FREE PLEASE TAKE A COPY
WINTER 2018/19
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In this issue > A guide to exercising your pet in winter > Understanding arthritis in dogs > Top tips for pet owners during winter > How to care for ageing bunnies
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EDITOR’S COMMENT I’m delighted to present the winter 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 focus on the challenges and hazards that winter months can bring for pets and their owners. As well as highlighting the latest news in the animal world, we also offer some tips for exercising your pet in winter and a guide to arthritis in dogs. 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
Battersea urge the public not to overlook older dogs Battersea Dogs & Cats Home are asking the public not to overlook older dogs who are looking for new homes.
In the past three years, Battersea has rehomed over 900 dogs aged seven and over and while the average stay for a dog under seven years old was just 31 days, for dogs seven and over this jumps up to 40 days.
Steve Craddoch, Centre Manager at Battersea said: “Many people prefer to rehome puppies and younger dogs, so that they can have them for their whole lives. But people often forget how much time, training and exercise younger dogs need. Older dogs are already house trained and while many still have a lot of get-up-and-go, older dogs need a lot less exercise making them a lot less work for a new owner. Older dogs are often much more relaxed than younger dogs, and in a lot of cases they would rather just have a cuddle on the sofa and some human affection, than be running around chasing tennis balls all day.”
More than half of pet owners enjoy the company of their pet over their best friends Researchers who carried out a detailed study found that despite the stresses and strains of modern life our bonds with our pets remain strong and is even strengthening. When quizzed on the strength of their relationship with their pet. 53% said they preferred spending time with their furry friend more than a human companion. According to research conducted by dog-friendly Mercure Hotels, 17% favoured quality time with their pet over their partner – and for good reason, as most pet owners see their animal as a positive influence on their well-being. Three in five people find that their pet helps
them to de-stress after a tough day, and 57% feel less lonely when their pet is beside them. It also emerged seven in 10 find their pet a calming presence in their home. James Lys, General Manager for Mercure, Stratford-upon-Avon, a very popular ‘doggie hotel’, said: “Our pets are a huge part of our lives and can make our day-to-day lives richer than it would be without them. We have noticed a marked increase in guests who bring their pets, specifically their dogs, travelling with them to share the experience.” The study also found that 79% of pet owners miss their pets when they travel away from home, and a quarter feel lost without their animal companion with them on the trip. Although 38% have brought their pet along for a trip at one time or another rather than leaving them at home.
Natures Menu teams up with Puppy School Natures Menu teams up with Puppy School to offer new pet parents’ advice and tasty samples.
Over 200 puppies across the country have got off to a ‘pawsome’ start in life after receiving an exclusive ‘Puppy School
Welcome Box’ from Natures Menu and Puppy School, for the very first time. The ‘Puppy School Welcome’ Box is jam-packed full of advice, exciting money-off vouchers and tasty samples from Natures Menu and its new premium brand True Instinct. To find out more about feeding your puppy the natural way, you can visit www.naturesmenu.co.uk or ask your Puppy School tutor for more information.
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New natural dental chew from Lily’s Kitchen British producer of naturally nutritious food for pets, Lily’s Kitchen has launched its first dental chew, Woofbrush.
Lily’s Kitchen worked with an expert vet dentist to develop these delicious chews, in a bid to help the dental health of the nation’s dogs. The spongy dental chews are made from natural ingredients including, fennel, parsley, coconut oil, algae and decaf green tea extract. Unlike other well-known dental sticks, feeding
Woofbrush chews as part of a dog’s daily dental regime leaves owners feeling totally guilt-free as they contain no sugar or chemicals. Woofbrush is designed to fight plaque, which can be a major cause of poor canine dental health. Thanks to its unique spongy texture, Woofbrush goes right to the gumline when chewed, which is where plaque build-up can be hard to tackle. The chew helps to clean teeth and freshen breath; bad smelling dog breath can often be a sign of poor dental health and can lead to further health issues affecting the liver, kidneys and heart.
Nutravet adds to its industry leading range with probiotic capsule Developed in the UK, Nutraflora is a veterinary strength probiotic capsule with scientifically proven natural ingredients that deliver friendly bacteria, which survives the passage through the stomach and rapidly multiplies in the small intestine.
Natural animal health company, Nutravet has launched a new veterinary strength probiotic capsule to aid recovery in dogs and cats. Nutraflora has been developed to help aid recovery in dogs and cats following treatment and helps to increase the number of beneficial bacteria and repopulate the balance of good bacteria for optimum gut health and immune support.
