Presents for Pets

Less than a week and it’s Christmas. Mad rush nearly over and all the food and gift shopping, along with crowds and all the other Christmas build up madness will be a distant of memory.

So having got the presents for family and friends, have you remembered to get something for your pets? OK not everyone will buy a gift for a pet, be it dog, cat or whatever your choice of animal companions are. But many of us do, they are a part of the family and it’s nice to have them join in with the festivities where possible. Even if they don’t understand it, they will normally appreciate or even benefit from their gifts.

So let’s look at what you could try for your pets.

Dogs
Probably the easiest as there are a mass amount of dog toys, dog treats and other dog gift ideas available. I normally by my dog something along the lines of a rope toy or a nylon bone, mainly as the weather normally isn’t geared to playing ball or fetch. So something I can play with him indoors or something he can chill out with and chew away at is fine. Add in some treats such as biscuits or chews and he’s a happy camper at Christmas.

Finding something good for your dog won’t be difficult, but there are other things besides toys you could try. How about a new dog bed for your pet pooch? Maybe a new dog lead or dog collar? Perhaps even some nice shiny new dog bowls? When it comes to dogs the choice is just huge.

Cats
Cats are just about as easy to buy for as dogs, though personally cats always seem a bit less enthusiastic about whatever you give them, then again cats just seem to have that chilled attitude most of the time, the term ‘cool cat’ didn’t pop up for no reason.

Regardless of enthusiasm, cats love toys and gifts as much as a dogs do, and there is a wealth of gifts out there for them. Toy mice, bells, and other small cat toys are great to get your cat playing, and spray a little catnip on them and they will soon be going nuts.

Along with toys there are beds, bowls and collars, as well as scratching posts and activity sets. These activity sets give the cats a place to play, scratch and climb, with some even adding a small ‘hidey hole’ for them to creep into.

Birds
Well birds don’t exactly bark with delight at a gift, but they enjoy them nonetheless. Adding a new swing or new toy to a cage will go down a treat, and dangling decor such as mirrors or bells are great for interactivity. Ladders and rings will give them places to explore and perch on and it adds a new discovery game to their routine. A few little treats for them to nibble on won’t go amiss either. If you really want to go to town, why not go for a whole new bird cage? Chances are they’ll love it.

Small Pets
what to buy your pet rabbit, or guinea pig, hamster, mouse or other cute little critter. Well they love toys just like any other animal. Something to keep them occupied and entertained will always go down well.

Something to chew is a good start, keeping their teeth in good condition and providing them something to do. There is a whole plethora of chew and play toys available for small pets, from ferrets and chinchillas to hamsters and mice.

The there is the cage they live in; you can always buy one of the host of accessories and activity sets that can be great for any small pet cage. Wheels, tubes, houses, see-saws, the list goes on and on. Or you could by them a modular cage that can be built and added to over time providing them with a whole interactive home.

Fish
Fish don’t really need presents, or care too much about them, but adding some nice new decor to their tank will provide benefits, be it places to hide, things to explore or even something else to try and eat. If you do want to splash out though, how about a new fish tank?

These are just a few of the pets we have and there are gifts and treats for other animals such as horses, reptiles, spiders and insects as well. So whatever you have as you choice of pet, there is something out there for them this Christmas, and it shouldn’t be too hard to find.

For a great range of gifts for pets, whether for Christmas or any time of the year, visit www.petshop247.co.uk, one of the UK’s leading online pet superstores.

Holiday Pet Care Advice

The Christmas season can be wrought with dangers for our furry friends, but thankfully a host of pet healthcare experts have advised on keeping our companions safe during the holiday season.

Owners may be aware that the festive season comes with a host of pet healthcare dangers, but thankfully animal care specialists have offered some useful advice in the run-up to Christmas on keeping animals safe. The holidays are a time when many new and exciting objects and foodstuffs are floating around the house. Owners must be especially vigilant to keep these items out of their dog or cat's mouth.

Guests who do not know any better may be tempted to hand a pet a morsel of something highly appetising, but they should be discouraged from doing so as soon as they enter the house as much holiday fare is poisonous to our four-legged friends. Chocolate is well known to be harmful to animals, but so is anything sweetened with xylitol. Even rich foods can make them sick if they are not used to eating this - and the bones from the Christmas bird can cause choking. Unattended drinks could easily send a dog or cat into a coma if consumed.

Ingesting decorations such as tinsel or plug-in lights can also be highly dangerous and any festive adornments should be securely fastened out of reach. Even the sap from the pine tree can cause harm, either through fertilisers or the bacteria bred in stagnant water. Confetti thrown about on New Year's Eve can also become lodged in a cat's intestines.

