Tag: pets

Cats Protection warns of animal welfare crisis as people cut down on vet visits and insurance

Cat owners are cutting back on pet essentials such as vet care, vaccinations, and insurance as a result of the cost of living crisis, according to new research from Cats Protection. 

The leading feline welfare charity is seeing a rise in people giving up their cats for financial reasons and is warning there could be an animal welfare crisis as a direct result of the cost of living.

Cats Protection has launched an online hub to support owners in need with a raft of information including how to look after your cat on a budget and how to access help with costs.

One in three* cat owners surveyed said they feel “greatly impacted” by the cost of living crisis, while nearly one in five (18%) said they were spending less on vet services, including missing essential vaccinations or not microchipping their pet.

Meanwhile, nearly one in three (31%) of cat owners said they are concerned about how they would pay emergency vet bills if their cat became sick or injured, with nearly one in five (18%) concerned about paying for routine vet treatment. The charity says this represents tens of thousands of cats whose welfare could now be at risk. 

A quarter of cat owners (25%) said they are spending less on pet insurance because of the cost of living and 17% are concerned about paying for insurance in the future. 

Alison Richards, Head of Clinical Services at Cats Protection said: “We know the cost of living is having a huge impact on people across the country, with many cat owners making difficult choices to make ends meet. Cutting back on insurance or vet treatment can ultimately lead to higher costs if a cat becomes injured, gravely unwell, or even pregnant.

“We’ve launched a new information hub with lots of tips and ideas for looking after your cat on a budget, with everything from how to make free cat toys to how to access help with costs such as neutering. We want to provide access to information and resources that can help every owner look after their cat.” 

Cat owners also reported cutting back on spending, with more than half spending less on eating out or takeaways, days out, clothes, drinking and holidays. The survey also showed that 60% of owners feel their cat is a source of comfort to them during a difficult time.

Adoption centres are also seeing a rise in people giving up their cats for financial reasons. 

Nicola Murray, deputy manager at Cats Protection’s Harrow Homing Centre, said: “The cost of living is having a greater impact on animal welfare than Covid. We’ve got desperate people turning up on our doorstep every week and our waiting lists for people wishing to give their cat up are several weeks long.

“People need more information and support for managing their cats during this time as no one should have to give up a much loved pet during a time of crisis.”

*Survey of 3,011 cat owners in the UK, conducted by Basis on behalf of Cats Protection. Fieldwork completed in December 2022. 

Pet owners are invited to come and ‘Weigh Up’ their pets

American Bulldog Roscoe has managed to shed over 23kg so far!

With success stories like Roscoe’s, a 13-year-old American Bulldog who came into PDSA’s care weighing a whopping 75kg – PDSA are inviting pet owners across Scotland to join in and visit a participating vet practice to get their pet weighed for FREE!

With one month left to go, PDSA and Royal Canin are calling on pet owners across Scotland to take advantage of a free weight check for their four-legged friend by signing up to the new ‘Big Weigh In’ initiative.

The new PDSA Big Weigh In initiative is taking place throughout February and March 2023 and is now in its final month countdown to join in! The campaign is in conjunction with veterinary practices across the UK to help the pet population shed some pounds.

A weight loss success story is Roscoe, a 13-year-old American Bulldog who initially came into PDSA’s care weighing a whopping 75kg and after a tremendous effort from his owner, Craig, Roscoe has managed to shed over 23kg and he is very nearly at his ideal weight!

The excess weight was affecting Roscoe’s daily life through his breathing and energy levels, so losing the weight was vital for his health and happiness.

Craig said: “From struggling to walk him around the local green to seeing him run around with dogs in the park, I’m so pleased we got expert advice to kick-start his weight loss journey. Roscoe has such a big personality, he’s cheeky, loving, and is very intelligent, but when he was overweight he wasn’t the same dog.

“Thankfully, he’s back to his old, happy self and I can’t thank PDSA enough for giving us the support we needed to get Roscoe to where he is today. And I’m so pleased we’ve been able to keep the weight off, although Roscoe does get a little confused still when we don’t give him any leftovers from a Sunday roast.”

