Category Archives: Dogs

Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Getting back on track after the holidays

Now that the holiday fun is over, it’s time to get back on track. School is about to start, we are hopefully enthusiastic to get back to work, and it’s easy to forget our pets that will be left behind when the children and adults leave the house empty once again.

If you are starting to notice your pet is sleeping more, eating less and if you feel that they are not as bright and enthusiastic as usual, here are some tips to help you promote a smooth transition back to everyday routines.

#1: Preparation
If you have a puppy or a new dog, it’s important to start getting him or her used to being alone for certain periods of time early on. This involves training your dog to be comfortable and relaxed in your absence, which might take some time and patience, but will prevent the development of behavioural issues such as separation anxiety in the future.

This may mean only leaving your dog for short periods of time in the beginning. For future holidays remember to try and keep their routine as normal as possible.

 
#2: Physical stimulation – wear them out!
Take advantage of the late summer days that we have left and take your dog out for a long walk once you get home. Find a nice, safe spot and let them off the lead to spend all the energy that has built up during the day!

#3: Mental stimulation – keep things interesting at home
There are a lot of options to keep your dog entertained in your absence from providing chew toys, which will help keep them relaxed, to food puzzles, which offer a challenging way for your dogs to eat their meals! There will always be a favourite, but providing a variety of toys and rotating them is a great way to keep things fun.
Providing some background noise, such as leaving the radio or TV on low volume, can be appreciated as dogs might perceive it as some kind of ‘company’.
Once you get home, even if you’re tired and still have a lot of house chores to do, make sure you reserve some time to play with your dog. Hiding treats, playing fetch or a good game of tug of war are some extremely engaging options, and you can also try to teach your dog a new trick! This will not only provide mental stimulation but will also strengthen the bond between you.

Keep in mind that when dogs are bored they might direct their attention to things that they shouldn’t such as chewing furniture or showing other types of inappropriate behaviours. This is why it’s so important to make sure you keep them mentally and physically active, as well as providing them with some quality time for interaction.

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

Canine courses


 

Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Outdoor adventures with your furry friend

Now that the weather is getting warmer, the days longer, and the spring flowers are starting to bloom, we look at our canine friends and can’t help the feeling of wanting to go on an outdoor adventure.
However, if you’re planning to take your 4-legged friend on a hike or a long walk by the beach, there are some things you should keep in mind so that everything goes smoothly.

Preparations…
First things first: make sure your dog’s identification details are up to date. This includes the microchip information but also ensuring that your dog wears a collar/harness with an identification tag. These are legal requirements and will be valuable tools in case your dog decides to go on an unsanctioned adventure of his own!
Also, it is a good idea to check if your dog’s worming, flea and tick treatments are up to date. Warmer weather means the parasites are booming, and they can easily bother your dog if he or she is not properly protected.

Getting there…
For walks that go beyond the neighbourhood park, you and your dog will probably have to go on a road trip to get to the desired location.
Safety first: do not let your pet ride loose in the car. There are plenty of options to keep your dog comfortable and safe, such as pet seat belts, carriers or travel cages, for example. Just make sure it is something appropriate to your dog’s size.
If your dog suffers from motion sickness, gradually getting him or her used to riding in the car by starting with short rides and progressively increasing their duration could be beneficial.
If you’re travelling a long distance, make sure to plan for regular stops so you can both stretch your legs, use the ‘loo’, and keep hydrated.
Never leave your dog unattended in the car! Even if the weather doesn’t seem that warm, the temperature inside a locked vehicle can increase dramatically in a short amount of time causing heatstroke, which can be fatal!

We’ve arrived! Can we have fun now?
Now that you’re in the big outdoors, you should be looking out for some possible dangers. Make sure to have a quick look around to identify anything that could become a problem, such as:

  • Grass seeds and foxtail – these plants can easily get stuck on your dog’s ears, face, pads or fur, and then make their way through the skin, causing irritation, inflammation and localised infections.
  • Sticks, stones, shells, and various other objects – if your dog has a curious nature, make sure there’s nothing dangerous around that he or she could put in his or her mouth and inadvertently swallow. Make sure you bring your own toys to play fetch and do not be tempted to throw sticks.
  • Insects – also, if you see any bees or wasps, it’s better to keep your distance. Do not let your dog chase them around as some dogs, just like people, can have allergic reactions to their stings. These can cause severe breathing difficulties that can be life-threatening.

