FREE PLEASE TAKE A COPY
AUTUMN 2018
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In this issue > A guide to stress and anxiety > Caring for senior dogs > Q&A with Paul Watson from The Labrador Rescue Trust > Obesity in rabbits
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EDITOR’S COMMENT I’m delighted to present the autumn 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 that autumn can bring for pets and their owners, as well as highlighting the latest news in the animal world. We also offer advice on caring for your senior dogs and a guide to stress and anxiety in pets. Feel free to get in touch with any features, news, pet 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
The National Pet Show returns to Birmingham in November The National Pet Show is set to return to Birmingham’s NEC in November and is expected to be bigger and better than ever.
Now in its fifth year, The National Pet Show is expected to welcome 25,000 visitors over the two days, which is said to be a pet heaven for animal lovers of all ages who can get up close and personal with them.
The event will host a number of fascinating talks from experts, interactive demonstrations and animal displays, with a focus on the rehoming of pets from rescue charities. Each day, The Supervet, Professor Noel Fitzpatrick will inspire young visitors at his specially built ‘Noel’s Ark’ and Autumnwatch TV presenter, Michaela Strachan will host SuperDogs Live – a fantastic live show celebrating the nation’s love of dogs. For more information visit www.thenationalpetshow.com
‘Look before you lock’ campaign launched to protect curious felines Cats Protection are asking the public to check their sheds and garages for cats following a rise in the number of missing felines this summer. The charity’s national information line handled almost 250 missing cat calls during July – a 60% increase on the monthly average – and this is because cats are more likely to roam during warmer weather. Nicky Trevorrow, Cats Protection’s
Behaviour Manager, said: “The tendency for cats to wander further away from home when the weather is warm explains why there has been an increase in reports of missing cats during this recent heatwave. They are notoriously curious creatures that like to investigate their surroundings and unfortunately this can result in them getting trapped in outbuildings. And because cats won’t always meow for attention if they are afraid, the risk is they go unnoticed.” More information and advice about Cats Protection’s #LookBeforeYouLockCampaign, including a handy door hanger to remind people can be found at www.cats.org.uk/check-your-shed.
Hill’s Pet Nutrition crowns their Kitten of the Year 2018 A kitten from Ealing has beaten nationwide competition to be crowned “Kitten of the Year 2018”, in Hill’s Pet Nutrition’s annual competition. Fifi from Ealing fought off stiff competition from over 450 kittens to claw the coveted title in the annual competition, which
encouraged pet owners across the country to submit the best snap of their furry feline friend. Fifi wins the chance to be the face of Hill’s Science Plan™ kitten food adverts, as well as a six-month supply of Hills pet food, which is specially formulated to provide high-quality, balanced nutrition and will aid Fifi’s growth and development from kitten to cat. To view all the entries, visit the Hill’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/ hills4pets
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Nutravet celebrates 10 years helping pets achieve a happier healthier life Natural health company, Nutravet is celebrating 10 years in business after starting in 2008 with a vision to offer natural alternatives to traditional veterinary products.
The company launched in August 2008 with Nutraquin+, a fast-acting joint support product for dogs, cats and horses, which is sold exclusively through veterinary practices. Their range took off quickly and has
grown extensively over the years and now includes natural support for digestive function, stress & anxiety and skin & coat health. Nutravet managing director, Matthew Shaw, said: “We’ve seen a lot of changes over the years, having set up back in 2008 when the benefits of nutraceuticals were still not recognised. Having seen the continued success our products have had and the feedback we regularly get from pet owners and vet practices, I think the team has done a fantastic job in establishing a reputation that is second to none. Our products are recommended in over 70% of veterinary practices across the UK and stocked worldwide across four continents.”
Fish4Dogs launch two new tasty treats for canine companions Fish4Dogs has launched two new tasty treats that are healthy and low in calories. The two new treats, salmon cookies and redfish & lavender crunchers are grain-free, contain no artificial preservatives or colourings and are a great alternative treat for your pooch.