Other holiday dangers come in the form of mistletoe and holly. The latter can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea while mistletoe can provoke cardiovascular problems and gastrointestinal upset. Well-meaning guests bringing bouquets of flowers should be careful they do not contain lilies, which are poisonous to cats.

Of course, all items that are likely to be knocked over such as vases, Christmas trees or candles need to be tightly secured. This is because with all the excitement of company, many pets may be overexcited and running around. While some pets love company and socialising and getting petted by dozens of friends and family, this type of activity can be a great source of stress for others.

Experts advise owners set aside a space where animals can go to be away from all the hustle and bustle. To minimise anxious feelings, people should aim for minimum disruption of a dog's feeding and walking schedule, to help enforce normality.

All the same, the excess of noise and activity could cause some pets to want to bolt, so guests should be warned prior to coming over not to leave the doors open. Likewise, if they have children or are unfamiliar with animals visitors should be informed on how to play with furry creatures. The individual preferences and personalities of dogs and cats should be made known to those coming to the home at Christmas so there are no surprises or stressful incidents. Also, if kids are going to be part of the festivities in a household that is unaccustomed to tots, owners should make sure dogs and cats do not swallow toys, as these can become lodged in the oesophagus, intestines or stomach.

Finally, animal lovers were told by a number of experts that for all of the reasons stated above, Christmas was not the right time to get somebody a pet as a present. Animal Friends Insurance would like to re-iterate the now thirty-one year old slogan coined by The Dogs Trust: "A Dog Is For Life, Not Just For Christmas".

As one of the largest independent pet insurers in the UK, Animal Friends offers dog insurance, cat insurance and horse insurance to UK residents. You can get a quote and buy pet insurance quickly and easily online.

Feeding Pets the Right Food

I posted an article over on our website's homepage, just a bit of topical news that seems humorous and entertaining enough – you can read the article here.

However I noticed that the article drew a lot of comments and opinions when it was posted on www.dailymail.co.uk and though I didn’t want to comment on the site I thought it worth a moment to reflect here.

Most of the comments I spotted are from concerned pet owners and pet lovers worried about the fact that this lovely rabbit was eating the wrong dietary needs, and due to this had become increasingly overweight.

The other comments were typically aimed at the other side of the coin, saying these people should ‘butt-out’ and mind their own business; what these people choose to do with their pets is up to them.

Now I can’t help but think that, though there is a truth in what people choose to do is their own business, there is also a much stronger argument for the former group and their comments.
Each and every animal out there has a diet they require, it’s how it has been since the dawn of time. They eat these foods because they give them their required nutritional and dietary needs, and because – in an evolutionary sense, they can only eat what they can get their hands (or paws, claws, etc) on.

Of course we humans have stepped in and changed this over the years, especially when it comes to domestic animals such as cats and dogs, but these are typically the exceptions rather than the rule (few wild cats or dogs would choose dry food for example).

Rabbits eat vegetation and greenery, it’s a given fact. They have thrived both in wild and domesticated forms through the consumption of vegetables, hay and other similar foods. The same can be said for many animals, and most of them we strive, when we have them as pets, to feed them what they would naturally.

So feeding a rabbit the same food as a dog, cute or not, does seem irresponsible. Of course it won’t refuse the food it’s given, few animals turn their noses up at food when it’s offered, and that includes pigs eating ham or pork.

Now if it were as easy as to just give every pet the same diet, without any consequences, think of the money pet food manufacturers would make. But it isn’t that easy, pet food manufacturers do try to provide good, sensible and nutritional food, and they try to keep to the traditions of what those pets should be eating.

We will all probably be guilty of feeding our pets the odd treat or titbit we shouldn’t now and then, but try to think about it before making it a regular thing or doing it at all, as in the long run the chances are it won’t be good for your pet’s health. Remember we have a choice in what we eat, but our pets don’t.

For a great range of pet food, visit www.petshop247.co.uk. We stock food for a whole range of pets from dogs and cats to rabbits, hamsters, reptiles, horses, fish and much more.

How Big Dogs Have Gotten a Bad Name

Any dog can be considered dangerous. The breed and size of the dog doesn't actually matter; all dogs have their own personality and traits, which, like us, are often subject to the nature/nurture debate. According to the records, however, there do seem to be some dog breeds that are more aggressive and attack more often than others. In the UK, the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991 (amended 1997) prohibited owning four types of dogs - the type being a key defining factor - which are listed below:

Pit Bull Terrier - They are usually medium sized, and have a solid muscular build and a short coat. They have a broad flat skull and a wide deep muzzle. They are powerful and athletic and come in a wide range of solid and mixed colours. The head of this dog is unique and a key element of the breed type. It is large and broad but is proportionate to the size of its body. Originally bred for fighting and baiting, these dogs need consistent training, lots of exercise and stimulation in order to prevent them from becoming destructive and aggressive - a lack of which has given them a reputation for being dangerous.