Whenever possible, walk with your dog in the shade and make sure to bring plenty of fresh water. Do not let your dog drink from other water sources as stagnant water can be contaminated with bacteria and parasites, which can cause serious diseases such as Leptospirosis or lungworm or can cause your dog to be sick.

The more information you have on the place you’re visiting, the better prepared you can be for a safe, fun adventure so make sure to look ahead, plan in advance and enjoy!

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

Canine courses

Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Intervertebral Disc Disease – A short dog problem?

Intervertebral discs are tiny, cushion-like structures located between the vertebrae that connect the the vertebrae bones to each other to form the vertebral column, also functioning as a shock absorber and allowing movement of the spine.

Sometimes, these discs can suffer alterations and become herniated which means they move from their natural place between the vertebrae into the spinal canal, causing compression on the spinal cord.

The spinal cord is a very important part of the central nervous system that receives sensory information from the limbs and internal organs and takes it to the brain for processing. The brain can then send a response back through the spinal cord as a functioning command, such as moving a leg, for example.

When there is sufficient compression in the spinal cord, this information pathway becomes interrupted, which will result in different clinical signs according to where it happens.

Signs can range from mild pain with your dogs keeping their head low and being reluctant to move or being sensitive when touched; to severe pain, with them displaying an arched back, crying when touched or while moving, trembling, having difficulty walking or even being unable to stand or move (partial or complete paralysis).

This condition can affect all dogs, and it is usually an age-related problem as it is caused by disc degeneration over time. However, chondrodystrophic breeds – short dogs – such as Dachsunds, Shih-Tzus, and Beagles, for example, are more at risk of developing intervertebral disc disease, and can even show signs as young adults. This is because chondrodystrophy, a trait that is characterised by shorter long bone length as a consequence of early changes in the structure of growing bones, is also associated with an abnormal process that causes premature degeneration of the intervertebral discs.

So, if you have a shortie and notice that he or she is having difficulty walking or showing signs of discomfort when moving around, don’t hesitate to contact your regular vet.

<a href=”https://www.thepetprofessionals.co.uk/courses/canine-courses.php”>Would you like to know more about dogs? Check our Canine Courses:
<div class=”col-xs-6 col-sm-2 col-md-2 paddingLeft0 “>

<img style=”max-width: 100px;” src=”https://www.thepetprofessionals.co.uk/images/courses-icons-canine.jpg” width=”100%” />

</div>
<div class=”col-xs-6 col-sm-10 col-md-10 paddingLeft0 “>
<h2>Canine courses</h2>
</div>
</a>

Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Prevention is the best medicine!

Being a dog parent is more than a fantastic and rewarding experience, it’s also about embracing the responsibility of caring for another life. Even though some things fall beyond our control, we need to make sure our dogs have the best chance to thrive and have a happy, healthy life.
To make sure your dog is protected, you should work together with your vet as he or she is the most qualified person to help you create a tailored health plan for your dogs that covers their individual, specific needs.

Vaccination
It is recommended that you vaccinate your dogs against parvovirus, distemper, infectious canine hepatitis, and other infectious agents, which can cause severe disease and can have a fatal outcome, especially for puppies and dogs with compromised immunity. Also, if you’re planning on travelling with your dogs, you’ll need to vaccinate them against rabies.

Parasite treatments
There are two types of parasites that can affect our pets: ectoparasites, which are external parasites such as fleas and ticks, and endoparasites, which are internal parasites and are mostly worms.
As the number of products available for parasite treatment keeps growing, and as these have different effects depending on their composition, it is always best to seek veterinary advice before using them on your dogs.

Identification
Having your dogs identified is mandatory by law and a valuable tool in case they ever get lost, as it will make it easier to reunite them with you. This includes getting your dogs microchipped, but also ensuring that they wear a collar/harness with identification tags whenever they go outside. This is something some people might not be aware is a legal requirement.

