Caring for puppies and kittens advice to share with owners

Vet Times The website for the veterinary profession https://www.vettimes.co.uk Caring for puppies and kittens advice to share with owners Author : Emma Gerrard, Ellie Smith Categories : RVNs Date : January 1, 2015 Emma Gerrard DipAVN(SA), DipHE CVN, BSc(Hons), CVN, RVN, K-SQP, PHC, provides a comprehensive guide to the important aspects veterinary nurses can cover when advising owners of puppies or kittens, from first vaccinations to nutrition and behavior Reviewed by Ellie Smith RVN, A1 Summary Abstract GETTING a new addition to the family can be one of the most exciting times for a client. These clients may be experienced pet owners, new to keeping pets or not have owned a pet in a while. It is important to consider each of these scenarios when giving advice to puppy and kitten owners. Key words Keywords: puppy, kitten, clinics, preventive, marketing THERE are huge opportunities for a veterinary practice to gain and maintain the lifelong care of an owner s pet from the first telephone enquiry from a new puppy or kitten owner. Veterinary nurses are key to the development of this lifelong care, providing good quality preventive health care and, therefore, increasing retail profits from nurse clinics. 1 / 13

Vaccination Vaccination is one of the most important preventive health care measures. Regimes will depend on practice protocol and the type of vaccination used. A puppy s vaccination can be given between six and 16 weeks. The majority of practices start at eight or nine weeks of age, with a second vaccination two to four weeks later. A kitten s vaccination course will usually start at nine weeks of age, with a second vaccination three weeks later. Booster vaccinations are generally given yearly, as immunity provided by vaccines wanes over time. Behaviour and socialisation The high incidence of behavioural problems in domestic pet populations is highlighted by research that suggests the primary reason for euthanasia in young, physically healthy animals is due to concern over an aspect of their behaviour (Bowen and Heath, 2005). This means the role of the veterinary nurse is paramount when educating owners about the importance of socialisation. Puppy parties can be a good way to help with this, but it is vitally important veterinary nurses running them understand puppy behaviour, to avoid causing long-term damage at badly-run events. The socialisation period in a dog begins at three weeks of age and is a period of rapid brain development that coincides with the maturation and myelination of the spinal cord (Sheperd, 2002). The first 16 weeks of a puppy s life are crucial to its development. A kitten s socialisation period runs from two to seven weeks of age. This means successful kitten kindergartens are limited due to vaccination restrictions, meaning the benefits of social interaction are limited. A compromise can be made by inviting clients to a kitten information evening, so preventive health care advice can be passed on to owners. Cats are a solitary species, but the feline social system can be flexible, with a complex range of social behaviours that allows cats to live alone or in groups of varying sizes, depending on the resources available (Macdonald et al, 2000). Some cats will prefer to live alone, while others will live harmoniously close to others. Problems occur when certain individuals are incompatible and forced to live in a restricted area with potentially restricted access to resources. To achieve more success in putting together a multi-cat household, siblings or young cats of similar age are more likely to bond; however, this is not always the case. It is important resources such as litter trays, food and water sources, scratching posts, and preferred lying areas are all provided in 2 / 13

abundance. Placing food bowls on shelves or higher places may be preferred by timid cats that feel vulnerable at floor level. Lying, hiding and resting areas should also be abundant both indoors and outdoors in a cat s territory. These should be of various sizes, ideally to accommodate only one cat at a time. Shelving and cat activity centres help provide a tiered structure, with height, easy access and visibility, all of which is attractive to cats. Nutrition and feeding Animals have different nutritional requirements throughout their lives, whether for growth, lactation or maintenance. A good quality diet can deliver nutrients that help support an animal at a specific life stage, as well as promote health and prevention of disorders associated with that life stage. Puppies can be introduced to solids from three to four weeks of age. They will show an interest in the food, but will not consume enough to meet their nutritional needs. Observation of the dam eating will encourage the puppies to start lapping. A good quality complete growth diet should be introduced at the beginning of weaning. Puppy diets are typically divided into those designed for puppies that will be greater than 25kg and those that will be less than 25kg when they reach adulthood. This division is due to growth rates and the age when maturity is reached. Large breeds should grow at a slower rate over a longer period of time. Diets designed for largebreed puppies are modified to provide lower energy levels, preventing rapid growth (Debraekeleer, 2005). Historically, large-breed diets were supplemented with calcium as it was felt it was required to support the skeletal system during rapid growth. Extra calcium is not required and should be kept in the ratio of 1:1 to 1.5:1 with phosphorous. Nutritional deficiencies for example, calcium occurring between the ages of two to six months can seriously harm the physical development of a dog. Rapid growth phases will be prevented if the energy content of the diet is correct, reducing predisposition of developmental orthopaedic disorder. Some commercial dog food companies offer a junior or adolescent diet. These diets can be beneficial in puppies that need an intermediate diet prior to moving on to an adult maintenance diet. Cats are obligate carnivores, therefore a vegetarian diet is not acceptable. Owners should be made aware that cats have special dietary requirements due to their evolution as meat-eating carnivores 3 / 13

