Category Archives: Dogs

Cats, Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Christmas and pets

Christmas and pets

For most of us, Christmas is a magical season, full of wonder and opportunities to reunite and spend time with those we love the most.

But when it comes to our pets, things can rapidly turn sour if we’re not careful so please do take some precautions!

Read our blog post to learn more about avoiding Christmas accidents and keeping your pets safe and stress-free during this season.

Toxic food and plants

How can something so delicious be harmful to our pets?

When it comes to seasonal delicacies, sharing is not caring. Chocolate, raisins, sultanas, onion, garlic, alcohol, and xylitol, to name a few, can be toxic to our pets, so make sure to keep traditional foods to yourself.

Some seasonal plants, such as holly, ivy, mistletoe, poinsettia and lilies, are also potentially dangerous if ingested, so keep these out of your pets’ reach!

Dangerous decorations

Presents, tinsel, ribbons, baubles, fairy lights, even the Christmas tree itself… The possibilities for mischief are endless during the holiday season!

If your pet’s curiosity is sparking, ensure that they don’t have access to decorated areas, because if inadvertently swallowed, Christmas ornaments can lead to choking, gastrointestinal obstruction or worse, perforation of the bowel.

Altered routines

Pets are creatures of habit and are likely to benefit from having set routines regarding feeding, going out, playing and sleeping.

If the timing of any of these elements is disrupted, it can lead to stress and even behaviour issues that we don’t want to occur.

Try to keep your pets’ routine unchanged even as the holiday season gets more stressful and if any accident happens, avoid scolding them, as this can aggravate the situation.

Pets as presents

Lastly, we’d like to raise awareness of the issues regarding offering pets as a gift to children or friends.

Though a wonderful experience, pet ownership is a long-term commitment of both time and resources and is not a decision that can be taken lightly.

Before you consider adopting a pet for your family or offering one to someone else, make sure you research and are able to sustain this commitment.

Nobody wants to spend the holidays at the vet, so don’t forget to keep a close eye on your pets during this season and ensure that they have a lovely time with the Christmas festivities!

Dogs

Keep medications away from dogs

 

Keep medications away from dogs

If your dog suddenly seems unwell, it can be tempting to give them medicine you have at home, but many of the most common medications humans use are toxic to our furry friends.

These include acetaminophen (Paracetamol), common anti-depressants and sleeping pills, among many others and they can cause gastrointestinal effects (such as vomiting and diarrhoea), neurological effects (such as seizures) or even kidney and liver failure.

This is why human medications should never be given to dogs and should always be out of reach to ensure they aren’t accidentally swallowed.

 

How to prevent dogs from accidentally ingesting medications

Here are some tips on how to keep your dogs safe from accidentally ingesting medications:

  • Always keep both human and veterinary medications in a place where your pets can’t access, such as a closed cabinet or drawer. If your dog is persistent, you might need to lock that cabinet;

 

  • If you drop a pill on the floor, immediately pick it up;

 

  • Don’t leave pills unattended on tables or nightstands;

 

  • Keep human medications separate from pet medications to prevent them from getting mixed up;

 

  • Always keep medications in their original box;

 

  • Pay attention to storage instructions and expiration dates – some medications might need to be stored in the fridge, for example. Don’t give your dog expired medications;

 

  • Don’t let pets have contact with medication patches, such as a nicotine patch;

 

  • Don’t let pets lick skin where a topical medication has just been applied;

 

  • Don’t throw medications in the garbage, especially if you have a curious dog that has a tendency to sniff around the trash.

 

What to do if your dog accidentally ingests medications

If your dog ingests a medication that wasn’t prescribed for them, contact your veterinarian immediately, and let them know what medications your pet has eaten and how much. You can also contact the Animal poison line  (https://www.animalpoisonline.co.uk/).

If your vet isn’t available for any reason, it’s best to take your pet to the nearest emergency vet. Time is of the essence, and the sooner your pet is assessed, the better.

Ultimately, you should never give dogs human or veterinary medications without consulting your veterinarian. Not only are certain human medications toxic to pets, but even for the ones that are safe, administering the correct dosage is essential to prevent problems for your dog or cat.

Even medications meant for pets might only be safe for a specific species. For example, certain flea medications commonly used for dogs are highly toxic to cats. Be sure to follow your vet’s instructions carefully when giving your pet any medication.

