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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.

Scary season: what spooks your pet?

Scary season: what spooks your pet?
Posted on by Petplan
Whether it's things that go bump in the night or things that go bang in the sky, autumn can be a stressful time for pets and their owners. Julian Hall identifies some common causes of fright for our furry friends at this time of year, and how to avoid them.

The autumnal season is that little bit more hectic now with the growing popularity of Halloween and the various activities, from 'Trick or Treating' to the early onset of fireworks, which make up what is now effectively 'Bonfire Fortnight'.

The importance of microchipping your pet

The importance of microchipping your pet
Posted on by Petplan
Nobody wants their pet to go missing, but if the worst happens it is commonly agreed that microchipping is not only the mark of a responsible owner, but provides the best chance of owners and pets being reunited. Writer Sue Corfield discovers two cases where thanks to microchipping, missing pets have been found.

Last year Poppy, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, was found by a dog warden service approximately 30 miles from her original home after being missing for eight years.

Does my dog need to wear a collar?

Does my dog need to wear a collar?
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: dog pet petplan microchipping dogs
Absolutely. It is a legal requirement for dogs to wear a collar in public. To avoid a hefty fine, owners must also ensure that the dog displays their name and address.

By law, when a dog is in a public place, it must wear a collar. This – or a tag attached to the collar – must also bear its owner's name and address.

Rabbit health: a guide to fly strike

Rabbit health: a guide to fly strike
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: pet petplan rabbit pets infections health rabbits
With any luck we will enjoy some sunshine this summer. But while we might love those warm lazy days, they do bring problems: flies. Kath Stathers looks at the danger of fly strike in rabbits.

Fly strike – or myiasis to give it its scientific name – is a problem that can afflict rabbits in hot weather and even be fatal.

Is your dog susceptible to grass seed injury?

Is your dog susceptible to grass seed injury?
Posted on by Petplan
Summer may mean more outdoor play for you and your dog, but it is also a time to be aware of environmental risks. Find out more about grass seed in our need-to-know guide.

Grass seeds are something dogs frequently get lodged in their ear canals or between the toes. Long-eared breeds like Cocker and Springer Spaniels are most susceptible.

Debate: should cats be allowed out at night?

Debate: should cats be allowed out at night?
Posted on by Petplan
Not so long ago, most cats were let out each evening to roam as they pleased while their owners slept peacefully. Nowadays it's becoming less common. With around one in four cats killed on the road, should all our feline friends be locked in at night? Sophie Mackenzie examines the issue for Petplan.

If you are a cat owner, you will be familiar with the feeling of being jerked from sleep in the small hours by needle-sharp claws kneading your body.

Breed profile: the Irish Wolfhound

Breed profile: the Irish Wolfhound
Posted on by Petplan
From the wide range of dog, cat and rabbits we insure, we pick a Petplan ‘Breed of the Week’ to star on our Facebook page. This week, it's the turn of the Irish Wolfhound. Here's all you need to know about this giant of the dog world...

Standing at around a yard (about 91cm), the Irish Wolfhound is the tallest of all dog breeds and roughly the height of a small pony.

How to reduce the risk of diabetes

How to reduce the risk of diabetes
Posted on by Petplan
One in every 500 dogs and cats develops diabetes, leading to costly daily insulin injections and lifelong monitoring. Yet in many cases, diabetes may be preventable, simply by establishing good feeding habits.

Diabetes results in excessive levels of glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream and is more common in middle-aged, neutered pets

The History of Pets, part 2: Dogs

The History of Pets, part 2: Dogs
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: dog pet pet relationships pets dogs
Ever wondered how dogs moved out of the cold and into our homes and hearts? Writer and pet-lover Julian Hall examines the evidence in this second instalment of Petplan's series on the history of pets.

For tens of thousands of years, dogs and people have lived side-by-side. But according to some scientists it's our canine friends that domesticated us rather than the other way around.

Debate: Do pets pose a significant hygiene risk?

Debate: Do pets pose a significant hygiene risk?
Posted on by Petplan
When it comes to hygiene, pet owners are a varied bunch – from the relaxed cat-lover who happily permits everything from counter-surfing to face-licking, to the anxious dog owner who won't allow their companion upstairs and insists on post-fuss hand-washing. But who's right? Here, Sophie Mackenzie looks at the science behind pets and hygiene, and persuades some brave pet owners to reveal their breaches of best practice.

It's well known that people with pets, on the whole, are healthier and live longer than those without. This is partly because of the stress-busting effect our companion animals have, but also because exposure to them boosts immunity, especially in children. So at what point does close proximity to pets stop being beneficial and start being a bit unsanitary, or even dangerous?

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