The main aim for PDSA Big Weigh In is to help other pets like Roscoe live a better and hopefully longer life, by maintaining a healthy weight.

For dog and cat owners in Scotland; you are able to find which vet practices across the UK are taking part and inviting pets to come in and get weighed on the veterinary practice map.  

In 2022, the charity’s annual PAW (PDSA Animal Wellbeing) Report revealed 60% of owners regularly give their pet human food in some form, such as leftovers (26%), cheese (22%) and bread or toast (10%).

Human food is often high in fats and sugar, and can contribute to obesity and weight problems as well as potentially leading to an unbalanced diet for our pets. As per PDSA calculations, feeding a dog a slice of toast with butter, is the equivalent of a human eating two portions of fries.

Similarly, feeding a cat three small cubes of cheese, is the equivalent of a human eating two quarter pounders!

2023 WeighUp Infographics Dog Toast Chips 72dpi
2023 WeighUp Infographics Cat Cheese Burgers 300dpi

PDSA Veterinary Surgeon, Lynne James said: “Our Weigh Up campaign was popular amongst pet owners who were keen to understand more about their pet’s weight, in order to keep them fit and healthy.

“Now we are taking the next step and launching PDSA Big Weigh In – where we are inviting owners to join in and visit a participating practice for a free weight check.

“We have also launched the PDSA #WeighUp Pet Weight Loss Support Group, for fellow pet owners to join, share their progress and access exclusive tips and content, including weekly Q&A’s with PDSA vets and vet nurses, all to help each pet owner with their pet’s weight loss journey.”

If you would like to find out more before visiting your local participating practice, please visit PDSA’s website.

Pet expert’s budget-friendly ways to show your pet you love them

We’re all looking for cost-effective ways to show those around us that we love them, and there is no exception when it comes to our pets.

Research from the UK’s largest vet charity, PDSA, shows that the minimum lifetime cost of owning a dog starts at around £5,000 for a small breed, but can be considerably more. These costs can mount even further as owners feel pressured to pamper their pooch with expensive gifts.

Shauna Walsh, Vet Nurse at the charity – which provides vital care for pets in need – has shared her expert tips for showering pets with love, without breaking the bank.

Shauna said: “Particularly around holidays like Valentine’s Day, we often feel compelled to splurge on material gifts for those we love. However, our pets have no perception of cost, and are happiest and healthiest when their welfare needs are met and their owners are close by.

  1. Spend more time together

“Spending quality time with your pet doesn’t cost a penny yet is often what brings them the most joy. In fact, ensuring their social needs are met and even just being in our company can improve a pet’s overall wellbeing.

“Simple things such as taking them on a walk and enjoying the great outdoors together, playing with them, and snuggling on the sofa are all great ways to bond with your four-legged friend.

  1. Learn how to groom your pet at home

“Grooming your pet is a fantastic bonding activity and has many other health benefits too, including helping to distribute natural oils found within your animal’s coat. It also gives you the chance to check for any skin problems or lumps and bumps that, if caught early, could mean easier and cheaper veterinary treatment for your pet.

“Grooming costs can vary depending on breed and coat type, and tight curled coats and long-haired breeds especially will need regular sessions. Therefore, learning how to groom your pooch at home can save you a lot of money, once you’ve purchased the equipment needed.

  1. Rotate your pet’s favourite toys

“While toys are great for playtime and keeping boredom at bay, your pet doesn’t need too many. Rotating them will not only avoid you spending lots of money but will also keep playtime fun and engaging. You can even re-use the same toy for different games – for example, using one for a game of fetch, then hiding it for your pet to find.

“Aside from being heaps of fun, toys are a great way to keep your pet active. Throwing a toy for your dog to chase and retrieve will not only help them stay fit but is a great way to spend time together too – just avoid using sticks, as these can cause nasty injuries, and balls that are too small or squash down easily, which could be a choking hazard.”