and require high levels of protein with the appropriate balance of amino acids. Most mammals use protein in food to build and maintain tissues and to carry out biological reactions. However, unlike other mammals, cats have evolved in such a way that they are obliged to use protein as a source of daily calories. Through this evolution cats have become dependent on specific nutrients only found in animal tissues (certain fatty acids, vitamin A and taurine). Dog foods are not adequate for cats as they may not contain some of the special fats, vitamins, amino acids and increased proteins they require. Cats fed on dog food are at risk of developing dilated cardiomyopathy due to a taurine deficiency. Kittens will usually start to eat moist food at four weeks of age and will be fully weaned at about seven or eight weeks. A kitten s food must be provided throughout the day according to the feeding guide. Cow s milk should not be provided because the lactose cannot be digested. Stimulating normal feeding behaviours in cats by giving them access to small meals several times throughout the day is far more beneficial than encouraging them to consume their meals rapidly at set times during the day. Set meals during the day can mean a cat will lose its satiety, which can predispose obesity. This can be facilitated by using puzzle feeders or food dispensing toys. Automatic feeders can also be purchased, which dispense food in small amounts throughout the day. Two-dinner feeding bowls are not acceptable because cats prefer to drink water in an area separated from their food bowl. Overfeeding in all puppies and kittens should be avoided, as it can lead to obesity in later life. Slight underfeeding will aid in increasing an animal s lifespan compared to overweight or obese individuals. This will not affect growth rate potential. If a puppy or kitten has a low weight gain, it may reflect an insufficient intake of calories or that a diet has a poor or inadequate protein quality. The quality of a protein reflects the essential amino acids it contains and the overall digestibility of that protein. Parasites As well as learning about worming, flea and tick control, it is important owners receive information about the life cycles of parasites and how they can affect each other for example, the flea is the intermediate host for the tapeworm. Owners of puppies should be informed puppies are treated for the two most common endoparasites roundworms (Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina) and tapeworms (Echinococcus granulosus, Dipylidium caninum and Taenia species) both of which can pose a human threat. 4 / 13

The recommended protocol is to worm monthly from two weeks of age in puppies and three weeks of age in kittens (ESCCAP, 2010). This is because T canis/t cati is usually present in puppies and kittens from these ages. It is essential to worm from an early age because Toxocara causes serious diseases in young animals and almost all will be infected. Puppies should receive two-weekly treatments until they are 12 weeks old, with protocols being reduced to monthly treatments until they are six months old and then three-monthly treatments. Kittens should begin a fortnightly worming programme from three weeks of age; this is because prenatal infection does not occur in kittens. Treatment should continue every two weeks until weaning, then monthly until six months of age. A programme should then be developed according to a cat s lifestyle. Treatments should be given according to the manufacturer s recommendations. More than 2,000 species of flea exist, but those of importance to domestic pet owners are the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) and the dog flea (C canis). The term cat flea is misleading as this species affects both cats and dogs. The dog flea is similar in appearance to the cat flea, but much less common. Owners should be encouraged to use flea control throughout the year. Spring and summer will encourage fleas to hatch, as will heating the home in the autumn and winter. Owners with multiple animals should be advised to treat all pets on a regular preventive basis. Research shows one in five cats and one in 10 dogs in the UK are infested with fleas, while 50 per cent of owners whose pets have fleas are unaware of the problem (Bond et al, 2007). Ticks have eight legs and their bodies are composed of two sections (capitulum and idiosoma). They are most often found on an animal s face, ears or abdomen, where hair cover is relatively thin. Ticks are haematophagous and have highly developed mouthparts (hypostome), which allow them to pierce a hole through the skin, insert their feeding tube and feed from the host. During the feeding process, the tick injects saliva into the bloodstream, which contains diseasecausing organisms, such as bacteria and viruses that have been picked up when feeding on other animals. These organisms can enter the bloodstream of the dog or cat while the tick is feeding and cause the animal to become infected; one such disease is Lyme disease. Ticks have been known as a source of disease for more than 100 years (Swanson et al, 2006). Microchipping In 2013, the Government announced that from April 6, 2016 all dogs in England would have to be microchipped. Following a consultation (2012) it was decided to proceed with compulsory microchipping for all dogs in Wales by March 1, 2015. It is already compulsory to microchip all dogs in Northern Ireland and Scotland is consulting on the 5 / 13

