No doubt one of the most googled questions between May and September will be… How to remove a tick?
It is believed that 1 in 3 dogs are bitten by a tick, this was found in the largest UK study in 2015. And reported cases of Lyme disease a year (2022) is thought to be closer to 2,000 - 3,000.
Having worked within the veterinary and pet industry for many years, to my surprise this is still a very unknown topic. I am far from an expert, no more than someone who developed an interest in learning about ticks and the impact they have on animal and human lives. Over the years I have heard all sorts of horrors stories on how people have removed ticks from drowning in vodka to pulling out with fingers.
So many people either don’t know or chose to ignore, that ticks are extremely sensitive and become stressed very easily, and that they have the potential to cause serious and potentially life changing illness… How?
Once a tick has latched onto the host, it will feed on the hosts blood, slowly getting bigger. When you try to remove a tick either drowning it, smothering it, rubbing it in a circular motion, pulling it off or one of the many other crazy ways, you are unknowingly stressing the tick out.
When a tick gets stressed, it regurgitates (vomits) the contents of its’ stomach back into the host (cat, dog, or human), potentially infecting the host with a tick-borne disease such as Lyme disease.
You will never know if a tick that has bitten you is infected or not until afterwards.
Ticks feed on birds, rats and other mammals that carry the bacterium in their blood, and they then pass the bacterium into a host, when they are having a blood meal on you or your pet.
A tick needs to be attached to a host for about 24 hours before the disease can be transmitted, that is why quick and safe removal is key.
According to a study by the French Public Health Agency Ticks in the nymph stage seem to be responsible for most disease transmission: more than 80% of bites in some regions are said to be caused by nymphs.
There are many ways that I try to prevent Chester from getting ticks but there is only one way I remove them, whether that be from him, the cats, my children, the better half, or myself and that is by using a Tick Twister. Despite another myth surrounding ticks there is no right or wrong way to twister them. In our crazy household we have lefties, righties and then the show-offs that are both, this is what makes a Tick Twister all the more user-friendly.
Once removed, I keep the tick in a container or a zip-lock type bag and put it in the freezer for a month or so, because if any of us get ill we can take it to the vets or doctors for it to be tested. One thing I have done for my daughter when she had one was, I insisted on her being prescribed a two-week course of Doxycycline antibiotics as a precaution.
With Chester it has been easier to prevent ticks than it has been with the cats. We had to remove a few last year, despite having spot on treatment.
Using the right sized Tick Twister
To dispose of a tick wrap in a tissue, squash and then flush down the toilet.
Ticks fall off on their own after sucking blood for 3 to 6 days. After the tick comes off, a little red bump may be seen. The red bump or spot is the body's response to the tick's saliva
Most humans are infected through the bites of immature ticks called nymphs. Nymphs are tiny (less than 2 mm) and difficult to see; they feed during the spring and summer months. Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (USA), January 29, 2020
Ticks are only active in spring/summer
Wrong, ticks can be active all year round if the temperature is above 4° a tick can survive and be active.
Wrong, while ticks are more commonly found in; moorlands, forested areas, heathlands, they are also found in town and city parks and even can be picked up from your own back garden.
Wrong, only around 20% of people who get Lyme disease get a rash and then the rash does not always show up in the area where you were bitten.
Wrong, ticks can and do attach to humans. Ticks that transmit diseases to your cat or dog can also transmit many of the same diseases to people.
Ticks do not have wings, so therefore they cannot fly. People also mistakenly believe that ticks drop from trees when a suitable host comes by. This makes people wonder how ticks get into trees and then assume it must be by flying.
Ticks do not fly, run, or hop in order to infest a host. Instead, they climb up on brushy vegetation and wait for a host to pass by.
]]>Here we have compiled a list of common festive foods that are considered unsafe for your pets (specifically dogs).
Turkey Skin can be extremely hazardous to your dog's health. The skin holds spices, marinade and oils that can be hard for your dog to digest. High fat foods can lead to a painful and expensive case of pancreatitis.
Grapes and Raisins along with sultanas, grapes and raisins can be poisonous to dogs. Eating them can be toxic, and lead to kidney failure and failure to the kidneys to produce urine.
Chocolate is never a good idea. It contains caffeine and a toxin called theobromine. It can be lethal (especially dark chocolate in high enough doses)
Onions contain sulphides which are toxic to dogs and can lead to anaemia. Cooking them does not reduce their toxicity.
Cooked Ham and Turkey Bones, cooked bones can splinter in the digestive tract and perforate the intestines.
Nuts, be careful when feeding your dog nuts. Some nuts are fine, but others like almonds, walnuts, pecans and pistachios can cause upset stomachs and pancreatitis. Take care with peanut butter too, a lot of varieties now contain xylitol.
Here we have compiled a list of common festive foods that are considered safe for your pets (specifically dogs).
Plain Turkey is fine to feed to your pets this festive season. Make sure to only give them cooked white meat that is completely unseasoned. Like we explained above, seasoned turkey can be very harmful for your pets.
Carrots along with other plain vegetables are safe for pets to enjoy. Please ensure that the veg is completely unseasoned before giving to your pets.
Broccoli makes a super yummy, and safe treat for your furry friends. Pets can actually eat broccoli both cooked and raw. Not to mention the great health benefits that veggies have for your pets too.
Sweet Potato is perfectly fine to give to your pets. However, make sure to give this to them in moderation.
Swede is another root vegetable that your furry friend can enjoy. Make sure to thoroughly wash away any dirt to avoid any upset tummies!
Sprouts are great for pets. They're rich in fibre and full of antioxidants. The perfect healthy treat for your pet during the festive period (and after!)
We hope this simple festive food guide has been informative. Let's keep our furry friends safe this Christmas!
]]>So are you ready to plan a trip? We've done some of the hard work for you and compiled a list of places up and down the country that you can travel to who are guaranteed to welcome your furry friend with open paws! Plus a list of pet travel essentials.
Starting up in the Scottish Highlands, why not take a trip to picturesque Inverness. With plenty of choice for pet friendly hotels and accommodating for all sorts of budgets.
Heading down the country to the North East of England, why not explore the vibrant city of Newcastle. Take a walk down the Tyne or explore the Ouseburn, and for an added bonus - there's so many pet friendly transport links to the glorious coastline.
Traveling down to Cardiff next, there's plenty of fun places that you and your furry companion can explore in this wonderful city. With pet friendly parks, shops and restaurants - treat your pet to an extra tasty meal!
Norwich is full of beautiful scenery, plenty of places for cats and dogs to have an explore and discover new scents. Just like in Cardiff, there are pet friendly restaurants and cafés that are puurfect for you and your pets to sit back and relax in.
And finally, we found possibly the most magical location for you and your pets to stay at down in the Isle of Wight. This bed and breakfast, looks like it's straight out of a storybook.
Ward Avenue, Cowes (Ilse of Wight)
Now you have some choices of where to travel with your pets, here's some recommendations of some pet travel essentials - all of which are available on the Simply2 Pet Products website!
]]>
Chosen for the range with dogs’ unique dietary needs in mind, Treat’Em Wild Boar Jerky and Rabbit Training Treats offer a 100% meat, grain-free treat for dogs with more sensitive stomachs. Wild Boar Jerky provides bigger dogs with a chewy high-protein snack, whereas the small-but-mighty Rabbit Training Treats are ideal for training rewards, enrichment toys and weight-conscious pups.
With a delicious recipe that includes fresh venison, beef and chicken, Treat’Em Venison Bites are made in Britain and perfectly sized for a tasty training treat.
No matter your dog’s favourite flavour, the nutritious range is suitable for all ages, entirely free from artificial additives and preservatives, and packaged in recyclable plastic pouches or card tubs.
Treat’Em Venison Bites, Wild Boar Jerky and Rabbit Training Treats are available now directly from our website with trade pricing available and no minimum order quantity.
]]>We've just made it easy to add a donation directly to your order. When you finish your online order at www.simply2pets.com and go to the cart page, you'll be able to click to donate an amount of your choice to one of two charities. No obligation, of course - but if you have a spare £1, it's an easy way to support animals in need!
At the moment, we're supporting Guide Dogs UK and Amotherby Cat and Kitten Rescue through our cart page donations.
Find out more about our friend Terry and how his guide dog Spencer turned his life around after developing sight loss Read More
We've almost always got some kind of charity initiative on the go! Right now, we're donating 5% of all sales of leopard print ProFleece this May to WildCats Conservation Alliance to help support and protect Amur leopards and other wild cats.
Some of our previous campaigns have included our Christmas Toy Donation Scheme to Lola's Sanctuary Animal Rescue and our week-long KONG Tuggz Orange Monkey donation to Orang-Utan Veterinary Aid.
Want to stay up to date with our current charity campaigns? Follow us on social media or subscribe to our mailing list to be the first to hear!
Since we cut our ProFleece pet bedding down to a variety of sizes, we always end up with offcuts and leftovers.
To reduce waste and help support some of the animals that are most in need, we donate these offcuts once a month to an animal rescue or charity in the UK, nominated by our Facebook followers.
Winners are chosen at random after a few days of nominations. Last month, Small Pet & Cat Care in Hull were chosen as our winners. Some months we're able to donate to more than one charity or rescue, and we won't pick the same winner two months in a row to keep it fair!
Nowadays, your dog probably doesn't have a job, unless you count chasing tennis balls or barking at the postman. This leaves them with a lot of natural instincts that aren't being met. We have to spend a lot of time giving them an outlet for that energy. If we don't, dogs become destructive, stressed, and even depressed.
Unfortunately, daily life keeps us busier than our dogs would like! Especially now that we're going back to the office, our dogs have to spend a lot of time alone. That can leave you wondering how you can keep your dog entertained when you're not home.
That's why we've rounded up our favourite boredom busting toys that are guaranteed to keep your dog entertained for hours!
This innovative fabric toy will satisfy your dog's natural instincts to hunt, eat, then sleep!
Spritz the forager with the included calming spray and hide their favourite treats in the pockets. As they hunt down the treats, the gentle essential oils will help them to relax. They'll often settle down to sleep straight after!
All dogs love a KONG toy! Popping a few favourite treats inside a Lock-It and twisting the pods together will keep your dog engaged for ages! Your dog will love figuring out how to get their favourite snack.
You can vary the number of pods to make it easier or more challenging. It's also made of durable rubber to hold up to chewers!
It's a Classic for a reason! A LickiMat® slow feeder makes mealtimes last much longer. Your dog will have to really work for every morsel, which is so satisfying to them.
Plus, licking actually releases a calming hormone in dogs' brains!
There's a pattern here, isn't there? Well, there's nothing like a dog treat to keep your dog happy! And making your dog work for their snacks fulfils their natural instincts to work and hunt.
You can fill your Spin-It with treats or even your dog's mealtime kibble. They'll get hours of fun rolling it around the house to release their treats - and it's extra exercise, too!
Want to entertain your bored dog without treats? Perhaps your dog is on a strict diet, or maybe they're one of few dogs that aren't treat-driven.
In that case, we recommend a toy that will provide lots of variety while they play! A Skinneeez Crinkler has a crinkly inner texture, a squeaker, and a delightfully floppy body that will trigger your dog's prey drive.
The great benefit to Skinneeez is that if your dog does decide to tear up their toy - there's no stuffing for you to clean up!
If you've ever read discussions about outdoor cats on the Internet, you'll know it's a topic that divides people! Some people say it's too risky to let cats outdoors, whereas others insist that keeping cats inside is unnatural, even cruel. Here's a few of the pros and cons of outdoor cats:
In the end, whether you let your cat outdoors is your decision as their owner. Consider your comfort level, your cat's health, and the safety of your location before you make the decision.
So you've decided you want to let your kitten outside. Your kitten is crying or desperate to go outside. When can you finally open the cat flap and let them experience the big wide world?
Generally speaking, a kitten should be at least 6 months old before going outside alone. You will need to make sure your kitten is fully vaccinated and neutered/spayed.
After being spayed or neutered, your kitten needs at least a few days to recover before going outside. If they have stitches, they may need up to 10 days to make sure their wound has fully healed.