Would you like to know more about dogs? Check our Canine Courses:

Canine courses

 

Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Taking your dogs for a swim

Taking your dog with you on outdoor adventures is nothing new! As more beaches, lakes and even pools become pet-friendly, there is a big chance you will be out in places where your dog could go for a swim. 

However, deep water, especially unpredictable water with currents or hidden dangers, is not to be underestimated! Dogs are naturally curious animals and are often not used to being out in these situations, a combination that can spell disaster. 

Keep reading to find out how to ensure your furry friend has the perfect swimming day. 

Can my dog naturally swim? 

While many people think dogs can swim, the truth is, this is quite variable! Many breeds were indeed selected to be peerless swimmers, but this does not guarantee that your dog, (even if from a working water breed such as Labrador Retriever or Poodle), will know how to swim or even if he or she wants to go into the water. 

Nevertheless, you can teach a dog to love swimming and increase his or her confidence in the water. 

It is best to take things slowly and, most importantly, never to force your pets to be in a situation that might cause them distress, such as dragging them into the water or throwing them beyond their depth. 

Another vital part of your dog’s swim journey is a well-fitting life jacket, especially if you are out on a boat and there’s a risk of falling overboard into dangerous currents. This buoyancy aid not only dramatically increases your pet’s confidence and comfort but can also save his or her life in case of an accident. 

If you are unsure how to teach your furry best friend how to swim or are struggling with getting results, consult a professional trainer. 

My dog is used to the water, so can I leave him or her unattended? 

You should avoid leaving your dog unattended around bodies of water, even if your dog is an excellent swimmer outfitted with a lifejacket, or even if he or she is in a place that they are used to going. 

It’s best to err on the side of caution in these cases, as there are many dangers lurking around these areas that can quickly turn the situation sour. Drowning can happen quickly and silently, so always make sure your dogs are not unattended or without a leash. 

If your pet leaves your sight and he or she returns to you listless, with an injury or vomiting, don’t hesitate to call your vet for help. 

What else should I consider when going swimming with my dog? 

Now that you’re all set for the perfect day with your dog, don’t forget to check the water conditions when you arrive. If you’re out on the lake, ensure that there are no blue-green algae blooms and that the water is safe to swim in. Watch out for strong currents or nasty waves when going to the beach. 

Sunburns and heat stroke are also a concern, so make sure your dog has sunscreen on, permanent access to shady, cool areas and plenty of fresh water.  

And, of course, no adventure is complete without a handy first aid kit! Here are some of the best things to carry with you: 

  • Bandages and surgical sticky tape; 
  • Cotton wool and sterile gauze; 
  • Scissors and tweezers; 
  • A comfortable and thick towel; 
  • Thermometer; 

This should cover many of the accidents that can cause injuries, hypothermia or even catching stray ticks.  

Why don’t you check out our video on canine first aid which covers first aid kits in detail.

In addition, remember always to keep your vet’s number and address with you so you can quickly call for help! 

Would you like to know more about dogs? Check our Canine Courses:

Canine courses

 

Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Protect your dog from the sun

As the sunny days of high summer are getting closer, we would like to take some time to talk about the damage the sun can do to our dogs.

Sunburn and skin cancer are just as significant in our pets as in people! Even if you and your dogs aren’t often out on lengthy outdoors adventures, it’s vital to protect them during sunny days, even if just from the light coming in through the windows.

Keep reading to find out more about avoiding sun-related skin problems this summer.

Can dogs get sunburnt?

The answer is absolutely yes! The sun affects our pets’ skin and can cause burns of varying severity. These are quite bothersome and, in some cases, can be extensive enough to need a trip to the vet.

Dogs love to be outside for long periods or nap in sunny places, putting them at risk of getting burnt. It’s important to remember that they won’t necessarily move away from the sun before they are burnt, so you need to make sure that they do.

Red, tender and flaky skin are sure signs that your pet has a burn! Smaller burns can usually be treated at home with the proper ointments, but more extensive or severe burns require appropriate veterinary treatment.

What are the risks of skin cancer in pets?

Not only is the sun responsible for burns and other skin problems, it can also put your pet at risk of developing severe diseases like skin cancer (malignant melanomas, squamous cell carcinomas or mast cell tumours).

