2023 is nearly over and now is the perfect time to celebrate the bond you have with your pet rabbit. The nurses at Avenues Vets have a few recommendations to help you both enjoy the festive season and prepare for 2024! What better way to start the New Year than to book for a rabbit health check with us at Avenues Vets – call us on 0141 643 0404 or use our online booking system.
Book your rabbit a New Year’s health check
Treating your rabbit this Christmas
Spending quality time that you wouldn’t usually get, due to work or family commitments, would be a real treat for your bunny. Why not have a 5-minute cuddle or work on some Christmas-themed playtime for them. This helps them feel loved but also helps to keep them active and healthy.
You could also gift your bunny a present. A soft blanket or a new toy could provide them with comfort or stimulation and it’s a heart-warming moment watching them try to unwrap the wrapping paper!
Make Christmas treats for your bunny
Your rabbit would love trying some seasonal rabbit-safe treat recipes and our team at Avenues Vets would love to see pictures of your bunny’s tucking into their treats! Share a photo on our Facebook page.
Bunny friendly Christmas crackers
You will need:
- An old kitchen roll tube
- Spinach and kale
- Handfuls of fresh hay
- A handful of rolled oats
- Brussel sprout tops
All you need to do is stuff the cardboard tube with all of the ingredients above, allowing the hay and leafy greens to poke out of the end. Your bunny will have fun playing and nibbling at the treats – their very own version of a Christmas cracker!
Banana and carrot Christmas biscuits
You will need:
- Half a banana – mashed up
- One carrot – pureed
- 4 tablespoons of porridge oats
- 4 tablespoons of rabbit pellets
Blend the rabbit pellets and porridge oats together before adding in the mashed banana and pureed carrot. This will form a dough. Roll it out onto a surface and cut into biscuit shapes – maybe a Christmas themes cookie cutter would help here!
Bake in a pre-heated oven at 160 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes. Allow to cool and then offer one to your bunny.
Reflect on 2023 together
As your rabbit’s primary caregiver, Christmas and New Year are the perfect time to think about what you achieved over the last year. Whether it was helping your bunny stay fit and healthy, or encouraging them to explore a new space, recognising these achievements will help you and your partnership with your rabbit feel all the more special. We always encourage rabbit owners in Lanarkshire to remember their achievements – why not write them down and put them somewhere near your bunny’s living environment so you can see them every day. You can also add to this list in 2024.
As well as the positive milestones you reached, what about the challenges you both faced? Could it be a health condition that was treated at Avenues Vets or a behavioural problem that you had to tackle together?
Setting a goal for the New Year will help to enhance your relationship. Such as teaching them new tricks or renovating their living space – what will you aim to achieve with your rabbit in 2024?
This time of reflection will really help to set you and your rabbit up for a good start to 2024. Our team at Avenues Vets wish you and your rabbit a Merry Christmas and we look forward to seeing you both in the New Year. Contact us on 0141 643 0404 if your rabbit needs veterinary treatment and don’t forget to book their New Year health check.
As firework season gets underway, it’s important we help our small furry pets to get through as stress-free as possible. If you have a small furry pet that normally lives outside, then read on to understand what The Avenues Vets’ nursing team advise owners to organise ahead of firework displays in Lanarkshire.
If you have any questions then do not hesitate to ask us on our Facebook page, and please share this article to help other small furry pet owners in Lanarkshire.
Why does my small furry pet need to come inside during firework season?
There are a number of reasons why our Glasgow veterinary nurses recommend bringing your outdoor kept small furry pets inside when you know there will be firework displays. Once indoors, remember it is advised that you keep the curtains closed to shut out the bright lights and play soft background music or white noise to help drown out the sound of the fireworks.
1. Noise sensitivity
Small furry pets have highly sensitive hearing which helps them to avoid predators in the wild. Due to the loud, sudden noises produced by fireworks, it can be extremely distressing. Our vet nurses want Lanarkshire pet owners to understand that exposure to loud noises can lead to anxiety and panic in small pets, which in turn then increases the risk of many life-threatening health conditions.
2. Your pet’s flight response
Your pet could be at risk of injury due to their natural ‘flight’ response. If your pet feels threatened or stressed, they could try to escape their cage/enclosure. Not only may they hurt themselves, but they could also become lost, becoming prey for other household pets or external animals, or potentially become involved in a road traffic accident.
