Companion Life - Summer 2020

SUMMER 2020

FREE PLEASE TAKE A COPY

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In this issue > Understanding separation anxiety in dogs > Top tips for pet owners in summer > The benefits of Omega-3s for pets > Q&A with Canine Partners > Degu Care

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2 EDITOR’S COMMENT I’m delighted to present the Summer 2020 edition of Companion Life magazine. Companion Life is a free magazine which aims to offer pet owners information, news and advice. In this issue we discuss separation anxiety in pets, along with the benefits of omega 3s for dogs and cats. As well as highlighting the latest news in the pet world, we also offer some tips to help pet owners through summer months. Feel free to get in touch with any features, news and new products or even your pet pictures.

Laura Evans Editor

Companion Life Companion Life is a Free Magazine providing news, information, tips and advice for pet owners across the UK. Circulation: 40,000 copies of Companion Life are distributed to veterinary practices across the UK. Contact details: Companion Life, Barn 3, Somerford Business Court, Holmes Chapel Road, Congleton, Cheshire. CW12 4SN www.companionlife.co.uk Editor: Laura Evans.

Editorial: editor@companionlife.co.uk 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.

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NEWS

ned & fred announces free delivery on all products When you’re buying products for your pampered pooches, we know they only deserve the best!

As animal enthusiasts, ned & fred are committed to designing and manufacturing dog products that meet your canine needs.

With a range of durable and long-lasting products specifically for dogs, ned & fred‘s design philosophy is to make owners’ lives easier whilst keeping their much loved pets entertained. But they’ve recently gone one step further, now all of their products are available with free shipping to anywhere in

the UK – delivering quality products direct to your door!

With expertise in the design of durable plastic products for heavy-duty industries, at ned & fred, all of the products are manufactured here in the UK and have been developed to the highest quality for both the safety of your pet and the lifespan of the product.

Available in a selection of colours to suit your preferences, our choice of dog products stem from splash pools to keep your dog cool in warmer months, to boredom busting toys.

If your pooch is in need of a treat, browse the full range of products available for free delivery at www.nedandfred.co.uk.

Paper bags to replace plastic in RSPCA charity shops The RSPCA is replacing plastic bags with more environmentally friendly paper ones across its charity shops in a bid to become more eco-conscious.

The animal welfare charity has launched paper bags across its shops this week so branches can choose to use paper bags over plastic ones. The RSPCA is one of the first charities to move away from single-use plastic carrier bags.

RSPCA retail specialist, Jenny Eden, said:

“We wanted to replace our existing plastic carrier bags with something easily recyclable, and being a charity that cares for wildlife, we wanted to make sure that no wild animal could be harmed by one of our bags if it was accidentally discarded.

“As a charity, we have received more than 21,600 reports of animals injured or caught in litter over the past five years and plastic bags play a huge part in this which is why we wanted to play our part in helping animals, the environment and the planet by cutting down on single-use plastic.”

The new paper bags are made and printed in the UK and are made of 100% recycled paper and are fully recyclable.

New e-petition launched to ban puppy imports A new e-petition has been launched calling for the ban of exploitive imports to young puppies for sale in the UK. The petition comes after the recent high-profile case of Love Island stars Molly Mae Hague and Tommy Fury’s puppy ‘Mr Chai’ passed away after just six days of arriving in the UK. Behind the petition is Marc Abraham, and a young lady named Lucy Parkinson from Preston – a dog lover who decided something needed to be done to stop this from happening again.

A perfect example of grass-roots campaigning – Lucy’s passion for the cause is her drive and she is determined to see this through to the end, no matter what it takes.

Since its launch on Saturday (27th June), the petition now has over 50k signatures and counting, receiving over 10k in 24 hours and meaning the government must respond.

With the online support of celebrities including Ricky Gervais it’s hoped that the petition will reach the 100k signatures required to be debated in parliament.

To sign the petition visit – https://petition. parliament.uk/petitions/326261

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Nutravet offers tips and advice for pet owners during the Covid-19 outbreak Natural animal health company, Nutravet continued their dedicated support for pet owners throughout the Covid-19 crisis with a continued campaign of updates and advice on pet health to make sure pets receive the best care possible whilst many veterinary practices offered a limited service.

