Summer is here, which for many is their favourite season. The combination of warmer weather and a chance to enjoy the outdoors in the drawn-out evenings make for the perfect opportunity to meet up with friends and enjoy long strolls in the sun. Although summer is a...
In the world of rabbit care, many owners understand the importance of proper diet, appropriate ‘rabbit-proofing’ of homes and cultivating the perfect environment for their cotton-tailed friends to thrive. However, other more in-depth cleaning practices are often...
January is a time of resolutions and fresh starts, and it’s even National Walk Your Dog month. But it’s also a time of darkness, cold, wet weather, and the dreaded ‘January Blues’. As we wait for the days to slowly grow longer, it’s important to stay positive and make...
Rabbits’ unique ears are a key part of their charm, but have you thought about the complexity of rabbit ear health? Did you know that rabbit ear infections are a common problem? The signs can be subtle, but ear issues are known to cause pain and have been shown to...
Whether they’ve skidded to a stop a little too suddenly, just returned from racing through the undergrowth or simply been unlucky, it’s not uncommon for dogs to pick up cuts and scrapes when they’re out and about. It’s recommended to get anything more than a very...
As the seasons change and we move into autumn and winter, there are some common hazards it’s worth being aware of. Taking appropriate precautions can help to keep autumn fun for the whole family, including your pets. We’ve summarised some of the most common hazards...
Have you noticed your pet seeming more tired? Slowing down with old age? Or even becoming reluctant to do the things they’ve always done, like going up stairs or jumping? They could very well be suffering from osteoarthritis, often simply referred to as arthritis....
The happiness, health and well-being of our dogs are always at the front of a pet owners mind. However, from time to time, our pets can experience digestive issues that can cause discomfort and affect their overall health. Whether it is caused by a scavenging pup who...
How to Manage Summer Allergies in Dogs – the Role of Omega 3s As summer slowly starts to set in, it brings along a range of challenges for our four-legged friends, particularly in the form of skin conditions and allergies. Just like humans, dogs can suffer from...
A new survey* carried out by Vita Animal Health has shown that despite mitral valve disease (MVD) affecting almost all Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS) in their lifetime, only 41% of dog lovers identified the CKCS as being very prone to heart disease with just...
There are two common forms of heart disease. Valvular disease is more common in smaller dogs, such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Heart muscle problems tend to occur in larger breeds, such as Dobermans. Omnicardio plus supports all aspects of heart health. It...
Skin Allergies in Dogs and Cats Skin allergies are very common in both dogs and cats and can be a cause of great distress for both the animal and their owner. This article looks at the most common cause of skin allergies in dogs and cats. ATOPY What is atopy in dogs...
Endocardiosis Endocardiosis alters the physical structures of the heart valves due to an accumulation of fibrous tissue. This condition is inherited and degenerative. Symptoms vary depending on severity of disease. Once started, treatment will be lifelong. What is...
Heart disease in Dogs and Cats Heart disease is a broad term for any disease affecting the function or structure of the heart. There are congenital or acquired disease which can affect both cats and dogs of all ages. Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options vary...
What is Atopic Dermatitis? Atopic dermatitis is an inappropriate immune response to environmental substances that therefore causes inflammation of the skin. Causes There is a genetic predisposition for atopic dermatitis. Several allergens can be responsible for...
Supplements for cats Do cats need supplements? And if so, which supplements are beneficial to cats? These are commonly asked questions from concerned cat owners, who want to make sure they are giving their cat everything he or she needs for a long, healthy life. What...
Why essential fatty acids are crucial for dogs Fatty acids are classed as “essential” if they can’t be produced in the body, so animals have to obtain them through their diet. Omega 3 essential fatty acids have a myriad of beneficial effects on the...
Harvest Time Hazards – Keep your pet safe in autumn As summer winds down and we approach the autumn months, there’s a bunch of harvest time hazards that pet owners should know about. Read our guide for top tips on keeping your pet safe this season, and speak to...
A to Z we are here for you! Vita’s Alphabet of Animal Health A – Arthritis. Extremely common in companion animals, this condition affects four out of five older dogs. Osteoarthritis is a progressive joint disease and the earlier signs can be more subtle. Take a look...
Pet First Aid – Do you know what to do? It’s always good to be prepared, especially if your pet requires first aid. Knowing what to do and having a first aid kit to hand helps you to respond calmly and effectively if your pet is injured or unwell. Ensure your vet’s...
Flystrike in rabbits What is flystrike in rabbits? Flystrike (myiasis) occurs when damp fur – often due to damaged skin or soiled by urine or faeces – attracts the green bottle fly (Lucilia sericata). The fly can lay up to 200 eggs on the skin which hatch...
Four ways to boost wellbeing for you and your pet We can always benefit from a little wellbeing boost. It has been proven that having pets improves our mental and physical wellbeing including reducing blood pressure, lowering stress levels and improving our mood....
Ear Disease in Dogs, Cats and Rabbits If head shaking and ear scratching is something you notice with your pet, they may be suffering with ear disease. These clever structures are built for purpose, but what happens when your pet gets an ear infection? The ear canal...
Quick Facts: Otitis What is Otitis? Otitis is normally divided into two categories either Otitis Externa or Otitis Media. Otitis Externa is the inflammation of the outer ear and ear canal. Otitis Media is the inflammation of the structures within the middle ear. If...
Dog Alzheimer’s – What is Canine Cognitive Dysfunction? Like humans, dogs can suffer from brain ageing called canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD). It’s actually pretty common and affects somewhere between 14% and 35% of dogs. It is usually seen in dogs over 8 years of...
57% of horse owners keep bute in first aid box, new survey shows A recent survey by Vita Animal Health has found that most horse owners have a first aid box, with the majority containing Phenylbutazone (Bute) – a POM-V drug. However, only 7% of horse owners seek...
Wounds in Horses Horse wounds can have a range of complications such as poor healing due to skin tension or infection. Accurately assessing wounds and being able to apply basic first aid is vital and allows you to know when to seek veterinary advice. Read on for...
Vita are here to help with festive tips to keep your pets safe and well. With unpredictable weather, cold temperatures and shorter day-lengths it can be difficult to squeeze in enough exercise which, together with too many Christmas treats, can lead to weight gain....
Vita Animal Health Launches Omniotic to Provide a Flexible New Solution to Ear Cleaning Vita Animal Health has launched a new ear cleaner for use in dogs, cats and rabbits. Omniotic combines debris removal with anti-infectious agents and is suitable for every-day use....
