Travelling with Pets – Easter Holidays

With the Easter holidays approaching, research suggests that five out of six dog owners will take along their dog for a trip.

After multiple surveys by car manufacturers, veterinarians, and road safety bodies were conducted into the opinions of animal transportation, the findings were shocking. Car manufacturer Ford, for example, revealed that 32% of dog-owning drivers admitted to not securing their pets safely whilst driving. Whether they know it or not, this action puts themselves, passengers and other road users at risk. If you’re bringing home a new furry family member, or going away for a spring break, how do you ensure your pet's safety in transit?

According to the Highway Code, not restraining animals in a car could result in the driver being pulled over for driving without due care and attention, as they should “make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained, so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly.” And, there’s a solution to every size and shape of pet; “a seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.”

Not only is allowing your unrestrained pet to be a distraction against the law, they could cause harm to themselves, other passengers or the driver, and could even potentially invalidate your car and pet insurance.

Indie, pictured at Veloce HQ, has a TransK9 crate fitted for her transporting needs; click the image for more info

In another survey, owners also revealed some of the reasons behind not securing their pets. 32% of those questioned said it was because the animals didn’t like it, 31% claimed there was no need when undertaking short journeys, and 14% said they did not have room for a dog crate. If you want to take the guesswork out of deciding which method is best for your pet before you invest in a carrier or safety restraint, take a look at our book, Dogs on Wheels (also available as an eBook.)

So, if you’re planning to take your furry friend on a car journey (whether it be a short or long trip), check out these suggestions to make the experience more enjoyable for everyone involved:

1. Make sure that your vehicle is kitted out with either a sufficiently sized carrier, or a lead restraint. Don’t try and make do with a cardboard box, as anything that is not secure could lead to your pet escaping and dangerously distracting the driver.

2. If your pet is new to you, or has been displaying anxious behaviour, introduce them to the crate or car space in which they will be travelling at home, to allow them to acclimatise. Being suddenly confined to an unfamiliar, sometimes disorienting setting can be stressful, especially as your pet’s natural instinct is to want to see what’s going on! Furnish their area with a few familiar toys and bedding to provide a calm environment.

3. Don’t change their diet, or feed them right before setting off. A sudden switch in your pet’s food before the journey can upset them (and their stomach!) and that’s not what you want when you’re in the car together.

4. Try to avoid feeding your pet right before you leave and when you’re on the road, but do keep a supply of their favourite biscuits or treats. Schedule in stops on your journey, for toilet breaks and fresh air. Never let dogs off the lead in a car park or motorway service area.

5. Be aware that breeds with short noses (brachycephalic) can overheat faster than other breeds.

6. Clip claws to prevent a potential injury if your pet scratches in the carrier.

7. As always, take water and a bowl with you to keep your favourite companion well hydrated. The Highway Code recommends you always carry a large water bottle (5 litres minimum) in case your pet overheats, and needs to be rapidly cooled in an emergency.

8. Cover your seats in doggie-durable, waterproof covers: saves wear and tear of the car and means less cleaning.

9. Leaving your pet alone in the car, no matter what the temperature might feel like outside, is a big NO!

The general advice is to keep your pets out of the front seat and off your lap, regardless of how short the journey is. Even the most docile pet could distract you at a safety-critical moment. You never know when they might react to something that they think is interesting outside the car. Don’t ruin your Easter holiday by letting your pet stick their head out of the window; as much as they may enjoy the breeze, it isn’t worth the risks involved!

As well has preventing a distraction from driving, restraining your dog will keep them away from dangerous holiday goodies that, in the body of a dog, become lethal, such as chocolate, and sweets containing the sweetener xylitol. If you feel like treating your beloved pet to a treat of their own, check out Doggie Cookies (also available as an eBook.)

You old dog!

After Christmas, there is always a focus on new or young dogs – how to look after them, what to feed them, etc – but what about older dogs? They require just as much care and attention as a new furry friend in the home!

