Companion Life - winter 2020/21

FREE PLEASE TAKE A COPY

Winter 2020/21

companionlife.co.uk

In this issue > Preparing for a new pet > Top tips for liver health in cats and dogs > Keeping your dog active in winter > Coronavirus and pets Q&A > Caring for Fancy Mice

companionlife.co.uk

2

Editor’s comment I’m delighted to present the Winter 2020/21 edition of Companion Life Magazine.

Companion Life is a FREE magazine, which aims to offer pet owners information, news and advice. In this issue we help to prepare for a new pet and offer advice to keep your dog active in winter months. As well as the latest news, we also share tips on maintaining liver health in dogs and cat. 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.

news

New pet adoption website puts rescue first A new adoption website has launched to provide an easy way for people to adopt cat and dogs who are in need of a new ‘fur-ever home’.

The website, Animates, which launched in December 2020, aims to solve the problem of thousands of pets going homeless in the UK every year.

Every year, thousands of people make the decision to welcome a cat or dog into their family and – with lockdown leading to a greater demand than ever over the last year.

However, the large majority of pet owners choose to purchase via breeders, dealers, and online sellers, meaning that many of the 250,000 animals that are handed in to shelters each year remain homeless.

Editor: Laura Evans.

Editorial: editor@companionlife.co.uk Advertising/artwork: advertising@companionlife.co.uk

facebook.com/CompanionLifeMag instagram.com/companionlifemag

For more information visit www.animates.pet/

Key benefits of nutraren include, supporting healthy renal function, helps bind toxins in the gut , supports longterm kidney health and aids healthy kidney functions.

Contact details: Companion Life, Barn 3, Somerford Business Court, Holmes Chapel Road, Congleton, Cheshire. CW12 4SN www.companionlife.co.uk

@CompanionLifeUK

The platform is free to sign-up to and works by hosting each rescue centre’s furry residents on the website.

Perspective new pet owners can browse by species, breed and location before viewing each animal’s personal profile.

Nutravet launch new kidney health supplement for cats and dogs

Circulation: 30,000 copies of Companion Life are distributed to veterinary practices across the UK.

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.

Animates links potential new pet owners up to rescue centres across the UK to help make the process of adopting a cat or dog more straightforward.

Nutravet has launched its new, next generation, kidney health product into its range of veterinary exclusive nutraceuticals.

Nutraren provides multi-action support to aid healthy kidney function in dogs and cats in an easy to administer gel capsule.

The unique combination of scientifically proven and high strength Omega-3s, toxin binders and antioxidants work together to help long-term renal function by flushing out toxins, aiding blood flow to the kidneys and maintaining kidney architecture.

Matthew Shaw, Managing Director of Nutravet comments: “We’re really excited to launch nutraren, it’s a product our team have been working on for some time to make sure we have developed the best renal product for pet owners.

Using independent trial data, we’ve been able to develop a unique formulation containing 100% natural ingredients to benefit a pet’s long-term kidney health.” nutraren is available to buy over the counter exclusively from authorised veterinary practices, without a consultation and even if your pet is not registered at that practice.

To find your nearest stockist visit www.nutravet.co.uk

companionlife.co.uk

3

Dogs Trust Manchester re-home first rescue dog of 2021

her owners’ circumstances meant they could no longer care for her.

The team were looking for owners who had previous experience of Bull Terriers and were delighted when Ian Holloway and Jacqueline Allso got in touch.

The New Year is off to a waggy start at Dogs Trust Manchester as it celebrates re-homing its first dog of 2021.

Jacqueline said: “Luckily the team felt we were a great match with her. She is absolutely lovely. She has lots of energy but is a real softie. She loves a fuss and likes to sit on your knee. She is settling in really well and we’re so pleased we’ve been able to give her a good start to 2021.”

One-year old English Bull Terrier, Lola, had arrived at the Denton rehoming centre in August 2020 after a change in

To find out about all the dogs waiting to find their special someone, please go to www.dogstrust.org.uk

New scheme to help people and their pets off the streets A new national pet friendly hostel accreditation scheme has been launched.