Matthew Shaw, Managing Director of Nutravet, said: “We’re excited to launch this new innovative product, which has been two years in development. There is increased awareness of probiotics support for hospitalised animals where microflora balance and the GALT immune response can be affected while animals recuperate.” Nutraflora is now available to buy exclusively from Authorised Veterinary Practices. To find your nearest stockist you can visit www.nutravet.co.uk.
Dogmatic wins award for innovative headcollar Dogmatic are very proud to announce that they have been voted ‘Best Dog Collar Manufacturer 2018’. The pet product manufacturer won the accolade at the Global Health & Pharma 2018 Animal and Wellness Awards, which was announced in the Global Health and Pharma magazine in October.
Dogmatic won the award for the innovative design of its headcollar, which is designed to stop dogs from pulling on their lead and offer owners the chance to increase control over their dog. A spokesperson for Dogmatic commented: “This is such a wonderful achievement for Dogmatic. We are always delighted to hear how much the Dogmatic Headcollar has helped owners and their dogs and it is their ‘must have’ product.”
NEWS SNIPPETS The government urges pet owners to contact their vet with regards to travel plans with their pets ahead of the UK’s exit from the EU. DEFRA has issued advice to pet owners about what they need to do to make sure they can travel to the EU with their pets when the UK leaves the EU in March. The advice said pet owners will still be able to travel to Europe with their pet after we leave the EU whatever the outcome of the negotiations. However, in the unlikely event of a no-deal they may need to take some additional steps. This includes a rabies vaccination, followed by a blood test a minimum of 30 days afterwards. If pet owners are planning to travel after 29 March 2019, the government recommends they contact their vet at least four months in advance of their intended travel date to check what they need to do. Fireworks campaigners hand in a petition backed by 358,000 people, calling on the government to restrict their use. The RSPCA and FAB Firework Abatement UK visited the Office for Product Safety and Standards in Birmingham with the petition which renews calls for an urgent review into the existing, outdated fireworks regulations in place. The move comes following another busy bonfire period for the RSPCA, which saw more than 250 calls from concerned animal lovers. According to a new study, one in three pet owners have been alerted to danger by their four-legged companions. Researchers who polled 2,000 pet owners found that their animals have warned them of hazards including fires and carbon monoxide leaks. Pet owners polled also revealed some of the ways that their animals have saved them – or their loved ones – from potentially fatal injuries. One parent called for an ambulance after their pet barked repeatedly to let them know that their one-year old baby was having a convulsion.
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ARTICLE
A guide to...
EXERCISING YOUR PET IN WINTER In winter, like us, pets tend to spend more time inside, due to colder weather and as such may move less and get less exercise. Ensuring your pet gets the right amount of exercise whatever the weather is important for their health and quality of life.
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During winter months if pets are inactive but consume the same amount of food, this could lead to unwanted weight gain. This in itself can lead to health problems, such as arthritis. In colder weather joint problems could become more prominent, especially in older dogs and cats. It’s important to keep your pets moving during winter to ensure they maintain optimum mobility, as well as a healthy lifestyle. Like us, when the weather gets colder your cat or dog may be less enthusiastic to go outside, but there are ways to help your pet to stay mobile this winter.
Dogs Embrace the cold Most dogs are happy to go out come rain or shine. If you do take them outside on a walk, be sure to keep them warm. Some breeds can cope with colder weather more than others, such as Newfoundlands and Leonbergers. For smaller dogs and short haired breeds, you could use a coat to keep them warm. Interactive toys Interactive feeding toys are a great way to help your dog burn extra calories. These can also keep them occupied and prevent
boredom if they have to be left home alone.
they may not be able to climb stairs as well as younger pets.
Make your dog use their nose Hide your dog’s favourite treats around the house in accessible places and make them work for their food. This helps to keep them physically and mentally active.
Teach them some new tricks Despite what many people think, it is possible to teach an old dog new tricks. Getting your dog to perform new tricks and actions can keep them active and their mind stimulated. Use their favourite treats to encourage them but be sure to limit treats and include them in their daily calories if they are not moving as much.
