Companion Life - Summer 2021

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Summer 2021

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In this issue > A guide to supporting your senior dog’s mobility & joints > Top tips to maintain healthy teeth and gums in pets > Surviving Summer with pets > Q&A with Wood Green - The Animal’s Charity

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Editor’s comment

I’m delighted to present the Summer 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 joints & mobility in senior dogs and offer advice to pet owners for Summer months. As well as a Q&A with Wood Green, the Animals Charity & the latest news, we also share tips on maintaining healthy teeth and gums in pets.

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

‘Agria CatWalk’ raises £13,000 for cats in need which is often a key factor for them ending up in rescue – their owners cannot afford their vets’ bills.

Helped by high-profile judges, cat lovers took part to win a share of £2,500 for their nominated rescue every week in May. Agria also donated to animal rescues with every cat policy sold during the month.

Thanks to the involvement of thousands of cats and their owners this May, Agria Pet Insurance has donated £13,000 to UK animal rescues.

Almost 7,000 cats, and over 23,000 cat ‘parents’ and cat-lovers, joined a month-long celebration of all cats via the “Agria CatWalk” competition.

The Agria CatWalk was created to highlight the significant issues faced by the UK’s cats and cat rescues, as well as support them with awareness and donations. Far fewer cats than dogs in the UK are protected with insurance,

systemically working against bad breath, tartar and plaque for healthy teeth and gums.

The unique double action formula of Nutraplaque combines to support optimal oral health by reducing plaque build-up and bad breath and is completely free from unnecessary and harmful sugars and preservatives that can cause tooth decay and damage teeth and gums.

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

@CompanionLifeUK facebook.com/CompanionLifeMag instagram.com/companionlifemag

Assisi Animal Sanctuary, received a £1K donation. They said, “This past year has been so challenging, and has, without a doubt, been the most financially punishing year Assisi has ever seen, so we are incredibly grateful to receive this nomination and prize.”

Nutravet launch new nutraceutical for healthy teeth and gums in pets

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.

Tom Vaughan, Head of Marketing at Agria explains: “This fact triggered the campaign’s theme of celebrating every cat. Their quirks and diversity make them the companions we love so much, so we wanted to highlight this, and encourage potential owners to consider all cats, not just the stereotypical ‘perfect’ ones.”

Nutravet has launched a new advanced tartar and plaque remover for dogs and cats.

Plaque, tartar and gum inflammation are very common in pets and among the most common concerns seen by vets. By the age of three, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have developed some form of periodontal disease. Maintaining dental care is necessary to provide optimum health and quality of life.

Nutraplaque is 100% natural and provides an advanced double action formula to help aid oral health and hygiene by

Matthew Shaw, Managing Director at Nutravet comments: “We’re really excited to introduce Nutraplaque into our market-leading range of veterinary recommended nutraceuticals. Maintaining pets’ dental health is an important part of looking after a pet and our nutraplaque sprinkle capsules make it easy for pet owners to keep up with oral health in an easy to administer form.

Nutraplaque is now available to buy from authorised stockists – RRP £18.49 for 60 capsules or £33.49 for 120 capsules.

Visit www.nutravet.co.uk

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Wellness garden created at Dogs Trust Shoreham Rehoming Centre

team are creating a “Wellness Garden” and shelters where staff and their four-legged friends can go to relax – and do a bit of gardening if they wish.

The team are currently growing tomatoes, sweetcorn, pumpkin and courgettes, all of which have been donated by staff and volunteers, and are in the process of creating a herb garden to provide the dogs with some sensory stimulation.

Staff and volunteers at Dogs Trust Shoreham have joined together to create cool, calming spaces to enjoy with the dogs now summer has arrived.

Led by Maintenance Operative Ryan Hawkins (pictured above with Banjo), the

Ryan, who has worked at Dogs Trust Shoreham since 2019, says: “We have 40 acres of green land on site which is incredible, but we wanted to create a dedicated space where staff and our dogs can take a breather and just enjoy some relaxation in a quiet space. www.dogstrust.org.uk

Barking Heads partners with the UK’s leading dog-friendly music festival Natural dog food brand, Barking Heads has announced an exclusive partnership with the UK’s most dog-friendly music festival, Standon Calling.

