Companion Life - Winter 2021/22

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WINTER 2021/22

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In this issue > A guide to winter hazards for pets > Top tips for puppy training > Life with your new puppy > Q&A with Ele Hacheme, lead nutritionist at Republic of Cats > Winter care for rabbits

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EDITOR’S COMMENT

I’m delighted to present the Winter 2021/22 edition of Companion Life Magazine.

Companion Life is a FREE magazine, which offers pet owners information, news and advice. In this issue we highlight winter hazards for pets, top tips for puppy training and how to keep rabbits warm in winter. Our Q&A features lead nutritionist, Ele Hacheme from Republic of Cats, and we share things to consider for life with a new puppy.

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: 25,000

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

NEWS

PDSA urges owners to #WeighUp pets’ health to tackle pet obesity epidemic

help owners recognise and tackle weight issues in their pets.

Worryingly, the detrimental health effects of obesity in our four legged family members don’t appear to be well recognised amongst owners

Vet charity PDSA is urging pet owners to #WeighUp for their four-legged friends’ health and wellbeing following research revealing a whopping number of our furry friends have piled on the pounds.

According to owners who said their pet was overweight, the most common factors preventing their pet from losing weight were: giving in when their pet begs for food (29%), they like feeding treats to their pet (19%), their pet is fussy with food (19%), and they feel giving treats shows how much they love them (15%).

Surprisingly, pooches were walked slightly less frequently than pre-pandemic, with 38% leaving the house just once a day (3.7 million dogs), compared to 33% in February 2020.

This could be leading to a ticking obesity time-bomb, says PDSA. The charity is offering a free downloadable guide to

For more information about the #WeighUp campaign, and to download its free guide, visit pdsa.org.uk/WeighUp.

The study of more than 4,500 pet owners by, PDSA, and YouGov, found that 1.4 million pets have been fed more human treats since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

Lily’s Kitchen launches new plant-based recipes for dogs protein, and made with natural ingredients as well as all the vitamins and minerals your dog needs. They’re so tasty, they won’t even miss the meat!

Editor: Laura Evans.

Editorial: editor@companionlife.co.uk

The new treats come in two delicious, grain-free recipes: Tropical Mango Jerky (RRP £3.00, 70g) and Succulent Sweet Potato Jerky with Jackfruit (RRP £3.00. 70g)

Advertising/artwork: advertising@companionlife.co.uk Companion Life is part of ‘WITH Marketing Ltd’, The contents within Companion Life is fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Companion Life. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Companion Life, its distributors and WITH Marketing Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

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

Lily’s Kitchen has launched a NEW range of healthy, plant-based recipes for dogs.

The new healthy and delicious range is made up of two lip-smacking treats and two marvellously meat-free wet recipes so there’s something for all dogs to get their paws on. Bursting with goodness, the Plant Power range is the perfect way to introduce a little more variety to mealtimes while feeding a little less meat.

The two wet tins are nutritionally complete recipes that are full of plant-based

The vet-approved range comes in recyclable packaging and lowering dogs’ meat intake is a great way for dogs to tread their paws more lightly on the planet.

To spread some good will, Lily’s Kitchen is looking to donate 17,500 Vibrant Rainbow Stew meals to dogs’ charities across the country so that every woofer can get their paws on some plant-based goodness.

The 400g tins and 150g trays are available now, and the treats are available online and in independent stores from the end of January.

For more information visit www.lilyskitchen.com

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Tickets now on sale for Crufts 2022

Tickets are now on sale for Crufts, the world’s greatest celebration of dogs, which is returning to the NEC in Birmingham from 10 – 13 March 2022.

The four-day event, which in 2020 attracted more than 150,000 people and

over 27,000 dogs, boasts a diverse programme of dog competitions in different categories and levels, including the finale of the prestigious Kennel Club Hero Dog Award (formerly the Friends for Life competition) which recognises unsung canine heroes, and a celebration of crossbreeds with the Scruffts final. There will also be opportunities to meet and greet around 200 different breeds in the Discover Dogs area, shop for doggie delights at the many specialist trade stands, and enjoy the full arena show with all its displays and competitions.