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The new products are presented in recyclable cartons, containing 75g of product, within a sealed sleeve. The salmon cookies have a recommended retail price of £3.75 and the red fish crunchers are priced at £4.00. Jo Little, Head of Marketing at Fish4Dogs, said: “We love to treat our dogs but it’s important to feed them with the right things in order to keep them in tip-top condition and avoid diseases that can be brought about by pet obesity.” For more information visit www.fish4dogs.com
NEWS SNIPPETS RSPCA figures reveal that it takes twice as long to rehome an older cat and are urging people to consider adopting cat’s over the age of three. The animal welfare charity currently has 59 older cats at its national centres. RSPCA cat welfare expert, Sam Watson, said: “Sometimes, when people think of getting a cat they imagine the cute and playful kitten, but the reality is often quite different and looking after a kitten can be very hard work. Animal abusers who commit the most heinous crimes will face up to five years in jail after draft legislation set out by Environment Secretary Michael Gove gained strong support from welfare groups and the public. Currently the maximum sentence is six months but following a consultation the government has today confirmed it will legislate to increase that tenfold for serious offences, sending a clear sign there is no place for animal cruelty in England. The RSPCA is appealing for information after 12 rabbits were abandoned in a field in the Wirral. The rabbits were spotted by a dog walker who quickly tried to collect them and take them to safety. He then contacted the RSPCA. The RSPCA is urging the public to get their rabbits neutered to avoid unwanted litters. The family of rabbits are now being cared for at RSPCA Altrincham and Cheshire branch, where they will stay until they are rehomed.
29/03/2018 12:09:40
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ARTICLE
A guide to...
STRESS & ANXIETY IN PETS A stressed cat or dog is a common concern and reason for a pet owner to visit their vet. Cats and dogs can react to stress and anxiety differently and each animal will develop the problem for their own reasons. Reducing stress & anxiety If you think that your dog or cat could be stressed, it’s important to tackle the problem and get to what is causing the stress. In some pet’s it could lead to other health problems, such as cystitis in cats. To help calm your pet during a stressful situation, there are some positive things that you can do, which include: Create a safe zone Make sure your pet has a safe place to retreat to, should they become anxious. Keep your routine Fixed routines can help to keep your pet calm. Any changes to your normal household routine can upset and stress your pet.
Distract your pet Use toys to keep your pet distracted and focused on something else. Don’t shout at your pet If they do something wrong, don’t shout at them as it could cause further stress. Plan ahead If you know a specific event, such as fireworks or a trip to the vets could make your pet anxious, try to prepare ahead of the event. Scratch posts Make sure that your cat has access to a scratch post to relieve boredom and anxiety. Stressful situations might make them scratch your furniture if they don’t have a suitable place to do it.
Multi-cat households If you have more than one cat, make sure that you have at least one litter box per cat. Ensure that they have somewhere to retreat to and get away from other pets. Use music Play calming music if you have to leave your dog home alone, to help drown out external noise that could make them anxious. Comfort your pet Sit close to your pet and stroke them to try and keep them calm. Physical contact could help to make them feel safe and reduce their anxiety. If they prefer to be by themselves, let them wander off to find a safe place to hide. Keep checking on them to make sure they are OK.
Training If a trip in the car or being left alone causes your pet to have anxiety, you could train them to get used to these situations. Reward your dog with a treat and praise them when they respond positively to training. High areas for cats Provide high accessible areas for your cat, such as shelves or on top of furniture. This allows them to feel safe, while still being able to watch and feel included in the family. Socialisation If your dog is nervous of people or other dogs, training classes could help reduce anxiety during these occasions. Don’t lock your dog away when visitors come, as this will only add to their stress.
