Category: Fish

Pet First Aid – Be prepared!

If your pet has an accident or mishap in front of you, it can be incredibly harrowing, especially if you don’t know what do to. Being prepared for an emergency is incredibly important, and knowing a few simple first aid tips for pets can help immensely should the worst happen. In this blog, I will share a few general first aid tips for any emergency, as well as how to deal with particular incidents.

  • Firstly, ensure that you have an up-to-date telephone number for both your regular vet and an emergency vet. Not all practices are open 24 hours, and your pet may need professional care as soon as possible. Keep these numbers somewhere that’s easy to get to, such as stuck to the fridge. Phone your vet immediately before attempting anything yourself, and they will advise you on what to do. If the accident is severe, your vet may make a home visit.
  • If you own cats or other small animals such as rabbits or ferrets, don’t leave animal carriers stuck in the loft or forgotten in a cupboard. Make sure that they’re easy to get to in case of an emergency, as it’s more than likely that you’ll have to take your pet to the vet’s. You could also leave a few blankets inside the carrier, as you may need them depending on the situation.
  • Finally, remember that should anything happen to your pet, they are likely to be scared, in pain and confused. This may cause even the most docile of pets to lash out, even to people that they know, love and trust. Approach your pet slowly and calmly, and stay away from their mouth if possible. Also, in some situations you should muzzle them, but not if they have any problems with their breathing or if they are vomiting. If you do not have a muzzle at home, you can use a strip of soft cloth or a necktie or nylon stocking. Wrap it around their nose, under their chin and tie it behind their ears. Be careful not to tie it too tightly to allow them to pant and you can use a towel wrapped around the head for small animals.

Bearing these points in mind will go a long way to helping in an emergency. Just be sure to call your vet before attempting anything for yourself, and they will give you the advice that you need. These basic procedures will help in particular situations, and you should familiarise yourself with them should your vet advise that you do them.

  • Bleeding/Bite Wounds

Approach your pet slowly and muzzle them. In the case of bites, check the wound for debris or other contamination. If there is anything like this, wash the wound with a saline or balanced electrolyte solution. If you don’t have any of this, then use plain water. Wrap any large wounds to keep them clean and apply firm, direct pressure until the bleeding stops or at least 10 straight minutes. Ensure that you don’t use a tourniquet or any bandages that could cut off circulation.

  • Burns

This refers to chemical, electrical or heat burns, with symptoms including singed hair, redness, swelling or blistering. You need to flush the area with plenty of cool, running water. However, if there are large amounts of dry chemicals on the skin, be sure to brush these off first as the water may activate them. Then, apply an ice pack for 15-20 minutes. You can use frozen food, but any ice pack must be wrapped in a clean, dry blanket or towel first.

  • Choking

If your pet is choking, they will have difficulty breathing, may be pawing at their mouth and may have blue lips and tongue. More than likely, this will make your pet frantic so be careful not to let them bite you. If they can still partially breathe, the best thing to do is get them straight to a vet’s. If not, look into the animal’s mouth to see if you can see the blockage. If possible, use pliers or tweezers to remove it, but you must be really careful not to push it further in. If the object is too deep or your pet collapses, then put your hands on both sides of your pet’s rib cage and apply firm, quick pressure. Alternatively, you can lay your pet on their side and strike the side of their rib cage firmly with the flat of your hand three or four times. You should continue doing this until the object is removed or you arrive at the vet’s.

  • Fractures

Your pet may have a fractured limb if they are in pain, are refusing to use that limb or if it is at an odd angle. Firstly, muzzle your pet and look for bleeding. If you can stop this without causing more damage, then do so. In case of a fracture, keeping the limb supported is the most important factor. Don’t try to set the fracture by tugging or pulling on it, just get your pet to the vet’s.

  • Poisoning

Symptoms of poisoning include sickness, diarrhoea, convulsions, weakness, salivation or depression. If you know what your pet has ingested, record what it is and how much. If possible, retain the packaging and phone your vet immediately. If your pet has something on their skin, such as paint or insecticides, ask your vet whether to wash it off and how to do so. Ensure that you do not induce vomiting, as this may do more harm than good.