The StreetVet Accredited Hostel Scheme will enable hostels to accept multiple residents with their pets by offering free, accessible, veterinary care, as well as support for hostel managers and staff to adopt and implement positive pet policies.

Currently many people face the impossible choice between a roof over their heads or giving up their pet.

The accreditation scheme ensures that hostels are well-equipped to proactively support pet-owning residents, including: having a variety of health, hygiene and safety policies in place; e-training hostel team members to support the policies and the people and pets they are accommodating, and providing pet owners with access to vet care including telemedicine, free provision of pet essentials, transport to vet practices when needed and emergency kennelling should the pet owner be taken ill.

Discover Dogs returns to London Discover Dogs is set to return to the ExCeL London on 20 – 21 November 2021 to celebrate its 25th anniversary.

The event, which was first held in 1996, didn’t take place last year due to Covid-19, but it is hoped by the end of this year the event will be able to celebrate its silver anniversary in style.

Plans are still being worked on for how the event will look, but following the puppy boom that took place in 2020 it is hoped that the event will allow The Kennel Club

to offer thousands of dog lovers the unique opportunity to meet and greet around 200 different pedigree breeds.

Discover Dogs provides something for everyone, from those involved within the canine world to those on their first step into the journey of owning a dog, and with trade stands selling anything and everything for dogs it provides the perfect place for some serious shopping!

NEWS SNIPPETS The RSPCA will continue to re-home rescue animals on a delivery basis during the ongoing lockdowns in both England and Wales.

Pets including dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets and other small furry animals will remain available for adoption as RSPCA centres – now closed to the public – switch to a virtual re-homing and delivery process.

Prospective adopters can speak to RSPCA staff and meet animals via video conferencing and photo sharing – with pets then delivered by an RSPCA staff member once the level of commitment has been discussed, re-homing agreed, and a suitable pet found.

However, the RSPCA continues to urge people to do their research and ensure they understand the long-term commitment of pet adoption; given “lockdown life is not forever”.

Compulsory microchipping for cats could be introduced this year, helping to reunite thousands of cat owners with lost or stolen pets.

An eight-week public consultation on the proposal to make it mandatory for pet owners to microchip their cats was launched in December 2020 (23rd) and will seek views from vets, owners and members of the public as part of a renewed effort to further raise the UK’s world-leading animal welfare standards. An earlier call for evidence showed 99% support for microchipping.

It is estimated that over a quarter of the UK’s pet cats aren’t microchipped, meaning that up to 2.6 million cats will benefit from the new measures.

companionlife.co.uk

4

article

A guide to...

PREparing for a new pet Getting a new pet is an exciting time, but it’s important as their new owner, that you help to settle them into their new environment without any stress.

Whether you rescue a pet or decide to get a puppy or kitten, new pets are full on additions to your home and caring for them can take time and patience, but it can also be very rewarding. It’s important to do your research before taking on a new pet to ensure you can offer the best care and environment.

Before you get your new pet Becoming a pet owner comes with responsibility and there are many things to consider before getting one:

costs that come with a pet.

Can you provide the right environment?

Is your home pet proof? If you live in a small one bedroom flat, it might not be the best idea to get a large dog. Consider your choice of pet and how if will fit into your home. Do you have a garden? Are there plenty of dog walking routes around your home?

able to afford any vet bills

Can you afford a pet?

This may seem like an obvious question but it’s important to remember the hidden

off work to settle them in?

As well as buying regular food and pet essentials like cat litter or bedding, it’s also important to ensure you are that might arise. We always hope that are pets wont need medical assistance but if your pet needs emergency treatment, would you be able to afford it?

Do you have time to commit to a pet?

Welcoming a new pet into your home can take a lot of time and commitment.

Do you have the time to dedicate to a puppy or kitten? Can you take time Many pets will take time to get used to their new environment, as well as training they may need.