3. Potential for injury
Fireworks can also cause physical harm to small animals. According our Glasgow veterinary nurses, if they are near the launch area or somewhere where debris could potentially land in their enclosure, so it is essential you move them indoors. With the risk of fire, injury, smoke inhalation and more, it is safer to bring your pets inside and reduce the risk of firework related injuries.
4. Risk of predators
Large firework displays often involve food, which can attract predators to the area. With scraps of food, bright lights and noises drawing them closer, this poses a threat to small furry pets living outdoors in close proximity to Lanarkshire firework displays.
5. Reduced comfort and security
Small pets rely on their own familiar environment for comfort and security – fireworks change this environment and disrupt their sense of safety. Making them safe and comfortable in an indoor cage would help keep them happy. If their current cage is too big to bring indoors, use familiar bedding, toys, and blankets so their indoor enclosure is like a home from home.
To discuss your own small furry pet with our team this firework season, contact Avenues Vets on 0141 643 0404.
Why not share this article to help other small furry pets in Lanarkshire?
Did you know that September is Pet Pain Awareness Month? Our team at Avenues Vets truly understand how distressing it can be to see your pet in pain. With cats and dogs, pain signs can be more obvious such as a lower posture or limping. However, small animals, such as guinea pigs, hamsters and rabbits, are much more obscure when it comes to showing signs of pain.
Veterinary Surgeon Nicola Armstrong has put together the following advice on how owners can closely monitor their small furry pet for indications they may not be feeling themselves.
Call us if you have any concerns
Why do small furry pets hide their pain?
Hiding pain is a natural survival instinct for many small furry pets as, in the wild, they are prey animals. Showing signs of illness or injury could be very dangerous to a small animal, making them experts in hiding pain to make them less likely to be hunted. This adaptive instinct has been passed on to their domesticated counterparts, so your own pet will also try to hide when they feel under the weather.
What signs to look for
Loss of appetite
The team at Avenues Vets know that a loss of appetite can be an indicator for an undiagnosed medical condition that could need veterinary treatment. Chronic and acute pain can affect your pet’s ability to eat a nutritious meal and some of the conditions we diagnose from this symptom could be dental disease, diabetes and cancer amongst others.
Reduction/increase in water consumption
Monitoring the water consumption of your pet is a useful tool to work out whether they could be dehydrated or suffering from a condition that increases their thirst.
- Rabbits should consume approximately 50-150ml per kilogram of their body weight daily
- Guinea pigs should consume roughly 80-100ml of water per day
- Hamsters should drink 10-30ml of water per day
Note that this figure increases if your small furry pet is pregnant or lactating.
Aggression & behavioural changes
Becoming more aggressive is a sign of pain. Monitor your pet to see if they are scratching or biting more than usual and take precautions if so – an animal in pain will sometimes not distinguish between their kind human carer and something they can use as an outlet for pain control.
Being excessively jumpy or appearing nervous are both signs of behavioural changes that affect small furry pets. These can indicate pain but sometimes also appear when your pet is feeling stressed or unhappy. Book an appointment with The Avenues Vets’ veterinary team so we can help distinguish between pain or stress and start any necessary treatments.
Vocalisation
If your small furry pet is crying, whimpering or screaming, contact us immediately. This is a sign your pet is distressed and could be in a large amount of pain.
Posture and movement changes
If your pet is hunched over, looks stiff or is exhibiting a different gait to usual, Veterinary Surgeon Nicola Armstrong wants owners to know that this is because of pain. Even just avoiding activities they usually love, such as running on their wheel or exploring the house, could be a sign that something may be affecting your small furry pet, such as arthritis or muscle/tendon strains. Contact our team on 0141 643 0404 to book an appointment with a vet.
Hiding in their environment
Hiding is another one of those evolutionary tactics that small animals have developed to disguise that they may be feeling pain. Hamsters instinctively burrow to protect themselves and other pets will also hide in their houses. Knowing your pet’s usual movements is essential in understanding whether they are acting differently to normal. Closely monitor your small furry pet and if they do seem to be hiding away, contact our team for more advice.
If you notice any of the signs above, it could mean your pet is in pain. Contact our team of experienced vets who will be able to assess your pet and make a diagnosis and treatment plan – ensuring they are back to their normal self in no time.
As social creatures, Avenues Vets believe it is best to keep guinea pigs living in pairs or groups to help mimic their natural behaviour. Not only will it improve their mental wellbeing, but they are less likely to suffer any physical issues linked to isolation. Our Vet Nicola Armstrong discusses everything you need to know on guinea pig companionship in our article below.
