Pet owners facing homelessness are set to benefit from better support finding a home which allows them to keep their animals. Continue reading Supporting homeless people … and their pets
Tag: pets
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.”
Keep pets safe and stress free during fireworks season
As Bonfire Night approaches, pet owners have been offered advice on how to keep domestic animals safe and stress-free. Continue reading Keep pets safe and stress free during fireworks season
Dog-eared books at Stockbridge Library?
SFRS aiming to equip every Scottish fire station with oxygen masks for pets
A MAJOR drive is underway to ensure every firefighter in Scotland is equipped to save the lives of family pets caught up in devastating house fires.
Continue reading SFRS aiming to equip every Scottish fire station with oxygen masks for pets
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
Search is on for most marvellous moggy
Cats Protection is asking cat owners in Scotland to nominate their furry friends in this year’s National Cat Awards. Continue reading Search is on for most marvellous moggy
Purrfect Landlords campaign to help renters in Scotland own cats
Cats Protection has launched a major new campaign to help more people living in rented housing own a pet cat. Continue reading Purrfect Landlords campaign to help renters in Scotland own cats
Christmas dinner for pets? Think Scrooge!
Christmas dinner advice for dogs and cats to ensure trouble-free festive fun
From a succulent roast dinner with all the trimmings to fruit-laden puddings, cakes and chocolates – not to mention nuts, mince pies and smoked salmon – Christmas Day is all about eating. And it’s not only people who like to indulge: our much-loved four-legged family members do too! It’s hard to resist slipping them scraps or even their own Christmas dinner from our leftovers – but we need to be mindful that not everything on the Christmas menu should be shared. Continue reading Christmas dinner for pets? Think Scrooge!