Will a new pet get on with any existing pets?

Do you have any other pets? If so will they accept a new pet into the family?

It’s important that not only your new pet settles into the home, but that any existing pets are also happy with the change.

What pet will work with my lifestyle?

Some pets take more commitment than others.

Dogs for example need to be walked at least once or twice a day - do you have time to do that? Will a large dog fit into your home? Do you have a garden or outdoor space for a pet to go to the toilet or run around? How will your pet fit into your work life? Are you able to work from home or will you have to leave them for long periods of time in the day?

companionlife.co.uk

5

Tips for when your new pet comes home Once you have found your pet and are ready to bring them home, we share some tips to help settle them in stress free:

a warm spot, which is close to food and fresh water. For a new dog, you could use a crate or cage, which he can also sleep in.

Register with a vet Registering your new pet with a vet ensures it will receive the best care during their early stages. Regular check-ups help with the rest of your pet’s development, making sure they receive the essential vaccinations.

Be sure to get your new pet micro-chipped at the earliest opportunity. This is now mandatory for dogs and could be essential if they ever escape.

Stay calm Although it’s an exciting time, too much noise can startle your new pet. Be sure to allow your new dog or cat the time to get used to other family members and pets in their own time.

Set up a safe area Create a safe zone for your new pet to retreat to should they get overwhelmed. This could be an area where they can sleep, make sure it is in

Set up a routine Get your new pet into a routine straight away to get them used to feeding and exercise routines. This can help to reduce stress for your pet and will help them to fit around and get used to your lifestyle.

Keep cats indoors Try to keep your cat indoors for the first few weeks to get

them used to their new environment. If they go out too soon they might be confused and not be able to find their way back home if they get lost. They could also get into territorial fights with other cats in the neighbourhood, which could make them anxious.

Burn extra energy A new dog can get excitable in a new environment and around family members. Take your new dog for long walks to burn off extra energy and ensure they sleep well in their new home.

Introduce to other pets If you have other pets, it’s important to ensure the introduction of a new pet goes well. To reduce stress to either pet, introduce new and old pets slowly to prevent any aggression.

Don’t leave your pet alone for too long Separation anxiety in dogs is common. It’s recommended not to leave any pet alone for more than six hours a day. New pets could be feeling more anxious in their new home and need more attention in the first few weeks. Try to leave them alone for as little as possible – if you have to, start with short periods of time before working up to longer spells.

REMEMBER: it’s important to do your research before getting a new pet! Consider adopting a dog or cat from one of the many rescue centres across the UK.

companionlife.co.uk

6

advice

Top tips for healthy liver in dogs and cats Maintaining good liver health is vital for an animal’s general health and recovery.

The liver plays an important role in the body and has a wide variety of functions, including filtering the blood from the digestive tract before passing it to the rest of the body. The liver also detoxifies chemicals and metabolises to support itself when processing medication.

Not all liver problems can be prevented, but certain precautions can help to reduce the risk of specific diseases. Some of the positive things you can do to reduce the risk and keep your pet’s liver healthy include: Diet

Feed your pet a good nutritious diet. Avoid fatty dry foods that are difficult to digest. Your vet may recommend a low-fat, lowprotein diet to help maintain your pet’s liver health.

Feeding your pet the correct diet for their age and life stage helps to ensure that they stay healthy for life and can thrive, and feeding a diet that is not complete or is not the right fit, can lead to a whole range of both immediate problems, and those that take longer to manifest.

Water

Make sure your pet has plenty of clean, fresh water as they may experience increased thirst.

Exercise

Be sure to keep up your pet’s exercise routine to

help maintain your pet’s overall health as well as support a healthy liver.

Key nutrients

Silybin is a bioavailable form of Milk Thistle Extract, which has proven bioactive properties.

SAMe has been shown to help healthy liver function.

Turmeric is a highly bioavailable antioxidant that helps to reduce free radicals.