Japanese Tosa - These massive dogs are athletic and agile. They have a large head with a broad skull and a long square muzzle. Originally bred for fighting, they have powerful jaws and a strong neck which has a dewlap. Their coats are rough, dense and short. They come in a variety of colours including solid red, yellow or black and also in brindle and multi-coloured. They are loyal and affectionate as well as calm and patient, and can make good family dogs as long as the owner is a dominant "pack leader" who can keep this large and powerful animal under control.

Dogo Argentino - These are also called Argentinean Mastiffs and are very muscular with strong jaws. They have a short sleek, thick, glossy coat which is always white. They are large dogs that were originally developed as pack dogs to hunt other animals and can be dominant or aggressive by nature. Despite this, lovers of the breed will describe them as loyal, intelligent and affectionate dogs which crave attention through play and masses of structured exercise.

Fila Brasileiro - Also called Brazilian Mastiffs, they are very large, powerful dogs with large bones and loose skin. Their coat is smooth and short. They are known to be distrustful of strangers and can show aggression toward other animals. As a pet they will remain fiercely loyal and protective, caring and even submissive towards their owners and immediate family.

The restrictions and prohibitions also apply to any mixed breed that is crossed with any of the above mentioned dogs. It is the physical and behavioural characteristics of the dog and not the actual breed name which is important, and which can lead to a misinterpretation by some owners. The reason these four breeds mentioned above were put on the dangerous dog list is because they were considered to have been bred specifically to be either fighting or hunting dogs, and thus have a certain element of "natural" aggression.

The legislation surrounding these types of dogs is complex, and involves a series of amendments including an Index of Exempted dogs: so in fact owning one of these particular types of dog may not be deemed illegal as long as it has been authorized and recorded by a court of law. What could also be confusing is the inclusion of the offence of any type or breed of dog under the original act which is "dangerously out of control" - drawing much-needed attention to the fact of the matter which is that it is not the dog which is dangerous, but rather the owner who puts the dog in a situation where there is potential for harm. Much more emphasis has recently been placed on dog owners to ensure their dogs are handled responsibly and restrained where appropriate. This shift has been welcomed by organisations such as the RSPCA who have been known to speak up against certain out-dated aspects of the Dangerous Dogs Act (1991). More important information on the laws surrounding prohibited dogs can be found by visiting defra's website.

However outdated, and despite recent amendments and inclusions, the act does still have an astounding influence on our perception of large dogs in society in general. So much so, in fact, that the above prohibited breeds are routinely excluded from a UK pet insurance policy on the grounds of increased risk and having been deemed as dangerous by said legislation. This is the case in spite of any individual court ruling that a registered dog of the above types poses no general threat. It would be fair to suggest, therefore, that unless you have unlimited access to funds which would cover the cost of veterinary treatment, or even legal action against you if your dog were to bite someone, you should not even consider keeping any of these types of dog, registered or otherwise.

Two other breeds of dogs that have often been considered "dangerous" or intimidating are the Rottweiler and German Shepherd. This common misconception is often due more to the lack of appropriate training and respect given to dogs of this size than any specific breed characteristic.

Rottweiler - These are large muscular dogs that are used by Police forces all over the world. They are also used as border guards and guide dogs. The breed originated in Germany as war and herding dogs. They are black in colour with clearly defined tan or mahogany markings. They are a powerful breed and can be aggressive if not trained correctly. This said a "Rotty" - as they are sometimes affectionately referred to by their owners - can make a superb family pet, as the natural temperament of this beautiful dog is one of loyalty and calmness, along with courage and playfulness.

German Shepherd - Also a large dog that originated from Germany and was bred for herding sheep. They are often used by the police and customs agencies. They come in a variety of colours with the most common being tan and black and red and black. Again, with the correct training, these loving and protective dogs can make fantastic pets. They will enjoy playing energetic games, and their keen intelligence makes them fast learners who will respond well to training challenges.

The increasingly well-publicised problem with so-called dangerous dogs seems to be getting worse every year, if the mass media are to be believed. Research shows that the top five dogs reported for biting people are: Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Japanese Akitas and Huskies. The key point to emphasise here is that large dogs require an enormous commitment to training and discipline - not to mention a great deal of exercise, love and attention - in order for them to become the perfect canine companion of your dreams. To blame or punish a dog that has not been properly trained is like smacking a baby for wetting his nappy, which is exactly why the Dangerous Dogs Act (1991) has typically been surrounded by so much controversy.

