Category Archives: The Pet Professionals

Cats, Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Have an eggcelent Easter!

As the Easter period approaches, the kids start getting excited, the spring flowers are in full bloom all around us and the days are a little bit brighter for longer. The dark days of winter begin to be a thing of the past, and soon enough the holiday period of chocolate, hot cross buns, egg hunts and arts and crafts is upon us. Don’t let an accidental chocolate or raisin ingestion ruin your break. Read on to identify why these foods can be so dangerous.

Chocolate

The Theobromine levels in chocolate can cause a number of side effects, ranging from mild to more severe:

  1. Agitation
  2. Tremors
  3. Vomiting and diarrhoea
  4. Drinking lots and urinating lots (polyuria/polydipsia)
  5. Increased heart rate
  6. Increased temperature (hyperthermia)
  7. Sometimes even seizures

So please make sure to keep those chocolate eggs out of reach.

Grapes/Raisins

Hot cross buns are delicious, and they are everywhere at the moment. However, the ingestion of grapes or raisins has been reported to cause acute kidney injury (AKI) in dogs. It can start off with gastrointestinal signs. It can also present with weakness and wobbliness (ataxia and vestibular) issues. However, the mechanism of renal injury from grapes and raisins remains unclear. What is clear is that the tartaric acid and potassium bitartrate salt (basic components of grapes) are the toxic agents. It is idiosyncratic, meaning that one grape may affect a Great Dane, whereas a dachshund may not be affected by 10 – but in addition, the levels of toxin in the grapes varies dramatically, so just because a dog has been fine before, doesn’t mean that they necessarily will be next time.

Craft items

Everyone loves a good craft, especially at Easter. It’s a great way to involve the whole family and can be such a mood booster, but just be aware of those items you’re using. Lollypop sticks and toothpicks are less likely to be snatched up by your furry friend, but it has been known to happen. Imagine it falls from a hand covered in chocolate; it would only take a swift lick for it to go down. The danger with these is that they can get stuck and form horrible foreign bodies in the intestines that often need surgery to remove. They can often get lodged on the way down to, proving tricky and sometimes lethally dangerous operations to remove.

Treatment

Following the ingestion, or suspected ingestion, of either raisins, grapes or chocolate, your veterinarian should be contacted immediately, as your pet is likely to require treatment.

Knowing the concentration of chocolate within whatever item has been eaten is important, so have the packaging to hand. Your vet may ask for details during the call or want you to bring the packaging to the practice.

The likelihood is that your vet will need to induce emesis (make them sick) to get rid of as much of the chocolate or as many of the raisins/grapes from the stomach as possible. DO NOT attempt to do this at home, as significant damage can be done to your dog’s oesophagus if it’s not done properly and by medically trained professionals.

The rest of the treatment will be evaluated and decided by your veterinary team.

If you suspect a stick or craft item has been accidentally swallowed, make sure there are no air flow restrictions and call your veterinarian immediately. Do not try and remove it as, again, it could do more damage than good.

Summary

  • Chocolate is dangerous and should be kept away from your pets.
  • Hot cross buns can make everyone hot and cross; Raisins and Grapes are dangerous.
  • Beware of your crafting items.
    Should you suspect your dog has eaten or ingested any of these, please contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Cats, Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Poison Prevention Awareness Month!

This time of year is glorious; buds are beginning to appear on trees, the odd crocus is starting to pop up from the ground, and the sun is beginning to show its face more. The days are longer, and everything is starting to feel a bit lighter after the darkness of the winter months.

It is also the time of year when we can start exploring again and venturing off the well-trodden track of our winter dog walks. But with new adventures can come new risks, and with that in mind, we announce that March is Poison Prevention Month.

Read on to identify some of the most common poisons you may encounter during this spring period.

Bulbs

Daffodils and hyacinths are among the most common. If ingested, they can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy, with some severe cases causing seizures.

