Pet care

Looking after our pets’ health is a priority for every owner. One of the most important aspects of preventive care is routine blood testing, which allows many diseases to be detected early and prevented. Regular tests not only help keep our pets in good shape but can also significantly extend their lives.

Why is a routine blood test important?

A routine blood test plays a key role in preventive pet care because it makes early detection of many diseases and health problems possible. By analysing blood samples, vets can assess a pet’s overall health, identifying abnormalities in the levels of various blood components such as red and white blood cells, platelets and blood chemistry. The test can detect conditions such as anaemia, infections, liver or kidney dysfunction, as well as metabolic problems such as diabetes and thyroid disease. It is often recommended before planned surgery to assess the animal’s general condition and minimise the risk of complications related to anaesthesia. Regular blood testing is therefore essential to keeping animals healthy, allowing prompt intervention if a serious disease appears.

Preparing your pet for a blood test

To ensure reliable results, it is essential to prepare your pet properly before the sample is taken. A blood test should be carried out on an empty stomach, so avoid giving your pet any food for 9–12 hours before the visit to the vet. Otherwise the results may be distorted and the blood may turn out to be lipaemic, meaning the tests have to be repeated. Beyond dietary preparation, it is also worth keeping stress to a minimum. A short walk before the visit can help burn off excess energy. It is also worth consulting your vet about any medication your pet may be taking before the test, to make sure it will not affect the results. Proper preparation will help produce the most reliable results possible, which in turn means better diagnosis of your pet’s health.

Basic blood tests

A complete blood count is a test that assesses the number and quality of the various blood cells, such as erythrocytes (red blood cells), leukocytes (white blood cells) and platelets. Analysing the blood count can identify problems such as anaemia, infections and inflammation, as well as cancer. For example, a low red cell count may indicate iron deficiency or haemolysis, while a raised white cell count often suggests an ongoing inflammatory process or infection.

Blood biochemistry, on the other hand, gives a broader insight into how the internal organs are working. It examines the function of various organs by analysing liver enzymes such as ALT, AST and ALP, which, when elevated, may suggest liver damage. Kidney health markers are also important, such as urea and creatinine levels, as is glucose, which allows blood sugar to be monitored and is key to diagnosing diabetes. The final element is the electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride), whose balance is vital for the body to function properly, along with total protein and albumin, low levels of which may point to problems with the liver, kidneys or intestines. 

When is the best time for routine blood tests?

Routine blood tests are best carried out at least once a year, though the frequency should be tailored to the individual animal’s needs. For young, healthy pets, annual tests are often enough to keep track of their health. For older animals, which are more prone to all kinds of disease, more frequent testing is recommended, even every 6 months. In addition, routine blood tests should be considered before planned surgery to assess the pet’s general condition and make sure it is healthy enough to undergo anaesthesia. It is also worth running tests if you notice any worrying signs, such as a change in appetite, weight loss, excessive thirst or changes in behaviour. Regular blood tests allow potential problems to be detected early and appropriate action to be taken, contributing to a longer, healthier life for our four-legged companions.

What does taking blood from an animal involve?

Taking blood from an animal is a procedure that is usually straightforward and does not take long. After the appropriate preparation, the veterinarian assesses the pet’s overall condition and chooses the most suitable site for the needle, most often a vein in the front leg. After disinfecting the site, the vet inserts the needle into the vein and draws the required amount of blood for the sample. 

Once the blood has been taken, the puncture site is carefully wrapped in a dressing to minimise the risk of bleeding and infection. Remember to remove this dressing after about 5–10 minutes to check that the site is not bleeding and to let the skin breathe freely. If you notice any signs of bleeding or swelling, contact your vet. The whole process is generally safe, and when carried out correctly by a professional it is comfortable for the animal.

Summary

It is worth remembering that prevention is always better than cure, and a quick response to changes in your pet’s health can lead to a longer and healthier life. Keeping up with routine blood tests not only strengthens the bond between owner and pet but is also an expression of care and responsibility for its wellbeing. We encourage all pet owners to schedule check-ups and have blood tests done regularly so that you can enjoy many more years together.

Dog allergy: how to live with it? Effective ways to keep your pet

A dog is a fully fledged member of the family, a best friend and a loyal everyday companion. When an owner or a child is diagnosed with an allergy, it often feels at first like a sentence. Difficult emotions surface, along with fear and the prospect of a painful parting from the animal. Many people wonder whether it is possible to live with a dog despite an allergy without putting their own health at serious risk. The experts’ answer is that in the vast majority of cases, it is. Modern human medicine, combined with up-to-date, holistic veterinary knowledge, makes a happy life under one roof possible. It does, however, require action on several fronts, strict discipline, proper management of the home environment and, crucially, looking after the health of the dog itself.

What actually triggers the allergy? The biggest myth about pet hair allergy

To fight an enemy effectively, you need to know it well. The first rule is this: it is not the dog’s hair itself that causes the runny nose or shortness of breath. Hair is merely a carrier for the real culprits. A true dog allergy is a reaction of an oversensitive immune system to specific proteins, or allergens, found in shed skin cells (dander), saliva, urine and the secretions of the sebaceous glands.