Use your stairs If your pet would prefer to stay in the warmth, use your stairs for an indoor workout. Put your dog on their lead and walk up and down the stairs. Be careful if your dog is older and has joint problems,
Consider their age Older dogs may suffer in the cold more than younger dogs. Bear this in mind when on
walks or during exercise, don’t push your dog too much if they are struggling. Be sure to consider their age and ability when planning activities. Jumping For more mobile dogs, you can use objects such as hula-hoops to get them moving. Hold it just off the ground and encourage your dog to jump through. Once they have mastered it you could increase the height off the ground. Be sure to give them lots of praise and encouragement.
Cats Puzzle feeders Use puzzle feeders to make mealtime a game. Make your cat work for their food, which helps to keep them active, as well as keeping their brain active. Hide & seek Place smaller portions of food around the house for your cat to seek out. As well as being better for their metabolism, studies have shown that animals enjoy their food more when they have to work for it. Use toys to encourage activity Use cat toys to get your cat off the couch and moving around. Laser pens, feathers, balls or anything dangling from a string are great to
help encourage your feline friend to get moving. Teach your cat some new tricks Like dogs, cats can also learn new tricks. Use treats to encourage your cat to practice new tricks and actions. Practice for around 15 minutes per day and you should reward them within 1-2 seconds, so they associate the treat with the command. Create a cat jungle Cats love climbing up to higher spaces to observe their surrounding environment. Cat trees can be a great way to encourage your cat to climb and explore. They’re also usually made out of materials which encourage your cat to scratch.
Agility course If your cat is particularly energetic and mobile, you could try agility exercises. These could include obstacles such as bars to jump over, or tunnels to go through. These will help to push your cat both physically and mentally.
Consider their age Older cats may not be able to move as well as younger cats and may prefer to sleep more. Older cats may be less mobile and may not be able to jump as high as younger cats.
Always consult your vet before starting your pet on a new exercise routine. They will be able to offer advice on what activities fit best with your pet and their health and age needs.
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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...
VetSpec Omega-3 Joint Mobility Formula Prices from £14.99
VetSpec Omega-3 Joint Mobility Formula is a cereal-grain-free, super premium dog food, rich in DHA and EPA (Omega-3s), glucosamine and chondroitin at levels only normally found in veterinary grade supplements. It is ideal for providing nutritional support to dogs with poor mobility or those which are in hard work, e.g. agility dogs or gun dogs. It includes biotin and other associated nutrients to greatly improve the coat and promote a supple skin. It is wheat gluten-free with no added colours, preservatives or artificial flavours. For further information visit www.vetspec.com
Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Puzzle MSRP: £20
Flip, find and slide! Fight boredom, engage and entertain your dog with the Nina Ottosson Dog Brick, a new and versatile dog puzzle game. With three different treat finding features, the Nina Ottosson Dog Brick is made with easy-to-open and -close flip compartments in which to hide treats, and separate, removable bone puzzle pieces that offer an even more interesting challenge. For more information, see www.nina-ottosson.com
Dogmatic Award Winning Headcollar Prices from £24.99
The multi award winning Dogmatic dog Headcollar stops dogs pulling on the lead. Voted ‘Product I can’t live without’ six times and also winner of Best Dog Collar Manufacturer 2018. Comfortable for the dog to wear and does not ride up or go near the eyes. Offering the widest range of dog Headcollars in leather, padded cushioned webbing with matching collars and training leads. Dogmatic offer a kind comfortable solution to dogs pulling on the lead. Products that are comfortable for your dog, work correctly and also look good! www.dogmatic.org.uk
Nutraquin+ Aids Joints & Mobility in 7 days Prices from £30 for a box of 60 capsules
Maintaining optimum joint health for your pet is important to ensure they lead a happy and healthy life. Nutraquin+ is a fast-acting joint support containing the necessary high strength ingredients that help maintain healthy joint function in cats and dogs, whilst supporting the natural systems that control inflammation. Nutraquin+ contains key ingredients to naturally help rebuild joint cartilage and restore joint health, such as Glucosamine, Chondroitin and Boswellia Extract. www.nutravet.co.uk/ nutraquin
WIN WIN WIN Be in with a chance of winning one of our monthly prizes by following us on Facebook.