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To help to understand and reduce your pet’s stress and anxiety, there are common signs to look out for, these can include:
As a pet owner, it’s important to understand your pet’s behaviour and be able to recognise when they are not themselves or acting differently. The PDSA PAW 2018 report found that 18% of dog owners don’t think that their pet is scared of anything, compared to 11% of cat owners. There are many reasons why your pet may become stressed and at this time of year, fireworks can be a common cause of anxiety for pets. According to the PAW Report, fireworks is one of the top 5 causes of stress for both cats and dogs, with 40% of dog owners and 34% of cat owners stating that their pets are scared of fireworks.
TOP TIP
How to tell if your pet is stressed or anxious?
• Trembling • Vocalisation – barking or whining • Scratching walls or furniture • Destroying property • Aggression to family members or other pets • Loss of appetite • They may choose to hide in an enclosed place like under a bed or in a den Common reasons that your pet may become stressed or anxious could include: • Fireworks, thunderstorms or loud noises • Vet visits • Travelling • Kennel or cattery stays • New pets or new family members • Multi-pet households • Separation anxiety • Moving home • Going on holiday
Stress & anxiety solutions Natural supplements for stressed pets Pet supplements, also known as nutraceuticals can help to reduce stress and anxiety for dogs and cats. The ingredients can have a number of significant benefits to calm your pet. Make sure you get the right supplement/product for your pet, as some can take up to six weeks before the benefits are seen, whereas Vetpro stress & anxiety and Nutracalm are fast-acting. Other calming products on the market, include: Kalmaid, VetSpec Calm & Focussed, and VetHQ Serene-um. Behaviour techniques Your vet may be able to offer advice on behavioural management techniques, which could help to reduce stress for your pet. These techniques
could include, positive reinforcement, advance of fear provoking situations and situational awareness. Aromatherapy Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and essential oils in a diffuser can be smelt immediately. Small batches of essential oils can help to calm and focus dogs during training as puppies, ease comfort during travel and reduce fear during thunderstorms or fireworks. Homeopathic therapy & flower essences Homeopathic therapy and the use of flower essences along with other herbs has been used for medical purposes for hundreds of years. Flower essences are herbal infusions made from
flowering pot plants. These can help to address emotional and mental wellness. Plug-ins Plug-in diffusers use slow release technology, which can include cat and dog appeasing pheromones to help keep pets calm in stressful situations and new environments. Anxiety vests An anxiety vest applies gentle, constant pressure on a dog or cat’s torso. They use
pressure to relieve anxiety, which is something that has been a common practice for years. If you suspect that your dog or cat may suffering from symptoms associated with stress and anxiety you should consult your vet. They will be best placed to offer advice and the best course of action for your pet in order to provide the highest long-term care.
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ADVICE
TOP TIPS for pet owners during autumn With the change in seasons and start of colder weather, it’s important as a pet owner to be aware of some of the hazards that autumn can bring. Many pets may prefer to spend more time indoors. Maintaining your pet’s health during this time can ensure that they lead a happy life. As a pet owner you don’t like to see your cat or dog stressed or unwell, keeping a check on their health and being aware of any dangers during the autumn season is important.
To maintain your pet’s health and ensure they enjoy autumn with you, there are some positive things you can do, which include: Keep up with exercise
Although the weather may be colder, it’s important to keep walking your dog. This will help to prevent any weight gain, as well as stop your dog from getting bored. As the weather changes, you could reduce the length of their walks. Your cat may also go out less so be sure to play with them to keep them active in the house.
Diet
If your pet is spending less time outside or on walks, be sure to adjust their diet to match this. Speak to your vet if you are unsure about how much your pet should be eating at this time.
Halloween treats
Keep any Halloween chocolate and sweets away from your dog or cat, as they are poisonous and could result in a trip to the vet. Some sweets contain an artificial sweetener called Xylitol, which is poisonous to your pet.
Halloween costumes
Don’t dress your pet up in a Halloween costume unless you know it’s not dangerous and won’t cause them stress. Make sure the costume doesn’t restrict their movement or breathing and always supervise your pets whilst they are in the costume.