Dog-lovers can also enjoy over 350 stands selling all sorts of doggy delights, including dog food, toys and beds, as well as outdoor clothing and other equipment.

For more information and tickets for the event visit www.crufts.co.uk.

‘Lucky’ stolen dog finds her way home for New Year A scared dog has been reunited with her owner after being stolen over a year ago, thanks to Battersea.

Jack Russell, Lucky, was stolen from her owners in August 2020 while she was out on a walk. After months and months of searching, her family thought they’d never see their much-loved pet again.

However, in December 2021 aptly named Lucky found herself in the care of the iconic charity after being found as a stray in Wandsworth. Upon her arrival, Battersea staff swiftly checked Lucky’s microchip and soon discovered that she

had been cruelly stolen from her owners last year and it wasn’t long before she was back where she belonged in time for the New Year.

Luckily Battersea were able to contact Chris as a result of Lucky’s microchip, but if she didn’t have this implanted this wouldn’t have been possible.

Microchipping of dogs has been compulsory in Great Britain since 2016, and in Northern Ireland since 2012, yet worryingly just 26% of dogs taken in by Local Authority dog wardens in 2021 had a microchip with accurate details.

Nutravet to exhibit at Crufts 2022 Natural animal health manufacturer, Nutravet are delighted to be returning to Crufts in March.

Following a successful show at Crufts 2020, the Nutravet team will be showcasing their full range of products this year, including their veterinary strength joint support, Nutraquin+.

Visitors to the stand will be able to find out more about the range, as well as take advantages of special offers that will only be available at Crufts.

A spokesperson for Nutravet comments: “2020 was our first year exhibiting at Crufts

and it was a great success. Following a difficult year for all, we look forward to returning in March and meeting the many pet owners who use our products. The team will be on hand to answer any questions about our high strength natural pet products.”

You’ll find the Nutravet team in Hall 5, stand 187.

NEWS SNIPPETS Arden Grange expands award-winning sensitive dry dog food range.

With rising consumer demand for a choice in foods for dogs with sensitivities, Arden Grange, has updated its Sensitive Range with the launch of new ‘Superfood Blend’ recipes, as well as two new products.

The new products are grain-free and include ocean white fish, potato and sweet potato as the three main ingredients, all of which are easily digestible and have low allergenicity.

The new range will be available from February 2022.

For more information visit www.ardengrange.com

The Rabbit Awareness Action Group (RAAG), is delighted to confirm that it has already secured over 1600 signatures in support of the first Good Practice Code for rabbits’ welfare in England.

Since its formation just three months ago, RAAG has also helped to keep rabbits’ welfare high on the agenda by circulating over 1000 copies of the Good Practice Code among veterinary professionals and attracting almost 30,000 followers to RAAG’s social media channels.

Led by family-owned pet food manufacturer Burgess Pet Care, RAAG brings together the expertise of the partners behind Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW), who have successfully campaigned to improve the welfare of pet rabbits for the past 15 years. www.rabbitawarenessactiongroup.co.uk

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ARTICLE

A guide to...

WINTER HAZARDS FOR PETS Winter can impact our pet’s health in a number of ways. Despite their fur, cats, dogs and even small furries can feel the cold just as much as we do. As temperatures drop it’s important to understand the impact these hazards can have on our four-legged friends health to ensure they remain happy and healthy throughout the season.

Keep an eye out for these hazards during winter Throughout the winter months, it’s important to ensure pet’s receive extra care to prevent any trips to the vets.

Winter brings with it several hazards for both cats and dogs, which include: Hypothermia In dogs’ hypothermia is low body temperature caused by exposure to the cold. The combination of wet and cold weather is also very

dangerous to pets. To prevent hypothermia, avoid extended periods in cold temperatures. Bring outdoor pets inside in low temperatures and use a dog jacket or jumper when on walks. Never leave pets alone in a car in cold weather, as they can act as refrigerators that hold the cold in and can cause animals to freeze to death.

