Whilst we are unlikely to solve any wars in our daily lives here there are ways that we can prevent water wastage

1. Dogs generally drink one ounce of water per pound of weigh per day. Cats need much less depending on their size, age, type of food they eat and their level of activity

Consider a water fountain for your pets. These are especially handy for cats as it ensures a supply of clean filtered water and there is no leakage

2. Try not to place the water bowl or fountain near to your pets food or litter box as our pets (specifically cats ) are programmed not to eat food which is close to their toilet/water bowl

3 Whilst we as humans, are actively encouraged to drink as much water as we can it is different for pets. If you pets starts drinking more than usual it could be a sign that they are unwell

4. Amphibians and more “wet” pets do not drink water, but absorb it. Frogs, salamanders, and others in this category need water to absorb through their skin, and the higher that quality, the longer they will live

5. If you chose to bathe your dog ensure the temperate of the water is correct. This may prevent your dog trying to escape the bath and splashing water over the edge thereby wasting it. Also let the water run down the drain so it doesn’t get too high and frighten the doggo

However we use water this week consider how we can avoid wastage and help support water for peace. To make a donation go to our donation page

Donation Page

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Our wily rascals are also keen escape artists. They sneak out of the carrier at the vet, hop the fence, and managed to unlock gates even without thumbs. Often, they go for a wander and are back in time for their tea.

Often, they get picked up by a concerned person who wants to help them find their way home.

Microchipping your pet is one of the simplest ways to protect them after a “great escape”.

Here are a few reasons microchipping is so important.

Pets Return Home with a Microchip

Microchipping is the best way to ensure your pet comes home if they get off the lead or disappear from the garden. According to a study published in Science Daily a cat is 20 times more likely to be returned to the right owner when it’s microchipped. The figures are 2.5 times great for dog.

Unlike a collar or a tag, your pet carries a microchip with them wherever they go! All their finder needs to do is take them to the vet and have them scanned.

Animal Charities Are Better Able to Help

When an animal is microchipped, the solution to a lost pet is to take them to the vet, get them scanned, and trace the owners. Animal welfare charities rarely have to do much else, which frees up our time to focus on injured animals in need.

Microchipping also helps avoid the costs and energy that go into rehoming when an animal’s owner isn’t found.

All in all, microchipping makes lives easier for everyone – especially our pets!

Is Your Pet Microchipped?

Getting your dog or cat microchipped is the easiest way to make sure they always come home for dinner. And, it takes pressure off of your local animal welfare groups, too.

Remember that all dogs in Ireland must be microchipped and registered as of 1 April, 2016. A microchip will cost 20-50 EUR depending on your chosen vet. If you have questions about microchipping and its benefits, get in touch with Kilkenny SPCA!

The post Why Microchipping Your Pet is the Best Way to Protect Them appeared first on Kilkenny SPCA.

The post Neutering/spaying appeared first on Kilkenny SPCA.

The minimum standard for the welfare of any animal is summarised by the 5 freedoms*:

1. Freedom from hunger and thirst
2. Freedom from discomfort
3. Freedom from pain, injury and disease
4. Freedom to express normal behaviour
5. Freedom from fear and distress

Accordingly, your cat will need:

• Appropriate food and clean water
• Comfortable shelter and bed
• Companionship
• Vaccination (annual boosters)
• Neutering
• Veterinary care
• Regular worming
• A litter tray (for when the cat is confined indoors)
• A toy for play

Ideally, your kitten/cat should be allowed to live in the house, and have access to the garden through a catflap. It’s easy to housetrain a kitten (even an adult cat) by providing it with a litter tray and suitable litter. * from the Farm Animal Welfare Counsel (FAWC), UK, 2005

Costs and time

Before deciding to get a cat, you must consider all the costs involved, including feeding, vaccinations, worming, vet care, neutering, litter, toys, and even boarding in a cattery when you go on holidays. Also, are you prepared to spend some time every day feeding, emptying litter, and interacting with your cat?

Where do I get my cat from?

