Shout About Pets

Sure, a cute, furry animal like a rabbit seems the perfect present for Easter, but according to an animal welfare group, this really isn’t the case. The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund have released figures showing that:

• Looking after rabbits after Easter is over costs owners an average of £1,000 annually
• Worse still, thousands of these ‘Easter present’ rabbits end up in rescue centres when owners change their minds or find they can’t look after them

The need to find a great gift for Easter or any other seasonal occasion isn’t a good enough reason to get a pet. You should only do so when you are sure you have the time, energy and money to give these cute little creatures the care and love they deserve. Go for a chocolate Easter rabbit instead!

Electric shock collars designed to shock misbehaving pets such as cats and dogs into obedience have been officially banned in Wales. These sort of behavioural techniques are popular in America, but pet owners in Wales could face a £20,000 fine if they are caught using them.

Whilst those in support of the collars claim they are useful in terms of modifying dangerous behaviour, animal rights groups such as the Kennel Club and the RSPCA claim that using the collars is inherently cruel, as they cause a great amount of unnecessary shock, pain, distress and suffering to the animal.

They instead suggest long-term, reward based training schemes for modifying the behaviour of naughty pets.

I know many people will disagree with me, but I think that guinea pigs are the most friendly, lovable and easy to maintain pets you can choose. My family and I have had a number of guinea pigs in the past, and here’s why we love them:

• Cuteness – Guinea pigs have a perpetually smiling mouth, round bottoms and just the right amount of cuddly fatness, not to mention the adorable chirrup/squeak they make when excited

• Looking after them – Apart from cleaning out old bedding once or twice a week like you would with other pets, guinea pigs are really easy to look after. They do pee a lot, but this can easily be managed by carrying them in a dedicated blanket or box. They will also eat all of your food scraps, including peelings you would normally chuck in the bin.

• Entertainment – The fact that guinea pigs aren’t as active or intelligent as often exhausting pets such as dogs actually works in their favour. Unlike hamsters, they will comfort you by sitting still, but the ‘tippy-toes’ way they run about is adorable every time.

There’s so much more to say about how great guinea pigs are, but I’ll leave it at that for now.

According to a new study conducted by Erika Friedmann, a professor at the University of Maryland in the US, pets can actually make you healthier and happier. The results of the study suggested the following:

• Pet owners suffering from mild hypertension had lower blood pressure when they had their faithful animal companions with them in stressful situations
• People of all ages experience less stress when a pet is present
• The presence of a friendly pet tends to make most people feel more comfortable in social situations

Speaking of her own dog, Friedmann explained:

“Without my four-legged friend, I wouldn’t do anything,” she says. “She makes me more social, and she makes me more active.”

According to recent figures released by the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), a staggering 35 percent of dogs are currently overweight. Cats are faring no better, as apparently one in every four cats is fatter than they should be.

Vets are advising that pet owners get out of the habit of feeding snacks to their cats and dogs, as well as avoiding buying fatty, sugary or other unhealthy pet food or treats for them. Experts are also citing the Lent period as the best time to change your pet’s diet, as you can do it along with your own diet plan.