Fish4Dogs...and Cats - Available at Pet Shop 247

Fish4Dogs are one of the UK’s fastest growing manufacturers of pet food. Based in Worcestershire, Fish4Dogs are specialists in fish-based dog food and dog treats; though the name may fool you into thinking they only make food for dogs, they do have a big range of cat food and cat treats too.

Fish4Dogs began life back in 2004 with Robert and Jill Angell as the founders. Robert and Jill began researching the values and benefits of feeding fish to dogs (starting with their own pets) and were astounded by the results. The initial testing involved using fish off-cuts that were surplus to requirements at the major supermarkets chains, but ideal for the Angell’s needs. The first treats were made at their own home using their Aga cooker, and they went down a treat with pet Great Danes and the fish oils provided them with healthy and glossy coats.

Locals were impressed with how healthy, active and robust the dogs were as well as how good they looked and they began asking if the Angells would be able to provide them with some of these great treats for their dogs. Then the local pet shops got in on the deal and began to stock and sell them and it wasn’t long after that Fish4Dogs was born.

The biggest boon and praise for their treats came when vets began recommending the Sea Jerky product as a healthy natural dental treat for dogs. Their hard work had paid off and as the demand grew, so did the business and soon new premises and more staff were required. Today Fish4Dogs sell their range of pet food and treats across the UK and even abroad, not bad for such a small and initially simple idea.

Over time the basic premise of Fish4Dogs – which was literally fish for dogs – grew to include fish based treats and food for cats as well. This was a no-brainer really and the cat range is just as popular as the dog range, though renamed Fish4Cats to stop confusion.

Fish4Dogs are always researching new an improved products, recipes and ingredients for all their products, with the emphasis on providing the nutritional and diet based benefits of feeding fish to dogs and cats. However it hasn’t stopped their and they have moved onto research into the values of feeding fish to other pets as well, with each success providing more great products to help your pets remain healthy and strong.

Since its inception, Fish4Dogs have received a variety of accolades, awards and accreditations for its products, something the company is very proud of.

Here at Pet Shop 247 we are very impressed with the Fish4Dogs brand and have had some very impressive feedback about their products from our customers. So we are proud to stock a large selection of Fish4Dogs and Fish4cats products including complete dog food, complete cat food, salmon oil for cats and for dogs and of course the highly recommended Sea Jerky dental treats.

To see our full range of Fish4Dogs and Fish4Cats products, visit www.petshop247.co.uk or simply click here.

A Home Away From Home – Dog Kennels at Pet Shop 247

“Personally my dog is an indoor dog; he spends most of his time curled up on my bed or his (and occasionally on the sofa. He loves to go out for a walk, run around, chase balls and then come in and get comfy and warm. That’s how it has been for nearly 10 years and it’s just how it is.

So when I see a dog kennel, I see a place where a dog is shoved into to keep them out of the house and out of the way. The thing is that is because I have a one sided view of it and there is nothing proving I am right, and since my sister got her dog, I’m starting to see the benefits a kennel can provide.

So what has changed my view? Well the thing is she has a large dog, a Rottweiler to be precise. He’s a lovable friendly dog, but very young and full of energy he loves play fighting, running around throwing toys and jumping about. Now the thing is my sister has quite a small house for such a big dog, but she has a big back yard, very big as a matter of fact. Now her dog absolutely loves being outside, where he has the room to run around and go nuts; it doesn’t matter if it is raining or cold he just loves being outdoors - especially when it gets a bit too warm inside due to central heating being on, or he can’t pounce about in the living room as there is no space. If its pouring with rain he’ll get let out for a quick toilet break and then get called back in, but he doesn’t want to come in, he wants to run about until he’s bored. Of course by then he’s soaking wet and the kerfuffle of bringing him in, drying him of and so on begins.

Now if he had a kennel to dive into between his bouts of running around like a loon, he’d not have the hassle of being called in, can lie in the dry kennel when he’s bored and head out whenever he wishes. Basically it would be a temporary shelter that he can use for quick breaks from playing, without having to be let in and out of the house when his owners decide to spoil his fun. So seeing this type of dog, suddenly kennels make more sense. Many dogs love being outside, rather than stuck indoors, especially larger dog breeds, and the option of a warm dry place for them to retreat too when they need it makes a lot of sense.

