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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This vet-reviewed guide explains what you need to know about hyperthyroidism in cats, the signs to look out for, and why early veterinary diagnosis is essential. Key Takeaways Hyperthyroidism is estimated to occur in almost 10% of senior cats. Typical signs include weight loss, increased appetite or thirst, restlessness, and vomiting, all of...
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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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Owning an aggressive dog can be an incredibly stressful experience. With unfortunate stories in the news all the time about dogs attacking people and having to be put down, owners of dogs with aggression problems often live in constant fear that their pet will go too far and be taken away from them, or seriously hurt someone. Like almost all dog be...
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One of the easiest ways to tell whether your dog is completely healthy is to look at its fur. You pet's coat can tell you a lot about what is going on inside, as any internal physical changes will be reflected through the condition of the fur. You'll get to know what your dog's coat should look like when you maintain a regular grooming schedule. No...
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What are hoof abscesses? Many horses are affected by hoof abscesses but what exactly are they? Put simply, a hoof abscess is a localised bacterial infection confined to the delicate structures of the hoof. Facing infection, the body produces purulent fluid (pus) to try to isolate and control the infection. Pus consists of dead white blood cells tha...
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