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Small Animals
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Birds • Cats • Dogs • Small Animals
Pet odour candles are available from our store today
Pet Odour Candles are specially formulated enzyme products, designed to attack and remove odours while smelling fantastic
Read MoreKeeping Your Small Animal Healthy
One of the most important things to understand about small animal health is that these are prey animals. Like birds, they are instinctively driven to conceal illness and vulnerability for as long as possible. By the time a rabbit or guinea pig appears obviously unwell, the situation can already be serious. Daily observation and prompt action are among the most valuable things an owner can offer.
- Regular health checks at home help owners spot problems early: daily changes in weight, coat condition, droppings and behaviour are all important indicators that something may be wrong
- Rabbits and guinea pigs in particular should be checked daily, as their health can deteriorate very rapidly if problems are missed or left unaddressed
- Flystrike is a serious and potentially fatal seasonal risk for outdoor rabbits and guinea pigs during warmer months: checking the area around the tail and hindquarters daily is essential from spring through autumn
- Parasite prevention products are available for small animals and are particularly important for species with regular outdoor access where exposure to insects and soil parasites is higher
- Dental health is a concern for most small animals: their teeth grow continuously throughout their lives and poor diet or housing can lead to serious and painful dental problems that require veterinary treatment
Grooming Your Small Animal
Regular grooming is a health task as much as a cosmetic one. It keeps coats in good condition, prevents painful matting and gives owners a regular, close-up opportunity to check for skin issues, lumps and changes that might otherwise be missed.
- Long-haired rabbit breeds such as Angoras require daily grooming to prevent matting and the formation of hairballs, which can cause serious digestive blockages
- Guinea pigs benefit from regular brushing to maintain coat condition, remove loose fur and allow checking of skin for signs of mites, fungal issues or unusual changes
- Nail trimming is necessary for most small animals and can be done at home with appropriate small animal nail clippers; our team can advise on technique and demonstrate if needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, particularly long-haired breeds which need daily brushing to prevent matting and reduce the risk of hairballs. Short-haired rabbits benefit from weekly brushing, especially during moulting season when they shed heavily. Regular grooming also provides a valuable opportunity to check skin and coat condition closely.
Use small animal-specific nail clippers and trim just the very tip of each nail, carefully avoiding the blood vessel visible inside. If you are unsure, ask your vet for a demonstration before attempting it at home. We stock appropriate small animal nail clippers in store.
Healthcare needs vary by species but commonly include parasite prevention products for animals with outdoor access, grooming tools appropriate to coat type, and products to support dental and digestive health. Our team can advise on the right products for your specific animal in store.
Yes, we stock a range of small animal healthcare and grooming products in our Newcastle-under-Lyme store and online. Free local delivery is available for Newcastle-under-Lyme customers.