Plants

Some spring plants can be toxic to our pets. Foxgloves, for example, contain naturally occurring poisons that can affect the heart. Ivy can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and sometimes blood in faeces or vomit. Bluebells are also toxic to dogs, causing vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort. If enough of the toxin has been ingested, it can also increase the risk of developing an irregular heartbeat.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms are more common in autumn, but the occasionally damp and dreary day can also be the perfect breeding ground for these fungi. The consequences of ingesting them can include vomiting and diarrhoea along with possible neurological symptoms.

Antihistamines

As the pollen count increases, humans may be taking more antihistamines themselves due to the time of year. If your dog were to eat them, it could lead to vomiting and lethargy, make them wobbly or even cause tremors.

Chocolate

Applicable to any time of the year, but particularly around holidays such as Easter, Chocolate is incredibly toxic to dogs. Theobromine contained within the chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, hyperactivity, increased heart rate and even seizures.

Cannabis

This type of poisoning is becoming more common. Signs include disorientation, dilated pupils, agitation, and vomiting. Your veterinary surgeon will only ever want the best thing for your pet, so please tell them if you suspect this might be the cause of your pet’s illness.

Rat poison

This can be via eating a rat that has been poisoned or consuming the poison directly. It can cause a potentially fatal haemorrhage as well as prevent the body from being able to clot properly.

Adder bites

The European Adder is the only venomous snake native to the UK, commonly found on dry heaths, sand dunes, rocky hillsides and woodland edges. If bitten, your dog can develop bruising, vomiting, diarrhoea and an inability to clot its blood. In severe cases, it can also lead to seizures, tissue death, and kidney failure.

What can you do to help?

This is not an exhaustive list, and we would strongly encourage you to contact your veterinarian for advice as soon as possible if you suspect your pet has ingested anything potentially poisonous. It is always beneficial for your vet if you can get as much information about the ingested item as possible.

  • The name of what’s been eaten
  • The packaging (where possible)
  • The amount ingested
  • When it was eaten.

Your veterinarian will have access to the Veterinary Poisons Information Service, allowing them to call to discuss what was ingested and when. The service holds a national database about which medicines or antidotes to use. This information can help your vet decide the best way to treat your pet.

In Summary:

  • Be mindful of where your dog is if you are out on a walk and make sure that you can easily recall if they are off lead;
  • If they eat anything you are concerned about, please call your veterinarian immediately.
Cats, The Pet Professionals

Dental disease in cats

Did you know that February is Pet Dental Health Month?

Dental disease is one of the most common medical conditions seen by vets. Cats, in particular, are very stoical by nature, so they very rarely show symptoms of dental disease; however, researchers have found that over half of all cats over the age of three have some form of dental disease.

What is dental disease?

Dental disease starts with the accumulation of plaque, a film of bacteria that develops on the surface of a cat’s teeth. This happens to humans as well, but the build-up is normally interrupted when we brush our teeth. In cats, as it builds up, the plaque becomes thicker and eventually forms a soft yellow/grey substance that covers the tooth surface.

This formation causes gingivitis (an inflammation of the gums surrounding the teeth) which, over time, affects the ligaments surrounding the teeth. This, in turn, will eventually lead to permanent tooth loss. It can also be extremely painful.

Signs of periodontal disease include pawing at the mouth, jaw chattering, head shaking, chewing with obvious discomfort, dropping food, excessive drooling, and smelly breath. If you notice any of those signs in your cat, please contact your vet.

How can we prevent dental disease?

The good thing is that periodontal disease can be prevented! Brushing your cat’s teeth can help remove plaque and prevent build up. We do appreciate that this is not always easy and can be difficult to start if not done from a young age. There are specifically formulated diets that can also help reduce the build-up of plaque.

Dental checks and treatment can help

Dental disease is another reason for your pet to visit the vet for annual check-ups. Your vet will examine their teeth and advise if treatment is needed. This can be in the form of a dental procedure under a general anaesthetic. Whilst this can sometimes seem scary, your vet will be able to descale and polish your cat’s teeth, identify any problems this uncovers, take X-rays to check parts of the teeth that can’t be seen with the naked eye, as well as removing any permanently damaged teeth. This will result in them feeling much better. Vets can also provide more advice for preventative care.