Nutrition
For dogs and for all species, proper nutrition is one of the most important foundations of health.
Finding a nutritional balance is essential as the lack of certain nutrients can cause severe issues, but being overweight and obesity are also linked to serious diseases that can shorten your dogs’ life span.
At different life stages, dogs have different caloric needs, and these will also vary depending on their size and lifestyle.

Neutering (spaying and castrating)
If you’re not planning on breeding your dogs, you should consider getting them neutered.
Besides preventing unwanted pregnancies, neutering can have a significant impact on your dogs’ health as it will decrease or eliminate the risk of developing certain diseases of the reproductive system.
Neutering male dogs can also help reduce roaming and fighting behaviours, which will reduce the risk of them running off, and getting injured in a car accident or fighting.

Hygiene, grooming and dental care
Hygiene is also one of the cornerstones of health. Good hygiene will involve a lot of touching, holding and standing still so you should try to get your dogs used to being touched and remaining quiet early on to make this process quick, easy and enjoyable for both of you. You can encourage their patience by offering rewards during this process!
Pay particular attention to the face, especially their eyes, ears and mouth, making sure that they are properly clean. Other areas that usually require regular attention are the nails and the anal glands.
Ideally, you should try to brush your dogs’ teeth daily. There are other options that can help keep your dogs’ teeth clean such as dental chews and some prescription diets; however, they’re not as efficient. Dental hygiene will be essential in preventing plaque build-up, tartar development and consequent oral inflammation and disease.
Grooming will help remove clumps of matted and soiled hair, keeping the hair and skin healthy. Long-haired breeds will need to be groomed more often, but all dogs benefit from regular grooming.

Exercise
Exercise is a great source of entertainment for your dogs and can prevent unwanted behaviours, keeping them fit and healthy. You should exercise your dogs daily and adapt their routines to their age and breed.

Keep in mind that your dogs’ needs will change over time and do not hesitate to consult with your veterinary surgeon if you have any questions.

<a href=”https://www.thepetprofessionals.co.uk/courses/canine-courses.php”>Would you like to know more about dogs? Check our Canine Courses:
<div class=”col-xs-6 col-sm-2 col-md-2 paddingLeft0 “>

<img style=”max-width: 100px;” src=”https://www.thepetprofessionals.co.uk/images/courses-icons-canine.jpg” width=”100%” />

</div>
<div class=”col-xs-6 col-sm-10 col-md-10 paddingLeft0 “>
<h2>Canine courses</h2>
</div>
</a>

Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Are you planning for a puppy under the Christmas tree?

If you have children, we are sure Santa’s letter has been written, posted and already at the North Pole ready for the elves to process, and many of those letters will have the wish for a puppy this Christmas.

You may also be planning to gift a puppy to a friend, as pet ownership is such an amazing and rewarding experience.

Despite your best intentions, getting a puppy for Christmas, or giving a puppy as a gift is a decision that can go wrong if the recipient is not ready to take on the responsibility.

We’ve written down some things for you to ponder before giving a puppy this Christmas.

 

#1: Does the gift receiver want a puppy?

Do you know for a fact that the person you’re planning to give a puppy to wants a puppy? Or is a puppy something you think that person might enjoy? Even if a person does share the wish to have a puppy, he or she might have no knowledge of what it takes to take care of one, so it might not be a good idea to give one as a Christmas gift.

 

#2: Commitment: time and money

Let’s take a moment to name just some basic puppy needs: space (including a sleeping area, feeding area, and puppy-proofing the house), toys and walking items (collar, harness, leash, poo bags), health care (including regular worming, flea and tick treatments, microchipping, vaccination, neutering and health insurance), nutrition and training.

Can the recipient provide for all these needs? Does he or she have the time to toilet train the puppy, walk it multiple times a day or afford veterinary care?

And if you’re getting a puppy for your child, keep in mind that children lose interest! When that happens, you’re going to be the one responsible for caring for that puppy. Also, even though children should be encouraged to participate in taking care of their puppy, there are particular needs that they will not be able to meet, such as training for example, as they are not mature enough to take on certain responsibilities.

 

#3: Puppies grow!

