VAPET® FAQs

Simply click into the products page to find comprehensive information and major stockists for each product in the range.

The answer is easy. As our products are tried and trusted and been present in the pet world for a number of years now, we decided to make them look better!
Making no compromise to the formulation, Bitter Bite is now called “Chew Stoppa”, Bitter Beak remains the same as does the shampoo. They just look different but don’t worry; now they’re even better than before!

The Chew Stoppa formulation comes in two formats; The Spray which we would recommend for use on soft furnishings, leathers and textiles. Always ensure that you check for colour fastness and staining in a small inconspicuous area prior to spraying directly on to the items you want to protect. Pay particular attention to NOT over spray and ensure that when using, you have a window open to allow the circulation of air. The textile will absorb the bitter tasting solution and will be ready to work when necessary. The Stick, paste based on the same bitter tasting formulation is ready to use on most hard surfaces. We recommend the use on doorways, kitchen units, chair legs and can also be used on the plastic casing of wiring. Please use safely, and always wash hands after use.

(This response was provided by The Pet Health Council www.pethealthcouncil.co.uk )

Car sickness and car aversion may give rise to one another. For example, an animal could suffer from motion sickness and then develop a natural aversion to travelling, and vise versa – a fear of travelling could lead to the animal feeling unwell. Many reasons can lead to a pet feeling car sick, such as car motion, confinement, previous bad experiences in a car, a first time ride, or anticipation of the destination. Here are some helpful tips to ensure a smooth journey is had by all:
1. Animals should not be fed two hours before travelling.
2. Sit with your pet inside a parked car with the engine off.
3. Make your pet feel comfortable by providing treats or playing with the pet in the car.
4. If your pet still resists travel, sit outside the car, a comfortable distance away, and play with your pet if she or he is too anxious to eat or play inside the vehicle. Move closer to the car over a period of days or weeks until your pet feels comfortable playing next to it. Get into the car once your pet is feeling comfortable being around it, and give your pet time to get used to these new surroundings.
5. Over a period of weeks, begin turning the engine on and off, and progress to driving up and down the driveway.
6. Take your pet for a brief ride. Eventually you should be able to take the animal for longer rides.
7. Finally, always make sure the car is fresh and well ventilated – lack of fresh air can often be the cause of car sickness for both pets and humans.
8. Water and exercise should always be provided for an animal travelling with you. You should stop every one or two hours to let the animal wander around and have a drink. Remember that cats and dogs plus heat in cars do not mix.
9. Always remember to use a harness or restraint for your pet in the car. Try Dog Kalm from Vapet. As we know the best thing to do in stressful situations is to stay calm. It isn’t always easy to do so when you have a dog who is naturally full of beans and instinctively reacts to their environment. Vapet DogKalm’s is a naturally herbal remedy with Valerian Root and St Johns Wort extracts acts in approximately 30mins depending on the size of the dog and the amount of remedy used. The natural calming influence of valerian will help calm your pet through stressful situations, such as bonfire night, car travel and even a visit to the vets.

(This response was provided by The Pet Health Council www.pethealthcouncil.co.uk )
Ask your vet about accredited local training classes for dogs and their owners – the saying goes ‘train the owner – train the dog’ and is normally rather accurate! You could also contact the Kennel Club for information on ‘Good Dog Citizenship’. The key to proper training is positive reinforcement - treats and limited praise are vital, as too is patience! Here are some tips to help you:
1. Training needs to be consistent otherwise your dog will just end up getting confused.
2. Try to use the same phrases, body language and tone of voice.
3. Do not demand too much from your dog too early. It is much better to reward lots of small achievements rather than setting the target too high.
4. As soon as your dog responds in the correct way to your command, say “good” and reward with a treat and lots of praise.
5. Slowly you will be able to expect more from your dog. As soon as your dog shows any sign of understanding, reward him/her with a treat, these can be reduced later on, but always give your dog plenty of praise.
6. It is advised to begin training in a quiet place, free from distractions. Only when your dog is fully competent should you attempt train him/her in a busier environment.
7. Do not forget to teach your dog a ‘release’ command. This is important so that your dog knows when the trick is over and he/she can relax. Try using words such as, ‘OK’, or, ‘Free’.
8. The PHC does not believe in harsh punishment, a view upheld by all good dog trainers.

(This response was provided by The Pet Health Council www.pethealthcouncil.co.uk )
The BSAVA may be able to offer you information on veterinary surgeries within your area and can provide you with a list of the surgeries that have been approved under the Practice Standards Scheme.
What does the Animal Welfare act mean to me?
The act in brief and what you need to know.
Primary legislation – Comes into effect on the 6^th April 2007
Duty of Care – you will be responsible for doing everything reasonable to ensure that the welfare of your animals.
An animal welfare prosecution can be brought up at anytime up to three years after the alleged offence.

No selling pets to under 16’s: You may need to provide the pet shop or vendor with identification in order to purchase a pet.

Ensure that when picking up your new pet you have enough information of how to look after the pet, prior to you taking them home.