Companion Life - spring 2022

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SPRING 2022

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In this issue > A guide to travelling in the car with pets > Top tips for Easter with pets > Spring allergies in pets > Q&A with Arden Grange > Caring for guinea pigs

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EDITOR’S COMMENT

I’m delighted to present the spring 2022 edition of Companion Life Magazine. Companion Life is a FREE magazine, which offers pet owners information, news and advice. In this issue we highlight spring allergies in pets, as well as sharing some top tips for pet owners during Easter. Arden Grange features in our Q&A, and we share a guide to travelling in the car with your pet. Our small animal expert shares how to care for guinea pigs. 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

Celebrity Vet Dr Bolu Eso partners with Butternut Box various British TV shows and viral hits on social media, Bolu is keen to continue educating and entertaining the nation with his new partnership with Butternut Box.

Fresh dog food brand, Butternut Box, has announced an exciting new partnership with one of the nation’s favourite on-screen vets, Dr Bolu Eso.

With both Butternut Box and Dr Bolu sharing a love for pups across the nation and ensuring their health and happiness is their ongoing mission, it is set to be a ‘pooch perfect’ partnership for the year ahead.

Butternut Box chose to bring Dr Bolu on board for his expertise in the veterinary field, as well as his belief in the brand’s products and his love for what they stand for. Known for his TV appearances on

•

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

April 22 marks the eagerly anticipated arrival of Mr Bug, a sumptuous, nutrient-dense range of wheat-free, bug-based treats made with the kingpin of flavoursome grubs, the mighty meal worm.

The range due to launch on April 22 includes: •

The Nutty One – Meal worms PLUS Peanut Butter & Turmeric

•

The Fruity One – Meal worms PLUS Honey, Cranberries & Apple

•

The Veggie One – Meal worms PLUS Sweet Potato, Carrot & Parsnips

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

Khadeeja Paul, Brand Manager at Butternut Box says; “We’re more than excited to have Dr Bolu Eso on board as the newest member of our Butternut Box squad. He’s exactly the sort of healthconscious animal lover that really understands what we’re trying to achieve, and we’re grateful to have his expertise to help with our mission to deliver health and happiness to dogs and their humans across the world.”

Mr Bug launches range of nutritionally ripped entovegan dog treats

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.

Dr Bolu Eso commented; “I’m truly thrilled to be working alongside the brilliant minds at Butternut Box. Putting pets at the heart of everything they do, speaks volumes and being able to provide veterinary expertise to ensure both dogs and their owners are happy and healthy, couldn’t resonate more with me.”

The Cheesy One- Meal worms PLUS Vegetarian Cheese & Beetroot

Now we can hear your ‘brain cogs’ whirring, as you ponder, ‘surely intriguing entovegan blends are nothing new?’

However in the world of dogs, the predominant grub of choice has been the black soldier fly, a bitter-tasting stalwart of animal feed and not the human-friendly, podgy meal worm which offers you 4-legged friends moreish treats with a deliciously distinct nutty twang. Secondly and perhaps most excitingly, Mr Bug’s meal worms come with a rich Devon accent (not your usual gravelly lowlands utterances) because this is a proud SW enterprise where tasty meal worms are brought up on locally grown fruit and veg before being lightly hand-baked in small artisanal batches.

For more information visit www.mrbug.co.uk

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Lab who is rescued from Welsh puppy farm starts new life in the police

A young Labrador who started life in ‘horrific’ conditions on a Welsh puppy farm has made an incredible transformation and is now helping to fight crime in Gloucestershire.

Bonnie was just six-months-old when she was rescued, alongside her mum who also

had two tiny one-day-old puppies, from a travellers’ site in South Wales in March 2021 as part of an RSPCA operation. A total of 21 dogs were removed from the address, as part of a warrant executed by South Wales Police, after they were found to be underweight, suffering from skin conditions, and were living in unhygienic and hazardous conditions. Bonnie, and fellow RSPCA rescue dog spaniel Marshall, joined Gloucestershire Constabulary and were both fostered by experienced dog handler PC Claire Todd to spend time with her and her veteran police dog, PD Stella the Staffie. She started her training in November 2021, qualifying as a proactive cash, drugs and firearms search dog in December before hitting the streets in the New Year, as one of four new recruits in the unit, all of whom were rescue dogs.