Each month we will give away prizes to our followers on Facebook, prizes include t-shirts, mugs, products from Fish4Dogs, Nutravet, The Dog Treat Company, Rosewood Pets, Nina Ottosson, Cotswold Raw and others. Look out for the latest competitions by following us. Follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/CompanionLifeMag
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ARTICLE
Understanding Arthritis is a common health issue with a reported 1.2 million dogs in the UK thought to have arthritis. The degenerative disease is mostly seen in older dogs, but can also affect younger dogs, active dogs or as a result of an injury. There are some breeds that are more prone to developing arthritis, such as German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers. The term arthritis simply means inflammation of the joints and can be caused by general wear and tear due to age. Obviously dogs can’t directly tell you that they are suffering, but subtle changes in your dog’s behaviour could help to identify if there is a problem. These changes can vary throughout your dog’s life. Signs that your dog may be struggling with arthritis may include: • Stiffness when getting up after sleeping • Lagging behind on walks or not interested in walking at all • Irritable and interact less with family members • Lick or bite at irritable joints • Sleep or rest more in
easy to reach places • Struggle to jump into the car or be able to get up and down the stairs Arthritis can be common in overweight dogs and a combination of weight control and exercise management can help to reduce load on the joints and maximise mobility.
How arthritis in dogs is diagnosed Your vet should be your first port of call if you suspect that your dog may be suffering with arthritis. They will be able to undertake a thorough examination where they will want to know about your dog’s recent behaviour, may manipulate their joints to listen and feel for any crackling or
grating. They’re likely to look for stiffness when your dog walks or loss of muscle mass. They may also recommend further tests and x-rays to help to confirm and locate arthritic changes which can sometimes identify underlying causes. Your vet will also be able to offer advice and prescribe the treatment appropriate to your dog’s condition.
Treatment for arthritis in dogs Unfortunately there is no cure for arthritis as it is a degenerative disease, however, reducing the inflammation and pain of the joints can help to make your dog more comfortable. Exercise is also often recommended to help to maintain and improve joint movement and flexibility. To help make life easier for your dog, there are a range of things you can do as an owner to reduce stiffness and improve mobility. These includes: • Make sure your dog has a nice and comfy place to sleep, away from cold floors or drafts. The cold can aggravate sore joints and make getting up more painful • Managing your dog’s weight can prevent any extra pressure on their joints.
• Exercise is important to avoid stiffness and muscle wastage • A good quality diet will help keep your pet healthy There are a number of treatments and medications that can help to manage the symptoms of arthritis and help your dog to lead a pain free and happy life.
Diet
Your dog’s diet can play an important role in their joint health. Commercial dog food usually contains refined grains, which have limited nutrition and can aggravate arthritis, as well as increase inflammation. Choose food that contains whole grains or sweet potatoes as they provide important phytonutrients and antioxidants that help to fight inflammation. Oily fish, such as mackerel or sardines are also a good option, as they are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. There are many dog foods on the market, which offer nutritional support for joints, including: Vetspec, Hills, James Wellbeloved and Royal Canin.
NSAIDs for dogs with arthritis
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are specifically formulated for dogs and should only be prescribed by your vet. NSAIDs work by reducing the inflammation around the joints and by providing significant pain relief. However, there can be serious side effects in dogs and regular check-ups with your vet are essential to monitor and assess the most appropriate NSAID and dose rate to administer. The most common NSAIDs available for dogs include, Metacam, Rimadyl, Deramaxx and Vetprofen.
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arthritis in dogs
Natural supplements to benefit dogs suffering with arthritis Natural supplements, also known as nutraceuticals, can help to maintain optimum joint health for your dog. Natural joint supplements commonly contain Chondroitin and Glucosamine, which occur naturally in joint cartilage. Other natural ingredients such as Boswellia Extract and Omega-3s can also have significant benefits. There are a number of joint supplements currently on the market including: Serequin, Cosequin, Synoquin, Vetpro for joints, and Nutraquin+, which is recommended by vets. Glucosamine This is an important building block for cartilage. It helps cartilage to act as a shock absorber. There are two forms of Glucosamine, Glucosamine HCL and Glucosamine Sulphate. Glucosamine HCL is the highest quality, purest form of Glucosamine, it is more stable and occurs naturally in every living organism. However, Glucosamine Sulphate is the
type most commonly found on the high street. Chondroitin This helps to maintain synovial fluid viscosity to give extra joint protection and is also an important building block for cartilage. Boswellia This is a plant extract that supports the body’s natural anti-inflammatory processes. It plays an important role in maintaining smooth and comfortable joint movement. It is used to support conventional drugs, but does not cause the damage to cartilage that many anti-inflammatories do. Omega-3 Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are DHA and EPA. EPA and DHA can reduce inflammation, which causes swelling and pain. Some studies have shown that the acids might also suppress the body’s immune system.