Owners and pets

For more advice on cutting the cost of pet care while ensuring your pet remains happy and healthy, please visit www.pdsa.org.uk/lowcostpetcare.

Show your dog some love this Valentine’s Day

Canine Behaviourist shares her top ways both you and your dog can show some love in time for Valentine’s Day.

Love is a four-legged word, and we all know that life is a little easier with a furry friend by your side. People often think our dogs can’t communicate with us, but actually they speak to us with what they do – their body language and behaviours.

If we can learn to recognise these behaviours, we can improve our relationship and build a stronger bond that lets them live the healthy, happy lives they deserve.

Bella & Duke’s Natural Canine Behaviourist, Caroline Spencer Dip.AdvCanBhv, shares her top tips for understanding your dog’s behaviour and how you can show them some love this valentine’s day.

  1. Eye contact & facial expression

The signs your dog loves you come from their whole body. Dogs watch us, they look deep into our eyes and study our facial expressions. Our own dogs will look into our eyes with a soft gaze of pure adoration. If you’re looking at displays of affection from your dog, you are looking for a super-soft, gentle blinking gaze and relaxed body. 

  1. Snuggling up and sleeping next to you

Dogs snuggle up to each other like any other family animal for warmth, comfort, and security. A cuddle shows they would rather be snuggled with you than anywhere else. A true trusting love cuddle is one where your dog sleeps soundly and remains super relaxed, whatever goes on around them. They trust you as much as love you, meaning They can deal with the comings, goings and noises of daily life.

  1. Waggy tail with relaxed body

Body language should always be taken as a whole, as opposed to isolated elements. If your dog displays a relaxed body with a lovely swish of their tail when in your company, it’s a sign that they are happy and relaxed.

  1. Yawning in sync with you

Many studies have been done to explain and understand yawning in dogs and humans. Often, when we yawn, others yawn around us, and so do our dogs. This can mean they want to show their connection and empathy towards us.

  1. A happy greeting at the door

Coming home from a day of work to be greeted by a happy dog can easily cure a stressful day. When you are greeted by a playful pooch it’s for a reason, they’re genuinely happy to see you and this can be a great opportunity to initiate play time, make use of their excitable energy and build a stronger bond with one another. Be sure to make the most of these times, play some games or step out for some fresh air, stretch the legs and play a game of fetch.

As well as understanding your furry friend and the ways they show us love, Caroline also shares her five key ways that you can show your love to your four legged friend this Valentine’s Day and beyond:

  1. Patience and respect are key – When we relax and simply help our dogs to make better choices, they will fit in with ease. Dogs can pick up on when we feel anxious or tense and tend to mirror these emotions. Embrace your dog for who they are, their personality and character will shine through. Guide them, but don’t force them, to fit into our sometimes-confusing world. Boundaries, personal space, and safety are paramount and always work both ways. Treat them with trust, love and respect and they will treat you the same way.
  1. Make them the centre of your world – Spending quality time with your dog is one of the best way to show your furry friend that you love them. Dogs are social animals, they need company. Although every dog is different, we don’t recommend leaving them alone for more than four hours per day as this can be detrimental for their mental health. Enjoying a cosy cuddle together, playing games they enjoy, or simply enjoying each other’s company are easy ways to make your furry friend feel great!
  1. Surprise them with treats – Everyone deserves tasty treats, it’s a great idea to use natural treats to reward your dog and reinforce a positive connection between you both. Natural treats allow you to treat your dog without feeling guilty, and they can be a great tool for training, enrichment or simply a surprise. Just make sure not to use this as the only tool to gain a connection at the expense of not forming a proper bond.
  1. Make them feel safe – Your dog is part of the family, and like children, they look to you for guidance and protection. As pet parents it is important to eliminate as much fear, stress and anxiety we can for our furry friends. You are their guardian, mentor, and trusted companion. Gaining your dog’s trust by making them feel safe will earn you a friend for life.
  1. Ensure their life is full of enrichment – Allowing your dog to try different fun activities, such as nose games/brain games and sniffy walks with you will make them happier. Ensure your switching up from the expected every now and again to give them some variety. Visiting different environments together such as the beach or the forest can help grow the bond between you. You know your dog best, so work together, experiment and find ways to enrich their life that suit you both to make sure you are living a life well loved.

