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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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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Forage is without doubt the most crucial part of any horse’s diet. It is more important than any other feed type, or supplement, and is often overlooked when planning a feeding programme or addressing digestive disorders. It’s all too easy to be swayed by the latest marketing for the vast number of specialist products on the market and...
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Muscle atrophy, or muscle loss, is the wasting away of your dog’s muscles. It can present in a number of ways and can be caused by ageing, illness or simply by reduced activity. Larger breeds can be more likely to suffer as they can age faster than small breeds, and are more prone to conditions like arthritis, but muscle atrophy can affect an...
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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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Worming is not what it used to be and, nowadays, blanket treating is a thing of the past due the development of resistance. Worming equines is a subject that the equine community is rarely educated on, which is why the job of equine SQP’s is so important. Some organisations are trying to get the word out about this as the incorrect use of wor...
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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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