How To Help Your Dog Cope With The Heat

We've been blessed with a mini heat wave and whilst most of us know what to do to cope with the rising temperatures, we need to remember to help our pets.

Every summer there are reports of dogs who die because their owners thoughtlessly left them in cars in the heat of the day.

We don't yet have a dog but the kids are campaigning heavily. And if we do take in a new furry friend, I'll certainly be mindful of the useful advice below when it comes to taking care of Fido in the heat.

Just click on the link to be taken straight to the article.

6 Ways To Protect Your Dog From Summer Heat And Heatstroke - dogtime.com

Useful advice includes keeping walks to a minimum and giving your dog a lightweight summer haircut to prevent overheating.  Don't forget that animals suffer sunburn too.

5 Ways To Protect Your Dogs From The Heat This Summer - dogsmonthly.co.uk

Did you know that dogs do not have sweat glands on their skin so they lower their body temperature by drinking plenty of water. When they are allowed to lie down and play in water, they get some relief from the heat.

And do you know how to protect your dog's paws - particularly if he's a puppy?

How Hot Is Too Hot For Dogs? - thespruce.com

Have you ever wondered how hot is too hot in your home for your dog? This post might have the answer, along with lots of other great doggy-related advice.

10 Neat DIY Ways To Help Your Dog Beat The Heat - iheartdogs.com

A collection of cool tips you can try at home - for example #4 Mini Pool - don't splash out on an expensive doggy pool - you can use a kiddie pool for your dog to cool off in. 

To stop them slipping, simply add some non-slip bathroom decals to the bottom of the pool. Cheap, cheerful and effective for your pet.

Dog Tips For The Summer - dfordog.co.uk

Common sense advice including this on the subject of leaving dogs in cars:-

"Never leave your dog in the car on even just a slightly warm day. Leaving the window open a few inches for them, parking in the shade, or leaving them a bowl of water in the car is NOT adequate. A dog left in a car on a hot or even warm day can suffer heat stress and ultimately fatal heat stroke within just 10 minutes.

The temperature inside the car might not seem excessive when you first stop but the temperature inside a stationary car can rapidly increase to double the outside temperature - phew. This can happen very quickly, within six to ten minutes.

If you come across a dog that has been left in the car on a warm day, call the Police. They will be able to take appropriate action, if necessary breaking into the car to release the dog."

Helping Your Dog Beat The Heat This Summer - lovethatpet.com

This advice comes from an Australian website and they are surely better at coping with the heat than we are here in the UK! They explain how to spot when your dog may be in distress due to the heat - for example vomiting, drooling, heaving panting, diarrhea or seizures.

Even if you think your pet has only suffered a mild case of heatstroke, the internal damage can be lasting so you should always take your dog to the vet for a check up.

What do you do to ensure your dog stays cool?  

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7 Important Tips For Training Your Dog

If you have never had a dog as a pet, you'll be surprised how much there is to learn.

Dog training (no matter what type of training we’re talking about) usually starts at a very young age. Just like small children, dogs will react to how you treat them and will be affected by your behaviour.

This is because dogs are pack animals - they have a much stronger sense of hierarchy than we do and are used to following a leader.

In other words, if you start training a dog you will quickly become not only a parental figure but also the leader.

Things you need to know about dog training

Before I start mentioning actionable tips, it is necessary to mention same basics. That’s why I asked the dog training expert Lene Kaufmann from Kaufmann’s Puppy Training to give some us some professional tips.

Dogs breeds can be very different and can have a big impact on your relationship with an animal. Character also comes into play of course, but if there is something you need to consider from the very start, it is the breed of the dog you are bringing into your home.

So, why is this important?

Different species exhibit different behaviors and different energy levels. In fact, things such as size of the dog can even impact the training routine (especially during "potty training" as you will be forced to go out more often).

Some species will be more aggressive, some tend to bark more than others and there are those that aren’t particularly good with other animals and children.

Depending on your current family size, this is something that should definitely be considered and can be a big hindrance moving forward.