Caroline Spencer, Natural Canine Behaviourist at Bella & Duke, added: “Living together and forming a relationship with your dog takes time. Highs and lows through puppyhood, adolescence to adulthood are natural as they learn how to fit in, and we learn what they mean by what they do.

“There is no rush to make the grade, any grade. Just do right by them the best you can, and enjoy one another’s company naturally.”

Six signs that you love your cat more than your partner

6 signs that you love your cat more than your partner

Does your cat get more attention than your partner? Take a look at Cats Protection’s Valentine’s checklist to see how deeply cats have left pawprints on your heart.

With over 11 million pet cats in the UK, it’s clear we’re a nation who love our moggies and the charity’s CATS Report 2022 revealed that 92% of cat owners consider their cat as part of the family and 88% admit to talking with their cat regularly.

Many of us would do anything for our feline friends, and you may even find that you love them more than your significant other. For fun this Valentine’s Day, check the signs that your cat could mean more to you than your human partner.

  1. You don’t dare disturb them when they’re sleeping

You’re sitting on the sofa, desperate to use the toilet, but when your darling puss has graced you with their presence on your lap, you simply cannot ask them to move. You’ll happily put up with the discomfort, so long as your kitty is snoozing soundly. As a result, it’s your partner who must make the tea and generally wait on you hand and foot, so you and your kitty can stay cosy.

Find out more about cats and sleep.

  1. …but you don’t mind if they wake you

No need for an alarm clock, your cat will make sure you know when it’s time to get out of bed and serve them their breakfast, and you will happily oblige, even at 5am. However, if your partner dares snore in the night, they get a gentle whack with a pillow.

Find out more about night-time waking and how to prevent it.

  1. Your phone is full of photos of them

As you scroll through the camera roll on your phone, there’s a very noticeable trend. Almost every photo is of your cat in various adorable or funny poses, as you try to capture them in all their glory. On the other hand, your partner only features in around 1% of your photos and hasn’t even managed to make it onto your home screen background.

Learn how to take great photos of your cat.

  1. You choose their food carefully

When it comes to mealtimes, you choose only the best cat food that has your feline friend’s approval, and make sure to pick out their favourite flavours so they’re not disappointed. Food is served precisely on schedule (or as soon as your cat demands it) and perhaps even presented in a Michelin star-worthy fashion in their favourite bowl. Meanwhile, your partner has to make do with whatever leftovers are in the freezer.

Find out more about what to feed your cat.

  1. You worry about them when you’re away

If you need to be away from your cat, even for a few hours, you’re constantly wondering what they’re up to and if they’re ok. If you could call them to check, you would, but chances are they haven’t even noticed you’ve gone. When you’re away from your partner, you’re just grateful for a few hours of peace.

Find out more about keeping your cat safe at home.

  1. You have several nicknames for them

A cat is never known by just one name, and you have a whole register of creative monikers for your moggy. Some may closely resemble their given name, others may be completely random and ridiculous. Your partner has just the one name, plus maybe a more a formal version you use when they’ve done something wrong. 

Discover the top cat names, and how to get your cat to respond to their name.

Of course, it’s all a bit of Valentine’s Day fun and there’s room in most hearts for our partners and pets.

But if you can think of any signs that show how much you love your feline friend, Cats Protection would love to hear from you on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Worried about your pet’s pounds?

PDSA and Royal Canin invite pet owners in Scotland to join in and ‘Weigh Up’ their pets

PDSA and Royal Canin are calling on pet owners in Scotland to take advantage of a free weight check for their four-legged friend by signing up to the new ‘Big Weigh In’ initiative.

The partnership launched their Weigh Up campaign in 2021, offering pet owners free online resources to assess and understand their pets’ weight throughout the pandemic.  The new PDSA Big Weigh In initiative will take place during February and March 2023 in conjunction with veterinary practices across the UK to help tackle the pet obesity crisis the UK pet population faces.

