Pet Care in Abu Dhabi - Pet relocation Dubai - Pet transportation services in Dubai - Cattery in Abu Dhabi - Cat Groomin

1. Pet Care in Abu Dhabi - Pet relocation Dubai - Pet transportation services in Dubai - Cattery in Abu Dhabi - Cat Grooming Abu Dhabi - German Vet Abu Dhabi Here’s an interesting fact: All dogs need to be groomed. It’s as quick and simple as that! Pet care in Abu Dhabi - But then again, we feel it’s probably best to expand a little on this as the idea of “grooming” has different meanings to many of us and whether we have cats, dogs or both it is definitely a good idea to understand the basics. Pet Relocation Dubai - In a previous blog, we mentioned the benefits and necessity of aiding your cat to stay groomed, but perhaps not everyone is aware of the benefits and requirements of grooming our doggy pals. Pet transportation services in Dubai - So, what do we (as super loving doggy parents) need to consider when we think about grooming our canine chums? Well, first up, this is definitely not a “one size fits all” activity. Different breeds and different dogs have their own preferences and demands. These demands will also vary from season to season and during the life stages of your dog. What is consistent though is that regular grooming is definitely beneficial and whether that activity is a weekly brush or a scheduled appointment with a professional (like GVC’s resident grooming guru, Uncle Samer), grooming is good! Here are a couple of nuggets of information to keep in mind when you carry out a home routine for your FBFFs (Furry Best Friends Forever!): ● Regular brushing at home can become an enjoyable bonding time with your pet

2. ● It will help to remove a lot of that dust and dirt that is so prevalent in the UAE and that otherwise will just sit in your dog’s coat and potentially start to irritate the skin ●It’s an activity that ticks two crucial boxes: ○ It puts your dog at the center of your attention and this will make every dog feel fantastic! ○It gives you a chance to really get to know your dog’s body and help detect any little cuts, bumps and changes (including ticks) that you may want to discuss with your vet. Of course, we do advise a regular visit to a professional groomer and by regular we mean at a frequency that suits your dog’s needs. This may be once a year or it may be every two to three months, this will depend on breed, age, health and many other factors, such as season and climate. In the UAE, having a regular trim can certainly have a positive health impact for many breeds, especially during the hot and humid summer months, although let’s be honest, it’s pretty warm all year and not every breed is exactly suited to the desert climate (nor that dust and dirt mentioned above). This is why we at GVC have included grooming services within our Pet Health Club benefits package. So not only will a professional groomer be able to provide the super sleek styling (both a health and aesthetic benefit – and the bonus reduction of free floating fur around the home) but also a regular visual (and hands on) health check of your dog’s fur and skin as well as the very important trimming and maintenance of your dog’s claws and pads. Unmaintained and overlong claws are in the top five disorders and causes of discomfort that affect dogs in the UK (information provided by The Kennel Club). However, trimming and maintaining a dog’s claws can be a tricky business as all dog breeds have a section of blood vessels and nerves running through much of the claw/nail, called the Quick. A poorly executed pedicure can be a very painful experience for your pooch. This is why we would recommend that, unless training has been received, owners would be wise to let a professional look after their dog’s paws.

3. However, please do be aware that not all dog grooming “service providers” employ professionals and a poorly trained groomer can potentially cause both physical and mental stress for your pet. At GVC, our clinical team have had plenty of experience in fixing up unfortunate victims of the not-so-professional groomers out there and therefore we really do know that the cost of getting it wrong will be far greater (both physical and financial) than the price for making the right choice. Luckily, we at GVC are very fortunate to have an ongoing collaboration with Pooch Parlour and Uncle Samer who has an Extended Diploma in Breed Specific Dog Grooming and Dog Handling from the UK. Samer’s animal grooming approach is ethical and caring and includes cage-free, muzzle-free and restraint-free methods. This makes a visit to Uncle Samer the doggy equivalent to a spa day… stress free pooch pampering with the tail wags to prove it. 5 TOP TIPS FOR RAISING A HAPPY, HEALTHY CAT HOW CAN CAT OWNERS HELP THEIR FELINE FRIENDS TO LIVE A HEALTHY AND FULFILLED LIFE?

