Companion Life - Spring 2019

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SPRING 2019

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In this issue > A guide to managing your pet’s weight > Top tips for healthy skin & coat > The benefits of maintaining a healthy gut > Q&A with Nick Jones, Dog Behaviourist > Making a happy guinea pig home

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EDITOR’S COMMENT I’m delighted to present the Spring 2019 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 discuss the importance of healthy digestion and its impact on your pet’s recovery. As well as highlighting the latest news in the pet world, we also offer some tips for skin and coat health and a guide to weight management for pets. Feel free to get in touch with any features, news and new products or even your pet pictures.

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 copies of Companion Life are distributed to veterinary practices across the UK. Contact details: Companion Life, Barn 3, Somerford Business Court, Holmes Chapel Road, Congleton, Cheshire. CW12 4SN www.companionlife.co.uk Editor: Laura Evans.

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

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NEWS

DogFest, the ultimate summer festival for dogs returns Clare Balding and Supervet Noel Fitzpatrick are confirmed as special guests at the UK’s biggest day out for dogs.

The UK’s biggest and best day out for dogs, their families and animal lovers is back! Now entering its sixth year, it will take place in the grounds of three stunning stately homes:

Knebworth House in Hertfordshire (11-12 May), Tatton Park in Cheshire (15-16 June) and Ashton Court Estate in Bristol (22-23 June).

DogFest will be packed with talks, demonstrations and Q&A sessions from experts on animal health and welfare, behavioural psychology and more.

The kids obstacle course will be a magnet for families: they can race with their dogs over tyres, hay bales and scramble nets.

For more information visit www.dog-fest.co.uk

Dogs Trust study says public unaware of need to ensure their dog has collar and tag New research by Dogs Trust reveals that many dog owners wrongly think a microchip is the only form of identification their dog needs.

In 2016 it became a legal requirement for all dogs to be microchipped and since 1992 dog owners have also been required to ensure their dog has a collar and tag with their contact details on.

However, this is sadly often overlooked and could mean dogs are delayed in being reunited with their owners and potentially face being put to sleep by local authorities.

Alex Jackson, Head of Campaigns at Dogs Trust, said: “It is great that so many owners are aware of the need for their dog to be microchipped, but it is concerning that this awareness comes at the expense of dogs wearing more visible forms of identification.

“As outlined in 1992’s Control of Dogs Act your dog’s tag should display your name, address and postcode, but our research revealed that 16% of people thought that including a telephone number was enough. The details held on the tag and microchip containing the essential details of the owner is one of the simplest ways for a dog to be reunited with its owners should they become accidentally separated.

“We urge everyone to check they have a tag with the right information on today.”

Paws.com launch dog food checker to revolutionise pet food industry Pet food retailer, Paws.com has launched a dog food checker aimed at revolutionising the UK pet food industry.

The dog food checker is designed to demystify the complex world of dog food ingredients, and for the first time, make it easy for dog owners to make the best nutrition decisions for their pets at a glance.

The simple tool, said to be the most comprehensive and up-to-date of its kind, allows users to search for any dry dog food sold in UK supermarkets and Amazon’s bestseller

list, and provides a ‘traffic light’ rating for each nutritional component of the food.

It is the world’s first traffic light grading system for dog food, giving green, amber and red ratings – similar to on human food labels.

The tool also allows users to compare different foods, making it easy to understand the nutritional values and trade-offs between price and quality.

For more information you can visit www.paws.com/dog-food-checker

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NEWS SNIPPETS

Dogs will go bananas for new Fish4Dogs treats Fish4Dogs has added a fruity new addition to its popular range of fish-wrapped treats.

Banana wraps are delicious treats made from dry banana slices wrapped in fish skins, which are available to buy now.

Banana was voted for by Fish4Dogs customers in a ‘most wanted’ list of ingredients they were keen to see used in new products.

Dogs have a sweet tooth, so Fish4Dogs Banana Wrap Treats will be the perfect guilt-free treat to satisfy a dog’s taste buds.