Just like us, dogs are living longer, which has led to the need for a greater understanding of what is ideal in terms of care, exercise, food, physical and emotional support. Signs of ageing are similar to those in humans – grey hair, slower movement, tiring more often. Quite when a dog is considered 'senior' varies dependent on breed, but most tend to start showing signs of slowing down from the age of seven. Things to be mindful of include:

Mobility We are all prone to aching joints as time goes on, but there are a number of ways in which we can help ease our dog into a slower pace of life. Keep a consistent daily routine that either involves short walks, or garden activities, to keep him moving. 

You can teach an old dog new tricks, and he will thank you for it, as it can help to make him feel 'younger.' An added bonus is that older dogs have a better attention span than younger pups, so training them will be easier for you too.

Creature comforts Your dog may need to rest more, and that's fine! Make sure that everything he can possibly need throughout the day is close to hand for him, and that there are minimal obstructions to hinder him. 

Hard floors can prove tricky for senior dogs, so try a non-slip rug underfoot to give him more traction. 

It's also a good idea to revise the way in which he eats, as some older dogs find it difficult standing for prolonged periods of time.

They may also suffer from separation anxiety, so try not to leave an older dog alone for extended periods.

Warmth With thinning fur, it's a good idea to invest in a nice coat for those brisk, and often wet, winter walks. When back at home, be mindful of draughts in the house, and make sure that his bed is situated somewhere cosy.

Bodily functions Incontinence, loss of sight, and being hard of hearing are all unfortunate side-affects of old age in almost every animal, but that doesn't mean it has to prevent a normal way of life! Help re-train your pooch to use an indoor litter tray if he can't make it through the night without a visit outside. Have patience when your dog doesn't seem to respond to you – he probably just didn't hear you, or is having trouble focusing his vision!

A dog's diet is a crucial aspect at any age, but there are a number of different things to consider now your faithful companion is getting on in years. It is important to maintain a balanced diet in order to combat obesity and diabetes. Dinner with Rover and Dog cookies are two books that can help inspire you to creat fun and nutritional dishes for dogs of all ages!

There are some key areas where a change in diet can improve your dog's general health:

Gut-love Digestion becomes tricker with age, so including highly digestible ingredients, in particular proteins, will help with the efficiency of the gut. Fibre is a good ingredient to keep a steady, and healthy, gut transit.

Organs The higher the quality, the higher the nutrients! This will mean fewer waste products for the kidneys to dispose of. Maintaining a balance of minerals is another way to help protect the kidneys, whilst some diets contain specific essential fatty acid supplements that can not only protect the kidneys, but the heart as well.

Weighing-in on the situation Keeping a close eye on your dog's weight in his senior years is key to retaining mobility. It's ideal to feed your dog food that is lower in fat and calories to reflect a slower metabolism, and reduced exercise.

Grey matter We are all prone to senior moments, and dogs are no exception! The brain and immune system may not be what they once were, but a balance of vitamins and minerals can help to increase the effectiveness of the immune system as Fido ages. An increased intake of antioxidants will also benefit immunity, as well as having the added bonus of protecting against brain ageing!

Word of mouth Appetite decreases with age, and senior diets are structured around this; kibbles are generally smaller for ease of eating. Some kibbles may include a dental formula to help clean your dog's teeth while he chews. 

Aside from the obvious needs of an elderly dog, there are a great number of reasons why they make the perfect pet! Every dog deserves a loving home, but younger dogs are more favoured for adoption than their elders. Just think of how much you'll be appreciated if you take home an older dog instead – not to mention the brownie points you will gain emotionally, knowing you have saved a dog from possible euthanasia. Older dogs also have a more mellow temperament, and can be easier to form a bond with than younger dogs, and are generally easier to get along with, as most are content just being in their owner's company!

For a great guide on caring for your senior pooch, why not pick up a copy of Living with an older dog, available from Hubble & Hattie? It covers a wide range of aspects that you are likely to encounter whilst caring for your furry friend, and will be invaluable to you and your dog during his golden years. Always remember to consult your vet if there are any changes in your companion that concern you.

Hello summer!

It may have come to your notice that it’s SUMMER! Yes – that big golden-orb-in-the-sky that you dreamed about over winter has finally put in an appearance! For us humans, it’s usually a time to get out and enjoy the fine weather and long days. For us pet owners, it’s a time when we can spend more time outdoors with our animals, whether in our gardens, or out in the wilds.