The important message, however, is that most dental conditions in cats are preventable, and treatment can result in your cat feeling happier and more comfortable.

In Summary:

  • Dental Disease is classed as the continued build-up of plaque until it causes gingivitis.
  • Gingivitis affects the ligaments surrounding the teeth.
  • This can lead to permanent tooth loss and be extremely painful.
  • It can be prevented with tooth brushing and specifically formulated diets.
  • Every dental condition can be treated.
Cats, Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Start 2025 with your pets in the best way!

With 2025 in full swing, it’s time to consider your pet’s preventative health! There are many things, like vaccines, flea and tick treatments or dewormers, that can help keep your furry friends in excellent health.

Routine appointments are also a cornerstone of preventative care, as they allow your vet to check for any problems that might be affecting your pet’s quality of life and start treating them as soon as possible.

Learn more about the essential preventative health needs of your pets below!

What will a vet check at a routine appointment?

Just like in human medicine, routine veterinary appointments are an excellent opportunity for you to discuss your concerns with your vet and for them to give your pet a thorough physical examination.

Here are some of the things your vet might do:

  • Go over any long-standing problems and also any issues you might have spotted since your last visit;
  • Weigh your pet and observe their body condition for anything concerning;
  • Examine how they walk and how they stand;
  • Perform a complete physical examination and check for any early signs of disease
  •  Keep a close eye on any possible painful responses, and then try to locate the source of any pain;
  • Listen to the heart and lungs, plus measure breathing and heart rate;
  • Ask questions about your pet’s health and how he or she has been at home.

In case something is wrong or needs to be examined further, your vet may want to carry out additional tests and, if appropriate, prescribe medication to treat any issues.

How regularly should your pet pay a visit to the vet? Most pets are recommended annual visits, but this can change depending on their age and health conditions! Ask your vet about the right frequency for your furry friend.

I’m not sure if my pet has their vaccines up to date, what should I do?

The best thing to do if you’re unsure about your pet’s vaccines is to call your vet and schedule an appointment for him or her.

Most species of companion animals (including exotic and farm animals) are susceptible to many diseases that can be prevented with vaccines, but that would otherwise be very difficult to treat successfully. These vaccinations ensure a protective immune response for problems like rabies, feline panleukopenia, canine hepatitis or distemper, to name a few.

However, most of these vaccines require boosters every once in a while, to keep his or her immunity in tip-top shape.

If your pet hasn’t been to see the vet for a while, now is the perfect time to schedule a visit to sort out his or her annual vaccines!

Are regular parasite treatments really needed?

Parasites are a fact of life for pets! Even indoor-only companion animals can easily find themselves with a flea infestation, as humans can carry these inside the house easily, so it’s not really a matter of “if”, it’s truly a matter of “when”.

Some of the most common types of parasites include fleas, ticks, mites and various species of worms.

That’s why regular treatments to help control internal and external parasites are powerful factors in the health of your pets as well as of you and your family. Many of these parasites can also infect humans and cause serious diseases – by protecting your pets, you are also protecting yourself.

The type and frequency of these treatments depend on his or her lifestyle, so don’t hesitate to ask the vet to create an annual plan!

In summary:

  • Vaccines protect companion animals against deadly diseases like rabies, parvovirus, feline panleukopenia or canine distemper;
  • Routine appointments (for instance, annually) can help your pets get treatment as early as possible, which, in turn, might improve disease outcomes;
  • Deworming and external parasite treatments ensure that you, your family and your pets are protected from any nasty bugs that might show up including tapeworms, fleas and ticks;
  • If your furry friend has a health condition or is older, he or she might need routine appointments that are more frequent to help with disease monitoring or early detection.
Cats, The Pet Professionals

Winter cat care

Winter is now definitely with us! With the colder days and dreary weather, it’s time to take a close look at our feline friends and the ways the lower temperatures might impact them at this time.