There is an enormous amount of unwanted kittens being born every year in the country which and up wild, knocked down by cars, or otherwise prematurely destroyed. It’s therefore always a wise choice to adopt a cat with the help of the local SPCA or your vet. If you want a pure-bred cat, only buy from reputable breeders who will allow you to see the premises and the kitten’s parents. Be aware that inbreeding and selection of extreme characteristics (such as flat noses) can be linked to genetical defects and physical problems. Nonpedigree cats are generally healthier and can make excellent pets!

How to choose a cat

When choosing a cat, consider that: – A tom tends to be more assertive than a female and also to stray more. Once neutered, however, there are few behavioural differences between a male and a female cat. – A kitten is more demanding than an adult cat, as it needs litter training, toys, and supervision; it is more adaptable, but an older cat can make an equally affectionate pet. – A longhair cat needs daily grooming, a neglected coat will become matted, and hairballs can accumulate in the cat’s stomach.

When the cat arrives

You should have cat bed, litter tray, and feeding area ready to show to your kitten/cat as soon as it arrives into its new house. A comfortable bed can be made out of a cardboard box lined with an old blanket or towel and placed in a quite spot.

Nutrition

Cats are strict carnivores and require a carefully balanced diet. Feed twice a day (more often if it’s a kitten). Keep your cat’s bowl and feeding area clean, and make clean, fresh water available to your cat at all times. Avoid overfeeding your cat, as obesity can lead to health problems. Also be careful with milk, it’s not a good substitute for water, and some cats are intolerant to lactose.

Play

Play is essential for a kitten’s development and well being. A length of string or a little ball will make perfect toys, plus you can find a wide range of toys in pet shops. If you don’t provide a kitten with toys, it will become bored and restless and may damage your possessions. If you are going to be away from home a lot, it may be a good idea to get two kittens at the same time, so that they can play together and keep each other compan

Litter tray

Position the litter tray away from the feeding area, and in a quiet, private place. Dispose of solid waste at least once a day, and clean thoroughly once a week or more.
Scratching post. Cats need to sharpen their claws. To save your furniture from being ruined, provide your cat with a scratching post and place its paws on it when it starts scratching.

Health care

Your cat must be vaccinated (at around 9 weeks) against two potentially fatal viruses, Feline Enteritis and Feline Influenza, and will need an annual booster for continued protection. Regular worming – 4 times a year – is also necessary. Coat, teeth, eyes, and ears must be accurately inspected. Any unusual behaviour or persistent physical symptoms (such as diarrhoea) should be investigated by your vet.

Neutering

It is kindest to have your cat neutered. This prevents unwanted pregnancies in females and undesirable sexual behaviour in males, such as straying, spraying urine, and fighting with other males. Remember, thousands of unwanted kittens are put down in Ireland every year, so please don’t contribute to this unnecessary waste! The Kilkenny SPCA has a scheme to help unemployed and senior citizens with the cost of neutering.

Holidays

Ideally, you should plan in advance for a trusted person to look after your cat when you are away. Alternatively, there are reputable boarding catteries which will take in a vaccinated cat for the duration of your holiday. It can be expensive, and you’ll need to book well in advance. Keep in mind that cats don’t like being moved from their familiar environment. If you are moving abroad with your cat, you can obtain a pet passport, but it’s a lengthy and costly process (ask your vet for info.)

Cats and children

Cats can be wonderful companions for children, teaching them compassion and responsibility. However, never get a cat or any other animal as a toy for your child! Animals are sentient creatures with their own needs, whose well being depends on you. By understanding and respecting your cat’s needs and dignity, you’ll pass an important message to your child.

The post Caring for your cat appeared first on Kilkenny SPCA.

The minimum standard for the welfare of any animal is summarised by the 5 freedoms*:

1. Freedom from hunger and thirst
2. Freedom from discomfort
3. Freedom from pain, injury and disease
4. Freedom to express normal
5. Freedom from fear and distress

Accordingly, your dog will need:

• Appropriate food and clean water
• Comfortable shelter and bed
• Companionship
• A secure environment
• Space and regular exercise
• Vaccination (annual boosters)
• Neutering
• Veterinary care
• Regular worming

In addition, you are required by law to purchase a licence for your dog, and provide him/her with collar, leash and identification tag.