Pumpkins
Although they are not poisonous, if consumed in large quantities, they could lead to your pet having a sensitive tummy. Also, if using candles in your pumpkins, make sure these are out of reach from your pet and can’t be knocked over.
Reduce stress
During Halloween your pet may become stressed with people knocking on the door for trick or treat or if you have guests round. Make sure they have a safe place or den where they can hide or put them in another room during prime trick or treat hours.
Fireworks
Autumn can be the start of fireworks season, which can cause stress for some pets. Make your pet a den to retreat to during the fireworks. Closing curtains and playing music can also help to block out the noise.
Fleas and ticks
Parasites such as fleas and ticks are still prominent over the autumn. Speak to your vet about an appropriate solution for your pet. Be sure to check your dog and cat for ticks regularly. Be sure to check your dog after walks.
Provide shelter
If your pet spends a lot of time outside, be sure to provide a shelter for them for when the weather gets colder or if it rains. As the weather gets colder bring smaller pets indoors.
Safety on walks
As the darker nights approach, if you are walking your dog early in the morning or late at night make sure you wear
reflective clothing. You could also use a reflective collar and coat for your dog, in case they get lost.
Acorns and conkers
These can be poisonous to your dog. Be sure to keep an eye out on walks to make sure that your dog doesn’t pick anything they shouldn’t up. If ingested conkers can cause intestinal blockages. Speak to your vet if you think your dog may have eaten something like this.
Antifreeze
As the weather gets colder, be sure to keep antifreeze locked away, as it can be attractive to your cat and is poisonous to pets if swallowed.
Make sure their microchip details are up-to-date
Be sure to keep your dog or cat’s microchip details up to date to ensure they are reunited with you quickly should they stray.
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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
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If you would like your product featured in a future edition please get in touch editor@companionlife.co.uk
In this edition, we highlight some pet products that we think our readers will love...
VetSpec Cotswold RAW Low-Calorie Formula walks on the Prices range from £13.94 for wild side
2kg and £49.94 for a 12kg bag. RRP £3.95 (500g pack) VetSpec Calm & Focused £5.95 (1kg pack) Formula is a cereal-grain-free, Leading raw pet food pioneer, super premium dog food, ideal Cotswold RAW has added a for dogs that get anxious and BARF Venison & Duck over-excitable, suffer from mince to its existing Rabbit separation anxiety or fear loud & Venison ‘Wild’ offer. noises like fireworks. It is also As a vibrant rural economy very helpful when training champion who believes in young dogs to improve focus and obedience. Its formulation local farming and ‘countryside includes tryptophan, prebiotics common sense,’Cotswold and magnesium, together with RAW wanted to bring some extra wow to dog mealtimes biotin and other associated nutrients to greatly improve the with a Wild proposition that offers an occasional break coat and promote a supple from everyday farmyard skin. It is wheat gluten-free fayre; a fitting tribute to with no added colours, preservatives or artificial flavours. England’s respected game keeping community. For further information visit www.cotswoldraw.com www.vetspec.com
Nutracalm 2 in 1 Bath & reduces stress fast Groom brush Prices from £10.50 for a box for dogs of 15 capsules
Reducing stress and keeping your pet calm is vital for them to lead a happy and healthy life. Nutracalm has a unique veterinary strength formula that calms anxious pets and helps to reduce unwanted and unruly behaviour quickly. Nutracalm is fast-acting and works within two hours of administration without any sedative effect. It is safe for both long and short term use and contains the key ingredients for naturally supporting stress and anxiety in dogs and cats in an easy to administer sprinkle capsule.