Cats are better suited to warmer days than cold, which means you need to remember a couple of things to ensure that your pets will be comfortable during the winter months.

Read our blog for the best tips on how to make your home into a cosy cat corner!

Will my cat feel the cold?

Just like us, cats can feel the cold and will be bothered by low temperatures. In fact, as warm-weather animals, our domestic felines are more at ease during a warm day than during the dreary season.

Barring some exceptions, most breeds don’t have thick coats and they take a long time to dry if they have been out in the rain or the snow, putting them at a significant risk of hypothermia and frostbite. This means that it’s best to provide a warm, dry place for your cats to rest that is always available to them.

This is especially important for pets that spend a lot of time outdoors, as they risk being stuck in dangerously low temperatures without shelter or losing access to their water supply if it freezes.

To help with this, always make sure that cat flaps are not blocked by snow, that there is a comfortable resting place waiting for him or her and that fresh, non-frozen water is always available.

My cat doesn’t go outside, do I need to do anything for him or her?

Many owners prefer to keep their furry friends exclusively indoors, with access to a fenced-in ‘catio’ or going out for walks with a harness. Even though they are less exposed to the elements, indoor-only cats can also suffer from the cold!

Help your cat spend a comfortable winter by:

  • Limiting the time that they have to spend in the rain, wind or snow;
  • If you go out with him or her, always make sure to dry off coat and paws;
  • Checking if his or her microchip is up to date, in case they escape and get lost;
  • Moving pet beds away from draughty rooms and providing warm covers or clothes, in particular if your cat is elderly or has thin fur.

I’ve heard about antifreeze, is it dangerous for my cat?

As the temperatures drop, it’s also critical to ensure vehicles have the right concentration of antifreeze in the radiator so you can avoid any mechanical failures.

Unfortunately, this might put dangerous fluids in contact with curious pets, either via spilt bottles or due to pipe leaks. Antifreeze is severely toxic, but it does not taste bad, which might tempt furry friends to try to drink it or accidentally ingest it via grooming.

Even small amounts of antifreeze can cause fatal kidney problems if not treated in time, so if you think your cat might have ingested it, talk to your veterinarian as soon as you can!

 

In summary, don’t forget to:

  • Make sure that outdoor cats have a safe place to rest when the temperatures drop as well as permanent access to fresh, non-frozen water;
  • Increase the comfort of your indoor-only cats with a warm bed away from cold draughts;
  • Keep an eye on any antifreeze spills and talk to your vet immediately if your pet might have ingested any.

Would you like to know more about cats? Check our Feline Courses:

Feline courses

 

Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Preparing your pets for Christmas

Have you ever considered what the hustle and bustle of the holidays feels like for your pets? This is especially important during Christmas, when things at home are usually the most chaotic.

While Christmas might still seem a little time away, knowing how to prepare adequately can help spare your pets a lot of stress. The most important thing is to ensure the least stress possible for them, including managing safe resting spaces away from guests, preparing any stays in the boarding kennel or cattery ahead of time, or being careful to maintain their routines while everyone is on holiday.

Continue reading to know how to make the upcoming winter season even better for your furry friends!

Altering routines can be a source of stress for pets

As we’ve mentioned before, routines are essential for the well-being of companion animals, including feeding times, exercise, walks, and knowing who to expect at home.

For the most part, your pet will appreciate knowing what his or her days will be like and when we change that abruptly, it can cause a fair amount of stress. Putting up lots of decorations, having the kids in the house all day, or hosting many family members or friends during this season can all cause significant disruption.

To help manage that, consider:

  • Keeping food and exercise times as stable and predictable as possible;
  • Limiting the frequency and number of guests your pets are forced to be around;
  • Creating a quiet and comfortable room that is just for him or her to rest away from stressful parties or people.

Some animals are more sensitive than others and will demonstrate their stress in different ways. As such, if you notice your four-legged best friend is struggling during this time, don’t hesitate to contact your vet!

