Microchip Miracles: Reuniting Long-Lost Cats
The team at Rouken Glen Vets team know there’s nothing quite like the bond between a cat and their owner. Unfortunately, sometimes our beloved feline friends go missing, leaving a void in our hearts. However, thanks to the power of cat microchipping, many of these long-lost cats have been joyfully reunited with their humans. We believe now is an ideal time to highlight the importance of microchipping and share some heartwarming stories of happy reunions.
Heartwarming reunions of long-lost cats
Rouken Glen Vets’ team have found some incredible reunion stories of cats presumed lost forever, showing that there is always hope if your cat has been microchipped. Read on to learn about Toby, Fred, and Oscar.
Toby, missing for 11 years, returns home
After fearing Toby was gone forever in 2012, this adventurous tabby was miraculously returned home to his astonished owners 11 years later! A quick scan of Toby’s microchip by Cats Protection revealed his owner’s contact details, leading to an emotional reunion. Read Toby’s full story here.
Fred turns up 5 years later, 2 miles away
Fred’s owner was devastated when he went missing in 2019. Turns out he had been living as a stray before being taken in by a kind elderly man, who took Fred to a local vet for a checkup. The microchip scan brought unexpected joy to his owner who had given up hope of ever seeing him again. Read Fred’s full story here.
Book a cat microchipping appointment now at our vet practice in Giffnock.
Oscar, lost in a snowstorm, gets a happy reunion
In the heavy snow of January 2022, Oscar took off and didn’t return home. After endless searching and social media posts, Oscar’s owner presumed him dead. Then one day, 3 years later, a vet called to say Oscar had been living in a garden just 6 miles away and had been identified by his microchip! Read Oscar’s full story here.
The importance of Cat Microchipping
These incredible stories are not just rare occurrences. Our team say they highlight the vital role that cat microchipping plays in reuniting lost cats with their owners.
If you haven’t yet microchipped your cat, don’t delay. Rouken Glen Vets highlights some compelling reasons why you should book your cat’s microchipping appointment now:
- Quick Identification: A microchip is a reliable and permanent solution to ensure your cat can be identified if they ever get lost, unlike collars and tags, which can come off.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that your cat has a microchip gives you peace of mind. Should your pet ever wander off, there’s a higher chance of them being reunited with you.
The recent stories of long-lost cats being reunited with their owners underscores the immense value of microchipping. Let’s take proactive steps to ensure our beloved pets are protected. Don’t delay – get your cat microchipped at Rouken Glen Vets today.
The Art of Keeping Pets Cool on a Hot Summer’s Day
The sun is blazing and the heat is on in East Renfrewshire. While we humans have various ways to beat the heat, our furry friends often need a little extra help staying cool when the mercury soars. Fear not, pet parents, for we’ve got you covered with some cool tips to keep your beloved companions comfortable and safe on those scorching summer days.
If your pet is not coping well in the heat, contact our team at Rouken Glen Vets for advice.
The Art of Keeping Pets Cool
Whilst most of us look forward to a hot summer in East Renfrewshire, it can get too hot for our pets and affect their health. Here’s our advice on how to keep your pet’s cool:
- Hydration: Keep water bowls filled up, ensuring your pet stays refreshed and revitalised.
- Cool Spaces: Create cool havens indoors, avoid hotspots like porches & conservatories.
- Shady Retreats: Offer shady spots for your pet to relax in away from the sun’s glare.
- Outdoor Comfort: Design outdoor areas & enclosures with shade and consider bringing pets indoors on very hot days.
- Heat-Free Zones: Keep pets away from outdoor hot spots like greenhouses & sheds.
- Cool Runnings: Plan outdoor activities for cooler times of the day to prevent overheating.
- Car Safety: Never leave pets in hot cars, ensuring they’re always safe and cool by your side.
- Water Watch: Supervise pets around water features, ensuring they play safely.
- Vigilant Monitoring: Watch for signs of heatstroke like panting & vomiting, and act quickly.
- Emergency Care: Seek vet help immediately if your pet shows signs of overheating.