They have a lovely crunchy texture and are without hidden nasties The new treats contain 62% banana and 32% fish skin, are a gluten-free, grain-free recipe with no added artificial preservatives or colourings.

The addition to the range – which joins Sea Wraps with sweet potatoes and Sweet Ocean Wraps – with apple – comes in 100g bags with an RRP of £4.50.

Nutraflora success leads to even better value boxes for long-term gut health Nutravet has introduced more cost effective, larger pack sizes for pet owners using Nutraflora for long-term use.

Nutraflora was developed by vets to be given as part of an animal’s recovery programme after undertaking surgery and during convalescence, but it’s unique formula also means it is the perfect solution for long-term gut health.

The introduction of bigger pack sizes of 48 capsules makes them more advantageous to pet owners and veterinary practices as a more cost-effective solution to long-term gut health for cats and dogs.

The larger packs offer better value for money

for pet owners and veterinarians, with a saving of around 15% compared to the smaller 12 capsule packs.

Developed in the UK, Nutraflora is a veterinary strength probiotic combined with Vitamin B12 and scientifically proven natural ingredients that delivers friendly bacteria, which survives the passage through the stomach and rapidly multiplies in the small intestine.

Matthew Shaw, Managing Director of Nutravet commented: “Nutraflora has been very successful since its launch in November 2018, but we’re always looking for ways to improve. We have taken on board feedback from vet practices and have made the product even more advantageous for pet owners using it for long-term gut health.”

To find your nearest stockist you can visit www.nutravet.co.uk/nutraflora

11&12 MAY

Knebworth House HERTFORD SHIRE

22&23 JUNE

Ashton Court BRISTOL

Buy your tickets at: www.dog-fest.co.uk

International cat show coming to London in May The biggest cat expo is coming to London for the first time this May. The first event of its kind in the UK, LondonCats will be taking over Tobacco Dock in London on the 4th and the 5th of May 2019, for the biggest cat expo in all of Europe. The cat equivalent to Crufts, the event will include thousands of cat enthusiasts, an international competition with over 200 cats, and a multitude of quirky cat vendors under one roof.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to browse the cat shopping village which will feature a huge variety of unique products for both cat owners and cat lovers. For more information you can visit www.londoncats.org.uk.

Pets make us happier than a partner, survey reveals Pets can make you happier than a partner and even reduce your stress levels, a survey by pet charity, Blue Cross has found. Nearly one in three owners said their pets made them smile more than their partners, while 32% thought their pet was better at making them feel less stressed and 13% even said their pet had stopped rows with a partner. The survey of nearly 1,300 pet owners was commissioned by Blue Cross to highlight the importance of pets in our lives, especially for many people who their soulmate may be their beloved pet.

With special guests

15&16 JUNE

Tatton Park CHESHIRE

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ARTICLE

A guide to...

MANAGING YOUR PET’S WEIGHT Obesity in pets is a common problem, that can affect both cats and dogs. Like humans, our pets need a combination of a balanced diet and the right amount of exercise to stay healthy and mobile.

Managing your pet’s weight can be tricky as it’s tempting to feed them tasty treats or scraps from the dinner table. It’s often hard to resist puppy dog eyes but maintaining a healthy weight for your pet is important to ensure they lead a happy and healthy life.

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According to the 2018 PDSA PAWS Report, 5.7 million pets in the UK are fed treats every day, with 50% of veterinary professionals predicting that pet obesity will have the biggest health and welfare implications in ten years’ time.

Despite this, 80% of dog owners and 74% of cat owners stated that their pet was an ideal weight.

There are a number of reasons why your pet may put on unwanted weight, which include: • Over-feeding – it is important to regulate your pet’s food to avoid weight gain.

• Lack of exercise – most pets need daily exercise to ensure they maintain a healthy weight.

• Medical conditions – joint problems such as arthritis can lead to pets gaining weight when they are eating the same amount of food but not exercising as much due to the pain and lack of mobility.

As their owner, it’s key to understand what a healthy pet should look like.