RSPCA donates £20,000 to help animals of war-torn Ukraine RSPCA has pledged £20,000 to international animal charity FOUR PAWS’ appeal for donations to help animals in Ukraine.

Contributions to international animal charity FOUR PAWS will be channelled towards local Ukrainian organisations which are working hard on the ground in the war-torn country to care for animals – from dogs who have been lost by their fleeing owners, to wild bears in need. The donations from the RSPCA and others towards the care of animals in Ukraine complement newly announced free

quarantine services for pets arriving from there into the UK with their refugee owners. The RSPCA will continue to work as part of Eurogroup for Animals supporting organisations working on the ground in Ukraine to help those animals who have been left behind. The RSPCA will continue to work as part of Eurogroup for Animals supporting organisations working on the ground in Ukraine to help those animals who have been left behind.

Find out more about how you can help here: www.four-paws.org.uk/ukraineupdate

Nutravet to exhibit at DogFest events Natural animal health manufacturer, Nutravet will be exhibiting at three DogFest events this year.

After their success at Crufts 2022, the Nutravet team will be heading to DogFest for the first time this summer.

DogFest welcomes over 150,000 visitors each year with fun dog shows, stunning country walks, advice from experts, fantastic shopping, and live music.

Nutravet are delighted to be exhibiting among all the stands, showcasing their full range of natural pet products. You can see Nutravet at three of the DogFest locations,

Loseley Park, Surrey, 7th and 8th May, Tatton Park, Cheshire, 18th and 19th June and Harewood House, Yorkshire, 24th and 25th September. A spokesperson for Nutravet commented: “We had a very successful show at Crufts and we can’t wait to see everyone at the DogFest events. As well as their four-legged friends.”

NEWS SNIPPETS A Mountain Rescue Search Dog from the Lake District who completed over 200 searches during her 11year career has been honoured by the UK vet charity, PDSA. Border Collie Skye, who is believed to be the oldest working Mountain Rescue Search Dog in the UK when she finally retired in September 2020 at 14-and-a-half years old, has today received the PDSA Order of Merit* for her outstanding devotion to duty and service to society.

Skye, together with her handler John Leadbetter (49) searched day and night in all weathers, supporting the Lake District Mountain Rescue Teams (MRT) to locate missing people.

Her unique skills have helped her to clear and discount vast areas of land on searches in often treacherous conditions, speeding up searches and enabling people to be found quickly.

The RSPCA Cat Hub in Darlington has rehomed its 1,000th cat in a special event which saw a guest appearance from The Yorkshire Vet Julian Norton.

The Cat Hub was set up by the RSPCA four years ago to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome cats in need in the North East. During that time, the hub has rehomed 250 cats a year with the 1,000th cat – Hugo – rehomed today.

At the event held at Aeolian House, Julian Norton was joined by Chief Inspector Mark Gent and Cat Hub rehoming coordinator Sophie Moran-Barker.

The Cat Hub is based just outside of Darlington and is supported by four local branches of the charity.

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ARTICLE

A guide to...

TRAVELLING WITH PETS Most pet owners will take their pet for a trip in the car at some point, whether that be a quick visit to the vets, to the kennels or on a longer journey for a UK holiday. Many dogs love to travel in the car, but some pets will find it stressful if it’s something they are not used to. By planning you can ensure your pet is safe and comfortable during the journey.

Keeping your pet safe Prevent accidents -a loose driver could distract the driver from the road and cause an accident. They could even get in the way of the steering wheel or the brake pedal.

Using a restraint of some sort will help to keep your pet safe during the journey and help to reduce any stress for you and your pet.

