Every pet owner cherishes the moments of companionship - playful evenings spent chasing a frisbee, or quiet mornings curled up together. But this joy comes with a significant responsibility: ensuring our furry friends' safety. In Australia alone, RSPCA statistics reveal thousands of pets go missing annually. Imagine the empty food bowl, the leash hanging by the door - a constant reminder of a beloved companion lost. July's National Lost Pet Prevention Month serves as a timely reminder to take proactive steps and prevent this heartbreaking scenario.

At Lithgow Veterinary Hospital, we understand the immense worry and heartache associated with a missing pet. We're dedicated to your furry friend's health and wellbeing, and that includes keeping them safe and sound. This comprehensive guide explores essential strategies for lost pet prevention, empowering you to take proactive steps and minimise the risk of your pet disappearing.

Understanding Why Pets Wander Off

Before delving into preventative measures, it's crucial to understand why pets might wander off in the first place. Several factors can contribute to this behaviour:

• Unfamiliar Environments: Loud noises, unfamiliar smells, or even a new pet in the neighborhood can spook a pet and trigger an escape attempt.
• Unsecured Property: Fences with gaps, loose window screens, or malfunctioning doors and gates present potential escape routes.
• Fear and Anxiety: Pets experiencing fear or anxiety due to separation anxiety, storms, or fireworks may try to escape their perceived danger zone.
• Hormonal Urges: Intact animals driven by hormonal urges to roam in search of mates are more prone to wandering.

Building a Strong Foundation: Identification and Microchipping

The first line of defence in lost pet prevention is ensuring your pet has proper identification. Here's a two-pronged approach:

• Collar and ID Tag: Every pet, even indoor ones, should wear a well-fitting collar with a current ID tag. The tag should include your pet's name, your phone number, and your address. Update the information on the tag if you move or change your phone number.
• Microchipping: Microchipping offers a permanent and reliable way to identify your pet if their collar gets lost. This tiny rice-sized chip implanted under your pet's skin stores a unique identification code that can be scanned by animal shelters and veterinary clinics. Keep the microchip registry updated with your current contact information to ensure a successful reunification.

Securing Your Home: Creating a Safe Haven

Regularly inspect your property for potential escape routes. Here are some areas to focus on:

• Fences: Check for holes, gaps, or loose boards. If your pet is a determined digger, consider burying wire mesh or concrete blocks underground along the fence line.
• Windows and Doors: Ensure window screens are secure and not torn or loose. Inspect doors and gates for proper latching mechanisms and functionality.
• Escape Artists: If your pet has a history of escaping, take additional precautions. Consider tethering them to a secure line outdoors using a long leash and a sturdy anchor point under adult supervision.

Managing Stressful Situations: Keeping Your Pet Calm

Certain situations like deliveries, houseguests, or construction work can be stressful for pets, increasing the risk of them bolting. Here's what you can do:

• Provide a Safe Space: Create a quiet room in your house specifically for your pet during periods of commotion. Equip this haven with comfortable bedding, food, water, and toys.
• Desensitisation Training: If your pet exhibits anxiety around specific triggers like thunder or fireworks, consider desensitisation training with the help of a professional animal trainer. This gradually exposes your pet to the trigger in a controlled environment, allowing them to learn to cope with the stimuli calmly.

The Importance of Desexing

Spaying and neutering your pet not only offers numerous health benefits, but it can also contribute to lost pet prevention. Intact animals driven by hormones to roam in search of mates are more likely to wander, increasing the risk of getting lost or injured.

Beyond the Basics: Building a Well-Behaved Companion

Obedience training plays a crucial role in keeping your pet safe, especially when outdoors. A well-trained dog is less likely to wander off during walks or become spooked by unfamiliar stimuli. Basic commands like "sit," "stay," and "come" provide you with greater control and ensure your pet's safety during outdoor adventures.

