Interactive Playtime

Regular interactive play is essential for maintaining your pet’s physical health, mental sharpness, and overall happiness. Engaging in fun activities not only prevents boredom but also strengthens the bond between you and your pet, fostering trust and companionship.

For dogs, interactive games such as fetch, tug-of-war, or flirt poles provide both exercise and mental stimulation. These activities help burn excess energy, improve coordination, and reinforce positive behaviours. Cats, being natural hunters, benefit from play that mimics stalking and chasing prey. Toys like laser pointers, feather wands, or small moving objects encourage them to pounce, run, and stay active. Rotating their toys regularly and incorporating interactive puzzles can prevent monotony and keep them mentally stimulated.

Mental Enrichment

Just as physical activity is essential for your pet’s health, mental stimulation plays an equally important role in keeping them happy and well-rounded. Challenging your pet’s mind helps prevent boredom, reduces stress, and promotes overall well-being.

Puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys are excellent tools to engage your pet’s problem-solving skills, offering a fun and rewarding challenge. These toys not only provide mental exercise but also slow down mealtime, encouraging your pet to work for their food, which can help with weight management and prevent overeating.

Sensory Exploration

Providing your pet with opportunities for sensory exploration is a fantastic way to prevent boredom and keep their minds engaged. Exposure to new sights, sounds, and smells helps stimulate their senses, reducing stress and enhancing overall well-being.

For dogs, one of the best ways to encourage sensory enrichment is through “sniffaris”—walks where they are given the freedom to sniff and investigate their surroundings at their own pace. Unlike a typical walk focused on exercise, sniffaris allow dogs to engage their powerful sense of smell, which is a crucial part of how they experience the world. Letting them pause and explore different scents along the way can provide mental stimulation and satisfy their natural curiosity.

Cats, too, can benefit from sensory enrichment. While many cats are content staying indoors, they can still enjoy new experiences through supervised outdoor time in a secure area, such as a catio or harness training for safe walks.

Designing an Enriching Environment for Your Pet

Creating a stimulating and comfortable environment for your pet is essential to their overall well-being. The way their space is arranged can significantly impact their mental and physical health, helping to prevent boredom and promote natural behaviours.

General Guidelines

Before diving into specific techniques, it’s essential to highlight some general tips to create the best possible environment for your pet:

• Keep Calm and Carry On!
  Staying calm is a key part of the process, as your demeanour can influence your pet’s behaviour. Remaining composed can help ensure you’re prepared to handle any reaction they might have.
• Choose the Right Environment
  Creating a safe, quiet space with minimal distractions can make the experience much more manageable.
• Establish a Routine
  Whether the medication is short-term or long-term, it’s crucial to establish a consistent routine by administering it at the same time each day. This consistency fosters a sense of safety and reliability for your pet.
• Pair It with a Positive Activity
  Use your most enthusiastic voice to praise your pet. Before and after giving the medication, engage them in an activity they love, like a walk or playtime. This can help reduce stress and make the experience more enjoyable.
• Don’t Forget Treat Time!
  After the medication, reward your pet with high-value treats to reinforce a positive association with the process.

Oral Medication: Pills

• The Classic “Wrap It Up” Method
  Use a treat your pet loves to create a small “sandwich” with the pill hidden in the middle. This sneaky snack can make the process easier and stress-free.
  Be cautious with pets who have allergies—ensure the treats are suitable for them. In such cases, always consult your veterinarian for advice.
• Crushing and Hiding
  This well-known method can be a lifesaver. However, always check with your veterinarian to ensure the medication can safely be crushed. If allowed, mix the crushed medication with water or another familiar, tasty liquid to make it more palatable for your pet.

Injectable Medication

If your veterinarian has prescribed injectable medication to be administered at home, it’s vital to carefully follow the instructions provided.

To make the experience as stress-free as possible, follow the general guidelines mentioned earlier.

• Keep Them Distracted
  Offer high-value treats during the injection to divert their attention and make the experience less intimidating.
• Handle with Care
  Administering injectable medication requires extra caution. Seek assistance or use a towel or blanket to gently restrain your pet, ensuring they stay still during the procedure.

Manage Visitors in the house:

Some pets may become anxious or stressed with a lot of visitors. If you have a house full of relatives, ensure your pet has a quiet space where they can retreat if they feel overwhelmed. Remind guests not to feed your pets any table scraps and to be cautious when opening doors, as pets may try to escape.

