pheromones and is proven to reduce or prevent stress and its associated problems.
Stressed cats can show a change in behaviour including urine spraying, vertical scratching, over grooming and fighting with other cats in the household. Stress can also cause medical problems such as cystitis, alopecia, anorexia and obesity. Feliway is available in a plug-in diffuser and a spray.
Feliway can be used to help reduce or prevent stress-related problems including:
* Urine spraying
* Vertical scratching
* Intercat aggression
* Reduced desire to play or interact
* Excessive licking/over-grooming
* Eating disorders (loss of appetite/overeating)
Feliway can also be used to help reduce stress:
* Due to an owners busy lifestyle * In a multi-cat household * Following disruption to the cat’s environment (building work, redecoration) * During familiarisation with a new emvironment (moving house/cattery) * When returning home after hospitalisation * During transportation * Following the loss of feline companion or owner * Following the introduction of a new dog/cat/person * During a stressful event (parties, Christmas, fireworks)
FREE DENTAL CHECKS! 
This month we wish to raise awareness of Dental Health. We are offering our loyal clients free dental checks and 10% discount on all dental procedures
The signs of poor dental health include smelly breath, excessive drooling, difficulty eating and weight loss. However many of our pets show no signs of dental disease until the teeth become severely affected. So to avoid your pet losing that winning toothy smile make an appointment for a free dental check today.
JANUARY 2011
Bon Voyage to our vet Deirdre Ni Bhuachalla who has taken off to travel the world. Best wishes from all at the Animal Care Hospital 
NEW VET - Welcome to our new vet Roisin O’ Mahony who recently joined our team. Roisin has previously worked in small animal practice in both Ireland and England. She has a great interest in small animal medicine.
PARTY SEASON!
Free Puppy parties have started in the practice for our vaccinated puppies. They are run by dog trainer Georgie O’ Sullivan and our own staff. Basic obedience and socialization skills are provided as well as fun and games for every puppy!
DECEMBER 2010
CHRISTMAS HAMPER WINNER - Congratulations to Lisa O Mahony and ‘Ben’ who’s photo won the Christmas hamper competition. Check out the photos on facebook - animalcarehospital Douglas
BEWARE OF CHRISTMAS PLANTS
Beware of Christmas Plants. Eventhough plants and flowers add beauty to the festive period, be careful. Mistletoe, Poinsettas, Holly and Christmas Cactus can all be poisonous to your pets.
CHRISTMAS HAMPER COMPETITION
Be in with a chance to win our lovely Christmas hamper. Just send us your email address or a photo of your pet to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to be entered into the draw.
Tips for keeping your pets safe this winter
1. Keep your pet in a warm,dry and draught proof area
2. Cats are attracted by the heat under the bonnet of cars and can get injured or killed by the fan belt when you drive. So bang on the bonnet of your car before you take off to encourage any cats to run away.
3. Walking on salted roads is not good for your pets paws. Protect them by covering them with vaseline or wear special doggie booties! Thoroughly wipe off your dog’s legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. Your pet can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws, and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.
4. Never shave your dogs coat down to the skin in the winter, the extra hair proves very useful for warmth!
5. Puppies and kittens do not tolerate the cold weather as well as adults, keep them indoors as much as possible.
6. Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle.
7. Never let your dog swim in cold weather.
NOVEMBER 2010
Animal Care Hospital Newsletter
We have published a newsletter outlining the services we provide, the discounts we offer and thanking you, our loyal clients for your custom. If you would like a copy of this newsletter, copies are available at reception. We would be delighted to email it to you also, just please forward your email address to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
FACEBOOK
Join us on our new facebook page Animalcarehospital Douglas. We will be adding lots of interesting photos and stories from the hospital. Search .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on Facebook
CHARITY WORK
The ACH team does a lot of work for charities, the Cat Action Trust (C.A.T), Animal Care Society (ACS), Guide Dogs, Dog Action Welfare Group (DAWG) and the Dogs trust. All the charities recieve large discounts on out fees. Our staff are involved in fundraising for charity. We also offer some discounts for genuine hardship cases, medical card holders, unemployed and senior citizens. Just ask us when making an appointment.
PUPPY PARTY
We are starting PUPPY PARTIES here at the animal care hospital. This is a free class for you and your puppy after they receive their first vaccination . At the party we will discuss basic puppy training, puppy behaviour, puppy socialisation and toilet training. This will be followed by a question and answer session. This half hour session will provide you with the advice on how to make the ‘new puppy experience’ more enjoyable and successful for you and your pet. If you are interested in attending one of our parties let us know at vaccination or contact us at reception.
SEPTEMBER 2010
WOMANS MINI MARATHON
Congratulations to the ladies at Animal Care Hospital who completed the Woman’s Mini Marathon in aid of Cat Action Trust yesterday. The girls took the run in their stride and everyone finished with a smile on their face! Well done girls!!