Natural alternatives to support dogs with arthritis Hydrotherapy This involves your dog swimming in a purpose built pool, which helps to build muscle mass to better support their joints. Hydrotherapy is a low impact treatment, which will not aggravate the joints. Physical therapy This involves specific activity designed to improve strength and mobility without causing additional stress on the joints. This can also help with weight management and assist rehabilitation following joint surgery.
Massage therapy Massaging your senior dogs aching muscles a few minutes every day can help to slow down the degenerative process of arthritis. Massage can also help to relieve some of your dog’s arthritis pain and reduce some of the muscle tension associated with the disease. Acupuncture Acupuncture is an alternative therapy, which can help to ease the symptoms that your dog will experience due to arthritis. Acupuncture for dogs with arthritis is an ancient therapy that utilises pressure points to promote healing.
If you suspect that your dog might be struggling and suffering from symptoms associated with arthritis you should consult your vet. They will be best placed to help you to decide the best course of action for your dog in order to provide the highest long-term care.
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ADVICE
TOP TIPS for pet owners during winter
Managing your pet’s health through winter can ensure that they get to enjoy the season along with you. Harsh winters can bring a number of challenges and stress for pet owners. With cold weather comes darker nights, which can prove to be hazardous for your cat or dog. Curious pets will want to investigate new sights during winter that they may not have seen before, it’s crucial to understand how to maintain their health during this period. Snow and ice could be intriguing to your dog and as the weather gets colder your pet might need additional support for their joints.
Here are some of the positive things you can do to help keep your pets safe during winter:
Keep them warm
To be sure to protect your pet from the cold, keep them indoors as much as possible. Dog jackets and jumpers could be used for walking your dog to help keep them warm. Short haired and senior pets could use them whilst indoors.
Bring pets indoors
If it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet. Bring outdoor pets indoors during winter months. If left outside your dog could freeze or become disoriented. Also, don’t leave your pet alone in cars during winter, as cars can act as refrigerators that hold the cold in and can cause animals to freeze to death.
A cosy bed
Make sure your pet has a nice warm place to sleep. Senior pets can be more sensitive to the cold, raise your dog or cat’s bed from cold surfaces to prevent stiffness in joints. Add more bedding to protect from the cold and add extra padding for joints.
Beware of salt and chemicals
These are used to melt ice on paths and driveways and
could be poisonous to you cat or dog. Your pet could pick them up on their paws when outside, which could irritate them. Clean their paws with warm water and cotton wool to prevent them from licking it off.
Antifreeze
This is used in cars to prevent car radiators from freezing up. Your pet will be attracted to the sweet taste of antifreeze; however, it can be poisonous to cats and dogs. Be sure to clean up any spills immediately. Consider using one that is ethylene glycol free, which is the ingredient that makes it both sweet and toxic.
Maintain exercise routines
Even though it feels colder outside, it’s still important to walk your dog and keep them active to prevent them from becoming overweight and maintain joint mobility. Take them for shorter walks more often to limit the amount of time in the cold. Your cat might also want to go outside less due to the cold weather, be sure to play with them inside to ensure they get the same amount of exercise to prevent unwanted weight gain in winter.
Bathe your pets less
Washing your dog too much during colder months can irritate their skin. Try to do it as little as often to prevent the removal of essential oils, which can increase the chance of them developing dry skin.
Dry skin
In cold weather, air in homes can become dry which can have an impact on your cat or dog’s skin. If their skin becomes dry it could irritate them. Prevent this by brushing your cat and dog regularly to increase circulation and improve their skin and coat.
Check your car
When it is cold, outdoor cats can be attracted to the warmth of a car engine. Before starting your car bang on the bonnet or beep your horn before driving.
Ponds and lakes
During winter walks keep your dog away from any ponds or lakes. They could be frozen over and thin ice may break under your dog’s weight. If they fall or jump in this could cause hypothermia. Even if the ice is thick, your dog could slip on the ice.
Paw care
After each winter walk, dry your dog and check their coat and paws for stones or
hardened mud. Use warm water and cotton wool to gently clean between their paw pads and toes to prevent salt and ice from causing irritation. If your cat spends time outdoors, be sure to also dry them off and check their paws when they come inside.