The Christmas table is set, the food smells amazing, and family members are gathered to enjoy the celebration. Before sitting down together, it’s important to remind everyone that certain human food can be toxic to pets. Whether you have pets or are visiting a home with them, knowing this information can help prevent sneaky treats being given under the table and keep our furry friends safe.

Beware Chocolate and Sweets:

Over the festive season, it may be more tempting to give your pet a human food treat.  However, treats such as chocolate can be toxic for pets.  Even small amounts of chocolate can be extremely dangerous causing vomiting, diarrhoea and sometimes more serious problems.

Christmas Dinner Leftovers Should be Kept for People:

Human food, especially the rich and fatty dishes typically enjoyed during the holidays, can lead to sickness and digestive problems in our pets. Additionally, cooked bones from a turkey or goose, that people might think is a nice treat, can splinter and puncture the digestive tract. If you want to treat your pet, choose specially formulated commercial treats.  It is recommended that no more than 10% of a pet’s calorific intake over a week or day come from treats.

After the Christmas feast, it’s probably time to exchange gifts and enjoy the beautifully decorated, festive atmosphere of the house. However, this part of the celebration also comes with a few hazards for your pets that require extra attention.

Tinsel and Tree Decorations

Pets love to play, particularly with new ‘toys’ and festive decorations such as baubles, tinsel, tree lights plus wrapping paper and ribbons can seem like attractive playthings to curious pets.  However, they can be very dangerous if broken or ingested. Also, be extra careful to keep batteries somewhere safe.

Poisonous Plants

Poinsettia, holly, mistletoe and ivy are toxic to cats and dogs causing stomach upset. Watch out for the sharp needles on Christmas trees too.

Loud noises and fireworks

To keep pets safe and calm during fireworks or other noisy events, it’s important to prepare for the potential stress caused by loud sounds. You can find more information in our previous blog and on the FECAVA website.

Seek Veterinary Care if you’re concerned:

While we can do our best to pet-proof our homes during the holiday season, accidents can still happen. If you ever suspect that your pet has ingested something harmful, consult your veterinarian immediately. Rapid intervention can make all the difference in ensuring a happy and healthy holiday season for your pets.

Extra Reading:

• The BVA Animal Welfare Foundation’s Guide to ‘Pets and Poisons’
• EuropeanPetFood’s Guide to a Pet’s Nutritional Needs
• FECAVA Advice for Pet Owners During Fireworks Season

Create a Cozy, Safe Space

Giving your pet a dedicated safe space can be incredibly calming during noisy events. For dogs, a crate or a bed with their favourite blanket and toys can be comforting. Cats and rabbits often feel more secure in smaller spaces, so a covered box or a cozy corner will do the trick. Think of this area as their “happy hideaway” – a place where they can escape the noise.

Turn Up the Calming Sounds

Drown out loud noises with gentle, calming sounds in your home. Playing soft music, white noise, or even leaving the TV on low can help mask sudden booms or claps. Classical music and soft sounds are particularly good at relaxing pets.

Keep Doors and Windows Closed

Loud noises can make pets instinctively seek an escape route, even in familiar spaces. Before any noisy event, ensure that all doors, windows, and pet doors are securely closed. This will not only help block out the noise but also prevent your pet from attempting to dash out. Make sure that your pet is microchipped, that can increase the chances of your pet being returned to you in case they get lost.

Consult Your Vet for Severe Anxiety

If your pet’s noise-related anxiety is really intense, talk to your veterinarian. In some cases, vets may recommend anti-anxiety medications or behavioural therapy to help your pet cope with loud noises. This is especially helpful for pets who experience ongoing stress, like dogs with thunderstorm anxiety or cats fearful of sudden sounds.

Loud noises can be distressing for our fur-babies, but a few calming steps can make a world of difference. Every pet is unique, so try a mix of these tips to see what helps your furry friend the most. For more in-depth advice on pet anxiety, check out the Humane Society’s Guide to Pet Anxiety.

 Pre- trip preparation:

• When booking accommodation make sure you look for a pet-friendly hotel or rental house
• Make sure that vaccinations and parasite protection are up-to-date, and your pet has been microchipped and has their ID tag
• Take a first aid kit for emergencies and any other necessary medication and medical records

Travelling by car:

• Make sure your pet is comfortable and used to riding in the car
• Use a restraint or carrier to keep the pet safe while driving
• Never leave your pet alone in a parked car, even if it is not hot outside
• Take a break at least every four hours, just like we do dogs need to go to the bathroom
• Ensure you have enough water available during the journey
• Avoid overheating at all times

Traveling by plane:

• Check the airline’s pet travel policies to ensure they can actually fly with you, and if they can be in the cabin or have to be in the hold
• Also check for specific breeds allowed onboard, as Brachycephalic dogs and cats for instance are often not allowed on some airlines, due to the higher risk of respiratory distress during the flight

If you are unable to take your dog or cat with you when traveling, there are several options to ensure they are well cared for while you are away… 

• Professional pet sitters can look after your dogs or cats in your home so they feel at ease in their usual habitat
• There are also nice kennels or catteries that offer comfortable accommodation, a social environment and supervision by trained people. In this case it’s often advisable to organise a ‘trial’ stay for few days before the holiday, to make sure your pet will be happy there.
• Family and friends can also help out and sometimes your pet will be most comfortable with people they know.

