The winter months are behind us which means the spring gardening season is here. Many rabbits will be out in the garden enjoying a potter but with all the green growth, it is important to be aware of plants and other items that could cause harm. Our Glasgow Vets have put together this advice for rabbit owners.
Please share this article on your social media profiles to help other rabbit owners know what hazards are lurking in the garden for their pets this season.
Garden safety for your rabbits
Bunnies love to hop around, but did you know that not everything in the garden is safe for these small pets? Discover what you need to look out for so you can create a safe haven for your rabbits.
Predators
Rabbits have many natural enemies, and sadly it is common for a rabbit to be attacked and seriously injured or killed. Wild predators include foxes, owls, birds of prey, and even seagulls will have a go. Closer to home, your cat, dog, or neighbouring pets can be a threat to your bunnies too.
Garden hazards
In the garden, most of the danger to rabbits comes from manmade hazards. Using common sense will reduce the risks. Rabbit-proof your garden by making sure they can’t escape, injure themselves, get trapped somewhere, or access anything harmful.
Plants toxic to rabbits
Speaking of harmful, keep your bunnies hoppy and healthy by safe gardening. There are many great resources out there to help you determine which plants can’t be eaten. Some of the most dangerous include Azalea, Bittersweet, Buttercups, Daffodils, Deadly Nightshade, Figwort, Foxglove, Hemlock, Meadow Saffron, Poppies, Ragwort, and Rhubarb.
If your rabbits have eaten something dangerous, give our Glasgow Vets a call straight away on 0141 643 0404.
Grass cuttings
Pottering in the garden and chewing on grass is every rabbit’s dream. If your lawn has been recently mowed, make sure your rabbits can’t eat the grass cuttings as these can be extremely harmful.
Vegetables & garden plants safe for rabbits
Rabbits love carrot tops, kale, and broccoli, but if you plant too much and leave your pets unattended, they may eat all the plants in sight. Same goes for roses, pansies, pot marigolds, and sunflowers if you are planting these for the summer months ahead. You might be pleased to know that rabbits can eat clover, daisies, dandelions, and nettles, so if your garden is looking a little ‘weedy’, you can always put your bunnies to work.
A rabbit run
Time outdoors is extremely beneficial to your rabbits’ wellbeing and helps them get the vitamin D (from the sun) they need to aid their digestion. To avoid many of the dangers above, Vet Nicola Armstrong, recommends the best course of action is to exercise your rabbit outdoors in a large, predator-proof enclosed run.
Constant monitoring
If you are giving your rabbit freedom to roam in the garden, it is wise to monitor them constantly advises Nicola. Accidents can happen quickly, and predators can strike more easily if you are not there.
We hope you found our Glasgow Vets’ advice helpful and can enjoy a danger-free spring season and beyond. As always, we are here if you would like more advice, just get in touch.
We are here for your rabbit emergencies too, just call 0141 643 0404.
You can share this advice with your rabbit-loving friends by sharing the link by email, WhatsApp, Messenger, or on your Facebook profile or Twitter stream.
Cats and dogs are naturally inquisitive animals. This has many benefits but can also get them into trouble! A common problem in the spring and summer months is Bee or Wasp stings. Our Head Vet Nicola Armstrong, has some advice for Lanarkshire owners of cats and dogs on this topic.
To help you tell the difference between bees, wasps, and hornets, our Glasgow vet nurses have put together a handy guide for you to download.
Why do bees sting cats and dogs?
Often in the warmer months we spend more time outdoors and naturally our animals will then spend more time nosing at the flowers. This is typically how cats and dogs get stung as their inquisitive noses disturb the bees and wasps collecting pollen. Trying to catch a buzzing insect can also seem like a fun game…until they get stung!
Signs that your cat or dog has been stung
In most cases, owners will not actually see the stinging occur. Instead, you may see your pet suddenly shaking or pawing at their head or body, or they have a swollen face all of a sudden.
Typical bee and wasp sting symptoms include:
- Swelling (often around the muzzle where they have been sticking their nose in)
- Constantly licking either at a specific area or their lips if the sting is inside the mouth
- Redness around the area where the sting went in
- Pawing at the area
- Vocalising more than usual
Severe symptoms could include:
- Breathing difficulties, especially in brachycephalic breeds if the sting is around the throat area
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Allergic reaction such as anaphylactic shock (although this would be very rare)
How to treat a bee or wasp sting on a cat or dog
Unless you saw the stinging occur, it will be difficult to tell if your pet was stung by a wasp or a bee. Either way, you can use first aid tips below.