Food
Your cat or dog might use up more calories to stay warm, so you could increase their food intake to ensure they are getting the right amount. However, if they don’t get as much exercise from not going outside, be sure not to overfeed them. If you are unsure, consult your vet who will be able to offer advice.
Keep your pet hydrated
Your cat or dog can become dehydrated in winter, just as much as in summer. Make sure that they have constant access to clean, fresh water. If they have a bowl outdoors, be sure to keep checking it so that it does not freeze over.
Senior pets
In cold weather your senior cat or dog might need some extra care. Cold weather can aggravate joints, so provide extra padding and comfort to relieve joints in colder conditions.
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ADVICE FROM THE EXPERT
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How to care for ageing bunnies By Emma Purnell, RVN Cert.Nut.
Our pet rabbits are living longer as we learn more about how to care for them and keep them healthy. However these requirements change as they age and we need to be able to adjust their care appropriately. When is a rabbit senior? This varies between breeds. Larger breeds such as French Lops and Continental Giants have a shorter lifespan, being classed as senior as early as 3-4 years old, while a Netherland Dwarf may not be classed as senior until 8! The best advice is to class every rabbit as an individual. Regular checks should be made on rabbits at any age but these health checks become even more important as they get older. Important things to check include: • Weight checks – ideally weigh and body condition score weekly and record this, allowing any changes to be spotted • Checking their bottom to ensure no soiling, soreness or flystrike • Checking the feet to ensure no soreness or open wounds, and trim claws as they can overgrow when mobility is reduced • Check incisors and feel around the jawline for any lumps and bumps to indicate dental problems • Check down the sides of the head particularly in lop rabbits to feel for any lumps potentially indicating ear problems • Regular grooming to avoid them ingesting too much loose fur or having excess stuck in the coat, especially around moulting Activity levels of older rabbits vary due to a general calming
down of behaviour as they mature and can also be affected by other health conditions. Arthritis and/or spondylosis can affect older animals and is a multifactorial condition, which essentially leads to stiffness and inflammation of joints. This makes movement uncomfortable and usually leads to a restriction in activity levels. Typical signs can include a gradual slow down, reduced hopping (more ‘walking’), an unwillingness to ‘binky’, dragging legs and not using areas of their enclosure they might have before e.g. shelves, ramps etc. If you spot any of these signs it is important you take your rabbit for a vet check, firstly to get a correct diagnosis of the condition, but also to ensure that the correct treatment is started as early as possible to reduce pain and discomfort. The veterinary surgeon may recommend x-rays and lifelong medication might be needed. As well as medical treatment, areas of the enclosure such as ramps and steps might need to be adjusted. Reduced activity may also mean prolonged periods sitting in one place, which can lead to pressure sores (pododermatitis) on hocks. Other factors which can lead to pododermatitis include rabbits being overweight and it is linked to specific breeds – Rex rabbits have a thinner layer of fur on their heels making them more susceptible. Providing soft
bedding such as high-density polyester bed (e.g. Vetbed) can help to reduce the pressure and avoid issues. The diet of a senior rabbit should still be 80% good quality hay, but the pellet food can be switched to a good quality senior variety – usually marketed from 4 years plus. It is generally recommended that an average adult rabbit has a tablespoon of pellets per kg body weight per day, this can vary with other health issues – speak to your veterinary team for advice. Being overweight as a senior rabbit can lead to issues with pressure sores as previously mentioned but also with grooming, leading to a higher risk of flystrike. Dental issues can be a problem for rabbits at any age and have often presented themselves before this point, but traumatic malocclusion can occur at any age. Any reduction in appetite or faeces output, change in food choice, dribbling, weight loss, overgrowth of incisors or lumps along the jawline should be investigated by a veterinary surgeon as soon as possible. The same care should be provided for senior rabbits in extreme weather conditions, providing extra sources of warmth and insulation in cold temperatures and
cooling packs with plenty of shade on hot days. Vaccination and flystrike prevention are still important in older rabbits. These visits can also be a perfect opportunity to get your rabbits fully and regularly health checked by your veterinary surgeon. Sadly, as our rabbits become elderly we have to consider end of life care. While the decision to put a pet to sleep is difficult, if quality of life is affected to the point where the rabbit cannot behave in a normal manner without pain and discomfort, euthanasia might need to be considered. If you want to discuss this further please contact your veterinary team who can help with this difficult time. We are lucky that we get to keep our rabbit friends for longer but need to ensure we provide the best care at all life stages.
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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