For dogs, ribs should be easily felt and may/may not be seen with a minimum layer of overlaying fat. A clear waistline should be easily seen.

TOP TIP

What a healthy pet should look like

For cats, you should be able to see the waste behind the ribs, ribs can still be felt but with a slight fat covering. There will be a slight paunch of fat on the abdomen.

There are common signs that your pet may be overweight which include: trouble breathing, unable to groom themselves, no definition, trouble getting around and constipation.

Speak to your vet if your pet’s weight is a cause for concern.

Finding that balance of a good diet and the right exercise for your pet can be tricky. To help them to lead a healthier life, here are some positive changes you can make: Diet Simply feeding your pet less food could help to reduce their calorie intake, or you could feed them pet food that is low in fat, low in carbohydrates and high in protein. If you are unsure what the best food is for your pet, your vet will be able to offer advice on a sufficient diet for your pet’s age and health needs.

Measure their food To ensure you don’t overfeed them, measuring their food could help to reduce their calories. Don’t leave food out all day for them to graze as this encourages your pet to eat more. Feed them small portions at set times.

Limit treats Although it may be tempting to give pets the odd little treat, any that they have should be included in their daily calorie allowance or reduced altogether. Also prevent other members of the family from sneaking treats and food from dinner plates to your pet.

Regular exercise Keeping your pet active is just as important as a nutritional diet. Exercise also improves muscle tone, increases metabolism and helps to reduce boredom in your dog or cat. Your vet will be able to advise the right amount of exercise your pet should be doing depending on their age and breed.

Regular vet visits Regular vet visits will help to monitor your pet’s weight and your vet will be able to advise on how much weight they need to lose or in some pets gain weight. Be sure to speak to your vet before you start any new food or exercise routine for your pet.

Multiple pet homes If you have more than one pet be sure to feed them separately to prevent one eating the others food.

Especially if you have both cats and dogs.

Leave human food out of reach Don’t feed your pet any food that is meant for humans.

Leave any human food out of reach as it is not only too calorific for your pet, it could also lead to digestion problems and cause your pet to be sick.

Don’t put your pet on a crash diet Reducing your pet’s food and upping their exercise should be enough to help reduce any unwanted weight. Don’t put your pet on a crash diet or starve them as this could prevent them from getting essential nutrients.

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ADVICE

TOP TIPS for healthy skin & coat Skin and coat problems are amongst some of the most common reasons a pet owner will take their dog or cat to visit the vet. In dogs, it is particularly common for Terriers, Setters, Retrievers, Spaniels and Dalmatians to visit the vet with skin problems.

As a pet owner you will want to help calm your pet’s sensitive, dry flaky skin and look for a solution that will soothe and reduce the itching to help make your pet more comfortable. Skin problems and irritation can be caused by a number of reasons and to complicate matters, your dog or cat could be affected by more than one cause. These can include ticks, fleas, mange, ringworm, yeast infections, an acute fatty acid imbalance and environmental and food allergies.

Common signs that your pet may be suffering with some sort of skin complaint could include:

• Your pet may be moulting more than usual or losing hair • You might notice that they have thin or balding patches • They could develop dry, flaky skin or dandruff • Their coat may appear dull or greasy • Dogs may lick or chew their paws more than usual • They may scratch or itch frequently

Your pet may have all year round symptoms, which could mean that they are allergic to something in your home, however there are allergic reactions that are seasonal. Outdoor seasonal allergens can include, ragweed, grasses and pollens.

A healthy coat should be shiny but not greasy and will be soft and quite smooth. An unhealthy coat on a dog will be dry and brittle and could also be greasy with a dusty appearance. There could be a few bald spots and an unpleasant smell.

Persistent itching is not only stressful for your pet but can also cause distress to you as their owner. To help to maintain the health of your pet’s skin and coat, there are some positive things that you can do:

Regular grooming

This will help to remove loose hairs, keep your pet’s coat free from dirt and distribute natural skin oils, which help to make their coat shiny. Try not to groom them more than once a week, as this could lead to irritation on the skin.