Register your guinea pigs with us
Companionship
Guinea pigs rely on social interaction to thrive. They will often groom each other, play, keep each other company – all of which will help them feel happy, safe, and secure in their home with you. As a minimum, Nicola recommends having a pair of guinea pigs to enable them to do all of these things.
Behaviour
By keeping a guinea pig on their own, you are confusing their natural behavioural development. Living with a companion helps the pigs to develop boundaries, whereas single guinea pigs will often become aggressive and in some cases, depressed and will self-harm.
Communication skills
Living with a companion or two will help your guinea pig to work on their communication skills. They use body language, scent marking and a range of vocalisations (such as squeaks and grunts) to communicate with other guinea pigs. Often, they will start to squeak at their owners as well!
Keeping them active
Living with companions also helps guinea pigs stay active. As a species, they need regular exercise – a companion can encourage play, stimulation, and exploration. This will help to keep them physically fit, reducing the likelihood of obesity and associated health issues, as well as mentally stimulated.
Overall, keeping guinea pigs in pairs or small groups is important for their physical and mental health. Our team at Avenues Vets on Woodside Avenue are more than happy to advise if you are considering adopting a guinea pig – as it’s highly recommended to adopt two or more for company.
Remember to share this article with other guinea pig owners and contact us today for more advice on 0141 643 0404 or to register your guinea pigs with us.
If you’re wondering whether a guinea pig is the right pet for your family, then this is the article for you! Our Head Nurse Linsey has pulled together the best advice from our team at Avenues Vets to help you to decide on introducing a guinea pig to your family and the care tips you’ll need to know.
Ask our vet nurses for guinea pig advice
Guinea Pig Appreciation Day is officially on 16th July but we think it’s perfectly fine to celebrate guinea pigs every day! Help us shout about these wonderful animals by sharing this article with other pet owners on your socials.
What you need to know about Guinea Pigs
• Affectionate and easy to care for
As social animals, it is best to purchase guinea pigs in pairs or small groups. They thrive in company and love interacting with each other, making them a popular choice for first-time pet owners. They require minimal grooming (and possibly the odd ‘butt bath’ if they can’t clean themselves) – just ensure their cages are cleaned weekly and food/water replaced daily to keep them healthy and happy. Guinea pigs love to be petted and held and will often come to the front of their cage to greet their owners.
• Low maintenance and long lifespan
The average life span of a guinea pig is 4 – 8 years, meaning they can provide many years of joy to their family. There are a number of different breeds, each with different characteristics. Chat to The Avenues Vets’ vet nurses about what breed would be best for you and your family.
• Cute and quiet
Unlike many small pets, guinea pigs are not nocturnal. This means that they are most active during the day, making them perfect family pets, especially for those with younger children. Guinea pigs also do not make a lot of noise – they softly chirp when happy but are very unlikely to disturb you with loud or disruptive behaviour.
To sum it up in a few words, guinea pigs can make great family pets; if you are looking for a friendly and low-maintenance pet, a guinea pig might be the perfect choice for you!
To learn more about guinea pig care at home and what our practice provides, contact our clinic to chat to our friendly team of vet nurses at Avenues Vets.
Flystrike, also known as myiasis, is a severe and potentially fatal condition that can affect rabbits and guinea pigs. It occurs when flies lay their eggs on the animal’s fur, which then hatch into maggots and burrow into the animal’s flesh. In this article, The Avenues Vets’ Head Vet Nicola discusses how to prevent your rabbit or guinea pig from getting flystrike.
Call us on 0141 643 0404 if you spot signs of flystrike in your small furry pets.
5 Ways to Avoid Flystrike
1. Keep your pet’s living area clean
Flystrike most commonly occurs in dirty or unhygienic living conditions. To prevent flystrike, it’s essential to keep your pet’s living area clean and well-maintained. Nicola recommends regularly cleaning the cage or hutch, removing any soiled bedding, and keeping the area free of faeces and urine. This is the best way to keep your pet’s risk of flystrike down.
2. Check your pet’s bottom
Rabbits and guinea pigs are most susceptible to flystrike in their rear ends, where it is difficult for them to clean themselves properly. To prevent flystrike, it’s essential to check your pet’s bottom daily, especially during the summer months. If you notice any signs of soiling or moisture, clean the area immediately and monitor it closely for any signs of flystrike. Contact us if you’re concerned and our team of nurses will be happy to advise.
