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Autumn 2021
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In this issue > A guide to dental health in pets > Top tips to calm pets during fireworks night > Preparing for winter with pets > Q&A with Jade Statt, Co-founder of StreetVet > Rat care - housing & health
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Editor’s comment
I’m delighted to present the Autumn 2021 edition of Companion Life Magazine. Companion Life is a FREE magazine, which offers pet owners information, news and advice. In this issue we highlight dental health in pets, as well as how to keep pets calm during the fireworks. StreetVet features in our Q&A, as well some top tips to help pet owners prepare for winter with their four-legged friends. Feel free to get in touch with any features, news, pet products or even pictures of your own pets. Laura Evans Editor Companion Life Companion Life is a Free Magazine providing news, information, tips and advice for pet owners across the UK. Circulation: 40,000
Contact details: Companion Life, Barn 3, Somerford Business Court, Holmes Chapel Road, Congleton, Cheshire. CW12 4SN www.companionlife.co.uk
news
Dogs Welcome - National Trust up their game to welcome four legged friends plan visits, the initiative will help dog owners make the most of their time spent outside with their canine companions as well as connecting with nature.
The National Trust, in partnership with Forthglade, have launched a new initiative to improve access for fourlegged friends across the beautiful places that the Trust cares for in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
From introducing more dog-friendly trails, dog waste bins, wash down areas, and drinking stations, as part of the Dogs Welcome project, the National Trust will be taking several steps to ensure dog owners and their pups feel welcome. With improved facilities and overall making it easier for those with dogs to
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Across the National Trust, you can also expect to see: - Improvements to access, such as increasing the number of gardens that let you visit with your dog on a lead. - Increasing the number of places that have dog welcome and orientation information, maps for people visiting with dogs, including suggested walks and more. - Increasing the provision of dog water stations and dog poo bins.
Good Boy continues growth with first TV campaign
Editor: Laura Evans.
Companion Life is part of ‘WITH Marketing Ltd’, The contents within Companion Life is fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Companion Life. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Companion Life, its distributors and WITH Marketing Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.
As part of the project all National Trust places have been assessed for dog friendliness and will be given a special Pawprint rating, which will appear on the National Trust website and in the member handbook in January 2022. 3 Pawprints (Best), 2 Pawprints (Good) and 1 Pawprint (Standard), helping visitors plan great adventures with their canine companions.
Over the past year, Good Boy has seen over £18m year-on-year growth – more than four times its nearest competitor – making it the fastest growing dog treat brand. The brand was recently recognised by The Grocer, ranking #103 in Britain’s Biggest Brands 2021. This incredible achievement is even more impressive given that Good Boy has never before invested in TV advertising.
The TV ad campaign, set to hit screens in October, focusses on the sheer joy dogs experience when they get a tasty real
meat Good Boy treat. The brand hopes to harness the funny side of the UK’s favourite pet with super slow motion action shots of dogs ‘trying’ to catch Good Boy treats. This will not only put a smile on the viewers’ faces but also remind them that when it comes to their dogs, they should ‘treat them good’ with Good Boy. The campaign will also be supported through You Tube and Facebook advertising as well as a PR campaign.
Discussing the brand’s growth and move towards TV advertising Aimee Smith, Communications Manager comments: “The growth we’ve seen in recent years has been phenomenal, but we don’t want to stop there. We want to show petparents that we love their pups as much as they do, and every dog deserves a delicious and nutritious Good Boy treat.”
Good Boy treats are available from Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Waitrose, Co-op, online & all good pet stores in the UK. Visit www.goodboy.co.uk
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Skinner’s launch new range to help keep your dog fit and healthy
Comprising of three varieties of nutritionally balanced complete wet food and four varieties of complete dry, in addition to handy training treats and an innovative energy and recovery bar, the range has been formulated to support the everyday activity of your dog and your adventures together. Using functional ingredients to benefit dogs energy, stamina, performance and recovery.