First, you want to make sure the sting is removed. Our Glasgow vet nurses suggest using something flat like a credit card to scrape the sting off your pet’s skin and dispose of it. Avoid using tweezers to pull the sting out as they could squeeze venom into your pet.
Second, if you do know whether it was a bee or a wasp, you could apply the correct substance to soothe the pain;
- Wasp = vinegar/lemon juice
- Bee = bicarbonate of soda & water paste
Do you know the difference between a bee and a wasp? Download our Know Your Insects Guide
If you do not know the culprit, or after you have used the above first aid advice, you can then apply a cold pack to the swelling.
When to call a Vet
If you are at all concerned, especially if the swelling is causing further distress to your pet or is likely to affect an airway, you should always ring a Vet for advice. Our Woodside Avenue veterinary team are here to help, just give us a call on 0141 643 0404.
Some pets may need pain medication, which can be prescribed by one of our Vets too.
Lanarkshire pet owners sometimes ask if they can use antihistamines to help with the reaction; these can only be prescribed by the Vet to ensure the correct dosage is given, and because some ingredients could possibly be fatal in some brands.
Just to be safe this season, why not print our Know Your Insect guide and stick it on your fridge to help you spot the differences between bees, wasps, and hornets?
Remember to share this advice with your pet-loving friends on Facebook!
Spring is the ideal time to spruce up your garden after a gloomy winter. It is also your chance to garden with your pets in mind, so you can have a pet-friendly space all year round.
The team at Avenues Vets have collated some important ideas below to help Lanarkshire pet owners make their garden a safe space for their four-legged friends. With our no-fuss guide, you can pet-proof your garden and keep your dogs, cats, or rabbits happy and healthy all year long.
Plants are an integral part of many gardens but some can be harmful, even deadly. Our Glasgow Vets have also put together this helpful guide to highlight the signs to look out for, what to do if you suspect poisoning, and common toxic plants. You can download our guide here:
Pet-proofing your garden is mostly about making it safe for exploration. Look at your garden as a whole and imagine your pet exploring it. Remember, animals are curious and mostly led by smell, so if your dog, cat, or rabbit can physically reach somewhere, it is not ‘off limits’ to them.
Below is a comprehensive list of ways to make your garden safe. Adopting these strategies to pet-proof your garden now will make life easier later and ensure your pets have a safe outdoor space to enjoy all year long.
How to pet proof your garden
The Avenues Vets’ team suggests your to-do-list should include:
- Pet proof your garden fence and fix any gaps in boundaries where your pet could escape through.
- Get rid of broken bottles, sharp stones, and other obvious hazards.
- Tidy away tools and anything you do not want your pet ‘playing’ with or nibbling.
- Relocate or reorganise piles of bricks or wood so they can’t topple over.
- Make places your pet could get trapped inside or under inaccessible and close shed doors.
- Fence off areas your pet could fall from and any bodies of water.
- Put harmful substances on high shelves and behind cupboard doors.
- Choose pet-safe plants and remove toxic plants for pets – remember that parts of plants can be spread throughout your garden by wildlife and wind.
- Remove/relocate bulbs that could harm pets – cover soil in netting so pets can’t dig them up.
- Grow vegetables in raised beds – put netting over to keep out curious paws and noses.
- Only use pet-safe products to repel insects, slugs, and snails.
- Don’t leave pet bowls and toys out overnight – slugs/snails can cause lungworm in dogs.
- Lawns: beware as grass seeds can get lodged in eyes and cut grass is toxic when eaten.
- Clean up any animal faeces (not just your pet’s) to avoid your pet eating it and becoming unwell or potentially contracting worms.
- Remember that wildlife frequents your garden too and may drop food that contains bones, raw meat, raisons, or other toxic ingredients – check your garden before letting your pet out.
- And finally, monitor your pet’s time outside. Head Vet Nicola Armstrong cannot stress this enough – accidents and escape attempts can happen fast.
If you have followed this list, your garden should be a safe and happy place for your pet to hang out in. You could go a step further by creating dedicated areas in your garden for digging, playing, relaxing, and toileting of course, maybe even connected by a pet-friendly garden path. This creates a harmonious outdoor space that works for you and your pets.
Remember to download our Pet Plant Poisons Guide below. Also, why not share our article on pet-proofing your garden with your pet-loving friends and family on Facebook or email?
What do dog fleas look like? Could my dog have worms? Why are ticks so dangerous? These are just some of the questions we get asked by Lanarkshire dog owners at our Glasgow vet practice.
