How can we mourn the loss of our pet?

With the recent loss of Max we began to think again about the process of mourning the loss of a treasured friend. The situation is so different for all involved and needs to be looked at from all sides.

Initially we feel we need to be honest about the variety of feelings being felt, and to discuss them with someone you trust. We have laughed and cried over the last few days. If anyone is going through the same these are some suggestions our clients have offered us to help in the mourning process. Please message us if you would like to share other ideas.

·         Saved your pet’s lead or collar and put it in a special place

·         Have your pets ashes cremated and placed into a special casket

·         Scatter your pet’s ashes in a favourite location, or on a favourite walk.

·         Share favourite memories of your pet with loved ones

·         Plant a flowering perennial in honour of your pet

·         Have a memorial to your pet made, and placed in your garden

·         Keep a tuft of hair from your pet

·         Have a picture of your pet painted

·         Make a scrapbook with pictures of times with your friend

·         Bury your pet in a sacred location (e.g., pet cemetery)

·         Visit a local pet rescue and spend some time with other animals who also might benefit from your love

·         Think about (at some later point) adopting a pet needing a warm, safe home

·         Volunteer to help a rescue group or pet shelter

·         Teach school children about proper pet care and the importance of pets in their lives

·         Financially or physically support the pet of an elderly friend or relative who may no longer have the income or physical ability to provide for his or her constant companion.

If you have trouble getting over your loss, you may want to consult a person trained in dealing with complex grieving problems.

Further help can be found at:

www.theralphsite.com/

http://www.bluecross.org.uk/1742/pet-loss.html

Pet Smile Month

Well our pets don't smile in the same way we do, but they do have a great set of teeth that are designed to last a lifetime. So regular care is essential to help ensure they stay firmly in place!

How does dental disease happen? Firstly a soft sticky substance called plaque, consisting of food debris and bacteria, adheres to the teeth. If not removed, it gradually builds up to form a hard scale known as tartar, which can lead to inflamed and infected gums (gingivitis). As a result of this we see bad breath, tooth decay, and possible bone loss meaning your pet could begin to lose teeth. In severe cases, oral infections can spread via the bloodstream to affect other internal organs like the liver, kidneys and heart.

But.... we are here to help. Regular brushing, dental checks and feeding your pet a good diet will assist in keeping their teeth and gums healthy. If you would like to know more, then make a free appointment at one of our surgeries, where our nurses can also show you how to brush your pets' teeth, to help them stay in tiptop condition.

If your pet’s teeth are beyond the help of tooth brushing, then we are fully equipped with an ultrasonic scaler and dental machine. We are able to offer scale and polish procedures and can also undertake more advanced dentistry, including tooth extractions, as required. Until the end of November 2013 we are having a Pet Smile Month with free oral examinations by our qualified nurses and discounts on our scale and polishes. Give us a call on 02476 464789 for more information or visit www.broadlanevets.co.uk

Rabbits are particularly prone to teeth problems, and our dental machine enables fast, effective burring, thereby reducing anaesthetic time and risk.