Actionable tips that will help you with training your dog

1. Everything you do needs to be done with love. Animals are instinctive especially when young. They cannot understand your commands. So, it is necessary to create a system where you show them what is right and what is wrong

2. Do not reward a pet if it messes up. Hugging or cuddling a dog when it makes a mess will send a conflicting message and will make the animal think that such behavior is wanted

3. On the flipside, neither should you punish the dog. Any kind of punishment (especially a severe one) can lead to trauma and can affect your relationship. Even though the dog may learn from it, it will leave it scarred

4. If something bad happens or if a dog doesn’t obey your instructions, whilst it is OK to show your displeasure (for example by saying "no" in a stern voice), there is no need to yell at your pet. Yelling should be avoided. No matter how stressed you are do not resolve to it

5. You need to have a precise command for every action. By having more than one, it will confuse a dog and it will not know how to react. Also, make sure that all members of your household use the same commands. Use hand gestures if needed so you have two ways of explaining something

6. Doggie treats need to be appropriate. Whenever your dog does something correctly during the training, make sure to give him a treat. Try giving your pet something special that he doesn't get every day (not chocolate!). This will make the dog more inclined to make an effort and the behavior will become habitual

7. Training should be something fun. This means that your behavior also has to imply it is fun. If you are moody and do not give off a good vibe, your dog will not be so inclined to cooperate

As you can see, dog training is not so difficult. As long as you have the patience and good attitude, you will be able to train your dog well.

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Are You Thinking of Getting a Family Dog?

Having a pet in the home while your children are growing up can be so rewarding for everyone. A dog can bring fun times, an extra special sense of togetherness for the family and of course, plenty of love.

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For your children, a dog can be the highlight of any day from playing games together in the garden to cuddling up in front of the TV. Our canine buddies can help create a true sense of union, a closeness with every family member and a feeling that they have forever been a ‘part of the family’.

However, watch out for what’s to come… Money experts Voucherbox revealed the average cost of owning a pet during a recent survey.

Amongst the studies, they discovered that dog owners make an average lifetime investment of £15,382 for their furry friend, while cat owners pay a lesser average of £10,395!

While these statistics will undoubtedly shock most pet owners, surely the unconditional love they get offset the cost?

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Our four-legged friends are one of the most expensive pets to own, so what are the other pros and cons of owning a dog?

The Advantages

• Friends forever – dogs are always pleased to see us and love our attention. They are like shadows, following us everywhere and around the house. You will never be alone!

• Fitness – dogs require daily exercise which also gets us out in the fresh air! Whether it’s rainy cold walks in the winter or lovely summer runs, exercise is good for the dog and great for us too.

• Protection – dogs are steadfast, devoted companions, and they will always keep their owners from harm.

• Children – dogs are generally great with children and will build a strong and loving bond. If you’re children are young, it would be sensible to choose a dog that is renowned for being patient. Bear in mind that usually the behaviour of the dog is down to the training by the owner.

The Disadvantages 

• Dependent – dogs are reliant on humans and should not be left on their own all day, so if you work full-time outside of the home, a dog would not be an ideal family pet.

• Daily walks – a dog needs to be walked at least once a day, so if you can’t make the time to go out for at least 30 minutes every day, then consider another pet.

• Kennels & home boarding – be mindful that if you go away on holiday or for a weekend, you will need to pay on average £20 per day for dog-sitting services.

• Chewing – bear in mind that puppies and young dogs may chew household objects. This is usually only when they are teething but if you’re very house proud, then reconsider.

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Having a dog in the home can be so rewarding. Imagine having someone who is always happy to see you! Depending on the age of your children, they can also be given responsibilities like walking or feeding the dog.

It can be wonderful to get a puppy as they will grow up with your children, but getting a rescue dog (that is trustworthy with children) can also be very fulfilling.

So if you’re thinking about adopting a lifelong companion, why not head to the nearest rescue centre this weekend?

There are plenty of dogs who would give you unconditional love, that need homes and a family to love them back.

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Keeping Your Pets Calm On Halloween & Bonfire Night

Already there are fireworks being let off late into the night and, with the anti-social bangs, you can hear dogs barking right across the village.

I can't understand why fireworks are still available for sale to the public given the risks to health and safety, particularly to our children and animals.

But, whilst we have to put up with it - and the late night explosions seem to start earlier every year, here are some things you can do to keep your pets calm, especially on the night itself.

And since it's Halloween on Monday night, there's the extra possible disturbance of trick or treaters ringing the door bell and setting pets howling or running for cover.

Animals have very acute hearing and loud noises can cause them real distress so here are some simple steps you could try.