  • Seizures

Symptoms of seizures include salivation, loss of bowel control, muscle twitches or falling unconscious. Move your pet away from anything that might hurt them, using a blanket for padding or protection. However, do not restrain your pet as this will put you at risk. Time the seizure, they should only last 2 or 3 minutes, and then keep your pet calm and quiet and phone your vet.

  • Vomiting and/or Diarrhoea

In both cases, withhold food for 12 – 24 hours. If they’ve been vomiting, wait for two hours after the vomiting stops and then give your pet ice cubes. Then, you can slowly increase food and water over the next 12 to 24 hours. In the case of diarrhoea, make sure that water is readily available. Phone your vet for more advice, and don’t try any at-home remedies without knowing the exact cause.

  • Heatstroke

We have gone into heatstroke in much more detail in a previous blog, but you should look out for difficulty breathing or rapid breathing, vomiting, collapsing and a high body temperature. Cool your pet by placing them in a bath of cool (not cold) water, gently soaking them with a garden hose or wrapping them in a cool, wet towel.  Be careful not to overcool them, and phone your vet.

While these first aid tips may help in an emergency, your priority in any situation should be to get your pet to a professional. Phone your vet immediately should anything happen, and do as they say as it may be dangerous to move your pet. While no one ever wants their pet to fall ill or get hurt, being well prepared and ready to act quickly and calmly will make a whole world of difference should the worst happen.

No Comments by Sarah on May 10, 2012
filed in Birds, Cats, Chinchillas, Dogs, Ferrets, Fish, General Interest, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, Pet Owner Information, Rabbits, Rats and Mice, Small Animals
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Keeping your pets happy and healthy over the hot summer months.

Here at The pet Express, we’re always devastated to hear of animals (especially dogs) becoming incredibly ill and even passing away because they’re not given the proper care and attention on hot days. This week’s bumper blog post is all about how you can keep your pets safe, healthy and comfortable over the summer.

  • Dogs

It seems a summer doesn’t go by without a news story about dogs dying in hot cars. Did you know that when it’s just 22°C outside, the temperature inside a car can rise to 47°C within just 60 minutes? Even leaving a window rolled down or a sunshield on your windscreen isn’t enough; dogs should never be left alone in a car on a warm day. In fact, if you see a dog left in a car, call the police on 999, as owners have a legal duty to care for their animals under the Animal Welfare Act.

When at home, ensure that your dog always has access to a cool, shady spot or a well-ventilated room as well as plenty of fresh drinking water in a heavy bowl that can’t be knocked over. Also, don’t leave your dog in a conservatory, as these are prone to getting exceedingly hot just like cars.

If your dog has long hair, be sure to brush them regularly and give them a haircut at the beginning of the summer. Regular baths will help with skin irritation caused by the heat, as well as helping your dog to cool off. Just be sure to use cool water, not cold.

When out and about, ensure that you have water with you and give your dog small amounts throughout the day. Dogs still need exercise when it’s warm, so avoid the hottest parts of the day and take them for a walk in the early morning or evening. Finally, be aware that dogs can get sunburned too, especially on light-coloured noses and ears. Your vet can advise you about suitable sun creams.

  • Cats

Much like dogs, cats need to have somewhere shady, cool and ventilated to move to when they get too hot. It is also recommended that cats are kept indoors during the middle of the day, when temperatures are at their highest.  If this isn’t possible, then a cat kennel or covered area outdoors will suffice.

Cats also need access to fresh water at all times. If they are to be kept outside, ensure that the water is kept in a heavy bowl, or one with an ‘unspillable’ design. Keep the bowl in the covered area to stop the water evaporating, and check it regularly to refill it.

Cats with light fur are also susceptible to sunburn on their ears and noses, just like dogs. Again, speak to your vet for advice on the best pet-safe sun cream to use. If your cat has particularly long fur, be sure to brush them regularly and give them a haircut if needed.

  • Caged Animals, Birds, Reptiles & Fish

The biggest danger with any pet kept in a tank, vivarium, aquarium, hutch or cage is that they’re limited to where they can move to in order to escape the sun. Take the time to move your animal’s enclosure to somewhere that is out of direct sunlight, cool and well ventilated. If the hutch has an attached run, make sure that there is a cooler, shady area available at all times throughout the day.

