Rabbits are amazing family pets and can live a long time. The oldest rabbit ever to live according to the Guinness book of records was over 18 years old! However a more normal life expectancy is around 6-7 years for larger breeds and 10-12 years for smaller breeds. As with any animal, aging and disease […] The post Assessing quality of life for older rabbits appeared first on Vet Help Direct ..read more

You might have heard of amyloidosis – but the chances are it’s a bit of a mystery to you, as it’s not a widely known condition. So we asked our vet blogger Amelia to look into the condition… What is amyloid? The body is made up of different types of proteins, from keratin that’s found […] The post What is amyloidosis in cats and is it common? appeared first on Vet Help Direct ..read more

“What is an SQP?” is a question I get asked very often, and I explain that I am an animal health advisor and that there are certain medications that I can prescribe and dispense for animals. But of course, there’s a lot more to it than that. Being a SQP (Suitably Qualified Person) is not […] The post SQPs have legal responsibilities too! Why VPS medicines are not just given out appeared first on Vet Help Direct ..read more

You may have heard of a liver shunt in the context of a young dog or cat. These are puppies or kittens that have been born with an abnormally structured liver. This means that blood coming from the gastrointestinal system is re- circulated around the body, bypassing the liver. This blood hasn’t been processed by […] The post Can dogs develop a liver shunt? appeared first on Vet Help Direct ..read more

Owning and caring for a pony is great fun and immensely rewarding. However, it’s also a big responsibility, with lots of things to think about. One of the biggest questions many owners have is “How much land do I need to keep a pony?”. The answer is often surprising, and might be more than you […] The post How much land do I need for a pony? appeared first on Vet Help Direct ..read more

Toby was Emma’s first love. An enormous ginger tabby cat with the biggest purr to match his size. They’d been through a lot together since she first adopted him seven years ago. He lived indoors as Emma worried about him being near the roads, and besides she liked him being around. Toby just about tolerated […] The post Urinary problems caused by stress appeared first on Vet Help Direct ..read more

With the current cost of living crisis seemingly never ending, pet owners may have found themselves noticing the increased costs of owning a pet. This may stem from purchasing food for our furry friends, all the way up to and including veterinary fees. But is there any way of pre-empting some of these veterinary costs, […] The post How can I find out how expensive a vets is? appeared first on Vet Help Direct ..read more

While some cats can be incredibly fussy with their food, others seem to be obsessed with it. Does your cat know the sound of the treat cupboard door? Or every time you reach for the fridge handle does he appear obediently by your feet? Some cats certainly do love their grub, and when confronted with […] The post Is there really a diet that can stop cats begging? appeared first on Vet Help Direct ..read more

The guilty look, the ‘please just one more’ look, those expressive, furrowed eyebrows. Puppy dog eyes. Highly adapted to get treats from the table and extra cuddles. You can tell a lot about a dog’s emotions from their eyes, but they don’t have the capacity to cry. So, if dogs do have watery eyes, what […] The post Why does my puppy have watery eyes? appeared first on Vet Help Direct ..read more

England and Wales are now the only UK nations where anyone aged over 18 can buy, own, and use an air gun without any licence. Sadly, cats and wildlife are frequently the victims of horrific air gun attacks, often sustaining life-changing or fatal injuries.  What is an air gun? BB and pellet guns are types […] The post Should air guns be licensed? appeared first on Vet Help Direct ..read more