They may all start out as 100 g of adorableness but, depending on the breed, puppies can grow up to 70 kg adult dogs!

If you’re set on getting a puppy this Christmas, make sure you get a suit breed to the receiver’s lifestyle. Do not give a Bernese Mountain dog to your friend that lives in a one bedroom flat!

 

#4: Preparation comes first

Even though you may want to plan the puppy’s arrival for the morning of the 25th to make it a magical surprise at Christmas, please make sure you have prepared everything that the puppy might need in advance (its space, items, food, etc.).

It might be wiser to offer a hint instead, such as a food bowl, a dog toy or dog treats, and pick up the puppy later if he or she is willing (and able) to take the responsibility.

 

#5: Where are the puppies coming from?

You basically have two options: you either adopt/rehome a puppy or buy one from a breeder.

If you are considering buying a puppy, please do thorough research and only buy from responsible breeders as puppy smuggling and illegal puppy trade tend to increase during this time of the year.

 

#6: Alarming numbers

Keep in mind that a boom of unwanted animals being carted off to pounds and sanctuaries always happens shortly after the holiday season. More than 600 pets were abandoned around the festivities in 2015. In 2016, it was reported that the Dogs Trust saw a 54% increase in the number of dogs abandoned at their shelters around Christmas.

If you are considering offering a puppy this Christmas, make sure you won’t be contributing to the rise of these numbers.

 

#7: Timing

Are you expecting to have a lot of fuss this Christmas? With children running around in excitement, playing and singing, wishing for Santa to arrive?

If you are, this might not be the best time to introduce a puppy to his or her new home. Depending on previous socialisation experiences, he or she might not feel comfortable suddenly being around such festive chaos.

 

For puppies and for every other pet, please make sure they will be wanted, and they will have a home not only for Christmas but for the rest of their life.

The Pet Professionals team wishes you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy new year!

<a href=”https://www.thepetprofessionals.co.uk/courses/canine-courses.php”>Would you like to know more about dogs? Check our Canine Courses:
<div class=”col-xs-6 col-sm-2 col-md-2 paddingLeft0 “>

<img style=”max-width: 100px;” src=”https://www.thepetprofessionals.co.uk/images/courses-icons-canine.jpg” width=”100%” />

</div>
<div class=”col-xs-6 col-sm-10 col-md-10 paddingLeft0 “>
<h2>Canine courses</h2>
</div>
</a>

Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Firework Season

With the firework season fast approaching we’re getting excited about the festivities; however, many dogs are terrified of the zips, whizzes, bangs and other loud noises.
Noise phobia can manifest in different ways, and the signs usually progress over time unless action is taken. But how can you tell if your dog is stressed? As an owner and everyday companion, you’ll probably know even if you can’t explain precisely why.
For some dogs, it’s very easy to notice when they’re stressed as you’ll see them drooling, trembling, putting their tail between their legs, vocalising, pacing around, trying to hide, acting destructively (digging, chewing, breaking things) or attempting to escape. Other dogs show more subtle signs of stress such as panting and yawning that can sometimes be missed.
Even though they may be doing things that they shouldn’t like pawing at the doors or evacuating indoors, you should never reprimand your dogs for displaying fear, as this will cause them even more distress and have adverse long-term consequences.
With that in mind, we prepared this post with some tips to help you prepare for the upcoming days so you can try to minimise your dogs’ stress.
BEFORE THE EVENT
– Talk to your vet
There are medications and pheromone diffusers available that may help instil a feeling of calm for your dog. Your vet will be able to indicate what’s best suited to your dog’s case.
– Create a safe area for your dog
This should not be done on the day of the event. You can prepare a space for your dog in advance and let him or her get to know it before anything happens so that it feels familiar and safe when the fireworks start to pop. This can be in a separate, quiet room, or can just be a bed/crate, a place where you know your dog feels secure. Add some toys, a favourite blanket or even some of your clothes to reinforce this feeling and make it even cosier.
– Walk your dog earlier
Fireworks are usually let off in the evening or at night so make sure you’ve walked your dog earlier to avoid being outside when they start.
Also, a tired dog is a more relaxed dog, so make sure you allow lots of play time to get the desired effect!
Keep your dog on a lead while you’re walking and make sure the identification tag and microchip information are up to date in case he or she gets spooked and runs off.
– Bring your dog indoors before fireworks are let off
This will prevent your dog from escaping in fear and inadvertently getting lost.
The sounds produced by the fireworks will also be less audible inside. To further muffle the sounds or distract your dog from them, you can switch the tv/radio on. Closing the curtains can also block the flashing lights going on outside.
– Did someone say treats?
If your dog is food-motivated, having some treats to hand out before all the noise starts might be a good way to distract and keep your pet entertained throughout all of the commotion. Chews, activity feeders and toys stuffed with food make excellent, long-lasting treat options.
THROUGH THE EVENT
You should stay calm and act normally as dogs react strongly to our emotions and behaviours. If you are behaving differently, your dog will assume things are quite bad!
If your dog is relaxed, give lots of praise for calm behaviour. Petting and cuddling can be an option if you feel it might help your dog settle, but if he or she would rather hide in the safe area you prepared or under your bed, then let your dog do this instead and try to keep disturbances to a minimum.
It is very important that your dog has choices available during times of stress or fear as most dogs will naturally find their own safe place.
WELL IN ADVANCE
We’ve covered some short-term options for you to help your dog through the fireworks; however, prevention is always the best approach.
If you have a puppy, teach him or her to accept a wide range of noises from an early age. Just like socialisation, this will help your puppy grow into a balanced, happy, confident dog.
As for adult dogs, you can also train them to accept different noises, it will just take a bit more time and patience as they may already have fearful experiences associated with them. This type of training is known as desensitisation and counter-conditioning and should be done with the assistance of your vet or a qualified behaviourist. Just keep in mind that this is going to be a gradual process, so you should seek help at least 3 to 6 months in advance.
We hope you find this helpful and wish that you have a great time during the firework season!

<a href=”https://www.thepetprofessionals.co.uk/courses/canine-courses.php”>Would you like to know more about dogs? Check our Canine Courses:
<div class=”col-xs-6 col-sm-2 col-md-2 paddingLeft0 “>

<img style=”max-width: 100px;” src=”https://www.thepetprofessionals.co.uk/images/courses-icons-canine.jpg” width=”100%” />

</div>
<div class=”col-xs-6 col-sm-10 col-md-10 paddingLeft0 “>
<h2>Canine courses</h2>
</div>
</a>

Cats, Dogs, Horses

Reward-based training

Training is an activity that can not only be useful in your daily life, but it can also be gratifying for both you and your dogs. By spending quality time together, you’ll strengthen the bond between you and your dog, keeping your pet mentally stimulated. It will take some time, patience, and lots of treats, but soon you’ll start seeing results!

In this post, we’ll focus on reward-based training though there are a number of different methods for training your dog.

To keep it simple, reward-based training consists of rewarding your dogs when they do something that you want them to do.

A reward doesn’t necessarily mean a treat (surprisingly, some dogs are not very food-motivated!). It can be anything from verbal praise to fuss or cuddles, whatever you feel your dogs will enjoy the most.

As for unwanted behaviours, just choose to ignore them! That way, they will not lead to the desired reward, and your dogs will soon learn that there is really no point in keeping up with them. They will be much more interested in performing the desired, rewarded behaviour instead.

Here is an example: when they sit on command, they get a reward. Soon, your dogs will start sitting more readily and voluntarily in anticipation, as they have learned that following the desired behaviour of sitting, there will be a reward.

This learning process happens by making positive associations between a behaviour and a reward. At the same time, your dogs will be making positive associations with training and you, the provider of rewards!

If you want everything to go smoothly, there are two things that you should keep in mind: timing and consistency. For your dogs to make the correct association between the behaviour you want them to do and the reward, your timing must be spot on. As for consistency, it will help your dogs learn much faster and with fewer mistakes, as you’ll be giving them clear directions on what you want them to do.

Even though dogs have been mentioned throughout this post, training is not only for them! The learning process is very similar across species so virtually every pet can be trained. You can even make training a family activity and get your children involved with pet care.