The partnership marks the first time the Hertfordshire-based music festival and Barking Heads have joined forces to deliver a completely new experience for festival goers and their four-legged friends. This year’s Standon Calling, takes place between 22nd and 25th July in the grounds of Standon Lordship. Since the music festival began in 2005, it has welcomed thousands of dogs to enjoy a magical weekend with their owners.

New plant-based dog food launched

Families are catered for with a plethora of activities and performances laid on for babies, kids and teens. And let’s not forget party happy pooches.

The fun-loving, dog-obsessed team from Barking Heads will be making sure that festival dogs have the best four-day party too. Central to all the action will be a doggy-dedicated walking area, allowing furry revellers the chance to celebrate festival time with their very own facilities.

For more information on the event visit www.standon-calling.com gives the food an irresistible cheesy flavour.

Founder Lucy says: Noochy Poochy uses select organic “As plant-based diets ingredients, and was formulated by Lucy continue to grow, so Mckinna, a vegan vet, and an animal too does the demand nutritionist, working in collaboration to for a pet food that ensure it provides a nutritionally fits in with people’s complete food, containing everything environmental and needed for a healthy dog. moral choices. We’re confident that By combining a number of different plant proteins, the food is able to achieve a 28% Noochy Poochy perfectly aligns with these protein content, not only the highest of any principles and provides an ethical, high quality product that’s not only tasty, but plant-based dog food on the UK market but also higher than most meat-based dog also provides everything dogs need to stay fit and healthy.“ foods.

The brand takes its name from its use of nutritional yeast, known as ‘nooch’, which

For more information visit wwwnoochypoochy.com.

NEWS SNIPPETS Two new books are due for release in September which would be perfect for pet parents.

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.

Both books will be published in Hardback in September 2021, priced £9.99.

For more information on both books visit summersdale.com/ An unwanted Staffie who was rescued by the RSPCA after being abandoned has transformed into a life-saving explosives search dog who protects the Royal family.

Five-year-old Roxy was rescued by RSPCA officers after being abandoned in 2017. She was taken in by the charity’s West Hatch Animal Centre, in Somerset.

Trained to detect the scent of explosives, PC Carter and PD Roxy carry out security sweeps before high-profile public events and VIP visits. They search for suspicious packages, sweep venues ahead of Royal and Ministerial visits, as well as responding to bomb threats and searching private jets.

The RSPCA reveals it has seen a surge in new volunteers since the start of the pandemic.

During what has been a difficult 15 months for all charities, the RSPCA has been incredibly grateful to have doubled its number of volunteers since the start of the first national lockdown.

During the last 12 months in particular, there has been an 85% increase in volunteers with the charity .

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article

A guide to...

Supporting your senior dog’s joints & mobility Just like us as pets age, they can become less mobile and suffer from joint issues like arthritis.

Joint problems are a common complaint from pet owners as their dogs age. Joint function can deteriorate with age which can have a huge impact on your dog’s quality of life.

Exercising your senior dog As your pet ages, there can be noticeable signs of mobility loss including physical changes which can become more apparent as they get older. Senior pets may slow down or need more rest than their younger counterparts.

Common signs include: • Lagging behind on walks, reluctance to exercise.

• Unwillingness to jump on furniture or into the car.

• Slow or refusing to go up or down stairs.

• Interacting less with family • Struggle to bend down to their food or water bowl.

• They may sleep or rest in easier to reach places.

Regular and gentle exercise is important for senior dogs to help maintain their mobility and quality of life. Be sure to go at their pace and stop if they need to rest.

Walking Be sure to take it slow and keep at your dog’s pace. Don’t push them too far or hard, stop and rest if they are struggling.

Training You can teach an old dog new tricks. Training not only keeps your pet active physically; it also helps to support their cognitive function.

Swimming Swimming is good for senior dogs as the water buoyancy supports their body weight and puts less strain on their joints.

Ball games Your dog can still enjoy a game of fetch if they feel up to it. Be careful not to over-exert your senior dog. Despite their age, some dogs never lose their fun-loving puppy nature.

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Tips to help support your senior dog’s joints To help your senior pet’s mobility and support their joints, there are some positive things you can do, which include: Keep walking This will help to keep your senior dog active and help their muscles and joints.

Think little and often as joints get stiffer when they are not used as much. Don’t stop walking. Your dog might not be able to go on longer walks anymore, but they still need the opportunity to get outdoors every day to sniff and stretch their legs. Keep the route short in case your dog gets tired and needs rest.

Ramps These can be great around the home or for in the car.