In this article, our Head Vet Nicola Armstrong invites all dog owners to take a closer look at common dog parasites as we head into spring. Nicola shares what you need to know about dog fleas, worms, and ticks below, and you can download our handy infographic highlighting the common signs to look out for here:
Get our Spotting Pesky Parasites guide
Dog fleas
As well as making your dog feel itchy, sore, and uncomfortable, fleas pose a serious health risk. They lay flea eggs on dogs and in your home, multiplying rapidly. A flea infestation can lead to anaemia (due to the volume of blood they consume), which can be fatal especially in puppies or unwell dogs.
Nicola advises owners that fleas do not spend all their time on pets. Fleas can also survive in cracks and crevices, on furniture, and in carpets for up to a year. If your dog gets fleas you will need to treat them, your home, and other pets – never share flea treatments between pet species.
How do dogs get fleas?
Fleas are common in the environment and can be easily picked up in the garden, on walks, and from other pets carrying them. The only way to avoid your dog getting fleas is to treat them (and cats if you have them) regularly throughout the year with vet-recommended preventative flea treatments. One-off treatments might remove existing fleas but won’t protect your pets going forward, neither will many over-the-counter products.
What do dog fleas look like?
Dog fleas are small, black/brown in colour, and swell after feasting on blood. You can sometimes spot them crawling or jumping on your dog, or you. To help you spot other tell-tale signs of fleas, get Nicola’s dog parasite guide here.
Dog worms
To give your dog ongoing protection throughout their life, they will need a vet-recommended worming treatment every 1-6 months, depending on your Vet’s guidance. Some worms can have devastating consequences for your dog, and some can be passed to humans, so Nicola stresses the importance of preventative worm treatments.
- Roundworms: higher risk to younger dogs – can be passed to humans
- Tapeworms: exposure risk higher in dogs who scavenge for food and those with fleas – children at risk of contracting from infected faeces
- Hookworm & whipworm: like tapeworms, these are common intestinal worms that can cause health complications
- Lungworm: often fatal, picked up from the slime of infected slugs and snails – increased risk if dog toys and food/water bowls are left out overnight
- Heartworm: dogs travelling abroad can be at risk
To help you spot the tell-tale signs of dog worms, download our parasite guide here.
Ticks
Ticks mostly live in woodland, long grasses, and fields where livestock or deer graze. Although most prevalent in spring and summer, they can be problematic throughout the year in some areas.
Ticks are usually small, oval, and flat in appearance, about the size of a sesame seed. They can swell to the size of a coffee bean after a feast of blood. Nicola advises dog owners to check for small lumps on their dog’s skin (and their own) after walks.
Why are ticks so dangerous?
Ticks latch on by inserting their mouthparts into the skin to suck blood. A tick bite can cause irritation, anaemia, and temporary paralysis in rare cases. Ticks can also spread Lyme disease, which affects humans too and can lead to a serious, debilitating chronic illness with complications for life.
How do you remove a tick safely?
It is important to use a special tick removal tool in a twist and pull motion instead of pulling a tick straight out, which could leave the head in and increase the risk of disease transmission. Ask our team about tick removal tools.
With pets being outside more in spring they are more at risk of picking up parasites. To help you spot the signs of tick bites in dogs as well as worms and fleas, check out Nicola’s handy dog parasite guide:
If you found our article on dog parasites useful, why not share it with your dog-owning friends and family by email, WhatsApp, messenger or on Facebook?
With warmer temperatures and pets outside more in spring, parasitic problems can start to ramp up. Your cat cannot avoid all parasites but can be protected from them and believe us when we say, prevention is so much better than cure.
Our Glasgow nursing team have some advice below for cat owners in Lanarkshire on which parasites to be more aware of this spring.
Why not come and talk to The Avenues Vets’ nurses about the right combination of ongoing flea and worm treatments for your cat?
Cat fleas
Fleas are tiny 2-3mm long, blood-sucking parasites that are common in the environment. They are dark brown/black, oval-shaped critters with legs, that grow and turn a lighter colour the more blood they ingest. They excrete a mixture of blood and waste, leaving tiny specs of ‘flea dirt’ behind.
Fleas can jump up to 100 times their body length onto ‘hosts’ e.g. cats, dogs, rabbits, mice etc. Fleas can live up to one year and females can lay up to 50 eggs per day. Around 95% of flea eggs, larvae, and pupae live in the environment (including your home) and not on pets. Fleas can carry diseases and will irritate your cat, other pets, and your human family.
