Companion Life - Summer 2022

FREE PLEASE TAKE A COPY

SUMMER 2022

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In this issue > Understanding gut health in pets > Top tips for pet owners in summer > Things your dog will need during a walk > Q&A with Dr Tammie King > How to keep your rabbit entertained

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EDITOR’S COMMENT I’m delighted to present the summer 2022 edition of Companion Life Magazine.

Companion Life is a FREE magazine, which offers pet owners information, news and advice. In this issue we share 5 things you’ll need for a long dog walk, as well as some top tips for pet owners during summer. Our Q&A is with Dr Tammie King and a guide to understanding gut health 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. Contact details: Companion Life, Barn 3, Somerford Business Court, Holmes Chapel Road, Congleton, Cheshire. CW12 4SN www.companionlife.co.uk

NEWS

Link between nutrition and anxiety discovered in dogs pets, until research by Purina and others shed light on how gut bacteria can affect the brain and behaviour. A survey of 1,000 dog owners carried out by Purina PetCare has found that one in four owners believe their dogs became more anxious across 2021. But while most owners know that their canine companions love their food; it seems that the secret to happiness in dogs, could indeed lie in what they eat.

Scientists have found that certain healthy bacteria have a role to play in helping reduce signs of anxiety in dogs.

This exciting research suggests that owners can help to support their pet’s mental wellbeing by feeding a good diet that encourages a healthy balance of gut bacteria.

The link between the brain and the gut is widely understood and accepted in humans, with phrases such as ‘gut feeling’ and ‘butterflies in the tummy’ commonly used when we’re nervous. But this link has been less well recognised with our

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Purina vet Dr Libby Sheridan said: “We sometimes call the gut the ‘second brain’ because there are so many nerve cells along its length and a great number of biological messengers which constantly communicate between the gut and the brain – messages zoom up and down in a two-way conversation. This can have an impact not only on the health of the gut but also on a pet’s emotional state.”

tails.com goes nationwide with Sainsbury’s

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.

According to Purina’s recent survey, nearly 40% of dog owners were not aware that the health of their dog’s tummy could affect their behaviour.

tails.com is expanding its new retail range to reach over 400 Sainsbury’s stores across the UK following a successful pilot earlier this year.

tails.com’s new in-store advanced nutrition range focuses on weight management, gut health and immunity for dogs and received an average score of 4.8 stars – significantly above the 4.3 industry average rating – with 97% saying they would recommend it to a friend. It includes innovative new ingredients, with all tails.com Nourish & Protect recipes containing vitamin B and beta-glucans to support the body’s natural defences and

para probiotics to help maintain a healthy metabolism and gut microflora. Tailored to size, age and life stage, the new range also draws on tails.com’s digital expertise to deliver advanced nutrition for the nation’s dogs and is paired with a digital service to provide customers with personalised portion guides and an adjustable scoop to ensure correct portions for each dog for effective weight management.

Stephen Hann, Retail Director at tails. com, said: “We knew tails.com’s advanced nutrition range had a clear USP, using the insight, and expertise from our award-winning subscription service to offer customers a new and innovative proposition in-store. I’m excited to see the range in even more stores this Summer and looking forward to more feedback from our customers and their dogs.”

The range features a mix of 22 wet and dry food products.

To find out more visit tails.com/nourish.

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Dogs Trust Loughborough celebrates ten years of finding dogs their forever homes

rehoming centre held several events which were enjoyed by all, from their valued volunteers to their ‘paw-some’ pooches.

Dogs Trust Loughborough celebrated their tenth anniversary last month, honouring the amazing work of the staff, volunteers and donors who have helped to find over 5,500 dogs their forever homes.

Throughout May, the team at the

To celebrate the many dogs who have been rehomed from Dogs Trust Loughborough over the past decade, a reunion walk was held on 28 May at the stunning Rushcliffe Country Park in Ruddington. It was an emotional occasion for the centre staff to be reunited with dogs who they previously cared for and to see them living their best life with their new owners.

The team work incredibly hard to take care of the dogs at the rehoming centre, as well as finding them their happy ever after.

Since the opening of the centre in 2012, over 5,500 dogs have been adopted.

Visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/our-centres/ loughborough/

Cat owners fear cost of living crisis will impact their pets Cat owners are the most concerned about the cost of living and how it will impact the care they’re able to provide to their pets, according to a groundbreaking new report by the RSPCA and Scottish SPCA. The groundbreaking inaugural report – the Animal Kindness Index – is based on a YouGov survey of more than 4,000 UK adults**, which looks at the nation’s attitude towards animals.The report found that while animal welfare is one of the top most important social issues people were asked about – with over two-thirds (69%) of

the public describing themselves as ‘animal-lovers’ and 75% of people saying they’d carried out an act of kindness for animals in the past, the rising cost of living is threatening the care of our pets. The report revealed that 72% of pet owners think the cost of living will have a negative impact on animals in the UK. The study also showed that cat owners seem to be most impacted and concerned about the cost of living pressures.The RSPCA is seeing a year-on-year rise in some pets coming into its care; and in the first five months of 2022, the charity took in 14% more cats than the same period in

See Nutravet at DogFest Yorkshire Following their success at Loseley Park, Surrey and Tatton Park, Cheshire, Nutravet will be exhibiting at DogFest Yorkshire in September.

This is the natural animal health manufacturers first year at DogFest and the team were delighted to meet so many pet owners and their pooches.

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, as well as offering some special show offers.

Korina Stephens, Nutravet commented: “We’ve had a very successful couple of shows at DogFest already and can’t wait to see everyone at the Yorkshire event.

As well as their four-legged friends.”

You can see Nutravet at Harewood House, Yorkshire, on 24th and 25th September.

NEWS SNIPPETS New figures show the RSPCA sees a spike in reports of cruelty during the summer months and with pet ownership on the rise coupled with financial pressures the charity is braced for a summer of suffering.

The RSPCA receives around 90,000 calls to its cruelty line every month and investigates 6,000 reports of deliberate animal cruelty, including animal fighting and hunting. But in the summer calls rise to 134,000 a month – three every minute and reports of cruelty soar to 7,600 each month – a heartbreaking 245 every day.

Loveable Labrador Ozzy, who spent one year in Dogs Trust care, is now living an idyllic life in the Scottish Highlands after finding his perfect match.

Ozzy was just 10 months old when he was handed into Ballymena Rehoming Centre, Northern Ireland in May 2020 due to his owners no longer having the time for the playful, youngster. His move to Scotland was secured when he was transferred to the charity’s Glasgow Rehoming Centre for training and rehoming.

Couple John and Mairi from Elgin spotted Ozzy’s online profile and were instantly attracted to his likeable personality.

Having owned Labradors for over 30 years they hoped he was the fourlegged friend they were looking for and weren’t deterred by the journey to Glasgow to meet him.

In May 2021, following numerous successful meets at the Rehoming Centre and at their home in Moray, staff waved a fond farewell to Ozzy.

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ARTICLE

A guide to...

UNDERSTANDING GUT HEALTH IN PETS

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.

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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 a high-quality probiotic and maintaining a healthy gut flora provides a wide range of health benefits, which include: 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.

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.

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 over eat and gaining unwanted weight.

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.

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.

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 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 and beneficial bacteria can also help to make enzymes that support the body’s overall mineral absorption.

Probiotics for gut health

To help maintain long-term gut health and a healthy digestive balance, probiotics for dogs can help with conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, chronic or infectious diarrhoea. Probiotics can also help to optimise the efficiency of the immune response to help fight infection and boost the immune system, whilst helping to repopulate the balance of good bacteria that antibiotics can wipe out.

Vets often have access to veterinary strength probiotics such as Nutrabio, Vetpro and Nutraflora which they often recommend, and others are available online such as Pro-Kolin and Fortiflora.

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

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ADVICE

TOP TIPS for pet owners

during summer

During summer months we love nothing more than spending our time outdoors with pets.

With warmer weather and longer days, it’s the best time to be out and about enjoying lots of exercise and fun with our four-legged friends. As well as long hot days, summer can bring with it some challenges for pets and their owners. During this time, it’s important to keep an eye on your pet to ensure they stay happy and healthy.

Here are some positive things you can do to help maintain your pet’s health during summer months: Water

Always make sure that your pet has a clean and fresh supply of water daily. If your cat spends most of their summer days outside, be sure to leave a water bowl in the garden if they can’t access one indoors.

Heatstroke

Heatstroke is potentially dangerous for dogs and occurs when they 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.

Water safety

If you take your dog to the beach or somewhere near a lake, be sure to supervise them at all times whilst they are in the water.

Don’t assume your dog can swim. Some lakes can contain algae, which is poisonous to dogs.

Sun protection

Be sure to protect your pet’s paws from hot surfaces during the summer. Pavements and surfaces can get hot in high temperatures and could burn your pet’s paws.

Some dogs and cats can suffer from sunburn. 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. You could also use sun cream that is specially formulated for pets.