While there are many factors involved in the development of skin cancer, we know that UV damage from the sun plays a part, and too much exposure to this harmful radiation will definitely increase the risk of your dog developing cancer.

These types of cancer can be highly damaging and difficult to treat! The sooner they are spotted, the better the chances of treating them successfully, so always keep a keen eye on your dog’s skin.

If you spot areas with colours that weren’t there before (darker, lighter or red coloured skin), or you see bumps and/or ulcers developing for no reason, do not hesitate to contact your vet.

How can I prevent harm from UV rays?

The best way to reduce the risk of sunburns and skin cancers induced by harmful rays is to limit sun exposure and take the proper measures to avoid putting your dogs in a situation where they can’t escape being out in direct sunlight.

Here are some of the main ways to avoid sun damage:

  • Choose the best sunscreen for your dog – There are plenty of sunscreens out there but it’s important to choose one without zinc oxide or aminobenzoic acid as they are toxic if ingested. Consider one that is also waterproof and unscented if your pooch loves a good swim.
  • Protect your dogs while out on walks or hikes – If you’re fond of outdoor adventures, you might also want to consider protective clothing that’s made to be cool enough for a hot day but also protecting from the hot sun. This way you only need to apply sunscreen to the exposed areas.
  • Keep their home safe from overexposure to the sun – Make sure that your dog has the chance to be out of the sun in case he or she wants to, for instance, with shaded spots out in the garden or with permanent access indoors. If you notice that they have been out for too long, call them in before they suffer a burn.

Even with all of these precautions, it’s important that you avoid the hottest hours of the day to be outside. Not only are the UV rays at their most dangerous, but excessive heat can harm their sensitive paws and might cause heatstroke!

 

Would you like to know more about dogs? Check our Canine Courses:

Canine courses

 

Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Socialisation and dogs

Did you know that there are over 3 million new pets in UK homes since the beginning of the Covid pandemic?

If you were one of the new pet owners, you might have struggled with proper socialisation. As we were spending more time at home and observing social distancing to help fight the spread of Coronavirus, some pets might not have had the chance to socialise with others.

However, socialisation is a crucial process in puppies’ development, allowing dogs to gain confidence and become comfortable in unexpected situations and interacting with unfamiliar people and animals.

Socialisation in puppies

Ideally, socialisation should begin between 3 and 14 weeks of age, which is when puppies are most responsive to learning from exposure to new experiences and environments.

If puppies are deprived of contact with other people, animals and new situations during this period, they may be at greater risk of developing behaviour issues, such as being fearful or aggressive, as adults.

However, puppies are not fully vaccinated during these first few weeks so it’s very important to ensure that their contact is limited to healthy dogs with up-to-date vaccines and a good temperament. Also, please avoid areas frequented by dogs of unknown vaccination status, such as public parks and other public spaces.

To get your dog to socialise safely during this period, you can ask your vet if they host puppy parties or arrange puppy play dates with your friends’ pets. These interactions should always be supervised to ensure that your dog has a positive experience.

But socialisation should not be limited to meeting and interacting with other pets! It is essential to offer your puppy an enriching environment that exposes them to different stimuli (noises and textures, for example), toys, and includes lots of playtime.

Another important part of socialisation is getting your dog used to being handled. This will help you (and your veterinarian) in the future if your dog needs topical treatments applied, such as ear medication for example, or when they go in for a vet check-up and need a physical examination.

Socialisation throughout life

As your puppy grows older, it’s important to continue to provide them with socialisation opportunities. Continued exposure to unfamiliar situations in controlled environments allows them to grow a tolerance to different social contexts.

And of course, when your dog is fully vaccinated, you can take them to dog parks, the beach, and organise other fun activities that strengthen your bond with your pet.

 

Remember, socialisation is not only essential for your dog’s well-being, but the whole family’s as well. For instance, it can be very stressful and dangerous to walk a dog that never learnt how to interact appropriately with other dogs.

And be mindful that if your dog is too fearful or aggressive, you should always seek help from a qualified professional.

Would you like to know more about dogs? Check our Canine Courses:

Canine courses

 

Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Healthy skin during spring

With the end of winter fast approaching, this is the perfect opportunity to plan some fun outdoor activities for spring!

Around this time of the year, you’re also likely to see more dog hair around the house as your dogs shed their warm winter coat, so we’ve put together our top three tips to make sure that your dog’s coat and skin are healthy this coming season.