As Kennel Club Secretary, Caroline Kisko says, “dogs can react very badly to the unfamiliar sights and sounds that are common around Halloween and Bonfire Night. Fireworks, people in costumes knocking on the door, flashes of light and other things that dogs would not normally experience can be terrifying for dogs and could result in them behaving unpredictably which could put their safety, or the safety of people, at risk."

Try to keep them indoors

In the days when we had Samson, my beloved old black and white moggie, we always made sure he was kept indoors and that the curtains were drawn. It was a little easier for us because Samson was an indoor cat anyway and it's obviously more difficult if your cat wants to go out for a loo break!

Walk your dog earlier in the day

For dogs, the simple solution is to walk them a little earlier in the day so that they can be safely indoors when the banging and flashing starts, or when people in scary costumes start turning up.

The Kennel Club advise dog owners to walk their dog before trick or treaters start their rounds and keep a firm grip on the lead as many dogs are frightened by people in costumes and could potentially react aggressively through fear.

Distract them

A special chew or some extra kitty biscuits might go some way to taking their mind off the din.  Obviously you don't want to feed your dog any chocolate from the Halloween sweet stash.  You might also need to keep pets' water bowls topped up as dogs in particular will drink more through the extra panting that results from being scared.

Create A Safety Zone

If you are having people around which will add to the noise and stress for your pet, you could bed them down in a separate room away from the hubbub.  The staff at Battersea Cats & Dogs Home suggest this could be something simple like a blanket draped over a table and to set this up so that your pet has a chance to get used to it before it needs to be used.

Try A Firework DVD or CD

The Kennel Club suggest that, in the run up to Bonfire Night, you could try playing a sound CD with firework noises or firework sound videos on Youtube at a low level to let your dog get used to the sound in the background.

Behave normally

Close the curtains and turn the television or radio up and try to behave as normally as possible to encourage your pet to do the same. Don't shout at your pet or tell them off - it's not their fault they're scared.

Ensure your pet is chipped or tagged

If they run off you'll have a far better chance of getting them back again if they have been micro-chipped and are wearing an ID tag.

Fix Broken Fences & Gates

Check that your pets can't escape from your garden if you have one. Fixing that broken fence before the festivities start might be a good idea just in case your pet makes a break for it.

Talk to your neighbours

Ask your neighbours if they are planning any parties or firework displays of their own.  That way at least you'll be prepared and could even relocate to somewhere quieter for the evening.

Talk to your vet

There are calming sprays and plug-ins that might help and it's always worth asking your vet for some advice.

With a little preparation you may be able to make Halloween and Bonfire Night less of an ordeal for your pets.

Do you have any tips for helping to keep pets calm?

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Five things to think about before getting a pet

Recently I’ve been thinking a lot about what it would be like to have another pet. The kids have reached the age where all I hear about it how much they want a pet of their own, but it’s a life-altering decision. I thought I’d put together a quick blog post on the top five things to consider, in case you are in the same situation.

1. Your lifestyle

First and foremost, what kind of lifestyle do you have? Are you flying solo and prefer to spend most of your evenings out on a run, and you’d love the company of a large dog beside you? Or are you a loving family unit, currently searching for an exuberant kitten that’s just as happy to play with the kids as he is to sit on your lap of an evening? You need to make sure that you pick the right kind of animal to suit your lifestyle, otherwise you will both end up miserable.

2. Your environment

It’s all well and good choosing an animal you like the most, but take a look at your environment and be honest with yourself about how suitable it is. Cats love to climb, so you might want to think about modifying your space to include some platforms for it to jump to or scratching posts beside walls. If this isn’t something you’re prepared to do, then you shouldn’t be thinking about that animal – even rabbits need a run!

3. Your allergies

Purposely getting a pet you’re allergic to could land you on a hospital ward, so if you have your heart set on a cat for example but suffer with terrible allergies, the Siberian breed might be the one for you, as studies have shown them to have far less of the protein in their saliva that causes a reaction than any other cat. Always do your research and see if there’s a breed to suit you.

4. Your budget

Of course, there’s no point in picking the perfect pet for yourself if you can’t actually afford to keep it, so you should always look at exactly what the monthly costs involved will be. With animals like dogs and cats, you can expect food, toys, vet bills, insurance and so on to be at the top of the list, but what about more exotic pets like amphibians? They will probably require a special diet and habitat requirements. Be honest about what all of this is likely to cost you.