Be wary on dog walks

Keep an eye on your dog whilst on walks to reduce them eating poisonous plants or insects.

Medications

Your pet may need medication to support their liver health or you may need to change other medications to reduce toxins in their liver.

Be sure to take on board and follow any advice from your vet. They are best placed to monitor your pet’s health and ensure they receive the best possible care.

Natural supplements

Consider giving your pet a natural alternative to help support optimal liver health. Some natural liver supplements on the Certain types of long-term market can also help to drugs for other health support the liver when it’s Remove toxins conditions can cause processing medication.

If your pets ingest any damage to the liver, as it is toxins or poisonous unable to process them If you are worried about substances, the liver is your pet’s health or often the first organ to be properly and they can build up within the tissue anything above, consult affected by this, as the of the liver itself. your vet who is best liver is responsible for placed to offer advice filtering toxins from the dependent on their age blood.

Visit your vet and breed.

Take your pet to the vet Remove toxins from your for regular health checks pet’s environment. Look at and vaccinations to help a more holistic approach maintain a healthy liver to their diet and health that control inflammation and ditch conventional and supporting a better care that can lead to the quality of life. build-up of toxins.

companionlife.co.uk

product spotlight

7

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...

Barking Heads - Baked Treats

Cheesecuits - dog biscuit range

Prices from £2.99

Prices from £5.99

Baked Treats are an indulgent, bitesize snack, cooked in a wood fired oven in small batches, making them highly paletable and great for training. The treats are vegetarian and made with 100% natural ingredients and added minerals, and come in handy re-sealable packs.

Barking Heads Baked Treats are available in a range of tasty flavours, Apple Snaffle, Top Banana, Chicken Champs, Beefy Bites and Fish Fancies. www.barkingheads.co.uk

Cheesecuits are a premium tier, cheese-centric biscuit made with 60% Himalayan Cheese PLUS a tasty blend of beneficial fruit, veg, herbs, superfoods OR Nut butter and absolutely O% cheap ‘filler’ grains.

Available in 5 distinct flavours, Chhurpi Cheese PLUS Apple & Cinnamon, Chhurpi Cheese PLUS Pumpkin & Flaxseed, Chhurpi Cheese PLUS Banana & Peanut Butter, Chhurpi Cheese PLUS Pineapple & Coconut and Chhurpi Cheese PLUS Spinach & Carrot.

Cheesecuits will be available to buy online from pet sites and independent pet food retailers. www.pawfectfoods.com

Nutraquin+ – aids joints & mobility in 7 days

Prices from £16.99 for a box of 30 sprinkle capsules.

Maintaining optimum joint health for your pet is important to ensure they lead a happy and healthy life.

Nutraquin+ is a fast-acting joint supplement for dogs, cats and horses containing the necessary high strength ingredients that help maintain healthy joint function in cats and dogs, whilst supporting the natural systems that control inflammation. Nutraquin+ contains key ingredients to naturally help rebuild joint cartilage and restore joint health, such as Glucosamine, Chondroitin and Boswellia Extract. www.nutravet.co.uk/ nutraquin

Get Companion Life straight to your inbox

Join our e-mailing list and get each new edition emailed directly to your inbox.

Join at www.companionlife.co.uk And why not follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for even more news, info and prizes. @CompanionLifeUK

facebook.com/CompanionLifeMag

instagram.com/companionlifemag

companionlife.co.uk

8

article

Keeping your dog active in winter

During colder months, it can be tempting to hibernate at home with your fourlegged friend, especially during current stressful times. However, exercising your dog during winter months is important to keep them active and healthy.

Even a short walk or run around a park or garden can help with mobility and help to reduce the chances of any unwanted weight gain.

companionlife.co.uk

9

In winter, like us, pets tend to spend more time inside, due to the colder temperatures and as such may move less. During winter months if dogs are inactive but consume the same amount of food, this could lead to unwanted weight gain, which in itself can lead to further health problems, such as arthritis.

Even if you’re unable to go outside, we share some ideas keep your dog active...