Costs and time

Before deciding to get a dog, you must consider all the costs involved, including the ones mentioned. Also, can you spend some time every day playing with and walking your dog? This is essential, as dogs are social animals and will become bored and destructive if left alone for long periods of time.

What kind of dog?

As you know, dogs come in a variety of sizes and breeds, selected for different aims, from herding to hunting. Therefore breeds will vary not only in appearance but also in temperament and levels of activity. Even within the same breed, each dog is an individual. When choosing a puppy or an adult dog, make sure it is the right size for your house and garden and its characteristics match your lifestyle. No point in getting a working dog if you live in a tiny apartment!

Where do I get a dog from?

Considering that more than 30,000 dogs are put down in Ireland every year just because  they are unwanted, the best choice is to adopt a rescue dog from the local pound or SPCA. If you want a purebred pup, only buy from reputable breeders who will allow you to see the premises and the pup’s parents. Dogs are not accessories, so avoid any choice dictated by fashion. Be aware also that inbreeding can result in physical and behavioural problems. Mongrels are generally healthier and can make excellent pets!

Nutrition

There are many varieties of commercially manufactured dog food available. Complete dry nuggets are generally a good choice. Be aware that a dog’s dietary needs will depend on breed, age, size, condition, and level of exercise. Make clean, fresh water available to your dog at all times.

Exercise

It is essential for a dog’s well being to receive sufficient physical and mental stimulation. Not only exercise fulfils a dog’s desire to stay fit, it also allows him to use up his energy. Otherwise, excess energy may be channelled into unwanted behaviour. Ideally dogs should be walked at least twice a day. Periods of freedom off the lead to run and play are also needed. A few toys will make play with your dog enjoyable for both, plus they’ll provide some stimulation when the dog has to remain alone.

Training

Dogs don’t come pre-programmed to obey. If we want them to do as we ask, we need to teach them what we want from them, with lots of love, patience and a positive attitude. The most effective way to train a dog is by rewarding it: a behaviour followed by a reward will naturally occur more often. Some dogs will work for a treat, others for praise and cuddles: you need to find out what your dog finds most rewarding. Punishment can be counter-productive, especially when toilettraining a puppy. There are many books available to help you train your pet. If your think your dog has a behavioural problem, talk to your vet or the local SPCA. They might be able to help you or refer you to a behaviour specialist.

Health care

Your dog must be vaccinated (from around 8 weeks) against common disease such as distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, leptospirosis, and parainfluenza. It will need an annual booster for continued protection. Regular worming – 4 times a year – is also necessary. Coat, teeth, ears, and nails must be accurately inspected.

Neutering

Unless you plan to have puppies, it is kindest to have your dog neutered. The gain is twofold: first, you won’t contribute to the thousands of dogs euthanised every year in the country. Second, you will avoid undesirable and stressful breeding-related behaviours. Additionally, research shows health benefits of neutering/spaying in both sexes. Contrary to popular belief, sterilisation does not affect weight or activity levels.

Holidays

A reason for many dogs being abandoned is holidays. A responsible owner will plan in advance for a trusted person to look after his/her pet when he/she is away. Alternatively, there are reputable boarding kennels which will take in a fully vaccinated dog for the duration of your holiday. It can be expensive, and you’ll need to book well in advance, but these are the only options, unless you can organize to take your pooch with you! If you plan to go further abroad than the UK with your dog, you can obtain a pet passport, but it’s a lengthy and costly process (ask your vet for information).

Poop-scoop

Always carry your poop-scoop or a suitable bag with you and clean up after your dog every time. This is your responsibility towards your fellow citizens, and stops dogs (and their owners) getting a bad reputation!

Dogs and children

Dogs can be wonderful companions for children, teaching them compassion and responsibility. However, never get a dog or any other animal as a toy for your child! Animals are sentient creatures with their own needs, whose well being depends on you. By understanding and respecting your dog’s needs and dignity, you’ll pass an important message to your child.

