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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.

Debate: should dogs only eat raw meat? Part 1

Debate: should dogs only eat raw meat? Part 1
Posted on by Petplan
The use of Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF) - a simple diet of raw meat and bones - is dividing vets worldwide: some swear by it, while others advocate caution. In this first of two posts, BARF-devotee Dr Ian Billinghurst tells us why it works for him. "I believe that the healthiest diet for dogs and cats is a natural one. Raw meat, bones, vegetables and organ meats – anything that mimics the diet of a wild or feral animal is ideal. I call this the Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF) diet and it's what our cats and dogs have evolved to eat.My views come from almost 35 years as a practice vet, witnessing the harm that commercially produced food can do to pets. It also comes from seeing at first han

Compulsory DNA 'poo-profiling'

Compulsory DNA 'poo-profiling'
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: poo toileting DNA Dog poo
There's no doubt about it, dog mess is an everyday feature of urban life, with a small minority of dog owners making a health hazard of our streets, gutters and children's playgrounds. But how do you solve a problem like this? Over in the USA, one company is pioneering a hi-tech but politically charged solution: compulsory DNA poo-profiling.

How to prepare your pet for Guy Fawkes Night

How to prepare your pet for Guy Fawkes Night
Posted on by Petplan
While the rest of the family is looking forward to fireworks night, your pet is probably dreading it. Follow our advice to keep your pet calm and relaxed on the big night. From the PetPeople magazine features archiveAround this time of year, anxiety descends on my home and lingers there for several weeks. There are jitters, sudden starts and attempts to hide under the bed - and that's just me! The cause of this seasonal nervousness is, of course, the annual festival of noise: Guy Fawkes Night.

Pets and children - how to make it work

Pets and children - how to make it work
Posted on by Petplan
Children love pets - but, unfortunately, it's not always mutual. Here's how to make sure they get along famously. From the PetPeople magazine features archiveWhen you eventually succumb to your child's persistent pleas of wanting a pet, you will discover that it offers many benefits for young ones. As children learn how to care for an animal, they also learn consideration and respect for other living things. Their nurturing helps them to develop responsible behaviour and social skills that will help them later in life. In addition, they will form a special bond of friendship with the pet.

Hydration: what every pet owner should know

Hydration: what every pet owner should know
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: water hydration dehydration
Water is vital to your pet's health, so it's important that you give them plenty of opportunities to keep themselves topped up. It's essential to give them water as and when they need it, because just a small 10 per cent fall in an animal's natural water content has serious effects on its health, while a 15 per cent loss can be life-threatening.
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