3. Use fly screens or netting
Flies are attracted to moist and dirty areas, making your pet’s living area an ideal breeding ground. To prevent flies from entering your pet’s living area, consider using fly screens or netting on windows and doors. This will prevent flies from entering the living area and reduce the risk of flystrike.
4. Use insect repellents
Insect repellents can be an effective way to prevent flies from landing on your pet and reducing the risk of flystrike. However, it’s essential to use a repellent that is safe for your pet and not toxic if ingested. Speak with one of our vets or nurses about the best insect repellent options for your pet.
5. Consider hair trimming
Long or matted fur can provide an ideal breeding ground for flies, making your pet more susceptible to flystrike. Consider trimming your pet’s hair, particularly around the rear end, to reduce the risk of flystrike. However, be careful not to trim too close to the skin, which can cause skin irritation and make your pet more vulnerable to flies. This is something The Avenues Vets’ experienced team of nurses could help you with. Contact now to chat to our nursing team.
In conclusion, flystrike is a severe and potentially fatal condition that can affect rabbits and guinea pigs from all over Lanarkshire. By keeping your pet’s living area clean, checking their bottom daily, using fly screens or netting, using insect repellents, and considering hair trimming, you can significantly reduce the risk of flystrike and keep your pet healthy and happy. If you notice any signs of flystrike, Nicola advises to seek veterinary attention immediately.
Hamsters make great family pets; they are fascinating to watch, fun to handle, and relatively easy to look after. The average lifespan of a hamster is 2-3 years and many lead happy lives without serious illness or disease. However, like all creatures they can be susceptible to illness, and being so small in size means they can deteriorate quickly if left untreated. In this article, our Vet Nicola Armstrong discusses the signs to look for in a poorly hamster, how to tell if your hamster is hibernating and what to do and shares their favourite tips on how to keep your hamster happy.
Contact us if you spot the signs
How to tell if your hamster is under the weather
Nicola advises that just like with any family pet, it is important to be aware of your hamster’s daily routines, eating habits and activity levels. Changes to these things can indicate illness or stress and should not be ignored. Common signs that something may be amiss with your hamster are:
- Reduced eating or loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Not drinking
- Sore eyes
- Wetness around the tail or diarrhoea
- Frequent sneezing or coughing
- Inactivity or lethargy
- Visible skin lumps, ulcers or tumour
Six common illnesses in hamsters
According to Nicola, even though hamsters are fairly easy to keep, you should still monitor their wellbeing and behaviour to help spot these common hamster illnesses and health problems:
- Dental issues – Did you know that hamsters’ teeth never stop growing? Normally this doesn’t cause problems as long as they have plenty of suitable hard things to gnaw on. However, sometimes they can overgrow and cause pain and stop your hamster eating.
- Allergies – Hamsters can have sensitive skin and suffer from allergies to foods or bedding materials. This may cause skin redness, flakiness or bleeding, especially on the underside of their bellies.
- Lumps & bumps – They can also be prone to lumps and bumps which can grow large and cause problems. Nicola recommends checking your hamster’s skin regularly.
- Wet tail – Hamsters can get what is sometimes called ‘wet tail’ – a watery diarrhoea which presents as wetness around their bottoms. The cause is unknown but thought to be bacterial, often brought on by changes in food or sometimes stress. It can be serious so make sure you call our Glasgow practice straight away on 0141 643 0404 if you suspect your hamster has it.
- Coughs & colds – Hamsters can catch common coughs and colds just like humans. They may pass on their own with time, but it is always best to get them checked out by one of our vets.
- Eye injury/infection – If your hamster is squinting, has one or both eyes closed, and/or has discharge around the eyes there is a chance they have an eye injury or infection.
Contact us if you spot the signs
Is my hamster hibernating?
Hamsters in the wild can hibernate when temperatures drop. This means they will curl into a ball and sleep deeply for a long period of time. Pet hamsters shouldn’t need to hibernate if they are kept at normal household temperatures all year round. Letting your pet hamster go into hibernation isn’t necessary.
If you think your hamster is hibernating don’t panic, even though they won’t be moving you should still be able to see them breathing. To rouse your hamster from hibernation, Nicola recommends moving their cage to a warmer spot in the house (free from drafts) and they will wake gently over the course of a few hours. Once awake, it is a good idea to provide your hamster with fresh bedding to burrow into, and ensure they have fresh food and water to keep their metabolism up.