The post You are a responsible dog owner appeared first on Kilkenny SPCA.

These are all wild animals and as such – ideally – should not be kept as pets. However, the reality is that many are kept as pets and cannot be released into the wild.  So, as responsible owners, we must ensure their welfare needs are met. They, like all animals, deserve the minimum standard of care as outlined below in:

the 5 freedoms

• Freedom from hunger and thirst
• Freedom from discomfort
• Freedom from pain, injury and disease
• Freedom to express normal behaviour
• Freedom from fear and distress

Beyond these, each animal also has needs that are specific to its species and vital to its well-being. Before deciding to get a pet, these needs must be considered.

Did you know that all reptiles are agoraphobic (are afraid of open spaces), or that they can carry salmonella? Do you know their lifespan & adult size?

Bearded Dragons

Bearded dragons originated in Australia and have long been used in the pet trade. There are 5 types and it is important to know which you have in order to provide the correct habitat. Inland bearded dragons require warm, arid conditions as damp causes respiratory problems. Bearded dragons need a basking lamp, with a platform to take them closer to the heat. Like all reptiles, they need a place to hide.

They grow to 12-13in and when young eat insects and greens. As they mature and their growth rate slows, they need very little protein as this can build up on their kidney and liver. Overfeeding kills reptiles, putting strain on the vital organs.  It is best to feed only 2-3 times per week, and cricket size should be about the width of the gap between your dragon’s eyes. The average lifespan for a bearded dragon is 8 years, but they can live up to 15 years.

Lizards

Before purchasing a lizard as a pet you should do some research on the species.  Ensure that you can provide the necessary care for your lizard over its entire lifespan. You will need to meet all the animal’s essential needs, starting from appropriate housing equipment and conditions. In some cases the equipment required to properly care for the lizard may cost more than the lizard itself.

You should think about how large your lizard will be as an adult. Many could easily grow to be 5-6 ft. (Iguanas such as the one pictured above can easily grow to be this large). It is highly recommended that you acquire a captive bred lizard from a responsible and highly experienced breeder. First time reptile owners should choose a lizard that is easy to handle and care for. The capture of exotic animals in the wild is a cause of suffering and death for a large number of animals some of which may even be endangered – so wild-caught animals should not be purchased.

Snakes

Snakes require regular handling. They have unique requirements and should only be kept by those with the determination to understand and meet their needs. When choosing a pet snake you are making a long-term commitment as many can be expected to live longer than 20 years. Snakes are persistent about finding and squeezing through any small gaps. They are very adept escape artists, so it is essential to acquire an escape-proof tank.

A captive-bred snake from a reputable breeder is the best choice. Wild caught snakes should be avoided for ethical, legal, and safety reasons. They also tend to be more stressed and prone to parasites and disease and more difficult to tame. Corn snakes are generally docile, and do not get too large.

A python such as the one in the picture above is not a suitable pet: it can reach 26 feet in length and a weight of 18 stones!

Turtles & Tortoises

The main difference between turtles and tortoises is that turtles live in water and tortoises live on land. There are hundreds of species, the most commonly kept as a pet being the Red Eared Slider. They are usually sold as hatchlings and many owners do not realise how big they can grow: 25-30cm the females, and 20-25cm the males. They have a red stripe on either side of their head, which gives them their name. The shell is dark green, with a yellow belly. If kept well they can live for 35 years or more.

Turtles should enjoy about 12-14 hours of light per day (natural or UV). Water should be kept around 24-25 C°. They love to swim and need lots of space; as a rule of thumb, a turtle with a shell of 2.5cm should have 40L of water available. They also need an area to bask in the sun or under heated bulbs. The tank needs to be kept clean with a good filtration system and heater.

The post Caring for your Exotic Pet appeared first on Kilkenny SPCA.

Buy the biggest cage you can afford, considering that your bird needs to be able to stretch its wings fully and fly from perch to perch. Birds must be kept in a draughtfree and well ventilated area, out of reach of predators such as cats. Access to sunshine and fresh air should be allowed. Ideal perches are made of fruit tree branches, which – with their varying thickness – help exercise the feet and keep claws naturally trim. Cage accessories include food bowls, water bottle, hides, nest boxes, and a variety of toys. Line the cage bottom with newspaper, to be changed daily. A thorough clean of cage and accessories should be carried out weekly.