Symptoms of hypothermia include lethargy and

listlessness. Try to raise their body temperature using warm blankets, a towel, or a wrapped hot water bottle. If you suspect your pet has hypothermia, get them to the vet asap.

Antifreeze poisoning The chemical ethylene glycol, an additive in antifreeze gives the substance its sweet taste.

Pets often lick the liquid off garage floors, pathways or

roads or their own paws if they’ve been outside. To prevent this from happening, store all household chemicals and antifreeze out of paws reach and make sure you clean up any spills. You can protect your dog or cats’ paws by giving them a wipe when they have been outside.

Coughs and sniffles Just like humans, dogs and cats can catch a little cold during the winter months.

These are usually not serious, and a slight cough, wetter nose or a little fatigue or lethargy can all indicate a minor upper respiratory infection.

If you are worried about your pet, or if the symptoms don’t improve after a few days, take them to your vet, especially if they have any pre-existing health conditions.

Frostbite In very cold weather, if you’re walking your dog, it’s important to keep a close eye on their paws. Ice and snow

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can stick to the fur between their pads and ball-up. Not only could this be uncomfortable, it also increases the risk of frostbite.

If your dog lifts their paws, stops walking or whines, it could be a sign that their paws are too cold. When cold, a dog’s body limits blood flow to their extremities (paws, tail, ears etc) and instead, uses it to keep their vital organs safe and warm.

Frozen lakes If you take your dog for walks near a frozen lake, take care when letting them off their lead and keep them close to you. Frozen ponds or lakes can be dangerous.

Sharp ice could cut their paws, they could slip over and hurt themselves or they could fall through the ice and drown or develop hypothermia.

Arthritis Signs of arthritis can seem worse in colder

temperatures. If your pet suffers from joint stiffness, it could appear more prominent in winter months.

This can be more common in the morning before they’ve warmed up. Joint stiffness can affect your pet’s mobility and can make it particularly difficult for them to perform everyday tasks, such as going on walks, or jumping up to their favourite sleeping place on furniture.

Winter weight gain In cold weather, pets can be less active, with many dogs and cats prefering to stay in the warmth indoors. Getting less exercise in winter means its easy for your pet to gain weight. It’s important to keep an eye on their weight and make sure they are not getting more food than they need. Many owners think that pets need extra food in winter months to stay warm, but if they are moving less this is not the case. To prevent your pet from piling on the pounds, make sure

they still get plenty of exercise through winter. Take your dog for shorter walks more often if they dont like the cold. Keep them warm with a dog jumper or coat.

If you are unable to get outside for exercise, you can keep your pet active by playing indoor games with them.

Road grit and salt Winter brings ice, snow and rain, which can cause surfaces to become slippery for both you and your dog.

Be sure to take extra care when out on walks in colder temperatures. Recently gritted surfaces can be harmful to dogs too. Grit can get stuck in their paws, which causes soreness, redness and may contain salt or other chemicals that can cause irritation. If licked in large enough amounts, the salt found in road grit can be harmful for your dog, so make sure you wipe their paws after walks. You could also use protective booties

for your dog in winter months. If you think your dog has eaten rock salt, contact your vet immediately.

Skin and coat health It’s important to look after your pet’s skin and coat health all year around, even in colder months. Regularly brushing your pet will help remove loose hairs, keep your pet’s coat free from dirt and distribute natural skin oils, which help to keep their coat shiny. Regular grooming will also help to reduce hairballs for your cat. Try not to groom them more than once a week to prevent irritation. Over bathing your pet can also lead to dry skin, which can be irritating and cause your pet to itch and scratch more.

If you’re worried about your pet’s health in cold temperatures, contact your vet immediately.

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ADVICE

TOP TIPS for puppy training Puppy training can be extremely beneficial if started as soon as you bring them home. It not only helps to introduce good behaviour, but also allows you to spend quality time with your new pet.