If you have concerns about your hamster’s current health, contact our team for advice on 0141 643 0404.
Tips to keep your hamster happy
Hamsters are likely to stay happy and healthy if their environments are well-suited to their needs. Here are a few of Nicola’s favourite tips for a stress-free hamster:
- Hamsters are intelligent and get bored easily. Make sure their cage is large enough so they can run around and explore. Enrich it with tunnels, toys, and different levels so they are kept active.
- Hamsters are sensitive to noise and can pick up high frequencies inaudible to the human ear which can cause anxiety. Place your hamster’s cage in a quiet area away from televisions, kitchen appliances, computers, and vacuum cleaners.
- Hamsters love to burrow and build nests. This is also where they like to stash some of their food rather than eat it all at once. Create some cosy areas of bedding in your hamster’s cage where they can rest, nest, and feel safe.
As always, our team in Glasgow love to share pet advice so if you have any questions, please do get in touch!
As a general rule, most rabbits do better in pairs – discover why in our article created especially for National Pet Month and learn what signs to look for in a lonely bunny.
Remember that The Avenues Vets’ team of friendly vet nurses are always happy to give advice on rabbit care.
Ask our Vet Nurses about rabbit care
Working out if your rabbit could be lonely
As sociable animals, rabbits appreciate constant companionship and in the wild you would rarely find a rabbit alone. To mimic their natural behaviour, it is always a good idea to keep your pet rabbit with a friend to avoid them feeling lonely and unhappy.
Our Vet Nicola Armstrong advises that if you notice any of the below, it may be time to think about introducing your rabbit to a new companion.
- Lonely rabbits may overeat, pull at their fur, or become hyperactive and/or angry. Signs of this could be them chewing at rugs or carpets, gnawing furniture, or destroying toys in their hutch.
- If you notice your rabbit biting you, nudging you, or attempting to dig on you, these are other signs that they could be feeling isolated and want more attention.
- On the other hand, if they start to act withdrawn and do not respond as normal when you attempt to interact with them, this is also a sign they may feel lonely.
Remember: if you are worried your rabbit may not be feeling themselves, it is always worth seeking the opinion of your vet so they can rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Contact us to book an appointment
What to know about getting a companion rabbit
The vet nurses at our Glasgow practice recommend matching your rabbit with another of the same age and approximately the same size. Rabbits also like to be paired with a member of the opposite sex but remember to make sure both are neutered. Otherwise, you could end up with a few more rabbits than you originally settled on!
When you introduce them, try to do it somewhere neutral so your original rabbit will not get territorial. This will help to avoid fighting. It is essential that you do not try to rush this step; just take your time and allow your animals to adjust at their own pace.
If you spot them snuggling each other, nuzzling, and rubbing noses, this is a good sign that they have bonded and will be happy to live together full time.
If your rabbits are chasing or fighting one another, Nicola says this is a sign they are struggling to bond. Try changing their environment, providing lots of toys and hiding houses during the introduction, and petting them simultaneously for up to 15 minutes. If you are still struggling to encourage them to bond, then chat to one of our vet nurses who can advise further.
What if I can’t have another rabbit?
Although our vet nurses believe the best companion for a rabbit is another rabbit, plenty of pet owners simply do not have the time, space, or budget for a second animal. With the correct care and attention, it is possible to keep just one rabbit. Here are some tips recommended by our vet nurses to ensure your rabbit is happy and doesn’t feel lonely:
- Show your rabbit plenty of affection with soft rubs on their back, cheek, and forehead.
- Make sure they’ve always got plenty of fresh food, water, and enrichment toys to chew or scratch.
- Rabbits need at least one hour a day out of their hutch – why not set up a run with plenty of space and toys in the garden or set up an indoor rabbit play pen. Rabbits love to play so get down to their level and help them to dig, knock things over, toss things in the air, or even invest in a rabbit safe ball pit or sand box.
For more advice on rabbit health and companionship, don’t hesitate to contact our vet nurses who will be happy to answer your questions.
Ask our vet nurses about rabbit care
Parasites are a common concern for small pets like hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs; they are susceptible to a variety of parasites that can cause serious health problems if left untreated. In this article, one of our Glasgow vets is looking at some of the most common parasites that affect these popular pets and what you can do to protect them.