Almost time to get your kitten spayed or neutered? Forget about a lampshade cone - a Suitical Cat Recovery Suit is the comfy, pet and vet-approved way to help them heal. Shop
Make sure your kitten is happy and relaxed at home before letting them go outdoors. Going outside for the first time can be a frightening experience, so it's best that your kitten knows they have a safe place to come back to.
Even if your cat is old enough and had all their vaccinations, we recommend waiting for a warmer season to let your kitten outside for the first time.
Very cold temperatures can be dangerous for cats - and kittens are more susceptible to freezing weather. Your kitten shouldn't go outside if the temperature is lower than 45°F.
The cold isn't the only danger to your kitten in winter - they may try to sleep in dangerous places to stay warm, like under a car wheel arch, or get trapped sleeping in a shed or garage. Anti-freeze is also a big danger for your pets, including cats.
The big day is here, and your kitten is going outside for the first time. Here's five ways you can prepare your kitten to go outside and make the process go smoothly:
Cats have a very strong sense of direction. Animal behaviourists say that cats have a 'homing instinct' which allows them to find their way home even from miles away.
If you have given your kitten enough time to feel comfortable at home and to bond to you, they are highly likely to come back home again if you let them outside.
If you're nervous, try teaching your cat to come to you when you call their name before letting them outside. And of course, in a pinch, the sound of you shaking their box of kibble will usually be enough to bring any cat home!
Whether you're worried about having the right equipment or accidentally leaving part of the tick behind, there are many reasons you might feel anxious about removing a tick. So perhaps you're wondering - do you even need to?
If you don't find a tick that's attached to you or a pet, or you find one and don't do anything about it, yes it will eventually detach itself. Ticks attach themselves to a host, feed on their blood, and will fall off when they are full. This can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
However, it's important to try to remove ticks as soon as possible. Why is that? Ticks can transmit diseases directly into their host's bloodstream while they are attached. That means the longer you leave a tick attached, the more chance they have of infecting you or your pet with a dangerous disease like Lyme's or babeliosis.
Tick-borne diseases can have lifelong effects and even be fatal - so be proactive when looking for ticks, and make sure you've got the tools and know-how to remove them correctly. It's not as difficult as it seems!
If you're still feeling anxious about removing a tick from your pet, perhaps you'd rather leave it to the professionals. Will a vet remove a tick from your dog? Or will groomers deal with ticks?
Yes, vets and groomers are usually able to remove ticks for you - at a cost, of course. If you're nervous or don't have the right equipment, it's a good option to be sure the tick is removed correctly.
However, time is of the essence when you get a tick bite. A tick only has to be attached for two days to infect you, your child or your pet with Lyme Disease. Being able to remove a tick yourself means being away from home or your local vet being busy won't delay the removal of the tick.
Can you remove ticks with tweezers?
So it's time to remove a tick yourself. But there's no need for a fancy tool, right? Surely you can remove a tick with just a normal pair of tweezers?
In a word - no. Ticks attach themselves by embedding their mouthparts into the skin - and if these are not removed entirely, there is still a strong risk of disease transmission.
Tweezers, unfortunately, are not up to the task. If you try to remove a tick with tweezers, you risk snapping the body of the tick, leaving the nasty mouthparts behind. Alternatively, tweezers can squeeze the tick, resulting in it actually vomiting into the bloodstream - which again increases the risk of disease, as well as just being disgusting.
Tick Twister® tick removers are specially designed to remove a tick entirely and safely. These handy tools are reusable, small enough to keep in your wallet or first aid kit, and cost just £3.75. A proper tick removing tool is, without a doubt, your best defence against Lyme Disease.
There's lots of home remedies for ticks floating round the Internet that claim you can remove ticks with the contents of your kitchen cupboard. Some say you can remove ticks with Vaseline, tea tree oil, alcohol, peppermint oil, even vinegar!
But fortunately, there's need to walk around smelling like a fish and chip shop. Trying to smother a tick or encourage it to detach using any substance is usually a bad idea. You mostly just risk stressing out the tick, leading it to regurgitate into the bite - nice - and transfer any diseases over to its host.
The same goes for using a lighter or trying to freeze the tick off. Just stick with a tick remover tool - it's safer for everyone.
So that's plenty of ways that you shouldn't use remove ticks. But what's the correct method to removing ticks at home? We've broken it down into three simple steps to remove an attached tick and keep your family safe.
When you have found a tick, a Tick Twister® tool is the easiest way to remove it. Each Tick Twister set comes with at least one large and small tool, so choose the correct size for the tick you need to remove.
Place the prongs of the Tick Twister® hook against the skin and slide it to slot the tick between the two prongs. Twist the tool around completely 2-3 times in the same direction. Don't twist back and forth, or attempt to pull the tick.
After 2-3 twists, the tick should remove itself entirely from the skin.
It's important to deal with the tick immediately. Wearing gloves, you can dispose of the tick by crushing it in a tissue and flushing it down the toilet.
Alternatively, you may want to hold on to the tick - vets or doctors may need it for identification if the bitten person or animal becomes ill. Place the tick in a plastic grip seal bag and place in the freezer to preserve it.
Once you've disposed of the tick, remove your gloves and wash your hands thoroughly. The next thing you'll need to do is disinfect the tick bite to help prevent infection.
We recommend Leucillin to clean a tick bite - this incredibly powerful antiseptic solution kills germs without any stinging or irritation. You can also use soap and water or rubbing alcohol to clean the wound.
Pet Remedy is a natural solution to pet anxiety. The relaxing formula is based on essential oils, selected and blended to provide instant calming to your pet.
It's designed to be used any time, anywhere - whether you're at home, travelling in the car, or even at the vet or groomer. That's why Pet Remedy comes in a wide range of products, including wipes, sprays, and plug diffusers. There's even a shampoo and conditioner!
The formula is water-based and pH-neutral, and totally free of any toxic chemicals. That makes it safe to use on any mammal, including dogs, cats, horses, and rabbits. Spray it in the air, wipe down a surface, or even apply Pet Remedy directly to your pet's fur or skin.
Pet Remedy offers instant relief to your pet, meaning they'll be more attentive and less destructive.
Sometimes people worry about using anxiety relief products for their pets. They're concerned that anxiety medication will have side effects for their pet, or change their pet's personality.
If that's you, you can rest easy - Pet Remedy is not medication, and it does not contain any sedatives.
Pet Remedy contains a low concentration of Valerian oil, along with Vetiver, Sweet Basil, and Clary Sage essential oils. You'll often find Valerian in sleep aids, but Pet Remedy only uses a low dosage so it calms, rather than sedates your pet.
The unique Pet Remedy formula provides an instant relaxation effect because it works with the natural calming mechanisms in your pet's body. Pet Remedy mimics GABA, gamma amino butyric acid, which is an amino acid that blocks messages sent between the brain's nerve cells.
This naturally tricks the nerve cells into calming down, providing immediate relief for your stressed out pet.
Sometimes, it's obvious that your pet is feeling stressed. Anybody who's tried to put their cat in a carrier for the vet will agree with that!
Sometimes, though, the signs of anxiety in pets aren't as obvious as that. If your pet is displaying any of the symptoms below, they may be experiencing stress or anxiety:
If this behaviour has started after a recent change or stressful event, this is a sign your pet may be suffering with anxiety. Some of the events that can trigger pet anxiety include fireworks, changes in schedule, a new pet in the home, or an injury.
Of course, this isn't an exhaustive list! It's worth paying attention to any unusual behaviour in your pet, and get them checked out by a vet to be sure there's nothing medically wrong.
The Pet Remedy range includes all sorts of products to make sure that you can use it in the way that's best for you. So which calming product is best for your pet?
If you have a stressful event coming up, Pet Remedy has a range of kits designed with those in mind - from fireworks, to travel, to moving house. Click to shop the selection - you're sure to find one that's right for you.
If you're still not sure how you can relieve your pet's anxiety, click here to take our Pet Remedy quiz. No need to sign up or give any personal details! We'll just ask you a few simple questions about your pet, and use your answers to recommend the product that's best for you. Take the quiz
]]>It's a good idea! Even if your dog's paws don't look dirty, they can be covered in fungus, bacteria, pollen, and even parasites.
Although a study at Utrecht University found that your dog's paws are actually cleaner than the soles of your shoes, you probably take your shoes off when you get home. Your dog, on the other hand, is running through your house and jumping on the furniture. Definitely worth a clean before letting them inside!
Plus, during the winter, your dog's paws can be harmed by ice, road salt, and poisonous deicers. Giving your pet's paws a quick clean after a walk is a good habit to get into. It only takes a few minutes to help keep them safe and healthy, and it gives you chance to check their paws for any injuries or irritation.
If the weather is warm and dry, your dog's paws might look pretty clean after a walk! In that case, a quick wipe might be all they need. If you don't want to splash out on specialty pet wipes, you could use a wet paper towel instead. We don't recommend baby wipes, which can contain chemicals that are harmful to your dog.
Of course, your dog's paws can look clean, but that doesn't mean they aren't carrying harmful bacteria or fungi. A quick spritz of Leucillin antiseptic spray to each paw will kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi, without irritating sensitive or even injured skin.
Of course, most dogs won't keep their paws clean if they can help it! If it's raining on your dog's walk, or if your dog has been in the mud (or worse), their paws will need more thorough cleaning when you get home.
A squirt of gentle, pH-balanced dog shampoo plus warm water is the best way to get even the filthiest paws clean. Using a water bottle or hose pipe, simply dampen your dog's paws, massage in the shampoo, and rinse them off again.
An easy way to clean your dog's paws after a walk is with a paw cleaning cup, like our new Wash'Em Paw Cleaners. Just fill one of these sturdy plastic cups with warm water before your walk, and place your dog's paw inside. The gentle silicone bristles help brush dirt and mud away, leaving your dog with squeaky clean paws.
Remember to towel dry your dog's feet after washing, so they don't slip.
Can you completely bypass the need to clean your dog's paws? Paw covers and boots can be a great option - sometimes. They're especially recommended at times when your dog's sensitive feet need extra protection from the weather or rough ground. And of course, if your dog has a paw injury, covering their paws will help keep it clean.
However, we've all seen the Youtube videos of dogs doing silly walks in their new boots - there are many dogs that won't tolerate paw covers. Dogs' paws have natural friction, so paw covers can feel uncomfortably slippery. That's why we recommend using them when they're really necessary, rather than every time your dog goes outside.
Turns out your pet could be producing up to 2500kg of CO2e per year. Yes, really! We all love our dogs, but we can't deny that they have a big impact on global warming. Thankfully, reducing their carbon pawprint just takes a few small changes - like switching to our compostable poo bags which contain NO oil-based plastic whatsoever!
Plus, our Compoost'Em subscription service makes it extra easy to be eco-friendly with an automatic monthly delivery, 10% off every time, and a free bamboo poo bag holder.
Cold weather, warm house - it's easy to be lazy during the winter! But getting outdoors with your pet for more exercise has fantastic benefits for their health, including preventing pet obesity, reducing destructive behaviour, and even calming anxiety.
If you have a field nearby, why not take a tennis ball and launcher to really give your dog a good workout? Or if you're sticking to your garden, we've got tons of tug toys, treat dispensers, and other toys to help them work up a sweat.
Cat owners, don't assume that letting your cat outside is enough exercise for them. Try to make time to actively play with your cat using interactive toys to keep them physically and mentally active.
Keeping your dog's teeth healthy doesn't just improve their breath - although that's a definite plus! Regular brushing and dental care also help prevent health problems like periodontal disease, infections, and gingivitis.
A Whimzees dental treat once a day will break down plaque and tartar to help keep the doggy dentist away. These healthy, nutrient-rich snacks start at just 43p per treat - or try out our subscription service to save 5% each month!
Conventional wisdom says that dry food will keep your cat's healthy, but turns out that's a myth. Instead, you can help look after your cat's teeth with weekly brushing, regular checks, and plenty of fresh water.
When your pet is injured or poorly, your vet is the best person to speak to. But what if it's outside working hours, or will take a while to get there? If you don't know how to keep your pet comfortable until they can see a vet, why not make learning pet first aid one of your resolutions this year?