Not only will a restraint such as a seatbelt or harness keep your pet safe during the car journey, but it is also a legal requirement.

Their safety – a pet seatbelt or carrier will help to prevent serious injuries to your pet if

you are involved in a car accident.

Your safety – if your pet is loose in the car, they could seriously hurt you and your passengers in an accident.

At just 30mph an unrestrained dog weighing 20kg would be hurled forward with a force equivalent to the weight of a small moose.

Legal requirement – the Highway Code says that drivers must make sure dogs and other animals are suitably restrained in your car. If you don’t follow The Highway Code, you could be seen as driving without due care and attention. If you are in an accident because you were distracted by your pet, this could be counted as dangerous driving.

Insurance – a lot of car insurance policies require you to restrain your pets properly. A loose pet in the car could break the terms of your insurance and leave you with a big bill to pay if you’re in an accident. It may invalidate your pet insurance if they are injured and need treatment.

There are several methods to restrain your pet safely in the car, which include: Crates - these work well if your dog is already crate trained.

It keeps them safe while giving them a sense of security while travelling. Make sure the crate is big enough for your dog to move around in.

Carriers- these can be used for smaller dogs and cats. They are lightweight and easy to manoeuvre and can be placed on the back seat.

Harness - effectively these are dog seat belts. Most are fitted to your dog and then clipped into existing seatbelts, protecting your dog from serious injury in the event of an accident.

Guards - these metal grills fit between the boot of your car and back passenger seats. They give your dog the freedom of the boot but keep them safely contained.

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Tips for safely travelling in the car with your pet Windows Don’t let your dog stick their head out of the window. This can seem like fun and like they are getting some fresh air, but accidents can happen and impact at speed can have devastating consequences. If your dog has his head out of the window, this can also be a distraction for other drivers.

Regular breaks For long journeys, make sure your dog has a chance to stretch their legs and have a drink of water if it is a warm day. Break up your car journey with plenty of stops, include a trip to a park or a dog-friendly attraction.

Remember a break is good for us too.

Keep them cool Cars can warm up quickly, so it’s important to be aware of your pet’s temperature when you’re on the go and remember to pop on the air

conditioning or open windows to keep them cool on particularly warm days.

In hot weather, never leave your dog in the car on their own, even if you’re only popping into the shop. A short period of time can be too long, and any delay could lead to devastating consequences.

Car sickness If your pet gets car sick, try not to feed them right before the journey. Make sure they have had plenty of time to digest their meal or leave it until after the car journey to feed them. Speak to your vet as they may be able to offer medication to help with car sickness for your pet.

Carry water Make sure you have a bowl and some water for your dog on long journeys to prevent them getting dehydrated.

Reduce stress If your pet is particularly anxious about travelling in the car, ask your vet about a calming supplement, which could be given prior to the journey to help reduce stress for your pet. There are many products on the market, such as Pet Remedy, Nutracalm

by Nutravet or Scullcap and Valerian by Dorwest Herbs.

Your vet will be able to recommend the best product, depending on your pet’s anxiety.

Start young Pets who are used to travelling in the car from a young age are much more likely to be relaxed and comfortable during car trips.

Introduce them to the car as early as you can as part of their socialisation and training. You could start by getting them used to being in a parked car and then take small trips as they build up confidence. Make sure their

experience in the car is positive and reward good behaviour with a treat or a fun walk.

Letting them out When you arrive at your destination, only ever let your dog out of the car onto the pavement side and never a road. Training your dog to wait until you have told them they can exist is helpful. This gives you time to get them safely on their lead, assess traffic or other dangers and get them out safe and stress free.

Airbags If your pet is travelling in the front passenger seat, don’t forget to disable the airbags.

However, letting them travel in the front of the car alongside you could be a distraction, so it would be better and safer for them to travel on the back seat.

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ADVICE

TOP TIPS for pet owners

at Easter

Easter can be a fun and exciting time for many when we can enjoy a nice break and some much-needed downtime with our pets.