Check out the FECAVA Summer advice here.

Summer is a fun season because it’s the perfect time to get out and enjoy activities with our pets. It’s the perfect time for outdoor activities and adventures with our furry friends.

Dogs are known to cool down differently than people do – dogs pant to keep cool and sweat through their paws, cats clean and lick themselves as a method to cool down with their saliva.

• Provide enough water: fresh drinking water should always be available. Water can also be provided by way of ice cubes, be creative and make an ice-pop for your dog or cat as a fun treat or toy.
• Provide access to cool places, shade and shelter. There are special cooling mats for pets, but simple cooling tricks such as popping a plastic water bottle in the freezer for them can also help.
• It might seem like a good idea to be outside in the fresh air, but  in the hottest moments of the day, beaches or open parks are not always a good idea as there is no shade.
• Avoid intensive exercise during the day. Dogs suffer faster from heat than people, so schedule exercises in the early morning or late evening. Dogs often do not know their own limits and will keep on playing fetch with a ball until they overheat.
•  Brush your dog or cat regularly, but do not shave them! Their fur is a protection against the cold but also against the heat, as it works as an isolating layer.
• Short-haired breeds can get sunburned, so use a pet-safe sunscreen. Not sure if your pet needs sunscreen? Ask your vet! Be extra careful if your cat has white ear tips as there is a link between sunburn and malignant tumours in cats. In these cats the use of sunscreen is a must.
• Pay extra attention to their paws! A hot pavement can burn your pet’s paws, so it’s always better walk on the grass or in the shade.
• Pay extra attention to hygiene. Warm weather makes Bacteria and Algae grow rapidly. So be careful with water in puddles or ponds. And don’t leave open pet food packs outside the refrigerator for too long. Always remember to thoroughly clean their food and water bowls daily..
• In summer we also see more parasites like ticks and fleas: ask your veterinarian to advise you on the best protection products for your pets as they are the experts.
• Lastly, but very importantly: NEVER leave pets alone in parked cars, even when you leave the window cracked open! The inside of a car can quickly reach dangerously high temperatures. If you see a pet in a closed vehicle, try to contact the owner of the car or the police to save the pet.

Prevention and early diagnostics

Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for keeping your pet happy and healthy. These visits help prevent diseases and detect any issues in their early stages. Not only does early detection lead to better outcomes for our beloved pets, but it also means less financial costs, reduced stress, and smoother treatment processes for both pets and their owners. Vaccinations, parasite prevention, routine deworming, dental checks and physical exams are important components of preventing diseases. Regular veterinary checks can also lower your animal’s stress when visiting a vet.

Vaccination

For both cats and dogs vaccination is key in preventing life-threatening diseases. Vaccines are separated into core (strongly recommended), non-core (optional) and not recommended vaccines. Core vaccines are considered vaccines that all dogs throughout the world must receive, at recommended intervals.

For dogs, core vaccines typically include protection against:
• Canine distemper virus (CDV)
• Canine adenovirus (CAV; types 1 and 2)
• Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) and its variants

Core vaccines for cats include:
• Feline panleukopenia (FPV),
• Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1)
• Feline calicivirus (FCV)
Additionally, rabies vaccination is considered a core vaccine for cats and dogs in many regions and is often a necessity if you want to travel with your dog or cat. For more information consult your vet to ensure your animal buddy gets the necessary protection.

Regular check-ups could save you money

Annual check-ups and preventive care are essential for keeping pets healthy, but also could save you money. Routine examinations can identify concerns before they worsen, potentially sparing you from expensive treatments down the line. More information here.

Less stressful vet visit

Most pets feel anxious during vet visits, and some may even show aggression due to fear. Using treats before and during check-ups can create a positive association with the experience. “Happy visits” at the clinic can put your pet at ease, making vet trips a more positive experience. Don’t hesitate to consult with your vet for more tips on easing your pet’s stress during visits and check out these useful tips.
Afterall, regular vet check-ups are essential for your pet’s health, detecting issues early, save you money in the long run and allow you to spend longer quality time with your companion. So why wait, book your next check-up now!

