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!
VETIQ Calendar Competition – March 2025
Time to Spring into Action With our March 2025 VETIQ Calendar Competition! Daffodils are blooming, the sun is shining and our calendar competition is back this March! We want to see your best Spring pet photos so grab your camera and get yourself in with a chance to...
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...
Probiotics vs Prebiotics
Are you a pet owner confused about the difference between probiotics vs prebiotics? We don't usually think of bacteria as a good thing, but when it comes to the stomach, they're essential. Under normal circumstances, friendly bacteria live in the digestive tract in a...
InterZoo 2016
The Mark + Chappell Team would like to thank everybody who took the time to visit us on our stand at Interzoo 2016. Our 13th time exhibiting has been a huge success. We were delighted to be able to meet with our valued customers and grateful for the new business...
6 Tips For Going Green With Your Dog!
Dive into our 6 tips for going green with your dog and doing your part (and your pooch's!) for the world! BUY ORGANIC OR RECYCLED LEASHES, COLLARS, BEADS OR TOYS When doing a little shopping for your pet, find products made of recyclable or organic...
5 Fun Ways To Work Out With Your Dog
With summer almost here, we've got five pawsome ways to work out with your dog so you and your furry bestie can revel in the longer evenings together! TREK UP THE TRAILS Most dogs make an excellent hiking companion to hit the trails with. If your dog is...
How To Puppy-Proof Your Home
Here are a few ways to puppy-proof your home to make sure your new puppy is safe and sound even while you are away! PUPPY PROOFING IN THE KITCHEN Puppies aren't picky when it comes to finding things to chew on. Chewing helps relieve the discomfort of...
Dog Dental Care Tips!
For any dog owner, dog dental care tips are essential; so it's time to 'brush up; on your dog's oral hygiene routine! Making sure your dog has proper dental care can not only help them achieve a dazzling smile but can also prevent several common oral issues that may...