They can be used to help your dog get onto furniture

or into the car without having to jump up, which can add pressure to their joints.

Soft floor coverings Ley rugs on hard wood floors or use non-slip treats on hardwood stairs. You don’t need to replace all your floors but ensuring some areas in your home less slippery can make it easier for your old dog to get around.

Healthy weight Keep an eye on your dog’s weight and try to ensure they maintain a healthy weight. As they get older and stop moving around as much, your dog may gain some excess weight. This can add pressure to weight bearing joints and cause a reduction in mobility. Speak to your vet who will be able

to offer the best course of action if you’re worried about your pet’s weight.

Raise bowls If your dog struggles to bend down, raise their food and water bowl to help with easier access.

Comfort Provide your dog with a warm and comfy bed. Be sure to give them plenty of bedding to pad around their joints. If their bed is usually on a tiled floor, move it to a room that is carpeted and away from any drafts.

Indoor exercise If the weather is too hot or cold outside, indoor exercises can benefit your senior dog. Puzzle toys and indoor games are a great way to keep your old dog

happy and active and enjoy some quality time together.

Natural supplements giving your senior dog a daily joint supplement can help to maintain their mobility and flexibility. Key natural ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin and Boswellia extract can help to maintain your pet’s quality of life by maintaining optimum joint health.

Speak to your vet Regular check-ups with your vet can help to monitor your dog’s joint health. Always check with your vet before starting a new exercise routine with your pet. They are best placed to monitor your dog’s health.

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advice

Top tips to maintain healthy teeth and gums in pets Just like us it’s important for our four-legged friends to follow a daily dental routine. Your pet’s teeth have a lot of work to do, if they aren’t properly cared for, it can cause problems.

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.

Signs of poor dental health in pets can include, bad breath, yellow and brown tartar, bleeding gums, a sore mouth, drooling, loose teeth, pawing at the mouth or difficulty eating. To help pet owners maintain their pet’s dental health, we share some tops tips: Teeth brushing

Brushing your pet’s teeth regularly is the best way to keep their teeth clean and healthy. Be patient and take things slowly to get them used to having their teeth cleaned over a few weeks. Let them taste their new pet safe toothpaste so they think of brushing their teeth as a treat not a chore.

Start their dental routine early

Starting your pet’s dental routine from an early age will get them used to having their teeth brushed without any fuss. However, it’s never too late to start your pet’s dental routine, older dogs or cats can also be trained to have their teeth brushed.

Use a pet-friendly toothpaste

When brushing your pet’s teeth make sure you use a pet-friendly toothpaste

and tooth brush. Most human toothpaste contains fluoride, which is poisonous for pets. Many human toothpastes also contain Xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is toxic to dogs. Xylitol can cause blood sugar drops in dogs, as well as potential liver damage. If you’re unsure, your vet will be able to advise which toothpaste is best for your pet.

Toys

You can buy your dog toys that are designed to clean their teeth as they chew on them. Be careful not to get toys that are too small and can be swallowed or get caught in your dog’s throat.

Dental chews

Dental chews or treats and specialist foods can also help to keep your pet’s mouth healthy. Be careful not to feed them too

many of these, include them in their daily calorie intake to prevent any unwanted weight gain.

Treats

Don’t feed them too many sugary treats, as this can cause more bacteria to build up on your pet’s teeth.

Food

Dry food could be a better option than wet food for your pet’s teeth as soft food can get stuck to the teeth and cause decay.

Bones

Don’t feed your dog bones as these can damage their teeth. Bones can also break into splinters which can damage their gums and throat.

Visit your vet

Regular vet visits can allow them to keep an eye on your pet’s oral health, as

well as other health issues that may arise. If you don’t feel confident brushing your pet’s teeth, your vet will be able to offer advice on how to do this to best suit your pet’s needs and reduce any stress.

Natural plaque remover

Consider giving your pet a natural supplement to support your pet’s teeth and gums. These should be used in conjunction with daily brushing rather than instead of to help minimise plaque build-up.

There are many natural plaque remover supplements for dogs and cats on the market, which can help support your pet’s oral health.

If you are worried about your pet’s dental health be sure to speak to your vet is best placed to offer advice dependent on their age and breed.

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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...

Furr Boost – dog hydration drink Taster pack £5.99 Multipack of 8 (200ml) cartons £15.75 Furr Boost is a brand-new healthy dog hydration drink.