Whether you’re enjoying nice long walks with your dog or tucking into your favourite chocolate egg, as a pet owner it’s important to remember the hazards for pets that can come with Easter time.

Many pet owners see their pet as one of the family and like to include them in the celebrations or festivities.

To help keep your pets healthy and safe this Easter, we highlight some hazards for pet owners to be aware of: Chocolate

Chocolate contains a powerful stimulant called theobromine that pets can’t cope with, so even the smallest amount can be toxic. Keep all chocolate eggs and treats out of reach from your pets and let other family members know not to feed them any. Keep some of your dog or cat’s favourite treat to hand while you are enjoying your Easter egg to ensure they don’t beg or feel left out.

Hot cross buns

Hot cross buns are a common yummy treat around Easter time and can contain raisins, currants or sultanas. These are all foods that are toxic to cats and dogs and could cause tummy upsets. Be sure to keep these out of reach from your pet, especially if they are left alone in the house – be sure they are all hidden away.

Easter grass

Colourful grasses are often used to line Easter baskets for Easter egg hunts or decoration. These usually contain plastic materials, which can be harmful to pets if swallowed. Try using alternatives like tissue paper and keep all decorations out of reach from pets.

Easter plants

Flowers and plants that add some colour to our homes or gardens at this time of year, such as daffodils and lilies can be toxic to our pets. Lilies contain unknown toxins that if ingested by cats can cause tummy upsets, even a small amount can result in kidney failure.

Daffodils contain poisonous alkaloids that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and excessive salivation in pets. The bulbs are the most dangerous part.

Spring bulbs

All spring bulbs and often what grows out of them are poisonous to pets. Dogs are most likely to be affected as they can be curious when in the garden and root them up, especially when freshly planted or coming into flower in spring.

Roast dinner

Many of us will sit down to a roast dinner at Easter, but don’t be tempted to feed your pet scraps from the dinner table. Fatty pork or ham can lead to upset tummies for our pets. Be sure to make other family members aware they should not feed scraps to your cat or dog. Give your pet some yummy treats to enjoy whilst you sit down for your dinner to stop them from begging.

Easter egg hunts

These can be fun for the family at Easter, but when all the eggs have been found or the family has given up, be sure to collect all

remaining eggs so your dog isn’t tempted by them.

Even if you use plastic or boiled eggs these can still cause problems.

House guests

If you have family visiting over the Easter weekend, be mindful of pets who may become anxious with new people in the home.

Create a den for them to go to if they get stressed, and check on them regularly.

Spring cleaning

Be aware of household cleaning products and don’t leave them lying around the house for your pet to sniff out. Commercial cleaning products, almost without exception, contain chemicals that are toxic to your dog or cat. Try switching to non-toxic household cleaning products.

If you are worried that your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t, consult your vet straight away.

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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...

Pebble Urn – a tribute as unique as your pet RRP £360.00 incl UK delivery

A beautiful, discrete urn handcrafted in Scotland from hardwood.

Designing and developing Pebble Urn has been a true labour of love.

Each Pebble is handcrafted by artisans from high quality sustainable hardwood, then sanded and oiled by hand to a perfect finish. Pebble doesn’t look like an urn – it is tactile, warm and discrete, allowing you to have your pet close by, and remain part of your everyday life.

Pebble is round and comforting to hold – remains are securely sealed inside so you can pick it up, caress it, and cherish fond memories. www.pebble-urn.co.uk

Nutramega – high strength support for healthy skin & glossy coat

Prices from £16.49 for 45 capsules.

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. www.nutravet.co.uk/ nutramega

ProDen PlaqueOff® – banish that bad breath RRP £15.99

ProDen PlaqueOff® helps cats & dogs oral hygiene problems such as bad breath, plaque & tartar – naturally.