RRP £6.00
A solution to one of our challenging grooming issues ‘How to get soap around the body easily?’ This product does just that! New to the market the brush dispenses shampoo onto the pet where you need it. Just the press of a button. Bristles for bathing and rubber teeth for massage. A perfect bathing combination. Blister packed for health and hygiene with all relevant instructions on the reverse. To use, simply twist open and fill with your favourite shampoo. www.rosewoodpet.com
www.nutravet.co.uk/ nutracalm
WIN WIN WIN Be in with a chance of winning one of our monthly prizes by joining our E-newsletter.
Each month we will give away a prize to members of our E-newsletter mailing list. Prizes include t-shirts, mugs, Nutravet products, Fish4Dogs treats and gift vouchers. To be in with a chance of winning simply join our mailing list, where you’ll receive a monthly newsletter with digital issues of Companion Life, news, special offers and pet health articles. Sign up at: www.companionlife.co.uk/join
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ARTICLE
Caring for senior On average, dogs live for around 12 years, but many live much longer as individual breeds age at different rates. Middle age for most dogs is generally considered at around seven years of age, but each breed can differ with larger dogs such as Great Danes and Mastiffs known to age faster.
Just like us, when dogs age they can suffer from senior moments and age-related problems, such as arthritis and reduced cognitive function. Senior pets should be monitored regularly to help maintain their health and wellbeing as they age. Arthritis is a common complaint from pet owners as their dog ages. Joint function can deteriorate with age which can have a huge impact on your dog’s quality of life. Changes in a dog’s behaviour may also be attributed to reduced cognitive function. As they get older, dogs can have senile moments and owners might notice they fail to react to every day commands, as they previously did.
As dogs age, their behaviour may change and as a pet owner, it’s important to pick up on these changes quickly to identify the best treatment. Common signs to look out for, which could identify if your senior dog needs extra support could include: • Changes in their eating habits • Stiffness when getting up or when lying down • Slowing down on walks • Change in temperament/ personality • A change in their toilet habits/ soiling in the house • More aggressive or grumpy • Walking into doors or furniture • Failure to recognise family members • Whining/barking excessively for no reason
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dogs Common health problems for senior dogs Joints & mobility As your dog ages, you may notice a reduction in mobility. Simple tasks such as going up the stairs or getting into the car might be a struggle. To help keep your pet mobile, you could use a ramp to help get them into the car and prevent dogs from jumping up. Further support, such as a natural dog joint supplement could help aid and soothe stiff joints.
Sight reduction As with humans, deteriorating eyesight is part of the normal aging process and can occur over time in some dogs. Experts advise it is best to catch it when the eyes are just beginning to fail so that you can teach your dog to rely on their other senses. Brain and mental function Like us, as pet’s age they can lose cognitive function, which can result in cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS). If your dog starts having accidents around the house
or getting disorientated, it could be a sign that they have cognitive dysfunction. Keeping an eye on their behaviour is integral to spotting these signs early. Canine obesity As dogs age they may struggle more with their mobility, which may mean less walks and general movement. This could lead to weight gain. It’s important to ensure your dog gets the right amount of nutrients from their diet
to prevent extra weight gain, as well as exercise. Diabetes This is most common in dogs aged 8 or 9 years old and can be hereditary and is more common in female dogs. There are some breeds that can be especially prone to diabetes, which include, Pugs, Toy Poodles and Miniature Schnauzers.
Keeping your senior dog healthy Regular vet visits Regular check up with the vet are important for older dogs. It will ensure your vet can keep an eye out for any new health problems and keep up-to-date with key vaccinations. Exercise Although their exercise routine should be adjusted slightly as dogs get older. Little and often is recommended, but it is still important to walk senior dogs to keep them mobile and prevent any weight gain that could put pressure on their joints. Diet As your dog ages their diet may change to ensure they are getting the right nutrients. As older pets tend to move less, obesity is more
prevalent Pet food produced specifically for senior pets tends to have fewer calories, reduced fat and more fibre. Grooming Regular grooming is important for your senior pet to help keep their skin and coat in good condition. As your pet ages joint stiffness may prevent them from being able to groom themselves. Bedding Make sure your dog has comfy warm bedding away from any drafts. They should have close access to the garden as their toilet habits may change with age and they might have to go more often. For smaller dogs make sure they have extra bedding during winter months to keep them warm
and extra bedding can be used as padding for their joints.
puppy. For problematic behaviour issues, consult your vet first.