Plus, learning to treat minor wounds at home can save your pet the stress of a vet visit, and you the costly bill. However, any serious injuries, deep or large wounds, or severe bleeding or trauma should always be seen by a vet. And remember never to give your pet medicine meant for humans - it's far too easy to accidentally give them an overdose.
Got a pet first aid kit? If not, now's a good time to stock up on essentials like bandages and antiseptic.
Terry's Christmas ornaments for Simply2 are completely handmade from acrylic, which is lightweight but still durable. Acrylic Christmas ornaments could be up to 17x stronger than glass, so you can enjoy your ornaments for years to come.
As well as being more resistant to scratches, cracks, and breaking, these sparkly baubles won't shed like the ornaments you might be used to. The glitter is actually mixed into the acrylic, meaning you won't get glitter all over your floors and home.
Creator Terry makes a donation to Guide Dogs UK from every ornament sale because he says being matched with his guide dog Spencer turned his life around.
Before his sight began to deteriorate, Terry owned Deano's Pet Food in Bradford, and was heartbroken to give it up. He received Spencer in 2019 and just as they were due to begin the eight weeks of guide dog training - lockdown happened. But the months at home gave them time to bond, and for Spencer to help Terry get his mojo back.
They eventually qualified together in September 2020, and Terry was inspired to begin his Etsy store, VisionCraftByTerry, to help raise as much funding as possible for Guide Dogs UK.
"What I've realised is that I can still live a fantastic life, just 'differently'," says Terry. "I can achieve anything, and enjoy what I always used to by simply approaching it in a different way. Hence why I started VisionCraftByTerry, because whilst I don’t have sight – that doesn’t mean I don’t have vision. I love to create and will continue to do so for as long as I am able with the very limited sight I have left."
Between multiple self-employed businesses and frequent travels with his partner Dean, Terry's always been a self-confessed workaholic - but not always creative! He began crafting when looking for a new hobby after beginning to lose his sight - he started out with resin, later starting to work with lasers.
Terry makes his decorations and ornaments from a wide range of materials - "anything that will laser!" - including different acrylics, wood, card, paper, and glass. He designs the ornaments using computer software, but there's still plenty of trial and error to make sure the design cuts as he imagined it.
Being able to see bright lights makes working with lasers ideal for Terry - using the crosshair of the laser to position the ornaments, and reflections on the acrylic's surface to check which way round the material is. He also uses a range of assistive technology, including screen readers and apps like Be My Eyes, which connects users through video chat to a sighted volunteer who can identify items or find misplaced tools.
Organisation is key too - "What people don’t understand about sight loss is that if I think (know) something is in a particular place, if someone moves it an inch or two away, it may as well be in another room, because chances are, I'm not going to find it! Everything has to be done in a certain order – I'm extremely methodical."
Terry lives in Bradford with his partner of 25 years, Dean, and their menagerie of animals. As well as Spencer, they have two Irish Wolfhounds, a bearded dragon called Boris, fish, and a 24 year old rescue cat they've raised since she was a kitten. ("All animals welcome!" - Terry) They love travelling (with 287 cruises taken together so far) and are both real foodies.
Our goal is to be able to send the rescue pets there a box full of balls, chews, and stuffed toys to open on Christmas day.
“We decided to run our Toybox scheme this year because of how crucial toys are to help keep rescue pets entertained and mentally stimulated,” said Bethany, our Director, “Especially in the colder months when they can’t spend as much time outside.”
As well as rehoming, Lola’s Sanctuary Animal Rescue provides a forever home for cats and dogs in their care, including pets that are disabled or otherwise difficult to place. Never turning away an animal in need, their work is funded by donations and sponsorship, and carried out entirely by volunteers.
Poonam Doshi, Founder of Lola’s Sanctuary Animal Rescue, says "We are thrilled that Simply 2 Pets has chosen Lola’s Sanctuary Animal Rescue as the beneficiary for their generous Christmas Toybox scheme. Enriching our animals’ lives with playtime is so important to keeping them happy and healthy - they are going to be very grateful for the donated toys!"
If you follow us on Facebook, you already know how important supporting animal rescues in the UK is to us - and you've probably nominated a charity for one of our monthly ProFleece donations!
So whether it's replacing a chewed-up favourite or something from the new KONG Christmas collection, treat your pet this December to help us treat pets in need too!
Flaky skin like dandruff is one big giveaway that your dog is suffering from dry skin! You'll probably also see them scratching, biting, licking, or rubbing the affected area against furniture a lot more too.
Other signs to watch out for include:
If you’re wondering how to improve your dog’s dry skin, bathing them with oatmeal shampoo can be a great place to start. As well as being a very gentle, non-irritating ingredient, oatmeal soothes inflammation and helps to retain water in the skin for longer.
If you want to keep your dog’s skin healthy, a pH-balanced shampoo can also be a big help. Maintaining the correct pH level of your dog’s skin reduces itching, flaking, and irritation. We recommend NanoSanitas, the first dog shampoo to be balanced by gender to account for male dogs’ more alkaline skin.
None of us want a smelly dog, but you might be causing more harm than good if you’re bathing them too often! Many dog shampoos are full of chemicals that can strip your dog’s skin of healthy oils. This leads to dry, irritated skin and even dandruff!
NanoSanitas Multi-Purpose is like a dry shampoo for your dog, allowing you to stretch out the time between baths and give their skin a break. A spritz or two of this easy-to-use spray removes odours, helps against ticks and fleas, and nourishes dry skin and fur using aloe vera and coconut oil. Coconut oil is great for dog skin problems, but can lead to weight gain if fed. NanoSanitas Multi-Purpose gives your dog the antibactierial, anti-inflammatory, moisturising benefits of coconut oil without the calories.
Your dog’s nose and paw pads are two areas that can be especially affected in winter, getting dried out and even cracked due to the cold weather.
A natural balm like this Nose & Paw Balm offers deep nourishment for these sensitive areas. It’s packed full of antibacterial aloe vera and shea butter, which restores skin lipids for lots of moisturisation. With its non-greasy formula it’s designed to absorb quickly, but try applying it just before your dog’s meal times to keep them distracted while it works its magic.
Remember the protective oils we mentioned up there? Your dog’s natural oils are one of their best defences against dry winter skin. Brushing your dog helps to spread these oils evenly through their fur. While any brush will work, we love the KONG Zoom Groom for this. Its thick rubber bristles really massage your dog’s skin to stimulate oil production and help blood flow to improve their skin’s condition.
We all know how important our 8 glasses a day are to keep us looking and feeling our best. Unfortunately, a lot of dogs don’t drink as much in winter due to the weather and reduced exercise. This is going to show itself in their skin!
Try to encourage your dog to drink more even when the temperatures are low. Make sure they always have access to fresh water, and change it every day. It might also be time to switch to a new bowl – if your bowl is plastic, it can absorb smells over time, and harbors bacteria in scratches.
Want another easy way to reduce the effects of dry winter air on your dog’s skin? Add some moisture back into the air with a humidifier!
There are other causes of dry skin in dogs that are worth ruling out before trying these winter dry skin remedies. A deficiency in fatty acids in your dog’s diet or medical issues like allergies, bacterial and fungal infections, dermatitis, and even fleas can all be the culprit. Consult your vet for the best medical advice for your dog.
Whether your dog needs help keeping warm in winter depends. Breeds like Huskies were developed for snowy outdoor work, so their thick double coats will usually protect them from all but the very coldest temperatures. Your dog is more likely to get cold easily based on these factors:
We always recommend a 2-in-1 dog coat to get the most for your money! 2-in-1 dog coats have removable fleece linings, so they’re great for windy, wet weather in summer too. They’re the ideal dog coat for year-round use.
Do you use a collar or harness to walk your dog? Some dog coats come with harness holes, whereas others are only suitable for collars. Make sure you choose the right one!
Haven’t ever measured your dog for a coat before? It’s pretty straightforward – you’ll just need a tape measure. (You can also measure your dog with a piece of string if you don’t have a tape measure.) Place one end at the nape of their neck and measure straight down their spine to the base of their tail. Always measure your dog while they’re standing!
You may also want to measure around their chest and neck for some dog coat styles, but at Simply2 there’s no need. Both styles of dog coat that we stock have adjustable Velcro fastenings, making fitting your dog’s coat incredibly easy. They’re also machine washable and reflective for your dog’s safety.
CLICK TO SHOP our dog coat selection
Dog boots, dog booties, paw protectors – you’ve probably seen them in Youtube videos of dogs struggling to understand why they suddenly can’t feel the floor. But do dogs actually need boots in winter?
Sometimes. Dog paws usually won’t get too cold on the snow. So no, your dog probably doesn’t need paw protectors just for snow or cold weather.
However, snow isn’t the real danger in winter for your dogs’ paws. If de-icer has been used to melt snow or ice, this can cause chemical burns on your dogs’ paw pads. Ouch! Road salt can also get stuck between their paw pads and toes, causing pain and irritation. Dog boots like PAWZ Paw Protectors are a great preventative measure to keep their paws safe!
IMPORTANT: Dogs do need exercise, even in winter. But if you can’t keep them warm enough outdoors, their safety is much more important. Use your best judgement about what your dog can tolerate and take them home if they seem uncomfortable. Try to find ways to exercise your dog indoors instead.
We recommend sticking to shorter walks in very cold weather. If you have a big dog or high energy breed, this might mean doing several walks a day! But a shorter walk means a shorter amount of time exposed to cold temperatures.
When you get home, it’s crucial to help your dog warm up again! First, if you’ve walked in rain, snow, or otherwise got wet, dry your dog with a towel. Water absorbs their body heat and can cause irritation. Make sure to clean and dry their paws, legs, chest, and stomach.
A pet heat pad like a Hotties is a great option for providing extra warmth for your dog. Simply pop it into the microwave for a minute or two, then back inside the fleece cover. A heat pad is also ideal in your dog’s bed or crate overnight – your house can get pretty cold with the heating off! Combine with blankets, a thermo mattress, or some cosy ProFleece to keep them comfy while they snooze.
There are some pretty clear signs that your dog is too cold. Watch out for your dog shivering, whining, or lifting their paws up. They may also hunch over, try to hide, or just seem lethargic, unhappy, or uncomfortable. It’s best to return home as soon as you see these signs.
If your dog gets too cold, they may get hypothermia. If your dog is showing any signs of hypothermia, you need to cover them in a blanket or coat, get them into a warm area, and contact your vet.
Symptoms of hypothermia in dogs include:
We recommend keeping foil blankets in your house and car for emergencies like this.
Keeping your pet safe and calm this November (or any other night with fireworks) is crucial. Pets don't understand what fireworks are, and that can cause them a lot of stress. A stressed-out pet might show symptoms like destructive behaviour, trembling, toileting in the house, and even aggression. Everyone benefits if you can keep your pet calm on Bonfire Night.
In the wild, animals hide when they feel unsafe or vulnerable. Setting up a warm, cosy, and enclosed area in your home will help your pet feel protected when the noise begins.
If you have a quiet, empty room, that would be ideal. If not, you can section off a corner using blankets. Pop your pet's bedding, toys, food, and litter tray inside so they have a comfortable place to go if they're frightened.
Chester's Top Tip: A Hotties heat pad takes just seconds to warm up in the microwave and will help your pet feel extra cosy!
If there's one thing guaranteed to distract your pet - it's food! A long-lasting treat is a great way to keep your pet's mind occupied on Bonfire Night. It's not just because a treat is tasty - chewing and licking actually release calming hormones in dogs.
For dogs, we recommend a hard chew that they'll really need to work at. We recommend something like a Yakers chew. These natural treats are smoke-dried and hardened, so your dog can gnaw for hours, enjoying the smoky flavour!
Cats don't chew their food like dogs too, so a LickiMat Felix is more up their alley - spread it with their favourite wet food, liquid treats, or even some tasty fish like salmon. They'll be entertained for ages, trying to get every morsel from the textured surface.
