The Top 5 Pets And How To Care For Them

At 365 Vet, we care about the health of your pets. In this blog post, we’re delving into the world of pets, looking at the most popular and how to care for them.

No.1 Dogs

Coming in at number one, we have dogs. Dogs are known as the most popular pets in the UK, with labradors being the most popular breed. Dogs offer companionship and loyalty, they’re often very affectionate and playful.

To care for dogs you will need to:

Ensure a balanced diet rich in protein, carbohydrates, fats, minerals and vitamins.
Have a feeding routine in place where you feed your dog at consistent times each day. This will help to avoid begging and unnecessary snacking on high-calorie and unhealthy snacks that could see your pet gaining needless weight which can lead to further health concerns.
Always have fresh drinking water available for your dog.
Partake in daily walks to make sure your dog is getting enough physical exercise. Some breeds may require more intense exercise such as running or agility training.
Engage in regular play sessions to keep your dog mentally stimulated.
If you’re struggling with your dog's behaviour, basic obedience training done at home or at a training facility can be beneficial. When training, positive reinforcement is key. Reward good behavior with treats or praise to reinforce desired actions.
Regular check-ups with your vet and keeping up-to-date with vaccinations is crucial to ensure the overall health and wellbeing of your dog.
You should be using flea and tick treatments as well as dog worming tablets and treatments at home on a consistent basis.
Regular grooming should be part of your dog care routine. Brush them (especially long-haired breeds), bathe when necessary, trim nails or ask your groomer or vet, and keep on top of your dog's dental care.

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No.2 Cats

These playful felines are independent yet affectionate creatures. Cats have excellent eyesight and hearing. They love to relax but have moments of intense fun where you’ll see them leaping and running around pretending to catch prey.

You can get both indoor and outdoor breeds that have different temperaments and requirements.

To care for cats you will need to:

Shop around for high-quality food. Opting for the best option that you can afford will ensure there are plenty of essential nutrients and proteins within the food.
Avoid overfeeding which can lead to obesity and other health issues. Ensure you follow the feeding guidelines based on your cat's weight and age.
Providing scratching posts will help to avoid your cat clawing at your furniture and curtains. They also enjoy climbing, so providing vertical spaces like cat trees or shelves can help to keep them entertained.
Keep cat toys where your cat can easily reach them to prevent boredom and give opportunities for them to exercise. Toys that mimic hunting behaviours, like feather wands can engage them mentally and physically. It also gives you a great opportunity to play with your cat.
Cats do not like to use dirty litter boxes; you will find if a cat's litter box is full they may go elsewhere. Avoid this by regularly cleaning their litter tray and having more than one litter box if possible.
Cats (much like dogs) require regular veterinary check-ups to ensure they’re healthy. You should keep all of their vaccinations up-to-date and make sure you give them flea and tick treatment and worming medication at home.
Whether you have an indoor or outdoor cat, regular grooming is needed. Trim their nails, brush long-haired breeds (this can reduce the risk of hairballs), and regularly brush their teeth. Check out our blog ‘Cat dental care: It's as important as your own’ for more information on this.

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No.3 Fish

Often, fish are bought as an easy pet for children to care for. Of course, you have aquatic lovers who have large aquariums full of tropical beauties that need very specific care.

In this blog post, we’re talking about how to care for small fish such as goldfish. These little wonders are pretty low-maintenance but still require your care.

To care for fish you will need to:

You should ensure you have an appropriate-sized tank for your fish type, size, and the number of fish you want to keep.
Maintain proper pH levels, temperature and cleanliness. Having a tank filter will help you with this as well as regularly cleaning the tank and removing debris.
Different fish require different types of food so ask your local pet store if you’re unsure of what your species needs to eat. It’s also important to not overfeed your fish. Feed fish small amounts a few times a day, only what they can consume in a few minutes.

No.4 Rabbits

Rabbits are adorable pets. However, while it may be tempting to pick them up and snuggle them, not all rabbits enjoy this. Rabbits are easily startled, so taking things slow and letting the rabbit come to you is the best way to ensure they’re feeling safe and comfortable.

Rabbits may nip if you do not listen to their body language and hold them when they’re not wanting you to.

Caring for rabbits:

Rabbits require a spacious enclosure, where there is enough room for them to hop around, run and stretch.
Use safe, non-toxic bedding materials that can be found at your local pet store.
A diet rich in hay and vegetables will provide the right kind of nutrients. However, do your research and be aware that some vegetables are not recommended for rabbits.
Rabbits are sociable animals and prefer to be homed with another rabbit that can provide them with social interaction and mental stimulation. Allow supervised playtime outside of their enclosure in a safe, bunny-proofed space.
You should ensure your rabbit attends regular veterinary check-ups and is up-to-date on their vaccinations. It’s also your responsibility to ensure your rabbit is treated to prevent worms and that you check for external parasites.
Regularly brush your rabbit, especially in the Spring months when they may start to shed. You should also trim their nails or take them to the groomers or vets to have this done.
Consider spaying or neutering your rabbit to prevent certain health issues and unwanted litters.

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No.5 Horses

Horses are majestic animals but, out of our list of pets, they do require the most dedicated care. Before buying a horse, ensure you have the time and finances to properly care for one long-term.

Caring for a horse isn’t always easy, however, it is often done out of pure love for these amazing animals.

Caring for horses:

Horses should have adequate shelter to protect them from harsh weather conditions.
They should be provided with enough space to graze and move around.
When considering a horse's diet you should think about their age and activity level. If you’re unsure of what food or the quantity to feed your horse, contact your vet.
Regular exercise is a must. You should allow time for daily exercise and free movement. If your horse has been broken-in you should aim to ride them regularly to decrease boredom and keep them healthy.
Most vets will do home visits for check-ups, vaccinations and any required dental care.
Regular grooming will help to keep manes, tails and your horse's hair clean of dirt, dust and debris which can cause itching and soreness. You should also regularly use a hoof pick to clean out your horse's hooves, especially after rides or if they’ve been in muddy fields. Hooves need regular trimming by a professional farrier to prevent discomfort or lameness.
Horse supplements in conjunction with a balanced diet and plenty of exercise can aid a horse in their overall wellbeing. You should discuss this with your veterinarian or equine nutritionist.

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It’s important to remember that whichever pet you opt for, they all have their unique care requirements. Pets are a commitment, they need your love and attention and it’s your responsibility to ensure they’re happy and healthy.

Understanding the specific needs of your pet is crucial in providing them with the best possible care.

We hope this blog has covered the basics of each of the top five pets in the UK. If you need more information, please contact a member of our friendly team on 01829 734980.