You might not know it, but dental disease is fairly common in rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas because of their ‘hyposodont’ dentition. This means that their teeth never stop growing, unlike dogs, cats and humans whose brachyodont teeth have true roots that grow for a limited time only. Rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas are adapt...
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Like any animal, domestic birds are sensitive to summer heat and need to be observed more closely at this time of year. In fact, any extremes in temperature can send birds into shock as their highly-tuned bodies are adapted for consistent and temperate conditions. In cages and aviaries, birds can succumb to heat very quickly and exhibit signs of br...
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Rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters or, as they are often referred to, ‘small animals,’ are present in roughly 2 million UK households, according to the Pet Population report. This includes hamsters and gerbils, as well as more uncommon pets like chinchillas and degus. This goes to show how popular they are and how far-reaching their appe...
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Digestive health plays an important role in your dog’s overall wellbeing, yet many owners still ask: what is the best probiotic for dogs, and how do you know if your dog actually needs one? This guide explains what to look for in a quality probiotic supplement, and how the right choice can help support a balanced, healthy gut. Key Takeawa...
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Dog ownership comes with many joys; vets bills aren't one of them. Pet insurance is typically your best defence against the potentially high cost of caring for your faithful friend's health, as it will usually act as a buffer against high bills - though exactly how much of a buffer it provides will depend on the policy you take out. There is a lot...
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Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is a condition all dog owners know about and fear. Otherwise known as bloat or gastric/stomach torsion, the condition onsets quickly and can be fatal if left untreated. While it can affect any dog, it is far more prevalent in deep-chested, large breed dogs. So, what is GDV? Full blown gastric dilatation-volvulus be...
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Grass seed injuries are a common problem for dogs in the summer months, so it's important that you keep your eyes peeled for any signs that your pet may be suffering from one. What is a grass seed injury? An injury involving a tiny grass seed might not initially sound like a significant problem, but for dogs, it can cause a lo...
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There will usually come a time in your cat's life where you will need to give them a tablet by mouth. Not all tablets are suitable for crushing or giving with a meal, as food in the gut may hinder proper absorption of the medication. In other circumstances, your cat may simply refuse to take the tablet no matter how much tasty food you try to disgu...
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Fortunately for us, most kittens and cats are litter-trained when we get them because they have mimicked their mother’s behaviour. This makes life a lot easier and saves us a great deal of time. But at some point or other, your cat may show an aversion to using its litter tray and start eliminating elsewhere. Roughly 10% of all cats will deve...
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Why is my cat overweight? Why are people getting fatter? Going back to 30 or 40 years ago, cats in the UK did not get overweight. They were probably just as loved and cared for then as now, but they were slimmer. When I went to university in 1978 to start my veterinary science degree, I remember being told that dogs are greedy and will g...
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