Birds, like all animals, deserve at least the minimum standard of care outlined in the 5 freedoms

• Freedom from hunger and thirst
• Freedom from discomfort
• Freedom from pain, injury and disease
• Freedom to express normal behaviour
• Freedom from fear and distress

Purchasing a bird

Do some research beforehand on the species, only buy from a reputable dealer, and avoid impulse buys.  Aspects to take into consideration include: – The size of your home – If you have children (some birds are more child-friendly, such as the canary, the budgerigar, and various finches.) – Expenses: consider that large cages and toys are required for parrots.  – Birds need attention on a daily basis: do you have the necessary time and commitment? – What are your bird’s specific needs?

Nutrition

Diet depends not only on the species but also on the life stage and physiological requirements. Many smaller caged birds are happy with a specific seed mix available form your local pet store. Some birds like a mix of seed, fruit and grit to aid digestion. Cuttlefish bones should be provided for beak health and as a source of calcium and an iodine block, which is rich in minerals. Water feeders that clip to the outside of the cages are easy to clean and refill everyday.

Ailments

Prevention is the best course of action: keeping the cage and accessories clean and regularly disinfected; providing the right amount and type of food and fresh water; and inspecting the bird’s eyes, feathers, beak, and droppings on a regular basis will help keep your bird healthy. First symptoms of illness can be fluffed up feathers and lethargy, maybe lack of appetite and/or loose, green or foul smelling stools. If you spot any of these symptoms immediately contact your vet or bird breeder, who may be able to help. Diseases such as flu can be passed between humans and birds. Psittacosis is a bird disease which can be fatal for humans.

Toys

A range of toys are available for caged birds, including balls, mirrors (which may help enliven a lonely bird) and swings. Bird baths are a must for budgies and especially canaries as they like to wash themselves.

Exercise

Birds should not be bound to their cage for their entire time and some indoor flying time (maybe 1 or 2 hours a day if possible) is highly recommended. Parrots are highly intelligent and need constant mental stimulation, so a variety of safe toys should be made available.

Training You can train birds from the parakeet family to come to your call or hand. Only the male of the bird’s species (e.g. budgerigar, parrots, etc.) usually can be trained; if you have more than one bird they will not talk, as they will bond more with each other instead. Patience and routine are needed for training your birds; it may take quite a while to get the idea of what you want from them.

Neutering

Bird neutering is a difficult and time consuming task for the vet and should only be considered in extreme cases for larger birds such as African Grey parrots, mainly for aggression. Consider, however, that it may not solve the problem, while behavioural modification programs may be a better and long lasting solution.      Holidays  Ideally, you should ask a trusted person – with a good understanding of your bird’s needs – to look after your bird while you are away. Some smaller breeds such as Zebra Finches, Canaries, etc. may be ok if left on their own for up to two days as long as they are in a safe environment and food and water are topped up before you go. Most, however, need daily care. Keep in mind that there are no boarding places for birds in Ireland, so a pet sitter may be your only option.

Birds and Children

Children should be introduced carefully to birds, the younger the bird the better. Birds are not suitable pets for small children.

Birds and other pets

Birds and small carnivores such as cats and ferrets are usually incompatible, a cat will usually try to reach inside the cage endangering and distressing the bird, and possibly overturning the cage. Large parrots are often aggressive towards cats.

Some dogs can learn to accept birds, however a small bird flying across a room may be a temptation for a dog to catch.

Some small animals, such as guinea pigs, may be able to live in the same enclosure as small birds; however, a careful watch needs to be kept for aggression or fear in either direction, particularly if nesting occurs, as the bird may be inclined to steal hair or fur and to become aggressive.

The post Caring for your Bird appeared first on Kilkenny SPCA.

Where will I keep my horse or pony?