Keep pets cool

Barbecues

Protect their paws

Use a fan indoors to help keep your pets cool. If it’s too warm for you then it’s also too warm for them. If you keep the house cool via open windows, be sure to keep an eye on your pets to prevent them from escaping or falling.

Offer shade

Create a shady den in your garden to help your pet escape the sun. You could use a small paddling pool in your garden to keep your dog cool in high temperatures.

If you have a barbecue during the summer, don’t feed your pet any food that they shouldn’t have.

This could cause them to have a sensitive tummy.

Speak to guests and advise them not to feed your pets scraps.

Exercise

During particularly hot days, walk your dog in the morning or evening to avoid the hottest time of day. The intense heat of midday can overwhelm your dog. Don’t over exert them.

Grooming

Regularly grooming your pet during summer can help to reduce excess fur.

It will especially help to reduce fur balls in your cat’s stomach.

Ticks

These can be one of the biggest dangers during summer months. Always check your dog for ticks following walks, especially in wooded areas. During summer months check your dog and cat once a day for any ticks.

Smaller animals

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.

If you are worried about your pet’s health in hot weather, speak to your vet straight away who is best placed to offer advice.

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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...

Pooch & Mutt – NEW dental sticks

Nutrabio – for tummy upsets in cats & dogs

Pooch & Mutt introduce their new, vet approved dental sticks to their range of treats and supplements for dogs.

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

Nutrabio is a naturally formulated probiotic paste for dogs and cats, developed with a high strength composition of Probiotic bacteria, Prebiotics, Sweet Basil and Kaolin, which combine to help normalise digestive function when your pet is suffering from diarrhoea.

RRP £3.49 per pack

The dental sticks come in two flavours, Superfood ‘Mint & Spirulina’ and Calming ‘Hemp & Sage’ – both boosted with novel functional ingredients to offer added value!

The dental sticks are shaped to clean deep between teeth and are also designed to last longer, ensuring your dog gets plenty of chewing time. This chewing keeps those gnashers sparkling white while also providing your dog with something enriching to be doing (while you’re having a brew and putting your feet up!). www.poochandmutt.co.uk

RRP £19.99

Nutrabio’s proven natural ingredients aid natural digestive balance, promote friendly bacteria and replenish the natural balance of gut bacteria. www.nutravet.co.uk/ nutrabio

Arden Grange – Sensitive dogs get a superfood boost RRP £13.99

Ocean white fish, potato and sweet potato are the main ingredients of these grain-free recipes, which are easily digestible and have low allergenicity. It includes our superfood blend of fruits & plant extracts which consists of citrus extracts to help reduce inflammation and support the immune system; dried fruit extracts containing antioxidants which can help protect against free radicals; curcumin for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Prebiotics FOS and MOS aid digestion, while omega-3 & 6 from krill and linseed support skin and coat condition, as

well as brain and heart function.

Joint supplements, glucosamine, MSM and chondroitin promote healthy, supple joints. www.ardengrange.com

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ARTICLE

5 things your dog will need during a long walk

We all know how important our dog’s daily walks are for their physical and mental health. Not only does a walk provide your pup with an opportunity to do their business, but it also keeps them mentally stimulated, physically occupied and helps them to feel safe and secure in their neighbourhood.

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Some breeds need more physical activity than others, with energetic breeds like Huskies, Retrievers and Collies needing upwards of two hours of exercise a day to remain happy and healthy.

If your pup enjoys a long walk as part of their daily routine, here are a few essentials that you should bring along: A harness

No matter the breed of the dog, a supportive harness is always the safest way of attaching their leash. Standard collars can cause serious damage to your dog’s delicate neck bones, so kitting them out with a back-clip harness will help equally distribute the force of their pulling.

There are a variety of recommended harnesses for puppies and dogs which will provide greater control for you whilst still ensuring comfort for your canine companion.

Harnesses are especially useful during long walks.

They often include reflective materials to provide great visibility at night and can even come with attachments to carry essential gear like water bowls and poo bags!

Poo bags

All responsible dog owners clean up after their pup. One of the main reasons you’re taking your dog out for a walk is to let them do their business, so you should always be prepared to clean up after them when nature calls.

If you’re out on a long walk, you might need to carry your used poo bags with you for a while, so it’s a good idea to buy thickly lined bags and make sure that you have a sealed

pocket to keep them in until you can find an appropriate bin.

Dog treats/toys

Long walks provide an excellent opportunity to play with your pup, so making sure that you have a few toys on hand is always a good idea.