Clip their nails As your elderly dog can become less active, their nails can get long and could cause in growing nails. If you don’t feel confident trimming your dog’s nails, consult your vet for help and advice.
Mental stimulation/toys Treat release toys can be beneficial for mental stimulation and to keep your dog active. Hiding your pet’s treats in toys and throughout the house will help to keep their mind stimulated and active. Think of innovative ways to enrich your pet’s indoor environment.
Omega-3 supplementation Strong research demonstrates that Omega-3 from fish oil supports cognitive function. Oral Omega 3 especially from DHA plays an indispensable role in naturally supporting neuronal membranes in the aged brains. Retrain your dog This can be done using the same techniques as with a
Maintain oral health Regardless of age, it’s important to keep up with brushing your pet’s teeth to remove any plaque or bacteria build up. As your dog ages, their routine and diet may change so it’s key to keep this particular routine up.
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GETTING TO KNOW
Q&A
How important is the work that you do at the Trust? Every dog that comes into our care is special. A great deal of care is taken to ensure that the dog’s needs are met and that a suitable new forever home is found where the dog will be happy for the remainder of its life. We consider our work vitally important, in as much as it is essential that the unwanted (for whatever reason) Labradors are given the best possible chance and go forward to enjoy a happy, healthy and pleasant life. The Trust retains ownership of every Labrador that comes into its care and they are rehomed on an adoption basis. This ensures that the dog’s future is safe, and its welfare is our paramount concern. We have a huge ongoing financial commitment to the Supported Adopted Dogs (SAD) – these are the ones that come into our care with an existing medical condition and therefore the new home would not be able to take out insurance cover for the
The Labrador Rescue Trust Paul Watson, Regional Co ordinator & Trustee
The Labrador Rescue Trust was founded in 1988, originally named Labrador Rescue South West, due mainly to being based in the South West of England. The Trust changed its current name when granted National Status in 1993. This year, 2018, is our 30th Anniversary, and during these 30 years we have successfully rehomed in excess of 11,000 Labradors. Here Companion Life finds out more about The Labrador Rescue Trust.
said condition. Donations from the public are vital to help cover the costs of veterinary treatment and kennelling – our two biggest expenses – as well as the day to day running of The Trust. Our dedicated helpers and supporters do a huge amount to help with raising funds with events such as Fetes, Dog Shows, Coffee Mornings, Street Collections etc., all of which are necessary to help with the funds needed. Why do you think that Labradors are so popular? Labradors are a very popular breed, as they are seen as gentle, affectionate, intelligent and loyal, and this is why so many people choose them as the ideal family pet and companion. They are also a renowned working breed and excel at what they are trained to do. What advice would you offer owners who might be considering getting a Labrador? My advice to anyone considering getting a Labrador as a pet is to “do your homework thoroughly”. First and foremost is do you
have the time to give the dog what it needs. Regular daily exercise, feeding with a good quality food and maintaining a healthy diet, not forgetting spending time with your dog and sharing your life with it. There is also the ongoing expense of regular parasite and flea control, annual inoculations and veterinary care, if and when required. If seeking to purchase a Labrador puppy, please consider adopting a Rescue Labrador. “Don’t buy - Adopt”. You will be pleasantly surprised by the result! What reasons do people give when asking for your help to rehome their Lab? People asking us to rehome their Labrador do so for a variety of reasons and often reluctantly, because they haven’t considered what options may be available to them. Advice is always given in the first instance, in order to help them make an informed decision before giving up their dog. Most dogs come into our care because of drastic changes in family circumstances, where
they can no longer give the dog what is required or are simply unable to afford the ongoing expense of keeping and maintaining the dog’s welfare etc. Others are as a result of family break ups and simply cannot cope and if having to move into rented accommodation are not allowed by their landlords to keep pets. We also have welfare cases to deal with, which can be very traumatic, these are however in the minority, but we will always be there to assist. There are other Labrador Rescue Organisations out there and should The Labrador Rescue Trust be unable to assist, for whatever reason, e.g.; we do not operate in a particular geographical area etc, we will always put a person in touch with a reputable and trusted Rescue. Anyone wishing to contact The Trust should do so by visiting our website, www.labrador-rescue.com
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ADVICE FROM THE EXPERT
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Obesity in Rabbits By Emma Purnell, RVN Cert.Nut.