DICSOUNTED NEUTERING
For a limited time, in conjunction with Dogstrust, we are able to offer a discounted neutering scheme for dogs.
If you are in receipt of any benefit you may qualify for a discount.
Please phone us for more details as vouchers are limited.
If you do not qualify for the above scheme we can still offer you a significant discount on neutering your dog.
Please call to make inquiries / a booking as these offers are for a limited time only.
AUGUST 2010
Canine Stress 
Is your dog stressed?Is there anything we can do to help? YES, of course we can help?
D.A.P (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) is a natural solution to canine stress. It is a copy of the natural pheromone a bitch uses to comfort and reassure her new born puppies.
Situations where your dog may benefit from D.A.P include moving to a new home, socialisation, kenneling, travelling, fireworks and even old age.
D.A.P is available at Animal Care Hospital in three formulations Diffuser, Spray and Collar.
Please feel free to call in for more information.
RABBITS
If you haven’t had your rabbit vaccinated for myxomatosis and Viral Haemorrhagic Disease, ACT NOW! These usually fatal diseases strike in the summer months.
BIRDS
When is it necessary to rescue a wild bird?
If a bird is obviously injured, very weak or cold it needs to be rescued.
Young birds that are seen away from their parents are not necessarily in trouble, especially if they are warm and appear active, healthy, and alert.
JULY 2010
This summer has been unusually warm for an Irish Summer………which is great but don’t forget about your pets, this hot weather can pose a real threat.
Below are some tips to help you out
1) Never, ever leave your animal in a car.
2) Place his bed/kennel in a shaded area.
3) Leave him plenty of water and leave the water in the shaded area.
4) Keep your dog groomed, especially long haired pets.
5) Sunscreen should be applied to dogs and cats with white tipped ears and noses.
RABBITS
Warning! Rabbits are prone to fly strike (maggots). This can be fatal. Maggots can cover your rabbits anal region and are attracted by faeces so please ensure that that this area is free of faeces at all times.
NEW VET - Welcome to our new vet Deirdre Ni Bhuachalla who recently joined our team. Deirdre worked in England and in Limerick before starting with us. She has a keen interest in small animal medicine and diagnostic imaging.
JUNE 2010
CONGRATULATIONS to our lucky client Olivia Carrol who won the May raffle for the bag of food. May the victory make the meals taste even sweeter!!
BON VOYAGE. We would like to bid a sad farewell to one of our vets Ann Burns who has gone to travel the world. We thank her for all her help and advice and wish her all the best for the future.
MAY 2010
Thinking of taking holidays? (volcano permitting!) Your pets may need to go into kennels. Don’t forget most good boarding kennels require your pets to be fully vaccinated, wormed and treated against fleas. Also there is usually a requirement for your canine pets to be vaccinated against kennel cough. This is a special vaccine administered by drops into your dog’s nose . Telephone or email ( .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)) us to ask for more details or to make an appointment.
APRIL 2010
Lungworm in dogs has gained some publicity recently as it’s prevalence in Ireland is increasing year by year. It is caused by a parasite called Angiostrongylus vasorum and to a lesser degree Crenosoma vulpis.. Cats can be infected by a different lungworm (Aelurostrongylus abstrusus ) but infections are quite rare.
Dogs are infected by eating the larval stage of the parasite in slugs and snails, and occasionally frogs. In recent years, warmer, wetter summers have enabled an increase in slug and snail populations, and this has played a significant role in the increase in prevalence of the disease.
Younger dogs and dogs that eat slugs and snails are at a higher risk of infection. With the start of sunnier weather (we can hope anyway!), our pets are spending more time outside and may have increased contact with snails and slugs.
Dogs with lungworm can show a variety of symptoms including coughing, shortness of breath, decrease in ability to exercise, weight loss, decreased appetite and diarrhoea. Occasionally they can also develop bleeding problems such as excessive bleeding from small cuts, bruising and nose bleeds.
Treatment can be as simple applying a ‘spot-on’ treatment on the dogs neck. As this disease is relatively rare, do not be overly concerned but hopefully by being aware of the symptoms, any possible infections can be caught early. If you are worried about this disease, please contact us at the Animal Care Hospital for more information or for a check up for your pet.
Our new CATTERY is in full swing and our feline guests are really enjoying their stays. Bookings are now being taken for the summer holidays, so booking early is advised to avoid disappointment.
MARCH 2010
Welcome to the Spring edition of the Animal Care Hospital newsletter. At this time of year our heads are filled with thoughts of school holidays, Easter bunnies and of course Easter eggs! But did you know that chocolate is in fact poisonous to dogs? Chocolate contains theobromine which can cause excitement, an increased heart rate, panting, seizures and even coma. The toxin is stronger the darker the chocolate and even a small amount can be harmful. If your dog does get his paws on your Easter eggs, don’t panic, but do bring him into us here at the Animal Care Hospital straight away so that our vets Carl, Ann or John can take appropriate steps before the toxin can be absorbed in the gut.