READ MORE: Is your cat always begging for scraps? Check out our Kitty Feeding Guide to make sure your dinner is safe for them: Link
Dog on a diet? Instead of food, try a tough chew toy to keep them occupied.
Many dog owners walk their dogs after work. This late in the year, that means walking them in the dark. While this is risky in general, it can be especially dangerous on Bonfire Night. All it takes is one early firework to seriously frighten your dog, after all. And if they run off in fear, they could hide, get lost, or even run into the road.
Give them a long walk in the morning instead and stick to quick garden toilet trips in the evening. If you let your cat outside, make sure you call them back in well before nightfall to avoid them getting spooked by fireworks too.
If you really can't avoid the evening walk, a light-up collar makes it easier to find your dog if they do run away.
Even if you're determined to keep your pet inside, a truly spooked pet might take the opportunity to bolt through an open door. If they do, their microchip is your best chance to get your beloved dog or cat back home safe again. In the weeks leading up to Bonfire Night, make an appointment for your vet to scan their chip to make sure it's up to date.
It might seem like a hassle, but if your pet does escape, you'll be glad you did it. You could also invest in a Halo Microchip Scanner to save some time and check for yourself.
If your pet is the extra-nervous sort, they might require a little extra help to keep calm on Bonfire Night. You might like to try a calming spray for your dog, relaxing music, or a Top-Shirt. These snug shirts apply gentle pressure to your pet's chest, which pets find very comforting. It might sound strange, but the pressure helps to decrease your pet's heart rate. This brings their adrenaline down and reduces their anxiety - similar to weighted blankets for humans.
We've given you five practical steps to take before Bonfire Night, but the most important factor is you! If you feel tense, anxious, or worried about your pet, your mood will affect how your dog or cat feels. Getting prepared a few days or weeks in advance will help you feel much more at ease when your pet starts stressing.
Any dog left home alone might bark at certain stimuli, like somebody passing by the window or the postie. However, if is constantly barking, howling, or making other noises while you’re out, it’s a sign of a very anxious dog. Not sure if your dog is barking? Check with your neighbours.
Do you regularly come home to find your chair legs gnawed, your doors scratched, and toy stuffing all over the floor? It’s important to help your dog’s anxiety as this behaviour can cause broken teeth and claws.
A spritz of Bitter Apple Spray will deter your dog from chewing furniture, but it doesn’t solve their underlying anxiety.
Anxious dogs can find themselves so stressed out when alone that they will wee or poo right there in your house, even when they’re usually housetrained. Apart from being unsanitary, this can even lead to some dogs starting to eat their own poo. That’s some bad breath even a dental chew can’t solve.
A compulsive behaviour means a repeated action that doesn’t have a purpose. They’re usually caused by anxiety or stress. Your dog might show this kind of behaviour by spinning/tail chasing, biting at the air or flies, pacing, or self-mutilation (chewing themselves or licking/grooming too much).
Home should be the place where your dog feels safest. If they’re frequently trying – or succeeding – to make a break for it, separation anxiety can be the cause. Look for teeth and claw damage around exit points like doors and windows for a sign of this behaviour.
Other signs of separation anxiety in dogs include:
Separation anxiety is not the only cause of these behaviours. Incontinence is commonly caused by medical conditions, and accidents and chewing are pretty normal with young puppies.
If these behaviours only occur when you’re not at home, separation anxiety is the likely culprit. Separation anxiety is often triggered by recent changes in your dog’s home, like a family member moving out or their work schedule changing.
To rule out any medical issues, we always recommend taking your pet to the vet when their behaviour changes.
Has your dog been struggling with you returning to the office? Or do they get upset even if you just pop to the shop? Check out our Separation Anxiety Bundle for our favourite calming products to keep your dog distracted and happy while you’re out.
]]>Remember: This is general guidance only and should not be considered medical or vet advice. Please always seek your vet's advice on nutritional matters, especially if your cat has any underlying health issues.
Cheese – UNSAFE – It can surprise people to learn this, but cats are actually lactose intolerant. Feeding them milk, yoghurt, or cheese can upset their stomachs, causing vomiting and diarrhea. Even dairy free cheese is a bad idea – it’s very high in fat and salt.
Eggs – GREAT – Eggs are fantastically healthy for dogs and cats! They’re even considered something of a superfood. Eggs are full of protein, vitamins, and other nutrients that help keep fur and claws healthy. Cook them first to avoid any salmonella risk.
Raw Meat – SAFE – Raw meat is, of course, generally safe for cats – they don’t cook their prey in the wild, after all! Cats evolved to digest their food much faster than humans, meaning that parasites in raw meat usually don’t hang around long enough to be a problem. If you’re feeding your cat raw meat though, you should still keep an eye out for digestive problems. Always choose a reliable source for your meat, and remove bones before feeding.
Bacon – SAFE – There’s nothing like the smell of bacon frying in the morning, and your cat probably feels the same way. Treat them to small amounts only, though, as bacon is high in sodium and fat, like all processed meats.
Honey – SAFE – A little honey won’t harm your cat, and some owners would like to feed it for the potential health benefits. However, honey is so high in calories that the risk of obesity almost certainly outweighs those benefits.
Watermelon – SAFE – Some owners may be tempted to give their cats a little watermelon as a sweet treat to help with hydration in summer. While it likely won’t harm your cat - although avoid the seeds and rind – your cat probably won’t enjoy it that much. Cats can’t actually taste sweet food, which means fruit isn't something they'll be that keen to eat.
Apples – SAFE – Just. While the flesh and skin of apples are fine, the stems, leaves, and seeds all contain cyanide. Apples are also very high in sugar, like all fruits, which is unhealthy for your cat - especially if they have a health condition like diabetes.
Avocado – UNSAFE – The vegetable favoured by Millenials everywhere should never be given to your cat. Avocados contain persin, which is toxic. The pit can also be a choking hazard.
Broccoli & Green Vegetables – GREAT – Broccoli, green beans, peas, cucumber, and lettuce are all really healthy for your cat as part of a balanced diet! They’re full of antioxidants, nutrients, and lots of fibre to help your cat’s digestion.
Carrots – GREAT – Also absolutely fine for your cat, and even recommended! Carrots can provide a good source of vitamin A for your cat. Cook them first though, and remember that cats are obligate carnivores, so vegetables should only be a small treat!
Pasta – SAFE – There are no health issues associated with plain pasta, but pasta sauces are usually full of things that aren’t safe for your cat – from fattening butter, lactose-loaded cream, or potentially fatal onions and garlic.
Porridge – SAFE – Oatmeal itself is fine for your cat. It’s even found in some cat foods, as it's a good source of vitamin B. If your morning porridge Is prepared with milk or anything sugary like honey or jam, however, these could pose problems for your cat.
Dog Food – SAFE – A little bit of dog food won’t harm your cat, just don’t try to use it as a long-term diet – it doesn’t contain the right nutrients to keep them healthy. Also, cats evolved differently to dogs and don’t chew their food, so avoid dog foods that are hard or chewy.
Rice – SAFE - We don't recommend giving your cat large amounts of rice, but a small amount shouldn't cause any harm. It may even be used, with your vet's advice, to help with digestive issues.
Bread – SAFE - Bread itself is safe for cats and can provide them with extra fibre in their diets. However, always avoid raw bread dough. According to the ASPCA, if the raw dough contains yeast it will continue fermenting in your cat's stomach leading to bloating, disorientation, and even alcohol poisoning. (Yes, really.)
These five foods are absolutely unsafe for your cat in all amounts. Make sure they’re kept safely out of kitty’s way, and clear up leftovers quickly.
Chocolate and Coffee – UNSAFE – You probably already know that chocolate is toxic to dogs, and the same applies to cats. Chocolate and also coffee contain methylxanthine caffeine and theobromine, two chemicals which can cause severe digestive issues, tremors, and seizures. Small amounts can be fatal, and dark chocolate is even more toxic than milk or white.
Onion and Garlic – UNSAFE – Onions, garlic, shallots, and chives all contain thiosulphate, which can cause anemia which attacks your cat's red blood cells. While you probably wouldn’t chop up an onion for your cat's dinner, onion and garlic are added to many pre-prepared human foods, sauces, and broths.
Grapes and Raisins – UNSAFE – Even a few grapes or raisins can lead to kitty kidney failure. Vomiting and hyperactivity are early signs.
Artificial Sweeteners – UNSAFE – If you’ve heard it recommended to avoid artificial sweeteners for your dog – for example, sticking to doggy-safe peanut butter to avoid xylitold – you should know you need to do the same for your cat. Artificial sweeteners can cause liver failure.
Alcohol – UNSAFE – You’re probably not planning to get your cat drunk, but make sure you clear up any unfinished glasses of wine at the end of the evening. Alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and breathing problems for your cat; it can even lead to a coma or death.
If you notice any of the following signs, your cat may have eaten something toxic:
If you’re absolutely certain you know what your cat has eaten, and it’s a food that causes only mild effects, give your vet a call – they may be able to help you treat your cat at home, or advise you to bring them in.
If you’re uncertain what your cat has eaten, or it’s a serious poison like chocolate or alcohol – take them to your vet immediately. The effects of unsafe human foods can be fatal for cats, so treatment needs to be administered quickly. Remember how small cats are compared to humans – it could take a smaller amount than you’d expect to seriously harm or even kill them.
Dogs were originally bred to perform various jobs for humans - like guarding our homes or rounding up livestock. While a life lounging on the sofa sounds more enjoyable, they still need to get that energy out! Otherwise, you’ll see a variety of unwanted behaviours, including:
The best way to use up a dog’s seemingly boundless energy? Exercise, of course!
Want to get the most out of their daily walks? A tennis ball launcher will send their ball flying further than ever for a seriously tiring game of fetch!
PetBloon is filled with nothing more than a balloon for a toy that’s lightweight enough for indoor ball games. It’s safe and durable, but can be replaced with any standard latex balloon when it pops or deflates.
Puzzle feeders for mental stimulation
Keeping your dog’s brain active is just as important as physical exercise. Try a puzzle feeder for hours of mental enrichment for your pooch!
The LickiMat Wobble is the Ruby-approved way to feed your dog their favourite soft treats! It will roll and wobble around while your dog enjoys their tasty snack. Try freezing it for summer days!
A pup that likes to gobble down their food or could do with losing a few pounds will have hours of fun chasing a KONG Spin It around! Fill with their morning kibble or some tasty dry treats to keep them pushing it round all day.
Toys your dog can’t destroy
Sick of coming home to trails of stuffing and yet another decimated dog toy? No dog toy is indestructible, so try avoiding the mess entirely instead with something stuffing-free.
Skinneeez Squirrel – from £4.50
The Skinneeez range of dog toys have no stuffing at all, so your dog can rip and chew to their heart’s content – with no mess! They’re designed to hone your pup’s prey instinct, with a flattened shape and a flip-flopping movement dogs love.
Skinneeez Water Crinklers - £7.99
Dogs can’t get enough of the crinkling sound a plastic water bottle provides, so why not recycle yours for their entertainment? These Skinneeez bottle covers are soft but tough, and machine-washable for long-lasting fun.
Chewing toys
Chewing is a natural instinct for dogs. If they’re chewing your furniture, or worse, your favourite shoes (still haven’t forgiven my dog for that one…) try redirecting them to an appropriate chew toy instead.
KONG Phatz are designed to keep your dog chewing for hours! These four soft, squeaky animals are made from reinforced fabric with a unique texture, and their varied squeakers keep your dogs intrigued through extended play sessions. They’re best for light or moderate chewers.
On the other hand, these bone-shaped chew toys are perfect for even the strongest chewers! They’re so tough that they’re virtually indestructible. Fill the hollow centre with treats or peanut butter to tempt your dog away from your black and white faux-snakeskin Chelsea boots for good. (I swear I'm not bitter.)
Interactive Toys
If there’s one thing your dog loves more than their toys, it’s you! Join your dog for some daily play time to bond and help teach them appropriate ways to play.
ChuckIt Ultra Tug – from £7.00
There’s nothing like a game of tug-of-war! This sturdy tug toy is designed to last and can be used for fetch, too. Now for the real question – who’s stronger, you or your dog?