Six common signs your cat has fleas:
- You can see them moving about
- Flea dirt (looks like tiny dark specs) – common around the tummy and groin
- Your cat is scratching excessively
- Bold or sore patches, red irritated skin, spots, or scars from scratching
- Thickened skin in areas such as the edges of the ears
- Members of your human family have unexplained bites
The Avenues Vets’ nurses advise that if your cat has fleas you will need to act fast, treating your cat, other pets, and your home to eradicate them. Ask our team about cat flea treatments.
Cat worms
The most common types of intestinal worms that affect cats of all ages are tapeworms and roundworms. Quite often cats won’t show symptoms of having worms until there is a heavy burden of them causing weight loss, vomiting, diarrhoea, irritation around the bottom area, and a failure to thrive. Some cats may appear constantly hungry but do not put on weight.
- Roundworms – eggs are passed through cat faeces and can remain viable in the environment for several years. Cats might eat eggs from the environment or eat mice and rats who have eaten the eggs and become intermediate hosts.
- Tapeworms – eggs are released from these long flat worms into their host and look like grains of rice in the faeces, around your cat’s bottom and/or in their bed. Intermediate hosts tend to be mice and fleas, which cats eat or ingest when grooming.
- Hookworms – can damage the intestinal lining and cause anaemia, bleeding, and weight loss, but are thankfully rare in the UK. Eggs are eaten from a contaminated environment, or a ‘host’ is eaten. Their larvae can also burrow into your cat’s skin.
Ticks on cats
Ticks are more common in certain areas of the country and generally become more active in warmer months. They tend to live in long grass and fields where livestock graze. Like fleas, they jump onto their hosts and attach their mouthparts to suck blood, growing as they feast. Ticks are particularly dangerous as they can transmit Lyme disease and jump onto humans and other pets too.
The Avenues Vets’ nurses advise that if you notice your cat scratching or over-grooming in one area, you should check them for ticks (and fleas). You may feel a small bump under your cat’s skin before you see these tiny critters. It is important to remember that ticks need to be twisted and pulled out slowly using a special tick remover; pulling a tick straight out can leave the head in and increase the risk of disease transmission.
Effective parasite protection
When it comes to preventative tick, flea, and worm treatments for cats, many over-the-counter brands are not effective. The best protection comes from putting your cat on a regular programme of vet-recommended parasite treatments, rather than a one-off treatment when a problem occurs.
Book an appointment with our experienced nurses who can talk to you about the best combination of treatments for your cat, which you can get from our Woodside Avenue practice.
Hamsters can be a joy to live with, with their cute little faces and amusing antics. However, like most pets (and humans), hamsters are susceptible to parasites.
Our Head Vet Nicola Armstrong explains that hamster parasites are common. Parasites are organisms that live on or inside hosts, getting their supply of nutrients from the host and causing them irritation and potential harm.
Generally, parasites are not extremely dangerous for hamsters, but they can cause itchiness, constipation, and weight loss amongst other health issues. Read Nicola’s information on hamster parasites below and contact us if you need further advice.
Nicola examines four hamster parasites
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Tapeworms
Dwarf tapeworms are the most common internal hamster parasite; when contracted they live in the small intestine often without causing major issues. Nicola advises that large tapeworm burdens can cause internal blockages/constipation, which you would see as a reduction in stools or a swollen/discoloured abdomen or anus, and weight loss, which need to be dealt with promptly.
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Pinworms
Mouse pinworms are less common that tapeworms and will live in part of the large intestine if your hamster becomes a host. The most common issue with pinworms is itching of the anus.
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Hamster mites – Demodex
The most common external hamster parasites are Demodex mites – two species of tiny mites that cause itching and hair loss when they infect hair follicles. Other signs are dry and scaling skin, scabbing, and dandruff.
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Ear mites – Notoedres
The Notoedres family of ear mites can be miserable for hamsters. Infestations can cause crusting/lesions on the hamster’s ears, face, genitalia, and feet. Hamster mite treatment should be started as soon as possible so do contact us for advice.
Diagnosing hamster parasites
Nicola wants hamster owners to know the importance of getting their pet checked out by a Vet as soon as possible if there are signs of parasites. External hamster mites can sometimes be spotted on the skin as well as causing the above symptoms.
If you suspect hamster mites or worms, give us a call on 0141 643 0404 and we can book you in with a Vet for diagnosis and treatment.
Can you prevent hamster parasites?