Rabbits are becoming ever more popular pets, but they are also one of the most misunderstood and neglected. Not because people mean to be cruel but because these beautiful little animals have much more complex needs than many people realise.

In general, all animals have five basic welfare needs.

Let’s have a look at these needs for rabbits as we share our tips on how you can make sure your little hoppers are the happiest they can be!

Ensure the right environment

Way too many rabbits are still kept in small hutches.

Freedom of choice and movement is essential for animal happiness. Rabbits are most active at dusk and dawn, which may not coincide with your schedule. With this in mind they should have safe access to their exercise area at all times. Hutches should be big enough for them all to stretch out fully and also to be able to stand up on their hind legs. The smallest hutch you should ever get should be 1.8m x 0.6m x 0.6m and they will need a lovely exercise area that they can access all the time too.

You can use tunnels and hideouts and add elevated areas for lounging and looking out. The world is your oyster so use your imagination to make their home as interesting as you can.

Allow them to express natural behaviours

Just think – What do rabbits like and need to do? Run, hop, play, explore, graze, lounge around, hide, feel safe and of course, dig!

Just because you are providing your rabbits with luxury accommodation doesn’t mean that they won’t feel the irresistible urge to dig. This may be inconvenient for you but you can give them planters full of soil to dig in or use a sunken pond full of earth to give them some great digging joy without ruining your lawn. Even if your rabbits are kept indoors they still need to dig.

Know their need to be with (or without) other animals

Rabbits are prey animals and they are also social animals.

This means they feel safer as well as happier when they are with other rabbits. Rabbits should never be kept on their own. Together they can groom and snuggle for warmth and have fun. The best combination is a neutered male and neutered female, but other combinations can work.

Protect them from pain, injury and disease

Rabbits, like lots of other animals, need protection from diseases.

Rabbits should be vaccinated against Myxomatosis and Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease. Talk to your vet about when these vaccines should be given and how often they need to be repeated.

All rabbits should also be neutered. This can help reduce aggression but it also prevents a lot of diseases such as cancer and uterine infections.

A responsible pet parent ensures that the animal has a good quality of life by understanding and meeting the physical, biological, and emotional needs of their companion. Caring for a pet involves investing in essentials like veterinary care, food, enrichment, exercise and other necessities to ensure their well-being. This all starts before you even bring the pet home. Read more via this link.

STEP 1: Make an informed decision before getting a pet

Before welcoming a dog or cat, or another animal into your home, it’s important to consider your lifestyle, time availability, space, and finances. These factors not only determine if you’re ready for a furry companion but also which breed would be the best fit. If you already have a pet, it’s important to ensure they will get along. To make your decision easier, here are some helpful links: Things to consider before getting a dog and here. We also have a blog on the topic.

STEP 3: Prepare your home

Dogs

Preparing for the arrival of your new puppy involves gathering essential items to ensure their comfort and well-being. These include feeding and water bowls, a suitable collar or harness, the appropriate leash, a comfortable bed, and a selection of toys. It’s important to provide a variety of toys that offer both physical engagement and cognitive stimulation. Find out what food the puppy was eating before their arrival and continue feeding them the same food initially. While you have the option to change their food later on, it’s advisable to do so gradually. For pet owners with houseplants, learn which ones could be harmful to dogs. Make sure to make your home puppy safe! Find more information on how to prepare for a puppy via this link.

STEP 4: Living with your pet

Providing food

There is a wide range of pre-prepared pet food to keep dogs and cats happy and healthy. All ‘complete’ pet foods, regardless of format, are carefully formulated to provide all the nutrients a healthy pet needs.

It is important to consider activity level, lifestyle and life stage (e.g. puppy or kitten vs adult), the pet’s preferences with regard to food format and the owner’s opinion regarding convenience, cost, variety and suitability of available pet food. There is no particular right way to feed pets, as long as the nutritional needs of the dog or cat are being met. Always ensure your pet has access to clean water. We suggest you read this factsheet and reference the Nutritional Guidelines. You can also read our blog on the nutritional needs of pets.

Visits to the vet

Provide Shelter:

Make sure your pets have a warm, dry shelter to retreat to when it’s cold outside. For dogs and cats this will be a warm spot in your home or a cosy basket.  For any smaller indoor pets such as guinea pigs, hamsters and rabbits, they will need extra straw or bedding to keep warm.  If your pets live outdoors, make sure their housing is insulated, waterproof, and elevated off the ground. It should provide protection from wind, rain, and snow. Over periods of extremely cold weather, some pets who live outdoors, may need to be brought inside.  However, make sure that your pets are protected from open fires or wood burners by using a safety screen to prevent accidents.