Regularly check your animal’s enclosure to ensure that they always have plenty of fresh drinking water available. It may also be worth investing in an extra water bowl or bottle, depending on how often you may be able to check these.

In the case of fish and aquariums, their water needs to be kept clean, well oxygenated and algae free. If your aquarium or tank has a filter, check to make sure that this is working at all times.

As with dogs and cats, long-haired rabbits and guinea pigs will need regular brushing, and possibly a haircut to keep them cool.

  • Heatstroke

By following all of this advice, you will greatly reduce the chances of your pet becoming ill over the summer. However, be aware that it could still be possible for your pet to develop heat stroke and that this can be fatal, so it’s very important that you know the signs as well as what to do. Especially susceptible are dogs with short muzzles, long coats, or overweight, old or young dogs.

Symptoms to look out for include: excessive panting, heavy salivation, rapid pulse, very red gums or tongue, lethargy (tiredness), lack of co-ordination, being unable to get up after collapsing, vomiting and diarrhoea. Your pet may even lose consciousness in extreme situations.

If you suspect that your pet has heatstroke, quickly move them to a cool and shady area. You need to lower their temperature gradually, so as not to send them in to shock. Do this by spraying or dousing them with cool water, not cold. You could use a shower or a spray bottle, and try to get them near a fan. Let them drink small amounts of cool water, and call your vet immediately. As soon as your pet is cooled down, you will need to take them to your veterinary surgery as they may need further treatment.

The summer is a fantastic time for enjoying the sunshine with your pet, whether it’s in the garden or at the beach or park. These simple, easy-to-follow steps will ensure that you and your pets can make the most of the next few months, while remaining happy, healthy and safe!

For more information, visit the RSPCA’s fantastic FAQ pages, and for all your pet’s summer needs, visit the Pet Express!

by Sarah on April 3, 2012
filed in Birds, Cats, Chinchillas, Dogs, Ferrets, Fish, General Interest, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, Pet Owner Information, Rabbits, Rats and Mice, Reptiles, Small Animals
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Kids’ First Aquariums!

If your kids have been pestering you recently to let them have their very own fish, or you think it’s something that they would enjoy, then check out our two fantastic new additions from Marina.

Image of Marina Aquarium Surfin

These two aquarium sets are perfect for beginners as they come with everything you need to set up your very first tank. Included in the box is a 14 litre tank, a high-quality Marina filter, and even Nutrafin water conditioners and goldfish food. The tank even has a handy canopy on the lid which means kids can feed their fish without having to take the entire lid off.

Image of Marina Aquarium Seahorse

As a fun extra touch to make these aquariums perfect for children, they also include some decals, an ornament and a backdrop and are available in Seahorse or Sur’fin designs. The Seahorse tank comes with a pretty pink lid and feet and girls will love the cute and magical seahorse decorations. Boys, on the other hand, will love the Sur’fin design. The tank’s detailing is blue, and the decorations feature funky surfer dudes.

Kids will have a great time personalising and designing their tanks, and learning how to keep tropical fish is an exciting hobby that will last a lifetime!

by Sarah on March 7, 2012
filed in Fish, General Interest, Pet Owner Information
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Happy New Year 2012!

We would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year and we hope that your final party of the year has left you with wonderful memories and not too much of a headache!

Whenever we step into a new year, we have the opportunity to work on our New Year’s resolutions, and if you are one of the millions attempting to give up smoking, loose a stone or two or perhaps giving up your favourite tipple, we wish you the very best of luck!

I’m not very good at New Year’s resolutions, I always start with good intentions but I’m afraid my resolutions rarely make it through until the end of January.  Therefore, to avoid disappointment, this year my only ‘resolution’ is to do all of my shopping online.

Introduced to the phenomenon of online shopping just last year, I was surprised to find that you can purchase virtually everything over the internet, and you can do so from the comfort of your own home.

An owner of far too many dogs and cats to mention, my pet supplies are often the heaviest part of my weekly shop, but now all my dog food, cat food, cat litter, doggy biscuits and cat treats are delivered right to my door.