Preparation is Key: Emergency Planning for Lost Pets

Despite our best efforts, pets can still go missing. Here are some steps to take in case of an emergency:

• Start the Search Immediately: Don't waste time; begin searching your neighbourhood and surrounding areas as soon as you realise your pet is missing.
• Alert Local Authorities and Shelters: Contact animal control, local shelters, neighbourhood groups on social media and veterinary clinics in your area and share your pet's description and microchip information (if applicable).

At Lithgow Veterinary Hospital, we understand the deep bond you share with your pet. We're passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and keeping your furry friend safe and happy. We offer microchipping services and can answer all your questions about lost pet prevention.

Schedule an appointment today to discuss microchipping, explore other preventative measures, and ensure a lifetime of happy memories with your cherished companion.

Remember, by taking proactive steps, we can all work together to significantly reduce the number of lost pets in Australia.

As the colder months settle in, many of us find comfort in snuggling up with warm blankets and cosy slippers. However, it's essential to remember that our furry friends also feel the effects of winter. Just like we take extra steps to stay comfortable, it's important to extend that same care to our pets. Here are some friendly tips to help you keep your pet happy and healthy during the winter season.

Providing Extra Care for Senior Pets

If you've noticed your senior pet struggling a bit more with daily activities or moving slower during walks, it's likely they're feeling the effects of colder temperatures. Just like us, older pets can experience discomfort from the drop in temperature, which can exacerbate stiffness and arthritis. It's essential to adapt their exercise routine accordingly to ensure their well-being during the winter months. Consider shorter walks, no more than 20 minutes a day, and focus on gentle exercises that promote circulation and cardiovascular health. Additionally, keeping an eye on your pet's weight is crucial, as extra pounds can intensify joint pain, especially in colder weather. By providing a little extra care and attention, you can help your senior pet stay comfortable and active throughout the winter.

Ensuring Warmth for Every Family Member

Just as we seek refuge indoors to escape the cold, it's important to prioritise the comfort and safety of our pets during the winter months. Exposure to harsh weather conditions can pose significant health risks to our furry companions, so providing them with adequate shelter is paramount. Consider these tips to create a cosy haven for your pet during winter:

• Provide a warm, draft-free resting area elevated off cold surfaces.
• Limit outdoor exposure for your pet, as they can be susceptible to hypothermia.
• If outdoor time is necessary, ensure they have access to a sheltered kennel protected from wind and rain.
• Supply plenty of warm bedding or blankets for added comfort.
• For older pets or those with shorter fur, consider fitting them with a snug pet coat to help retain heat.
• Keep cats indoors unless they have access to a secure outdoor enclosure.
• Offer your dog a designated indoor sleeping area, such as a comfy bed in the laundry or a suitable crate.
• When washing and grooming your pet, use warm water and consider using a dryer to prevent them from getting chilled with wet fur.
• By taking these simple yet crucial steps, you can ensure that every member of your family, including your beloved pets, stays warm and safe throughout the winter season.

Prioritise Exercise Even in Cold Weather 

While the chilly temperatures may dampen our motivation to venture outdoors, maintaining regular exercise for your pet remains essential for their overall health and well-being throughout the year. Skipping exercise routines can predispose your dog to various health issues like diabetes and weight gain, or may lead to behavioural problems stemming from boredom. If the cold weather disrupts your daily walks, consider adjusting your schedule to incorporate exercise during the warmer parts of the day. If braving the cold isn't feasible, explore alternative indoor activities such as trick training or puzzle games to keep your pet mentally stimulated and content. Additionally, winter presents an opportune time to focus on teaching manners and obedience skills. Remember to use plenty of tasty treats during training sessions, and afterward, reward yourselves with a cosy cuddle session on the couch. By prioritising exercise and mental stimulation, you can ensure that your pet remains happy, healthy, and engaged, regardless of the weather outside.

What is Canine Compulsive Disorder?

Canine compulsive disorder, akin to human obsessive-compulsive disorder, leads dogs to engage in repetitive behaviours that can be detrimental to their wellbeing. While it's challenging to ascertain if dogs experience obsessive thoughts, their actions clearly indicate compulsive tendencies. These behaviours, while common in mentally healthy dogs to some extent, escalate to a disruptive level in dogs with canine compulsive disorder, impacting both their own quality of life and that of their families.