To build a complete picture, it is worth looking at the problem at the molecular level. So far, scientists and allergists have identified six main dog allergens, designated in medicine as Can f 1 to Can f 6. Each of these proteins has its own characteristics. For example, Can f 1 and Can f 2 are lipocalins produced mainly in the salivary glands, which the dog transfers to its coat with its tongue during daily grooming. Can f 3, meanwhile, is a serum albumin that can cross-react with allergens from other pets. Of particular interest from a veterinary point of view is the protein Can f 5, which we will discuss in more detail later in this article. Accurate diagnosis and pinpointing exactly which proteins the allergy sufferer reacts to are the foundation of an effective action plan.

Symptoms of dog allergy: more than a runny nose and sneezing

When airborne allergens, or those carried on the hands, reach the mucous membranes of an allergic person, the body begins to release histamine rapidly. The symptoms of dog allergy can vary widely and depend on how sensitive the individual patient is. The typical clinical picture includes allergic rhinitis, with a watery runny nose, swelling of the nasal lining, a blocked-nose feeling and intense bouts of sneezing. Allergic conjunctivitis very often comes with it. The eyes become red, stinging, swollen and watery, which makes everyday life considerably harder.

It is worth knowing, however, that the symptoms can extend well beyond the respiratory system. Direct contact with an animal’s saliva or dander often triggers skin reactions. These include contact urticaria, rashes, intense itching and flare-ups of atopic dermatitis. In the most serious cases, especially in people with a strong genetic predisposition, chronic exposure to dog allergens can lead to the development or worsening of bronchial asthma. This brings shortness of breath, chest tightness, a chronic cough and wheezing, which call for strict and ongoing care from a respiratory physician.

Tackling the source: how can a vet help an allergy sufferer?

This is an absolutely crucial issue that is still discussed far too rarely. Allergy sufferers usually focus solely on treating themselves with antihistamines. Yet managing the source of the allergen, the dog itself, produces spectacular results. This is where modern veterinary medicine comes in. As specialists, we know that a healthier pet means fewer problems for a sensitive owner.

Neutering and the Can f 5 protein: The molecule designated Can f 5 is prostatic kallikrein, a protein produced exclusively in the prostate gland of male dogs. It passes into the dog’s urine and from there onto its coat and into the home. Allergy studies show that up to thirty per cent of people allergic to dogs react solely or mainly to this particular protein. If diagnostic tests confirm this, the solution turns out to be remarkably simple and effective. Neutering the dog essentially stops the production of Can f 5 altogether, and some time after the operation the level of this allergen in the home drops dramatically.

Veterinary dermatology: The skin is the body’s largest organ, and its condition directly affects the amount of allergen in the environment. A dog with skin problems, such as dandruff, seborrhoea, food allergies, yeast infections or bacterial infections, suffers from intense itching. Constant scratching and a damaged skin barrier mean the animal sheds skin cells up to ten times faster than a fully healthy dog. Treating a dog’s skin disease brings direct relief to the owner. A proper diagnosis from a vet and treatment that brings the inflammation under control will significantly reduce the production of allergenic dander.

Omega-3 supplementation: Closely linked to this is caring for the body from within. To build a strong, intact skin barrier that does not flake excessively, a dog’s body needs the right support. Adding high-quality omega-3 fatty acids from certified fish oils to the diet has an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin. Regular supplementation keeps the skin moisturised and resistant to damage, which directly reduces the shedding of allergenic skin cells.

A dog for an allergy sufferer: do hypoallergenic breeds exist?

Almost every animal lover struggling with an allergy asks this question. When searching for dog breeds for allergy sufferers, you can come across a great deal of misleading and even harmful information. From a medical point of view, we must state clearly and unequivocally: there are no breeds that are one hundred per cent allergen-free. Every dog in the world has skin, produces saliva and passes urine.

We can, however, definitely talk about breeds with a lower allergenic potential. The gold standard here is dogs whose coat differs in structure from traditional fur. The key feature is the absence of a dense undercoat that sheds heavily with the seasons. Excellent choices in such cases include Poodles, Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers and Schnauzers. Their hair grows slowly and rarely falls out. In addition, its particular structure means that shed skin cells stay trapped close to the animal’s skin instead of scattering onto the carpets with every movement. This naturally requires regular visits to a groomer for clipping and brushing, but it allows the amount of allergen left around the home to be kept effectively under control.

How to reduce dog allergens at home? A checklist

Proper management of your living space is another pillar of shared success. When thinking about how to reduce dog allergens at home, it is worth putting a few iron rules into practice.

• An absolutely dog-free zone: The allergy sufferer’s bedroom must be a safe fortress that the dog is never allowed to enter. The lining of the airways needs a night spent in clean air to recover properly.
• An air purifier with a HEPA filter: Devices fitted with high-efficiency HEPA filters are a must in the living room. A good filter easily captures microscopic particles of animal dander from the air.
• Wiping down instead of frequent baths: A common mistake is obsessively bathing the dog every few days. Using shampoo that often washes away the protective lipid layer, drying out the skin and making it flake more. A far wiser approach is to wipe the dog down thoroughly after a walk with a slightly damp cloth, which removes deposited saliva without damaging the skin.
• Doing away with heavy textiles: Deep-pile carpets, heavy curtains and velour-upholstered furniture act like a sponge for animal proteins. Replacing them with smooth flooring, blinds and leather furniture will make daily cleaning dramatically easier.