4. Best Veterinary Clinic in Abu Dhabi - As we all know, being chosen by a cat is a privilege and an honour… it is certainly not to be taken Pet health care plans in Abu Dhabilightly and for those of us lucky enough Pet care in Abu Dhabito have Pet health care plans in Abu Dhabi been selected as suitable Pet grooming in Abu Dhabi feline Best Veterinary Clinic in Abu Dhabicompanions, we should Pet care in Abu Dhabi always Pet relocation Dubaibe thinking of Best Veterinary Clinic in Abu Dhabi how best we can serve support our feline friends. Veterinary Center in Abu Dhabi - In this article, Dr. Katrin Jahn, Head Veterinary Doctor at GVC, discusses why feline health Pet relocation Dubai and Pet grooming in Abu Dhabi happiness Best Veterinary Clinic in Abu Dhabi are so closely linked Pet grooming in Abu Dhabi and shares her team’s 5 top tips Pet relocation Dubai for any cat owner Pet care in Abu Dhabi wanting to do the best for their cat.

5. THINK BEYOND THE BASICS Pet relocation Abu Dhabi - There are many considerations that we can and should be doing naturally as part of our responsibilities Pet grooming in Abu Dhabi and if we think in simple terms then the ability to Moving my pet to UAEprovide a safe, Pet care in Abu Dhabi clean and healthy Best Veterinary Clinic in Abu Dhabi environment is Pet care in Abu Dhabi always Pet grooming in Abu Dhabi going to be Pet relocation Dubai the foundation to start from, Best Veterinary Clinic in Abu Dhabi throw in the essentials Pet health care plans in Abu Dhabi of food and clean drinking water and we’re Moving my pet to UAE certainly off to a Pet grooming in Abu Dhabi good start.

6. Pet grooming in Abu Dhabi - However, to really make a difference and become not just a home giver but a meaningful Pet grooming in Abu Dhabi and positive Best Veterinary Clinic in Abu Dhabipart of our cats’ lives, Pet grooming in Abu Dhabi we Moving my pet to UAE need to think beyond the Best Veterinary Clinic in Abu Dhabi basics and look at how and Pet care in Abu Dhabi where happiness can be Pet relocation Dubai created and Pet grooming in Abu Dhabi nurtured. Mia is not just your typical scared-y cat. A stunning calico with piercing green eyes, and an Abu Dhabi rescue, she Pet grooming in Abu Dhabi has highly Best Veterinary Clinic in Abu Dhabi attuned feline Pet care in Abu Dhabi instincts which makes leaving her territory

7. particularly stressful. Mia’s Moving my pet to UAE reaction to a change Pet grooming in Abu Dhabi in environment is one of extreme Best Veterinary Clinic in Abu Dhabi anxiety Pet health care plans in Abu Dhabi and distress. A visit to the Moving my pet to UAE veterinary clinic Best Veterinary Clinic in Abu Dhabi usually involves a Pet grooming in Abu Dhabi lot of stress, both on Mia’s and her guardian’s behalf! So, when Mia’s parents (or owners… though we aren’t sure she would agree with that description) had a couple Pet relocation services in Abu Dhabiof weekends Best Veterinary Clinic in Abu Dhabi away planned and no-one Pet relocation Dubai to housesit, Pet grooming in Abu Dhabi they and Mia were in quite a predicament. Boarding was not an Pet health care plans in Abu Dhabi option, Mia found this so Pet relocation services in Abu Dhabi stressful that nobody Moving my pet to UAE could enjoy their time away, and there was nobody at home to stay with Mia. An SOS email was sent to Nora, Head Nurse Pet care in Abu Dhabi at GVC asking about what possible solutions there could be. And so, GVC’s pet sitting service was born. As a Cat Friendly Clinic, we are not just invested in the welfare of cats both physically and emotionally, but are Pet grooming in Abu Dhabi obsessed by it. The busy clinic had never before taken care of pets Pet grooming in Abu Dhabi in their own homes due to the popularity of our luxury boarding rooms. However, in Pet relocation DubaiMia’s case, a change had to be made. Dr Katrin Jahn, owner and Pet health care plans in Abu Dhabi Head Vet, along with Head Nurse Nora decided to Moving my pet to Abu Dhabi look after Mia personally, in her own home, to gauge her response to GVC’s home care hospitality. An initial visit with a lengthy Pet grooming in Abu Dhabi questionnaire to learn about all of Mia’s preferences and habits was carried out straight Pet relocation Dubai away! At home with a very relaxed and welcoming Mia, her eating Moving my pet to Abu Dhabi schedule Pet health care plans in Abu Dhabi was discussed in detail, her favourite music channel for