Games like fetch provide great exercise for your dog and strengthen the bond that the two of you share.

If you’re still training your dog, be that for fun or obedience, you’ll need to remember to bring along some treats which you can dish out as a reward for good behaviour. You should also bring some food with a bit of protein on long walks, as your pup may need a boost of energy as they enjoy their needed exercise.

Water and collapsible bowl

One of the most important considerations for your dog’s health is to make sure that they always have access to clean water. Dogs can’t regulate their temperature like humans do, so they’re naturally susceptible to heatstroke and dehydration, especially brachycephalic breeds like Pugs and French Bulldogs.

This is especially important during long walks and the

warmer days of the year, so before you leave the house, you should always ensure that you have a suitable bowl and a full water bottle.

Clothing

Different breeds have different needs when it comes to appropriate clothing, though most dogs will benefit from at least a waterproof jacket during wet and windy walks. Dogs with thick, long fur will need thinner jackets with fewer straps to prevent overheating and avoid any painful matting in their fur.

Short-haired breeds will benefit from a cosy winter jacket during the colder days of the year, and most pups will need to wear doggy boots to protect their delicate pads from ice and grit during freezing temperatures.

Other handy things to take

A few extra bits and bobs come in very handy whilst you’re exploring the great outdoors.

GPS tracker

This is especially useful when exploring the countryside, where often excitable pups can bolt off when distracted; kitting your dog out with a GPS tracker can help to make sure that your pup will never be out of sight for long.

ID tag

While most dogs are chipped as puppies, providing your dog with a visible ID tag will help get them home much quicker if they get lost during a long walk.

First aid kit

When out in the countryside, you may need to treat any bumps or scrapes before getting your dog to a vet.

A drying towel

We all know that if our dogs find a lake, they’re most likely going to go for a dip! Avoid any cold pups or smelly car rides by being prepared with a drying towel.

Long walks with our pups are some of the most exciting times for dogs and owners. Alongside providing your furry friend with the exercise and stimulation that they need, these trips help to strengthen the unique bond that we share with our pets.

By ensuring that we’re equipped with everything our pups may need and providing them with suitable clothing to keep them protected from the elements, we can make sure that our dogs are getting the most out of their favourite time of the day!

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Q&A

Q&A

With Dr Tammie King

Applied Behaviour Technical Leader at Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Mars Petcare

During the pandemic, the rise in pet ownership was dramatic, with a reported 17 million homes in the UK owning a pet.

Dr Tammie King, Applied Behaviour Technical Leader at Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Mars Petcare, answers our questions about the changes in behaviour of our four-legged friends following the pandemic:

How has the pandemic changed our relationships with pets?

As we navigated the last couple of years, we spent considerably more time with our pets in comparison to life before lockdowns. Many people faced prolonged periods of isolation and looked upon pets for companionship and comfort, entertainment and stress relief.

The Mars Petcare State of the Pet Nation report reveals that 82% of pet owners in the UK believe they suffer less with problems such as loneliness and depression thanks to the companionship pet ownership brings. It also shows pets are now very much part of the family, with 72% of UK pet owners referring to themselves as their pet’s ‘mummy or daddy’.

Pet owners have got to understand their pets’ behaviours and habits much better – such as the time of day they prefer to nap or when they like to be walked or petted – all the small cues that communicate their needs and emotions. Behaviours which may have been missed before are now obvious to many pet owners as they learn their pet better and can respond to their needs. We need to be considerate of our pets needs and whether they also enjoy the interaction and environment. A relationship

based on understanding and trust is key for both species to thrive.

Do you think lockdown has impacted our pets’ dependency on us?

In some instances, yes as they are now used to having their owners around them on a day-to-day basis, strengthening the human-animal bond more than ever before. This is their new normal. Many pets have become used to their needs being taken care of on a more immediate basis than before lockdown, when many pet parents were out at work.

Some pets are also likely to have become more attached to their caregivers which may make it a difficult transition if owners are beginning to spend more time away from their pets.

What behavioural changes should pet owners look out for when returning to work?

As people start returning to work and activities that keep them away from home for longer stretches of time, pet owners should be aware of any behavioural changes in their pets. It’s another period of change that both pets and people are having to adapt to, with some coping differently to others. Every pet is an individual and it is imperative people observe how their dog and/or cat is

behaving as changes in their routine occur. Separationrelated behaviours are common responses to being left alone for many pets.

These can range from mild boredom and destructiveness to severe anxiety where pets experience extreme distress, which may require veterinary prescribed medication and intensive behaviour therapy.