In 2022, the charity’s annual PAW (PDSA Animal Wellbeing) Report revealed 60% of owners regularly give their pet human food in some form, such as leftovers (26%), cheese (22%) and bread or toast (10%).

Human food is often high in fats and sugar, and can contribute to obesity and weight problems as well as potentially leading to an unbalanced diet for our pets. As per PDSA calculations, feeding a dog a slice of toast with butter, is the equivalent of a human eating two portions of fries. Similarly, feeding a cat three small cubes of cheese, is the equivalent of a human eating two quarter pounders!

One weight loss success story is Roscoe, who initially came into PDSA’s care weighing 75kg and after a tremendous effort from his owner, Roscoe managed to shed 23kg and he is very nearly at his ideal weight!

The excess weight was affecting Roscoe’s daily life through his breathing and energy levels, so losing the weight was vital for his health and happiness.

The main aim for PDSA Big Weigh In is to help other pets like Roscoe live a better and hopefully longer life, by maintaining a healthy weight.

For dog and cat owners in Scotland; you are able to find which vet practices are taking part and inviting pets to come in and get weighed on the veterinary practice map.  

PDSA Veterinary Surgeon, Lynne James said: “Our Weigh Up campaign was popular amongst pet owners who were keen to understand more about their pet’s weight, in order to keep them fit and healthy.

“Now we are taking the next step and launching PDSA Big Weigh In – where we are inviting owners to join in and visit a participating practice for a free weight check.

“We have also launched the PDSA #WeighUp Pet Weight Loss Support Group, for fellow pet owners to join, share their progress and access exclusive tips and content, including weekly Q&A’s with PDSA vets and vet nurses, all to help each pet owner with their pet’s weight loss journey.”

If you would like to find out more before visiting your local participating practice, please visit PDSA’s website.

Ruff! UK’s seven ugliest dogs revealed

These are the seven less than adorable looking pets vying for the title of Britain’s ugliest dog.

Photography company ParrotPrint.com, are offering a professional makeover and photo session prize to the dog crowned the ‘most hideous’ in the UK. 

They have now selected the ugliest seven dogs from hundreds of applicants with these finalists now going forward for a final selection. 

The seven dogs hail from across the country and include a British Bulldog from the West Midlands called Winston George, whose owner describes him as a cross between a grumpy old man and a naughty school kid.

Another finalist, Jazz, a Brusston from North Wales, is described as ‘not photogenic’ by their owner who says, ‘when I show people her photo they usually go quiet and are lost for words.’

Peggy, a pug chinese crested mix from East Yorkshire has already appeared on the This Morning sofa with Phil and Holly as part of ParrotPrint.com’s search.

The seven finalists are (in no particular order): 

Marnie, a French Bulldog from Wiltshire

Winston George, a British Bulldog from the West Midlands

Peggy, a Pug Chinese Crested Mix from East Yorkshire

Jazz, a Brusston from North Wales

Bella, a Pug from Sheffiled

Roger, a Pug, Toy Poodle and Ugly Boi cross from West Yorkshire

Milo, a Blue French Bulldog from Kent

Matt Dahan, founder of ParrotPrint.com said: “We received hundreds of entries and these seven were the ones who made our eyes hurt when we looked at them. There really are some ugly mutts out there in the UK and we hope our contest will celebrate the best of them. 

“We were clear from the outset that no pretty pets need apply and these seven certainly could not be described as good looking in any way, shape or form. 

“Now our judges have the tough task of choosing exactly which of these mutts is the most offensive to look at. 

“We will select one of these pets for the coveted title of Britain’s ugliest dog and they will win a makeover and photo session. 

“Let’s see if we can transform the winning ugly dog into a beautiful pooch and brighten up its owner’s life at the same time.

“There have been a number of TV shows where humans get tarted-up and given a makeover so we thought it would be fun to do the same thing for a dog. 