Is desensitisation to dogs effective?

If strict hygiene at home, treating the dog’s skin at the vet’s and the occasional use of antihistamines do not bring complete relief, medicine offers a final solution. Allergen-specific immunotherapy, commonly known as desensitisation, is a specialist treatment carried out by an allergist.

The therapy involves regularly administering to the patient strictly controlled doses of a vaccine containing an extract of dog allergens. The main aim is to slowly teach the human immune system to ignore these proteins so that it stops responding to them with aggressive, exhausting inflammation. The process demands a good deal of patience, as a full course of treatment usually takes three to five years. For many owners whose pet is an absolutely inseparable part of the family, successful immunotherapy becomes a ticket to a carefree life without a runny nose or breathlessness. Combining the expertise of a human allergist with sound veterinary care creates a strong protective shield that can save the beautiful bond between a person and their dog.

Animals, especially dogs and cats, feel the loss of those close to them, whether other animals or people. Their emotions are far more complex than was once believed. Research has shown that dogs are able to form strong bonds with their owners and with other animals, and their response to loss can include sadness, confusion and anxiety. Cats can also experience emotional pain after losing a companion: they may become more withdrawn, avoid interaction and change their eating habits. Both dogs and cats are sensitive to changes in their surroundings and in the atmosphere at home, which means their responses to loss can closely resemble human emotional reactions. Understanding these feelings is essential if we are to support them through difficult times.

How do animals feel emotions?

Animal emotions are regulated by the limbic system, just as in humans, which explains why they can feel and express sadness, fear and joy. Dogs are able to interpret human emotions by reading gestures and facial expressions, and this also shapes how they react to loss. Cats, for their part, tend to be more subtle in expressing their emotions, but their sensitivity should not be underestimated either.

Animals, particularly dogs and cats, experience emotions in a complex, multi-layered way that makes their feelings similar to ours. Take joy, which dogs show by wagging their tails and bounding about, and cats by purring and playing. Sadness in animals appears as apathy, lack of energy and withdrawal, especially after the loss of a close companion. Fear is also common, showing in dogs as hiding or barking and in cats as retreating to safe places. Jealousy, seen when one animal feels overlooked in favour of another, is another emotion they experience. Yet it is love and attachment that carry special significance: animals form deep bonds with people, expressed in a desire to spend time together and in mutual care. Research shows that these interactions stimulate the release of oxytocin, the “love hormone”, confirming just how intense and mutual this relationship is.

How to tell that an animal is grieving deeply after losing a loved one or an animal friend

Recognising deep grief in an animal after the loss of a close companion can be difficult, but there are several tell-tale signs that may point to emotional pain. Dogs may become listless, avoid play and lose interest in everyday activities, and they may eat less or stop eating altogether. They also often search for the companion who has died, wandering around the house and showing heightened interest in the places where the two of them used to spend time together. Cats tend to express their emotions more subtly: they may become more solitary, spend more time hiding or seem indifferent to interaction with their owners. In addition, both dogs and cats may display unusual behaviours such as excessive grooming, chewing their paws or destroying objects, which can be a way of coping with intense stress. When you notice these changes in behaviour, it is important to show understanding and support, which will help the animal through the difficult period of mourning.

Unlike dogs, cats are able to mask their emotions; this is an evolutionary defence strategy that allows them to hide any weakness. So even if a particular cat shows no obvious signs of sadness, it may be struggling inwardly with grief after losing a beloved companion or owner. When one cat dies in a multi-cat household, the remaining animals must not only cope with the emotional pain but also reorganise their social relationships. This double process of mourning and establishing a new hierarchy can make it considerably harder for cats to adjust to their changed reality.

How to help a grieving pet

Helping a grieving animal is a key part of supporting its emotional wellbeing, especially since emotional reactions to loss are natural and understandable. Animals do not grasp the concept of death the way humans do, so they cannot properly make sense of what has happened. When offering support, be patient and understanding. A good step is to keep to a routine: regular walks, meals and play help the animal feel safer and more settled. It is important to spend time with your pet, giving it attention, affection and a sense of security, which can ease its stress and feelings of loneliness. Encouraging play with new stimuli or activities can also help take its mind off its sadness. As you watch for changes in your pet’s behaviour, stay alert to whether it needs extra help, such as a consultation with a veterinarian or an animal behaviourist if the signs of grief do not ease. Remember that understanding and empathy are essential throughout this process, helping the animal to face difficult emotions.

Summary

Grief in animals is a natural response to the loss of a close companion. As owners, we have both the opportunity and the responsibility to support our pets through this difficult time. Let us remember that every animal is different, so it is important to tailor what we do to its individual needs. If the situation does not improve or the animal shows severe emotional symptoms, it is worth consulting a veterinarian or an animal behaviourist.