Keeping your guinea pigs healthy and happy involves more than just a good diet and a clean enclosure. Regular grooming and health assessments are essential components of responsible pet ownership. At Little Dolittle, based in Tibshelf, we offer a comprehensive range of grooming and care services designed specifically for your small furry friends. We understand that the cost of living is a concern for everyone right now. That is why we have kept our individual treatment prices

​If there is one thing we all know as guinea pig lovers, it’s that these little bundles of joy can sometimes come with big responsibilities. Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about how we can better support both you and your piggies. ​We all know that life is getting more expensive, and pet care is no exception. At Little Dolittle, we want to make sure that doing the right thing for your pet’s health also makes sense for your wallet. ​We've seen first-hand how a missed nail tr

At Little Dolittle, we’ve always felt that looking after a pet means looking after the whole pet. Sometimes that means extra kale and chin rubs, and other times it means carefully timed doses of medicine or looking after a post-op wound. A question we get fairly often is whether we charge more for pets who need a bit of medical help. The answer is a flat no. We don’t think pet owners should pay extra because their pet has a health condition or has reached their golden years

We’re thrilled to announce that our Spring/Summer 2026 Newsletter has arrived! Packed with behind-the-scenes insights and exciting community updates, this edition is designed to show you exactly how we go above and beyond for your small pets. From professional care routines to our latest sustainability efforts, we are dedicated to helping your furry friends thrive. What’s inside? Day in the life of Little Dolittle Derby College career event Bedding recycling Sponsoring TibFes

Since we are now in March, you’re right at the start of the “waking up season.” Most UK tortoise owners start the process in mid-to-late March, as the natural daylight hours get longer and average temperatures start creeping toward that “magic number” of 10 °C. Here is the general consensus on timing and how to handle it: 🐢 Brumation vs. Hibernation (What’s the Difference?) People often say tortoises hibernate, but technically most reptiles actually brumate. Brumation is the

When you go away, finding someone to care for your beloved small pets can feel like a challenge. Many people initially turn to friends or family for help, but professional boarding can provide a level of care, expertise, and reassurance that informal arrangements simply cannot match. At Little Dolittle, we specialise in caring for small animals, including guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, mice, degus, ferrets, tortoises, insects and amphibians ensuring they receive attentive, k

​If you’ve ever looked at your guinea pig’s paws and noticed a hard, flap-like growth of skin sticking out from the side of their foot, you might have done a double-take. Is it a second nail, a wart? Actually, it’s most likely a foot spur. While they look a bit strange, they are quite common—but they definitely shouldn't be ignored. ​ What Exactly is a Foot Spur? ​A foot spur (sometimes called a "corny growth") is an overgrowth of skin, usually found on the front feet. Unlike

Why a well-being check important? ​Since tortoises have long lifespan, a lot of their health issues develop very slowly. A quick check-up helps catch things before they become a real problem. This will includes eyes, ears, nostrils, beak, mouth, neck, scales, cloaca, gait/movement, carapace shell (back shell), plastron shell (bottom shell), front and back legs, feet and nails and weight. ​Beak and Nail Maintenance: We’ll check if their beak is getting a bit too long (which m

​Let’s be honest, as much as we love our long-haired guinea pigs, keeping up with that long fur can be a bit of a struggle. Between the hay getting stuck and the tangles forming overnight, sometimes a little DIY grooming at home feels a bit daunting. ​That’s why we’ve decided to launch a dedicated Guinea Pig Haircut service for just £8. We aren't looking to give them a model-ready look, our focus is purely on making sure your piggies are clean, comfortable, and tangle-free. I

Everyone boards pets for holidays, but what about the rest of life? At Little Dolittle, we provide reliable, specialist boarding for your tortoise, guinea pig, hamster, insects or other animals when things get chaotic at home. ​Having a makeover at home? Time for your pets to come to us! Home improvements — like a new kitchen or window fitting—are brilliant for your house, but terrifying for small, sensitive pets. ​ Contractors, dust, noise, and fumes create stress and real

Just like us, cats slow down as they age. Senior cats can develop stiff joints, dental problems, or even a little confusion from feline dementia — but with gentle care and understanding, they can still enjoy their golden years feeling safe, loved, and relaxed. At Little Dolittle, we provide home visits for cats, including elderly or special-needs cats who are happiest in their own familiar environment. Our visits are always carried out with patience, kindness, and an understa

Tortoises are fascinating, long-lived companions that often become part of a family for generations. Because they can live for many decades — sometimes over 80 years! — it’s not uncommon for tortoises to find themselves looking for a new home when their previous owner can no longer care for them. If you’ve recently adopted a tortoise, you’ve taken on a truly rewarding responsibility. However, it can sometimes be tricky to know where to start, especially if your tortoise has c

Hibernation is a natural process for many tortoise species, particularly those from temperate regions such as the Mediterranean. In the...

We’re delighted to share our Autumn/Winter 2025 Newsletter! Full of seasonal advice, heart-warming stories, and important updates, this...

🐢 Why Tortoises Love Heat: Body temperature regulation: They need warmth to raise their internal temperature. Digestion: Warmth helps...

At Little Dolittle, we know how much your small pets mean to you—and their wellbeing is always our top priority. That’s why we always...

As we move into June, many people are now mowing their lawns again following No Mow May. While it’s tempting to let guinea pigs enjoy the...

As spring breathes life back into the UK countryside, gardens, and meadows, it also brings a hidden danger for pet owners and farmers...

Tortoises are fascinating pets, but like all animals, they can be affected by internal parasites such as worms. Understanding how to...

We’re thrilled to announce that our Spring/Summer 2025 Newsletter has arrived! Packed with expert advice and exciting updates, this...