The long, floppy tails of KONG Wubba Finz will satisfy a dog’s natural instincts to thrash their prey around – great fun for them, maybe a little disturbing for us to watch! The Wubba Finz also has two squeaky bouncy balls inside for great fetch fun.
How do you keep your dog entertained while you’re gone?
]]>Keep reading for four simple steps you can follow this summer to keep your pet safe from ticks and all the diseases they carry.
Check your pet's fur regularly for ticks. Daily is ideal, but it's most important when your pet has been in 'danger areas' like long grass or wooded areas.
You can feel for ticks with your fingers, but a brush can make it easier. Brush against the direction of their fur growth as well as with it to see any ticks lurking on their skin.
You're looking for a small lump (1mm-1cm long) that can be cream-coloured to dark brown depending on how long it's been attached. Pay extra attention around the ears, eyes, chin, muzzle, and between their paw pads and toes.
Incorrect tick removal can leave the tick's mouth parts embedded in your pet's skin, so it's important to use to the right tool.
A Tick Twister® tick removal tool is one of the best options to remove ticks quickly, painlessly, and most importantly safely. The claw end hooks around the tick without putting pressure on its body.
Slot the tool around the tick from the side of its body, then lift the tool lightly and twist it in the same direction until the tick is removed. Usually 2-3 full rotations is enough. You can put the tick in a tissue and flush it, or keep it in a sealed bag in the freezer in case it's needed later for identification.
Once the tick is out and disposed of, wash your hands thoroughly. Next, it's important to clean the tick bite to prevent bacteria or infection spreading.
We recommend Leucillin, the most powerful antiseptic solution on the market. It kills germs and sanitises skin without stinging - you can even use it around your pet's eyes! Spray it liberally directly onto the bite area.
If you don't have any Leucillin, you can also use soap and water or rubbing alcohol. Keep a close eye on your dog or cat for any symptoms including a bulls-eye rash, fever, weakness or lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea, and more.
Prevention is better than the cure! It takes 48 hours or sometimes much less for a tick to transmit diseases to your pet. Tick borne diseases can be difficult to diagnose and treat, and symptoms are often slow to appear.
There are many options for tick prevention, from tick repellent sprays to tick-killing tablets. These options often aren't suitable for pets who are pregnant, lactating, or have health conditions. Tick treatments for dogs can be also poisonous (even fatal) to cats in your home.
Try switching up your pet shampoo instead for a gentler approach. NanoSanitas™ SILVER LINE shampoos are made with silver nanoparticles that help keep ticks and fleas at bay. The silver is combined with natural extracts and oils to make their shampoos safe for sensitive skin. They also have a leave-in product, if you don't fancy wrangling your cat into the bath!
]]>
What causes your dog’s bad breath?
The most common medical reason for whiffy dog breath is dental disease, or periodontal disease. Bacteria and plaque build up when dogs eat, turning into tartar which leads to gum inflammation (gingivitis). Untreated, this starts to affect the tissue around the tooth, allowing infection-causing bacteria in. That's not just gross, it's painful too!
Other signs of dental disease include red or inflamed gums, a brown build-up on the teeth, and loose teeth. Your dog will likely show signs of being in pain, for example by eating on one side of their mouth or pawing at their face.
Sometimes dogs get things stuck in their mouth or throat. This can cause a bad smell and maybe even an infection. Look out for your dog gagging, drooling more than usual, or coughing. They’ll probably lose their appetite, too.
Doggy bad breath can also be a sign of a serious health problem. Kidney disease, diabetes, liver problems, and cancer can all cause your dog’s breath to smell. Each will affect their breath differently, so it’s best to go to the vet to make sure your dog gets the treatment they need.
Of course, diet can also be the culprit! Dogs are renowned for trying to eat any disgusting thing they find on the ground, including faeces and animal remains. If their whiffy breath is a one-off, this is a likely explanation. Ongoing bad breath can also be caused by their normal diet, especially if it’s high in fish.
Remedies for bad dog breath
If we didn’t brush our own teeth every day, we’d probably expect our own mouths to smell pretty bad. The same goes for your pooch! Daily brushing with a pet toothbrush and doggy toothpaste is the best way to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Just don’t use human toothpaste – the fluoride in it is poisonous to dogs. Regular cleanings at the vet are also a good idea.
Dental treats are another great way to cure your dog’s bad breath. They’ll probably enjoy them more than the brushing, too! A Whimzees® BRUSHZEES® is specially shaped to remove tartar and plaque from even the small spaces between your dog’s teeth. They’re low fat and high in fibre and vitamins, with no artificial ingredients, preservatives, gluten, or grains.
Our own new treats, Treat’Em, were also designed with your dog’s oral health in mind! These all-natural dog treats are a tasty, crunchy kibble that help break down plaque and maintain squeaky clean teeth. They contain real meat and nutrient-rich potato to contribute to a balanced diet that’ll keep their breath fresh. (They're available by telephone order for now, but they'll be coming to our website soon!)
A durable rubber chew toy will assist in removing plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth too, and they’ll also stimulate saliva production. Nobody loves dog drool, but extra saliva helps remove bacteria. It’s one reason people chew gum before a date! For an extra quick fix for bad dog breath, try our Mint Flavoured Tug Toy. The rope handles will help dislodge food debris from between your dog’s teeth too - kind of like dental floss!
Keep your dog’s mouth healthy for teeth that sparkle and breath that doesn’t send you running for the hills!
]]>Zwierzęta potrafią być bardzo opiekuńcze w stosunku do swojego terytorium i swoich ludzi, dlatego nie zawsze są łaskawe dla nowych przybyszów. Wiedza o tym, jak zapoznać nowego zwierzaka z innymi zwierzętami jest kluczowa. Jeśli sprawy przy pierwszym zapoznaniu potoczą się w złym kierunku, może to nadać ton całej reszcie relacji z Twoimi zwierzętami. Odrobina planowania z wyprzedzeniem to wszystko, czego potrzeba, aby pomóc Twoim zwierzętom stać się przyjaciółmi!
Zacznij od wydzielenia osobnego miejsca dla rzeczy Twojego nowego psa; najlepiej w innym pokoju. Umieść tam ich posłania, zabawki, a przede wszystkim miski z jedzeniem i wodą. Poczucie, że ich jedzenie jest zagrożone, to najprostszy sposób, aby Twój pies podniósł głowę! Bramka dla dzieci lub bramka dla zwierząt jest idealna do zapewnienia każdemu psu jego własnej przestrzeni.
Pierwsze zapoznanie najlepiej przeprowadzać krótko i na neutralnym terenie - najlepiej w parku dla psów lub na spacerze. Staraj się unikać wprowadzania nowego psa do domu lub ogrodu, gdzie Twój stary pies może stać się terytorialny. Pozwól psom obwąchać się i pobawić razem, starając się nie interweniować. Jeśli chcą się całkowicie ignorować, nie zmuszaj ich do tego! Możesz wkroczyć do akcji, jeśli będą agresywne - odwróć ich uwagę ulubioną zabawką lub smacznym przys makiem, zamiast je karać.
Jeśli pierwsze spotkanie przebiegnie pomyślnie, możesz zabrać swojego nowego kumpla do domu! Postaraj się wziąć kilka dni wolnego w pracy, jeśli to możliwe, abyś mógł mieć na wszystko oko. Pozostawienie dwóch nowo poznanych psów samych może być ryzykowne! Spróbuj skojarzyć nowego psa z dobrymi rzeczami w oczach Twojego starego psa - dużo głaskania po brzuchu, zabawy i smakołyków!
Zwracaj uwagę na sytuacje, które mogą powodować napięcia, takie jak np. chodzenie po tę samą zabawkę, i czytaj o psiej mowie ciała, abyś był przygotowany. Weź również pod uwagę różnice wiekowe i osobowościowe. Nie pozwól, aby rozbrykany szczeniak zbyt długo przeszkadzał Twojemu staremu, zrzędliwemu pupilowi!
Na szczęście wprowadzenie nowego psa zazwyczaj przebiega pomyślnie! Większość psów jest bardzo towarzyska i uwielbia nawiązywać nowe znajomości. Mimo to, jedną rzeczą jest zabawa z innymi psami w parku, a inną posiadanie jednego w swojej przestrzeni osobistej, więc dobrze jest zachować ostrożność.
To jest, gdzie może zacząć się trudne. Koty są generalnie o wiele bardziej terytorialne niż psy i choć nie są zwierzętami ściśle samotniczymi - nawet w naturze! - są mniej chętne do zaprzyjaźniania się z nowo przybyłymi. Możesz sobie wyobrazić, że ostatnią rzeczą, jakiej pragnie Twój leniwy kot domowy, jest nadpobudliwy szczeniak próbujący lizać go po twarzy i gonić po domu, ale mogą one stać się zaskakująco dobrymi przyjaciółmi, jeśli zostaną odpowiednio wprowadzone!
Bez względu na to, kto pojawi się w domu, upewnij się, że Twój kot ma całkowicie wolną od psów bezpieczną strefę ze wszystkimi swoimi rzeczami. Dotyczy to również kuwety, nawet jeśli Twój kot zazwyczaj wychodzi na zewnątrz. Upewnij się, że zawsze będzie miał możliwość ucieczki do niej, jeśli poczuje się zestresowany. Kiedy Twój kot zadomowi się już w swojej bezpiecznej strefie, zacznij "wymianę zapachów" - zapoznawanie się z zapachami każdego zwierzęcia z osobna. Możesz to zrobić, głaszcząc je po kolei, nie myjąc rąk, oraz wymieniając się zabawkami i kocami. Dobrze jest też pozwolić im obwąchać się nawzajem przez drzwi lub bramkę dla zwierząt, jeśli nie ma oznak agresji.
Kiedy uznasz, że jesteś gotowy, aby przedstawić je sobie twarzą w twarz, trzymaj psa na - luźnej - smyczy. Pomoże Ci to zachować kontrolę nad sytuacją. Nawet jeśli Twój pies chce się tylko bawić, dla kota może to być na początku przerażające! Jest to szczególnie ważne w przypadku ras o wysokim popędzie żerowania, takich jak husky. Przestraszony kot może wyzwolić u nich instynkt pogoni - lub jeszcze gorzej. Pamiętaj, że między kotami a psami często występuje znaczna różnica wielkości, co sprawia, że koty są o wiele bardziej bezbronne. Jest to szczególnie widoczne w przypadku kociąt! Spróbuj na jakiś czas pozwolić psu i kociakowi spędzać czas z kotkiem w dużej klatce, dopóki nie będziesz pewien, że jest to bezpieczne.
Nawet jeśli Twój kot i pies zostaną najlepszymi przyjaciółmi, zawsze warto wyznaczyć dla kota strefę, do której pies nie będzie mógł się dostać. Twój kot nie będzie zadowolony z tego, że Fido ma ochotę na chrupki, lub co gorsza, że dosłownie wtyka nos w nie swoje sprawy.
Ooh boy. To może być albo początek pięknej przyjaźni, albo wrogów na całe życie. (Lub, być może, całe życie niechętnie tolerujące wzajemne towarzystwo, ale to brzmiało mniej dramatycznie). Pośpiech podczas pierwszego spotkania jest szczególnie złym pomysłem w przypadku kotów. Rób to powoli, nie wywieraj presji i bądź przygotowany na wycofanie się w przypadku oznak agresji.
Przygotuj dla nowego kota osobne pomieszczenie, w którym znajdzie się wszystko, czego będzie potrzebował. Uwzględnij miski na jedzenie i wodę, posłanie, zabawki i oczywiście kuwetę. Pamiętaj, że kiedy w końcu dasz obu kotom pełny dostęp do domu, będziesz potrzebował jednej kuwety na kota i jednej dodatkowej, aby zapobiec pilnowaniu kuwety i agresji.
Pozwól swojemu nowemu kotu zbadać pomieszczenie i załatwić się w swoim czasie. Jeśli będzie chciał na chwilę schować się w swojej torbie, to w porządku! Nigdy nie zmuszaj kota do interakcji, zanim nie będzie na to gotowy. Stosuj wymianę zapachów, aby zapoznać swoje koty, trzymając je w całkowitej separacji. Prawdopodobnie będą się nawzajem obwąchiwać przez drzwi i spodziewaj się syczenia, jeśli tak się stanie - to normalne.