1. AT GRASS This is cheaper than keeping them in a stable providing there is enough grazing: as a rule of thumb, one horse/pony/donkey needs at least one acre of suitable pasture. It is more natural for your horse to be kept at grass with the company of their own kind, as they are highly social animals. The field should have secure boundaries or suitable fencing (barbwire is to be avoided!). Your horse or pony will also need somewhere to take shade and shelter – ideally a field shelter – not only from the inclement winter weather, but also from heat and flies in the summer. An area of hard standing is also great to provide a dry mud free area for equines to stand on to prevent mud related problems. Fresh water must be made available at all times. In winter you may need to put a rug on your horse and provide plenty of hay as grass may be scarce.
2. IN A STABLE You may choose to keep your horse or pony stabled at a local livery yard where some or all your horse’s needs will be looked after by the yard staff at a cost. Or you may choose to keep them at home.

An ideal size for a stable is 12’ x 12’ (4m x 4m) for an average small horse,14’ x 14’ for a large horse, really the bigger the better as equines hate small spaces. Allowing a horse access to a small fenced area around the stable so it can come and go as it pleases is a great compromise and will help to reduce stress and behavioural problems. Suitable deep-litter bedding should be dust-free, highly absorbent and recyclable, such as shavings or straw.

The building needs adequate drainage, access to sunlight, and good ventilation to prevent respiratory disease. Fresh, clean water should be available at all times and hay given ad libitum , to provide fibre and satisfy the horse’s motivation to feed (they’d spend 16 hours a day grazing if left to their own devices!). Stabled horses will also benefit from being allowed to graze and need to be taken out regularly for exercising. Being kept isolated from other horses is contrary to your horse’s needs and may be detrimental to its welfare, resulting in stress and abnormal behaviour. In absence of another equine, an animal of a different species (a goat for instance) may also make a good companion for your horse. Stables need frequent cleaning with bedding being changed at least once a week.

What equipment will I need ?

• Bridle
• Saddle and accessories
• Head-collar and lead rope
• Rug (optional)
• Grooming Kit:
  • Hoof pick
  • Dandy brush
  • Body brush
  • Curry comb
  • Mane comb

What will I feed my horse/pony?

If your horse/pony is kept at grass there should be enough for him to graze on, roughly one acre per horse/pony. Not all grass is suitable though, you need to make sure the grass is specifically for horses. In winter you must be prepared to supplement them with plenty of good quality hay as grass could be scarce. Equines require also access to a salt lick (some licks combine vitamins and minerals with salt: these are a good option if a complete food is not available). Small amounts of high energy hard feeds such as oats, maize or ready prepared coarse mix can also be fed to your horse/pony depending on the amount of exercise and/or work they perform.

Horses are notoriously selective grazers, so horse pasture will benefit from regular grazing down by cattle and especially by sheep, as this will control the development of scrub and weeds. Sheep grazing in the spring time will also help the natural control of ragwort.

General Health Care  All ponies/horses should be regularly wormed and vaccinated, with yearly boosters following the first vaccination. The most common diseases to vaccinate against are equine influenza, tetanus, and equine herpes viruses. Daily grooming is a good way to check your horse/ pony for ailments such as bumps, cuts, sores, skin conditions or foot problems, with daily picking out of the feet. Your horse or pony will also need regular visits from a farrier, ideally every six weeks. It may just be for a trim or maybe a new set of shoes but always remember good feet, good horse!

Dangerous substances There are several common sources of poisoning for horses. Ragwort is particularly dangerous, as the effects are cumulative, and the damage is permanent. Ragwort remains poisonous and becomes more palatable even after it has dried, so it even poses a risk in hay.  Horses are inclined to chew tree bark and wood, so poisonous trees, such as yew, ivy and some conifers need to be fenced off, and wood that has been preserved with toxic elements or lead paint should be kept away from horses.

Stereotypies Horses are intelligent social animals, so they are particularly prone to developing stereotypical behaviours if their environment does not contain enough to interest them. These can include pacing and head swaying behaviours

The post Caring for Horses and Ponies appeared first on Kilkenny SPCA.