 

#1: Grooming and bathing

Though grooming is an important step in your dog’s hygiene routine all year round, it becomes particularly important during springtime.

As it removes dead hair from your dog’s coat, grooming also helps prevent skin problems from occurring due to lack of skin aeration and accumulation of dead hair, cells, dirt and even moisture.

A periodic grooming routine will also allow you to detect any skin problems at an early stage, making them easier to treat.

As for bathing, it can also be useful in promoting a healthy coat and skin in dogs. But you might be wondering how often you should give your dog a bath as the weather starts to get warmer.

The truth is, this varies immensely depending on your dog’s type of coat, lifestyle, and even health, as some skin conditions require medicated baths.

If at any moment you’re unsure of what to do, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice, be it from a certified groomer or your vet team.

 

#2: Parasite protection

With the weather getting warmer, parasite activity gradually increases, including external parasites, such as fleas and ticks, but worms and other internal parasites as well.

Though we are (unfortunately) used to dealing with these pesky creatures, it’s important to keep in mind that parasites can have a significant impact on our pets’ overall health.

Mosquitoes can transmit serious diseases such as leishmaniasis and ticks Lyme disease, for example, and other external parasites can cause severe cutaneous problems.

Take flea allergy dermatitis, for example. A single flea bite can lead to a disproportionate skin reaction, in which your dog will be so itchy that they can scratch, nibble and bite until the point of breaking the skin. And this is just with one flea bite!

If you’re not sure that your dog’s parasite treatments are up-to-date, our advice would be to give your vets a ring to check that they are protected.

 

#3: Heath check

For those of you who sneeze uncontrollably and have a stuffy nose for most of the spring, you’re well aware of how uncomfortable and aggravating springtime allergies can be!

But did you know that spring allergens can be as bothersome to your pets as they are to you?

The thing is, instead of having a runny nose and congested upper airways, seasonal allergies usually manifest as itchy skin and skin lesions due to pets scratching and trying to find relief.

If you notice that your dog’s skin looks red (particularly inside their ears), that they seem to be scratching a lot and rubbing their body against different types of surfaces or even people, or if you notice any skin lesions, book an appointment with your vet to figure out why they are so itchy.

 

We hope you have wonderful and safe adventures with your pets this spring!

Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Understanding dog behaviour

Understanding our dog’s behaviour can be challenging at times. 

While a wagging tail greeting us when we get home is usually easy to interpret, there are subtle signs in canine communication that we may have difficulty reading.

In this article, we will go over some interesting facts on dog behaviour that can help you understand your dog a little bit better.

Understanding dog behaviour: why is it important?

For a while now, dogs have been titled as man’s best friend, and there’s no denying the strength of the canine-human bond. 

And even though dogs can’t talk, they still find a way to communicate with us through their body language and actions. This is why we need to know what these mean to understand what they’re trying to get across.

But how can we do that?

Body language: a powerful indicator of how your dog is feeling

A wagging tail and relaxed face mean that your dog is happy.

If they turn their backs towards you, it means that they trust you.

If they’re running around, suddenly pause, lower their elbows to the ground and arch their backs, they are inviting you to play.

These are all obvious manifestations of their intentions that, as dog owners, we have no difficulty in recognising.

But do you know what it means when your dog is still but tense, looking away, with their ears flattened and licking their lips? To an inattentive eye, these signs can easily be missed, but these mean that something is making your dog  feel uncomfortable. 

It’s very important to notice these subtle signs, as they can lead to growling or even biting if the situation is not changed.

Normal canine behaviour: what to expect?

What about the way they behave? How can that help us understand what they need?

Dogs are creatures of habit and tend to enjoy having a set routine. This means that they are likely to do the same things at the same time every day.

For instance, if they usually eat first thing in the morning at 6 am, you can expect them always to want to eat at 6 am, even on the weekend. If, however, you want to sleep in, your dog will make sure to let you know it’s time to eat at 6 am regardless.

Dogs are also very sociable animals that enjoy playing and running. This means that providing them with engaging, interactive activities with people and other animals and allowing them the opportunity to exercise are essential in their daily routine.

Exercise and rest needs vary individually, and there may be some trial and error before you figure out your dog’s natural rhythm, but it will be worth it. 