Po dniu lub dwóch, pozwól kotom widzieć się nawzajem przez kratę lub bramkę dla zwierząt. Możesz również otworzyć drzwi na kilka centymetrów, aby umożliwić im wzajemne widzenie się przez szczelinę. Zachęć je do spędzenia trochę czasu razem przy drzwiach, podając im smakołyki i zabawki. Pewne syczenie jest normalne, ale cokolwiek więcej lub szybkie muśnięcie oznacza, że powinieneś spróbować ponownie innego dnia.
Czy wszystko poszło dobrze? Świetnie! Czas spróbować wpuścić je do tego samego pomieszczenia, najlepiej do wspólnego obszaru, a nie do pokoju nowego kota. Nigdy nie zmuszaj swoich kotów do interakcji lub przebywania w przestrzeni między nimi - po prostu pozwól im poświęcić czas na poznanie się. Bądź gotów przerwać bójkę ostrym, nagłym dźwiękiem, np. klaśnięciem w dłonie.
Gratulacje - teraz Twoje koty są prawdziwymi przyjaciółmi! Albo znajomi. Albo musicie wrócić do początku. Jedno z tych trzech!
Just because cats don’t feel thirsty doesn’t mean dehydration isn't dangerous for them. A lack of water can be incredibly dangerous for cats.
One easy way to test for dehydration is to gently pinch the skin between their shoulders upwards, then let go. If it doesn’t snap back down straight away, this is a sign of dehydration and should be checked out by a vet.
Keep an eye out for these other symptoms of dehydration:
Cats need around 60ml of water per kilo of body weight every day. How, then, do you make sure your cat is drinking enough water, especially in the scorching summer heat?
Cats, as we all know, are fussy creatures. The problem may be as simple as their water bowl! Your cat may get annoyed if their whiskers have to touch the bowl while drinking, so experiment with shallower or wider shapes.
Location can also be a problem. Cats won’t trust a water source too near to their food or litter box, because in the wild, this water would be dangerously unhygienic. Try placing multiple bowls in different locations in your house, to see if one appeals to your cat more than others.
Make sure your cat's water is fresh and the bowl cleaned daily. Rinse it well to remove lingering soap traces. Tap water can also put cats off due to the chemicals used to treat it, so filtered water can be the answer for picky cats.
Even humans can find water too bland for their tastes! Try adding a little flavour to kitty’s water dish with some low-sodium tuna juice or chicken broth – just make sure there’s no garlic, onions, or other dangerous ingredients. Your cat won’t be able to resist having a drink!
Another great technique for the hot summer months is to pop a few ice cubes in their bowl. Cats often prefer chilled water, and they’ll love playing with and trying to catch the slippery cubes!
Alternatively, many cats prefer a moving water source. A water fountain might be just the thing to entice your cat to drink – but they might also enjoy taking a few laps from a running tap, too.
Since cats prefer eating to drinking water, probably the easiest way to ensure your cat is hydrated is to switch to wet food. Dry cat food can contain less than 14% water, compared to over 60% in wet food. Remember to introduce changes to your cat’s diet slowly, and consult your vet first if your cat has any dietary or health concerns.
If you’re set on sticking to dry food for your cat, try adding a little water to it to help your cat take in more fluids.
Wait, what? Why would you want silver or gold in your pet’s shampoo? Years of research into silver and gold nanotechnology have discovered that these metals can have incredible benefits to your pet’s health and wellbeing. Read on to learn more about these miracle metals, and how you can introduce them into your pet’s routine with NanoSanitas™!
Nanotechnology is a science that involves either creating or using materials at the nanoscale – in English, things that are really tiny. A single nanometer is around a 100 millionth of a millimetre. For context, a piece of newspaper is around 100,000 nanometers thick. Nanoparticles exist in nature and humans have been working with them for centuries without knowing that’s what they were doing. Nanotechnology is used today in medicine, building, and even cosmetics.
One of the reasons for using nanotechnology is that nanoparticles have a higher surface to volume ratio than normal particles, and as a result the same material can have different effects when used at such a small size.
Silver has been used for medicine and healing throughout history – even the Ancient Greeks and Romans knew it has antibiotic properties! Silver has often been used to treat infections and care for wounds. Shrinking it down to the nanoscale only enhances these properties, as the folk behind NanoSanitas™ have found. Applying silver nanoparticles topically, like in a shampoo, can help relieve and prevent irritation, kill pathogens, and accelerate tissue regeneration. The silver nanoparticles in NanoSanitas™ Silver line products will also neutralize odours by inhibiting the bacteria that cause them, and can even help against ticks and fleas!
Gold nanoparticles are used now in groundbreaking medical treatments, from Rapid Diagnostic Tests to treating Rheumatoid Arthritis, HIV, and even cancer. NanoSanitas™ Liquid Gold Serum uses the power of gold nanoparticles to provide intensive nourishment to your pet’s fur; detangling and visibly repairing it for serious softness.
If NanoSanitas™ is so carefully engineered, does that mean it’s full of chemicals? NanoSanitas™ has brought science and nature together, making sure their range of eight holistic grooming products contain only worry-free ingredients.
There are no parabens or preservatives, and the silver and gold nanoparticles are meticulously combined with the type of natural ingredients you’d find in your own cosmetics and shampoo. The NanoSanitas™ Silver line products use a variety of extracts and oils like calendula, chamomile, aloe vera, and coconut oil for their moisturising and soothing properties. Liquid Gold Serum features argan oil and silk proteins for a truly luxurious pet treatment!
NanoSanitas™ aren’t the only brand to sell separate products for your male or female pet, but usually this is just a way to market different scents – after all, you wouldn’t want your boy dog to smell… quelle horreur… GIRLY.
NanoSanitas™ is the only widespread consumer brand that have a reason for splitting their products by gender. You might have heard that your pet shampoo needs to be pH balanced, but did you know that there’s a massive pH difference between the skin of male and female dogs? Bathing your pet with a shampoo that has the wrong pH can compromise their skin barrier and leave them more vulnerable to pathogens. A shampoo that’s pH balanced for a male dog could cause problems for your female dog, and vice versa! That’s why NanoSanitas™ is balanced by gender - to ensure that you’re providing the best care for your pet’s needs.
There’s nothing like a refreshing drink on a hot day, right? A nice cold bowl of water will help cool your dog’s internal temperature and keeps them hydrated. Make sure your pup always has access to a bowl of water and keep it in a shaded spot so it doesn’t get too hot. You can also add crushed ice to their water (this is safer than ice cubes, which your dog could choke on.
If you’re taking your dog out for the day, it’s crucial to make sure they get enough to drink. Lots of service stations have water bowls for dogs now, but keeping a travel water bottle on hand is a good idea too.
Of course, your dog isn’t just limited to drinking water to keep cool. They’ll love splashing around in it, too! Most dogs will gladly take the opportunity for a dip in a pool or the sea – just make sure they’re supervised – but if that’s not an option, why not fill a paddling pool in your garden for them to play in?
DO NOT: Pour water over your dog! Completely soaking your dog can actually make your dog feel hotter.
You might have a coat to pop on your dog during winter walks – but how about one for summer? The DRY® Cooling Vest by Suitical uses the power of water evaporation to cool your dog up to 15°C below the ambient temperature. Filling it once can last up to three days and there’s no refrigeration required or gels or chemicals involved.
Ever walked on a hot pavement with bare feet (or had the soles of your sandals melt to it, as once happened to me in France?) In summer the ground can get so hot it risks burning your pet’s paws. A set of rubber paw protectors from PAWZ will protect their sensitive pads from being scorched. Plus, they look delightfully silly, which is always a plus.
DO NOT: Muzzle your dog! Did you know dogs only have cooling sweat glands in their paws? While humans will sweat to cool down, dogs can't really do this. Instead, they stay cool by panting, which a traditional muzzle will prevent them from doing. Either forgo the muzzle in hot weather or switch to a Baskerville Muzzle that allows unrestricted panting and breathing.
Your dog’s activity needs don’t change just because it’s summer, but long walks in the summer heat risk your dog overheating or getting sunburnt. A supervised play session in a cool, shaded area is a safe way to burn off excess energy – just put a stop to it if your dog is getting too hot. Incorporate a frozen dog toy – like a CHUCKIT! Hydrofreeze or KONG Classic filled with frozen peanut butter – to keep them entertained and cool for hours.
DO NOT: Walk your dog in the midday sun! The sun is at its hottest between 12pm-3pm, so do your pup a favour and let them rest inside instead. Switch to shorter walks at cooler times of the day, like early in the morning or evening.
Most dogs will instinctively try to find somewhere cool to rest on a hot day. You can make the process easier for them with a cooling mattress. They’re designed to be used alone or in your dog’s crate, bed, or while travelling. They work alone without ice packs or electricity, but you can pop yours in the fridge too for extra effect.
If you crate your dog, make sure the crate is placed somewhere cool, and consider using a clip-on crate fan too.
DO NOT: Leave your dog in a car! It only takes a few minutes for a car to heat up to dangerous temperatures, even if it doesn’t feel that warm outside. Parked in 21°C heat, the inside of a car will heat up to 45°C in just an hour - and that number will just keep rising. And no, parking in the shade doesn’t make a difference. Imagine how frightening that is for a dog, unable to escape! Do them a favour and take them into the shop with you – or just leave them at home.
Aside from panting, one of a dog’s main defenses against the summer heat is shedding! They lose most of their winter coat during the spring to allow a lighter summer coat to grow in, but you can still help to keep them cool through summer with regular brushing to remove excess hair. A Pet Teezer De-Shedding brush reaches right through to the undercoat to pick up all your dog’s loose hairs.
READ MORE: What brush is best for my dog?
DO NOT: Shave double-coated dogs! You might think your Husky or Malamute’s thick coat would be unbearable in the sun, but their long coats are better suited to the heat than you'd expect. The "don't shave your dog" rule applies to other breeds too, like Golden Retrievers and Border Collies.
Keep these tips in mind and watch out for heatstroke to make sure your furry friends enjoy the summer weather just as much as you!
]]>"Nawet jeśli planujesz pozostawić większość zadań pielęgnacyjnych groomerowi, nie da się uciec od szczotkowania psa! Regularne szczotkowanie jest niezbędnym elementem opieki zdrowotnej nad psem, a wykonane prawidłowo stanowi relaksującą sesję rozpieszczania. duża szansa na związanie. Dlatego tak ważne jest upewnienie się, że wybrałeś odpowiednie narzędzie do tej pracy.
Szorowanie jest normalne. To chyba nie jest nowina dla żadnego właściciela psa! Kiedy Twój pies zrzuca sierść, traci całą martwą lub uszkodzoną sierść, aby umożliwić wzrost nowej, zdrowej sierści. Niektóre psy zrzucają sierść sezonowo, podczas gdy inne zrzucają przez cały rok, ale wszystkie psy to robią!
Jeśli chcesz utrzymać swój dom, meble i osobę wolną od jak największej ilości zrzucanych włosów, regularne szczotkowanie jest jednym z najlepszych sposobów na zmniejszenie ilości zrzucanych przez Twojego psa włosów. Polecamy wypróbowanie Pet Teezer De-Shedding Brush a whirl. Pamiętasz Tangle Teezer - przełomową szczotkę do ludzkich włosów, która rozplątuje je bez ciągnięcia? Ta sama firma zajęła się narzędziami do pielęgnacji i stworzyła Pet Teezer! Wykorzystuje ona tę samą technologię dwupoziomowych zębów, aby dotrzeć do podszerstka Twojego psa i zebrać luźne włosy podczas szczotkowania.
Masz psa, który bardzo intensywnie linieje? Być może Groomi Tool to szeroki grzebień z płytkimi zębami, który ogranicza wypadanie włosów aż do 95%! Krótkie ząbki oznaczają, że nie będzie on łapał skóry Twojego psa, ale to wcale nie zmniejsza jego skuteczności! Zbiera stosy martwych włosów i łupież z sierści Twojego psa. Zobacz na tym filmie, jak wiele martwych włosów znika dzięki szybkiej szczotce!