Don’t over bathe your pet

This can lead to dry and sensitive skin. Be sure to only use animal specific shampoos, as human shampoo could irritate your pet’s skin.

Protect your pet from the sun

Like humans, overexposure to the sun is bad for your pet’s skin. Pets with light skin and short or thin hair, such as white cats are more susceptible to sensitive skin caused from the sun. Try to limit the amount of time your pet spends in the sun and watch for signs of burning. If your cat spends a lot of time outdoors, there are sunscreens available for pets.

Food

Be sure to feed your pet a good quality diet. Foods rich in fatty acids, oils and vitamins can support healthy skin.

Parasite control

One of the most common causes of skin problems in pets are parasites and fleas.

Prevention is always the best treatment for flea control. Be sure to treat all pets, indoor and outdoor,

as outdoor pets can carry fleas to indoor pets. Consult your vet for the best product to treat your pet.

Fluids

A constant supply of water is important to keep your pet cool and hydrated, like us, your cat or dog requires water to maintain healthy skin.

Reduce stress

Stress can lead to over grooming. Understand what is causing your pet to become stressed and try to reduce this, if possible.

Keep your home and their bed clean

Regularly clean, provide fresh bedding and reduce dust in your home.

Hoovering on a regular basis, at least twice a week, will help to get rid of any excess dust. This will include rugs, curtains and any other material that gathers dust.

Consider using natural supplements

Some pet supplements on the market contain high quality Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E, which naturally calm sensitive skin, soothe dry, flaky skin and reduce itching and scratching.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT 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...

Nutramega For healthy skin & a glossy coat

Cattitude Box Subscription box for cat ladies

Maintaining optimum skin and coat health for your pet is essential to ensure they lead a happy and healthy life. Nutramega has been specifically formulated to support the animal’s natural systems that control inflammation, in an easy to administer high strength gel capsule. Nutramega contains high quality Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E, which naturally calms sensitive skin, soothes dry, flaky skin and reduces itching and scratching.

If you are crazy about cats, you will love Cattitude Box.

Prices from £14.99

www.nutravet.co.uk/ nutramega

RRP £27.95

This new cute, quirky subscription service lets you pamper your puss while giving you the opportunity to fully embrace your crazy cat lady status.

The boxes are full of hand picked cat-themed products, from chew treats and fun toys, to scarves, mugs and purr-fect purses.

Boxes cost £27.95 and can be ordered on a monthly or bi-monthly basis. They also make a great gift for a feline loving friend. www.cattitudebox.com

Dogmatic VetSpec Low-Calorie Formula Award Winning Prices from £13.94 Headcollar VetSpec SuperLite Low Calorie Formula has all the benefits of VetSpec Healthy Dog Formula but is on a base food with 20% less calories if fed as directed.

It is a cereal-grain-free, super premium dog food which contains 50% chicken with added vegetables and herbs, so you can still feed your dog a delicious feed, packed with high quality vitamins and minerals. It includes biotin and other associated nutrients to greatly improve the coat and promote supple skin. The prebiotic fibre and herbal sources help maintain gut health. It is wheat gluten-free, with no added colours, preservatives or artificial flavours. www.vetspec.com

Prices from £24.99

The multi award winning Dogmatic dog Headcollar stops dogs pulling on the lead.

Voted ‘Product I can’t live without’ six times and also winner of Best Dog Collar Manufacturer 2018.

Comfortable for the dog to wear and does not ride up or go near the eyes. Offering the widest range of dog Headcollars in leather, padded cushioned webbing with matching collars and training leads.

Dogmatic offer a kind comfortable solution to dogs pulling on the lead. Products that are comfortable for your dog, work correctly and also look good! www.dogmatic.org.uk

WIN WIN WIN Be in with a chance of winning one of our monthly prizes by following us on Facebook.

Each month we will give away prizes to our followers on Facebook, prizes include t-shirts, mugs, products from Fish4Dogs, Nutravet, The Dog Treat Company, Rosewood Pets, Nina Ottosson, Cotswold Raw and others. Look out for the latest competitions by following us.

Follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/CompanionLifeMag

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ARTICLE

The benefits of maintaining a healthy gut

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The gut is inhabited by billions of microbes (microflora). These bacteria have a fundamental impact on the physiology and wellbeing of your pet.

The benefits of a healthy microflora are not just limited to digestion.

Your pet’s gut can’t function properly without the trillions of microbes living and working there - called the gut microbiome. This ecosystem of bacteria provides a myriad of life-supporting functions that can help your pet live their healthiest days. There is increased awareness of the benefit of probiotic support for hospitalised and convalescent animals where microflora balance and the GALT immune response can be affected while animals recuperate.

Supplementing your pet’s diet with high-quality probiotics such as Nutraflora, Fortiflora, Canikur or Vetpro as recommended by vets can help maintain a healthy gut, which provides a wide range of health benefits including: Supporting immune function With so much of the immune system centred in the gut, it’s no wonder that the microbes living there have such a supportive impact on a pet’s immune function. Probiotics work hard to support the gut barrier, which blocks out harmful bacteria and toxins from leaking into your pet’s bloodstream.

Healthy weight management A healthy gut full of friendly flora can help your pet with weight management.

Probiotics support blood sugar levels already within a normal range, help to encourage safety hormones and maintain healthy digestion, all of which can help to keep your pet from wanting to overeat and gaining unwanted weight.

Easing stress Both cats and dogs can experience stress in a number of situations. Probiotics can help the body to produce and regulate feel good neurotransmitters (like Serotonin and GABA) that can support a positive mood. Beneficial bacteria can also keep stress at bay by supporting appropriate levels or cortisol, the ‘stress’ hormone.

Approximately 70% of the body’s immune Lymphatic tissue is located in the digestive tract, mostly in the form of ‘Gut-Associated Lymphatic Tissue’ (GALT).

The GALT contains many types of immune cells that optimise the efficiency of the immune response.

Studies have shown that having a healthy microflora stimulates this immune tissue. Therefore, a healthy digestive system is important for optimal immune support.

Soothes sensitive tummies Sensitive digestion is a common reason for pet owners to take their animal to the vet. Studies indicate that both cats and dogs experiencing temporary diarrhoea see significant benefits from taking a probiotic supplement when it comes to both recovery and prevention.

Maintain energy levels As they get older, pet’s energy levels can wane, which can be due in part to an imbalanced microbiome. Probiotics can help to support energy levels by helping your pet to thoroughly absorb all the nutrients from the foods they eat. Some friendly flora even produces B Vitamins, which are essential for energy production.

Maintain joint health Painful joints can majorly impact on active pets and surprisingly a healthy gut can do wonders to support your pet’s physical strength. Some strains of bacteria produce vitamins that can help your pet metabolise calcium for strong bones. Beneficial bacteria can also help to make enzymes that support the body’s overall mineral absorption.

If you are worried about your pet’s gut health, you should consult your vet who will be able to offer advice dependant on your pet’s health needs.

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GETTING TO KNOW

Q&A

Nick Jones

MA Dog Behaviourist, Dog Witness Expert

Nick Jones is an experienced, qualified and full-time dog behaviourist who specialises in dog behaviour problems and dog expert witness work. He is passionate about creating an understanding and rewarding bond between dog and owner. Here he answers Companion Life’s questions about puppy training…

Could you give a few details about how you got into dog training?

body there for a few seconds before using the ‘Okay!’ release word.

I took on my first dog over 20 years ago and she was a Wire Haired Vizsla. Amber taught me a great deal about dog training and was a wonderful way to get into the world of working tests in the gundog field.

We have little Ruby that we took on at 8 weeks and although she is as bright as a button, she was carrying out these little sits and then waits within a few days of being with us. There’s no magic, just calm consistency from the outset.

At this same time, I was a stay at home dad with our daughter and when she started school at the age of 5 I was looking to start my own business and it seemed natural to take the dog training route after Amber and I won our first working test together when she was 9 months old. I am today with 20 years of practice under my belt working full-time as a dog behaviourist, as well as acting as a dog expert witness for cases that fall (most commonly) under the Dangerous Dogs Act. How important is it for new pet owners to train their puppies from day one?