Getting active with your dog is both great for your health & theirs, which is why Skinner’s has launched Get Out & Go! a new complete dog food range to support the diet and nutrition of active dogs.
Life with an active dog is huge fun and Skinner’s Get Out and Go! range allows dogs and their owners to re-connect with the great outdoors, safe in the knowledge that your dog is getting the right nutrition they need.
To purchase the new, Get Out & Go! range visit www.skinners.co.uk
Kennel Club exposes ‘dangerous’ virtual puppy buying world New research reveals alarming lockdown legacy as ‘click and collect’ and ‘click and drop’ puppies now seen as the norm.
With two in five Brits admitting to picking up bad habits generally during the pandemic, dog experts are warning that these are translating to puppy buying and creating a damaging long-term legacy. New research released by The Kennel Club as part of its #BePuppywise campaign, shows that post-lockdown, a quarter of Brits admit that it’s ‘normal’
and ‘easier’ to meet a puppy virtually, rather than in person, enabling more scammers and rogue breeders to disguise horrific breeding conditions and dupe owners, resulting in a backwards step for dog welfare. The Kennel Club urges owners and potential puppy buyers to give their best friend the best start via its #BePuppywise campaign - with advice, tools and resources, for potential owners to help them find the right dog and breeder, as well as new owners who are struggling with their pandemic puppy. More information about the campaign is available at www.thekennelclub.org.uk/
Nutravet introduce £5 sample pack of Nutraquin+ Natural animal health manufacturer, Nutravet has launched a sample pack of its fast acting high strength joint support for dogs & cats. The sample pack allows pet owners to trial the fast acting nature of Nutraquin+ at a lower cost, with 70% off the RRP and available to buy online. Nutraquin+ contains the necessary high strength ingredients that help to maintain healthy joint function in dogs and cats. Matthew Shaw, Managing Director of Nutravet comments: “The Nutraquin range
NEWS SNIPPETS Rover.com reveals best dog-friendly companies 2021. Rover’s extensive search revealed the businesses in the UK which had done the most to accommodate both owners and their pets, with consumer research company, Attest, taking the top spot. Rover’s Best DogFriendly Companies in the UK, include: Attest, TaskRabbit Ltd, Itch Petcare Limited, Tailwise, Procore Technologies, Slightly Foxed, Hug Pet Food, Kontor, Papier, Tessian and spottydog communications. Companies have been quick to react with onethird of those featured in this year’s report have added additional dogfriendly company perks since March 2020.
The RSPCA is appealing for pet food donations from kind animal lovers to help the pet food bank project expand into North East England. RSPCA Animal rescue Officer (ARO) Heather Wade is coordinating the effort across South Tyneside and Newcastle to ensure that owners who are struggling with the costs of feeding their pet can get access to pet food. Generous members of the public can donate pet food at the following drop-off points (please specify it is for the food bank project when donating): - RSPCA Felledge Animal Centre, DH2 3BF
provides the highest strength products for pets whilst delivering the most affordable price. We’re always looking for ways to improve and following feedback, we have made the product even more accessible for pet owners.” To buy your sample pack visit www.nutraquin.co.uk
- RSPCA Newcastle and North Northumberland Branch Shop, NE6 1DU - RSPCA Newcastle and North Northumberland Branch Shop, NE26 2TA.
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article
A guide to...
dental health in pets Just like humans, it’s important to keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy. By the age of three, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have developed some form of gum disease. Poor dental care doesn’t just affect your pet’s mouth, the bacteria generated by gum disease could eventually enter their bloodstream and potentially damage their heart liver or kidneys.
What causes dental problems? Gum disease is five times more common in dogs than humans, as dogs have a more alkaline mouth.
Dental problems in dogs and cats can develop due to a number of reasons, which can include:
Common signs that your pet may have dental problems include: - Bad breath - Yellow or brown teeth - Changes to eating habits - Swollen or bleeding gums - Excessive drooling - Loose teeth - Pawing at their mouth
Age – dental diseases are common in older pets due to wear and tear of their teeth and gums. Breeds – some dog breeds are more prone to dental problems, due to the shape of their mouth. These include Yorkshire Terriers, Greyhounds, Whippets, Pugs, Bulldogs and other flat faced dogs.