Embrace the cold Most dogs are happy to go out come rain or shine. If you do take them outside on a walk, be sure to keep them warm. Some breeds can cope with colder weather more than others, such as Newfoundlands and Leonbergers. For smaller dogs and short haired breeds, you could use a coat to keep them warm.

If you are able to get out of the house for the government approved exercise, use it to walk your dog. Use your local park or even just walking around the block will give your dog some much needed exercise, as well as allowing yourself to get some fresh air. Be sure to adhere to the guidelines of keeping two metres away from other walkers and only walk your dog locally.

Use your local park Use your local park or even just walking around the block will give your dog some much needed exercise, as well as allowing yourself to get some fresh air.

Interactive toys Interactive feeding toys are a great way to help your dog burn extra calories.

These can be used in the home for days when they really don’t want to face the cold. They can also be used

to keep them occupied and prevent boredom if they have to be left home alone for short periods of time.

Make your dog uses his nose Hide your dog’s favourite treats around the house in accessible places and make them work for their food.

This helps to keep them physically and mentally active. Be sure to include any treats in their usual daily calorie intake to prevent weight gain.

stimulated. Use their favourite treats to encourage them but be sure to limit treats and include them in their daily calories if they are not moving as much.

Training not only gives your dog the chance to be active, but it also keeps them mentally stimulated and is a great way to help you bond with your pet.

Create an obstacle course If your dog is mobile and you have the space in your home, create an obstacle Use your stairs If your pet would prefer to course using furniture for your dog to run around, stay in the warmth, use jumping over and going your stairs for an indoor workout. Put your dog on under tables and chairs. Be their lead and walk up and careful not to use rooms down the stairs. Be careful with wooden floors as this if your dog is older and has could cause your dog to slip and fall while they are joint problems, they may not be able to climb stairs running around. Use treats each time they complete it as well as younger pets. to keep them entertained Only do this if you dog is and not get bored. happy and able to do so and be sure to supervise Jumping them properly to prevent For more mobile dogs, you any injury. Don’t let your dog get too over excited as can use objects such as hula-hoops to get them they may fall or slip and moving. Hold it just off the cause serious injury. ground and encourage your dog to jump through. Once Teach them some new they have mastered it you tricks Despite what many people could increase the height think, it is possible to teach off the ground. Be sure to give them lots of praise and an old dog new tricks. encouragement.

Getting your dog to perform new tricks and Tug of war actions can keep them Using rope toys, tug of war active and their mind

with your dog is a great way to tire them out.

However, this game could bring out the predator side of your pooch, so be sure to remain in control and take breaks during the game to ensure they don’t get aggressive.

Consider their age Older dogs may suffer in the cold more than younger dogs. Bear this in mind when on walks or during exercise, don’t push your dog too much if they are struggling. Be sure to consider their age and ability when planning activities.

For walks, little and often may be better for their joints and if it’s too cold, be sure to wrap them up using a doggy coat or jumper.

Consult your vet If you are worried about your pet’s health in winter months or concerned about your pet’ weight, speak to your vet.

Always consult your vet before starting your pet on a new exercise routine.

They will be able to offer advice on what activities fit best with your pet and their health and age needs.

companionlife.co.uk

10

Q&A

Q&A

Coronavirus and pets As a nation of pet lovers, many UK owners will not only be worried about themselves during the Covid-19 pandemic, but also about their pets.

Whether you’re self-isolating with your pet or not sure if you can walk your dog, we answer some pet related Covid-19 FAQs…

Can animals catch Covid-19?

The main driver of the Covid-19 pandemic is human-to-human contact and there is no evidence to show that animals play a significant role in how the virus spreads. It is extremely rare for animals to catch Covid-19, but it is possible if they are in close contact with an infected person.

There have been a very small number of pets (around 15 in total) across the world that have tested positive for SARS-Cov-2 (the virus that causes Covid-19), including a case of a cat testing positive in the UK. From the small number of cases of Covid-19 in pets, it is thought that some pets can show some symptoms if they are infected, but these are mild and usually improve after a few days. There is no evidence that pets can transmit the virus to humans.