ProDen PlaqueOff® Powder is a seaweed supplement that is sprinkled onto food daily. By working systemically, it helps prevent oral hygiene problems, as well as softening existing build up. The #1 Best-Selling product in its category carries the Veterinary Oral Health Council Seal of Acceptance, and in 2021 over 73 million doses were sold in the UK. Products are available in vet practices, pet shops and online. www.swedencare.com

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ARTICLE

Spring allergies in pets

Allergies in pets at this time of year can vary from food, environmental or household, and 10% of allergies in dogs are said to be food related, but many pets can suffer from more than one. There are certain breeds of cats and dogs that are more susceptible to allergies and most commonly affected, including Retrievers, German Shepherds, Dachshunds, Cocker Spaniels and Rex Cats.

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Just like their owners, allergies in pets are a common occurrence with an estimated 20% of dogs suffering from them. The type of allergy that your pet has can be hard to diagnose as many of the symptoms are almost identical.

Seasonal allergies in pets usually manifest as itchy, dry or sensitive skin, but there are other common signs. For example if they have a runny nose, excessively drooling or are just not themselves, it could be down to allergies.

Common causes: Although they can suffer with more than one allergy, there are common types that pets can develop: • Atopy (also known as Atopic Dermatitis) • Flea allergy • Hay fever • Food allergy Other causes of common allergies in pets can include, pollen, mould spores, dust, feathers, perfumes, cleaning products and fleas.

Atopic Dermatitis Atopic Dermatitis (Atopy) is an allergy to something in the environment, such as pollen, grass or dust mites.

Pets with Atopic Dermatitis tend to have very itchy skin, usually it’s worse on their paws, ears, tummy and armpits. If your pet has Atopic Dermatitis they may be constantly scratching, licking and biting, which can make their skin red, sore and open to infection. Pets can develop Atopic Dermatitis at any age, although it can be more common in young dogs and in certain breeds, such as the West Highland Terrier (Westie). Common symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis can include itchy skin, ear infections, licking or chewing themselves, hair loss, dark/ thickened skin, weepy eyes, bacterial skin infections and yeast infections.

Finding out what your pet is allergic to can be quite challenging as flea and food allergies can cause almost identical symptoms as Atopic Dermatitis.

To help reduce symptoms and prevent future flare ups, your vet may recommend steps to avoid triggers, such as:

When a pet suffers from hay fever can depend on what type of pollen they are sensitive to and what part of the UK you live in: • Tree pollen - from late March to Mid-May • Grass pollen - Mid-may to July • Weed pollen - end of June to September.

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

Flea allergies When your pet gets bitten by a flea, it injects saliva into their skin. Flea saliva is irritating to most animals, including humans and can trigger an allergic reaction in some cats and dogs.

Everyday itching from a flea bite is not the same as a flea allergy. A pet that is allergic to flea bites will have a skin reaction every time they are bitten, which can cause intense itching and inflammation of the skin. Other common signs of an allergic reaction to fleas include hair loss, over grooming, lumpy skin, red, inflamed skin and fleas.

Hay fever Hay fever is an allergy that is common in spring and summer. The allergic reaction is caused by the body’s response to pollen in the air. An allergy to pollen is less common than an allergy to fleas or house dust mites and it’s not easy to tell the difference unless your pet has an allergy test.

If your pet has a flea allergy, as an owner you need to ensure it is managed properly. A poorly managed flea allergy could cause severe skin disease and illness. With the advice and treatment from your vet and a good flea control, most pet’s with flea allergies can live a happy and healthy life.

• Avoid walks when the pollen count is high • Rinsing your dog off after walking in long grass • Avoiding sprays (except flea sprays) in the home • Vacuum and dust regularly • Keep your pet up-to-date with their flea treatment, symptoms are likely to flare up if they are bitten.

Your vet will be able to offer advice on the best flea treatment sufficient for your pet. Make sure you treat both indoor and outdoor cats as outdoor cats can bring fleas inside.

Food allergies A food allergy is when a pet’s immune system overreacts to one or more ingredients in their diet.