If you are ever confronted by a dog you think could pose a danger to you there are a few things you can do to try to diffuse a potential situation. You should make no sudden movements and stand still with your hands in your pockets. Do not make eye contact and slowly back away, but do not run. It is unwise to turn your back on a dog of whose temperament you are unsure. This applies to all breeds of dog, not just the ones detailed above.

Today, with things such as the cost of medical treatment for your pets at its highest and still increasing, a smart move is to buy pet insurance. It is also a good idea to do some research into your chosen breed before purchasing a pet dog; if he falls into an excluded category when it comes to buying pet insurance you could run into financial difficulties in the future.

Pet insurance exists to give you peace of mind and the ability to take care of your four legged family members in case of a medical emergency or injury. A good dog insurance policy will also provide third party liability cover. This will cover you financially in the event that your dog does happen to injure someone or cause an accident - even a well-trained dog can be provoked into an uncharacteristic response if he feels threatened. You will find that for just a few pounds a month you will be able to provide the best medical treatment for your pets to ensure a long and happy life together.

Tips on Housebreaking Your Puppy

You have just brought the newest member of your family home, which is a cute adorable puppy, and now the fun begins. Now you are the loving caretaker of this tiny puppy and part of your responsibilities is to make sure your puppy becomes housebroken. You may think that this will be a long-drawn out process but actually it won't be hard as you think

You should always have your new puppy seen by a veterinarian before you set up your housebreaking schedule. They can guide you on when your type of breed of dog needs to be fed and how many times a day. They will also be able to tell you if your pup is healthy and ready to be housebroken.

The most important thing to establish is a routine. A routine will reduce the amount of accidents and will also let you and your pup knows when it's time to go outside. There is a general rule that says: for every month a puppy is old, it can wait one hour to go outside. This means that if your puppy is three months old, he should be able to wait three hours before having to go outside.

That is a general rule and all puppies are different. For the first couple of days you should try to take him or her out every two hours. If you set up a regular schedule and follow some of the tips described below; your new puppy will be housebroken in no time.

Watch for the signs that your pup needs to go outside and relieve themselves. Observe the puppy's behavior and actions and soon you will be able to tell when they need to go to the bathroom. Some of the signs to watch for are: the pup is sniffing at the door, turning in circles while sniffing, and scratching, standing or barking at the door. These are all signs that they are looking for a place to do their business.

You should always take your new puppy outside the first thing in the morning before anything else and the last thing you do be fore you retire to bed. Most young puppies are not able to go all night without have to go to the bathroom. While they are in the toilet training process you should have a small room or area which they can sleep and be contained when you are not there or at night when you are asleep.

Make sure that it is a place that you can clean up easily, such as a tiled bathroom floor. You can lay down newspaper or purchase special puppy pads which are absorbent. Never scold or hit your puppy when they have an accident. When they go outside and relieve themselves make sure you praise them and tell them what a good puppy they are.

You should also try to remember never to leave your pup unattended in the house or outside. If the pup can't be under your watchful eyes they should be contained in their designated room or penned up in an outside area. Any place in your home that your pup has messed in needs to be thoroughly cleaned. You should use something that will take away the odor. Dogs and puppies will usually mess again in an area if they can smell the lingering odor of their last accident.

Try to set up a regular feeding schedule and take away any food or water about two hours before putting them up for the night. This will decrease accidents and make it easier for the pup to last through the night. Always take the pup outside after they have finished eating.

Another way that people have found to train their puppy to be housebroken is to use a method called "crate training". To use this method you would put your pup in a dog crate or dog kennel which is especially made for animals. You would put the pup in their crate at night and when you were going to be away for a short period of time.

Most dogs won't mess in the area where they sleep and the crate gives them the feeling of being in a small cave or home. Using a crate is a good way to help your new pup to become housebroken. Dogs and puppies usually like crates because it gives them a special place to be alone and feel secure.

Just remember to have some patience and understanding. The newest member of your family is just learning all the rules and wants to please you more than anything. If you set up a routine and a regular feeding time everything will run smoother and the pup will understand and quickly become housebroken.

Soon all the extra time and effort used to help your pup become housebroken will pay off and you will have many years ahead of you to enjoy their company. It is always a good thing to look into buying dog insurance for your new puppy. This will help you be prepared incase your pet does develops a disease or has an unexpected accident. Pet insurance can give you peace of mind and also help pay for unexpected veterinarian bills.

Visit Animal Friends Insurance to buy pet insurance onlinequickly and easily. They have a variety of policies to suit all needs.