HOW TO MAKE YOUR PET HAPPY
Claudia Hartley is head of ophthalmology at the Animal Health Trust – a charity that fights disease and injury in animals. As a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons specialist, she is used to treating horses, dogs and cats with eye problems in the AHT’s referral centres, along with the more exotic such as elephants, bears – even sea lions. Claudia says restoring vision to a blind animal feels like winning a gold medal.
What makes a healthy, happy pet?
Diet
Always feed a carefully controlled diet suitable for your pet and ensure clean water is always available. Pets need different things from their diet: human food and treats can play havoc with their digestive system. For instance, chocolate and raisins are poisonous to animals. Some species like rabbits and guinea pigs need plenty of fibre from hay and vegetables, as well as a pelletstyle diet. Monitor portion size to ensure your pet is the right weight. Being under- or overweight can put a strain on your animal’s health.
Exercise
All animals need exercise. Dogs need a daily walk or run and cats, which sleep a lot, need to exercise when they’re awake. Rabbits need exercise to help their digestive system and to keep a healthy weight. Exercise breaks are also opportunities for pets to take toilet breaks – waiting can cause problems.
Preventative medicine
Vaccinations can protect pets from illness – seek veterinary advice on which ones to choose. Dogs and cats need regular treatment for fleas, mites, lice, ticks and worms. By regularly treating your animal, you reduce the risk of needing a vet’s assistance.
Environment
Pets need a comfortable, dry and cosy place where they can feel safe to sleep and rest.
Socialisation
Spending time with other people and animals is important for pets, especially dogs. Understanding the time commitment of owning a pet is vital – you’ll reap huge benefits from the relationship you develop with your dog or cat, but you need to invest the time.
What should I bear in mind when choosing a pet?
Consider the kind of lifestyle you lead. If you’re out all day, a dog may not be happy, which could lead to separation anxiety and a chewed sofa. Do you have the time to exercise a dog? Do you have time to clean out a rabbit hutch every day and provide fresh vegetables? Do you live near a busy road that might be dangerous for a cat?
Some breeds of dog need less exercise than others. Also, some breeds have more predictable personalities – knowing about several different breeds before you make a commitment will help you and your pet to be happy together. Cross-breed dogs may have traits of many different breeds, or a mix of two. This is also true with cats, with some breeds being more extrovert than others, and some needing more activity than others.
What about pet insurance?
It’s wise to invest in pet insurance. You never know when your pet may need emergency veterinary help, so having a good-quality insurance policy in place lets you make vital decisions quickly. Many options are available, so you’ll be able to find a policy to suit your needs. Consider the level of cover you want: whether per annum, per condition or for life. Also whether extras like acupuncture, lost-pet advertising and third-party liability is included if you want it, all at a premium you can afford.
What pets do you have?
I have two Staffordshire bull terriers: one is 16 years old and has one eye, and the other is three and very energetic. They come to work with me every day. I also have a 17-year-old moggy cat (with some Tonkinese in her, which makes her very chatty) and a rescued Bengal cat, which is three years old. He was hit by a car before I had him, but he has made a great recovery and has me wrapped around his tail.
For more information: www.aht.org.uk
What makes a healthy, happy pet?
Diet
Always feed a carefully controlled diet suitable for your pet and ensure clean water is always available. Pets need different things from their diet: human food and treats can play havoc with their digestive system. For instance, chocolate and raisins are poisonous to animals. Some species like rabbits and guinea pigs need plenty of fibre from hay and vegetables, as well as a pelletstyle diet. Monitor portion size to ensure your pet is the right weight. Being under- or overweight can put a strain on your animal’s health.
Exercise
All animals need exercise. Dogs need a daily walk or run and cats, which sleep a lot, need to exercise when they’re awake. Rabbits need exercise to help their digestive system and to keep a healthy weight. Exercise breaks are also opportunities for pets to take toilet breaks – waiting can cause problems.
Preventative medicine
Vaccinations can protect pets from illness – seek veterinary advice on which ones to choose. Dogs and cats need regular treatment for fleas, mites, lice, ticks and worms. By regularly treating your animal, you reduce the risk of needing a vet’s assistance.
Environment
Pets need a comfortable, dry and cosy place where they can feel safe to sleep and rest.
Socialisation
Spending time with other people and animals is important for pets, especially dogs. Understanding the time commitment of owning a pet is vital – you’ll reap huge benefits from the relationship you develop with your dog or cat, but you need to invest the time.
What should I bear in mind when choosing a pet?
Consider the kind of lifestyle you lead. If you’re out all day, a dog may not be happy, which could lead to separation anxiety and a chewed sofa. Do you have the time to exercise a dog? Do you have time to clean out a rabbit hutch every day and provide fresh vegetables? Do you live near a busy road that might be dangerous for a cat?
Some breeds of dog need less exercise than others. Also, some breeds have more predictable personalities – knowing about several different breeds before you make a commitment will help you and your pet to be happy together. Cross-breed dogs may have traits of many different breeds, or a mix of two. This is also true with cats, with some breeds being more extrovert than others, and some needing more activity than others.
What about pet insurance?
It’s wise to invest in pet insurance. You never know when your pet may need emergency veterinary help, so having a good-quality insurance policy in place lets you make vital decisions quickly. Many options are available, so you’ll be able to find a policy to suit your needs. Consider the level of cover you want: whether per annum, per condition or for life. Also whether extras like acupuncture, lost-pet advertising and third-party liability is included if you want it, all at a premium you can afford.
What pets do you have?
I have two Staffordshire bull terriers: one is 16 years old and has one eye, and the other is three and very energetic. They come to work with me every day. I also have a 17-year-old moggy cat (with some Tonkinese in her, which makes her very chatty) and a rescued Bengal cat, which is three years old. He was hit by a car before I had him, but he has made a great recovery and has me wrapped around his tail.
For more information: www.aht.org.uk