8. the TV was recorded, and her favourite hiding spots Moving my pet to Abu Dhabi identified. We even learned from Pet health care plans in Abu Dhabi the at home experts Pet grooming in Abu Dhabi where Mia preferred to be Moving my pet to Abu Dhabi stroked and what her favourite toys were! Rubbing Mia’s favorite spots – exactly as instructed Veterinary Center in Abu Dhabi - Equipped with all we would possibly need to know about this special girl, two weekends of complete joy ensued. Twice daily visits ensured that Mia had plenty of Cat Friendly clinics in Abu Dhabi interaction Pet relocation Dubai and affection, as well as all of her daily needs met. Once the business of litter trays and refreshments Veterinary Center in Abu Dhabi were taken care Moving my pet to Abu Dhabi of (she particularly looked forward to her evening meals of chicken and duck in gravy), it Pet health care plans in Abu Dhabi was time for Mia. She Veterinary Center in Abu Dhabi got to choose whatever activity she would like carried out by us. Usually, it involved a little chat (we chatted- she chirruped), rubs, Indian Pet relocation Dubai head Veterinary Center in Abu Dhabi massages Pet health care plans in Abu Dhabi and occasionally Cat Friendly clinics in Abu Dhabi some light exercise in the form of chasing her toys. Pet relocation services in Abu Dhabi Mostly though, it was just cuddles and love. Morning Yoga with Mia While enjoying their breaks Cat Friendly clinics in Abu Dhabiaway, Mia’s owners received twice daily updates in Pet transportation services in Abu Dhabi form of photos and videos and Dr Katrin Veterinary Center in Abu Dhabi and Nora were sure Pet relocation Dubai to pass on to Mia their regards and affections!

9. The last day with Mia was emotional… She and the GVC ladies had developed a special bond during their time together, and saying goodbye was bittersweet. We had truly gotten to know Mia in a completely Veterinary Center in Abu Dhabi new light. The fearful, stressed girl we Moving my pet to Abu Dhabi had known Cat Friendly clinics in Abu Dhabi previously was actually a sweet, engaging, gentle Cat Friendly clinics in Abu Dhabi and affectionate kitty that we were Pet transportation services in Abu Dhabi privileged to have gotten to know. Mia was the inspiration for GVC’s bespoke pet sitting service. Passionate veterinary nurses and nurse assistants care for Veterinary Center in Abu Dhabi your cats (rabbits and fish also now!) at home as Moving my pet to Abu Dhabi closely as you would. Their medical expertise allows quick action if anyone were to become unwell… and the care and dedication they offer allows Pet transportation services in Abu Dhabi you to relax and unwind. Since Mia, GVC has expanded Cat Friendly clinics in Abu Dhabi their pet sitting locations and availability. With Christmas and busy travel plans fast approaching, Veterinary Center in Abu Dhabi why not consider Cat Friendly clinics in Abu Dhabi leaving your cats at home with the GVC team to cater to Pet transportation services in Abu Dhabi their every need. We care when you’re not there, even at home! Maggie (officially Missy Maggie Moo Moo) has been part of the German Veterinary Clinic team since June 2018, Veterinary Center in Abu Dhabioriginally a boarding patient… she is now team member… we can’t describe her in any Pet relocation Dubai other way.