If you would like any further advice or your pet is struggling in the heat, contact our team at Rouken Glen Vets.
Now, for some more pet tips & treats!
Dogs:
Treat your dog to a splash in the paddling pool or set up a shady spot with a wet towel or cooling mat for them to lie on. Frozen treats like doggy ice lollies made from pet-safe ingredients (such as strawberries) are also a paw-some way to keep your canine companion cool and satisfied.
Got a favourite doggy ice-cream hot spot in East Renfrewshire? Let our followers know on Facebook!
Cats:
Provide plenty of fresh water for your cat to drink, add ice cubes to keep it cold. Create a cat-friendly chill zone indoors with closed curtains, a fan, cooling floor tiles or even a damp cloth straight from the freezer. When trying something new, introduce it slowly and monitor your cat’s response.
Rabbits & Small Furry Pets:
Fluffy furballs like rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters can quickly overheat and need cool retreats. Our vet nurses in Giffnock suggest frozen water bottles wrapped in towels or a ceramic tile that’s been chilled in the fridge make excellent cooling spots. For rabbits, you can lightly mist their ears with cool water, but don’t leave them too wet & cold.
Remember, pet parents – when it comes to keeping your pets cool on a hot day, a little extra TLC goes a long way. So, break out the frozen goodies, set up the shade, and let’s keep our pet pals happy!
For more heat-related pet advice, contact our experienced team at Rouken Glen Vets.
Vets in Giffnock share the health risks of parasites in small pets
While pet rodents like mice, rats, and hamsters may be small in size, they can still be susceptible to internal parasites like tapeworms and pinworms. Our vets in Giffnock want owners of small furry pets to be aware of these potential health threats and be able to spot the signs of worms at home.
Ask us about small pet parasite treatments
Before we dive in, did you know that April is National Pet Month? Share a photo or video of your tiny companion on our Facebook page and let’s celebrate the joy of pet ownership together!
Understanding tapeworms and pinworms
- Tapeworms are common in rodents and are typically transmitted through the ingestion of infected fleas or lice. Once ingested, tapeworm larvae develop into adult worms in the rodent’s intestines, where they can grow and produce eggs, perpetuating the cycle of infection.
- Pinworms are small, thread-like parasites that can also infect the intestines of rodents, often through the ingestion of contaminated food or bedding.
Five signs of tapeworm and pinworm infestations:
Vet Richard Black at our Giffnock vet practice shares that detecting tapeworms and pinworms in pet mice, rats, and hamsters can be challenging, as these parasites may not always produce noticeable symptoms. However, there are some signs that may indicate a worm infestation in your furry friend:
- Weight loss despite having a normal appetite.
- Visible worm segments (in the case of tapeworms) that look like small, rice-like pieces in your pet’s faeces or around their bottom area.
- Itching and irritation around the bottom area, leading to excessive grooming or scratching.
- Appearing lethargic or less active than usual.
- A rough, dull coat could indicate an underlying health issue, including a worm infestation.
Preventing and treating worm infestations
Richard advises pet owners that preventing worm infestations in pet rodents begins with good hygiene and sanitation practices. By keeping your pet’s cage clean, and providing fresh bedding and food regularly, you can minimise the risk of exposure to parasites. Additionally, Richard recommends that you should avoid feeding your pet rodents wild-caught insects or uncooked grains, as these may carry tapeworm eggs or pinworm larvae.
If you suspect your pet mouse, rat, or hamster may have tapeworms or pinworms, get in touch with our Giffnock team promptly. Richard or another of our vets can perform a thorough examination and recommend appropriate treatment options, which may include deworming medications or other interventions to help eliminate the parasites. Additionally, our vets can offer guidance on preventive measures to reduce the risk of future infestations in your small furry pets.
Remember, early detection and intervention are key to managing worm infestations in pet rodents. By staying vigilant and seeking veterinary care at the first sign of trouble, you can help protect your tiny companions from the harmful effects of internal parasites.
Ask us about small pet parasite treatments
Before you go, pop over to our Facebook page and share a photo or video of your small furry pets to celebrate National Pet Month!