The company who manufactures the number 1 veterinary exclusive joint support, Nutraquin+ saw an increased demand for their products during the outbreak and wanted to make sure it was doing eveything to meet the needs of pet owners and their stockists.

Managing Director for Nutravet, Matthew Shaw comments: “We have worked tirelessly

to meet the unprecedented demand for our range during the Covid-19 outbreak. The extra time owners were spending with their pets meant they were more attentive and able to see changes to their pet’s health and behaviour. Many pet owners were stocking up on our range, utilsing our products to help their pets anxiety due to changes in routines or to help them train whilst spending extra quality time together.

Animal health is important to us and at a time of crisis, some owners were worried about their pets, especially with limited access to veterinary practices.

We hope the advice and information we offered pet owners was valued during a very stressful time.”

To view the tops tips from nutravet you can visit www.nutravet.co.uk

Forthglade launches new range of dog treats Forthglade natural pet food has launched a new range of dog treats, suitable for sensitive tummies.

Forthglade has launched Soft Bites, which are tasty new treats available in Salmon, Lamb or Turkey recipes, each combined with sweet potato and botanicals such as mint, dill, sage and parsley to aid a dog’s

digestive and immune system.

Slightly moist in texture, the grain free natural Soft Bites are ideal for dogs with sensitive tummies and are suitable for dogs aged from 2 months+.

The Soft Bites are priced at £1.50 for 90g resealable packs and are also available in packs of 8 for £10.

Available from www.forthglade.com, Waitrose and all good independent pet shops.

Celebrity canines raise over £21k for PDSA in just seven days Kerry Irving and his Spaniel companions, Max, Paddy and Harry have raised an incredible £21,764 for PDSA in just one week, ahead of their Ben Nevis challenge next month.

the coronavirus pandemic.

The fundraiser breaks the charity’s records for the largest sum raised for a single volunteer challenge in such a short timeframe.

Over the last three years, Kerry has raised over £165,000 for charities through his fundraising. He was awarded the PDSA Fundraising Volunteer of the Year Award earlier this year for his amazing support for PDSA, which has seen him raise nearly £32,000 for the charity 2020 alone.

Kerry will be taking on the UK’s highest peak with two of his Cumbrian canines, Paddy and Harry to raise vital funds for PDSA, who are facing a fundraising crisis amid

The Spaniels are known for the life-changing role they played in helping Kerry to overcome crippling depression after a car accident left him with chronic pain back in 2006.

NEWS SNIPPETS RSPCA braces for summer surge in abandonments The RSPCA is bracing itself for a surge in abandoned animals and fears the fallout from the Covid crisis could see more owners struggling to keep their pets.

Typically, the charity sees abandonment peak in the summer months, with 16,519 animals reported abandoned between June and August 2019, which accounts for 30% of all animals abandoned last year.

The RSPCA is braced for an even bigger impact this summer following the easing of lockdown and the financial impact on the coronavirus pandemic and has launched an emergency appeal to continue its vital work Scumbles launch all natural, dental care treats for cats Scrumbles, the eco-friendly, tummy taming pet brand is launching dental care treats for your kitties’ teeth.

Launched earlier this month (July 2020), the treats are specially formulated with ingredients clinically proven to reduce plaque and tartare build up and designed to make it easier to keep your cat’s teeth squeaky clean when partnered with brushing.

Baked in carbon neutral, biomass-fuelled ovens to a satisfying crunch to help tackle hard to reach teeth, the new treats are packed full of proper ingredients in 100% recyclable packaging.

True to the Scrumbles philosophy, each recipe only contains natural ingredients with no added nonsense like artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. They are also free from allergens like gluten, soy and dairy.

Priced at £2.49, the Scrumbles Dental Care Gnashers will be available to buy from July 1st from www.scrumbles.co.uk.

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ARTICLE

A guide to...

UNDERSTANDING SEPARATION ANXIETY IN DOGS We all love our dogs and would be more than happy to spend 24 hours a day in their company. However, with work commitments, that is not always possible, and some dogs can become anxious when left alone, for even just a few hours.

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Unfortunately, if not understood properly, separation anxiety can cause serious problems, with many owners getting frustrated with their pet and even giving them up.

If left alone for long periods of time, as well as getting stressed, dogs can also become bored resulting in the destruction of furniture.