Whilst we may be desperate to soak up the sun and head outdoors, it’s vital that we consider our pet’s needs at this time of year. We may think nothing of spending hours in the hot sun (covering up appropriately, and applying sun cream, of course), but, for our pets, it’s a different story …

To help you help your animals, we’ve created a list of things to keep in mind when out – or in – and about with your dog or cat.

The essentials

Water, water, everwhere …

At least, that's what you should be thinking. With longer, warmer days comes an increased risk of dehydration. On very hot days, (yes, we do have them), simply sitting in the sun is enough to dehydrate us. Whilst dogs and cats don’t sweat like we do, they still lose water through panting, and sweat through their paws, and they can still become severely dehydrated. So, tip number one is to be alert and ensure your pet always has access to plenty of clean drinking water. That’s always, folks. And if it’s SUPER hot, slip a few ice cubes in the bowl, too!

Gimme shelter …

Just as important as water when the sun is out, it’s imperative that your animals have access to a shaded, cool area, where they can retreat to out of direct sunlight whenever they wish. This is particularly important for cats, for whom shade-seeking is an important strategy for coping with hot weather, along with reduced physical activity … no, they’re not simply being lazy in the hot weather! 

The area should be large enough to allow your pet to stretch-out and cool-off, and shouldn’t cramp them … just like these fellas …

If you have a couple of pets, they may want stay close to one another, but make sure that there’s enough room for them to space themselves out a bit: huddling together will increase their body temperature. Some pets, particularly older ones, like to fall asleep in the sun, and may not move into the shade unless woken. If you think your pet is about to snooze in the sun, move them into a shaded, cool area, or indoors.

Summer breeze …

Of course, even indoors temperatures can soar, so ventilation is vital. Keeping windows open to enable a flow of cooler air is a good start: screens can be used if you’re concerned your pet could make off, or if you live in an urban environment. Cooling fans are also a good idea, although some animals can be irritated by the constant breeze. Try placing a fan near a window to direct air into a room, rather than onto Fido’s bed. 

Everybody's free (to wear sunscreen) …

If you’re on a public beach, or out-and-about, shelter may be difficult to find, and whilst we can slip on a t-shirt or hat, for our furry friends, it’s not so easy. Clothing to shade your pet from the sun is a particularly good idea for smaller dogs – but be especially careful this doesn’t make them hotter!

No doggy clothes? Sunscreen or wipes are the way to go. If your pet has white or pale fur, they’re likely to have pink skin, too, and this will catch the sun more easily. Cats with white ears are particularly prone to cancer on their ears precisely because of this, and dogs are no exception (I even know of a horse that needed to wear sunscreen), so a little application of sunscreen, either as a spray, cream, or wipe, on any pale areas is a good way to prevent sunburn in your pooch or kitty. Or horse. You should talk to your vet about an appropriate sunscreen for your pet (a number are available): NEVER USE HUMAN SUNSCREEN, as this contains zinc oxide which can be lethal to pets if ingested.

Paws for thought …

If you’ve ever walked barefoot on the pavement on a hot summer’s day, you’ll know how scorchingly hot it can become, so spare a thought for a dog’s paws. One evolutionary theory says dogs evolved in freezing, arid conditions, so whilst they're adapted very well to the cold and dry, hot and dry climates are more challenging. Whilst contact burns from sun-baked asphalt are uncommon, dogs with more sensitive pads, such as those with immune or skin conditions, are more liable to get a physical burn. The biggest issue, though, affecting all dogs is body temperature. Dogs have a dedicated thermo-regulatory system in their paws that moves colder blood from the pad to the body, where it warms up again. In hot weather, this mechanism can cause a dog to overheat simply by walking on a hot surface, no matter how big or small their paws are. Keeping your dog off dark, hot surfaces is the best way to help here, or limit walks on asphalt to the cooler times of the day. Keep in mind, too, that asphalt temperatures continue to rise for a while after the hottest time of the day, so early morning or evenings are good times for walkies. Or you could buy him some doggy boots.

Work. Out.