Keep an eye out for pacing, unsettled behaviour, barking, whining, whimpering, miaowing, avoidance, hiding, inappetence, destructiveness or other behaviours that suggest your pet is feeling stressed. Don’t scold a pet that reacts negatively while you’re away — this can increase their anxiety and damage the relationship you have with your pet.

What are the most common pet behaviours that identify a problem, but owners often miss?

Changes in behaviour are often the first sign of illness, disease or discomfort which may lead to more obvious signals that your pet is in pain – to begin you might simply notice that your pet is ‘just not itself.’ Things that may indicate signs of discomfort include: • An increase or decrease in activity level • Altered mobility (lameness, movement)

• Increased sleeping or a change in sleeping habits • Unusual aggression • Anti-social behaviour • Nervousness • A change in appetite • Altered elimination patterns • Changes in other behaviours (e.g., licking or scratching).

How can owners reduce any stress for pets when returning to work?

Even if your pet coped well with being home alone before the pandemic, they also acclimatised to a new normal: their human at home all the time. Refamiliarising these pets with a routine will help ease the transition. If you adopted a new pet during the pandemic, it’s possible your pet has never experienced any extended time away from their people.

You can help alleviate potential anxiety in pets with a little preparation.

What are the biggest mistakes you see people make when they get a new pet?

Underestimating the responsibility, cost and time commitment that pet ownership entails and making sure the animal is the right choice for them, their family and, ultimately, considering how the pet will be affected as a new member of the family.

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ADVICE FROM THE EXPERT

How to keep your rabbit entertained

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By Emma Purnell, RVN Cert.Nut. Rabbits are clever and inquisitive creatures and need plenty of mental stimulation. Without this the destructive behaviours that often become a problem can be more pronounced. Toys are a great way to keep them entertained and there are plenty to choose from!

Regularly switching them can make sure things stay fresh and keep their interest.

Homemade toys are often cheap and cheerful, but can provide hours of fun. A toilet roll tube can be any number of fun games! Simply stuffing it with hay gives them a challenge, adding in some dried forage of a few of their daily pellet ration can ensure they take an interest. It is often small and light enough for them to throw around, another thing they love. The tubes can also be cut down and mounted on a cardboard base to give different small containers to add small treats to – always ensure these sections of toilet roll are tall enough to provide a challenge but short enough that they can reach them otherwise they will become frustrated. Cardboard can also be used to make shelters (even castles!) to allow for hiding places, but always ensure there are two exits, being cornered can make them anxious. One of the simplest toys can be the use of a piece of string and some pegs to peg greens up along a line. This gives the rabbit the ability to work for the food rather than just picking it up and keeps their attention longer. Digging trays are a great idea and help to satisfy the natural urge to dig. Soil can be used if sourced from a clean, safe area – but children’s play sand can work just as well

and avoids the risk of contamination.

The best form of homemade toy is also one of the easiest – scatter feeding of pellets.

Scattering the pellets around their environment or through their hay can provide lots of entertainment as they search them out and it helps to keep them active.

If the budget for toys is a bit higher then there are even more options available. Cheaper toys can include wooden or willow balls, sometimes containing forage, which allow for activity through chasing as well as chewing behaviours.

Some balls and similar contain bells which some rabbits seem to love but others can be frightened of so take care when first introducing them. Small wooden or plastic throw toys can be popular, and children’s stacking cups seem to be a favourite!

Initially putting a pellet or two between the cups can help encourage them to start playing. Frames with several toys dangling from

them can also help to keep them interested either through chewing or movement. Do make sure any gap or space in the toy is not big enough for them to fit their head through as this risks injury.

Puzzle games can be purchased fairly cheaply and can be a great way to get their mind active. They often involve sliding, moving or lifting out tabs to find treats hidden underneath. Feed balls are similar, they have a single opening and need the rabbit to push or throw them around to get to the pellets inside. Material mats are also available which you can scatter their daily feed onto, giving them more of an opportunity to search for their food.

For higher budgets, there are a number of wooden shelters and play spaces that can be bought to give areas to hide as well as for them to jump on top of and explore.

Increasing their space and the number of levels can give them more to explore and scatter feeding in these areas will encourage exercise.

Always take care that they

cannot slip and fall from anything high and risk injury.

As you can see, there are many things that we can do to make our rabbits lives more fun and, whatever your budget, enjoy watching them play - but always take care that treats and pellets are from their daily food allowance and that they are supervised with anything they could chew, removing toys that have been damaged.

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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