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Welcome to Petplan’s blog, a space where you can read up on the latest pet-news, find out interesting facts and tips about keeping your pets happy and healthy, and share your views on hot topics.

How To Deal With Dog Separation Anxiety

How To Deal With Dog Separation Anxiety
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: behaviour dogs petplan advice
Dogs, like us, are very social animals. Whether you’re leaving your dog alone for just a few hours or for longer periods it can be a difficult time for the both of you.

However, while you know why this is happening and that it’s only temporary, for your dog, this separation can be confusing and disorientating.

Petplan takes a look at separation anxiety in dogs and what you can do to help your pet be as calm and comfortable as possible when left alone…

How to train your kitten to use a scratching post

How to train your kitten to use a scratching post
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: kitten tips petplan advice
Finding your brand new sofa has been clawed to shreds courtesy of your new kitten can be an incredibly frustrating and disheartening experience.

Often our natural reaction is to tell them off for their naughty behaviour. However, it’s common for kittens to use their claws to mark what they feel is their territory and as a way of filing down their claws.

So, the best way to save your furniture from being ruined is to train your cat on how to use a scratching post.

Petplan look at how to train your kitten to scratch the pole instead of your sparkling new upholstery…

Do rabbits need company?

Do rabbits need company?
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: rabbit health
Just like humans, rabbits are incredibly social animals who thrive when they have company to play and bond with.

But rabbits don’t just need company – they need the right company.

When found in the wild, these highly sociable animals naturally live together in big groups – so keeping your bunny on their own is depriving them of a fundamental need to be in the company of their own kind. Therefore, it’s vital you keep rabbits in pairs to keep happily bouncing around so they avoid becoming lonely or stressed.

Petplan has put together a guide to help you understand the social needs of your rabbit and learn which rabbits best complement each other and live well together…

Coping with the death of a family pet

Coping with the death of a family pet
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: health petplan advice
It can be difficult to come to terms with the loss of a pet.

We grow close to our pets, sharing a special bond with them – they are not just a cat or a dog, but a valued and much loved member of the family.

It’s important to grieve for your pet and approach this difficult period in a way that gives you the best chance to come to terms with your loss.

Petplan looks at some of the tried and trusted ways to ensure you are able to deal with this difficult time…

Viral Haemorrhagic Disease in rabbits: what you need to know about the cause, symptoms and vaccination

Viral Haemorrhagic Disease in rabbits: what you need to know about the cause, symptoms and vaccination
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: rabbit petplan advice
Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (RVHD) virus continues to be a cause for concern for many rabbit owners.

The summer of 2016 saw several outbreaks of RVHD (as well as its mutated form RVHD2) and owners should remain vigilant against this deadly virus.

Petplan looks at the causes, symptoms and precautions that you can take to ensure your rabbit remains as safe from infection as they can be…

Christmas pet safety: trees, decorations, food and more

Christmas pet safety: trees, decorations, food and more
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: safety dog training Christmas Cat advice
Christmas is often the most exciting time of the year for the family. The tree goes up with its baubles, lights, and tinsel, whilst the kitchen is filled with turkey, mince pies and plenty of festive booze.

However, what is all harmless fun for us, can present a problematic situation for our pets.

Here are Petplan’s 12 tips of Christmas to ensure you avoid any unwelcome mishaps when it comes to your pet…

What to know if you're buying a… Labradoodle

What to know if you're buying a… Labradoodle
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains:
There are many aspects that potential dog owners need to consider before acquiring a dog or puppy and each have their own unique personalities and health care needs.

Petplan takes a look at the origins, temperament and common health problems of the Labradoodle…

Black cats: separating the myths from the facts

Black cats: separating the myths from the facts
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: Cats Protection cats
Black cats are sleek, dazzling and dressed with a coat to impress.

However, black and black-and-white cats made up 45% of the total cats coming into Cats Protection’s care during 2015, and on average, took 22% longer to find a home than cats of other colours.

For centuries, black cats have played an important role in superstition, mythology and folklore – with many of these superstitions continuing to this very day.

In fact, in a survey conducted by Cats Protection in 2015, it was found that, rather than dying out, some myths about black cats being unlucky have some currency with young people. Twelve percent of those surveyed aged 18-24 said that black cats were unlucky, while only 2 per cent of over 55 year old people did.

Petplan takes a look at the origins of black cat superstitions and separates the myths from the facts.

Alabama Rot Stories from the surgery: Spotting Alabama Rot and Seasonal Canine Illness Canine Illness | Stories From The Surgery

Alabama Rot Stories from the surgery: Spotting Alabama Rot and Seasonal Canine Illness Canine Illness | Stories From The Surgery
Posted on by Petplan
Petplan vet Brian Faulkner has once again taken time out of his busy schedule to tell us all about some of the strange, funny and sometimes difficult cases he encounters in his surgery.This month, he tells us about very two similar but very dangerous and largely unknown conditions that every dog owner needs to be aware of; Alabama Rot and Seasonal Canine Illness.

What to know if you are buying a… Persian cat

What to know if you are buying a… Persian cat
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains:
There are many aspects that potential cat owners need to consider before acquiring a cat or kitten as each breed has their own unique personalities and heath care needs.

Petplan takes a look at the origins, temperament and common health problems of the Persian cat.

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