Tag: pets

Treat your dog to a ‘pawsome’ Christmas!

The festive season is a time for family, so when you’re getting ready for party season this year don’t forget to make it a ‘yappy Christmas’ for your dog too!

Pets are very much part of the family, but at a busy time of year they can be faced with many new situations and people. Here, Company of Animals, leading dog training and behaviour experts, share some tips on how to treat your dog this December to some TLC to get them looking – and feeling – their best.

Paws to admire

‘Tis the season to be joyful, but it’s also the season of cold, wet and icy weather. During the colder months dogs can get dirty and sore paws.

To combat this issue here are a few easy solutions:

  • Regularly clean your dog’s paws to ensure grit doesn’t get stuck and cause irritation.
  • Keep an eye on your dog and their paws. If they have been on a long walk on a cold day, be mindful they may have sore feet just like you.
  • Treat them with Pet Head Oatmeal Paw Butter, which soothes and nourishes dry and cracked paws. By massaging into your dog’s paws, you are not only supporting their comfort, but also giving them a lovely massage to boot. Paw Butter also works really well for a dog’s nose in the winter if they are getting a bit dry or sore.

Wonderful winter coat

While your dog is reliant on having a coat to keep warm in the winter months, being out in the cold and exposed to the elements everyday can leave their skin feeling sensitive and their fur in need of a bit of care.

To keep your dog feeling comfortable and looking great this festive season be sure to groom them regularly. By brushing your dog, you will give them some much loved attention, and also get rid of any irritating hair or bits that may have got caught in their coat.

Dog owners can also shampoo their dog to keep their skin clean and their fur smelling great. Use Pet Head Life’s an Itch shampoo, which is packed with natural ingredients to soothe sensitive skin.

Looking good

Your dog is always out and about, but over the December months they may be exposed to new people and new places. To make sure they look – and smell – their best, even when you don’t have much time, we have a quick fix for you.

Try giving your dog a quick spritz of Pet Head Dry Clean Shampoo, followed by a quick brush to catch any fly away fur. The spray on non-rinsing shampoo cleanses the coat without water and is perfect when your pet needs a quick fix.

If you would like more information on Pet Head, visit: www.companyofanimals.co.uk

Protect your pooch this fireworks season

With fireworks season upon us and Bonfire Night displays about to take place all over the country, most of us will be getting ready to enjoy the festivities. For dogs, however, Bonfire Night and firework celebrations can be some of the most stressful and terrifying times.

And with Sainsbury’s becoming the first major supermarket to stop selling fireworks across all its stores in the UK, the discussion on whether fireworks should be further regulated has never been more topical.

Lintbells, the pet supplement manufacturers, have thought of a few ways dog owners can help look after their four-legged friends this fireworks seasons, with the help of a 2018 survey they conducted with 2,000 dog owners, that revealed, more than 70% of those surveyed claim the firework season has a negative impact on their families – including their dogs.

House prep

There are some simple things you can do in your house that will help make your dog feel more comfortable while there are fireworks going off. Creating a safe place inside your home can be an ideal place for your dog to hide from fireworks. Almost 50% of dog owners build a safe haven for their dog to escape to during fireworks – using blankets and pillows can be a great way to create a den. Over 75% even choose to close the curtains, windows and doors to further shelter their pet from the loud noises and bright flashes of lights.

Sound

The sudden bang of fireworks can be extremely terrifying for your dog, so playing other sounds can be a great way to mask the noise of the bangs. Nearly 80% of dog owners turn on the TV or radio to help drown out the sounds of the fireworks, which will help distract your dog from the noise outside.

Walking

When walking your dog during fireworks season, perhaps consider walking them earlier in the day. Walking before dusk is ideal to make sure your dog is comfortable when going outside. Try to tire your dog out earlier on in the day, so they’ll be more likely to fall asleep before fireworks are set off. Regardless of the time you’re out walking, make sure you walk your dog on a load and they are microchipped.

Consider an alternative

If you have tried everything you can to help your cope with fireworks and they are still stressed, then it may be time to reach out to your vet for advice in the first instance, as they will be able to provide the best course of action.

Lintbells range of natural calming supplements, YuCALM, are a great way to help combat your dogs stress and anxiety. By supporting natural calming pathways in the brain, YuCALM is an effective way to help reduce stress and support your dog to become happier and more playful once again.

Giving your dog YuCALM in the build up to Bonfire Night and fireworks season, will help to support calm behaviour and ease any anxiety in time for the fireworks going off. Nearly 25% of those surveyed even tried giving their dog a natural supplement to help soothe their pets stress and anxiety.

Gemma Cunningham, Campaign and Communications Manager at Lintbells, said: “Many dog owners are calling for a change around firework laws, with over 60% calling for an outright ban on unlicensed fireworks, according to the study we conducted, with 96% believing that the laws around fireworks should be changed.

“In addition to the recent announcement from supermarket Sainsbury’s and its plans to stop selling fireworks in all of its stores, the results of the study have raised further questions on whether fireworks should be further legislated, to protect not only dogs, but other animals too.”

Dogs Trust celebrates National Pet Month

National Pet Month

Dogs Trust West Calder has been celebrating National Pet Month this year by highlighting the benefits of pet ownership.

Canine Carers at the West Calder centre have been raising awareness of some of the amazing benefits associated with owning a dog, including companionship, mental wellbeing and physical health.

Throughout April they have been creating videos and using social media to promote how their residents have been bringing these benefits to the team.

Two current canine residents looking to bring joy to new families are:

  • Mindy – This Papillon cross Terrier is a very loving and loyal friend; and a real bundle of joy to be around. Mindy is seven years old and she loves to be outside running around the garden, playing with her squeaky toys. As well as providing companionship and plenty of joy and exercise to her future family, Mindy requires a little extra TLC as she has an ongoing medical condition which will maintaining her treatment in the home.
  • Rory –  A one-year-old Crossbreed who loves to be active and will most certainly help his potential new owner stay physically fit. Rory is a happy and enthusiastic boy with a real zest for life; and he would benefit from new owners who are patient and understanding. He would also benefit from a family who are willing to continue his training. Having a pet like Rory is a wonderful way to ensure you get plenty of daily exercise and fresh air.

Advice and support is available to anyone thinking of adopting a dog by calling the West Calder centre on 01506 873549 or visiting www.dogstrust.org.uk/our-centres/west-calder/

You can also follow Dogs Trust West Calder on Twitter @DT_WestCalder for regular updates on the dogs available for rehoming.

 

Vet charity wants to find and fix Edinburgh’s fattest pets

Veterinary charity PDSA is appealing for Edinburgh’s fattest pets to enrol in a nationwide pet slimming competition. The call comes as stats reveal up to half of UK pets (46% of dogs, 34% of cats and 30% of rabbits)* are believed to be overweight or obese. Continue reading Vet charity wants to find and fix Edinburgh’s fattest pets