• Freedom from hunger and thirst
• Freedom from discomfort
• Freedom from pain, injury and disease
• Freedom to express normal behaviour
• Freedom from fear and distress

Accordingly, your rabbit will need:

• Appropriate food
• Drip water bottle
• Comfortable shelter
• Companionship
• Neutering, where necessary
• Toys for play
• Exercise

HOW TO CHOOSE A RABBIT

Look for a healthy looking rabbit with bright eyes, an alert expression, a plush coat and good body condition. Consider that different
breeds may have specialised requirements; for instance an Angora rabbit, with its long soft hair needs regular grooming to prevent painful matting.

COSTS AND TIME

Costs must be considered, these include feeding, neutering, toys and veterinary care. Like any other pet a rabbit needs basic care, attention, and love.

NUTRITION

Rabbits need variety: Best quality rabbit pellets, plenty of fresh grass, hay, fresh greens and vegetables. Rabbit feeds in pet shops come either as pellets or muesli mix. As rabbits can be selective feeders, pellets may be the better choice. Treats including fruits should be given sparingly.

WHERE DO I GET A RABBIT FROM

A reputable breeder, or – even better – a Rescue Centre.

TOYS

Rabbits are playful and curious; they need a good selection of toys, including tubes for hiding, balls, logs, etc. They have a propensity for chewing, and providing them with chewable toys helps keep them entertained while wearing down their teeth, which are continuously growing.  Over-grown teeth are a common and serious – but easily prevented – health problem in rabbits.

NEUTERING

Neutering prevents unwanted litters when a pair of rabbits of opposite sex is housed together; in addition, it helps with social aspects and reduces fighting.

HANDLING

Never lift a rabbit by the ears. Hold your rabbit with both hands to support the hind legs and prevent struggling. A rabbit which is not handled correctly may become very fearful and may scratch and bite in selfdefence. Also, fractures of the spine can easily result from improper handling.

HOUSING YOUR RABBIT

The minimum cage space for a single rabbit is 2’ x 4’.  It should be tall enough for the rabbit to be able to stand on its hind feet, as this is part of their normal behavioural repertoire. As rabbits are highly social animals it’s better to house them in a pair or in a small group. Two females from the same litter or a male and female which should be neutered can make great companions for each other, while two males are likely to show aggression. Some cages sold for rabbit are made from wire, but it is important to provide a floor area made from solid material (either plastic or wood), in order to prevent sore feet. Good ventilation is fundamental, in order to avoid respiratory disease.

Unlike cats and dogs, rabbits are prey animals that are constantly wary of potential predators. The presence of a house box and/or other hiding areas is fundamental to their welfare. Rabbits in the wild make use of latrines; therefore they can be easily potty-trained by placing a tray in a corner of the cage and/or the room with suitable litter. The floor of the cage can be lined with newspaper, covered with saw chippings and/or straw. Rabbits live naturally in burrows, and deep bedding can satisfy the rabbit’s need to burrow.

This need can also be met by providing a variety of tunnels and tubes. Soiled bedding must be removed regularly and the cage/hutch thoroughly cleaned on a weekly basis.

EXERCISE

The cage/hutch should not be a place to confine your rabbit all the time. Rabbits need plenty of exercise and room to run around. If the rabbit is kept indoors, it should be allowed to run free for a few hours a day in an area where cables and other items that may be chewed are out of reach. Regardless whether the rabbit is housed indoors or outdoors, an exercise run on grass is ideal to allow both grazing and some freedom. A run should be wired on all sides to prevent burrowing and swooping predators from above. The presence of a box or sheltered area to hide in is fundamental.

RABBITS AND CHILDREN

Teach your child to be responsible for another life, to be gentle and caring.  Never get a rabbit or any other animal as a toy for a child.

HOLIDAYS

As part of your planning for holidays, you will need to ask a trusted person to look after your rabbit while you are away

The post Caring For Your Rabbit appeared first on Kilkenny SPCA.

