What is sunburn?  Sunburn, also known as solar dermatitis, happens when an animal has prolonged exposure to the sun. Any animal can be susceptible to this, but white and light-coloured coats are more prone to developing sunburn. Areas with less hair like ears, noses and the tips of tails are the places that we need to be more cautious about.  Sunburn can progress to a malignant skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. White and hairless pets are most at risk. Symptoms These are most often spotted on extremities such as noses and ear tips. Sunburn can however occur on any area ..read more

Choosing the correct diet for your rabbits is really important for keeping them happy and healthy. A diet of 85% good quality hay and grass, 10% leafy greens and 5% commercial pelleted food is ideal. Inappropriate diets are a common cause of sickness in pet rabbits. You can help to prevent a wide range of diseases by feeding a diet that is tailored to your rabbits highly specialised digestive system.  Rabbits in the wild  Rabbits are obligate herbivores, meaning that they only eat plant material. Wild rabbits can cover an area the size of two football fields every night while foragin ..read more

The natural habitat for a rabbit is a warren of burrows. This has multiple exits into a large area of grassland and undergrowth for foraging. There will be a nearby water source and good visibility.  It is important to try and mimic this environment for pet rabbits to keep them happy and healthy. The warren is a maze of tunnels with many different sleeping areas and remains a constant 10°C all year round. Multiple entrances and exits gives an easier escape from predators both inside and outside. The warren is sited either on a hill or in a large open area, so that predators can be se ..read more

Rabbits are often misunderstood and have complex needs. It is important to research they type of rabbits you wish to own and the environment and care they need. This will help you to have a long, happy and healthy time together. Once you’ve done your research and chosen the right type and breed of rabbit for you. It is important to understand that rabbits should be homed in pairs or groups. You need to ensure you have the time, money and commitment to look after them over the next 10-12 years. You are not buying pets for small children or for a Christmas, Easter or holiday present.   ..read more

What is appropriate behaviour?  Rabbits have been domesticated for food for over 2000 years, and as pets for over 200 years. Today, there are many different breeds, all with their own characters. Rabbits need to be able to express their natural behaviours. This is essential to avoid your rabbits becoming stressed or depressed. Having the correct husbandry is very important.   Natural and appropriate rabbit behaviours include running, jumping, exploring, socialising, foraging and eating, chewing and digging. Rabbits need to have the space, environment and companions to perform th ..read more

A new law is being introduced to the UK requiring domestic cats to be microchipped. We have compiled some information on cat microchipping which may be useful.   What is a microchip?   Microchips are inexpensive, sometimes free, chips that are around the size of a grain of rice. They can be implanted by your vet or a licensed and trained implanter. The process is quick, and it is not necessary for your cat to be anaesthetised. It is mostly painless and is permanent once inserted.   Microchips do not commonly have a ‘tracker’ within, so your cat’s location cannot b ..read more

Ticks can be about all year round but are more commonly found on our pets as the weather starts to get warmer usually from March to November. During these months it is important to make sure your pet has tick prevention on board. Tick prevention can be in the form or a spot-on liquid for the back of the neck, a tablet, or a collar. You should discuss the best option for your pet with your vet.  What are ticks?  Ticks belong to the same family has spiders. They are 1mm to 1cm in length and have 8 legs. Ticks are usually grey or brown and they have tiny pin sized heads that they bury i ..read more

Here are some key areas to help you promote good health. Keeping rabbits healthy ensures you have a happy life together. Pre-purchase considerations:  When looking to buy or rehome rabbits, always visit the store, breeder or rescue centre before you buy. Check their housing and cleanliness and whether they all look healthy. Consider whether the type of rabbit you are looking at may have any health risks.   Long or fluffy coated breeds, like the Angora and Cashmere Lop, will need lots of grooming, as they matt easily. Flatter faced breeds, like Netherland Dwarfs and some Lop bree ..read more

This June at PetGP we’re celebrating rabbit awareness week! Rabbits are the third most popular pet in the UK and we can see why. Who can’t help but fall in love with their beautiful personalities. We’ll be spending this month adding new articles about our bunny friends each week. Helping you to provide the best care possible to your hay-loving friends.   Keeping rabbits as pets can be traced back to Victorian England. This is also when the selective breeding of rabbits seems to have become popular. Today there are many variations in size, shape, colour, and hair length and texture. T ..read more

Nearly half of pet owners say that their dog has fireworks anxiety. Research has shown that 80% of owners report significant changes in their pet’s behaviour during fireworks. Now is the perfect time to ensure next year is easier for your dog. It is natural for dogs to be afraid of loud noises and flashing lights. In the natural environment they would warn of danger. Your dogs’ senses are highly developed. Noise will appear far louder to them than us, lights will appear brighter and more defined. Often fireworks displays have multiple flashes and bags in succession or even at the same time. Th ..read more