• Trembling • Excessive barking • Destruction of furniture or property • Whining • Urinating in the house • Sometimes aggression

TOP TIP

If you have a new dog, suddenly leaving them alone can lead to anxiety, which can result in whining, destruction of property or barking for long periods of time. Dogs can become hyper-attached to their owner and may get super-stressed when left alone.

Anxiety in pets can be shown in a number of ways, which include:

• Could you pop home on How long should you leave your dog alone for? your lunch to check on Four hours is the longest that dogs should be left alone for, them and let them but every dog will be different. How long they can be on their outside to toilet? own will depend on how old they are and what they are used • Could a neighbour or to. For example, a young active puppy would not be able friend check in on your to be left alone for four hours, but an older dog may be ok. dog while you’re out?

• Are there any If you have to leave you dog home alone during the day professional dog walkers for any reason, while at work or if you have to pop out and in your local area? can’t take them with you, think about things that could make it easier for your pet.

Separation anxiety can occur for many reasons, including if your dog isn’t used to being away from you or they are scared by something in the home. Pain and underlying medical conditions can also cause your dog to feel worried about being on their own, so you should always get them checked over by a vet if you notice changes in their behaviour.

Tips to help ease separation anxiety

to have the run of the house whilst you are out, be sure to close doors and block off areas you don’t want them to go. Be sure to check the area/room they will be in for any hazards to be sure they are safe whilst on their own.

If you have to leave your pet for anytime in the day, there are some positive things you can do which include: Distractions Make sure that your dog has enough toys to play with, which would be a great distraction whilst you are out.

Stuffed toys with treats are a good way to keep them busy and happy during the time you are away. You could also leave the TV or radio on for background noise.

Exercise Make sure your dog has had enough exercise before you leave the house. If you are going to be leaving them for a number of hours, take them for a long walk before doing so. This will help to get rid

of excess energy and they may sleep whilst you’re out.

Safe zone Create a safe zone or den for your dog to retreat to if they are feeling extra anxious.

You could leave a jumper or t-shirt with your smell on for your dog, which is familiar to them. This will help to comfort them while you are gone.

Prevent accidents Make sure they have had the opportunity to go outside and go to the toilet prior to you leaving the house.

Close curtains If your dog can get distracted by outside noise or you live on a busy road, close the curtains to reduce any distractions which might

make them anxious and bark for prolonged periods.

Ask someone to check on them If possible, ask a friend or family member to stop by and check on your dog, even if it’s for 10 minutes to allow them to go to the toilet outside.

Training to reduce anxiety in dogs If you know you have to leave your dog alone, try to train them from a young age to get them used to being separated from you during the day. You could start by leaving them for a short period and increase the time you are away. Make sure that you give your dog plenty of attention when you return as a reward.

Pet proof your home If you don’t want your dog

Don’t discipline bad behaviour If your pet has misbehaved whilst you are out and caused damage or toileted in the house, don’t discipline them on your return as this could cause further anxiety. It could also lead to your dog worrying about your return home.

Natural support Consider using a natural supplement to help reduce your pet’s stress. Some available on the market include Nutracalm, VetPro Stress & Anxiety, Adaptil plug in or Pet Remedy.

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ADVICE

TOP TIPS for pet owners in 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.

To help keep your pets healthy this summer, here are our top tips:

Plenty of fresh water Always make sure that your pet has a clean and fresh supply of water daily.

If you are taking them on a long car journey, take water bowls along to hydrate your pet during rest stops. 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.

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.

Cars Never leave your pet alone in a car, especially in summer months. Cars can get hot very quickly in the sun and this could risk your pet’s health. Either take your dog with you or leave them at home.

Water safety

Protect their paws

Keep pets cool

If you take your dog to the beach or somewhere near a lake, be sure to supervise your dog 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.

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.

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 pet to prevent them from escaping or falling. These can be used for rabbits – but don’t place it directly onto them and be sure to cover wires in case they get chewed.

Sun protection Some dogs and cats can suffer from sunburn, just like us if we spend too much time in the sun. Pets with light skin and short or thin hair, such as white cats are more susceptible to sensitive skin from the sun. Try to limit the amount of time your pet spends in the sun. You could also use sun cream that is specially formulated for pets.

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 overexert your dog.

