VETIQ Blog
Welcome to our news and blog section full of helpful, fun and interesting information on pets. Don’t forget to sign up to receive the latest updates in your inbox!
How To Deal With & Prevent Dog Diarrhoea
Dog diarrhoea is something most dog parents will encounter at some point, and while it’s often harmless and short-lived, it can sometimes be a sign of a more serious issue. Knowing when to monitor it at home and when to seek veterinary care is key to keeping your dog...
Brown Spots On The Lawn? Here’s The Treatment!
Having brown spots on the lawn can be frustrating (we know!). Particularly when you have been waiting all winter to get your garden back, and suddenly your grass is just dead or dying. It looks terrible! There are several causes of brown spots in lawns. These include...
How To Help A Puppy Sleep At Night!
Getting a puppy can be like having a baby in the house. Puppies need to be taught where to go to the toilet, how to obey commands and that nighttime is for sleeping. It can take time, and it can be disruptive! Often we can find ourselves trying to figure out how to...
Here’s Why Your Pet Has Bad Breath
Many have wondered why their pet has bad breath. I mean, don't get me wrong, we love our pets! We love to play with them, train them, scratch them and snuggle them. And they love us back! There’s often nothing they want more than to get up close and personal to cover...
The Importance Of Good Pet Dental Hygiene
When it comes to maintaining your pet’s health and providing them with extra years of quality living, good pet dental hygiene is essential. Dental disease is one of the most common health problems affecting dogs and cats. Many vets claim that 85% of dogs over the age...
8 Tips On How To Keep Dogs Out Of Flower Beds
Spring and summer are great times of the year for every gardener. But as our flowers begin to bloom and the change in season breathes life back into our gardens, our dogs take notice too. You might get to the stage of wondering how to keep dogs out of flower beds this...
New Tropical Flavour to the Delicious Nibblots Range
Mark + Chappell are delighted to announce the addition of a new Tropical flavour to our delicious Nibblots range. Nibblots are nutritious, tasty treats with a crispy cereal shell and a soft fruity centre; full of flavour & natural goodness for your beloved small...
What You Need To Know About Seasonal Affective Disorder In Pets
When the days get shorter and the temperature starts to drop, many of us can suffer from the 'winter blues', officially known as Seasonal Affective Disorder. This condition affects countless humans, but Seasonal Affective Disorder in pets is also quite...
How Can You Tell If Your Pet Has Bad Eyesight?
How can an owner tell if their pet has bad eyesight? Most dogs experience vision loss gradually over time. Humans become more far-sighted as they age, but dogs become more near-sighted with age. For pet owners, it’s very hard to watch your beloved family pet slowly...
When Should You Neuter Your Pet?
When should you neuter your pet? Spaying and neutering are routine medical procedures that not only help to control pet overpopulation but may also prevent medical and behavioural problems from developing, allowing your pet to lead a longer, healthier and happier...
Tips For Getting A Dog To Take Medicine
Have you ever tried getting a dog to take medicine? If you have, you know how difficult it can be. Whether it’s a pill or liquid, some dogs are masters at not taking their medicine. For dogs like this, you have to be stealthy. Here are a few tips for getting your dogs...
Win a £50 rrp Hamper in our Sunnies Funnies Competition!
Our Sunny Funnies Competition is Here! Have a funny summer photo or video of your pet?! Enter our competition by heading to our pinned post on Facebook, or alternatively post on Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #sunnyfunnies for a chance to WIN in our...
Why Do Cats Not Like Water?
Why do cats not like water? Ahh, a question for the ages! Cats are funny creatures, some do like water! It is not uncommon for cats to enjoy splashing and pawing at streams of water but this probably has more to do with the play on light or shininess of the water than...
What To Do If Your Dog Is Stung – Is Giving Dogs Piriton Safe?
With the warmer weather here, people and their pets like to spend as much time together enjoying the great outdoors. However, with the hotter weather comes a lot of biting and stinging insects, which dogs often like to chase. Most dogs are curious creatures and love...
BBQ Safety Tips For Pet Owners!
The good weather is here so bring on the BBQs. Food always seems to taste better when it’s grilled; however, BBQs do pose a danger for cats and dogs. To ensure every BBQ moment you have this summer is magical, follow these simple BBQ safety tips for pet owners to make...