11. Maggie has been coming to GVC for years for her annual check-ups, dental procedures and boarding. Earlier this year, her family contacted Cat Friendly clinics in Abu DhabiGVC’s International Pet Relocation Team to help take Pet transportation services in Abu Dhabi Maggie back home to the USA with them. All necessary arrangements Moving my pet to Abu Dhabi

12. were made and Maggie was Pet transportation services in Abu Dhabi scheduled to come to Pet relocation DubaiGVC’s five-star Cat Boarding Facility while things were wrapped up at home. At Maggie’s check in to the GVC cattery, the team noticed that Maggie had indeed enjoyed her UAE lifestyle Moving my pet to Abu Dhabi to the maximum and her weight had crept up to unhealthy levels. So, it was decided that Cat Friendly clinics in Abu Dhabi during Veterinary Center in Abu Dhabi her stay, a strict diet would be implemented, and a complimentary exercise regime was to start. Pet transportation services in Abu Dhabi Not only would this get Maggie to a trimmer, Veterinary Center in Abu Dhabi healthier weight, Pet relocation Dubai it Best Pet clinics in Abu Dhabi would also influence the cost of her travel to Moving my pet to Abu Dhabi the USA as pets Pet transportation services in Abu Dhabi are charged by their weight! Pet Clinics in Abu Dhabi - After a day or two in our main boarding room, GVC’s nurses noticed that Maggie was a very Moving my pet to Abu Dhabi shy character and that she preferred to hide and wait for her precious meal times instead of coming out and enjoying the many scratching trees and Pet transportation services in Abu Dhabi activity centres that could have helped with her fitness program. Between leaving Moving my pet to Abu Dhabi her home and her family and Pet Clinics in Abu Dhabi being fed diet sized portions, Maggie was a little out of Pet transportation services in Abu Dhabi sorts and shied away from too much interaction. It was therefore quickly decided to Moving my pet to Abu Dhabi move Maggie to the main inpatient hospital room at GVC, which is the main nursing hub and is Best Pet clinics in Abu Dhabi where you will find the nurses Pet transportation services in Abu Dhabi and vets at any given time. Pet Clinics in Abu Dhabi Our inpatient Pet transportation services in Abu Dhabi units are custom designed even Pet transportation services in Dubai for long term stays. Pet relocation Dubai Gentle cat-relaxing Pet transportation services in Abu Dhabi classical

13. music is played constantly Moving my pet to Abu Dhabi and the Best Pet clinics in Abu Dhabi room is sunny and bright Pet Clinics in Abu Dhabi with lots of opportunity to enjoy bird watching and sunbathing. It became Pet Clinics in Abu Dhabi quickly Moving my pet to Abu Dhabi apparent that Maggie was much happier being surrounded by the nurses! She got to Cat Boarding in Abu Dhabi know each nurse individually, and favoured those who gave her the most cat nip (Nurse Sarah!!). The team also took their time Pet transportation services in Dubai with Pet relocation Dubai her –Pet transport Abu Dhabi - Maggie had undergone so much change that we made Cat Boarding in Abu Dhabi life as calm and cosy as possible for her. Surrounded by her personal Cat Boarding in Abu Dhabi bedding and scratching posts, Maggie Moving my pet to Abu Dhabi became a regular fixture Pet transport Abu Dhabi over the Pet relocation Dubai summer in GVC. All our Cat Friendly Principles helped to aid Maggie in settling in.

15. Pet transport Abu Dhabi Eager to keep her mentally stimulated, Pet transportation services in DubaiMaggie became a pioneer for the “ban the bowl” concept in feline Cattery in Abu Dhabibehaviour. Head nurse Nora noticed that Maggie’s weight loss Moving my pet to Abu Dhabi progress Pet transport Abu Dhabi had plateaued and instructed all the team to Pet relocation Dubai make Cattery in Abu Dhabi every meal a hunting game for Maggie. Her daily food Cattery in Abu Dhabi allowance was hidden as a treasure hunt Pet transport Abu