Albo Doodle, albo Bichon Frises, albo psy wodne, albo... Szczotkowanie jest szczególnie ważne dla ras o kręconej sierści, ponieważ są one podatne na matowienie i splątanie - jak każdy człowiek z kręconymi włosami może ci powiedzieć!
A szczotka slicker będzie Twoim najlepszym przyjacielem w pielęgnacji psa o kręconych włosach. Zgrabna szczotka wnika aż do podszerstka psa, zapewniając mu dobrą, dokładną pielęgnację. Usunie martwe włosy, skórę, a nawet małe, luźne maty.
Matowienie może być naprawdę bolesne i powodować poważne podrażnienia skóry, wśród innych problemów. Nawet lekkie zmatowienie będzie bolesne dla Twojego zwierzaka! Użyj sprayu do rozczesywania, np. DeZynaDog Amazing Trixi spróbuj najpierw rozluźnić matę palcami, zanim przystąpisz do szczotkowania. Bądź delikatny!
Jeśli Twój pies ma poważną matę, próba jej wyczesania jest okrutna. Zrób mu przysługę i zabierz go do groomera, aby został ogolony - a w przyszłości staraj się czesać go częściej! Czasami pies odczuwa swędzenie skóry lub podrażnienie po goleniu. Leucillin Antiseptic Skincare to skuteczny, bezalkoholowy preparat do stosowania miejscowego, który działa łagodząco i jest bezpieczny nawet dla najbardziej wrażliwej skóry.
Psy z mopem, jak np. Komondornie wymagają szczotkowania - ich sierść naturalnie układa się w sznurki. Wymagają one jednak wiele innych środków pielęgnacyjnych Ale jesteśmy pewni, że jesteś na to przygotowany, jeśli przygarnąłeś już jednego!
Tak, zdecydowanie, chociaż prawdopodobnie nie będą chcieli siedzieć nieruchomo, aby to zrobić! Ważne jest, aby przyzwyczaić psa do zabiegów pielęgnacyjnych w młodym wieku. Zalecamy nawet szczotkowanie szczeniaka nieco częściej, aby każda sesja była krótka. Bardzo ważne jest, aby pielęgnacja była zabawa dla twojego szczeniaka! Bądź delikatny i dawaj dużo pochwał i pieszczot.
Strona Pet Teezer Puppy Brush jest idealnym narzędziem do tego zadania, o mniejszym rozmiarze i miękkich, elastycznych zębach, które zapewniają delikatną pielęgnację.
Nie ma ustalonej częstotliwości szczotkowania psa. Niektórzy twierdzą, że rasy o krótszej sierści mogą sobie poradzić ze szczotkowaniem co kilka tygodni, inni mówią, że raz w tygodniu, a jeszcze inni, że należy szczotkować przynajmniej co drugi dzień, niezależnie od długości sierści.
Jednak wszyscy zgadzają się co do tego, że psy o dłuższej sierści potrzebują częstsze szczotkowanie niż rasy o krótszej sierści. O ile nie szczotkujesz psa codziennie przez cały dzień, raczej nie przesadzisz z jego szczotkowaniem! Dobrze jest szczotkować psa trochę częściej niż myślisz, że będzie to konieczne.
Czas po kąpieli to dobry moment na szczotkowanie psa - możesz nawet szczotkować psa podczas kąpieli, używając szczotki KONG ZoomGroom jako szczotki do szamponu, aby rozprowadzić produkt po sierści. Gęste silikonowe ząbki stymulują naczynia włosowate i naturalną produkcję oleju, co zapewnia zdrowy wzrost i lśniącą sierść.
Pozwól psu zobaczyć i powąchać szczotkę zanim zaczniesz, aby pomóc mu się uspokoić. Przed rozpoczęciem szczotkowania sprawdź, czy sierść nie jest splątana lub zbita w kołtuny, aby przypadkiem nie pociągnąć za jeden z nich w trakcie pracy. Szczotkuj zawsze zgodnie z kierunkiem wzrostu włosa, używając mocne, krótkie pociągnięcia - nie wywierając zbyt dużego nacisku.
Sierść długowłosa jest podatna na plątanie, więc zacznij od spryskania jej sprayem spray rozplątujący i podziel sierść na sekcje. Możesz użyć do tego celu spinek.
Co najważniejsze - spraw, aby był to relaksujący, przyjemny czas dla Twojego psa. W ten sposób. nie będą robić zamieszania następnym razem, gdy będziesz musiał je wyszczotkować!".
Simply Sharp zapewnia profesjonalne usługi ostrzenia i materiały do groomingu zarówno lokalnie, jak i na skalę krajową. Są zespołem z wieloletnim doświadczeniem, tutaj aby sprostać różnorodnym potrzebom klientów z wielu branż, w tym pielęgnacji zwierząt domowych, pielęgnacji koni i fryzjerstwa.
]]>Dłuższa odpowiedź: Tak, są. I to bardzo. Przepraszam!
Nie mamy dokładnych danych na temat tego, ile plastikowych torebek na psie odchody zużywają Brytyjczycy każdego roku. Wiemy jednak, że w Wielkiej Brytanii zużywa się około pięć milionów ton plastiku rocznie, w tym ponad BILION plastikowe torby jednorazowego użytku.
Problem z plastikiem? Nie rozkłada się. EVER. Ok, nie przez bardzo długi czas - dłużej niż istnieje plastik, aby móc to zaobserwować. Szacuje się, że plastikowa torba zajmie do 1000 lat, aby się rozłożyć. To naprawdę długi czas, w którym plastikowe torebki na kupę zalegają na wysypisku.
Jaki jest więc problem z psimi kupami i torebkami, które tak długo zalegają na wysypiskach? Odkładając na bok wszystkie problemy dla ziemi które powodują wysypiska śmieci w ogóle, plastikowe torby pełne psiej kupy wypłukują szkodliwe mikroplastiki do gleby i uwalniają metan. Ten gaz metanowy, nawiasem mówiąc, jest 30 razy gorszy dla środowiska niż dwutlenek węgla. Warto wiedzieć.
Więc jeśli torebki na psie kupy są tak złe dla środowiska, jakie są twoje bardziej ekologiczne opcje dla ekskrementów twojego psa?
Lubimy myśleć, że nikt z czytających to nie planuje po prostu zostawić swojego psa odpady siedzi na chodniku! Czy naprawdę myślisz, że jakaś biedna, niczego nie podejrzewająca osoba zasługuje na to na swoich butach? Nawet pozostawianie ich na trawie lub w lesie nie jest dobrym rozwiązaniem. Psie kupy są pełne chorób i patogenów. Jeśli dostanie się zmyć do naszych dróg wodnych w czasie deszczu, może powodować choroby u ludzi i poważnie wpływać na życie wodne.
Jest to lepsze rozwiązanie niż nieużywanie torebki, ale nie za bardzo - po kilku użyciach nadal wysyłasz plastik na wysypisko. Zalecamy to jednak, jeśli nie masz nic innego do wykorzystania - to lepsze rozwiązanie niż pozostawianie kupy na ziemi!
Spłukiwanie psiej kupy w toalecie jest często reklamowane jako opcja przyjazna dla środowiska, ale czy jest to coś, co rzeczywiście powinieneś zrobić? Z pewnością zmniejszyłoby to ilość odpadów plastikowych, ale nie zawsze jest to praktyczna opcja. Co się stanie, gdy Fido zdecyduje się na kucnięcie w połowie długiego spaceru zamiast w ogrodzie, na przykład?
Nie jest to tylko kwestia praktyczności. Firmy wodociągowe różnią się co do tego, czy bezpiecznie jest spłukiwać psie kupy. Anglian Water, na przykład, twierdzi, że Absolutnie nie ma mowy, ponieważ proces uzdatniania wody nie jest w stanie zabić wszystkich pasożytów znajdujących się w psiej kupie. Nie wiem jak Ty, ale ja osobiście nie jestem chętny na złapanie glisty, więc prawdopodobnie jest to jeden z tych, których należy unikać!
Jeśli chodzi o wygodę i koszty, nic tak naprawdę nie pobije plastikowej torebki na kupę. Ale nie ma powodu, aby rezygnować z tradycyjnego plastiku. Możliwe jest wyprodukowanie plastikowych torebek na kupy, które SĄ przyjazne dla środowiska i tutaj w Simply2 Pet Products, właśnie to zrobiliśmy! Nasze Kompostowalne torebki na kupę Compoost'Em są wykonane z alternatywnego tworzywa sztucznego, które ulega całkowitej biodegradacji w ciągu zaledwie sześciu miesięcy. Posiadają certyfikat UE (EN13432) i nadają się do kompostowania przemysłowego, ale mogą być również wyrzucane do normalnych pojemników na psie odchody. Dodatkowo, koszt to tylko £1,95 za 30 torebek lub, jeśli skorzystasz z miesięcznej wyprzedaży, £17,55 za pudełko 12 opakowań. To 360 torebek - jedna na prawie każdy dzień roku.
Dlaczego worki na kupę Compoost'Em nie są szkodliwe dla środowiska?
Po pierwsze, są one wykonane z naturalnych, surowych pozostałości, takich jak skrobia kukurydziana, które nie mogą być użyte do produkcji żywności. Do ich produkcji nie użyliśmy żadnych składników ropopochodnych. Tworzywa sztuczne na bazie skrobi kukurydzianej nie uwalniają szkodliwych mikroplastików w procesie rozkładu i potrzebują więcej energii niż tradycyjne tworzywa sztuczne. 65% mniej energii do produkcji niż tradycyjny plastik.
Ponadto, kukurydza jest substancją odnawialną. Ropa naftowa, podstawa tradycyjnych tworzyw sztucznych, zdecydowanie nie jest. Uważa się, że niedługo na świecie zabraknie wszystkich paliw kopalnych, w tym ropy naftowej, do 2060 roku - więc lepiej przestańmy na nich polegać, zanim będzie za późno!
Nie musisz się również martwić o opakowanie. Compoost'Em pakowane są w karton pochodzący ze zrównoważonych źródeł (certyfikowany przez World Land Trust!), bez dodatkowego plastiku.
A więc, czy zdecydujesz się na przejście na kompostowalne torebki na kupy?
]]>Kiedy zabierasz swojego psa na długi spacer, co zabierasz ze sobą? Prawdopodobnie torebki na kupy, smakołyk lub dwa, a może piłkę tenisową do rzucania. Ale co z narzędziem do usuwania kleszczy? Na całym świecie istnieją setki gatunków kleszczy, a Wielka Brytania nie jest tu wyjątkiem. Kleszcze można znaleźć w całym kraju, gdzie tylko czekają, aby wsiąść na Twojego psa lub kota i zarazić go paskudnymi chorobami. Czy wiesz, jak usunąć kleszcza, jeśli znajdziesz go w sierści swojego pupila? Czytaj dalej, aby dowiedzieć się wszystkiego, czego nigdy nie chciałeś wiedzieć o tych małych, paskudnych insektach.
Kleszcze są małymi owadami, blisko spokrewnionymi z pająkami i roztoczami. Są żywiącymi się krwią pasożytami, które przyczepiają się do każdego żywiciela, który niefortunnie przejdzie obok nich - w tym ludzi, psów, kotów, koni, a nawet ptaków! Nie potrafią latać ani skakać, ale będą czekać na łodygach lub liściach roślin, gotowe przyczepić się do żywiciela za pomocą haczyków na nogach.
Kleszcze mogą mieć kolor czerwony, brązowy lub czarny i są bardzo małe - przynajmniej dopóki nie wypełni ich krew! Nimfa kleszcza (drugie stadium życia kleszcza) jest wielkości ziarnka maku, a dorosłe osobniki mają często nie więcej niż 3 mm długości. To może sprawić, że trudno je zauważyć, a niestety te małe stworzenia mogą powodować DUŻE problemy.
