What is an SQP? SQP stands for 'Suitably Qualified Person', and it is a type of veterinary qualification. There are many types of SQP, and each specialises in one or more different animal groups. For example, a C-SQP has in-depth knowledge of companion animals (cats, dogs and small animals), while a J-SQP specialises in equines. An E-SQP does both!...
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Life doesn't always go to plan and sometimes our cats can be struck by illness or injury that requires medical attention. In an emergency situation, would you know how to react? When faced with a medical emergency, it can help if you know your cat's vital signs, including temperature, heart rate, breathing rate, and gum colour, which you can pass t...
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What is it? Equine flu is a highly contagious virus that affects the respiratory tract of horses, donkeys and mules. It is very similar to the human flu virus, but not identical, so one cannot be passed to the other. How is the virus spread? As with human flu, it is spread through the atmosphere by infected animals coughing, and is then acquired by...
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The festive season is the perfect time to show appreciation for every member of your family - including your horse and their rider! Whether you're looking for stocking fillers for the stable, tasty seasonal treats, or stylish gear, this christmas gift guide has something special for every horse and horse rider. Top Picks for this Christmas: Li...
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It’s the most wonderful time of the year for all the family, including our dogs. So, it’s important that everyone is treated with a special gift or two. Our christmas gift guide is packed full of exciting toys and treats your dogs are guaranteed to love, whether you’re looking for small stocking fillers or bigger buys. VioPet Beds...
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Keeping them in Not so long ago, it was common for cats to be allowed out at night to roam freely and fulfil their natural instinct to hunt. These days, many owners are preferring to have their cats inside at night, where they feel they are kept safer. With one in four cats killed on the road – usually at night – it isn’t surprisi...
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Hip dysplasia has always been a concern for dog owners, and lots of research has been done to try and identify a cause and develop preventative measures. But while the cause and treatment continue to evade us, lets look at what we do know and find out how some simple steps can help reduce your dog's chances of being affected. All puppies are born...
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A few years ago, the argument for not shoeing a horse would probably have had a smaller backing than it does today. But with our current knowledge and understanding of horse anatomy – in particular, the hoof – an increasing number of people are choosing the barefoot approach when it comes to how they keep their horses. But which is bett...
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Where horses are grazed on sandy ground, problems often follow. This is because ingested sand accumulates in the gut - namely the large colon - and causes inflammation, painful impactions that may twist the gut, and other generalised symptoms of colic. In mild cases, sand can irritate the gut and cause diarrhoea, while in more severe incidences, im...
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Travelling with your horse can open up a lot of opportunities, from discovering new hacking routes, to attending clinics, competing or that dreaded vet visit. Ensuring that your horse loads and travels confidently will enable you to do more together and take a bit of the stress out of going somewhere. Horses are prey animals and therefore entering...
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