People tend to think of rabbits and guinea pigs as one and the same thing but, in actual fact, their needs and behaviours are very different. Pairing the two in a hutch or run is often disastrous and needs to be attempted with caution, if it is attempted at all. A rabbit’s best companion is another friendly rabbit. A guinea pig’s best c...
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So many times I’ve heard it said – ‘crossbreeds are healthier than pedigrees.’ The argument is everywhere, but is it actually true? From what snippets I’ve read online, pedigree dogs cost more to buy, maintain and insure, get sick more often and live shorter lives. Crossbreeds, on the other hand, have intelligence and...
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January might now be over, but the time for investing in something positive is far from having been and gone. For the thirteenth year running, February is ‘Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month,’ a time when animal rescues across the country pour their efforts into encouraging us, the avid animal-lover, into adopting rather than purchasing our d...
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You may have heard it said that leaving your cat ‘intact’ is kinder than having it neutered or spayed, but most vets would argue this isn’t the case. In fact, cats that aren’t neutered are susceptible to more health and behavioural problems than their ‘fixed’ friends. For one thing, cancer is more likely with int...
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As we move towards autumn and winter, it won't be long before we're up to our necks in mud and riding is just a distant memory. So, for 5 minutes let's remind ourselves of all the benefits of owning a horse (and there are plenty!), while also looking at what some of our customers have to say. Fresh air and exercise – perhaps the most obvious...
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As far as viruses go, Feline Herpes Virus (FHV-1) is one you really don’t want your cat to catch. A leading cause of feline morbidity and incurable to those that do survive, it is thought that as much as 95% of the global cat population has been exposed to FHV-1. Of this number, it is estimated that 80% remain latent carriers of this highly c...
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It is likely that at some point in your dog’s life, crate-training is going to be necessary. While not everyone agrees with crating a dog, when used properly, a crate is an effective tool for training and managing your dog's behaviour, if only for a limited time. Not only are crates helpful from a short-term training and management perspectiv...
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Mounting blocks became popular in the late 18th century when women needed a dignified means to mount the side-saddle. These days, unless your horse is particularly tall, you are particularly short, or there is something hindering your mobility, many riders will mount from the ground. That said, the value of mounting blocks is often talked about in...
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If you have a dog your routine doesn't just belong to you anymore. Your pet will structure their day around yours, which is why any changes can really upset them. Although small alterations are going to happen, such as you getting home late or feeding them at a different time, completely changing your routine - and by extension theirs - without eas...
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During the winter months and often over firework season, many of us are forced to stable our horses for long periods of time. Unfortunately, behavioural problems come with the territory of increased stable time, along with physical stresses that need careful management. In this week’s blog we are looking at ways of managing the most common pr...
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