Symptoms of Canine Compulsive Disorder (CCD) in dogs often involve behaviours that, in moderation, might seem commonplace. However, dogs with CCD take these actions to extremes, resulting in potential harm to themselves. Common compulsive behaviours seen in dogs with CCD include:

• Signs of self mutilation - missing hair, raw skin, focus is commonly on the tail, forelimbs, and distal extremities
• The dog’s behaviour intensifies over time and cannot be interrupted even with physical restraint, increases in frequency or duration, and interferes with normal functioning
• Frequent tail chasing, especially if the tail tip is missing (however, not all dogs that tail chase will mutilate their tails)
• May be seen in young dogs, but onset is more common during social maturity; playfulness decreases with age, OCD increases.
• A solitary focus may have seemed to spur the behaviour (for example, chasing a mouse that the patient could not catch) - but usually no direct cause is evident
• May see self-induced injuries and lack of condition that may be associated with increased motor activity and repetitive behaviours
• Behaviour worsens with time

What Causes Canine Compulsive Disorder (CCD)?

Pain: Chronic pain stemming from past injuries or medical conditions can drive dogs to exhibit obsessive behaviours. Dogs may compulsively gnaw at affected areas or display anxious rituals before activities that induce discomfort. Even after resolving the underlying issue, compulsive behaviours may persist, emphasising the importance of identifying triggers early for effective intervention.

Social and Environmental Stressors: Conflicts in the home or disruptions to a dog's routine can contribute to canine OCD. Dogs thrive on consistency and may develop anxious behaviours in response to changes in their environment. Minor disruptions like daily departures for work can trigger separation anxiety, leading to coping mechanisms. Traumatic events, such as car accidents, may result in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and subsequent compulsive behaviours.

Ensuring proper stimulation through a balanced routine of exercise, socialisation, and alone time is crucial. Over or under-stimulation can provoke compulsive behaviours and anxiety. For instance, herding breeds may exhibit tail spinning due to insufficient outlets for their energy.

The Genetic Component: While ongoing research explores the genetic basis of canine OCD, experts note consistency in symptoms within breeds. Certain breeds exhibit specific compulsive behaviours, indicating a genetic predisposition. For example, Doberman pinschers commonly suffer from acral lick dermatitis and flank sucking, while Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for fly snapping and shadow chasing. Some breeds may also have a predisposition for behavioural issues like separation anxiety, further triggering OCD in dogs.

Diagnosing Canine Compulsive Disorder (CCD) in dogs begins with a thorough examination at the veterinary clinic, primarily aimed at ruling out other potential medical causes. Symptoms associated with CCD can overlap with various other health issues. For instance, excessive licking and chewing of the skin, particularly on the feet and joints, may indicate allergies, infections, or joint inflammation. Similarly, behaviours like compulsive circling, fly chasing, and inappropriate eating can sometimes signal neurological disorders such as Cushing’s disease, canine cognitive disorder, or even brain tumours.

Furthermore, circling and pacing behaviours might stem from liver disorders, especially if accompanied by the dog pressing their head against hard surfaces. It's important to note that head pressing is not a typical symptom of CCD and typically denotes severe distress in your pet.To arrive at a definitive diagnosis, a comprehensive approach is adopted, including a physical examination, blood tests, and imaging assessments. These diagnostic tools help differentiate between CCD and other underlying medical conditions, ensuring accurate treatment and management strategies for your pet's wellbeing.

Treating Canine Compulsive Disorder (CCD) in dogs typically involves a multifaceted approach aimed at managing the behaviours and addressing underlying stress triggers. Unlike typical behaviour problems, scolding or punishing the dog for their compulsive behaviours is counterproductive, as these behaviours are often rooted in stress and anxiety.

