Dear Friends

Merry Christmas! Happy Chanakah / Eid ul Adga!

I think that covers all the Merry and happy times that lie ahead! And then may you all be blessed with a happy, healthy and successful New Year in 2008!

What a year lies behind us! I hope that all the scholars and students have got the results that they and their parents hoped for. My younger son has done well and graduated this year. Now to see him go out and conquer the world!! Or just find a job!

During this year many of you also lost nearest and dearest, either human or animal, and to you we offer our care and prayers. Themba, our groomer, had his father pass away recently. Although he had been ill for sometime, it is never the “right” time for something like that.

I must inform you that I am to have a knee replacement operation, at last, so I will be away from the practise from early January to mid March 2008. In my place will be Stephanie Skupin who many of you will remember as she worked here for nearly three years. Please give her your support.

And so to matters animal! A new tick and flea preparation for dogs called Promeris Duo, and against fleas only for cats called Promeris, has been launched this month. Available as a spot on preparation only it gives us another arrow for our war against these parasites. The active ingredient against fleas is a new chemical not used in any previous preparations. In cats it is effective against fleas for up to 6 weeks and can beused in kittens from 8 weeks of age.

For dogs Promeris Duo comes in 5 presentations to ensure accurate dosing for different weights. It’s efficacy against fleas is 4-6 weeks and 6 weeks against ticks. It can be used in puppies older than 8 weeks and remains active even if the dog becomes wet. For optimum results it is still recommended to apply the product monthly. Remember that controlling fleas also helps to control tapeworm.

Summer is here and we go for great walks on beaches and the mountains. Please be careful as dogs that are arthritic, overweight and have heart or breathing problems will struggle even if they are willing. Please consider their capabilities when planning your excursions. Take adequate amounts of water and a drinking bowl for your dogs and give them sufficient time to recover before pressing on. Dogs will only drink once their body temperatures are under control. Do not take the refusal to drink water as a sign that they don’t need to drink.

Take precautions against ticks and fleas when going into the ‘wild’! Also, please avoid areas with long grass where seed has formed. The arrow seed can enter the body between the toes, armpits, ears or behind the third eyelid. These grass seeds can migrate all over the body and have been found in the lungs, spine, bladder or joints. Long haired dogs are more prone as not only do these seeds get stuck more easily in the long hair but the long hair also masks the point of entry making early detection very difficult. It is not always possible to find and remove these seeds even when the dog is under anaesthetic.

Remember to have your pet’s vaccinations up to date if they are going into boarding for the holidays. December is a good time to de-worm again being the middle of the flea season.

If you want your pet to be groomed, especially closer to the holidays, please make a booking early to avoid disappointment.

That leaves me to wish you a happy, peaceful and safe Festive Season!

Regards

Steve Kitley

P.S We will be closed from 2PM on Tuesday 20^th of December for our end-of-year Christmas function. We shall also be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day. We will be closing early ie 3PM on the 24^th and 31^st of December.

Thank you for understanding