Formulated with human grade, high-quality ingredients, it provides a junk-free, delicious complement to your dog’s daily water intake.

Available in three flavours – beef, broccoli and blueberry; chicken, butternut squash and cranberry; and pork, sweet potato and apple.

All are completely free from artificial preservatives, colourants and antioxidants, and each drink is packed with natural superfoods, vitamins and added oils from salmon, flaxseed and coconut.

Nutraquin+ – aids joints & mobility in 7 days

Skinner’s Field & Trial – hand baked dog treats

Prices from £17.99 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 containing the necessary high strength ingredients that help to 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

Prices from £1.49 for a single 90g pouch Skinner’s Field & Trial Treats are hand-baked by real bakers, wholesome and full of goodness, all British-made with locally sourced ingredients where possible. The ingredients also come from a supplier who shares Skinner’s ethos and values for good nutrition, so you know your hard-working dog is only getting the good stuff. The range is ideal for motivating and rewarding your dog whilst supporting their health and wellbeing, in 100% recyclable, plastic free and compostable packaging. www.skinners.co.uk

www.furrboost.com

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article

Surviving Summer with pets

Summer months are a great opportunity to spend more time outdoors with our four-legged friends, either in gardens or local parks. Warm temperatures and longer days mean that pets generally enjoy being outside more.

However, with warmer weather comes hazards for dogs and cats. During Summer months, it’s important to keep an eye on your pets to ensure they stay cool and safe.

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We love nothing more than seeing our pets running around enjoying the long summer days and exploring outside. However, some pets can overheat and like us can even get sunburnt if they spend too much time in the sun.

To help pets stay safe in Summer and ensure we all get to enjoy the warm weather together, we highlight some hazards that owners should be aware of: Heatstroke Heatstroke is potentially dangerous for dogs and occurs when your dog cannot lose excess heat causing their body to reach dangerous temperatures.

Being in an environment that is too hot or humid can lead to heatstroke, especially if your dog is running or playing. This can include, a hot day, being enclosed in a warm room (conservatories especially become lethally hot rapidly on sunny days) and being left in a car.

Hydration Hydration is important all year round, but during hot Summer months, make sure your pet has constant access to fresh, clean water.

You could add ice cubes to the water to help keep it cool during the day. If your cat spends more time outside, remember to leave a bowl of water outdoors for them, if they are unable to get back inside during the day.

Fleas and ticks Fleas are an all-year-round problem, but warmer weather can increase your pet’s chances of coming into contact with fleas, ticks and even worms. Be sure to keep up with your pet’s flea and worm treatment to make sure fleas don’t cause them any irritation.

Ticks are active as temperatures start to rise.

Always check your dog for ticks following walks, especially in wooded areas and if your cat spends a lot of their time outside.

During summer months, it’s important to check your pets once a day.

Travelling with pets If you are taking your pet on holiday and travelling by car, make sure you are prepared before you leave.

Take plenty of water for your dog and take breaks during the drive for toilet stops and to let your dog stretch.

Never leave your dog alone in the car for any length of time, especially in extreme temperatures. Cars get very hot quickly in the sun and this could risk your pet’s health.

Keep pets cool If it’s too warm for you, it’s too warm for your pet. In the home you could use a fan but be careful to keep wires out of the way, so they don’t get chewed. You could put down damp towels for your pet to lie on or fill a hot water bottle with cold water but be sure to keep an eye on them to prevent chewing.

To keep them cool in the garden, create a shady den to help your pet escape the sun. Make sure they have plenty of fresh water on offer – as well as water to use to cool off. You could

use a small paddling pool in your garden to keep your dog cool in high temperatures.

Rabbits and small furries It’s important to look after smaller pets in high temperatures just as much as dogs and cats. Make sure their hutch and play area are in the shade. For indoor rabbits be sure that their cage is not placed in direct sunlight. Ensure they have plenty of fresh cool water to stay hydrated. You could use a fan for smaller pets but don’t place them directly onto your rabbit and cover any wires in case they get chewed.

Sun protection Like us, some pets can suffer from sunburn if they spend too much time in the sun. Pets with light skin and short or thin hair, such as white cats are more susceptible to sensitive skin from the sun. Try to limit the amount of time your pet spends in the sun or keep them inside on very sunny days.

You can use pet-friendly sun cream to protect them.

Apply to the nose and ears or any areas where the fur is thinner and needs protection. Remember, if your dog goes swimming, to re-apply the cream frequently.