We’ve all seen people jogging along with their dogs in hot weather, and whilst wild dogs can run for a looooong time in extreme cold, and even extreme heat, jogging along with their owner on a hot sunny day is a completely different matter to being in the wild. You may enjoy a sprint in the sun, but for Fido, it could turn into a very nasty, or even fatal, experience. With an owner 'in charge,' many pets will jog along until the point of collapse if you’re not careful. The best advice in hot weather is don’t make your dog exert himself. If you need to go for a run or cycle, leave Fido at home until the weather cools down … just make sure you’ve read Summer breeze, above!

Paw-l party, anyone?

When the truly scorching weather hits us (fingers crossed … ), it’s often all we can do to go out into the garden and sit in the shade. If you’re active, though, many dogs simply can’t resist joining in the fun, and if you’ve a kiddy-sized paddling pool, it can be a great way for everyone to have fun together, let off some steam (literally), and keep cool at the same time. Just make sure you don’t overfill it – not all dogs are naturally good swimmers! Board shorts are optional … and don’t use the hot tub.

Your pet is an amazing animal, and nature has given him the ability to know when and how to keep cool in most conditions. But keeping the above points in mind will make sure that your animals are comfortable, and can enjoy the hot weather. 

Above all, be vigilant. Remember that many animals love the sun just as much as we do, and sometimes may do a little too much, particularly when it's absent for so much of the year! Keep the above pointers in mind, and you’ll ensure that your animal companion doesn’t suffer in the sun. 

Oakfield - Life begins at 14!

Just like us, as dogs get older they have to face new challenges. Whether through their own age or condition, or that of their owners, some dogs reach a point where they can no longer be cared for at home, yet cannot take to life in kennels. Unlike us, though, there’s no ‘old dogs home’ where they can go to enjoy comfort and company until they are rehomed. Until now!

DogsTrust has set up the most amazing place for older dogs: Oakfield Old Dogs Home. Oakfield is a quaint old cottage, designed to mimic the home comforts that many older dogs are used to: a comfy living room, a squidgy sofa, a garden to pootle in, and a working kitchen.

For older dogs who need a little extra TLC, Oakfield is a true haven where they can live comfortably and securely until they find their forever home, or forever, if necessary! The 'Oakfield Oldies,' as residents are known, have often spent years living with their beloved owners who, through no fault of their own, can no longer care for them. As you can imagine, this is a difficult thing to cope with for any dog, let alone our older companions.








Many residents at Oakfield have special age-related requirements, and need a little extra care. Take Angus, for example – he's the handsome chap in the photo at the top of this post. At the ripe old age of 14, Angus came to DogsTrust with pancreatitis; his aching legs meant he struggled to walk very far, and he needed a special diet. But, with a snuggly blanket, and familiar sights, sounds, and smells, Angus was soon settled in at Oakfield.

Providing this level of care requires much help and support, and DogsTrust couldn't have created and maintain Oakfield without donations from the public and the hard work of its volunteers and staff.

With more and more older pets than ever requiring rehoming, it's vital that places such as Oakfield Old Dogs Home are here to help our animal companions. Head over to the DogsTrust website and see for yourself how you can help these grand old canines be comfortable and happy during their stay at Oakfield, whether that's for the rest of their lives, or just until their forever home turns up. And, of course, you can make a donation to help with its many, many projects.

www.dogstrust.org.uk

Do you have an older dog?

No matter how young or old your dog is, David Alderton’s and Derek Hall’s Living with an older dog, part of our Gentle Dog Care series, is invaluable in helping you to prepare for the physical and mental changes that occur as your dog ages, and to make your older dog comfortable and content. Head over to Hubble & Hattie to find out more …

Be pet-safe this summer

Follow our pet-smart tips to help you and your animal friends enjoy the sun safely.

Summer is the perfect time to get out of the house – whether you're planning on going away, taking an extra-long walk to a favourite picnic spot, or just spending the day in the garden. Whatever your plans are this summer, we're sure you'll want your canine companions with you. With that in mind, we've put together some helpful tips to remember when you're out and about with your dog.

"Not long" is too long ...
Nobody ever thinks it’s going to happen to them or their dog, yet every year many people still gamble with their dogs' lives, and every summer dogs still die an agonizing death in hot cars.
     Even on an overcast day, with the window cracked open and a screen over the windshield, your car can get dangerously hot in a matter of minutes. NEVER leave your dog in the car unattended.