Notice the signs below? Contact us
Mites
According to our vet Nicola, one of the most common parasites that affect small pets is the mite. Mites are tiny, eight-legged creatures that can cause severe itching and irritation. They are most commonly found on the skin, in the ears, and in the eyes. Mites can be difficult to detect because they are so small, but they can cause severe itching and scratching, hair loss, and even secondary infections. Have you spotted any of these signs of mites on your hamster, fancy rat, or gerbil? It’s important to keep your pet’s cage clean to try and prevent mites. We recommend that you book an appointment at our Woodside Avenue surgery if you have any concerns.
Lice
Another common parasite that affects small pets is the lice. Lice are tiny insects that live on the skin and fur of small pets. They can cause itching and scratching, and they can also lead to secondary infections. Lice can be difficult to detect, but they can be treated with topical medications that can be prescribed by Nicola or another of our vets.
Worms
When compared to mice and rats, tapeworm infection in hamsters is more common. Typically, hamsters contract tapeworms from contaminated water and/or feed. It is wise to be aware that some tapeworms that infect hamsters can also infect people. Worms can cause diarrhoea, weight loss, and other health issues. Treatment for internal parasites typically involves a medication prescribed by one of our vets.
Coccidia in Guinea pigs
Guinea pigs, in particular, are also at risk of getting a specific parasite, Coccidia which is a protozoan that can cause diarrhoea and weight loss.
To protect your small pet from parasites, it’s essential to maintain good hygiene in their living area and to schedule regular vet check-ups with our team here at Avenues Vets. Keeping the cage clean and disinfected (look for pet-safe products), providing fresh food and water, and preventing your pet from coming into contact with wild animals or their faeces, can also reduce the risk of parasite infestation.
In conclusion, Nicola advises that although parasites are a common concern for small pets, by keeping a close eye on your pet’s health, providing proper care and hygiene, and consulting with our vets, you can protect your beloved small pet from the harmful effects of these parasites.
It’s pet dental health month so at Avenues Vets we’re recommending all our clients with ‘small furries’ book a nurse-led dental check, so we can give your rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, hamsters, or rats a dental once-over.
Book a ‘small furry’ dental check with a nurse
We’re raising awareness of the importance of oral health as many of the problems we see in little furry creatures at our Glasgow practice originate from dental issues. This is why it’s so important to keep a close eye on your pet’s teeth.
Seven signs of dental disease in small mammals
According to our vet nurses, you should keep a sharp lookout for the following seven symptoms that indicate your pet may be suffering from dental issues:
- Not eating or difficulty eating
- Weight loss
- Swelling of the jaw, particularly noticeable along the lower edge of the mandible
- Excessive salivation and drooling
- An inability to fully close the mouth
- Watery eyes with matting of the hair in the corner
- Swollen appearance of the eye caused by infections behind the eyeball
The effect of diet on the oral health of rabbits & rodents
Most dental problems in rabbits and rodents are linked to a lack of normal wear on their teeth. This is because diets are often too low in fibre. A lack of fibre causes uneven wear of the teeth and in some cases, teeth become overgrown or develop sharp enamel points, known as spurs.
If spotted early enough, ‘spurs’ can be addressed by changing your pet’s diet to one rich in natural, high-fibre foods – Timothy Hay is ideal. Small furries love to nibble on dried grass to keep their continually growing teeth naturally filed down to a healthy length.
If your pet does have significantly elongated teeth, they will need trimming. NEVER do this yourself. If you live in Glasgow or the wider Lanarkshire area, please contact us and we’ll trim their teeth safely.
Our four dietary suggestions for little pets
- Offer your small pets an unlimited amount of fresh Timothy Hay. As well as keeping their continually growing teeth naturally filed down, Timothy Hay also helps small animals maintain regular, firm bowel movements.
- Avoid muesli-style diets as these will cause long-term problems; a high-fibre diet is essential.
- Do not allow your pet to be a selective feeder.
- Buy the highest quality products whenever possible.
We hope you found our dental advice for ‘small furries’ helpful. If you’d like a little help checking your pet’s teeth, contact us to book a nurse-led dental check-up at our Glasgow vet surgery for your rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, hamsters, or rats.
If our nurse finds dental issues your pet may need a vet consultation for further investigation, therefore if you suspect a problem yourself, we recommend booking a vet-check right away. Dental problems in rabbits and guinea pigs are an emergency.