Exercise Despite high temperatures, it’s still important to ensure your dog gets enough exercise. Be careful not to exhert them if it’s too hot.

During particularly hot days avoid the hottest times of the day. Walk your dog in the morning or early evening when it’s cooler.

The intense heat of midday can overwhelm your dog.

Pavements can also become extremely hot in high temperatures and if not protected will burn your pet’s paws. The test is, if you can’t hold your hand on the hot pavement for longer than five seconds then it is too hot for your dogs to walk on.

Microchipping During warmer months with doors and windows left open, make sure your pet’s microchip details are up to date in case they escape and get lost. Microchips make it easier to reunite you with your cat or dog should they get lost.

During summer months, gardens can look more inviting for your pet who may sneak out at any opportunity.

If you are worried about your pet’s health in Summer, speak to your vet who is best placed to monitor them.

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Q&A

Q&A Why should people consider a rescue when deciding on a new family member?

Rehoming a dog from a charity like Wood Green is an incredibly rewarding experience. A good centre will guide prospective new owners through the selection process, to ensure the right match, and support them not only during the settling in period, but throughout the dog’s life. Dogs that end up in rehoming centres don’t always have the best start in life, so it’s wonderful to offer them a second chance at happiness.

As experts in rehabilitating and rehoming dogs, Wood Green are completely transparent and up-front about every dog’s medical and behavioural condition, as well as any ongoing needs they may have. Each dog is vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and neutered, and receives four weeks’ free pet insurance, so new owners have everything they need.

If you’re considering getting a dog, the first step is to think about exactly what you’re looking for in a new family member and how they will fit into your life. Check your local charities to see if they have anything suitable, but please bear in mind that many charities receive hundreds of enquiries for each available dog. If you aren’t able to rehome from a charity, it’s still possible to get a dog responsibly – just make sure that breeders are reputable and registered with The Kennel Club, or that

With Sue Ketland

Dog Behaviour & Training Specialist at Wood Green, the Animals Charity Wood Green, the Animals Charity, which features on Channel 4’s ‘The Dog House’, offers a glimpse into how they match dogs with new owners.

The Cambridgeshire centre also rehabilitates and rehomes thousands of cats and small animals each year, as well as providing free advice and hands-on support to pet owners in need. you’re asking all the right questions in a private sale. At Wood Green, we’re happy to support people in their search for a new pet.

How important is it to find the right owner for the right dog?

Finding the right match is essential, as getting it wrong can result in huge emotional upset for both parties. We rehome around 700 dogs every year, and we’re really proud that 98% of these matches are successful – because we take the time to get to know every dog and new owner. The Dog House captures that magic perfectly. Not everyone gets matched with exactly the dog they expected, but in most cases it’s even better.

On the other hand, it isn’t always meant to be – and it’s important to be honest and realistic when this is the case.

What do you look for when pairing up a dog with new owners?

We look for people who are patient, empathetic and listen to what we have to say about an individual dog.

Many dogs at Wood Green have quite complex medical and behavioural needs, so they can take time to settle in and build trust with their new owners. It’s really important for us to find people who will embrace kind, positive training methods, and that people will remain in contact with us – either to keep us posted with their progress, or to allow us to help with any issues.

As for the rest, it completely depends on each individual dog and their age, breed type, prior training and prior life experience. We don’t exclude anyone based on blanket policies. Some dogs enjoy the company of children and other pets, whilst others don’t. Some dogs need lots of space and secure gardens to run around in, whereas others will be happy living in a flat with a daily walk to stretch their legs. Some are already quite well adjusted, but others need ongoing training that will impact the owner’s lifestyle. The personality fit is fundamental too. The perfect new home for a lazy Greyhound will be very different to a bouncy Border Collie puppy!

How do you prepare the dogs before they go to their new home?

When any animal is brought into Wood Green’s centre in Cambridgeshire, our top priority is their health. We give them a thorough assessment for any medical issues or injuries, which could mean life-saving surgery or urgent treatment. Some pets arrive with us very anxious or scared, or with other behavioural needs. This is where the training specialists step in, to see how we can help.

We work together to map out an individual plan for every pet’s care – which can include diet, medical treatment, exercise, enrichment, training and fostering – to get them back on their paws. We don’t want

to keep any dogs, cats or small animals at our centre for longer than necessary, but we need to make sure they’re ready before we start to rehome them. This could take days, weeks or even months.