     This year, the RSPCA has teamed up with seven other animal welfare charities and the National Police Chief’s Council to warn people of the dangers of leaving dogs in hot cars. Together, they are actioning a campaign, urging supermarkets to ensure the welfare of animals on their premises – especially the car park. To contact your local supermarket and take action for hot dogs, visit the RSPCA's campaign page now.

Ticks are trouble

Summer is tick season, so be on the lookout for these blood-suckers on you and your pets, especially if you've been romping in long grass or woodlands. In particular, check around your dog's eyes, ears, legs and underside.
     Ticks often carry disease, so should be removed as quickly as possible. They also need to be removed properly to prevent any part of the tick remaining in your pet, and to avoid stress to the tick itself. A stressed tick can regurgitate its stomach contents, which could lead to infection in you or your pet – yuk!
     Invest in a tick removal tool such as this one, which you simply slide under the tick, twist, and lift gently. The tick should let go of its own accord after a few twists.

     Ticks aren't the only nasties that might be hitching a ride ... remember to keep your dog's flea and worming treatments up-to-date, too.

Wait for walkies
Wondering if it's too hot to go out with your dog? Put the back of your hand on the pavement, and wait. If the heat is too much for you to leave your hand there for thirty seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paws, and could result in pad burns, which can be very painful for your dog.
     Avoid walking your dog at the hottest part of the day – try to stick to early mornings and late evenings when the ground is cooler – which will also help to avoid heatstroke.
     If you find yourself out for the whole day with your dog, stick to shaded areas, and walk on dirt paths or grass. You should also ensure that you've got a good supply of clean, cool water for your dog, and something for them to drink from, to keep them hydrated.

Trust us on the suncream
Pets can get sunburnt just as easily as we can! Ask your vet about pet-safe suncream, particularly if your dog has light colouring. Pink noses and white ears are especially susceptible, so take care to keep them covered!

These tips are not just for dogs – they can, and should, be applied to all pets, from cats to guinea pigs! And while we're at it, it's not a bad idea to take this advice for yourself, either.
Most importantly, have a fun, safe summer with your pets!

It's National Pet Month! Celebrate your pets this April!

National Pet Month is a chance for pet lovers across the UK to come together and celebrate life with their pets. Not only that, but it's a fantastic opportunity to remind ourselves of how important it is to look after our pets responsibly, and to support the work of the many pet charities across the UK who work tirelessly for injured, ill and homeless pets. There are loads of really simple ways to get involved and show your support. Check out the NPM website for some fundraising ideas, and to check if there are any events happening near you! You can also get involved via social media by liking the National Pet Month Facebook Page. For dog lovers, there's also Park Bench Facebook page, and Scratching Post for cat fans! You can also connect through Twitter – remember to use #NationalPetMonth hashtag when tweeting about your events or experiences!

This year's theme is one very close to our hearts, pets and the elderly. Animals bring so much joy and support to the lives of older people; they provide comfort, companionship and mental and physical stimulation to many people who might struggle to find it otherwise. Charities, such as Pets as Therapy, make a big difference to the lives of nursing home residents by bringing animals to visit. And don't forget our older animal friends, whose needs may change as they become seniors. Hubble & Hattie's range of care books, such as My Cat has Arthritis, My dog has arthritis and My dog is blind focuses specifically on caring for pets with age-onset conditions, and aim to help owners understand the needs of their animal friends, and ensure a happy and comfortable retirement for your pets. Visit the Hubble & Hattie site for more info.

This month is also a good time to raise awareness of older animals in rehoming centres who may be overlooked because of their age. Charities such as the Oldies Club work to ensure seniors find loving forever homes to spend their retirement years in. H&H's own Liz recently adopted an Oldie of her own, Maggie May, and the two of them have never been happier!

Competition time with H&H and National Pet Month

In honour of National Pet Month, we're giving away a copy of our fab book, My Dog, my Friend, every week for the next five weeks! To be in with a chance of winning, simply email us at info@hubbleandhattie.com with your favourite animal-related charity, and each week we'll pick our favourite to feature on the Hubble & Hattie blog and Facebook page! If we feature your charity, you're a winner! Remember, the theme is pets and the elderly, so we're especially keen to hear about charities which enlist the help of animals to aid the elderly, or those that help older animals. Good luck!