Common signs for this can include: itchy skin, vomiting, diarrhoea, sore tummy or excessive wind.

Food allergies in dogs can develop at any stage of their life but are most common when they are less than a year old. In cats, they can develop by 4-5 years old. It’s not always easy trying to find what your pet may be allergic too and a food elimination diet is often used to diagnose a food allergy. Dogs tend to be allergic to protein (meat or dairy), with some also allergic to wheat and grains. Cats can be allergic to products such as beef, dairy or fish.

If an allergy is well managed, your pet can live a perfectly normal life.

If you are worried about your pet and suspect they have allergies, speak to your vet who is best placed to monitor their symptoms and manage their treatment.

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Q&A

Q&A

With Arden Grange

By Ness Bird, Nutrition Adviser at Arden Grange

Arden Grange is a family run, Sussex-based business who this year celebrate their 25th anniversary. Ness Bird, Nutrition advisor at Arden Grange answers our questions about their sensitivities in pets and what to look out for at this time of year...

How can you tell if your dog has sensitivities or allergies?

Pet allergies are on the rise, and this is especially true for dogs. The causes for dietary allergies or environmental allergies are well documented, for example higher levels of C02 cause an increase in pollen which, in turn, can trigger allergies.

For dogs, these sensitivities manifest in many ways such as dry, itchy skin, recurring ear infections or diarrhoea. To some level this can be managed by minimising exposure, but with the addition of a supportive diet, that also boosts immunity, symptoms can be effectively controlled. If you think your dog has a sensitivity, make sure you consult with your vet and it might be worth considering a different diet.

reaching higher levels. Limiting exposure to pollen is difficult because dogs need to be walked outdoor. Intra dermal skin testing is expensive, but it can be an extremely useful diagnostic tool since particular types of pollen that are problematic to the individual can be identified. If you know which trees and grasses are annoying your dog’s immune system, it can sometimes be possible to alter walking routes to avoid these plants.

Try to avoid walking at very humid times of the day, if possible. Protective boots may be an idea if your dog’s feet become irritated when walking in particular areas.

Nibbling at the feet can be symptomatic of atopy*, so your dog may have sore feet even if he/she is not walking on something that’s directly affecting him/her such as chemicals used to spray What are the most common crops or insecticides used causes of sensitivities and on grass. Salt and grit on allergies in dogs at this the roads in winter can time of year? exacerbate this, so it’s important to be careful at Although environmental all times of the year allergies can be a year-round problem, animals can suffer from hay fever-like symptoms In the warmer weather there (just like us), which are more are more flying insects about. common during the summer Reactions to insect bites and months when pollens are stings can be very severe if

your dog has an allergy to the enzymes released by the insect. External parasite control is therefore especially important for animals who are allergic to flea or tick saliva, but be sure to use safe, species appropriate products.

How can pet owners reduce those allergies or sensitivities?

Dogs do a lot of sniffing, so it’s no surprise that certain things can get up their noses and cause them problems.

They are also smaller than adult humans, so what might be mildly bothersome to us such as a high pollen count on a summer’s day could be a lot more irritating to an atopic pet. So, a diet that supports the immune system can be very beneficial.

What should a pet owner consider when choosing a diet for a sensitive pet? / How important is a pet’s diet to manage and support sensitivities or allergies?

The food we choose for our dogs can make a big difference to their overall health and well-being. For dogs with sensitivities, it’s important to look for foods that don’t contain common

allergens such as wheat/ gluten, beef, dairy and soya for example, as these can be a trigger for digestive issues, itchy skin or other problems.

Consider foods that are palatable and easily digested.

It’s also worth looking out for additional ingredients that support a healthy immune system. For example, our Sensitive Range is made with fresh ocean white fish and potato, which is gentle for sensitive dogs and naturally rich in Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, while the supplementary Superfood Blend supports the immune system. * Atopy describes an adverse immune reaction to one or more environmental allergen/s

Arden Grange recently launched a new advertising campaign - ‘Home of the Range’, which signals a new phase in the history of this trusted British brand.