Finding a reputable boarding kennel, cattery or sitter can take time and research

While travelling with pets is becoming much more popular, with a wealth of pet-friendly destinations that let you have a great time without worries, many owners still prefer to arrange for their furry friends to stay at home or in a local boarding kennel or cattery.

However, finding the perfect solution can take time to research and many reputable places or sitters are usually booked up well in advance! As soon as you know you’ll be away for a while, start arranging for pet care, as this will enable you to choose somewhere that your pets will find as comfortable as possible.

If you’re unsure where to start, your vet will often have some good recommendations for you!

Pets with special needs are likely to need a bit more attention

There are many ways that pets may need a little more attention during the festive season!

Pets who are older, who are suffering from chronic pain, or who are not used to being around a lot of people are likely to feel stressed or uncomfortable more easily.

If you’re able, consider what you can do to better meet their needs during this busy time of the year and try to provide as many solutions as possible to ensure a great Christmas season!

 

In summary, you can prepare for a great winter season with your furry friends by:

  • Making an effort to keep feeding and exercise routines as stable as possible, plus creating comfortable resting spaces for them away from disruptions
  • Preparing ahead of time for when you will be absent, as good boarding kennels, catteries or sitters can get booked up quickly
  • Ensuring that your pet has all of their needs met, especially if they are older or have chronic conditions that need special attention
  • Speaking to your vet if you have any questions or concerns about preparing for the holidays

 

Would you like to know more about dogs? Check our Canine Courses:

Canine courses

 

Cats, The Pet Professionals

Reducing feline stress after the holidays

Did you know that your cats love routines? They are animals that love stability, predictability, and home comforts, preferring to know more or less how each day will go rather than constantly changing their routines.

This is often an issue that comes up at the end of the holidays, when summer household rhythms are altered with everyone going back to work or school, leaving your cat with less certainty in his or her days. Fortunately, you can do many simple things to help your pets during this challenging time of the year!

Keep reading to learn all about how to prevent back-to-school blues for your feline friend!

Can my cat feel stressed when we go back to work or school?

As we’ve mentioned, routines are crucial for most pets but especially cats. After spending so much time at home, in particular when there are children in the house during most of the summer, going back to being left alone again can mean a significant adjustment for your cat.

This is likely to increase stress and anxiety, which might reduce quality of life and well-being. Of course, not all animals will deal with this in the same way, which means signs can range from a mild adjustment period to severe separation anxiety.

In particularly susceptible cats, this can show up as:

  • Excessive vocalisation;
  • Odd or unwanted behaviours such as destroying things or excessive pacing;
  • House soiling without any other apparent cause (for instance, due to kidney disease);
  • Loss of appetite;
  • Increased chances of problems that can be linked to stress, such as feline lower urinary tract disease.

Some of these can have a serious impact on your cat’s health and home life and may require veterinary intervention.

How can I make changing routines easy for my cat?

While we know that it can be difficult to avoid changing routines, there are many simple things you can do to minimise the impact going back to work or school will have on your furry family members.

We recommend, if possible, trying to implement any changes gradually and keeping feeding time with as little change as possible. Other important things include making an effort to spend more quality time with him or her, as you or your kids won’t be in the house quite so often during the day, and ensuring your cat has access to enough toys and enrichment to be able to spend time alone without being bored or stressed.

Don’t forget, you don’t need to manage this alone! Your vet can also help you find the best way to provide a stable home environment for your cat and create a treatment plan in case anxiety is deeply affecting his or her health and quality of life.

 

In summary:

  • The new microchipping law makes it mandatory for all cats over the age of 20 weeks in England to have a microchip implanted;
  • A microchip is a small transmitter that is easily implanted and won’t harm your cat;
  • It contains a number that can be matched to your contact details, enabling your furry friend to return to you;
  • Failure to comply with the microchipping requirement might mean a fine of up to £500.