“We believe we can transform them into something truly beautiful and give their owners a fantastic photoshoot experience too.

“We look forward to selecting the winner and sharing their photoshoot experience with the world when we hope to show that every dog is beautiful no matter how ugly they might first appear.” 

The contest is now closed for entries and the seven shortlisted dogs will be assessed and a winner announced in February when the ugly mutt will receive their photoshoot and pampering prize.

To find out how to create the perfect print of your pet to hang on your wall at home please visit:  https://parrotprint.com/blog/print-your-pet

The finalists are as follows:

Name: Marnie

Age:  2 

Breed: French Bulldog

Location: Swindon, Wiltshire

Name: Winston George

Age: 5

Breed: British Bulldog

Location: Kingswinsford, West Midlands

Name: Peggy

Age: 3

Breed: Pug Chinese Crested Mix

Location: East Yorkshire

Name: Jazz

Age: 5

Breed: Brusston

Location: North Wales

Name: Bella

Age: 6

Breed: Pug 

Location: Sheffield

Name: Roger

Age: 1

Breed: Pug cross with toy poodle and ugly boi

Location: Brighouse, West Yorkshire

Name: Milo

Age: 1

Breed: Blue French Bulldog

Location: Rochester, Kent

I’m a Vet Nurse – here’s five reasons why a pet is great for your wellbeing

Research by leading animal charity PDSA has revealed that 84% of owners believe their pet improves their mental health, which is unlikely to come as a surprise if you are an animal lover.

Four-legged friends can have a positive impact on our life in many ways, both mentally and physically. This Blue Monday (16 January 2023), PDSA Vet Nurse, Nina Downing, shares her top five reasons why owning a pet is beneficial for our overall health.  

  1. The power of companionship

“Spending quality time with your pet is beneficial to the wellbeing of both you and your four-legged family member. Humans and animals are social creatures, so this companionship can go a long way in reducing loneliness. Giving your furry friend love and attention, as well as receiving it in return, can significantly boost mental wellbeing – particularly for those who are socially isolated and may not see other people during the day.

“As well as being a great bonding activity, and essential for their own wellbeing, walking with your pooch can also be a social experience for you, allowing you to meet other dog walkers while out and about.

“Having a two-minute chat with neighbours as you pass each other in the park or conversing in a pet shop can make all the difference to your mood. These human connections are also easier to form, as you already have an established common interest – the love for your pets.

  1. Animals and stress-busting

“For many, pets are calming figures in our lives and can offer solace in our darkest moments. In 2022, Google searches for emotional support dogs rose by 50% – indicative of the positive impact animals can have on our mental health.

“Whether you find comfort in petting your pup or confiding in your cat’s ear for a chat about your troubles, this stress relief plays an important part in maintaining wellbeing.

“In fact, research shows that spending just 10 minutes interacting with your pet each day can lower levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. As well as reducing stress, receiving an animal’s unconditional love without fear of judgement can help build self-confidence.

  1. Thriving on routine

“Like people, most pets benefit from an established routine. From feeding and grooming, through to playing games and taking them out for a walk, the responsibility of caring for a pet can provide a clear day-to-day purpose and a reason to get out of bed in the morning. These actions also help establish structure in your day and are excellent habits for your own wellbeing, as well as your pets.

  1. Finding the fun in everyday

“Sometimes the monotony of everyday life can feel overwhelming, which is where our furry friends come into play – literally!

“A good game of tug, chase, or fetch can get you up, moving, and having fun, and brings lots of benefits for our pets as well. Activities like this not only encourage you to get more active but can help you feel less overwhelmed by stressors in your life, too. When you engage in regular play or exercise sessions, a chemical called dopamine – a feel-good hormone – is released by the body, helping you feel positive and motivated.”

  1. Knowing they need us too

“Having a pet means they are reliant on you to meet their welfare needs and, for many, this responsibility can stimulate positive feelings such as a sense of belonging, added security, and being in control.

“The accountability and structure that comes with pet ownership can be highly motivating and encourage you to create the very best life for them and, in turn, for you! That’s why so many people make sure they are doing everything they can to give their pets a happy and comfortable life.”