Offer shade Create a shady den in your garden to help your pet escape the sun. Make sure they have plenty of fresh water on offer – as well as water to use to cool off. You could use a small paddling pool in your garden to keep your dog cool in high temperatures.

Barbecues 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 pet scraps.

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.

Rabbits and small furries 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.

Keep an eye on your pet Keep checking on your pet and look out for signs of heat stress. These signs can include, heavy panting and excessive drooling.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT 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...

ned & fred Decahedog toy reward 8 Inches: £19.99 10 Inches: £20.99

Designed with pups in mind, this sturdy ten-sided boredom buster is sure to keep your dog entertained.

One-piece moulded from durable plastic for added strength, the Decahedog can withstand the excitable chews of your four-legged friend. As a toy that rewards hard work, just fill the inner cavity with your pooch’s favourite treats and watch them play. Available in a range of colours and two different sizes depending on your dog’s breed, the Decahedog is suitable for both indoor and outdoor play – with free delivery, get your paws on the Decahedog today!

True Instinct Freeze Dried range for dogs.

Nutramega For healthy skin & a glossy coat

TI Freeze Dried Complete Dinners: £2.99

Maintaining optimum skin and coat health for your pet is essential to ensure they lead a happy and healthy life. Nutramega has been specifically formulated to support the animal’s natural systems that control inflammation, in an easy to administer high strength gel capsule. Nutramega contains high quality Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E, which naturally calms sensitive skin, soothes dry, flaky skin and reduces itching and scratching.

TI Freeze Dried Meat Bites:£0.99

Prices from £14.99

TI Freeze Dried Meat Chunks: £5.99 The freeze-dried element locks in all the natural goodness of the quality ingredients by simply removing water content, meaning the range is not only extremely nutritional, but offers an intense taste too.

The ready-to-serve food is available in a range of varieties. www.trueinstinct.co.uk

www.nutravet.co.uk/ nutramega

www.nedandfred.co.uk

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ARTICLE

The benefits of Omega-3s for pets Some natural ingredients can help to ensure your pet leads a happy and healthy life. Supplementing your pet’s diet with key ingredients like Omega-3s can help to support their health in areas such as their joints, brain function, skin health and kidneys.

Omaga-3 is an essential fatty acid that the body needs but cannot produce naturally. Omega-3 is a group of three main polyunsaturated ‘fatty acids’. These are ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). All three of these fatty acids can be found naturally in some fish, including Salmon, Herring, Mackerel and Ocean Sardines.

EPA and DHA EPA and DHA are both found in cold water fish. EPA and DHA are highly unsaturated fats due to them only containing six and five double bonds on their structural chains. Being unsaturated is an advantage as it makes it easier for the body to break down and utilise the fatty acids.

EPA and DHA are precursors for newly discovered lipids called Resolvins and Protectins which support the natural systems that control inflammation. It’s important to look for Omega-3 supplements which state the EPA & DHA levels on the label, this is a declaration of the purity of the product.

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How Omega 3s can benefit your pet’s health Skin health

Cats and dogs are often unwittingly fed an unnatural diet, which is too high in Omega-6 fatty acids derived from high levels of cereals and vegetable proteins. Special Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly

EPA and DHA from refined fish oil are important to counteract the Omega-6 imbalance.

Feeding additional Omega-6 fatty acids can worsen the condition of your pet’s skin, therefore,

it’s important to consider the ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3. Pets need both, but in the correct proportions.

Omega-3 EPA has a calming effect on pets’ skin, helping to ease itching and scratching.

Brain health

Omega-3s have been shown to aid learning abilities in young puppies.

Other studies linked low blood omega-3 with dog aggression, indicating beneficial applications of Omega-3s throughout the entire life of your pet to maintain brain health.

Strong research also demonstrates that supplementing omega-3 fish oil supports cognitive function in pets. Oral Omega-3 especially from DHA has been shown to aid the structure and function of brain cells by promoting the natural

synthesis of synaptic membranes and dendritic spines, thereby aiding neurotransmission.

Omega-3 DHA supplementation plays an indispensable role in natural supporting the neuronal membranes in aged brains.

Joint health

Omega-3 fish oil can help to reduce the intensity of the symptoms that come from canine arthritis such as stiffness, tenderness, swelling and discomfort.