How To Get Your Cat Used To A Pet Carrier
How to get your cat used to a pet carrier is crucial, as your cat’s carrier is an essential part of their life. Whether you’re taking them to the vet, traveling to visit your family or friends your cat needs to learn to feel comfortable in their carrier. The best...
Ear Hygiene In Dogs – We’re All Ears!
Ear hygiene in dogs is crucial, and when it comes to the shape of dogs' ears, there are two types; the type that sticks up like the terrier or the floppy type like the spaniel. Whilst both types can be prone to infection, the floppy ears tend to be more susceptible....
5 Signs Your Dog Loves You
We love our dogs as if they are members of our families and we show them we love them in so many ways. But how do our dogs tell us they love us too? Here are 5 signs your dog loves you! 1. They are pleased to see you when you come home Dogs that have a...
What To Do About Hairballs In Rabbits!
What should owners do about hairballs in rabbits?! Like cats, rabbits are meticulous groomers and they will naturally ingest more hair through grooming but unlike cats, rabbits are not capable of vomiting. To ensure that your rabbit doesn't ingest excess...
Do I Need To Groom My Rabbit?
Do I need to groom my rabbit? Short answer - yes! Like cats, rabbits are meticulous groomers and they will naturally ingest more hair through grooming but unlike cats, rabbits are not capable of vomiting. To ensure that your rabbit doesn't ingest excess quantities of...
How To Help Your Dog Lose Weight
Is your dog carrying a little extra weight, especially after Christmas? Being overweight can have lasting consequences and studies have shown that overweight dogs are more prone to illnesses such as arthritis, breathing difficulties, heart problems and diabetes which...
What You Should Know About Christmas Plants
Planning for Christmas can often involve decking out the house with some seasonal plants and traditional Christmas accoutrements. December is the one time of year when people are more likely to bring some of the outdoors in, with Christmas trees, poinsettia plants,...
How Has Pet Ownership Changed Over The Last Thirty Years?
The past thirty years have seen lifestyle changes, particularly when it comes to pet ownership; this has affected the populations of dogs and cats, with the cat population gradually increasing to outnumber dogs. Dog ownership has shown a minor decrease over recent...
Coprophagia – The Practice Of Eating Poo!
Coprophagia is the practice of eating poo (faeces) and is a behavioural condition whereby puppies and dogs consume their stool. It is a common habit in some dogs which can be distressing for the pet owner and unhygienic for the pet. The facts about coprophagia...
Mark + Chappell Celebrates Its 30th Anniversary!
Mark + Chappell was founded 30 years ago to meet the growing demand for high-quality pet healthcare solutions, without the need for veterinarian intervention. From an original range of three products, our portfolio has expanded to provide pets with premium healthcare...
Black Cats – Lucky Or Unlucky?
In UK folklore, black cats symbolise good luck, yet sadly in reality they are not so lucky. There is a national problem with rehoming cats this colour and at any one time around 70% of the cats in need of rehoming will be either black or black and white. It’s a...
Why Does My Dog Roll In Stinky Stuff?
"Why does my dog roll in stinky stuff?!" - now there's a question that has confounded dog lovers for millennia. Why would a perfectly normal dog choose to roll around in rubbish, dung, or something equally offensive smelling to humans? Some dogs do and they seem to...
Why Do Cats Need Scratch Posts?
Why do cats need scratch posts? Well, let's start at the start! Scratching is part of a cat's natural behaviour. They scratch at tree trunks, fence posts and furniture as a way of leaving territorial marks in prominent places, where they feel most vulnerable. Cats...
Boredom Busters For Home Alone Dogs!
We've got some great ideas to help relieve boredom for home alone dogs! You can’t make every minute of your dog’s life exciting, but making a plan to address home-alone time can help keep your dog’s boredom at bay, relieve your guilt and keep your house in one...
Dogs and Routine
Dogs and routine go together like peanut butter and jelly! Why is routine important for a dog? Dogs are creatures of habit, and the way they feel about the world around them depends on how happy they are in their environment. Therefore it is important to...
Getting Your Cat Ready For The Outdoors!
Getting your cat ready for the outdoors is a big deal for kitty parents; it is always scary to let your cat out for the first time. Everyone is worried that they will take off and never come back. Maybe you have just taken on a new kitten or cat or have moved house...