introduction of compulsory microchipping (BVA). Despite it not being compulsory for cats to be microchipped, it should be encouraged at all times. Insurance One of the most distressing situations is when a pet s problem is curable, but unfortunately, unaffordable. Another situation can be when a lesser treatment plan has to be chosen because of money constraints. Pet insurance prevents hard decisions being made. Certain pet insurance companies will offer free insurance for a few weeks, with immediate cover being offered once the paperwork is completed. This free insurance should be completed for each puppy and kitten that comes into the practice. It is important to advise clients to consider a few details when choosing an insurance company. Check the amount of veterinary cover is adequate. Over time, a single illness can incur high costs. Check there is no limit on how long you can claim for each illness. Chronic problems can go on for life. It is important to note some policies put exclusions on previous conditions at annual renewal. Check your insurance will cover pets in later years when they will need it most and that the premium still represents good value. Nurse clinics VNs are vital in building new client relationships and they can secure an immediate sale, which brings financial and marketing benefits and means animals are seen more often. Educating owners about the importance of preventive health care to protect their pet, other animals and people from the risk of disease should form the foundation of any practice communication. Nurse clinics are an excellent way to provide this and to keep the client and his or her pet returning to the practice for regular health checks and preventive health care advice. On average, 50 per cent of veterinary business comes from non-professional fees, so there is a massive opportunity to improve and grow profits (Fletcher, 2011). One of the easiest ways for VNs to increase turnover is to carry out nurse consultations, allowing vets to see other patients, which is more profitable to the practice. Most owners get their new addition at about six weeks of age and there are usually a few weeks before the vaccination course can begin. The most important thing to offer during the period before vaccination is a free nurse consultation, to provide advice on nutrition, training and parasites, and to give that all-important cuddle. This nurse clinic can be of great value to a client who needs 6 / 13

reassurance he or she is doing the right things. You can also use this clinic to offer handy tips and gently dispel any erroneous beliefs passed on by a breeder. It is good to have a puppy or kitten pack to present to the owner. Not everybody will read through your literature, but some will read every word and do everything you suggest. With this in mind, it is important you agree with what is in the packs. Every new puppy and kitten owner has the potential to bring in profit and with gentle guidance from the practice team this can continue through each life stage. Try to calculate what this may be worth to your practice by imagining that new pet living until it is 12 years old with a model client who vaccinates every year and buys preventive health treatments, diet, retail goods and all the other things that are needed with age. Waiting room sales VNs can maximise retail sales in accessory products directly from their clinics especially when they see a puppy or kitten. Owners will often be looking for collars, leads and toys to keep their new pet entertained. For all pets, no matter what stage they are in their lives, some fundamental health care requirements need to be considered, allowing the opportunity for the promotion and prospective sale of products that complement it. Some VNs may say they are not a natural salesperson, but sales of preventive health care products to clients occur on a daily basis perhaps without you even knowing it. Keeping the customer base happy will encourage clients to return, spending money in practice and benefitting the business. Conclusion A huge amount of preventive information exists that puppy and kitten owners need to take in. Regular appointments with a veterinary nurse can help a client utilise the information needed at specific times and maintain the vital bond between practice, owner and pet. Clients value the opportunity to bond with their veterinary practice and receive valuable information about how to care for their pets. Opportunities to provide nurse clinics are endless with regards to puppies and kittens. References and further reading Ackerman N (2012). The Consulting Veterinary Nurse, Wiley-Blackwell, Chichester. Bayer (2014). It s a Jungle Out There, www.itsajungle.co.uk Bond R, Riddle A, Mottram L, Beugnet F and Stevenson R (2007). Survey of flea infestation 7 / 13

in dogs and cats in the UK during 2005, Veterinary Record 160(15): 503-506. Bowen J and Heath S (2005). Behavioural Problems in Small Animals: Practical Advice for the Veterinary Team, Elsevier Saunders, Philadelphia. BVA (2014). Microchipping of Dogs, www.bva.co.uk/news-campaigns-andpolicies/policies/companion-animals/microchipping Debraekeleer J (2005). Nutrition of the ageing dog: how can we improve quality of life? Veterinary Times 35(2): 10-12. ESCCAP (2010). Worm Control in Dogs and Cats, www.esccap.org/uploads/docs/nkzqxmxn_esccapgl1endoguidelines.pdf Fletcher J (2011). SMart Kits teleconference (personal communication). Macdonald D W, Yamaguchi N and Kerby G (2000). Group living in the domestic cat: its sociobiology and epidemiology. In Turner D C and Bateson P (eds), The Domestic Cat: The Biology of its Behaviour (2nd edn), Cambridge University Press, Cambridge: 95-118. Shepard K (2002). Development of behaviour, social behaviour and communication in dogs. In Horwitz D, Mills D S and Heath S (eds), BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Behavioural Medicine, BSAVA, Gloucester: 8-20. Swanson S J, Neitzel D, Reed K D and Belongia E A (2006). Coinfections acquired from Ixodes ticks, Clinical Microbiology Review 19(4): 708-727. Types of nurse clinics for puppies and kittens Pre-vaccination checks Cuddle clinics Weight clinics Second vaccinations Puppy and kitten parties Adolescent clinics (six months) Nutrition clinics Parasite advice and treatment administration Microchipping Behaviour Neutering Insurance 8 / 13

Mai, the author s puppy, being trained. Educating owners about the importance of socialisation is paramount to a puppy s behaviour. 9 / 13

An older Mai. Animals have different nutrient requirements throughout life, which should be communicated to owners. 10 / 13

Two-dinner feedings bowls are not acceptable as cats prefer to drink water in an area separated from their food bowl. 11 / 13

Owners should advocate flea control throughout the year. IMAGE: Bayer Animal Health. 12 / 13