Unwanted dog behaviours and how to avoid them

Being a dog owner means making sure that your dog has the opportunity to express normal canine behaviour. When this doesn’t happen, your dog may start showing  unwanted behaviours.

Dogs who are not adequately exercised, for example, often develop destructive behaviours, such as chewing on furniture whilst you are away.

Other common dog behaviour problems include:

  • Separation anxiety,
  • Aggressiveness,
  • House-soiling,
  • Jumping up to greet you,
  • Excessive barking,
  • Resource guarding. 

To avoid the development of behavioural problems, make sure your dogs have all their needs met and keep them well trained. 

Also, it’s important that you’re aware that some unwanted behaviours may stem from an undiagnosed health condition. If you recognise any changes in your dog’s usual behaviour, don’t hesitate to contact your vet for advice. 

Conditioning your dog’s behaviour through training

Training your dog is another important step to ensure they don’t develop any unwanted behaviours.

Some behaviours, such as digging, urine marking, barking at or chasing moving things, to name a few, are normal in the canine world, even though they might be undesirable to us. 

Training comes in handy in these situations, as it can redirect your dog’s behaviour to something else – something that is more acceptable to us humans.

Obedience training has other benefits as well, as it can be life-saving at times, especially ‘drop it’ and recall commands.

If you want to train your dog, but don’t know where to start, here are three tips that might help:

Use positive reinforcement

Rewarding your dog when he does something that you want will be highly appreciated and will make it more likely that he repeats that behaviour in the future. This is also known as positive reinforcement and works really well if you want your dog to learn something.

Be patient and calm

Training your dog can be challenging, especially at the beginning. Every dog’s learning rhythm is different, and it may take some time for them to learn. To make it easier on your dog, make sure you break down the command into simple steps, and if you feel that you’re losing your patience, take a break or resume on a different day.

Ask for professional help

If you’ve been trying to teach your dog something but don’t seem to be getting anywhere, maybe it’s time to ask for professional help. Make sure you look for a certified professional and always ask your vet for advice in case of odd or aggressive behaviours.

 

How would you describe your relationship with your dog? Would you say that you know them quite well? If you’re reading this, we have a feeling that you would, but there’s always room for improvement. We offer a number of courses on dog behaviour that can help you with this, click on the link below and have a look!

 

Would you like to know more about dogs? Check our Canine Courses:

Canine courses

 

Cats, Dogs, Horses, The Pet Professionals

Benefits of pet ownership

With 2021 coming to an end, we would like to invite you to take a moment to reflect on how important your pets have been in your life this year.
They can really be our lifeline sometimes, providing us with moments of comfort, greeting us with contagious joy and making sure that we are never alone.
We are sure that you are aware that having pets can be tremendously beneficial to our health and wellbeing?

Physical health benefits

Research suggests that owning a pet can help reduce cardiovascular problems and cortisol (also known as the stress hormone) levels, and even boost your natural immunity!
Pets also help us keep an active lifestyle, be it by encouraging us to engage in playful activities with them or by making us take exercise whilst taking them out for walks.

Mental health benefits

Pets are creatures of habit, and so are we. Owning a pet is a big commitment and responsibility, making it more likely that we will follow a set routine, which can be extremely beneficial to our mental health.
By providing us with companionship, unconditional love and by having such a joyful demeanour, they can be a lifeline for those who struggle with mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.
They can even help combat loneliness by being an ice breaker, helping start conversations that would otherwise not take place.

Having a pet is, indeed, one of life’s most incredible experiences. From the moment they set foot inside our homes, they become a part of our family, and we couldn’t be more grateful for having such loyal companions in our lives.
But if for any reason pet ownership is not an option for you, there are several activities that you can do with animals, such as volunteering at a kennel, or horse riding, for example, that still allow you to benefit from the human-animal connection.

Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Winter hazards

Halloween and Bonfire night are behind us, and we are all looking forward to the jolliest season of the year. As November settles in, we’d like to take a little time to remind you of the most common winter hazards that you may face with your dog! 

Dogs are especially vulnerable to toxic substances like antifreeze or chocolate, as their curiosity knows no bounds, and they have a tendency to get into trouble the second we turn our backs. 

Check our list below for some of the most important things to keep in mind. 

 

Dangerous foods 

The time between Halloween and Christmas is filled with treats of all sorts, like chocolates, baked goods, sweets and fatty foods. 

