Latest news with #DrRebeccaMacMillan
The Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
The 5 steps vets take before leaving their dogs at home when on holiday & why you should NEVER deep clean beforehand
WHILE we all love our furry friends, trying to go on holiday without disturbing their routine can become a nightmare. But if you're lucky enough to know someone who can house and dog-sit at the same time, it can make life a little easier. 2 2 With many Brits going abroad this summer, if they're not in kennels, most dogs will be left at home with a selfless friend keeping watch. But a study by TrustedHousesitters still reveals that more than half (53%) of UK pet owners worry their pets feel abandoned when they travel. But vets have provided owners with some reassuring advice say and have given few small steps that can help them stay calm and happy while you're gone. Dr. Rebecca MacMillan says: "Everyone likes their home comforts, pets included!" "Pets thrive on familiarity and routine; it helps them to feel secure. "Staying in an environment where they already feel safe will often mean they cope better when their owner is gone." The vet said that dogs feel comfort having the smell of their owners around as well as other small markers that signal they're in a safe environment. She added: "Even small sounds like the ticking of the kitchen clock or hearing the hum of the boiler starting up in the morning will be cues that your pet associates with their home." Here, the vet reveals five ways to keep your animals as happy as possible while you're away. Claire Byrne shares bizarre way she calms down her dog live on air KEEP ROUTINES If you're lucky enough to have a sitter staying at your house while you're away, you want to make sure they keep to your usual routine as much as possible. That includes sticking to their usual feeding times, walk times, and sleep schedule. "Keeping your pet in a routine as close to their normal one as possible will help them to feel more settled," advises Dr. MacMillan. KEEPING CALM To help keep dogs calm while you're away, consider using a synthetic pet pheromone product to help act as an additional calming agent in their environment. "Plug-in diffusers are available, or you could use an impregnated collar or food supplement," suggests Dr. MacMillan. If adding to your pet's diet, make sure to consult your vet first. THE DEBRIEF Before you leave the country, Dr. MacMillan says you must give your sitter a proper debrief. "Make sure that you leave your sitter with plenty of instructions so that they understand your pet's daily schedule, likes and dislikes," adds Dr. MacMillan. She suggests creating a simple welcome guide with all essential information helps your sitter provide the best care possible. Include emergency contact numbers (your vet, a trusted neighbour, and your own travel contact details), your pet's medication schedule if applicable, feeding instructions, and notes about your pet's favourite spots, habits and any little quirks that make a difference day-to-day. FRESHEN UP When you're getting your house ready to leave, it can be tempting to move furniture or change pet bedding so you come home to a fresh space. But the vet says this can cause big problems for your dog. Sudden, big changes can be difficult for them to deal with, especially if you aren't around. She advises you to wait until you're back if you want a freshen up. DEEP CLEAN Again, it's always tempting to give your house a deep clean before going on holiday, but it can cause problems for your furry friend. Cleaning the house and laundry can get rid of your scent, making them feel more anxious. "Consider leaving a couple of items of clothing that you have worn for them to smell and snuggle with. This will help them to feel comforted in your absence," says Dr. MacMillan. Leaving your pet's bedding, toys, and even some clothes destined for the laundry basket around can help them feel connected to you. Angela Laws, Head of Community at TrustedHousesitters, agrees: "We've found that both pets and owners are happiest when pets can stay in their own home. "It's less stressful for the animal, and gives owners real peace of mind knowing their pet is relaxed and well cared for. It's all about keeping that sense of normality even while you're off enjoying your holiday."