Most dogs will love learning new tricks as they get lots of praise and attention. Whether you decide to do the puppy training yourself or through classes, there are still positive things you can do to help your puppy get used to their new routine.

To help new pet owners, here are some top tips to help get your puppy training under way: Be prepared

Make sure that you have everything you need for your puppy training, for example, toys and treats.

You may use a crate for them to sleep in, or where they go whilst you are out of the house.

Be consistent

Make sure that all family members understand the rules and do not deviate from the puppy training. It will confuse your puppy if the routine is broken. Be sure to decide the rules before your puppy comes home.

Be patient

If you stay calm, then your puppy will stay calm and be less excitable. Don’t let your puppy get bored – keep training sessions positive and short.

Set up a den

Give your puppy a den to sleep in which is not used by another pet. This will help to develop a routine for sleeping and any short

periods that they are on their own. Use rewards to encourage your puppy to use the den, as well as when they are relaxed and quiet.

You could also use stair gates to keep your puppy out of rooms you don’t want them in. These also help to prevent them going up or down the stairs without your supervision to prevent injury.

Don’t punish your puppy

They are still learning and it’s important to be patient with your puppy. Don’t shout at them if they get something wrong. Instead, show them how they should behave with rewards and give extra attention for good behaviour. Your puppy does not know what they should or shouldn’t do until they are told.

Sign up for puppy classes

These can be a great way

to socialise your new puppy to help get them used to other dogs and people. It will also help them to learn certain attributes and how to behave around other dogs.

Walks

When your puppy has had their vaccinations and is allowed to venture outside, make sure you take your puppy on plenty of short mild walks to release extra energy. In their early stages, long walks or runs should be avoided. During walks ensure that your puppy always walks by your side or behind you, as his pack leader you should always be ahead.

House training

Be consistent when house-training your puppy.

Take your puppy out first thing in the morning and then once every thirty minutes to an hour. Always be sure to take them out after meals and when they

wake from a nap. Reward your puppy when they go outside to help them understand that is where they should relieve themselves and stay outside with them until they have been. Take your puppy to the same spot each time to do their business, as their scent will help to prompt them to go.

Speak to your vet

Your vet is best placed to monitor your new puppy’s health. They will be able to offer training advice and discuss your puppy’s vaccination schedule. Your vet will also be able to suggest when your puppy is able to go outside.

Regular health checks with your local vet are important to ensure your puppy is receiving the best possible care.

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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...

Purr Paw – cat grass Prices from £4.99

100% organic cat grass to grow at home.

Healthy organic wheat grass seeds will aid your cat’s digestion and prevent unwanted hairballs.

Cat grass gives your cat the nutrition it doesn’t get elsewhere, which is why they nibble on wild grasses. It is low calorie and is shown to lower oxidative stress in human studies. It is antiinflammatory, soothing, and packed full of vitamins. Cat grass contains iron, calcium, vitamin K, fibre, protein, and numerous B vitamins.

Cat grass contains only great things that your cat will love. There’s no reason not to give it a try – especially if you are dealing with a house plant killer.

Nutraquin+ – fast acting support for joints & mobility

Webbox – Dog-E-Lix treats Prices from £1.50

Sample pack £4.99 for 30 capsules.

Nutraquin+ is an extra strength joint supplement for pets with signs of joint stiffness.

Unlike other joint supplements that generally take over 6 weeks before any benefit is noticed, Nutraquin+ works fast, with the benefits seen within 4-7 days due to its scientifically proven formula.

Dog-E-Lix are uniquely delicious treats for dogs and puppies from three months. They are low fat and low calorie with no added sugar and no added preservatives or colours so you can be sure your dog can be happy and healthy.

Dog-E-Lix are also wheat free and grain free, making them a healthy tasty treat that your dog will love!

Put a spring back in your pet’s step with the Nutraquin+ 30 pack sample offer.

The delicious treats come in two delicious flavours: Chicken & Peanut Butter, and Ham & Cheese.