The Omega-3 fatty acids can increase blood flow throughout the body during exercise, which can help to reduce joint pain and swelling.

One of the main benefits of Omega-3 is its

anti-inflammatory properties which can play a role in reducing joint pain.

Fish oil contains the Omega-3 fatty acids EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid).

EPA and DHA play a role in promoting the reduction of inflammation in the joints as well as limiting the production of certain negative proteins that

inhibit various types of joint problems.

Studies show that Omega-3 can improve activity and performance in pets with joint stiffness.

Omega-3 fatty acids can help to reduce the early signs, for example it keeps collagen and cartilage healthier for longer and helps to give your pet’s joints the shock absorbing properties they need.

Kidney health

Kidney function is known to decline with age, and this can be associated with a decrease in renal Omega-3s and an increase in inflammation.

High purity Omega-3s

(EPA and DHA) from fish oil can have beneficial effects on supporting an animal’s natural systems that control inflammation and supporting a better quality of life. The flow of

blood to the kidneys is important, as kidneys filter blood, remove waste and extra water to make urine.

Omega-3 may improve blood pressure in kidney disease patients.

Before adding anything to your pet’s diet speak to your vet who will be able to offer the best advice with regards to your pet’s age.

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GETTING TO KNOW

Q&A

Q&A with Canine Partners National Assistance dog charity, Canine Partners celebrates its 30th Anniversary this year (2020). However the Coronavirus (COVID 19) pandemic has brought the charity many challenges when it comes to training assistance dogs for people living with physical disabilities across the UK. Canine Partners and many charities in the UK need your help more than ever to recover from the ongoing crisis to make sure this year isn’t their last. Here we find out more about the work the charity does and how you can support them.

Who are Canine Partners and who does the charity help?

Canine Partners is a registered charity that transforms the lives of people with physical disabilities by partnering them with assistance dogs. Our amazing dogs bring a greater independence and quality of life to their partners, offering security, companionship, and practical help with everyday household tasks. These lifechanging dogs also provide psychological and social benefits including increased independence, confidence, social interaction and selfesteem.

Our assistance dogs are trained to meet the needs of individuals with a wide range of physical disabilities. We currently help adults aged 18 and over (both civilians and former service personnel) who have a physical disability or condition that affects their daily life and limits their independence.

How important is the work you do at Canine Partners?

There are hundreds of people with physical disabilities across the UK partnered with our dogs, each with a different story to tell about how their lives have been enhanced by our amazing canine partners. Here is a quote from one of our partners, Dominique, whose life was transformed when she was partnered with canine partner Misty in June 2019.

“Misty has wholeheartedly given me a momentous chunk of my independence back. Overall, thanks to my partnership with Misty: my chronic pain is more manageable, my fatigue levels have lessened, and my anxiety and fear have begun to subside.

Furthermore, although a vast amount of my symptomatology related to my disability and illness still remain and will not disappear – having Misty by my side in those horrible times makes fighting through the hard times that little bit easier. I feel so incredibly lucky for having Canine Partners in my life. They not only gave me the most devoted and sweet-natured assistance dog, but they’ve also continued to give me support, encouragement and life-skills related to overcoming hurdles related to disabled living.”

How soon do you start training your assistance dogs?

Our canine partners undertake a specialist twoyear training programme, which begins from selection at seven to eight weeks old.

They spend 12 to 14 months in puppy training with a volunteer, followed by four months’ advanced training at one of our Training Centres. At all stages training is fun and rewardbased.

Can any dog become an assistance dog?

We generally use retriever based breeds such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers and crosses of these breeds.

They are ideal as their breeding means they naturally suited to the task work, they are large enough to carry out the work, trainable, sociable and popular with the public.

We have had some success with other breeds, such as Poodles and crosses, used particularly for their fleece hair for people with allergies to fur, however they are generally more challenging to work with.

What happens to the assistance dogs once they retire?

At Canine Partners, each partnership is individually monitored and assessed, to decide on the most appropriate age to retire the dog. However this is no later than 11 years of age. Once the dogs reach retirement they can either stay with their partner as a domestic pet, though the partner would need to be able to look after both the retired dog as a pet and any subsequent assistance dog, be re-homed by a family member, or we will find a suitable adoptive home for the dog’s remaining life. We commit to the life of the partner, therefore we encourage them to apply for a successor dog and they are prioritised on our waiting list.