Our rabbits are just as prone to obesity as other companion animal species and this is a growing concern. How can we tell if they are overweight? What should we do to keep their weight healthy? Unlike most animals, there is a lot of very good, and clear advice available to help ensure we feed our rabbits correctly. 80% of their diet should be good quality feeding hay – this is the most vital piece of advice to keep them healthy. The best hay has long stalks as well as being green and fresh, this will help to keep them a healthy weight but also aids dental health. Muesli type diets with lots of different ingredients should never be fed as they encourage selective feeding, allowing the rabbit to pick out the high calorie treats (risking weight gain) and meaning their diet will be imbalanced. Pellet diets should always be used, trying to make sure one is selected with as high a fibre content as possible. Only 5% of their daily diet should be these pellets as most are given a bowlful, which is far too much. This means that a higher quality food can be afforded as it is fed in smaller volumes. 10% of their diet should be safe, healthy, green leafy vegetables, leaving 5% for healthy treats.
But how do we tell if our rabbit is overweight? The best way to tell is not always what they weigh on the scales and more their body condition score and the physical feel of them. Their bones should be easily felt without protruding or being lost under many layers. There should be no abdominal bulge or extra weight on their back end and they should not have a large dewlap at the front. If you are unsure then you can always speak to your veterinary team who can help you decide if your rabbit is the correct weight. If they are overweight or obese the first thing to do is check that you are feeding them as per the guidelines highlighted. Do not dramatically cut their food - if rabbits stop eating they can go into gut stasis which can be fatal - but there are things you can change. Ensure the diet is 80% hay but also ensure they are eating this hay! Some rabbits can be difficult when it comes to eating hay but there are actually many different types of hay you can try including Timothy hay, Green Oat hay, Meadow hay and many more! Offering different varieties and seeing what your rabbit prefers is the best plan. Some websites will do small sample packs that you can try to see what you prefer.
Alfalfa hay should be avoided as a daily diet as it has much higher protein and calcium levels, potentially causing some health issues long-term. The 5% of the diet which is pellets should remain to ensure it is balanced but can be adjusted to be a high-quality diet pellet with a high fibre content. Which vegetables are offered are important – carrots, peppers and high sugar vegetables and fruit should be avoided as these will lead to weight gain. Green leafy vegetables, herbs, and safely and legally foraged grasses and weeds are a far better option. Increasing their activity level is key to getting your rabbit to lose weight. Make sure they always have plenty of space to run and binky with permanent access to a large run but you can also encourage them in other ways. Rather than giving them their pellets and veg in a bowl or placing it in front of them, make them work for their food. Treat balls can be filled with the pellets and they can push them around to get the
treats to drop out. Pellets and vegetables can be stuffed into cardboard tubes and leafy greens pegged up on rope to get them moving more when eating. Both pellets and vegetables can also be hidden around their hutch and run to keep them moving. Activity toys are available for rabbits with sliding compartments and pieces to lift off and find food underneath. If you suspect your rabbit is not the correct weight, speak to your local veterinary practice as many will offer free nursing clinics to give you help and advice to keep your rabbit happy and healthy for many years.
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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