The sample pack is available to buy online with free delivery. T&Cs apply-only one pack per household.

www.webbox.co.uk

They are available from Morrisons or on the Webbox website.

www.nutraquin.co.uk

www.purrpaw.co.uk

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ARTICLE

Life with your new puppy

Getting a new puppy can be a full-time commitment and one that needs careful consideration and research. It’s important to understand what kind of dog will fit into your lifestyle and if you can dedicate enough time to looking after your new pet. Dogs are for life, with the average lifespan of a dog being 13 years. So, you need to be sure that you are ready for that much commitment, from puppy love to the retirement years.

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Bringing your new puppy home is an exciting time, but from their first day in your life you’ll need to sacrifice time and energy into helping them settle into their new home.

Different dogs will have different needs, but it’s important to ensure your new pup has everything they need to start their new life with you. We share some essential things you’ll need to consider for life with your new pet...

Home comforts To help your puppy become used to their new home, create designated eating and sleeping areas for them. Choose an appropriate sleeping area, which is safe and has suitable bedding and still in view of the family, so that they feel safe. Make sure your puppy has a warm comfy bed, crates can be used to give your pet a secure base to explore from, as well as help with toilet training. If you chose to let your new puppy sleep in the same room as you, make sure they have their own designated area in that room. Make sure your garden is secure and safe for them to play outside.

Always make sure that your puppy has a fresh supply of water.

Puppy diet Your new puppy will probably eat three to four times a day, but you could reduce this to two to fit with your daily routine. If unsure, you should consult your vet to find out what is best for your particular breed of dog. Puppy food is higher in protein and enriched with vitamins, minerals and fats, which are essential for the growth of your new puppy. You can usually switch to adult food at around six months, but your vet will be able to advise on this as certain breeds mature quicker than others.

If you are unsure about the

best food for your puppy, speak to your vet who can offer advice based on your new pet’s breed.

Pet proof your home You’ll need to pet-proof your home in order to keep your puppy and your furniture safe. Make sure any toxic foods are kept out of reach from your dog and things such as hanging cords or wires are tidied away to prevent accidents.

If you have expensive furniture, a cover or throw is a good idea to protect your sofa, while you train your dog not to jump up on the furniture.

Stair gates can be a great addition to prevent your puppy from climbing the stairs and injuring themselves, as well as keeping them away from ‘out of bounds’ areas around the home.

Training Your new puppy will need lots of training to get them used to their new life with you and prevent any bad habits from developing.

It’s important to start your puppy training as soon as you bring your new pet home, whether it’s toilet or behavioural training.

Building up a routine with your puppy will help them to get used to associating the garden with going to the toilet. Be sure to take your puppy outside frequently during the day, as soon as they wake-up

and after meals. Always go outside with your puppy and don’t leave them on their own in the garden in case they escape or eat something that might make them ill.

Mild exercise routines together with a balanced healthy diet are part of a sensible and responsible way to care for your dog as they begin their lives with you.

Socialising can be an important part of puppy training. This can include, introducing your new puppy to other people, as well as other dogs. Taking your new dog to puppy classes can help get them used to other dogs to reduce unruly behaviour whilst out walking.

As your puppy grows they will need regular exercise.

As a general rule it is recommended to exercise your puppy for 5 minutes per month of age, twice a day. So, for example if your puppy is three months old, exercise them for 15 minutes twice a day. If they are six months old, they’ll need 30 minutes of exercise, twice a day.

Puppy essentials Your new dog will need some essential items. Most of these you’ll need to get before you bring your puppy home, but as your dog grows, they may need replacing as their needs change.

• Food bowl • Water bowl • Collar • Lead • Dog bed (a crate/cage may help with training) • Puppy food • Toys for training & exercise • Poo bags • Grooming equipment, shampoo etc Exercise It is recommended that you wait one to two weeks before starting to walk your puppy. This ensures that they have had their last vaccination booster. In the early stages, long walks or runs should be avoided.

Over exercising your puppy could impact their joints.