Animals and wellbeing – part three

Over the last few months we’ve looked at the various benefits our interactions with the animal world have on our general wellbeing. This month, we're turning the tables and looking at how we can be of benefit to our animal's wellbeing ...

We’ve proven that our animal friends do us the world of good. It only seems fair, then, that we do everything in our power to return the favour – and that includes making them the priority for a little while each day. It’s easy to take our pets for granted, especially when there are other things going on in our lives to occupy our time and attention. With work deadlines, money issues and other day-to-day worries vying for our attention, a game of fetch in the garden may end up being bottom of our to-do list. But perhaps it shouldn’t be. After all, a break from all of those worries won’t just benefit your dog … it’ll benefit you, too!

There are lots of ways to enrich our pet’s life, and they’re not too far removed from our regular routine. For instance, instead of your normal walkies route, try taking your dog somewhere new. Take your time, allow your dog time to sniff all the things you’d normally encourage them to pass unsniffed. These scent walks provide vital mental stimulation in your dog, as well as encourage natural behaviours. This valuable time will give you an insight into your dog’s behaviour – what makes him tick, what he enjoys – and will certainly strengthen the bond between you. 

If you’re a cat owner, it’s time to take a look at your home. Cats naturally like to be up high, and ensuring your home is filled with lots of tall, safe, cat-accessible vantage points will make your cat feel at ease. It also gives her a space of her own, away from other pets, children (and even adults!) who might be giving them unwanted attention.

If you’ve got multiple cats, make sure they have separate feeding stations and litter boxes. Sharing these commodities can cause your cats  needless stress, so ensuring they have their own space is vital for their wellbeing.

Regardless of what kind of pet you have, it’s important to set aside time each day to just be together, having fun. Our pets rely on us for food, warmth and comfort, but this in itself is not enough. They also rely on us to play with them, to entertain them, and to love them. We’ve already seen the benefits that interaction with animals can give us, and the same is true for the animals we interact with. Playing fetch, bouncing a cat-teaser, time in a hamster ball or out in a rabbit run ensures our pets are active – physically and mentally – and, most importantly, enjoying their lives with us. After all, we chose to have these animals in our lives, and the least we can do is ensure they get to enjoy the simple pleasure of doing something together, with us, each and every day.

Animals do so much for us. Their antics entertain us, they comfort us when we need them to, and they keep us safe. Their very presence is uplifting, and they help keep our minds and our bodies active throughout our lives. It’s easy to forget, but they do all of this without being asked, and with no expectation of a reward. Put simply, they love us unconditionally.

We can learn a lot from our animal friends, and we can start by applying their own philosophy to the way we treat them. By paying attention to their needs, their wants and their natural behaviours, we can enrich their lives, make each day fun, and do a lot for their mental and physical wellbeing. It’s the very least we can do.

Competition time with PetFocus magazine!

 

We all want to give our pets the best life possible, and truly appreciate the time we have with them, but sometimes their complex needs and wants can be a mystery.

PetFocus magazine offers a guide to being a responsible owner and understanding the needs of our pets. It gives guidance on what to do in an emergency, ideas for creating a pet-friendly garden, potentially harmful things your pet should avoid, and much more.

Landing on the doormat four times a year, PetFocus opens up a world of heartwarming stories about our animal heroes, the latest celebrity pet news, and top tips for keeping your pet happy and healthy.
Experts provide essential knowledge on, for example, helping your car-sick dog, how to slim down your overweight cat, and protecting rabbits from fly strike – covering all pets from cats and guinea pigs to horses and bearded dragons!

Not just for adults, PetFocus’ pull-out children’s section bulges with games, posters, weird and wonderful facts, cut-out animal masks, and fun features to help them learn more about animals.

Hubble & Hattie has teamed up with PetFocus to offer a year’s free subscription to one lucky animal lover. For your chance to win, simply answer this question:

 Which breed of dog features on the cover of the above issue of PetFocus?

Email your answer and your name to us at prize@hubbleandhattie.com. We'll announce the lucky winner in next month's Animal Magic. Good Luck!

For more information on PetFocus, visit the website, and remember to like the Facebook page for all the latest news, photos and competitions!