Yahoo
02-08-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Keen to share your home with a Siamese cat? Find out everything there is to know about this breed
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Siamese cat overview Other names: Meezers Life expectancy: 12–15 years Size: 4–13lbs in weight, 11 inches in height Coat: pointed or colorpoint Eye colour: bright blue eyes Temperament: sociable, affectionate, vocal and intelligent Origin/native country: Thailand Siamese cats aren't hard to come by. Perhaps the most iconic example of this breed is the aptly named Si and Am in Disney's Lady and the Tramp, who are the sinister villains of the show. But in reality, this couldn't be further from the truth. Known for being affectionate, friendly, and sociable, Siamese cats are also loved by the masses for their distinctive narrow-faced look, fur coloring and beautiful blue eyes. This lap cat also has the pretty incredible ability to crave attention no matter the time of the day. Another thing to keep in mind about the Siamese is that they are rather vocal, so they could be ideal for someone who lives alone, or those who much prefer noise and chatter in their home compared to peace and quiet. And its reasons like this (and more) that have earned a 'meezer' the title of being one of the most popular cat breeds. We've compiled a guide on everything there is to know about this Velcro kitty and roped in the expertise of vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan. Are Siamese cats hypoallergenic? All allergy sufferers will be pleased to know that Siamese cats are classified as one of the hypoallergenic cat breeds due to their fur, which sheds a lot less than other breeds and the fact that they produce less of the Fel D1 protein, which can cause allergies in humans to flare up. 'These cats still produce the Fel D 1 protein in their saliva, which gets dispersed through their coat as they groom,' flags Dr MacMillan. Therefore, Siamese cats may still trigger some. But they might be less triggering than other breeds for some allergy sufferers. Are Siamese cats friendly? Despite how they are portrayed in the Disney film, Siamese cats are very friendly cats. They are also very affectionate, too. So if you love lots of love and cuddles from your fur friend, this curious cat, craves companionship and will be more than happy to snuggle up on your lap in the evening as long as they have had enough stimulation during the morning. 'I do have a bit of a soft spot for Siamese cats,' says Dr MacMillan. 'They are friendly, sociable, and enjoy spending time with people. However, they are also known for being vocal and demanding!' So much so, life with a Siamese cat will be anything but quiet as this breed is known for being one of the loudest cat breeds. 'They make great pets if you have time to give them lots of fuss and attention,' Dr MacMillan adds. Wisdom Panel Cat DNA Test | Amazon Not sure exactly what breed your cat is? This kit screens for 70+ breeds, 45 genetic health insights and 25+ physical traits – because knowing every detail about your cat helps you understand how best to care for them. View Deal Siamese cat health issues Siamese are generally healthy and often live to 15 years of age or more. But like many pedigree cats, Siamese are prone to certain health complaints. 'Siamese cats can suffer from asthma, and I have diagnosed a few over the years,' Dr MacMillan says. 'Inflammation of the airways causes breathing issues and wheezing in affected cats.' Amyloidosis is an inherited condition that affects Siamese. 'It causes abnormal proteins to be deposited in various organs around the body,' the veterinarian explains. 'This can cause problems with their ability to function properly. Kidney failure is very common in cats with amyloidosis.' Cancer is often found in this breed. 'No one quite knows for sure why they are more likely to develop it than other cats,' explains Dr MacMillan. 'Lymphoma is a common example and it can affect many areas of the body including the lymph nodes, digestive tract, chest, and kidneys. If detected early enough, it may be treatable with surgery or chemotherapy.' Nystagmus is another condition often seen in Siamese cats. Explaining the health condition, Dr MacMillan says: 'This causes their eyes to flicker slightly from side to side. It doesn't seem to cause them any problems however and their brain is still able to process the visual information okay.' How much exercise do Siamese cats need? As is the case with all cats, Siamese cats will require at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, which can be broken up into small bursts. Of course, pet exercise will look a lot different to human exercise. So while you wouldn't expect your cat to be lifting weights, a Siamese will be more than happy to chase some of the best toys for indoor cats around or play with the best automated cat toys to keep their mind and body engaged. But that said, this clever breed is an active and companionable four-legged feline. So the more engagement and mental stimulation it can get from you, the better. What grooming do Siamese cats need? Siamese cats tend to have short coats so they have minimal grooming needs. However, you will still need to brush them with one of the best cat brushes to keep their coat looking and feeling healthy. This will help to keep their coat glossy and can help get rid of dead fur during shedding seasons, rather than seeing it pile up around your home. It's also important to stay on top of regular nail trims and ear cleaning. How much do Siamese cats cost? Generally speaking, Siamese cats can set you back anywhere between $250 to $2,500. But this will all depend on pedigree, breeder and the area you purchase your Siamese cat from and the rarity of colorations. The higher end of the scale can make a Siamese cat quite expensive. However, if you are lucky enough to adopt a Siamese cat you can expect to pay up to $300. Should I get a Siamese? A Siamese cat is often known as a Velcro cat, as this breed would much rather be in the company of others than its own. This means a Siamese cat will expect a lot of attention and it will make this demand known with its vocal chirping and chatter. Therefore, a Siamese cat might be best for extroverts or loud homes or perhaps someone who lives alone who might favor some companionship in the form of a fur friend. The Complete Guide To Siamese Cats | Amazon Author and experienced Siamese owner Candace Darnforth used interviews with 11 top Siamese breeders to create the perfect guidebook for any new Siamese Deal Read next: Facts about Siamese cats Solve the daily Crossword