Diet – a poor diet makes dental diseases more likely.
What causes plaque to develop?
Baby teeth – a dog’s baby teeth will begin falling out at around 4 months old when their adult teeth will start to come through. If their baby teeth don’t fall out, dental problems are more likely due to an over-crowded mouth.
Plaque develops when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starch) are frequently left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these foods, producing acids. If the bacteria deposits on teeth aren’t removed through regular brushing, they can cause problems and tartar build up.
What is plaque? Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. Bacteria in plaque produce acids after you eat or drink. These acids can destroy both enamel and cause cavities and gingivitis (gum disease). Plaque can also develop under the gums on tooth roots and break down the bones that support teeth. Plaque is a colourless to pale yellow and when it is colourless it can be harder to detect, so it’s important to maintain dog dental care.
Plaque can cause inflammation of the gums, which can initially be subtle, but if not removed can cause problems and gum disease. Small dogs and toy breeds tend to be most likely to develop dental issues. This is because small breeds have smaller mouths, which means they tend to be at a higher risk of overcrowding, which can lead to more plaque or other dental conditions.
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How to clean your pet’s teeth Pet dental care is crucial. Your pet’s teeth have a lot of work to do, dogs use their mouths for more than just eating, they use them to play, explore and taste a lot of their surroundings too. If their teeth aren’t properly cared for, it can cause problems. Dogs Prevention is always better than cure. It’s important to know how to brush your dog’s teeth and to start brushing them daily with a special dog toothbrush and toothpaste. Don’t use human toothpaste, as this contains chemicals that can be toxic to animals. It’s a good idea to start brushing their teeth when young, as they can get used to it as part of their routine. It’s never too late to start though and older dogs will soon get used to having
their teeth brushed. Take things slowly and get them used to having their teeth cleaned over a few weeks. Let them taste their new dog safe toothpaste so they think of brushing their teeth as a treat not a chore. You can help to get your dog used to having their mouth touched by gently rubbing a soft cloth along their gums. Gradually move on by using a brush that fits over your finger. This will help to get your dog used to the feeling of their teeth being brushed. When they are comfortable and ready, use a proper pet toothbrush with a longer handle, which will help you reach all of their teeth. Cats Brushing your cat’s teeth is a great way to avoid dental
disease. Ideally you should introduce dental care from a young age, to get them used to having their teeth touched. Buy specialised toothpaste for your cat. Never use human toothpaste. Begin by putting your cat’s toothpaste on your finger and offering it to them to lick. Be sure to buy a toothbrush that is designed for cats.
comfortable. To brush their teeth, apply the bristles to the teeth at a 45-degree angle, reaching both the tooth surface and just beneath the gum margin.
Choose a time of day you can stick to in order to make teeth brushing a part of your cat’s normal routine. Make sure you are calm and comfortable.
Natural plaque remover Consider using a natural plaque remover for dogs such as, Nutraplaque from Nutravet, which is a completely natural product that provides an advanced double action formula to help aid oral health. Pet oral health supplements should always be used alongside daily teeth brushing, not instead of.
Slowly and gently pull back your cat’s lips and touch their teeth with the toothbrush, initially before soothing your cat. Repeat this daily for several days before starting to brush their teeth. Only start brushing when they are
Ask your vet Speak to your vet if you are worried about your pet’s health. Regular vet visits can allow them to keep an eye on your pet’s teeth and gums, as well as other health issues that may arise.