Making sure your hamster and their environment are clean is the best way to prevent hamster mites and worms. Hamsters are usually pretty good at cleaning themselves, but a sand bath will aid this – water or powder baths are not advised. A clean hamster cage will be sanitised regularly with pet-safe products, and free of soiled bedding, stools, insects, and flies. It is also important to keep rodents away from your home as much as possible as these can be hosts to parasites.
So, there you have it, Nicola’s guide to hamster parasites. Remember we are here to help, so be sure to contact us if you need further advice.
Nutrition and exercise go hand in hand when you are trying to lose weight or just live more healthily. At Avenues Vets in Glasgow, we love dogs, and we love helping owners improve their dog’s health and happiness. Our team have put together some proactive dog nutrition and exercise tips to help you make a plan.
You can help other dog owners in Lanarkshire by sharing your dog wellness tips on our Facebook page:
10 top tips for creating a dog nutrition & fitness plan
- Choose a good quality, nutritionally complete, dry dog food that will support your dog’s health, life-stage, activity levels, and dental health.
- Some owners like to add wet food, look for one with good quality ingredients.
- Measure/weigh your dog’s food portions to ensure they are getting the right amount for their daily needs. Remember that more exercise may need more food. Ask us if you are unsure.
- Ensure your dog drinks plenty of water, you can always put some in with their food.
- Reduce treats and switch to healthier options like carrots and cooked green beans.
- Write down the exercises you want your dog to do and when, so you have a clear guide to keep you bothon track.
- Even if weight loss isn’t the focus, it is a good idea to write down weight goals (lose/gain/maintain) and measure changes every 2 – 4 weeks. This way, you can adjust the exercises or nutrition quickly if any issues arise. Pop into our Woodside Avenue practice to get your dog’s starting weight. We can also do a body condition score to understand where your dog is at on the scale – just request a Nurse appointment.
- Increase the time, speed, and/or incline of your dog’s daily walk to burn more calories, give muscles more of a workout, and mix-up their regular routine.
- Try something new like dog agility if your dog is up to the challenge – be careful with older dogs and take it slow to start with.
- Consider a dog fitness app that lets you track routes, activities, and achievements.
Now you are ready to create your dog’s ‘healthier in 2022’ plan.
Don’t forget to make time for rest and recovery in your plan to avoid injury, burnout, or loss of interest for you both. Dogs do need daily exercise, so it is a good idea to do standard walks on some days (or all days if you have a very energetic dog) and try something more up-tempo on others. We hope you enjoy your new plan as much as your dog will!
Call us if you would like more advice or to book a body condition score appointment with our Vet Nurses on 0141 643 0404.
Help your friends and family, and other Lanarkshire dog owners by either sharing our article on your social media profiles or,
If 2021 was a hectic year, your cat probably felt it too. Now is the perfect time for you both to de-stress and focus on wellbeing. Our Head Vet, Nicola Armstrong, has some proactive advice for helping your cat get their ‘mojo’ back and enjoy the year ahead.
Booking a visit with our fully qualified veterinary nurses in between your cat’s annual vaccination and vet health check, is a great way to assess how they are doing. Our Glasgow nurses can advise you on ways to boost your cat’s health and mood.
Book a nurse visit for your cat
Cat grooming
Stroking and brushing your cat’s fur has health benefits for the both of you, thanks to its calming and soothing nature. Cats do love to groom themselves but most will enjoy a little extra help, and will appreciate dirt, debris, and matted hair being removed.
Plus, a cat grooming session is the ideal opportunity for the two of you to bond, and for you to check for lumps, bumps, and fleas. You will need a cat grooming brush and/or grooming glove, and a flea comb.
How often you groom your cat depends on the length of their coat – long-haired cats need grooming daily, whereas shorter coats will be fine with a weekly brush.
Remember, we’re always on the end of the phone should you spot anything concerning whilst grooming your cat. Call us on 0141 643 0404.
Cat enrichment & exercise
Providing sources of mental stimulation and enrichment is important for your cat’s wellbeing too. Bored cats can become unhappy and start to develop behavioural issues.
Cat grooming is one form of enrichment, but you should also include some more energetic options. Our cat-loving nurses have pulled together six enrichment ideas that will get your cat moving more, as we all know exercise is good for the body and mind.
Try these ideas:
- Make mealtimes more interesting with cat puzzle feeders, or hide dry kibble around your home.
- Buy toys that help your cat use their natural predator instincts, like ‘prey’ on the end of string, or moving toys they can chase.