Other items which your pet may come into contact with at this time of year and may be harmful include:
Slug Pellets which will cause anxiety, drooling or vomiting.
Easter Lilies, harmful specifically to cats causes depression and vomiting and ultimately kidney failure.
Rhubarb which causes drooling, vomiting and unsteadiness.
Most dogs will not eat something which is harmful to them but if you have any suspicions that they have done contact us straight away and save the wrapper or the remains of what you think they have eaten in case the vet needs to see it.
Congratulations to the February online draw winner, Joanna O’Leary who has won a bag of food for her cats Mruczek and Rebel. If you would like to be in with a chance of winning March’s draw, send your name, address and pet’s name to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
GOOD NEWS- Prices have been reduced by up to 20% on all of our Hill’s pet food range. Hill’s provides optimum nutrition for all life stages and with the reduced price there is now no better time to ensure your pet’s nutritional health!
FEBRUARY 2010
Congratulations to our recent online winner, Ms. Deirdre Murphy, who won a bag of food in the January draw! There are still chances to win the February draw, enter now by emailing your details (name, address and pet’s name) to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
SEND US YOUR PHOTOS! Email us photos of your pets, the best will be added to our online photo gallery on this website and all will be made famous by featuring on our new digital photo frame in our practice reception. Title your email ‘Pet photo’ and send to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
JANUARY 2010
As part of our ongoing committment to furthering our veterinary expertise and knowledge, our vets and nurses recently attended the annual Veterinary Ireland VICAS conference. This year the conference was held locally in the Rochestown Park Hotel, vets from all over Ireland attended to listen to world renowned specialists give the latest updates in veterinary medicine. Ann and Carl, two of our vets here, and one other Cork vet, had the unique opportunity to present cases to the conference. Ann presented a case of uterine (womb) cancer in a rabbit and Carl presented a case of skin grafting in a dog. Their presentations were well received, congratulations Ann and Carl, you did us proud!
NEW!!!!!!!! We have recently purchased an ultrasound scanning machine for day-to-day use here at the Animal Care Hospital. This new machine advances our current diagnostic imaging equipment and will be an excellent addition to our services.
NOW OFFERING FREE dental check ups and weight reduction clinics. Our weight clinics operate on a one to one basis. Obesity is an extremely common problem but has serious health implications. Get your pet weighed today at no cost and a receive a free weight consultation if needed.
Similarly, dental and oral health is vital for overall well being. To that end if you notice your pet’s breath is smelly or you suspect he/she may be suffering from dental problems, call us to avail of a free appointment mon-fri (9am-5pm)
DECEMBER 2009
Welcome to our 1st Electronic newsletter that has been launched in conjunction with our new web-site. They will allow you to have a look behind the scenes here at the Animal Care Hospital and keep up to date on all the latest news, promotions and offers. Send an email to: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) and you will be entered into our draw for a FREE BAG OF PETFOOD OR SNACKS. We would like to say thank you for your continued support. Your support is very important and is greatly appreciated.
Small animal veterinary practice has changed dramatically in the last 10 years. The days of practicing from a small clinic are rapidly declining, as people want the very best care and facilites for their pets. It is our aim to provide these services and, hopefully, our newsletter will bring you up to date on some of the latest innovations in our Hospital.
Our newsletter section will be updated on a regular basis and hopefully bring you up to date with the latest developments in pet care at the Animal Care Hospital, Douglas. There will be information on new promotions and services available. This month for instance in conjunction with our website launch we are introducing a VIP (Very Important Pet) package that covers all the standard preventative health care for your pet for one year at a very significant discount. There are also many other benefits to your pet becoming a member of our VIP Club. For further information on this please see the “Services” section on our website.
We are also running promotions on Hills food products. For example, we offer for adult dogs an 18kg bag of premium quality food for the price of 15kg. For your cat, buy a 5kg bag of Hills food and get a handy tupperware storage container free. In addition we run a loyalty scheme for Hills lifestage foods throughout the year (buy 10 and get 1 free) offering further savings.
The Animal Care Hospital is pleased to announce the opening of our new and improved cat boarding facility. The cattery is run by the nurses and vets of the Animal Care Hospital and is purpose built to provide and happy, healthy, comfortable and safe environment for your cat while you are on holiday. Please refer to our Services section for further details.
On behalf of the Animal Care Society(ACS) and Dog Action Welfare Group(DAWG) we would like to thank you for buying their cards and calendars here at the Animal Care Hospital over the past Christmas period. All the money received from the sale of these goes directly to the charities.
“I wish I was the person my pet thinks I am” - Anon
