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.
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.
Q: My rabbit is becoming very food-aggressive. Can you give me some advice on how to handle him?
A: Rabbits can become aggressive over food because it is of high importance to them. In the wild, rabbits spend a lot of time foraging. Giving a pet rabbit a whole bowl of concentrated food may result in it 'defending' it. If your bunny has a good-sized hutch and run (as all rabbits should have), scatter the food on the floor or in the grass rather than in a bowl. Think about getting an activity feeder,
Should you feed your pet wet or dry food? And what about mixing? We have the answers - plus the pros, cons, do's and don'ts - for you here. From the PetPeople magazine features archive.
PreparationMany owners regularly prepare specific food for their cat or dog, mix leftovers with commercial pet foods, or even serve up a portion of the family’s meal. But can they be sure that their pet is receiving the correctly balanced diet needed for optimum health? We have very different dietary requirements from dogs, and especially from cats, who are carnivores.
Water content and freshnessIt's often said of wet food that you're paying for water. This can, however, be an advantage for male cats,
If you've received outstanding service from your vets, why not nominate them for the 2011 Petplan Veterinary Awards?Nominations for the 2011 Petplan Veterinary Awards are now open, so please get in touch if you would like to put your veterinary practice or a member of staff forward for recognition.There are four categories: Vet of the Year, Vet Nurse of the Year, Vet Support Staff of the Year and Veterinary Practice of the Year.Our panel of expert judges will consider all nominations, and then a shortlist for each category will be invited to a prestigious awards ceremony in Birmingham.
Q: Our cat retches repeatedly, bringing up white froth. He's a usually healthy outdoor cat, but has also stopped purring.A: It sounds like a grass blade is lodged in your cat's pharynx, the opening between the oral and nasal cavity. Eating grass is normal in cats, but it sometimes gets caught between the two cavities,
Q: I have to be on constant guard when people come to my front door as when I open it, my two-year-old Westie bitch tries to get out. I'm worried she'll get out and get hurt. It's causing me great anxiety. How can I control her?

A: Most terriers are very quick and may 'nip' through open doorways, which can be a worry, particularly if you live near a busy road. Make sure your Westie is microchipped and is always wearing a collar with
Once an unwanted pet, Adora the Akita is now a star of stage and potentially screen, whose acting skills won her the Petplan-sponsored 'Dog Star in the Making' award in this year's Dogs Trust Honours.
The 10-year-old Akita has just made a successful stage debut as stray dog Sandy in a version of the musical Annie in North London. Adora's owner Robert Stuhldreer spotted an advert in a newspaper and took her to the auditions where, despite her lack of acting experience,
Q: Last year my two cats, Milly and Molly, were killed on the road I live on. I feel I am now ready to take on another cat, but realise that to keep them safe I will have to keep them indoors. Will this have an adverse effect on them?
A: I am so sorry to hear your last two cats suffered such a fate. However, I may have the perfect solution for you.
Q: I’m going to begin training my dog soon. Which foods are best to use as rewards during training?
A: I always recommend using the lowest-value treats that your dog will work for. Using part of your dog’s daily dry-food ration is ideal and means that you can save extra special treats, such as little pieces of cheese or cooked chicken, as rewards for when he has done particularly well.
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