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advice
Top tips to help calm pets during the fireworks At this time of year, many pets can become stressed and anxious when fireworks are let off sporadically. Unfortunately, this can last from October to the New Year and can be a stressful time for pet owners as well as their beloved four-legged friends. For pets that are affected by loud noises, they may display their anxiety in a number of ways, including shaking or hiding, vocalisation, ears pinned back, reduced appetite and some pets can become aggressive. To help pet owners care for their pets and keep them calm and safe during fireworks season, we share some tops tips: Provide a safe space
Give your pet somewhere safe to go and hide should they become anxious from the loud bangs. This can be an enclosed crate, table or cupboard near the centre of the home, or where they have previously hidden. You could cover the sides and top to make it comfortable and even add some clothing of yours that will smell familiar to them. Let them come and go as they please.
Stay calm yourself
During the fireworks stay calm yourself and don’t react to any loud bangs, as your pet will react to you. Try not to worry and don’t get angry with your pet or over fuss them, just reassure them gently and be as normal and routine as possible.
Keep pets inside
Keep all pets indoors during the fireworks. For cats who like to go outside, make sure you place plenty of litter trays
around the house, especially by usual exit points. Make sure your dog has had an opportunity to go to the toilet well before it gets dark. Also, don’t walk your dog during the fireworks, take them out in the late afternoon if possible, before it gets dark.
Block the noise
Try and mask the sound of the loud bangs by putting the TV on or playing some music, especially if animals are left home alone. You could also muffle the sound of the fireworks by closing the curtains and windows.
Distractions
Provide your pet with plenty of toys to distract them from the loud noises. Ignore the fireworks yourself and play with your pet, but don’t force them to play if they don’t seem interested.
Stick to routines
Maintain your normal routines to help reduce any extra stress for your
pet. Feed and walk your pet at the same time, if possible. Any changes in their usual routine can lead to further stress or anxiety.
Comfort your pet
Sit close to your pet and stroke them to try and keep them calm. Physical contact could help to make them feel safe and reduce their anxiety. But don’t force them, if they prefer to go off on their own and hide, let them and just be sure to keep checking on them to make sure they are ok.
Don’t punish them
If they do anything out of the ordinary due to stress, don’t punish them. This is a reaction to how they feel in a situation and shouting at them could lead to further stress.
Prepare in advance
If you know fireworks will be going off in your local area, try to prepare ahead of time. Find out when
local events are taking place and make sure your pet has plenty of distractions. Take them for a long walk that day to use up their energy. Being prepared could lead to a less stressful evening for you and your pet.
Natural calming products
There are a wide range of products on the market that have been developed to help pets that get stressed and frightened by the fireworks. These include natural supplements such as Nutracalm, which works within a couple of hours, Anxiety vests such as Thundershirts and plug-in diffusers such as Adaptil.
Speak to your vet
If you are worried about your pet, always speak to your vet who is best placed to offer advice and support your pet’s general health and well-being.
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product spotlight
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If you would like your product featured in a future edition please get in touch editor@companionlife.co.uk
In this edition, we highlight some pet products that we think our readers will love...
Earth Animal – NoHide® Chews Prices from £3.99
Earth Animal No-Hide® Chews are the delicious and digestible treats that keep dogs blissfully content. Created using six clean ingredients, plus a sustainable source of protein, including chicken, beef, salmon and peanut butter, these chews are in a category all of their own! Veterinarian-innovated and formulated, No-Hide® Chews provide long-lasting enjoyment without harmful ingredients. Compassionately sourced and consciously crafted, this is the chew that you can feel good about. Available to purchase from all great pet retailers across the country, including Fetch, Pets Corner, Just For Pets and Pet Pavilion. www.earthanimal.com
Nutraplaque – helps reduce plaque, tartar and bad breath
The Little Book for Dog Mums & The Little Book for Cat Mums
Maintaining dental care is necessary to provide optimum health and quality of life. Nutraplaque is a 100% natural plaque remover for dogs and cats. It provides an advanced double action formula to help aid oral health and hygiene by systemically working against bad breath, tartar & plaque for healthy teeth and gums.
Available in hardback priced £9.99
Prices from £18.49 for 60 capsules.