How has the pandemic changed the way you re-home pets?

Whilst the logistics are a little different, with conversations happening over the phone or email rather than face-toface, the core rehoming process has remained the same during the pandemic.

Prospective new owners get in touch with information about their set-up and what they’re looking for, and we’ll see which of our dogs, cats or small pets they could be a good fit for. If there’s a potential match, we’ll get in touch to discuss the pet in more detail and give the prospective owner the opportunity to meet the pet, and ask any questions they may have, before making a final decision. Throughout the past year, we’ve also continued to provide pet owners with free one-to-one behavioural advice, online training classes and a host of other services. These are available to all pet owners, not just those who rehomed from Wood Green.

Visit www.woodgreen.org.uk to find out more about the charity and the work of their team at Wood Green.

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advice from the expert

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Senior rabbit care

By Emma Purnell, RVN Cert.Nut. As we are taking greater care of our rabbits they are living longer which is wonderful, but does lead to some complications as they become older. While in the past people expected their rabbits to be short lived pets, they are now routinely living to the age of 9 and above and the care of a young and senior rabbits are very different.

At what age is a rabbit classed as senior? This is very difficult as it varies between breeds. As with most species, larger breeds such as French Lops and Continental Giants have a shorter lifespan, being classed as senior as early as 3-4 years old, while the tiny Netherland Dwarf may not be classed as senior until 8!

The best advice is to class every rabbit as an individual and to judge each on their own merits.

The mobility of senior rabbits can alter for a variety of reasons, from a general calming down of behaviour as they mature to issues with health conditions. Arthritis and/or spondylosis can affect older animals and is a multifactorial condition which essentially leads to stiffness and inflammation of joints. This makes movement more uncomfortable and often leads to a restriction in activity levels. The typical signs seen in cases such as these are a gradual slow down (can be difficult to spot), changes to the way they move including an unwillingness to binky, reduced hopping, dragging legs and not using areas of their enclosure they might have before e.g. shelves, ramps etc. If you spot any of these signs it is

important that you take your rabbit for a vet check as soon as possible, firstly to get a correct diagnosis as some of these signs can be linked to several problems, but also to ensure that the correct treatment is started as early as possible to reduce pain and discomfort. As well as medical treatment, changes need to be reflected in the environment and the diet.

Areas of the enclosure such as ramps and steps might need to be adjusted to allow for any limited mobility.

Reduced activity may also mean prolonged periods sitting in one place, which can lead to pressure sores (pododermatitis) on hocks.

Other factors which can lead to pododermatitis include rabbits being overweight and their breed – Rex rabbits have a thinner layer of fur on their heels making them more prone to issues. Providing soft bedding such as highdensity polyester bed (e.g.

Vetbed) can help to reduce that pressure and avoid issues.

Dental issues can be a problem for rabbits at any age and have often presented themselves before this point, but traumatic malocclusion can occur at any age. As with rabbits of any age, any reduction in appetite or faeces output, change in food choice, dribbling, weight loss, overgrowth of incisors or lumps along the jawline should be investigated by a veterinary surgeon as soon as possible.

The diet of a senior rabbit should still be made up almost entirely of good quality hay, but the pellet food can be adjusted as senior diets are available,

usually from 4 years plus.

The number of pellets needed for senior rabbits are variable based on the individual. It is recommended that an average adult rabbit has a tablespoon of pellets per kg body weight per day, for a senior rabbit with limited mobility this should be reduced to ensure they do not become overweight, however some rabbits can lose muscle mass as they age and may need more – again you can be led by your vet on the body condition score of your rabbit and gain advice to maintain their ideal weight.

Being overweight as a senior rabbit can lead to issues with pressure sores as previously mentioned, but also grooming issues.

This can prevent them grooming properly, leading to a higher risk of flystrike.

Vaccination and flystrike prevention are still important in older rabbits, if anything, more important as their immune system can decline with age and they can be at higher risk. These vaccination visits can also be a perfect opportunity to get your rabbits fully health checked and should be taken advantage of.

The same care should be provided for senior rabbits as any other rabbit in extreme weather conditions, but they can be affected more severely so provide extra sources of warmth and insulation in cold temperatures and cooling packs with plenty of shade on hot days.

We are lucky that we get to keep our rabbit friends for longer but need to ensure we provide the best care at all life stages.

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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