With family gatherings and preparations underway, it’s easy to get distracted and leave delicious within reach of paws and mouths, so it’s no surprise that a lot of accidental poisonings happen during this time of the year!  

  • Chocolate is highly poisonous, and even a relatively small amount can be harmful to your pet; 
  • Xylitol can be found in low-calorie foods or sweets like chewing gum, and it causes severe issues with blood sugar balance in dogs; 
  • Fatty foods like roast dinners might cause gastrointestinal problems if ingested in high enough quantities (for instance, if your dog steals the leftovers, which can be twice as dangerous if they have any bones!). 

Keep a close eye on food sources and on your dogs to avoid a bothersome trip to the vet during dinner with your family and friends. 

 

Antifreeze 

Antifreeze (or de-icer) is a dangerous substance that is pretty much everywhere during the colder months. It contains ethylene glycol, a sweet compound that forms large crystals in the kidneys when ingested. This causes extensive kidney damage, which may be irreversible or even fatal if not treated in time. 

As it’s extensively used to prevent car fluids from freezing, many people will keep containers at home. We urge owners to keep de-icer containers safely away from pets as ethylene glycol is sweet-tasting, and dogs might seek it out. 

If you spot any leaks in your vehicles, take care to clean any spills or remove access to the garage altogether until it can be fixed. 

 

Frostbite 

With the possibility of cold weather and snow, frostbite starts being a potential concern, especially for dogs that go outside a lot. Extremities like toes, ears and tail are the most sensitive body parts to freezing temperatures. 

Making sure your pets have access to warm shelter at all times is vital to prevent injuries from frostbite. If you’re planning on going on long walks in the snow or places with cold water, don’t forget to put proper winter boots on your dog and to check regularly if he or she is doing okay. 

 

If you think that your dog has ingested something they shouldn’t or might have stayed out for too long in the cold, don’t hesitate to contact your vets for advice.

Cats, Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Cold weather and pets – Keeping your furry friends comfortable

With the weather getting colder, snuggling comfortably with our pets at home feels like the perfect weekend plan.

But even pets equipped with the best fur coat can feel the cold, so we should ensure that they remain comfortable as winter approaches.

That said, we’ve put together three tips to help your pets during the cold weather.

 

Winter clothes

The pet fashion industry has grown considerably in the past years, and we can find anything from collar accessories to the most elaborate Halloween costumes in pet’s clothing shops.

The truth is, when winter comes, some pets will significantly benefit from the added protection that clothing can offer.

Impermeable, fleece-lined coats with reflective materials on the outside are great for this season as they’ll keep your pet warm, dry and visible.

Our top advice regarding clothing is to make sure that your pet is comfortable wearing it. Check if it fits properly and if your dog has never worn clothes before, gradually increase the periods in which they are dressed until they are used to the feeling.

Boots can also be highly appreciated, especially when it’s snowing or if your pet needs some extra grip in slippery conditions.

 

Preventing boredom

Even if your cat enjoys being out on the prowl, it won’t come as a surprise if they prefer to spend more time indoors during the colder season. As for dogs, depending on the weather conditions, their walks are also likely to be shorter.

When returning home, make sure that your pets’ fur is dry to prevent skin problems and other health issues. Having a warm, comfortable space where they can snuggle, ideally near a window so that they can see what’s going on outside, is likely to be one of their favourite spots.

However, even if they’re spending more time indoors, it’s important to make sure that their exercise needs are being met. Keep them physically and mentally stimulated with fun home activities to prevent them from becoming bored and developing associated behaviour problems, such as chewing or scratching furniture, excessive vocalisation, and house-soiling, for example.

 

Health checks

Very young, senior or debilitated pets are usually not as able to deal with the cold as healthy animals. If you notice some discomfort, don’t hesitate to discuss this with your vet and book a check-up appointment as there could be an underlying disease that is making your pet more vulnerable.

Also, it’s important to keep in mind that arthritic pets usually have a more challenging time during winter, with the cold weather making their joints stiff. Talk to your vet to make sure that they are pain-free and discuss what you can do at home to make their lives more comfortable. Something as simple as raising their food bowls off the floor can have a tremendous impact on their wellbeing.

 

We hope you get to enjoy the beauty of the colder season with your pets!