Adjust walks and playtime:

All pets’ needs are different but many will need time outdoors limited when temperatures drop.  You will need to invest more time playing with your pet indoors, provide new toys and create indoor obstacle courses to ensure they are mentally and physically stimulated.

Keep an Eye on Older Pets:

Older pets may be more sensitive to extreme cold. Pay special attention to their needs and consult with a vet about any age-related concerns.

Maintain a Consistent Routine:

Stick to a regular feeding and exercise routine to help your pet maintain a healthy weight and energy level during the winter.  Maintaining your pet’s coat during winter is essential. Regular grooming not only keeps them looking their best but also helps maintain the insulation properties of their fur.

Veterinary Check-Up:

Consider scheduling a winter check-up with your veterinarian. They can assess your pet’s health and discuss any specific winter care recommendations based on their breed and individual needs. Winter pet care involves being attentive to your pet’s specific needs and providing a safe and warm environment. While winter can be a wonderful time for both humans and our pets, extra care is necessary. By following these tips and being vigilant, you can ensure that your furry friends enjoy a cosy, and healthy winter season.

Carefully locate Decorations and Gifts:

Curious pets might see festive decorations like baubles, tinsel, tree lights, wrapping paper, and ribbons as enticing playthings. However, these items can be dangerous if broken and if ingested can lead to blockages in a pet’s digestive system, which may require surgical intervention. Lit candles and open flames can also pose a fire hazard.

Beware Poisonous Plants:

Several common holiday plants, including poinsettias, holly, mistletoe, and ivy, can be toxic to cats and dogs, often causing stomach upset and other health problems. Additionally, be cautious of the sharp needles on Christmas trees.

Protect from Loud Noises and Fireworks:

Fireworks and loud holiday parties can be frightening for pets. Create a quiet, safe space for them to retreat to, and consider playing soothing music or using white noise to drown out loud sounds.

Please remember that pets are for life and not just for Christmas.  Having a pet is a great responsibility.  If you are considering a new dog, cat, small mammal or bird, then please do your research and remember it is a long-term commitment. Please read our previous blog on ‘Getting a pet responsibly’ for more advice.

Vets around Europe and globally are highlighting a lack of awareness amongst pet parents about the health impacts for animals that are bred for a specific look. Some features such as a flat nose, a sloping back, bulging or droopy eyes, skin folds, or a round skull can be so extreme that they actually cause (sometimes extreme!) pain and suffering for our furry friends.

To give a concrete example of popular breeds: the flat faces and stocky build of dogs such as the pug and the French and English bulldog cause a range of serious disorders. Most of these dogs are chronically out of breath and are even more susceptible to heat strokes than the average dog breed. Their ‘snoring’ which some may find cute or funny is exactly the opposite – they are struggling to breath!

The flattening of the muzzle which gives the flat-faced look is generally associated with a longer soft palate, covering the glottis, and causing massive respiratory distress. The nostrils are usually narrowed (stenotic) which decreases air flow into the network within the nasal passage (nasal turbinates). This network is meant to help with temperature regulation, humidifying the air before it passes to the lungs and in flat-faced pets these are already smaller than in mesocephalic breeds. As a consequence, these dogs usually have decreased capacity for exercise and much less tolerance to high temperatures.

Other harmful features include the nose fold, which is typical to these breeds and causes skin and eye infections.

And when it comes to cats, those with folded ears, typically the Scottish fold, look like that because they have a genetic cartilage disorder that also causes painful joints and joint diseases.

Factors like these can cause dogs, cats and even rabbits, to live uncomfortable but also unhealthy lives, full of health emergencies and veterinary interventions. Leading to higher veterinary costs and a shorter lifespan.

We want our pets to live a healthy and happy life, so we must not overlook the fact that prioritising looks over health makes having a happy life more difficult. Pets are about so much more than just their looks. They are a part of our families! And just like any family member, we want them to be healthy and be able to live comfortable lives.

If you are considering buying or adopting a pet, make sure you research the common health issues associated with the breed or talk to a veterinarian you trust. When buying from a breeder, always request the animal’s health history and ask about the parents, including breed specific data. Don’t forget to check also that the animal is registered and has their ID chip.

Making a conscious choice will help you share a unique long-lived bond with your fur baby!