By buying your dog and cat food online, you have none of the heavy lifting to do and you can make huge savings by buying in bulk.  With free delivery on orders over a certain value, why would you possibly shop for your pet supplies anywhere else?

Rabbit hutches , guinea pig food, reptile supplies & vivariums, bird cages, aquatic supplies and all the cat and dog food you could possibly wish for is available at your fingertips.

So if that diet is already looking doubtful, forget your new year’s resolution and make 2012 a whole lot easier by introducing yourself to the wonderful world of online shopping.

by WendyK on January 1, 2012
filed in Birds, Cats, Dogs, Fish, General Interest, Guinea Pigs, Pet Owner Information, Product News, Rabbits, Reptiles, Small Animals
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Pet Supplies – everything you need for Dogs, Cats, Birds, Fish, Rabbits, Exotic Pets and more!

I recently read and interesting article written by the PFMA (Pet food manufacturing association) regarding the top 10 pets in the UK for 2011.  Not surprisingly perhaps, Dogs, Cats, Rabbits, Birds and fish where listed as the most popular pets, but what I was surprised to learn was the sheer volume of pets residing on our tiny island! Combining the top five categories alone you come to a staggering 58 million pets, and when you compare that to the UK’s human population of approx 62 million, that is almost one pet for every person.

Fortunately, all the pet food, accessories and supplies you need are readily available, and with the introduction of online shopping, you can shop from the comfort of our own homes and leave the heavy lifting to someone else!

Catering for a whole range of exotic pets, in addition to the top five pets in the UK today, we have just about everything you could possibly need when it comes to pet supplies, and we offer free delivery on every order over £59!

Dogs

In our doggie department you will find a fantastic selection of dog food, mixers, treats, toys, health and hygiene supplements, collars, leads and a cool collection of dog coats to keep your pooch warm and dry all winter long.

Cats

Our cat collection is huge, and we have everything you could possibly need for your feline friend, including over 300 different cat food varieties, treats, toys, collars, flea remedies, soft beds and cat kennels to protect them from the elements.

Rabbits

In our rabbit and small animal collection, you will find a great selection of rabbit hutches, food, bedding, treats, grooming accessories and exercise items to keep your cute furry pets fit and happy.

Birds

We have a birdcage to suit just about every bird in our stunning collection, and a whole range of cage accessories, toys, bird food for both companion birds and wild birds, treats and plenty of health and hygiene products.

Fish

Our fish and aquatic department is packed with great fish tanks and bowls, pumps and accessories, fish food, pond filters, and just about anything else you could possibly need for your indoor or outdoor fish.

All of our fantastic pet accessories are available to order online, so why not stock up for winter in one convenient location, and let us deliver it to your door.

by WendyK on November 22, 2011
filed in Birds, Cats, Dogs, Fish, General Interest, Pet Owner Information, Product News, Rabbits
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Low Internet Prices on our Rabbit Hutches & Pet Accessories.

Rosewood Manor Rabbit Hutch & Run

If it is time to upgrade your rabbit hutch and give your beloved fluffy friend and new home, then take a look out our great collection of rabbit hutches.

As an online retailer, we offer low Internet prices and free delivery on all orders over £59.00, so you can order your rabbit hutch online and we will deliver it to your door.
We currently offer a great selection of hutches that make suitable housing for rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets and other smaller pets, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Whether you are looking for a two-tier hutch, an outdoor run or an interior rabbit hutch, we can cater for your every need.

Rabbit Food

Why not use this perfect opportunity to stock up on a great selection of rabbit food, treats, bedding and litter materials – we can deliver these items along with your hutch – so no heavy lifting for you.

Dog Food

We do not just cater for rabbits; we offer an extensive collection of dog food, cat food, bird seed and birdcages, and many other pet accessories, so you can cater for all your pets from one convenient location.

Cat Food

Discover our online pet store today, for a vast choice of pet food, housing and accessories at great prices.

Ordering online is easy, you do so from the comfort of your own home and we deliver all the items to your door – so shopping for your pets just got easier.

Happy Family

by WendyK on August 7, 2011
filed in Birds, Cats, Dogs, Ferrets, Fish, General Interest, Guinea Pigs, Pet Owner Information, Product News, Rabbits
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