Kiedy kleszcz przyczepi się do skóry Twojej lub Twojego zwierzaka, zacznie się odżywiać - napełniać się krwią, aż napęcznieje do ponad centymetra długości. To właśnie wtedy najłatwiej zauważyć kleszcze, ponieważ wyglądają jak guzek lub balon, ale do tego czasu szkody mogą być już wyrządzone. Kiedy kleszcz ugryzie, uwalnia do organizmu żywiciela płyny, które mogą powodować reakcje alergiczne, infekcje i choroby. W niektórych przypadkach ukąszenie kleszcza może być śmiertelne.
Podczas gdy zapobieganie ukąszeniom kleszczy u ludzi może być tak proste, jak noszenie długich rękawów i spodni, Twój pies lub kot nie ma takiej możliwości! Dlatego tak ważne jest, aby często, a najlepiej codziennie, sprawdzać swoje zwierzęta pod kątem obecności kleszczy. Na szczęście szukanie kleszczy jest tak proste, jak sprawdzanie ich opuszkami palców podczas głaskania zwierzęcia - na co niewiele zwierząt będzie narzekać!
Możesz również sprawdzać kleszcze podczas pielęgnacji. Szczotkowanie pod kątem kierunku sierści Twojego zwierzęcia, jak również pod włos pomoże Ci dostrzec kleszcze na jego skórze. Pamiętaj, aby sprawdzić także wokół i wewnątrz uszu, wokół oczu, na brodzie i pysku oraz między opuszkami i palcami.
Na rynku jest wiele produktów zapobiegających kleszczom, ale muszą być one stosowane wyłącznie u zdrowych zwierząt i zgodnie z instrukcjami producenta. Produkty te mogą być toksyczne dla Twojego zwierzęcia, jeśli są stosowane nieprawidłowo lub przedawkowane. Pamiętaj, aby NIGDY nie stosować na swoim kocie preparatów przeciw kleszczom dla psów! Zazwyczaj zawierają one permetrynę, substancję chemiczną, która może być śmiertelna dla kotów. Trzymaj się czegoś stworzonego specjalnie dla kotów i uważaj na skażenie krzyżowe, jeśli masz psa w tym samym gospodarstwie domowym.
Usuwanie kleszczy w domu jest dość proste, jeśli wiesz, jak to zrobić bezpiecznie. Nieprawidłowe usunięcie kleszcza może spowodować pozostawienie jego części gębowych lub wciśnięcie jego płynów do ciała żywiciela, co stwarza poważne ryzyko infekcji.
Bardzo ważne jest, aby usunąć kleszcza w całości, nie uciskając go, nie przebijając, ani nie raniąc w żaden sposób. Najlepszy sposób, aby to zrobić? Użyj narzędzia do usuwania kleszczy O'Tom Tick Twister®. Są one preferowane przez profesjonalistów z branży weterynaryjnej, medycznej i leśnej, i nie bez powodu! Tick Twister® został zaprojektowany, aby usuwać kleszcze szybko, bezboleśnie, a co najważniejsze - całkowicie.
Tick Twister® zaczepia się wokół kleszcza bez wywierania żadnego nacisku, a każde opakowanie zawiera dwa rozmiary do wyboru w zależności od wielkości kleszcza. Narzędzie należy umieścić wokół kleszcza z boku, a następnie lekko je unieść i przekręcić. Zazwyczaj wystarczą 2-3 pełne obroty. Możesz przekręcić narzędzie w dowolnym kierunku - ale trzymaj się tego samego! Przekręcanie w jednym kierunku, a następnie w drugim spowoduje oderwanie się części gębowych kleszcza.
Po usunięciu kleszcza, zdezynfekuj miejsce ukąszenia i dokładnie umyj ręce. Możesz pozbyć się kleszcza zgniatając go w chusteczce higienicznej i spłukując w toalecie. Możesz też zachować kleszcza do późniejszej identyfikacji, zamykając go w plastikowej torebce i wkładając do zamrażarki.
Te metody mogą wyglądać tak, jakby całkowicie usuwały kleszcza, ale pamiętaj, że nie możesz zobaczyć, czy jego części gębowe zostały pozostawione bez użycia mikroskopu elektronowego. Jeśli nie masz takiego na strychu, lepiej użyć odpowiedniego narzędzia w pierwszej kolejności.
Jeśli jesteś pewien, że usunąłeś kleszcza prawidłowo, a Twój zwierzak nie wykazuje żadnych objawów, prawdopodobnie nie ma takiej potrzeby! Jeśli jednak masz jakiekolwiek wątpliwości, lepiej zadzwoń do weterynarza.
Kleszcze narażają Twoje zwierzęta na wiele chorób, w tym erlichiozę, boreliozę i babeszjozę. Wczesna diagnoza zwiększa szanse na skuteczne leczenie, dlatego tak ważne jest, aby obserwować swojego pupila po ukąszeniu kleszcza. Pamiętaj, aby zgłosić wszelkie objawy swojemu lekarzowi weterynarii.
Czasami objawy mogą pojawić się miesiące po ukąszeniu kleszcza, więc pamiętaj, aby wspomnieć o tym lekarzowi weterynarii, nawet jeśli myślisz, że było to zbyt dawno temu, aby mieć znaczenie.
Lots of people choose to crate train their dogs, and it’s easy to see why – a crate keeps pups safe when you’re not there, and helps with toilet training. Done right, crate training means your dog will see their crate as a relaxing, happy space, and will happily go in of their own accord. (And now I’m frantically Googling ‘How to carry-case train my cat.’)
Even if you’re choosing not to crate train, you’ll almost certainly need a crate for traveling and vet visits.
Whether your new pal is going to be sleeping in a crate, in a kennel, or on the kitchen floor, choose some soft bedding to keep them cosy. Perhaps we’re biased, but we always say Profleece is the way to go – it’s thick, it’s tough, and it’s super comfy. Plus it’s washable and rubber-backed to allow liquids through – perfect for puppies who haven’t quite gotten the hang of potty-training yet. (Speaking of which, you’ll probably want to pick up some puppy pads too.)
Next on your new puppy checklist are dog bowls! You’ll need two, one for water and one for food. There’s endless choice for dog bowls on the market, but we always recommend stainless steel over plastic – it’s dishwasher-safe and much less chewable.
Of course, you’ll need dog food too, and there’s so many to choose from. Will you feed raw? Organic? Grain-free? A dedicated puppy food is recommended to give your pup all the nutrients they need to grow properly. You can ask the breeder or shelter for advice, and keep an eye out for signs of food intolerances.
Pups need exercise, after all, and for their own safety they need to be on a lead! Over-excitable puppies are known for pulling while they walk, and a traditional collar can hurt their throats and more. Consider a Canny collar (with matching lead, of course) or a harness instead.
Never pleasant, but picking it up’s a must! Opt for compostable poo bags to help reduce plastic pollution. They’re just as strong as standard plastic, but take only six months to biodegrade, instead of 1000 years!
Perhaps you plan to leave bath time to a groomer as possible, but it’s good to be prepared for when your pup inevitably rolls in something smelly! A good dog shampoo should definitely be on your new puppy checklist. You can choose one in a scent you like or to suit the needs of your particular pup.
We’d also recommend a flea comb, brush, and nail clippers so you can do basic grooming at home. After all, grooming a dog isn’t just cosmetic – it’s good for their health, too.
Getting your dog microchipped is essential. Even the best supervised dogs can end up lost or, worse, stolen, and a microchip gives you the best chance of them being returned to you safely. Especially with the recent rise in dog theft, it’s never been more important to check their chips regularly and keep your information up to date.
I’m first to admit that a dog in a lampshade cone looks pretty funny, but it’s not the most comfortable – or practical – for your pet! A Suitical Recovery Suit keeps wounds protected while being soft and easy for doggo to wear. It’s perfect for aftercare following spaying or neutering, so it’s definitely one to tick off on your new puppy checklist. Plus, it’s washable, so can be reused in the future if needed.
Who’s a good puppy? EVERY puppy is, so show them just what a good boy/girl they are with something tasty! Don’t have any to hand? Well, we’ve never met a dog that turned their nose up at a dab of peanut butter! (Just make sure it’s xylitol-free and low in salt!)
A bored puppy is a destructive puppy, and there’s one answer… toys! Toys are great for training – research shows that redirection is better than punishment. So save your voice and hand them a toy instead!
Channel your pup’s natural urges to chew and tear with KONG’s line of (almost) indestructible dog toys. They’ll never want to chew your favourite pair of shoes again. Probably.
And don’t forget – interactive play is key to bonding with your new puppy! Chuckit! offer the perfect range of dog toys for playing tug-of-war or fetch with your new friend. Domestic dogs were bred to help humans with hunting and other outdoor work, so fetch stimulates the ‘reward system’ in their brains. And after all, happy dog – happy owner!
Dlaczego miałbyś kompostować torebki na psie odchody?
Psia kupa to kontrowersyjna sprawa. Albo jej nie znosisz, albo... nie, prawdopodobnie po prostu jej nie znosisz. Psia kupa nie tylko brzydko pachnie i zalega na butach, ale stanowi zagrożenie dla środowiska - rozprzestrzenia bakterie campylobacter, tasiemce i bakterie E.coli. Dodatkowo, jeśli zostanie pozostawiona na ziemi, trafia do naszych wodociągów. Pięknie!
Niestety, zbieranie jej do plastikowej torby i wyrzucanie do najbliższego kosza wcale nie jest lepsze dla środowiska! Standardowe plastikowe torebki na odchody trafiają na wysypiska śmieci, gdzie ich rozkład może trwać nawet ponad 1000 lat. Tylko 9% plastiku jest poddawane recyklingowi.
Na szczęście, mamy rozwiązanie - a tym rozwiązaniem jest Compoost'Em! Compoost'Em Poo Bags są w 100% naturalne i przyjazne dla środowiska. Są one wykonane z odnawialnego surowca, takiego jak skrobia kukurydziana, która ulega całkowitej biodegradacji w ciągu zaledwie sześciu miesięcy, dokładnie w Twoim własnym ogrodzie!
Tak, pod warunkiem, że zrobisz to we właściwy sposób!
Bez względu na wszystko: psia kupa absolutnie, kategorycznie nie może być stosowana na roślinach jadalnych. Proces kompostowania nie zabije wszystkich bakterii zawartych w zwierzęcych odchodach, co oznacza, że otrzymasz dużą pomoc w postaci groszku z Twojego ogrodu - miło. Jest to jednak doskonały kompost dla roślin ozdobnych i rabat kwiatowych!
Zwierzęce odchody muszą być trzymane z dala od roślin jadalnych, źródeł wody i zwykłej kupy kompostowej, co oznacza, że najlepszym rozwiązaniem jest osobny pojemnik na psie odchody lub kompostownik. Możesz nawet zrobić swój własny!
Kilka ogólnych wskazówek dotyczących bezpieczeństwa:
Możesz albo trzymać swoje psie odchody i trociny oddzielnie, gdy zbierzesz wystarczająco dużo, aby rozpocząć kompostowanie, albo możesz mieszać je na bieżąco. Trzymanie ich osobno przyspiesza proces kompostowania, ale mieszanie ich w trakcie będzie mniej, uh, nieprzyjemne w zapachu. Twój wybór!
Kiedy już będziesz gotowy do rozpoczęcia kompostowania, zmieszaj jedną część trocin z dwiema częściami psiej kupy. Dodawaj stopniowo wodę, aż mieszanka będzie tak wilgotna jak wykręcona gąbka. Aby rozpocząć proces kompostowania, potrzebujesz stosu o wysokości około dwóch do trzech stóp.
Gdy mikroorganizmy w odpadach zaczną pracować, mieszanka kompostowa zacznie się nagrzewać. Upewnić się, że pojemnik na kompost jest przykryty, aby utrzymać ciepło.
Raz w tygodniu dokładnie odwracać mieszaninę kompostową, od zewnątrz do wewnątrz. Monitorować temperaturę za pomocą termometru. Gdy kompost nie będzie się już nagrzewał po wymieszaniu, oznacza to, że proces został zakończony - a Twój kompost na psie odchody jest gotowy do użycia!