Ironically as a child our family pet was a German Shepherd and he loved being outside as well, he didn’t have a kennel, but would lie in the shed in our garden without a care in the world. He was still welcome in the house but just wasn’t that interested if he could be running free outside taking respites into the half open shed if necessary.

On the other side of the coin my dog is a small Staffordshire Terrier/Jack Russell cross breed. He’s 9 years old and set in his ways, he loves his creature comforts and only braves the rain for a walk (though if it’s for a walk he’s fairly content, otherwise forget it). But what is right for my dog is not necessarily right for others, and I’ve come to realise a kennel isn’t a dog prison, but a little refuge for those who prefer being outdoors to in.”

For a great selection of dog kennels visit www.petshop247.co.uk.

One of our top sellers are our range of Europet traditional styled dog kennels with lockable doors (ideal for those times a workman might need to use the garden for repairs, or the window cleaner). Coated with a water resistant and non-toxic wood stain, these kennels come in 3 sizes for differing dog breeds and have a tough green mineral felt roof.

We stock many more dog kennel styles from branded names so pop by our website and pick up a bargain.

Nutram Dog Food now at Pet Shop 247

Nutram, Canada’s leading dry pet food has arrived at Pet Shop 247. Though at the moment we only stock Nutram dog food, we do hope to add the cat food range in the near future. With that in mind we have a fantastic selection of Nutram dry dog food from puppy food through to senior dog food and plenty in between.

So who are Nutram? Well they are a Canadian company, 100% owned and operated in Canada (something they are proud of) and providers of quality dry pet food around the globe and have gained renown in over 30 countries.

The core mission statement of Nutram is the delivery of nutritional pet food with premium quality ingredients to customers around the globe. Below is an excerpt from their website;

“...our emphasis is on nutrition and premium quality ingredients. We firmly believe in the science behind our food formulations and that our premium quality ingredients help pets live long, healthy lives. We manufacture in small batches to ensure that our ingredients are fresh. Our Nutritionist and Quality Assurance staff are dedicated to providing pets with food that is properly balanced, beneficial to good health and palatable. We pride ourselves in building strong relationships with customers through consistent quality and freshness. We look to continually improve, keeping pace with developments in quality management and pet food manufacturing technology. We take quality seriously. We truly understand that you love your pet just as much as we love ours.”

We love the fact that Nutram take so much pride in what they offer, and that’s one of the reasons we decided to stock it at Pet Shop 247. They also offer a 100% money back guarantee, they are that convinced of the products reputation and quality.

The dog food range includes sizes from 3kg, 7kg and 15kg bags, which include standard adult dog, puppy and senior dog food, and covers food for skin and coat care, oral hygiene, sensitive stomachs, allergy care and more. For large dog breeds the bags come in 7kg and 15 kg and active dogs come in 15kg only (of course larger dogs have much more food and thus smaller bags are fairly pointless, the same is true of active dogs which eat more due to the extra calories they burn each day).

For the full range of Nutram dog food we stock visit our website www.petshop247.co.uk, and let us know your thoughts on Nutram and we’ll keep you up to date on when we will stock a larger range, including Nutram cat food.

Sick of Sharing your Bed or Sofa with Your Dog?

Dogs love our furniture, it’s a generalised truth. Whether it’s our comfy sofas or our cosy beds, they want to be just as comfortable as us given half the chance.

Now if like me you’re a soft touch, you’ll let them jump onto your bed or sofa without too much fuss (unless my dog is wet or has dirty paws in which case all the cute looks in the world won’t matter), but let’s face it letting your dog onto your best furniture just to make him or her more snug isn’t probably the best idea in the world. However for many of us it’s just not in our nature to say “down” or “no” when it comes to our pet pooches.