How can anyone help to support Canine Partners in their 30th Year?

The Covid-19 crisis is impacting our fundraising and we anticipate a shortfall of £1 million in the funds we expected to raise this year.

The crisis means an increased health risk and greater isolation for many of our 452 partners and we know our amazing dogs are a lifeline, providing practical support, companionship and security.

Our number one goal is to maintain this support when it is needed most, but in the most challenging of times. A donation at this crucial time will help make sure that when this crisis ends, Canine Partners will continue to be there for our partners and with every hope, train amazing dogs to transform even more lives.

Please donate today to help secure the future of Canine Partners by visiting caninepartners.org.uk/ helpprotectourfuture

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ADVICE FROM THE EXPERT

11

How to care for your Degu

By Emma Purnell, RVN Cert.Nut.

Degus are becoming more popular and can be fun and sociable pets but have some very specific care requirements.

The degu is a rodent, fairly closely related to the guinea pig and the chinchilla. They can live until 8-9 years of age when cared for correctly so this needs to be taken into account when choosing one as a pet. They originate from Chile and are awake during the day unlike many of the smaller pet rodent species meaning they can make great companions.

They are not particularly keen on being handled so are not ideal children’s pets, but are very intelligent and can bond closely with their owners. In the wild they love to burrow and dig and can form complex tunnel systems.

It is important to get the correct diet for degus as they are unable to digest carbohydrates and sugars meaning they are prone to diabetes. Ad lib hay supplemented with specific degu diets are best with some green leafy veg and forage. Meadow or Timothy hay is best, Alfalfa hay should be avoided as this can lead to weight gain.

Hay can be given in different boxes and tubes to provide increased mental stimulation. The specific degu diets can be provided in treat balls to help keep them active and their brain

stimulated.

In order to keep degus healthy they need to be active and have the space to be active. Ideally wire cages with multiple levels giving them plenty to explore and a substrate at the bottom that they can dig and burrow gives them the best stimulation. Plastic based cages are not suitable, they are strong chewers and will easily gnaw a way out! Many toys can be added to give them more to do including tunnels, digging boxes with clean soil or sand, balls they can also chew and branches from trees including apple, pear, beech or ash.

Chewing is important as, like rabbits and guinea pigs, they have constantly growing teeth which need to be worn down. Proper diet helps with this as hay is ideal for wearing teeth but plenty of gnawing is also necessary. Nesting boxes or ceramic pots can be used to give them a nesting space to hide. Exercise wheels are commonly used but try to get the largest diameter wheel possible to avoid any potential spinal damage.

Care should be taken to keep degus below 20C, they can overheat readily in high temperatures. They can tolerate cold better but avoid extremes. They do not do well in the damp so wet areas must be avoided.

Degus are sociable

creatures and need company of their own species. They should be in at least pairs, obviously male/female pairs will breed so ideally they should be neutered or housed in same sex pairs or groups. Male groups need to be kept well away from females or can fight. They are vocal animals with a range of noises to communicate between themselves. They can also form close bonds with their owners, making them brilliant companions but also leaving them at risk of separation anxiety.

When handling a degu, care must be taken to never hold or pick them up by their tail, they have developed the ability to shed their tail to avoid predators in the wild but the remaining stump can lead them to further traumatise the wound and lead to infections. They should be fully supported when handled making sure their legs are not left to dangle as this makes them feel unsafe. They can bite and have powerful incisors so regular handling is needed to ensure they feel safe with being picked up and carried but it also means they are not ideal pets for younger children.

In order to stay clean degus require a dust bath, they use the dust to clean oils from their coat, this needs to be available at all times.

Dental problems can be an issue in degus, be aware of any drooling or wetness around their chins and if spotted, or if there are any changes in their eating, see a vet asap. Their teeth should be yellow rather than white, white teeth are actually a sign of a problematic vitamin A deficiency (which should not be an issue with correct diet). Respiratory problems can also occur, increased breathing rate, rasping and discharge are common signs of this. Degus are classed as ‘exotic’ pets so making sure your vet is an exotic specialist is the best way to ensure proper care.

Any signs of lethargy, going off their food, weight loss, excess salivation or similar should mean a vet visit asap. Nail trimming may also be needed if not being worn correctly.

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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