- Make DIY toys out of cardboard boxes, tubes, string, and other household items.
- Teach them tricks – this will take patience, perseverance, and treats!
- Scratching posts give cats something to do and help keep their nails trim.
- Try making an obstacle course or a cat home gym – just search YouTube for lots of ideas.
Cat nutrition
Another way to make your cat happy and healthy is to feed them a good quality, nutritious diet. With so many different foods out there, it can be difficult to know what to choose. Come and talk to our Vet Nurses in Glasgow about the best types of cat food for age, lifestyle, dental care, and many other health needs.
Did you know that guinea pig grooming has many benefits for both short and long-haired breeds? It’s not just about detangling and de-matting those long locks! The Avenues Vets’ Nurses have some advice on why you should, and how to groom your guinea pig.
We always love hearing from our clients and the wider guinea pig owning community. Head over to our Facebook page and ask us any grooming and small furry pet questions and we’ll be happy to help. Ask us questions on Facebook.
Why do guinea pigs need to be groomed?
Guinea pigs usually do a great job of grooming themselves to get clean. However, there are many benefits that come with regular grooming by their favourite human, such as:
- Keeping your guinea pig free from tangles and dirt
- Checking for skin lumps and bumps, hair loss, dental problems, and pests
- Bonding time with your tiny companion
- Help staying clean if they are elderly or unwell
How to groom your guinea pig
If you are wondering how often you need to groom your guinea pig and what’s involved, our Glasgow nursing team have some helpful advice for you below.
- Short-haired guinea pig breeds like the American Cavy only need brushing once a week to minimise shedding and keep them clean. Any more could result in loss of hair density and quality.
- Long-haired guinea pig breeds such as Peruvians and Abyssinians generally need brushing 2-3 times a week to prevent matting and dirt build-up, which can lead to infection and parasitic ‘invasion’.
Depending on your pet’s breed and hair type, you can use the palm of your hand (add water if your guinea pig is shedding) or a metal narrow-toothed pet-flea comb. Be gentle, and brush in the same direction as your pet’s hair grows.
Not all guinea pigs will enjoy being brushed, however, it is an essential part of keeping them healthy. Try altering the frequency to avoid stressing them out. You could also gently stroke them from head to toe whilst brushing and feeling for anything unusual.
There is a little more to guinea pig grooming than just brushing – they will also need:
- Monthly or bi-monthly nail trims
- An occasional ‘butt’ bath
- Weekly dental check & ear clean
- Regular grease gland ‘clean-up’
Learn more about each of these tasks in our handy downloadable guide.
The New Year is typically a time for change, making now the perfect time to change your pet’s life for the better if they are overweight. The team at Avenues Vets love helping owners and have this advice about overweight guinea pigs.
Contact us to book a weight check
Reasons for an overweight guinea pig
When it comes to guinea pigs and other small furry pets, weight gain is usually (and we hate to say this but…) because as owners, we haven’t provided them with the right type or amount of food, exercise and mental stimulation.
There are other reasons guinea pigs can gain and lose weight so it’s always wise to get your pet checked out by a vet as soon as you notice a change.
- Weight gain (or loss) over a few days or weeks could be a sign of a medical condition, most commonly a tumour or pregnancy.
- Weight gain over a few hours could be an emergency condition called ‘bloat’, which is a distension of the abdomen – contact us immediately if this is the case.
Head Vet, Nicola Armstrong, at our practice in Glasgow explains why carrying excess weight is a BIG problem for small pets.
Overweight guinea pigs are:
- less able to reach their rear-end to clean it, which amplifies the risk of flystrike (often fatal)
- putting more strain on joints leading to painful movement
- less mobile and agile, affecting their everyday quality of life and ability to exercise
- candidates for diabetes, typically if fed a high-carb diet with lots of fruit & sugary treats
- at increased risk of complications if pregnant
Assuming all is well, right now is the ideal time to help your small pet shift excess fat.
Helping your guinea pig lose weight
First, we recommend booking a weight check at our Glasgow practice. Our nurses will assess your guinea pig’s weight, and tell you how much they need to lose.
Our team can then also give you advice on how to:
- review your guinea pig’s diet – provide the essentials and give healthier treats.
- experiment with different ways of feeding – bowl vs scatter feeding and foraging trays.
- provide sufficient mental stimulation & physical exercise through pet companionship, suitable housing, stimulating activities & items, and time outside their enclosure.
Let our nurses help you get your guinea pig on the right track and book a weight check at our Glasgow veterinary practice – see our location and book.