To find out more about the Arden Grange range visit www.ardengrange.com

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ADVICE FROM THE EXPERT

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Care of Dwarf Hamsters

By Emma Purnell, RVN Cert.Nut. The term dwarf hamster encompasses several species of hamster including Roborovski and Chinese Dwarf Hamsters. These animals are often seen as children’s pets but may not be ideal for all homes as they have some very specific needs. Hamsters are nocturnal, they sleep during the day and are active through the night so where their housing is placed is important. They can be tamed and handled fairly easily but are very fast and if scared can give a sharp bite so any interactions with children must be closely monitored for both parties!

Handling while sitting on the floor is safest to avoid the risk of a fall from a height.

Housing more than one hamster together can be complicated, some species, such as Chinese Dwarf Hamsters, are best kept alone. Some species can be kept in small groups of 2-3 individuals, but these should be introduced when very young, ideally litter mates, and new individuals not added at a later date.

Groups can fight and cause major injuries to each other so care should be taken to check them every day to ensure this hasn’t happened overnight. Other animals should be kept well away from hamsters as they will be scared.

Many cages sold for hamsters are far too small, even for dwarf species. The larger a space you can provide the better to allow them to explore. When purchasing a large cage do ensure the bar spacing is small enough to ensure they cannot escape. Plastic bottomed cages are better than wooden ones as they

can be more easily cleaned and do not soak in urine.

Hamsters love to dig so having a deep base to the cage and plenty of substrate at the bottom of the cage to allow this will make them much happier. There are many materials which can be used for this but dust free wood shavings or paper based materials are probably the most suitable. Hamsters will build nests so providing bedding material is also vital.

Bedding material which is made up of thin strands or is fluffy and like cotton wool should be avoided, these can get tangled around limbs and cause severe injuries.

Good quality hay or paper bedding is far safer. Adding plenty of hiding places, tunnels, tubes and bedding areas can be very beneficial, especially if there are a group of hamsters. Use of a wheel can be enjoyable for them but ensure that the wheel is large or a ‘flying saucer’ type wheel is provided to avoid any risk of spinal problems. Fresh, clean drinking water must always be provided but avoid bottles with a ball-value tube, they can struggle to drink around this resistance.

In terms of diet hamsters are omnivores, eating seeds, plant matter and insects. The best way to provide this is a complete, good quality dry diet specially marketed for hamsters. This can be supplemented by some green vegetables, root vegetables or a very small amount of fruit e.g. apple but fruit should be kept to a minimum as some species are prone to diabetes. Any fresh food should be removed if not eaten within a few hours. It is important to check bedding areas for

stored fresh food as hamsters will often move food into stores within their bed using their cheek pouches. Dry food can be weighed out and placed in a small bowl, or weighed out and scatter fed/hidden around the cage to provide extra interest. ‘High value’ (tasty) food items could lead to fights between hamsters housed together so be careful with groups to ensure this does not happen.

Hamsters are very good at hiding health issues and therefore if you spot your hamster is not well it is very important that you seek veterinary advice as soon as possible. Hamsters’ teeth grow constantly so they will gnaw – making sure they have a variety of different things to chew on as well as a good diet can help to keep these under control. If they are out of line however they won’t wear down evenly and can overgrow to cause severe dental issues. If you start to see the teeth sticking out or the hamster struggling to store or eat food they will need a veterinary check to find what is going on. Any reduction in eating, sitting hunched,

sunken eyes, dramatic weight loss or gain, excess drinking or instability moving around can be signs they are unwell. They can suffer with tumours and if these are seen as soon as they are spotted they are more likely to be able to be treated.

Respiratory issues can also be a problem so any sneezing or discharge from the nose or eyes must be checked. Hamsters can also suffer with something called ‘wet tail’ when their back end becomes wet with urine or diarrhoea. This can be fatal and must be addressed as soon as noticed.

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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