The specially selected patented Norwegian seaweed within Nutraplaque works as a natural plaque remover for dogs and cats and has been shown to reduce plaque build-up by 35% after just 4 weeks use. www.nutravet.co.uk/ nutraplaque
The Little Book for Dog Mums and The Little Book for Cat Mums written by Charlie Ellis and published by Summersdale Publishers Ltd, are packed with activities, puzzles, inspiring quotes and things to do with your dog or cat. The Little Book for Dog Mums is a celebration of all things canine and The Little Book for Cat Mums is a must-have for any cat parent. The light-hearted books are edutainment at its finest, and the perfect gift for any dog or cat lover. www.summersdale.com
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article
Preparing for winter with pets
Colder days are not too far away, and as a responsible pet owner it’s important to be prepared for the challenges that they can bring. Older and smaller pets can especially feel the cold more and joint stiffness can be more prominent. It may seem that pets are protected from the cold due to their fur coats, but this is not true. Pets with thin coats can feel the cold quicker and can become seriously ill if their body temperature drops.
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Every animal is different, some are happy to endure cold weather, whereas some will prefer to stay warm and cosy indoors. As their owner you will know when it is too cold for your pet and adjust their activity and lifestyle. If temperatures drop pets could be at risk from getting too cold and suffering from hypothermia. It’s a really dangerous conditions that can cause your pet’s body to shut down. We share some tips to help pet owners prepare for the winter months... Keep pets warm To protect your pet from the cold, keep them indoors as much as possible. Dog jackets and jumpers could be used for walking your dog to help keep them warm. Short haired and senior pets could use them whilst indoors. Make sure your pet has a nice warm place to sleep. If they are usually kept outdoors, bring them inside for the winter months to prevent health problems caused by the cold. Senior pets can be more sensitive to the low temperatures, raise your dog or cat’s bed from cold surfaces to prevent stiffness in joints. Add more bedding to keep them warm and provide extra padding for joints. Keep them active It’s really important for your pet to stay active throughout winter months and not become a couch potato. Less movement and more food during the winter months could lead to unwanted weight gain and stiffness in their joints. Keeping up with your pet’s exercise routine throughout winter, will also help to keep their mind active as well as maintain their overall health and quality of life. If your dog doesn’t like the cold, take them on shorter walks to help keep their joints mobile. Your cat might also want to go outside less due to the
cold weather, be sure to play with them inside to ensure they get the same amount of exercise to prevent unwanted weight gain in winter. Safety on dog walks Keep warm on dog walks by wrapping up in a winter coat. You can also use coats or jumpers for your dog if they get cold. Smaller dogs and senior pets may benefit from a dog coat on winter walks. If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them. As the dark nights draw in remember to stay safe on walks. Only use routes that are well lit and that your dog knows well in case they get spooked and run off. Bring pets inside Bring outdoor pets indoors during winter months. If left outside your dog could freeze or become disoriented. Also, don’t leave pets alone in cars during winter, as cars can act as refrigerators that hold the cold in and can cause animals to freeze to death. Think about bringing smaller pets like rabbits and guinea pigs inside also or move them into a more sheltered area, such as a shed or a car-free garage. Give them extra bedding over winter months to keep warm. Diet Your cat or dog might use up more calories to stay
warm, so you could increase their food intake to ensure they are getting the right amount. However, if they don’t get as much exercise from not going outside, be sure not to overfeed them. If you are unsure, consult your vet who will be able to offer advice. Paw care After each winter walk, dry your dog and check their coat and paws for stones or hardened mud. Use warm water and cotton wool to gently clean between their paw pads and toes to prevent salt and ice from causing irritation. If your cat spends time outdoors, be sure to also dry them off and check their paws when they come inside. Hydration Your cat or dog can become dehydrated in winter, just as much as in summer. Make sure that they have constant access to clean, fresh water. If they have a bowl outdoors, be sure to keep checking it so that it does not freeze over. If they seem uninterested in water, you could try a dog hydration drink such as Furr Boost, which tops up your pet’s hydration levels as well as supporting their overall health. Dry skin In cold weather, air in homes can become dry which can have an impact
on your cat or dog’s skin. If their skin becomes dry it could irritate them. Prevent this by brushing your cat and dog regularly to increase circulation and improve their skin and coat. Washing your dog too much during colder months can irritate their skin. Try to do it as little as often to prevent the removal of essential oils, which can increase the chance of them developing dry skin. Chemicals and salts These are used to melt ice on paths and driveways and could be poisonous to your cat or dog. Your pet can pick them up on their paws when outside, which could irritate them. If they have been outside clean their paws with warm water and cotton wool to prevent them from licking it off. Antifreeze Antifreeze is used in cars to prevent car radiators from freezing up. Your pet will be attracted to the sweet taste of antifreeze; however, it can be poisonous to both cats and dogs. Be sure to clean up any spills immediately. Consider using one that is ethylene glycol free, which is the ingredient that makes it both sweet and toxic. If you are worried about your pet during winter months, be sure to speak to your vet who is best placed to offer advice and treatment.