If you are worried about your pet during this time and they are showing any symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, breathing difficulty, a runny nose, weepy eyes or a high temperature, it’s best to contact your vets for advice as they symptoms could be related to other health issues and are extremely unlikely to be Covid-19 related.

Can I still stroke my pet as normal?

As long as you are healthy and have no symptoms you are still able to interact with your pet as normal. Although

it has been confirmed that you cannot contract Covid-19 from pets, it is advised to wash your hands regularly before and after any contact with your pet.

Is my cat OK to go outside?

If you are healthy (no Covid-19 symptoms or positive test) there is no reason to keep your cat inside if they usually go out regularly. If you do have symptoms, try to keep them indoors if possible – only if they do not seem stressed by this change in their routine.

Can I still walk my dog in lockdown?

Yes, it is important for your dog to continue to get regular exercise.

Government guidelines say that you are ok to walk your dog as part of daily exercise while respecting social distancing. Be sure to walk your dog on local routes and try to avoid contact with other dog walkers and if possible, walk your dog at less busy times of the day.

Keep your dog on a lead and under close control around others and in public places and thoroughly wash your hands before leaving the house and when you return.

If I’m self-isolating can I still walk my dog?

If you’re self-isolating and worried about caring for your dog or other pets, ask someone if they could look after them during this time.

You could contact your local kennel or cattery or a friend of family member to make sure your pet gets the care they need. If you are self-isolating you shouldn’t leave the house, so if you don’t have a large garden for them to run around in, you would need to ask a neighbour or family member to walk your dog for you.

Can I still get medication and pet supplies?

Yes, pet shops are classed as essential so will remain open during lockdown. Make sure you have enough essential in, such as food or cat litter, but don’t stockpile.

Supermarkets will remain open if you need more. If your pet needs medications, check with your vet what services they are offering for collection or delivery. Always call your vets first as they may be closed to walk-ins during this time. If you are worried about your pet’s health always speak to your vet first.

Is it true that hand sanitisers/anti-bac gel is poisonous to dogs?

This is not true - hand sanitisers contain ‘ethanol’ (alcohol), not ethylene glycol.

Ethanol (alcohol) can be harmful if ingested in a large quantity (i.e. an entire bottle), but it evaporates quickly and IS NOT HARMFUL if it’s accidentally licked in small quantities from your skin, or on your pet’s fur. Please do be put you off using hand sanitiser

products at this critical time.

However, it’s always important that you only use pet-safe products on your pet so we wouldn’t recommend applying human products to your pet’s skin or fur.

As a pet owner, what can I do to help prevent the spread of the virus?

Please follow the latest Government advice by maintaining social distancing (for you and your pet) when you’re out, and following good hygiene practices, such as washing your hands frequently, especially before and after leaving the house for essentials. We’d also recommend washing your hands after handling or feeding pets, especially if they go outside at times when you’re not with them, as this may also help to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. It’s also a good idea to avoid touching other people’s pets where possible, for instance if a cat comes to your garden, and if you’re caring for someone else’s pets, make sure you’re even more careful with your hand hygiene and try to keep a distance and consider wearing a mask if you’re going to be spending a lot of time with someone else’s pet.

Some information was taken from the PDSA blog website.

More advice on Covid-19 and your pets can be found at www.pdsa.org.uk.

companionlife.co.uk

advice from the expert

11

Caring for Fancy Mice

By Emma Purnell, RVN Cert.Nut. Fancy Mice are fascinating pets to own, both active and fun to watch, but have specific care requirements.

Fancy mice generally live up to 3 years which is a fairly short life span but still a significant commitment. They are very social animals and must live in same sex groups or mixed groups with neutered males. They are generally active morning and evening as well as overnight, meaning they are not ideal as children’s pets. They can be handled and if handled from a young age can be very settled however they can nip when nervous and are very fast so again they are not ideal as pets for young children.