PDSA relies on donations to deliver vital treatment to hundreds of thousands of pets across its 48 Pet Hospitals in the UK.

To keep families together this winter, the charity is urgently calling on the public’s support more than ever to prevent vulnerable people having to make a truly heart-breaking decision.

To find out more about PDSA’s vital work during the cost-of-living crisis, or to donate, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/costoflovingcrisis

PDSA issues safety advice for pet owners in the wake of flood warnings

The UK’s largest veterinary charity, PDSA, is urging pet owners to take extra precautions to keep their furry family members safe as stormy weather and flooding sweeps the nation.

The MET Office has issued 90 weather alerts and the Environment Agency has put out 29 warnings regarding heavy rainfall over the coming days, potentially putting the lives of people and pets at risk.

While floods can occur at any time of the year, particularly in areas near rivers, large lakes or the sea, winter time is a particular pinch point, so pet owners should keep a close eye on the weather forecast and act quickly if necessary.

According to the Environment Agency, 5.9 million properties (one in six homes) across England are at risk of flooding. Flood water rises rapidly, so if there is a warning in your immediate area, don’t just hope for the best – act early.

PDSA Vet Claire Roberts said: “Being well prepared is the best way for owners to protect their pets when bad weather hits.

“Make sure pets are microchipped and that the contact details registered on the chip are up to date. If you have an outdoor cat, make sure you have a litter tray available for them to use if needed. Should you and your pet be separated, having the correct contact details means you are more likely to be reunited. Pack a bag of emergency pet supplies, including a week’s worth of sealed pet food, fresh water, collapsible food bowls, poo bags, bedding, a lead, medication, and proof of vaccinations.

“Create an emergency flood plan and escape route and keep your supplies in one place for ease of access, and always have a pet carrier in your home for cats or small animals. It is important to make sure they are desensitised to being in a carrier and to never leave them unattended while inside one during a flooding situation.

“Remember, flood water is often contaminated and could seriously harm your pet if swallowed. Dog vaccinations protect against Leptospirosis, a disease caused by bacteria found in and around water, and can be fatal so, it is important to check that your dog is up to date with their vaccinations.”

Claire continued: “If your home is at risk of flooding, bring any pets that live outdoors, inside and shut them in an upstairs room with plenty of access to food and fresh water, but try to keep different species of pets separate if possible as they are naturally territorial.

“Don’t take dogs outside until it is safe to do so as hidden objects within the water could injure them, and prevent cats from becoming stranded, lost, or hurt by keeping them inside with access to a litter tray.

“If your home is a potential flood risk, you may need to leave quickly if you are told to evacuate. If possible, arrange to stay at a friend or relative’s home that is on higher ground, taking your pets, emergency supplies, dog’s collar and ID tag with you. Insurance companies may move you to temporary accommodation and it might not be possible to take your pet with you. In this instance, be prepared to use a boarding kennel or pet sitter. If you are unable to leave your home, stay in an upstairs room with your pets.”

Steps that owners are advised to take include:

  • If you live in a high-risk area, consider getting life jackets for your pets as well as you and your family
  • Make sure your pet insurance is up to date and you have your vet’s contact details to hand in case your pet needs veterinary care
  • Check your home insurance policy to see if you’re covered for the cost of pet accommodation if damage to the home means you cannot stay there
  • Put important documents (e.g. microchip paperwork, vet details, insurance policies) in a sealed waterproof bag, along with a photo of your pet in case they get lost
  • Know what pet sitters or boarding kennels are available locally – ideally outside of flood zones – in case you need to find temporary accommodation for your pet.

“If the worst happens and you have no choice but to leave your pet behind, put them in a safe room upstairs with plenty of food and water, leaving a note on the door or window to inform the emergency services that there are pets inside the property,” added Claire. “Once you are safe, contact the RSPCA or a local flood warden to let them know that there are animals in your home that need rescuing.”

