Pet’s Corner Q&A

How can I make sure my rabbits are exercised?

They might look small, but rabbits need to keep active!

There’s lots you can do to help Tom and Jerry exercise to keep fit, healthy and happy.

Activities as simple as digging and foraging help rabbits stay active and are vital for their wellbeing – give them a shallow planter filled with soil to dig around in or scatter their food around a clean area of the hutch instead of using a bowl.

Rabbits love to explore – try cutting holes in a cardboard box for them to run through, or get them a rabbit-safe tunnel.

You could also give them different levels in their run so they can jump, run and dig all at once.

Find out more: pdsa.org.uk/rabbits

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My cat Teddy hates the vet.

There are a few things you can do to prepare Teddy ahead of time.

Well before your appointment, try to get him used to his carrier by leaving it out so he can explore it on his own terms.

When travelling, keep the carrier covered with a large sheet or towel, while making sure there is enough ventilation, to help keep him calm on the journey.

You could also try using a pheromone spray for cats which can help them to feel safe, secure and relaxed.

You could also try asking if you could book your appointment for a quieter time so it’s less overwhelming, if that’s not possible, tell the vets you’ll wait outside until they are ready to see you.

Find out more: pdsa.org.uk/cat-carrier-advice

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There are so many food options out there, how do I choose the best food for my puppy?

Your puppy should be at least 8 weeks of age, completely weaned, and eating puppy food when they join your family so you can carry on feeding them that for the first few weeks while they settle.

If you would like to change the food, have a look at what options are available for your puppy’s breed and size.

This means they will get the correct balance of nutrients to support their growth.

Change over to the new food slowly by gradually introducing the new food each day, while reducing the food they’ve previously been fed with, until they’re completely swapped over.

Find out more: pdsa.org.uk/puppy

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How do you litter-train a house rabbit?

Provide a big enough litter box with low sides and fill it with a layer of litter – paper pellets, paper or straw are all good options.

Rabbits like to eat and toilet at the same time so make sure there’s fresh feeding hay close by!

To get your bunnies used to using the tray, pop their trays in the area they naturally go to the toilet already.

Remember to be patient with your rabbit, it may take time to learn a new habit and you could always reward them with a treat when they do toilet in the right place.

 

Main Picture: Pixabay/planet_fox