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Q&A
Q&A
With Jade Statt
Co-founder and clinical director at StreetVet
StreetVet is a registered charity that offers free accessible vet care to pets belonging to those experiencing homelessness in the UK. Vet and Co-founder Jade Statt answers our questions about their crucial work... What drove you to set up StreetVet and help homeless people and their pets? As a vet I had always wanted to volunteer my skills to give back and it wasn’t until a chance encounter with a homeless gentleman and his dog in 2016, that I realised what a need there was to provide accessible vet care to those experiencing homelessness in the UK. Up to 25% of those experiencing homelessness have dogs and these pets play such a huge part in their lives providing loyalty, companionship, purpose and most importantly unconditional love. What support does StreetVet offer to homeless pet owners? We outreach regularly on the streets in 17 locations across the UK offering free accessible vet care. Anything that can be done in a veterinary consulting room, StreetVet can do on the streets; prescribe medications, vaccinate, microchip, take blood, test urine but sometimes the most valuable service we can offer is just to be there and listen. We provide pet essentials (food, toys, leads etc) and if
we examine a pet that needs further surgery or investigations then we arrange and fund this at a local supportive veterinary practice. I was naïve to this when I first started “ StreetVetting” but many of our clients will forgo seeking help for their own medical conditions as they do not want to leave their dogs. It has taken time to build trust but now that StreetVet is more known within the homeless community, we are able to offer finite boarding for pets so owners can go into hospital and get the treatment they need. Most recently, we were awarded funding to put into action a very exciting project aimed at helping our clients to access hostels. Only 10 % of hostels in the UK are pet friendly and so currently owners are being expected to choose between a hostel room or their pet. At StreetVet we aim to help keep our clients and their pets together wherever possible and so we have launched the StreetVet Accredited Hostel Scheme to
try and give hostels as much support as possible to start saying yes to pets. To find out more on the scheme you can visit www.streetvet.co.uk/ streetvet-accredited-hostelscheme/ How has the pandemic impacted or changed how you work? The pandemic affected StreetVet in a similar way to all charities – reduced funding, increase in costs and a decrease in resources as many of our volunteers were home schooling, working long hours in practices or shielding. We normally connect with our clients at a weekly outreach, commonly alongside soup kitchens, so this was totally disrupted. Calls to our emergency number increased by over 100% at the start of the pandemic as our clients relied on us for regular dog food and medications for chronic conditions. Our priority was to deliver our service as best we could, and we just had to adapt.
Did you see an uptake of homeless people and their pets during the pandemic? Sadly yes – we have had feedback from some of our locations saying they are registering new clients every week whereas previously they might be looking at a new client registration every few months. How does the hostels scheme aim to further help pets on the streets? The hostel scheme provides 360 wrap around support for hostels to adopt positive pet policies. From education and training for hostel staff, regular food and pet essential deliveries to pet policy provision and free veterinary care. The feedback from our lighthouse accredited hostel in Hertfordshire has been incredibly positive and we are very excited to be hiring a project coordinator dedicated to rolling this scheme out across the UK. To find out more information about the work StreetVet does or how to support them, you can visit www.streetvet.co.uk.