Other advice to help owners stay safe:

  • Sign up to receive flood warnings – you can choose to be notified through a telephone call, text message, or email
  • Visit the MET Office or Environment Agency website for the latest information on the weather or any warnings in your area
  • Keep up to date with local news and weather reports
  • Find out if your home is one of those at risk of flooding

For further advice of keeping your pet safe visit pdsa.org.uk 

PDSA estimates over seven million pets are afraid of fireworks

Vet charity’s top tips on coping with New Year celebrations

As New Year approaches, fireworks are bound to burst back into our lives once again. And while the dazzling displays are a hugely popular way to bring in the New Year, the UK’s largest veterinary charity, PDSA, is warning that they can cause fear among a large number of our pet population.

The charity – which helps more pets and owners than any other of its kind in the UK – is urging owners to prepare for the celebrations, which can last for several days in a row and potentially expose pets to a prolonged period of suffering.

The PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report revealed that a vast number of dogs and cats are scared by the unexpected bangs of fireworks, citing that 4.1 million dogs and 3.3 million cats are afraid of the noise. In total, 16 per cent of rabbit owners (160,000 rabbits) also reported that their bunnies were scared of the sounds associated with fireworks.

PDSA Veterinary Surgeon Lynne James said: “We may think our pets aren’t too bothered by firework displays, however their senses are much more acute than ours. The unexpected loud bangs and sudden flashes of light can cause distress for our four-legged family members.

“There are lots of things owners can do in the short term to make fireworks less frightening for their pets. Simple steps, from creating a den to introducing soothing sounds, can go a long way to making this firework season more pleasant for pets.”

PDSA’s top tips on tackling anxiety among pets this festive firework season:

  • Seek advice early – it is important to find out what works best for your pet as soon as possible. If they have previously struggled during firework displays, contact your vet for advice – they may be able to prescribe medication that can help.
  • Prepare for an early night – be sure to walk your dog before it gets dark and keep your cat at home. Bring any outdoor-living pets, for example rabbits and guinea pigs, inside for the night and enjoy a cosy evening in with your furry family members.
  • Secure your home – keep doors, windows, cat and dog flaps locked to ensure your pet doesn’t escape if scared. 
  • Create a comfortable cosy space for hideouts – ensure your pet has somewhere they feel safe and secure where they can hide if they want to. It’s important that your pet knows this is a safe place that they can escape to ahead of fireworks season. For cats and dogs, you can make the space extra cosy with blankets and their favourite toys and treats while adding pillows or cushions can help to absorb the noise. You can also lessen the sound for smaller pets by adding extra bedding into their hutches and cages so that they can hide if they want to. If your pet chooses to hide, let them do so.
  • Be on hand to provide reassurance – if your pet takes comfort in attention and/or affection from you, continue to treat them as you normally would – never ignore them if they’re coming to you for support. Reassurance can only go so far though, so it is important to ensure other steps are taken to make the night as relaxing as possible.
  • Keep calm with relaxing sounds – playing a soundtrack to disguise the whizzes and bangs of fireworks can help to keep your pet calm. It’s also vital that you remain as stress-free as possible to avoid worrying your pet.
  • Use a pheromone plug-in – pheromones are scents that help to relax and calm pets, but we can’t smell them. They are available on the PDSA pet store.
  • Make note of what your pet prefers – as fireworks occur each year, it’s important to understand how your pet copes best during the festivities. Note down what their preferred action was, for example if they hid, so that next time you can ensure they have plenty of safe spots to escape to. Likewise, if they seek reassurance, always be on hand to comfort them.
  • Prepare for next year – once the celebrations are over for 2022, prepare for 2023! You can help your pet to be less anxious around fireworks season (this is called ‘desensitisation’) over a period of several months, ahead of expected celebrations.

The PAW Report also found that the vast majority of owners (82 per cent) agreed that fireworks should only be allowed on certain dates and times to enable them to prepare their pets in advance. 

PDSA has created a FREE Firework Guide  – packed with useful advice and tips – to assist owners with planning ahead of celebrations.