VioVet Blog - Pet Discussion

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  • Alabama Rot: What you need to know Image

    Alabama Rot: What you need to know

    29 January 2018 (Last Updated: 29 January 2026) - by in Pet Discussion

    Having said goodbye to 2017 – the UK’s worst year for cases of the deadly disease, Alabama Rot – we are faced with two new incidences in North Devon and North Yorkshire this January. Sometimes referred to as ‘Black Death’ disease, the official name is Cutaneous and Renal Vasculopathy (CRGV). Last year, Alabama Rot was...

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  • Wet or dry food? What's best for my dog? Image

    Wet or dry food? What's best for my dog?

    12 June 2017 (Last Updated: 29 January 2026) - by in Pet Discussion

    It’s a question that many dog owners ask when deciding on the right diet for their pooch: is wet or dry food better? Does one have more nutritional benefits? Should I be feeding a bit of both? Unlike cats who have very specific dietary requirements and can be incredibly finicky eaters, canine appetites are more easily satisfied with either we...

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  • Choosing the right bit: Snaffle bits Image

    Choosing the right bit: Snaffle bits

    9 February 2017 (Last Updated: 29 January 2026) - by in Pet Discussion

    When it comes to choosing the right bit for your horse, the abundance of choice can make it difficult to decide. With various classes of bit, each with their own subcategories, and then different mouthpieces and cheeks on top of that, it’s easy to lose sight of what you really need. The best thing to do is keep it simple and consider what you...

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  • To rug or not to rug Image

    To rug or not to rug

    22 September 2016 (Last Updated: 29 January 2026) - by in Pet Discussion

    When it comes to rugs and whether or not to rug in winter, there are two schools of thought. One is in favour of rugging against the elements – particularly rain – while the other believes horses are hardy enough to withstand even the harshest conditions. But surely it depends on many different factors, including the age and health of t...

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  • How to read your horse's body language Image

    How to read your horse's body language

    1 September 2016 (Last Updated: 29 January 2026) - by in Pet Discussion

    As a horse owner, you may sometimes wish you had the ability to speak the equine language to decipher what your horse is trying to tell you. But actually, understanding their body language is enough, as horses rely on very sophisticated body language to communicate with us and also with each other. There may be the occasional neigh, whinny or snort...

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  • Top 5 myths about fleas Image

    Top 5 myths about fleas

    7 March 2016 (Last Updated: 8 April 2024) - by in Pet Discussion

    Fleas are a total nuisance, as those of us with pets will know. They're tiny, quick, and next to impossible to get rid of once they take up residence. But treating fleas effectively would probably be a whole lot easier if there weren't so many myths surrounding them. So, to help you in your quest against these pesky little bloodsuckers and to keep...

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  • New restrictions on Devil's Claw Image

    New restrictions on Devil's Claw

    13 January 2016 (Last Updated: 20 September 2022) - by in Pet Discussion

    If you are someone who regularly feeds a Devil’s Claw supplement to your horse, as of January 1st 2016 you will need to take greater care if your horse competes under FEI or BHA rules. The active ingredient contained in Devil’s Claw is Harpagoside – now listed as a ‘prohibited substance’ by the FEI governing body. Harp...

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  • Top 6 UK Bridleways Image

    Top 6 UK Bridleways

    26 August 2015 (Last Updated: 26 May 2020) - by in Pet Discussion

    Finding a good bridleway is like finding a good walking route - you can revisit time and again, whatever the season, enjoying the same familiarity but always discovering something new. As we step into summer, there's plenty of time to find an exciting bridleway for you and your horse to enjoy. Whether you want a laid-back, relaxing ride, stunning s...

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  • Are lovebirds endangered? Image

    Are lovebirds endangered?

    26 August 2015 (Last Updated: 24 October 2022) - by in Pet Discussion

    As most of us bird-lovers know, lovebirds are small parrots native to Africa. With their peach-coloured faces and vibrant green feathers, they are truly a sight to behold. But while they might be among the smallest parrots on the planet, they have the intelligence to match the biggest! It is unsurprising that so many people choose to keep them as p...

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  • Coping with the loss of your pet Image

    Grieving is both natural and personal... When we think of the incredible and intense bond we share with our pets, it is unsurprising how much their loss can prompt feelings of utter devastation and grief. For most of the animal-loving UK, pets form part of the family and when they pass away, the emptiness they leave behind can be felt as hard as if...

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