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advice from the expert
11
Rats - care and housing By Emma Purnell, RVN Cert.Nut. Rats are highly intelligent animals that, despite their reputation for being dirty and ugly due to their bald tails, are clean and sociable animals that can make wonderful pets. They do have some specific care needs which must be taken into account when being cared for. The housing provided for rats should be as large as possible, they are inquisitive and love to investigate new areas. Cages should have wire mesh with as small a gap as possible, they can fit through much smaller spaces than you may expect! The shelves and floors of the cage should be solid and not mesh as this can injure feet and lead to sores. Absorbent bedding and nesting materials should be provided as lots of time is spent building nesting areas, but these materials should be safe for the rats – ideally paper based, avoiding materials with long strands that can wrap around legs or cause problems if swallowed. Rats will use specific areas of the cage to toilet so training is possible and can help to keep bedding clean. Keeping cages away from direct sunlight, draughts, areas of the house likely to be noisy, predators and away from strong smells such as air fresheners/ smoke are all important. Rats can be prone to obesity so their diet must be monitored and care taken to avoid overfeeding or feeding of too many fatty foods. Wild rats living alongside humans will eat pretty much anything they come across, but to maximise the health and lifespan of a pet rat, more
care must be taken. Rats are omnivores, eating both meat and vegetable matter, but the easiest way to feed a complete diet is to use a good quality, prepared diet – avoiding those with added sugars including molasses which can increase the obesity risk. Variety can be provided by supplementing small amounts of fruit and vegetables, cooked egg, cheese or seeds/grains, but these should be factored into the daily food allowance not given as extras. Ideally small amounts of proteins should only be added weekly but no supplementation at all could lead to deficiencies. Feeding can be a good time to provide mental stimulation to pet rats – hiding food within bedding or toys and providing occasional whole nuts or seeds for them to break into. A cooled, unpeeled, boiled egg can take time to get into and make them think. Rats are highly social animals and should never be kept on their own. Ideally, same sex groups of siblings work well, but introductions later in life can be done carefully. Two lone individuals will likely see a period of fights which need to be monitored to ensure no significant physical or emotional damage is done. Providing multiple food and water resources, as well as ensuring there are no places individuals can be cornered will help to reduce tension. Adding a new individual to a bonded group should be avoided as this can disrupt the social dynamics and lead to fights.
As a general rule, rats are more active at dawn and dusk and love to play. Providing climbing frames and hammocks can help to make the most of cage space, as well as giving them spaces to dig and tunnel where possible. Generally, rats tolerate handling very well. If treated gently and handling is introduced slowly and carefully, they are rarely known to bite and are usually calm. Handling them using the base of their tails is never recommended – it can lead to injuries and is very stressful. They can be trained to do a range of tricks given time and patience, as well as some tasty rewards! They are a long-term responsibility as will become bored if left to their own devices. Regular health problems seen in rats can include skin and coat problems including bald patches though mites or fungal disease, overgrown teeth, masses and abscesses, pododermatitis, urinary tract issues and respiratory disease. Teeth should be checked on a regular basis, as should claws which should be trimmed as needed. They are generally
very clean animals and any deterioration in coat (including piloerection where the follicles of the hair contract) can be an indication of pain or illness. Overall, rats can make wonderful pets and are intelligent and fascinating creatures, even suitable for children to handle under strict supervision. They do, however, need large spaces and some consideration to their dietary needs as well as constant mental stimulation to prevent them becoming bored.
Emma qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 2008 and works for Nutravet (UK) Ltd. She has a BSc in Zoology with Animal Ecology and an MSc in Ecology, helping to fuel her interest in more exotic species. She has a particular love of small furries and has a grade A distinction in Canine and Feline Clinical Nutrition (CertNut).
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