So what are the solutions? Well the correct and most sensible approach would be just that, be firm and let the dog know it where it’s place is, which isn’t on the furniture. Or you can do the more defeatist, but kinder (in our own eyes at least) route which means getting the dog its own furniture. Now that may seem extreme but many people treat their dog in a similar vein to a child, and look upon it as so; after all your dog is loyal and loving unconditionally, and that not something you can get anywhere.

So if you have gone down this path (like I would) then what is out there to tempt your dog away from that new leather sofa or king size bed? Well Wallace and Jones have the solution in their range of dog beds.

Now I say dog beds but these are a combination of dog bed and dog sofa and they look absolutely amazing. The range includes the Windsor and the Oxford, which are both leather look dog beds styled like sofas, with the Windsor sporting a more angular and modern look, and the Oxford having a curved and more traditional styling.

The Windsor Dog Bed comes in either a black and slate or brown and cream leather-effect finish on a strong wooden frame with wipe down contrasting inset and metallic feet. It is stain resistant and easy to clean, you simply wipe it down and it comes in 3 sizes depending on the needs of your dog. The angular style, metal feet and contemporary looks mean it would fit in better with a more modern designed room, but the brown and cream finish does have a feel and look in line with more traditional furniture.

The Oxford dog bed actually comes in 2 different styles simply know as the Oxford I and the Oxford II (1 and 2). The Oxford I resembles a tub sofa or chair (dependant on the size chosen), whereas the Oxford 2 is more reminiscent of a traditional dog bed, open fronted, low though mounted on small feet to raise it off the ground. Both are finished in either black and slate or brown (chestnut), with the Oxford I having a wipe down exterior and the Oxford II having a removable base cushion and scatter cushion.

Regardless of which range you choose both are stylish and comfortable, easy to clean and the epitome of luxury. Yes they are pricey, but then again they cost a lot less than your living room or bedroom furniture did and should either tempt your furry friend away from your lovely sofa and bed, or make you feel a lot less guilty about telling them “NO” when they try to jump up and get comfy in your space; after all they have their own little bit of comfy heaven of their own now.

So if you fancy giving your dog a very luxurious treat and place to rest his or her weary bones, why not try one of the dog beds from Wallace and Jones, and whether you go for the Windsor or either or the Oxford Dog beds, you know they will be happy and comfortable just like you will.

Pet Shop 247 have a section of Wallace and Jones dog beds including the Windsor and Oxford ranges at great prices.

DIY Dog Grooming

I have a black cocker spaniel called Lizzie who likes to roll around in horse poo – and eat it. She loves chasing and eating spiders and waits outside the bathroom door for you in the hope that you made a smell. She is lovely and friendly, but you never let her lick you! Her doggie companion, Jasper does not roll in horse poo, although he merrily trots through muddle puddles and habitually licks his genitalia at every opportunity. If he sneezes, he licks himself. If you pat him on the head, he licks himself. You get the idea!

Dogs don’t understand the consequences of their actions, in that if they get dirty, they need to be cleaned. It isn’t practical to be forever taking your dog to the groomer. Firstly, it is costly and secondly, taking your dog to the groomers is a stressful experience for them. Is this really something you can do from home?

Yes! Petshop 24/7 has decided to start stocking professional dog grooming products for pet owners. If you are finding the cost of grooming your pet hard to meet then we have a huge selection of products that will suit your budget. From dog brushes to dog shampoo, clippers and thinners, we are also introducing dental care for your pets.

If your dog is of a nervous disposition, how can you train it to be more receptive to grooming? The trick is to reward good behaviour with positive attention. Get them used to being touched and handled.

If your pet doesn’t like you touching their paws then it certainly won’t take too kindly to having its nails clipped. Start by getting your dog used to touching its paws. When you tickle his or her tummy, try shaking their paw or stroking the fur on their feet so they become accustomed to having their feet touched.

Over time, you will find that the initial costs of the products you purchase will soon be forgotten. Grooming charges will be a thing of the past and your pet will no longer become anxious and stressed on visits to the groomer as he or she will be comfortable and happy in their own home with a groomer they trust – you.

These professional dog grooming products will be added over the coming months, so keep your eyes peeled and we'll keep you up to date.