Avoid intense exercise and don’t take your puppy running with you and try to limit how far you throw a toy for ‘fetch’ until they are fully grown.

Consider using natural supplements These can be given alongside your pet’s healthy diet to support their health as they grow. Giving your puppy supplements, can support areas of their health such as joints and mobility, skin and coat health and oral health.

These can be continued throughout their life to support your pet as they age.

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Q&A

Q&A

With Ele Hacheme Lead nutritionist at Republic of Cats

Republic of Cats is a revolutionary new ‘concierge’ cat food service created by a team of entrepreneurial renegades who have ‘feline obsessive’ running through their DNA. The brand is the upstart younger sibling of tails.com, which successfully pioneered tailored nutrition for dogs.

Ele Hacheme is lead nutritionist at Republic of Cats and here she answers our questions about all things cat nutrition...

How does bad nutrition affect cats?

Every cat is different, so they therefore require individually tailored levels of nutrients.

Choosing a ‘complete’ cat food covers the basics needed for a healthy cat, but it’s tailoring that really helps them to excel, considering their age, lifestyle and how much they exercise (and of course their tastes too). A simple example is older cats; they need extra help to maintain good mobility. Kittens on the other hand need specific levels of calcium and phosphorous in order to grow to the right size and strength - and give them a great start in life. Adult cats don’t need the same level as they’re already fully grown.

It’s not just about the nutrients themselves but dishing them up in the right portion. It’s this that makes sure your cat gets enough vital vitamins and minerals, but also keeps them in shape. With 44% of the UK’s cat population deemed overweight or obese, it’s something we take incredibly seriously. As cat humans, we understand how wonderful it feels to treat your cat. And how unhealthy can a sliver of cheese really be for our little ones? Imagine this: 10g of cheddar is 2% of our human daily calorie requirement… but it’s 16% of our cats’! That’s EIGHT TIMES more! So, watch out when feeding them titbits.

Human scraps and some

treats are higher in calories than you’d imagine, often without the nutritional benefit we’re looking for - so use high quality, lean meaty treats such as Cat Charcuterie by Republic of Cats and even then, feed sparingly. Finally, cats are prone to kidney issues so it’s essential to keep checking that your pet drinks water every day. Adding some wet food to your cat’s feeding plan ensures that they get the extra moisture too. As well as hydration, it’s essential to feed them the right nutrition as the salt coming from too many titbits could contribute to kidney issues in the future.

What are the common mistakes that owners make when choosing the right food for their cat?

There are so many cat food choices on the market nowadays it’s hard to choose and know which is the right one. Look past the pretty packaging, check that it’s complete, right for your cat’s life stage and has the right ingredients to keep your cat happy and healthy. And remember to measure out the right portions to get those nutrients in the right quantities.

Overweight cats are a big problem in the UK, why do you think this is?

The PFMA’s (Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association)

latest obesity report (2019) states that 44% of cats are overweight compared to 40% in 2015. Some reports have shown that since COVID, this number of overweight cats might even have increased.

As we bring our cats further into our families, it’s possible we’re changing their lifestyles fundamentally too.

We might well be killing them with our kindness…

The PDSA PAW report 2020 states that since March 2020 (the start of the COVID pandemic), 6% of cat owners have reported that their cats have gained weight. Since spending more time at home they’ve noticed some new behaviours in their cats such as being more vocal and asking for food more. It’s easy to feed a few too many treats, especially when our cats are miaowing at the food cupboard.

Which option would you consider best for cats? Wet or dry food?

For the majority of cats I recommend a mix of wet and dry food. Both have extraordinary benefits that the other simply can’t provide. Wet food adds variety and plays a vital role in keeping them hydrated.

Cats can be fussy eaters, so it’s great to be able to mix up the recipes at dinner time.

Our dry food is a real nutritional hero; it’s where we can balance very specific mixes of nutrients, vitamins and minerals to deliver on health goals that our cat humans choose. All dry foods also have that crunchy texture to help keep their teeth clean and strong too.

How can cat owners tackle fussy pets?