Day one for most new puppy owners would ideally be at the age of 8 weeks. It is perfectly possible to start to think about very simple routines in the home that gently introduce a little control and making an effort to request (for example) very short sits and waits prior to feeding times, being petted, being released outside for toilet breaks…pretty much anything that you can find to request a little sit and a 2 second wait is a very good place to start. I do this by placing a soft collar on the dog and to place the dog in the sit position and hold its

Food driven puppies can be easily lured into the sit and then down position for small flakes of chicken and then once they are following the hand and food nicely, we can then introduce the word we want to use alongside the luring.

This very simple, basic training sets the owner up for a positive relationship whereby the dog accepts from the outset that it needs to keep its eyes and ears open ready for owner input that is interesting and beneficial to the dog. I suspect that many owners don’t look at these basic elements until three or four months of age, when in fact, the puppy could be largely trained by that age already, if they had done a little and often as I suggest above.

What dog behaviour problems are the most common you see that can be avoided through training?

Whilst I look at all dog behaviour problems across a wide range of breeds of all ages and sizes, those that relate to a lack of socialisation are seen on a regular basis. These would be behaviours such as aggression to other dogs or animals, nervousness and anxiety.

This brings me back to why it is essential that a puppy is taken on at 8 weeks of age and that a gradual and thorough exposure to the world that the dog is likely to encounter as an adult is provided. Many puppies are just hitting public life at 12 weeks plus, when the ‘golden window’ of social exposure closes at 14-16 weeks.

How should new pet owners approach puppy training?

The key is to start from the very beginning and it’s not just about what commands the puppy understands, but also a schooling in good manners and politeness. Start as you mean to continue and don’t allow the puppy to get away with things that would be unacceptable as an adult dog.

Naturally, you will need to take into account a very young dog’s short-term memory and its need to burn off energy, but stay on track with your basic behaviour and training approach and all will be well.

Look upon training and manners as a long-term thing, that isn’t only in the first few months, but goes well into years 1, 2 and 3 and then you move into adult maintenance mode.

What research should new owners do before they choose their new dog?

There are many different breeds that would potentially suit a new owner, rescues included, so take your time and think it over long and hard. Avoid looking at litters unless you’re really quite certain you are ready to choose one!

I see a large number of owners that have what may be unsuitable breeds in the home, because they openly admit that they fell in love with the breed and just had to have one.

When looking at different dogs, ask your self – • Do I have the time and energy for this breed in terms of its exercise needs?

• Can I afford to feed it a quality diet?

• Do I have experience with a dog of this outlook and intelligence (some dogs make better starter dogs than others)?

• Is the size of my home appropriate for this breed?

• Do I already have other animals that would accept this dog?

• Does this dog already have behavioural issues that I will be able to address?

This is just the beginning and a book alone could be written just on this question!

What are your top 3 training tips that new puppy owners should take on board?

1. A little and often goes a long way.

2. Keep any formal training sessions short, sweet and finish on a good note for yours and the puppy’s sake.

3. Look to weave little training moments into the day, so that it is less about training sessions and more about keeping the puppy tuned into you at key moments in the day as touched upon in Q.1.

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ADVICE FROM THE EXPERT

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Making a happy guinea pig home

By Emma Purnell, RVN Cert.Nut.

Guinea pigs can make wonderful pets – they are cheeky and inquisitive and very talkative! However they can live for 5-6 years, are a long-term commitment and do still have a number of specific requirements which must be met in order to have them as a furry family member.

The average hutch is not big enough for guinea pigs, they are active animals and need a large space to explore with plenty of hiding places. They require both a dark sleeping area and a light area with plenty of space to adventure, both well ventilated. The minimum size for a pair of guinea pigs is 120cm x 60cm x 45cm¹ but the bigger the better. They should be able to access their whole environment at all times. Being ‘prey’ animals means they can be easily frightened by sudden noises, movements and possible predators – this includes dogs, cats, foxes and large birds. Where their enclosure is housed should bear this in mind – either outdoor or indoor with other pets around. If they live inside, they should be away from the television, other pets and loud noises. Indoor enclosures can be open at the top, as long as no other animal is able to get in and they cannot climb out. All outside housing, hutches and runs, should be fully enclosed and secure so they cannot escape as well as being predator proof.