16. Dhabi and she loved using her innate hunting Pet transportation services in Abu Dhabi instincts to find her food, thus working for every Pet transportation services in Abu Dhabi meal (as cats like to!). Soon her Cattery in Abu Dhabi weight loss program showed Moving my pet to Abu Dhabi amazing results and she Cattery in Abu Dhabi was more active than ever with her new, slimmer physique. Maggie patiently awaited Pet transport Abu Dhabi news Pet relocation Dubai from home, where her family had gone ahead to make sure everything was ready for her Cattery in Abu Dhabi before traveling. Unfortunately, Pet relocation some bad Pet transportation services in Dubai luck and changes in plans meant that Maggie had to stay with us a little longer Pet relocation Dubai than expected. Pet transport Abu Dhabi It was up to the team to ensure Maggie was well looked Cattery in Abu Dhabiafter for this extended stay… Pet relocation Dubai both physically Pet relocationand emotionally. Maggie showed a clear need for human bonding, and no matter how busy the team was, this Cattery in Abu Dhabi was always part of her day and Pet relocation Maggie Pet transport Abu Dhabi joined the team during their medical rounds Pet relocation Dubai meetings, rolling on the floor and Pet transportation services in Abu Dhabi demanding Cattery in Abu Dhabieveryone’s attention.

17. Pet relocation Abu Dhabi - Her new look and healthy lifestyle Pet transportation services in Dubai transformed Maggie into a confident and Pet relocation bold kitty. The once shy and Cattery in Abu Dhabi reserved Maggie now has each Pet relocation member of the nursing team wrapped Pet relocation Dubai around her little paw. Even Rory and Joanna who work in the pet relocation office Pet relocation Dubai downstairs Pet relocation Abu Dhabi are frequently found enjoying a coffee Pet relocation Dubai break with her Pet relocation while she sunbathes! Pet relocation Abu Dhabi Just as Maggie was ready to leave Pet transportation services in Dubai for her exciting new life in Florida, USA, Hurricane Michael changed Cattery in Abu Dhabi everything. Her family home was Pet relocation destroyed in the Cattery in Abu Dhabi huge storm and she again had to extend her stay while new Pet relocation Dubai arrangements were made.

18. Pet relocation Abu Dhabi - However, just in time for Thanksgiving, Pet transportation services in Dubai Maggie has been able to book Pet relocation onto her flight home and Cattery in Abu Dhabi will be reunited with her family in time for the holidays! And, Cattery in Abu Dhabi she has lost over 2 kg during her stay! By the time Maggie jets off next week, she will have been Pet transportation services in Dubai with GVC for five months! By making huge efforts in addressing Cattery in Abu DhabiMaggie’s emotional and social needs, Pet relocation we have successfully Pet relocation Dubai made it an enjoyable Pet relocation stay, for us as much as her. The entire team are now gearing up for their Pet transportation services in Dubai goodbyes in the coming week. Our International Pet Relocation experts are busy with the final touches to her travel plans to get her Pet relocation home safely. Pet relocation Abu Dhabi It Pet relocation Dubai has been a long journey, Pet relocation and though we feel that we are losing a member of our GVC family, it Cat grooming Abu Dhabibrings us such happiness to finally reunite Pet relocation Maggie Pet relocation Abu Dhabi with her incredible, courageous family. We Pet transport service in Abu Dhabi recognize that international relocation is not always a straightforward process, Cat grooming Abu Dhabiand are here to help… even in the case of natural disasters! Missy Maggie Moo Moo Pet transport service in Abu Dhabihas a very special place in the heart of our team, and we will be thinking of her Pet relocation with her family over the holiday season. Safe travels, Maggie! We will miss you!

19. As we all know, every cat has its own Cat grooming Abu Dhabi unique personality and there is no one-size fits all approach…. But there are a few Pet transport service in Abu Dhabicommon tips that will alwaysPet relocation Dubai be well-received! “The affection from a happy cat can be like no other pleasure that we will receive, and really is the gift that keeps on giving.” HEAD NURSE NORA’S 5 TOP TIPS

20. Take a read through these top 5 tips below (provided by our Head Nurse Nora, who we think may well be part feline), in no particular order: 1. LOVE Moving my pet to Abu Dhabi - Lots of pet owners think cats are “easier” or “lower maintenance” than dogs and that they require less care. This may be true of walks and exercise, but we have to remember Cat grooming Abu Dhabi cats cherish their time with us – over thousands of years they have CHOSEN to domesticate Pet transport service in Abu Dhabithemselves with us, Pet relocation which is Cat grooming Abu Dhabi very special. So we need to recognise the privilege and make time Pet relocation Dubai for affection, relaxation and play with our Pet relocation cats.

