Tag Archives: pets

The quick checks that could save your pet’s life

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Examining your pet regularly can help you to nip common ailments in the bud before they become more serious. Brian Faulkner, Petplan’s Vet of the Year 2008, outlines the essentials steps of a quick checkup

Caring for your pet doesn’t stop with feeding and exercise. Noticing that something is unusual in your pet and seeking early veterinary attention can often be the difference between curing a condition or not. Follow this five-minute routine at least once a month with your dog, cat or rabbit and you will not only become familiar with what is normal in your own pet, but you’ll be able to help your vet detect subtle abnormalities much sooner. Read more >

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How to keep your pet content in old age

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We all want our animal companions to live long and happy lives, so how can we ensure they stay in optimum health during their advancing years? Victoria Spicer seeks advice from the experts. From the PetPeople magazine archive As with … Read more >

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Social ‘petworking’ – are you barking?

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MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites are some of the main ways we communicate nowadays. We project ourselves into the virtual world for everyone to see. But what if our pets could share in this online experience? What would they have to tweet about? One in ten of UK pets have their own page on sites such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Below are some of the most famous canines and moggies that have gained thousands of views through social networking. Read more >

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How cats and dogs can live happily ever after

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Everyone knows that cats and dogs fight like… well, cats and dogs. But, by following our simple expert advice, you can make sure that they live in harmony together. From the PetPeople magazine archive

On thousands of sofas across the country you’ll find a dog and a cat, sometimes even nuzzled up together. Domesticated animals have adapted over many generations and are able to thrive in circumstances their wild cousins wouldn’t recognise. So multi-pet households can be harmonious. However, it will take time and patience, and the first meeting is the key. Read more >

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Older pets rule!

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Silvana Stratford Pet story

Here’s a lovely story we received from a Petplan customer whose “pet family” has lived to a ripe old age – and still brings her joy

I just wanted to say a big thank you to Petplan for helping my geriatric family live to a ripe old age. My “pet family” consists of a 17-year-old shorthaired tabby Pandora, the matriarch; her 16-year-old sidekick Read more >

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Could you adopt a rescue animal?

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Thinking of adopting a rescue animal? Here’s some expert advice from animal behaviourist Dr David Sands. From the PetPeople magazine features archive.


There are many thousands of pets in the UK in need of a good home and the decision adopt a rescue pet is usually a hugely rewarding one. But, while every animal has its individual requirements and temperament to consider, there are a few additional factors to bear in mind when you take ownership of your new Read more >

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All you need to know about pet-proofing your home

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Tired of chewed furniture, dirty upholstery and discovering little surprises? Here’s our quick guide to limiting your pet’s impact on your home.

How to stop kittens shredding the curtains
Loop curtains out of leaping range (but avoid tie-back cords, which can pose a risk of pet strangulation). Re-channel their energy with toy mice and ping-pong balls to bat, and a tunnel of cardboard boxes to race through. Fishing-rod cat toys are a great way to play with a kitten without getting scratched.

Pets vs. pot plants
If you’re having problems with your pet leaving little surprises in the compost of your pot plants, place cobbles on the surface. If your pet nibbles leaves, move plants to a higher level. Avoid lilies, poinsettias, azaleas, amaryllis and ivy, Read more >

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Which is better for your pet – wet or dry food?

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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.

Preparation
Many 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 freshness
It’s often said of wet food that you’re paying for water. This can, however, be an advantage for male cats,
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Escape-artist dogs: what to do about it

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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 Read more >

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