Diet is vital to keep mice fit and healthy. They must have clean, fresh water at all times.

They are omnivorous so eat both plant and animal based materials. Complete diets are available for mice and this can ensure they achieve the correct levels of vitamin A, magnesium and choline which they must have in their diet.

They will eat seeds as well as fresh fruit and vegetables occasionally, but also mealworms and similar. These should be given as part of their diet and not extras to ensure they do not become overweight!

Always check new foods before feeding as things such as grapes, walnuts and lettuce can be toxic or cause stomach upsets. Rather than having a bowl, scatter feeding is advised. Spreading the food around the cage allows for more normal foraging behaviours and works as enrichment for them.

One of the key things to consider when buying housing for mice is that they find it very easy to escape from normal cage bar widths!

Narrow bar spacing is needed, around 0.5cm0.7cm is usually recommended. The top of the cage being metal bars allows them to climb which is normal for them. The base of the cage should be solid and easy to clean and disinfect (wood is not advised for this reason). They are sometimes housed in glass sided tanks but it is very difficult to ensure proper ventilation in these cases so it is not advised.

While mice are small, they are very active animals who roam a large area in the wild so larger than expected cage sizes are recommended. For 2 mice, a 60cm x 50cm cage size is advised with 30cm height but they bigger the better! Mice don’t really toilet train but will have specific areas they toilet in more often, spot cleaning is possible but full cleanouts regularly will be needed.

Mice are brilliant nest builders and providing them with suitable materials for building their nests is vital.

They use it for temperature regulation, even if conditions are ideal.

Hammocks and hanging beds can be popular to nest but also allows them to use their climbing skills. Nesting materials should be provided for them, this can include specially made shredded paper beddings and hay. A mix of different types to allow them to choose works well. Cotton wool and similar

products are not advised as they can make mice seriously unwell if eaten and can also wrap around limbs and cut off circulation.

Enrichment is absolutely vital for mice, they love to be active, climb, investigate and chew! Enrichment can be as simple as a toilet roll tube, a branch or a piece of rope, anything to allow them to climb, nest, chew and be active. They will chew any enrichment added so always ensure branches or similar are free from pesticides or toxins in preservatives as well as a safe wood for them to ingest.

Handling mice will depend very much on how much time you put into getting them used to you. Rubbing your hands in the material used to line the cage, putting food onto your palm and allowing them to use your hand as a shelf will allow them to build a trust with you. Picking them up should be done gently around their body or allowing them to climb onto your hand, they should never be picked up by their tail as this can cause major damage and be very painful. Mice will bite if they feel threatened picking them up should always be done by and adult and they are very

fast so lots of care should be taken!

Mice can suffer with some health issues that must be monitored for. Respiratory issues can be seen and any wheezing or discharge should mean a vet visit. They can also be prone to getting lumps, get these checked by a veterinary surgeon as soon as possible as they can grow rapidly and ulcerate meaning they are potentially very painful.

Overall mice are very entertaining pets and can provide hours of entertainment but need a lot of mental stimulation and enrichment in order to be healthy and happy.  

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).

G ys IN da CT 4-7

A t in ST nefi FA he be et Se

Fast acting support to aid & soothe stiff joints

Trusted by thousands of vets across the UK & Ireland nutraquin+ works fast, its extra strength, scientifically proven formula means the benefits are often seen within 4-7 days.

Fast acting (4-7 days on average) Soothes stiff joints Aids mobility & flexibility Supports joint structure Helps to maintain your pet’s quality of life by maintaining optimum joint health ✓ Supports the natural systems that control inflammation ✓ Available for dogs, cats & horses ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

nutraquin+ is available exclusively from veterinary practices where you can purchase over the counter without a prescription, even if your pet is not registered at the practice.

Support British manufacturing View our extensive natural range at www.nutravet.co.uk

Find your local stockist at www.nutravet.co.uk