Petcare Leaflets - written by vets, loved by pets

What do slug pellets, chocolates and lilies have in common? They are all things which are found in lots of homes that can poison our pets. Use our simple guide to help you keep your pets safe when they are at home. This leaflet includes:

• advice on what to do if you think your pet has been poisoned.

• a list of things which are poisonous to pets, including many common household items.

• tips on how to prevent poisoning in the garden.

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At some point in your pet’s life, it’s likely to have some kind of sedation or anaesthetic. Even routine procedures such as x rays or dental treatments may require an animal to be fully anaesthetised. This leaflet includes a step by step guide on what to expect before an operation; tips on preparing your home for your pet’s return and how your pet may react after anaesthetic. The advice is general and as always you must listen to and follow your vet’s specific advice about your pet.  

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As a pet owner you will eventually have to cope with the difficult experience of losing the animal that you love. You may be faced with having to take the decision for your vet to end your pet's life to avoid their suffering.

'Saying goodbye' will tell you everything you need to know about euthanasia - the act of putting your animal to sleep - so that you know what to expect and the choices that you will have.

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Carrying a bit of extra weight or losing too much weight can lead to your pet suffering from serious weight related health problems.

A pet with a poor body condition, whether over or under-weight may become unhappy because it cannot meet its behavioural needs. For example, it can restrict their ability to carry out natural behaviours such as socialising, playing, climbing or hiding. This can lead to frustration, stress and even fear.

Download this leaflet to find simple information on how you can maintain the proper weight for your pet.

Have you ever wondered if your pet is happy? Did you know that you have a legal duty of care towards your pet? This leaflet explains:

• what we mean by ‘happy pets’
• your pet’s five welfare needs
• what you need to do to meet your pet’s needs and keep them happy

Owning a pet is a big commitment, lasting years. Children and parents often don't think about the practical and financial aspects of pet owning, such as giving it sufficient housing and protection, paying for vet fees, pet insurance etc.

Unwanted pets that have proved too demanding to be looked after by their owners form a significant amount of the shelter population and euthanasia cases, representing a significant welfare problem.

This series of books is written by Emma Milne, with each book focusing on a different species of popular pet, will encourage responsible pet ownership from a young age, outlining the needs of pets and the responsibilities of owners, in a fun and authoritative way.

The reader is the detective, assigned to work out whether the pet is right for them based on its 5 welfare needs.

• the need for a suitable environment
• the need for a suitable diet
• the need to be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns
• the need to be housed with, or apart from, other animals
• the need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease

Find out more here

Rabbits are a popular choice of pet, especially for families with children. But what do rabbits need to be happy? What type of food do they eat? Read our ‘Caring for rabbits’ leaflet for advice including:  

• why rabbits should not be kept alone or with guinea pigs
• descriptions of normal rabbit behaviour
• what makes a good rabbit home

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Our ‘Caring for guinea pigs’ leaflet contains loads of advice and tips including:

• why you shouldn’t give your guinea pigs muesli style dry food
• examples of normal guinea pig behaviour
• how to protect your guinea pigs from illness and injury

Ferrets are intelligent and can live for 8 -10 years. Like teenagers they enjoy their sleep but once awake can be very active and require lots of stimulation.  This leaflet includes advice on:

• how to ferret-proof your home and garden
• information about neutering
• how to feed, house and toilet train ferrets

Find out how to keep happy hens with "Keeping pet chickens: a prospective owner’s guide". This leaflet provides lots of useful information including:

• which breed to choose
• how to house your chickens
• what to feed your chickens

Goats can be curious, friendly and rewarding pets, but they need daily care and a lot of commitment. They are social animals who should not be kept alone.  ‘An introduction to goat keeping’ tells you what you need to think about before deciding to keep goats. It explains how to keep them healthy and happy. Find out:

• the facilities and space your goats need
• which breed to choose
• how to spot a healthy goat and common health problems

This leaflet is not available at the moment and will be reviewed once the impact of Brexit on pet travel is clear. If you are a pet owner please visit DEFRA for further information on taking your pet abroad. If you are a vet DEFRA have created industry-specific guidance on pet travel.