Bedding can include newspaper lining, paper-based litter for toileting areas and plenty of good quality, dust free hay. For indoor enclosures, fleece bedding can be used to cover flooring but it should be expected to be toileted on and chewed so will need washing daily and replacing regularly. It is advised that soft

wood products (such as pine sawdust) are not used as they can be implicated in some respiratory and other health issues and straw should be avoided where possible as, although good for providing warmth, it can cause eye injuries. Toileting areas must be cleaned out daily and the whole enclosure cleaned out at least once a week.

Toys and enrichment for guinea pigs come in many forms and can really make your guinea pigs happier. Hiding spots around the environment can help them to settle and give them somewhere to hide if they get scared. Hiding places can include tunnels, boxes and plastic ‘caves’. Generally, toys and hiding spots can be found in a range of materials from cardboard to plastic, wood to fabric and will all have the potential to be chewed so should be seen as disposable!

Wood chew toys can be of benefit to help wear down teeth but a good quality hay-based diet should help avoid the need for this. Metal toys and toys with head sized holes in such as hay balls should be used with care – there are reports of guinea pigs becoming stuck between the bars of these when young.

Guinea pigs cannot cope with extreme temperatures – the ideal temperature for them is around 17-20°C2. It’s advised they are kept indoors when the temperature outside is under 15°C – if this is not

possible, make sure they have plenty of bedding to keep them warm. Microwavable heat pads can be used but must be removed if they begin to chew them. They must also be able to move away from any heat to regulate their own temperature. If the temperature is too high, they can overheat. This also applies in summer. They should not be in direct sunlight at any time.

Non-toxic cool packs wrapped in towels can be provided in summer (again under supervision and removed with any chewing).

Ensuring the enclosure is easily accessed will be important for cleaning, but also helps with picking up and handling your pet. Guinea pigs have a reputation for being good pets, if handled from a young age in the correct manner, they can be handled (under strict supervision) by children and rarely bite. Guinea pigs have a fairly delicate spine and can suffer severe injuries if handled incorrectly. Adults should catch and pick them up and for the child to sit on the floor to handle them, reducing the risk of injury if they are accidentally dropped.

Happy guinea pigs often do little hops and skips in their runs while adventuring – this is known as ‘popcorning’ and can be done at very high speed!

Companionship is vital to a happy guinea pig home. They are highly social animals and live in communal groups in the wild. As pets, they need

to be kept in pairs (or small groups) with two females being the easiest pairing. Two boars (boys) can be kept together but can be more difficult and it is best to introduce younger boars. Groups can consist of a neutered male and females or larger female groups.

Traditionally, guinea pigs have been kept with rabbits, but this is not recommended. A small group of guinea pigs will provide a far happier environment.

Guinea pigs can breed at a very early age and so boys and girls need to be kept separate from around three weeks of age.

Unless they are neutered you may find you have the pattering of tiny paws - while this sounds very cute, there are significant health issues involved with pregnancy in very young guinea pigs.

References: 1 RSPCA 2: RSPCA guinea pig accommodation guidelines (http://www.rspca-online.co.uk/guineas/ needtoknow/accommodation/) 2 RSPCA: How to take care of your guinea pig (http://www.rspca.org.uk/ adviceandwelfare/pets/rodents/ guineapigs) Accessed 6th March 2016 Accessed 6th March 2016

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).

Why wait 6 weeks when nutraquin+ works in 7 days Fast acting support for joints & mobility Natural fast acting joint support to aid & soothe stiff joints. ✓ Fast acting (4-7 days on average) ✓ Aids & soothes stiff joints ✓ Promotes 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.

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www.nutravet.co.uk