The basic needs of a guinea pig can be summarised as follows:

• Appropriate food and clean water
• Comfortable shelter
• Hiding boxes
• Companionship
• A secure environment
• Space and regular exercise
• Veterinary care

Choosing your guinea pig

Before you bring home your guinea pig you will need to have its accommodation ready. Ii you decide to acquire a guinea pig, ask first from your local animal shelter. Look for a guinea pig that looks alert and healthy. Ideally you should get two guinea pigs, as they are highly social animals that need company, and owners cannot normally spend enough time with them. Two females will lie peacefull together while it’s not advisable to house two males together, as aggression may be displayed. A mixed sex
couple is also an option as long as the male is neutered to prevent unwanted pregnancies.  The average life span of a guinea pig is between 5 and 7 years.

Housing

Guinea pigs like company and are unhappy on their own, so when choosing you should choose two or three to live together. If you don’t wish to breed it is best to choose females as there is no rivalry, if you want to get males it is best to get them from the same litter. The cage or hutch should be large as cramped conditions make for unhappy pets, with a box in one end of the cage/hutch lined with hay for them to sleep in. You can enrich the accommodation with a variety of inexpensive toys, such as tubes and logs. The floor of the hutch should be covered in layers of newspaper covered with hay or wood chips – but make sure the wood chips are not treated with hazardous chemicals.
General care Remove soiled bedding, left-over food or any pieces of fruit or vegetables every day; replace bedding and clean thoroughly once a week. As guinea pigs teeth are continually growing, they need something to gnaw on at all times, hay  apart from its nutritional benefits  is very useful for this purpose and should be available at all times. A piece of untreated wood or a suitable toy will also help.

Diet

Guinea pigs cannot synthesize their own vitamin C, so need food that is rich in vitamin C. Dark greens such as broccoli and kale are a good source of vitamin C, which can also be added to their water. They will need fresh foods such as carrots, cucumbers, and apples.  Hay should be offered ad libitum as the fibres help to keep the gut and teeth healthy. They can drink up to 4fl oz of water a day, so water bottles should be kept filled, clean, and water changed every day. Sunflower seeds and oil are harmful to guinea pigs and should be avoided.
Exercise Guinea pigs need 15 minutes (minimum) exercise every day, but keep in mind that exercise wheels are not suitable as they can damage a guinea pig’s back. Make tunnels out of plastic pipes or cardboard tubes as guinea pigs are prey animals, and as such need to have access to places to hide in to feel safe. Bricks or rocks to climb over keep nails worn down and help with muscle tone. Prepare a safe place for them to exercise – a child’s pla pen would be ideal, as this could be used both indoor and outdoor. If your guinea pig is kept outdoors in the summer, protect it from the sun to prevent potentially lethal sunstroke. If your guinea pig happens to get wet, towel dry gently and keep indoors until it dries completely to avoid chilling.

Breeding

Guinea pigs should NOT be bred as this adds to the number of unwanted pets in animal shelters today. Females over the age of 10 months should not be bred from: the pelvic bones will have fused by this age, and if pregnancy occurs the female may die in the process of giving birth.

Guinea pigs and children

All animals need plenty of care and attention, which cannot be reliably provided by a child. If you would like your child to enjoy the company of a guinea pig, you must consider whether you can commit your time to caring for the pet appropriately, as this will be your responsibility as an adult. Enjoy your guinea pigs, and remember pets give unconditional love: treat them with respect and you will always have a friend.

Guinea pigs and other pets

Guinea pigs are surprisingly fragile, they are also non aggressive. If kept with a rabbit, the Guinea pig can commonly become the victim of bullying, particularly if the rabbit is male.  Rabbits may also carry viruses which cause fatal respiratory illness in Guinea pigs.

Cats are often predatory towards Guinea pigs – some cats, however, may be friendly  in any case any contact should be closely supervised.

Mature dogs which have become accustomed to the Guinea pig as one of the family may be introduced, but again, any contact should be supervised, as conflict can easily arise over food bowls and territory.

Guinea pigs are not aggressive towards small birds, but may be afraid of the bird. Budgerigars, Canaries, finches, quail and doves may all live together with Guinea pigs, however larger members of the parrot family may be aggressive.

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