 

Would you like to know more about cats? Check our Feline Courses:

Feline courses

 

Cats, The Pet Professionals

Cat microchipping is now compulsory in England

As of June 2024, cat microchipping has become compulsory for cats in England!

A microchip can be an invaluable tool to help your pet find his or her way back home and it is very simple and painless to implant. This way, someone with a chip reader (for instance, a vet or the local council) can quickly find your contact information and reunite your pet with you!

Has your cat been microchipped yet? Keep reading to learn about the new law and how to ensure your feline friend’s safety.

What is a microchip?

A microchip is a small transmitter that is about the size of a grain of rice and it can easily be implanted under your pet’s skin, where it will remain all of their life without bothering them.

It contains a special number that can be read with a scanner and this links back to your contact details in a database.

The price for a microchip is around £10 to £30, but some charities will offer it for free, making it an extremely cost-effective way to help protect your cat from getting lost.

How can microchipping help bring my cat home?

As we’ve mentioned, the microchip transmits a number that can be used to find your contact details in one of the microchip databases available in the UK.

This means that, should your cat escape or get lost, he or she can be brought to a vet, a pet charity, or the local council and be checked for a microchip. They will be able to match your cat with your contact details, significantly increasing the chances of you being reunited with your furry friend.

Unlike collars or other accessories, a microchip is unlikely to get lost (though rarely it might change location and be harder to find at times) or deactivated.

However, if you change your address or phone number, you must update this information on your microchip’s database every time that you do! Many pets have been found with microchips only for the details to be outdated, making it much harder to find their owners.

Can I get a fine if my cat isn’t microchipped?

With the new law in effect, non-compliance can cost you up to £500 in fines! From 10th June 2024, all cats older than 20 weeks must be microchipped, and owners have 21 days to resolve this situation before being issued a fine.

This law is only in effect in England but we recommend that you microchip your cat regardless of where you live – it’s a simple, cost-effective procedure that can be done by any vet and it might mean the difference between a reunion or your cat not being able to be tracked!

 

In summary:

  • The new microchipping law makes it mandatory for all cats over the age of 20 weeks in England to have a microchip implanted;
  • A microchip is a small transmitter that is easily implanted and won’t harm your cat;
  • It contains a number that can be matched to your contact details, enabling your furry friend to return to you;
  • Failure to comply with the microchipping requirement might mean a fine of up to £500.

Would you like to know more about cats? Check our Feline Courses:

Feline courses

 

Cats, The Pet Professionals

What should I do with my cat when I go on my holiday?


With holidays just around the corner, now is a great time to check on the arrangements for your cat during the time that you will be away.

Have you considered whether your cat will be happier with an in-home sitter or in a cattery? If so, do you have any trustworthy recommendations? Will your cat need any special requirements that might be difficult to source?

It’s also never too early to think about pet arrangements, especially as many of the best places might be booked if you wait too long! By planning ahead, you can avoid the stress of last-minute bookings and ensure that your furry family member is in the best possible care, giving you peace of mind during your break.

Keep reading to learn all about leaving your cat safe and sound during your well-deserved summer holidays!

Is a pet sitter or a cattery better for my cat?

While taking your dog with you on holiday is increasingly more common, especially for those of us who have adventurous pets, selling this concept to our feline friends is not as easy!

It’s not impossible to take a cat on a road trip, but most prefer to remain in one place and have a stable, familiar routine, which might be difficult during a holiday. This is why leaving him or her home with someone you trust and finding a trustworthy cattery or pet hotel are the best options for pets who will be staying behind.

Whether a sitter or a hotel is better for your cat, in particular, depends on his or her needs (for instance, does he or she require daily medical care?), personality (some cats might be very nervous at being away from their house), and what resources you have available in your area.

Ultimately, you need to consider all of the factors that might impact your furry friend’s comfort or health and make an informed decision!

How can I know the place I chose is good for my cat?

Regardless of where your cat would feel better, you’ll need to make a good choice on what place or person to talk to.