5. Where do you go?

Finally, you should do a search in your local area for where you can actually pick up an animal from. If you’re going for a specific breed, it’s vital that you select someone who is registered with the local authorities or you pick an establishment such as Douglas Hall Kennels who hand-pick breeders for you. Don’t dismiss charities either though, as they’re a great opportunity to give a loving animal a fresh start.

I hope this post has helped you – are you getting an animal soon?

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Keeping Your Home Clean When You Have Pets

I really miss having a cat.  My last cat, Samson, was a beautiful black and white tom cat I got from a rescue home.  He had been badly treated and would only use a litter tray.  The outside was of no interest to him whatsoever.

Now, of course, we have kids and they would both love to have a pet.  There is, of course, a common notion that having pets makes it harder to keep your home clean and tidy, which is why a lot of parents aren’t willing to have them. (Other issues are cost, medical bills and what to do with your pet when you go on holiday).

The question is can you have pets and a clean, germ-free home? Or, does having a dog, cat, or gerbil or even a more exotic pet like a snake, mean that your home will be more difficult to keep clean?

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Pets do make mess and spread germs 

The truth is, pets do make a mess and spread germs, especially outdoor pets. An indoor cat is much less likely to spread germs than an outdoor cat because he or she isn’t exposed to outdoor germs, such as those found in the dirt. However, just because pets can spread germs, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

A lot of parents keep their homes in sterile like conditions, which means that children have little to no immunity. To be healthy, kids need to come into contact with germs. This is what helps them build a stronger defense against certain illnesses and conditions. Having a pet is the perfect way to do this.

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Proper pet care can create cleaner pets 

The number one reason pets smell is because they aren’t being looked after properly. The truth is a pet that’s well cared for should never smell or be dirty.

Say, for instance, you have a gerbil, the only time it would smell would be if it’s cage wasn’t being cleaned regularly enough. Or, let’s say you have a dog that’s getting older, he or she may start having accidents in the house, causing your home to smell. However, with proper care and the use of Propalin Syrup for dogs, these types of accidents can be prevented.

A lot of parents worry about pets carrying fleas or ticks. However, if you flea and worm your pets regularly - once a month, this won’t be an issue.

All healthy cats are self-cleaning, so should never smell. If a cat starts to smell, this is because they’re unwell and unable to clean themselves, in which case a visit to the vets is needed.

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Regular cleaning can prevent problems

While pets do carry germs and dirt, as long as you clean your home regularly there shouldn’t be a problem. Simply by vacuuming your home once every couple of days and cleaning the floors with a steam cleaner, you can remove all dirt from it.

As long as you keep on top of the cleaning in your home, there shouldn’t be any problem with a pet making it dirty or messy.

Well, unless you have a dog that likes to destroy things, that is. In this case, while you’re unable to supervise your pup, it’s best to put him or her in a room where there’s nothing he or she can destroy.

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The answer is yes, it is possible to have a clean home when you have pets. Don’t let the fact that pets carry germs put you off of having one. As, if you care for your pets properly, and clean your home regularly, there should be no problem.

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PDSA - Take The Big Pet Survey & Win Prizes

The PDSA are carrying out the UK's largest pet survey in partnership with leading research agency, YouGov.  The survey takes just minutes to complete but it could make an immense difference to the animals we share our daily lives with. The results will be used in the PDSA Animal Welfare Report 2015 and you can download last year's report here.  The report is full of facts and figures about the nation's pets' health and wellbeing.  In it, you'll find lots of top tips an expert advice on pet care.

Plus if you spare a few minutes to take The Big Pet Survey, by leaving your details you have the opportunity to win prizes worth over £450 including:-

*  £150 of Vetstore.co.uk vouchers
*  6 months' supply of pet food
*  6 months' supply of joint supplements
*  SureFlap microchip pet door
*  SureFlap pet feeder 

This year, the PDSA celebrates 98 years of caring for the sick and injured animals of people in need.  They are the UK's leading veterinary charity.  They provide more than 2.7 million treatments to sick and injured pets each year and they are funded entirely by public support.

Find out more at www.pdsa.org.uk. Twitter @PDSA_HQ, Facebook www.facebook.com/pdsa.

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