NEWSLETTER Year 2 - Volume 5,
Dubai, May 2010

This month we would like to inform you about health and care of a senior pet. As pets grow older they have different nutritional needs, their level of exercise should be adjusted to their age and maybe they need support for their ageing joints. For the special cat and dog feature we will give you in depth information on the Dachshund and the Norwegian Forest Cat and of course other information that may be of interest to you.

Al Barsha Veterinary Clinic is now “on the web”
We glad to announce that as of May 1st, Al Barsha Veterinary Clinic is “on the web”. This gives you the opportunity to connect to the ABVC community and share your thoughts and questions with a broader audience.

You can find us at:

The Black Jaguar foundation – Your help is wanted
The black jaguar foundation is committed to preserving the black jaguar and has set itself the ambitious goal to film the black jaguar in its natural environment for the first time ever!! With the first images of the black jaguar, the foundation wants to draw attention not only to this magnificent creature but also to the continuous and disastrous legal- and illegal deforestation of the rainforest. Individuals and companies are invited to become a member of their project team. If you would like to read more about this project or how you can help, please click here.

Senior pets
It may seem like yesterday that your pet was running and playing in your garden but now you can tell that he/she is getting older. You may see grey hairs around the muzzle, problems trying to stand up or getting in- and out of your vehicle, more and longer naps, less exuberant and other tell tale signs that your pet is aging.
Pets are living longer than before due to advances in veterinary care-, medication, pet products and better awareness of pet owners due to education. Age related problems in pets are a variety of conditions and diseases like weight- and mobility changes, osteoarthritis, kidney-, heart- and liver disease, hormone disorders, neoplasia (tumors) and others. Just as we give special attention to the needs of puppies and kittens, dogs and cats heading into their “golden” years require unique attention to help comfort them and extend their precious time with us. If you would like to read more, please click here

Adopting a senior pet
Amanda from Homely Petz has written an article on adopting a senior pet. If you are considering a new pet, why not give some thoughts to giving a deserving senior a second change? They have plenty to offer, not the least of which is love. If you would like to read more, please click here.

Regular senior check ups at your veterinarian
Pets can not tell us when they feel unwell, and regular check-ups at least twice a year are vital for any aging pet and are needed to catch problems early and try to delay the onset, or progress, of disease.
A senior check up will consist of palpating or feeling your pet’s musculoskeletal system, abdomen, and head and neck areas for abnormalities. A stethoscope will be used to listen to your pet’s heart and lungs. Your pet’s eyes, ears, and mouth will also be checked for age-related problems, such as cataracts, dental problems, ear canal disorders and neoplasia (tumors). Furthermore, a complete blood- and urine test should be done to check your pet’s inner health. These tests are a useful key to early disease prevention.
A senior health check up close to the holiday season will put your mind at ease as much as possible knowing you have done everything possible to secure either a safe trip for your pet or a safe stay at home, while you are travelling abroad.

Revised Food Delivery Schedule
If you click here, you'll find the revised food delivery schedule with afternoon deliveries only.

Special Promotions in June
Al Barsha Veterinary Clinic offers its clients in the month of June 10% discount on our Senior Health Check up which includes:

We are glad to inform you that we have extended our product range with the highly fashionable products from Berry Behaved. The inspiring colours and designer accessories of this new line, showcase the season’s latest trends. Whether your beloved pet is posh or practical, fashionable or urban, the Berry Behaved collection is suitable for any furry style. At the moment we carry the following ranges: leads, collars, retractable leads and the dog- and cat bowls.

Ophthalmologist visit
Dr. Anthony Goodhead of the Johannesburg Animal Eye Hospital will be a guest consultant in the UAE.  He will be available for consultations at The British Veterinary Centre (Abu Dhabi) and The Veterinary Hospital (Dubai) from May 20th to May 24th. If you would like to book an appointment with Dr. Anthony, please contact the clinic at 04-3408601.

New email address
In order to improve our services to our clients, we have created the following email address to enable you to provide us with feedback/ comments on our performance and service to you. The new email address is: feedback@abvc.ae

Update on Jassas

In our previous newsletters we informed you about Jassas, the (un)-fortunate Husky/Malamute who had a shattered pelvis severe skin infections. The people of Dubai raised over AED. 38.500 for the treatment of Jassas, and he underwent reconstructive surgery at the British Veterinary Clinic in Abu Dhabi. We are happy to inform you that Jassas has moved to a permanent home. A really great family has adopted him and he is now called Yuki and lives at the Palm in a huge villa with a couple from Canada and their other two dogs, a husky twice Jassas’s size and a miniature schnauzer. He loves his new friends (as you can see on the pictures).

Safe your pet (and your children from drowning)
The Dubai based company DutchKid FZCO will be importing a pool alarm anti drowning safety system which protects your children and your pet(s) and warns you (with sound) if your child or your pet falls into the swimming pool. The system will be available in the U.A.E. in approximately 2 weeks. If you would like to read more, please click here. Please note that this system is not available in the clinic. You can get information on the product or purchase it from DutchKid FZCO at tel no. 04-3232500 or 050-3760341 or visit there website at www.dutchkid.com or their webshop at www.justkidding-me.com. Information will also be available in approximately 2 weeks.

Price increase
As per the 1st of May Al Barsha Veterinary Clinic has some of its prices increased.

The Dachshund
For our special dog feature we would like to give you information on the Dachshund, a curious, lively, clever but most of all amusing dog. The Dachshund is devoted to his family but needs an owner that knows how to be a pack leader or this strong willed little dog will take over and tell you what to do. If you would like to read more about the Dachshund, please click here.  

The Norwegian Forest Cat
In our special cat feature, the Norwegian forest cat is” the cat of the month”.
This cat breed is intelligent, robust and playful. They like the outdoors, are well suited to cold conditions and are great hunters. Despite their great affection for the outdoors, they also enjoy the company of humans and other pets and will sometimes go looking for company if left alone by their owners. If you would like to read more about the Norwegian Forest Cat, please click here.  

Trusting you have enjoyed another newsletter full of interesting information,

Kind regards,
Ellen Kruijning
Partner

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