Here are some tips to ensure that your feline friend will be in great hands:
• If possible, get a referral from a trusted friend or your vet;
• In case you have to find something yourself, research their online presence, their reviews and compile a list of questions to ask them;
• Professional pet sitters and hotels are always happy to answer any questions you might have and will be as transparent as possible with you;
• It’s best to visit any boarding location before booking to get a feel of the conditions they offer, what they can do for your cat (for example, giving medication on time), their emergency protocols and ask how often they will update you on your pet
• Ensure that your furry friend will have any special accommodations he or she requires, and avoid settling for a solution that won’t deliver your cat’s needs.

This can be a lot of work! Take your time to research and make a good decision without feeling pressured to settle for anything less than your pet deserves.

In summary

• If you’re planning on going on holiday and leaving your cat behind, make arrangements as soon as possible before the best options are fully booked!
• A trusted friend or your vet can recommend sitters or a cattery that will be good for your cat;
• When choosing one of these on your own, make sure you research them thoroughly first and, if possible, visit their premises;
• A friend or family member house-sitting for you, a professional pet sitter or a cat hotel are all valid choices and what will be best for your cat will depend on his or her personality and needs.

Would you like to know more about cats? Check our Feline Courses:

Feline courses


 

 

Horses, The Pet Professionals

The Five Freedoms: How can I improve my horse’s life?

As we mentioned in our last Equine blog, horses and donkeys are amazing companions! They support us by giving us unconditional love, helping us with farm and transportation work, and can perform as outstanding athletes in various types of competitions.

As with all other companion species, the Five Freedoms are an essential part of equine welfare and in this blog, we’ll be talking about freedom from hunger and thirst and freedom from pain, injury and disease.

Keep reading to know how you can improve your horse’s life!

Freedom from hunger and thirst

Horses are large ruminants that require the appropriate type and quantity of food for their age, lifestyle, and physical condition (for instance, pregnancy, old age, or chronic illnesses).

Because this can vary so much for each horse and is likely to change during the horse’s life, it’s essential that you keep a close eye on their needs and change how you’re feeding them as needed. This might mean balancing nutrients, introducing supplements or finding better ways to avoid under- or overfeeding.

They also cannot live without water and, in fact, will suffer severe consequences quicker from a lack of water than from bad nutrition. This means that it’s crucial that you provide them with permanent access to fresh water that doesn’t have a bad taste (which might mean your horses drink less than they should) or isn’t accidentally contaminated with chemicals or microorganisms.

If you’re worried about your horse’s nutrition or if he or she has a disease that requires a specific type of food, don’t hesitate to talk to your vet! They can help you ensure your animals are receiving the right type and amount of food to thrive and remain healthy.

Freedom from pain, injury and disease

Discomfort and pain are two major contributors to decreased quality of life and lack of welfare in equines. An essential part of responsible ownership is creating and maintaining the conditions that allow your animals to live their best lives and spend many happy years with you.

  • Here are some of the best ways to ensure that your horses avoid pain, injury and disease:
  • Take a good look at where your horses live, sleep and exercise and make sure that they have a comfortable place to rest, enough space to move around and routines that respect their needs;
  • Schedule preventative veterinary appointments as regularly as needed and consistently be on the lookout for any problems that might come up, like limping, hoof problems or weight variations;
  • If your horse has a chronic health condition, they might require medication and special care from you;
  • Whenever you see an injury or a problem that requires urgent care, contact your vet as soon as you are able!

Join us for our next blog post as we wrap up our series on the 5 Freedoms of Animal Welfare!

In summary:

  • Respecting the five areas of animal welfare is essential for the health, wellbeing and happiness of your horse;
  • Equines require specific nutrition depending on their age, lifestyle and physical condition as well as permanent access to clean, fresh water;
  • A well-maintained stable, preventative veterinary care and support during medical emergencies as well as during chronic health conditions will ensure that your animals live long and happy lives free from suffering.

 

Would you like to know more about horses? Check our Equine Courses:

Equine courses