21. 2. PREVENTATIVE HEALTH CARE Moving my pet to UAE - The truism in health that Pet transportation services in Dubai prevention is better than cure Vet in Abu Dhabi applies very much to all animals, but cats can be particularly stoic and not always Pet relocation present outward symptoms of pain and/or Pet transportation services in Dubai suffering. We can Pet transport service in Abu Dhabiprevent fatal diseases and Vet in Abu Dhabi nasty Pet relocation parasites by Pet relocation Dubai simple and Pet transport service in Abu Dhabiregular routine visits to the vets, it’s easy Cat grooming Abu Dhabi and the Vet in Abu Dhabibest first line of any pet’s health care (watch this space, as GVC Vet in Abu Dhabiwill be soon launching our “Pet Health Club ” annual care package!) 3. DIET Pet relocation services in Abu Dhabi - And we don’t just mean WHAT we feed our feline friends…. But HOW we feed these wonderful creatures… Pet transportation services in DubaiCats are SOLITARY HUNTERS (as well as obligate carnivores). The hunting aspect in particular is extremely important and can help to teach us Pet transport service in Abu Dhabithe correct ways to feed. Vet in Abu Dhabi Helping a cat to act out its natural tendencies and impulses can support positive play and avoid frustration based Pet relocation Dubai behavioural Pet transportation services in Dubai issues. Like us humans,

22. cats really do like to keep their minds occupied and Cat grooming Abu Dhabi healthy (and yes, even when snoozing all day). 4. GROOMING Pet relocation Dubai - Brushing your cat promotes bonding (see point 1), besides the obvious aesthetic and comfort reasons. It really is enjoyable and relaxing for your cat. Using the correct brush is key. Grooming Pet transport service in Abu Dhabifor cats is also a crucial welfare issue, it can make the Cat grooming Abu Dhabi difference between comfort and being stricken by Pet relocation Dubai crippling matts (especially in long haired breeds). It is best started from a young age Pet transportation services in Dubai but also Cat grooming Abu Dhabi has a huge place to play for senior Pet transport service in Abu Dhabicats who may struggle to self-groom.

23. 5. DENTAL CARE Pet transportation services in Dubai - Dental disease is a silent Pet transportation services in Dubai epidemic extremely prominent in cats and can be greatly reduced by diligent dental care at home. Regular checks at the vets are also essential Pet transportation services in Dubai and it is Cat grooming Abu Dhabi probable Pet transport service in Abu Dhabi that many cats will need Pet relocation Dubai dental work done surgically every 3-4 years (please do keep this in mind as your cats’ health and happiness can literally depend on it). Look out for more dental tips coming soon on our blogs page.

24. Pet relocation - This is an area that we are all verrrrry passionate about at GVC and can talk about in huge detail. This may not Cat grooming Abu Dhabiseem as “fun” or exciting as the first four points, but dental care Cat grooming Abu Dhabi may well be the most crucial thing that Pet transportation services in Dubai we can all Cat grooming Abu Dhabi positively Pet relocation Dubai impact but that is so often overlooked. Pet transportation - Now, Pet grooming in Abu Dhabiwe know that none of the above are beyond every cat lover’s ability. As the first Pet transportation services in Dubai clinic in the Middle East to receive the ISFM Gold Standard Cat-Friendly Clinic award, Cat grooming Abu Dhabi we recommend regular checks at GVC because feline Cat grooming Abu Dhabi health and happiness Pet grooming in Abu Dhabi are inseparably Pet transportation services in Dubai intertwined. The fact is that by accepting a fantastic feline into our homes we

25. are making a Cat grooming Abu Dhabi commitment that is Pet grooming in Abu Dhabi worth every dirham Pet transportation services in Dubaispent in Pet relocation Dubai the joy and love they bring. To book your cat in for a feline check-up today, please call us on 971 (0)2 556 2024 or email us at info@germanvet.ae.