To effectively manage CCD, focus on using destressing and distracting techniques. Ensure your dog receives adequate exercise tailored to their breed and health condition to reduce nervous tension that may trigger obsessive behaviour. Mental stimulation is also key to reinforcing positive behaviours. Engage your dog with puzzle toys, food-based toys, or create stimulating games at home by hiding treats or toys for them to find. Training exercises not only stimulate their minds but also provide them with a sense of purpose, which many dogs crave.

When your dog displays compulsive behaviours, distract them with alternative activities. Avoid using food as a distraction, as this may inadvertently reinforce the behaviour. Instead, utilise puzzle toys or training techniques to redirect their focus away from their compulsion.

In severe cases of CCD, medication may be necessary to alleviate compulsive urges and improve quality of life. Antidepressant medications are sometimes prescribed for CCD management, although they may take several weeks to show effects and require consistent daily administration to remain effective.

It's essential to work closely with our vet team to develop a tailored treatment plan for your dog, combining behavioural interventions with medication if needed. With patience, consistency, and the right approach, many dogs with CCD can lead happy, fulfilling lives.

As pet owners, we all want our furry friends to smell fresh and clean. However, sometimes our beloved dogs can develop unpleasant odours that can be indicative of underlying health issues. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the common causes of smelly ears, teeth, skin, and anal glands in dogs, what you can do at home to address these issues, and when it's time to seek professional veterinary treatment.

Smelly Ears:

One of the most common reasons for smelly ears in dogs is the buildup of wax and debris. This can lead to infections, which often produce a foul odour. Other causes include ear mites, allergies, or foreign objects lodged in the ear canal. At home, you can gently clean your dog's ears with a veterinarian-approved ear cleaner and cotton balls. Be careful not to probe too deeply into the ear canal to avoid causing damage. If the odour persists or if your dog shows signs of 

discomfort, such as scratching or shaking their head, it's essential to seek professional treatment. Your veterinarian can diagnose and treat any underlying ear infections or other issues causing the odour.

Smelly Teeth:

Bad breath in dogs, also known as halitosis, is often caused by dental problems such as plaque and tartar buildup, gum disease, or infected teeth. Poor dental hygiene can lead to bacterial growth in the mouth, resulting in a foul odour. To combat smelly teeth at home, establish a regular dental care routine for your dog, including daily tooth brushing with a veterinarian-approved toothpaste and dental chews or toys. However, if your dog's bad breath persists despite proper dental care, it may be a sign of an underlying dental issue that requires professional attention. Your veterinarian can perform a thorough dental examination and recommend appropriate treatment, such as professional dental cleaning under anaesthesia.

Smelly Skin:

A variety of factors can contribute to smelly skin in dogs, including yeast or bacterial infections, allergies, hormonal imbalances, or underlying medical conditions such as hypothyroidism. Signs of smelly skin may include excessive scratching, redness, inflammation, or a greasy, foul-smelling coat. At home, you can help manage smelly skin by bathing your dog regularly with a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo and ensuring they are adequately dried afterward. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet rich in essential fatty acids can promote skin health. However, if your dog's skin issues persist or worsen, it's crucial to consult with your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Your veterinarian may recommend medicated shampoos, topical treatments, or oral medications to address the underlying cause of the odour and improve your dog's skin health

Smelly Anal Glands:

Anal gland issues are a common cause of smelly odours in dogs. These small sacs located on either side of the anus contain a foul-smelling fluid that is normally expressed during bowel movements. However, if the anal glands become impacted or infected, they can produce a strong, fishy odour. Signs of anal gland problems include scooting or dragging the bottom along the ground, excessive licking or biting at the rear end, or swelling around the anus. While some dogs may naturally express their anal glands during bowel movements, others may require manual expression by a veterinarian or groomer. If your dog's anal glands become impacted or infected, professional treatment may be necessary to relieve discomfort and prevent further complications.

If you have any concerns about your dog's odour or overall health, don't hesitate to consult our friendly vet team for guidance and support.

As our four-legged friends gracefully step into their golden years, it's important to adapt and make their well-being a top priority. Let's talk about exercise, specifically the joy of a good walk. While regular walks have loads of perks, taking an older dog for a stroll needs a personalised touch, taking into account their health, age, and comfort.