Cats are wonderful, independent beings, but if they don’t like what is offered, they will go elsewhere.

Over the course of each day, dishing up both wet and dry food can definitely help, keeping dinnertime as varied as possible as well as making the most sense nutritionally.

With such a huge availability of textures - pâtés, gravies, jellies, soups, chunks, shreds and so many more - you’re bound to find something your cat loves. Contrary to popular opinion, it’s not just cats who like things just so. For fussy pups, tails.com - our sibling company - can help with how to get your dog to love their personalised feeding plans as much as your cat does.

Visit www.republicofcats.com to start a tailored food plan for your kitty.

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ADVICE FROM THE EXPERT

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Winter care for rabbits

By Emma Purnell, RVN Cert.Nut.

Rabbits are often a species heat but they can be great kept outside, but in protection from drafts. extreme temperature they Some hutches have specific can be more severely covers that you can buy for affected. them, but you must always Wild rabbits are naturally ensure they still have able to regulate their proper ventilation when temperature well if they can covered and that the covers stay active and seek shelter cannot be chewed. if they need it. Making sure Tarpaulins, with old your rabbit’s environment blankets underneath can be allows them to do this, will enough to make a help it to be able to stay significant difference to the warm and all activity should temperature. Converted be encouraged. sheds and summer houses Encouraging foraging should ideally be insulated behaviour including scatter when being converted as feeding and hiding hay using insulation within the within boxes can help to walls can protect from both encourage activity, as well extremes of heat and cold. as providing plenty of fun The insulating materials will toys and puzzle feeders. need to be covered over, One thing to consider is again to avoid it being the positioning of the chewed and the risks of accommodation, both the ingestion. hutch and the run. If they The bedding that you use can be placed in sheltered within the bedding area is spots, possibly close to vital in winter. Straw is of walls or foliage, this can very little nutritional value provide some insulation. It when eaten but is good at should also be ensured they trapping in the heat when are away from cold winds used as bedding material. It and draughts which can is important that any dramatically affect the bedding material is kept temperature in terms of clean and dry so it will need wind chill. Still allow access changing regularly and to their full run though, adding it to a cardboard being active will always box to allow them to help to raise body snuggle in a smaller area. temperatures!

Regular checks must be Ensuring your pet is in good health before winter made when using straw, will make a big difference particularly of the eyes, as it can occasionally cause hay to the care needed. If a rabbit is ill or underweight, pokes, damage or infection.

Ensuring there are no leaks moving them indoors before the cooler weather and the housing is water tight is also vital. Fluffy starts would be advised.

Keeping rabbits in pairs is bedding and ‘snuggle sack’ type beds can help to trap recommended for many air next to the pet and raise reasons but helping to prevent them getting cold the temperature a little but monitoring them chewing it in winter by making sure they have a friend to cuddle is important.

Providing heat sources up to can make a big can be useful but which difference!

Insulation in the form of sources we use are very important. Things like hot covers can not only trap

water bottles are not recommended as they can cause scalding if chewed.

Microwave, pet specific heat pads with material covers are recommended instead but should be used under supervision and discarded if there is any damage or wear. Fan heaters and similar can be used to heat areas but should never be placed directly pointed at a pet, always under strict supervision and never where rabbits can chew them or their cables as this is an electrocution risk. Any heat source should be provided with care and the rabbits given the opportunity to sit near them or to stay away from them if they get too warm.

In cold weather, if in either a bottle or a bowl, fresh water can rapidly freeze. Checking regularly to make sure the pet has access to clean, fresh, unfrozen water is vital and covers can be purchased to insulate the water bottles to try to avoid that happening – although still check as in very cold temperatures it can still freeze!

In real extremes people can be tempted to move

their outdoor pets indoor to help to keep them warm.

While the intention is good, the dramatic shift in temperature can cause more problems than it solves. A better idea is to move them into a protected but unheated environment such as a garage or shed, ensuring they still have natural light. This protects them from draughts but will also raise the temperature a few degrees from the outside space.

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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