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Free resource packs to support guinea pig welfare
"Guinea pigs are often seen as simple starter pets, but they have very specific needs" - Dr Suzanne Moyes.

The resources have been launched to mark Guinea Pig Awareness Week.

With Guinea Pig Awareness Week (GPAW) fast approaching (October 20-24), a pack of free, downloadable resources has been made available to help owners provide the best care for their pets. 

It is the fifth year that GPAW has taken place, and this time will focus on the importance of reducing stress for guinea pig wellbeing under the theme ‘Comfort, Care, Companionship’.

The packs are available for vets, rescues, and retailers, and have been updated in response to feedback from caregivers. The practical, family-friendly content includes:

    •    colourful posters to display at home
    •    step-by-step guides on stress, care, and companionship
    •    myth-busting facts to challenge common misconceptions
    •    fun activity sheets for children
    •    shareable social media posts to spread awareness. 

The pack also includes a practice newspaper, the GPAW Gazette, containing expert tips, advice, and enrichment ideas.

Dr Suzanne Moyes, deputy managing director and in-house vet at Burgess Pet Care, said: “Guinea pigs are often seen as simple starter pets, but they have very specific needs. This Guinea Pig Awareness Week, we want to challenge those misconceptions and highlight what proper care looks like.”
 
Peter Lancaster, head of marketing at Burgess Pet Care, added: “Each year, we’re impressed by the reach and impact of Guinea Pig Awareness Week, and this year introducing our most comprehensive set of resources yet.
 
“From child-friendly activity sheets to the Gazette, we’re supporting guinea pig owners across the UK in providing the highest standard of care for their pets.”

GPAW is supported by the RSPCA, Blue Cross, Woodgreen, Raystede, and Guinea Pig Welfare UK. 

Image (C) Shutterstock.com/Rita_Kochmarjova

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Greyhound Board announces change to vaccination guidance

News Story 1
 The Greyhound Board of Great Britain has published new vaccination guidance, with all greyhounds registered from 1 January, 2027 required to have the L4 leptospirosis vaccination, rather than L2.

The change comes in response to the reduced availability of the 'L2' Leptospirosis vaccine across the UK, and aims to support best biosecurity practice across the racing greyhound population.

GBGB veterinary director Simon Gower, said "While rare, Leptospirosis is a serious infectious disease that can affect both dogs and humans, so it is vital that we offer our greyhounds the broadest possible protection.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Free webinar explores congenital heart disease in dogs

A free webinar is to provide veterinary professionals, dog breeders and pet owners an new insights into congenital heart disease.

Chris Linney, a cardiology specialist and Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VSC) member, will present the webinar from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, 12 November.

Dr Linney will explore the types, causes and clinical presentation of congenital heart conditions. This will include diagnostic approaches, treatment pathways and emerging research opportunities.

The session is the third to be organised by The Kennel Club, with the VCS, following an introductory webinar and a talk on acquired heart disease. Dr Linney's webinar consists of a one-hour presentation, followed by a 30-minute question and answer session.

Dr Linney said: "This webinar will be an opportunity to deepen understanding - not just of the diseases themselves, but of how breeders, vets and owners can work together to support affected dogs and improve outcomes for future generations."

Click here to register for the webinar.