Why not take advantage of these last summer days, go outside and start training your dog today? If you need any help, we’re here for you!

<a href=”https://www.thepetprofessionals.co.uk/courses/canine-courses.php”>Would you like to know more about dogs? Check our Canine Courses:
<div class=”col-xs-6 col-sm-2 col-md-2 paddingLeft0 “>

<img style=”max-width: 100px;” src=”https://www.thepetprofessionals.co.uk/images/courses-icons-canine.jpg” width=”100%” />

</div>
<div class=”col-xs-6 col-sm-10 col-md-10 paddingLeft0 “>
<h2>Canine courses</h2>
</div>
</a>

Cats, Dogs

Pet Passports

Taking our pets on holiday is a growing trend, and there is nothing like having your furry buddy with you on adventures abroad!

But did you know that your dog, cat or ferret will need a passport if they are going to travel with you outside of the UK?

Owners are responsible for ensuring that their pets are fully compliant with the rules of the EU pet travel scheme and, to do that, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with your Vet so he or she can help you meet the requirements.

To have a passport issued, your pets will need to be microchipped, and before you’re allowed to exit the country with them, there are other requirements they’ll need to meet:

#1: They must be older than 15 weeks of age;

#2: They must have a valid rabies vaccination;

#3: Tapeworm treatment if needed.

While some EU countries will allow young unvaccinated pets to travel (subject to certain conditions), the UK does not permit this.

Tick treatment is no longer a legal requirement to travel; however, regular parasite treatments are usually advised whether your pet is travelling or not.

It is crucial to acknowledge that entry requirements vary according to the country you’ll be travelling to and failure to comply with them can mean your pet will be quarantined or sent back to the country it travelled from at your expense, so make sure that you have everything up to date!

If you have any more questions about travelling abroad with your pet, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad.

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

Canine courses

Cats, Dogs

Taking your pet on holidays

Summer vacations are always fun but can be even better with the company of your furry friend! If you are planning to take your pet with you on holidays check out this list to help you prepare for the upcoming adventure.

1: Plan ahead.

If you want to have a stress-free holiday with your pet then this is the way to start.

2: Make sure your dog responds to basic commands.

It is important for dogs to be familiar with and respond to simple commands such as sit, stay, come and settle down. Dogs are friendly social animals by nature, but not all people love dogs like we do. It is important to respect other people’s personal space so that everyone can enjoy their relaxing time.

3: Schedule a check-up appointment with your vet.

If you want everything to go smoothly on your holiday, you should take your pet to the vet to ensure that he or she is healthy and able to go on this journey with you. This appointment will be important to check:

  • Your pet’s health status;
  • Electronic identification (microchip);
  • Passport and other documentation (if needed);
  • Vaccination status;
  • Worming treatments status;
  • Flea/tick treatments status;
  • Other treatments or tests that may be needed (this is especially important if you are travelling to a foreign country).

If your pet has motion sickness, your vet can prescribe some medication to make your pet more comfortable during your journey.

4: Booking.

When booking a place to stay you should always check if pets are allowed. If the answer is yes, there are still other things to verify:

  • How many pets are you allowed to take? This is important if you have more than one pet.
  • Is the pet allowed to stay in the room/bungalow/cottage by himself? If not, do they provide a pet sitter?
  • Is there enough space for your pet to run and exercise?
  • Are there any restricted areas where your pet is not allowed?

5: Itinerary planning.

If you want your furry companion to be part of your adventure, make sure you visit places that are pet-friendly. It is also recommended to get the contact information of a local vet just in case something happens (e.g. bee sting allergic reaction).

6: Packing!

Make a list of all the items you have to take with you so that nothing is left behind. The list should include: food and water bowls, your pet’s bed, your pet’s toys, poo-bags (or litter tray), your pet’s lead and collar with identification tags, your pet’s food and treats, medication and documentation. Many of these things can be bought later on but pay special attention to your pet’s food. Keep in mind that sudden changes in your pet’s diet can cause digestive upset.

7: Plan the journey

If your pets are not used to car rides, it’s a good idea to take them on short trips before the big one so they can get accustomed with the experience. It is also very important to keep your pet in a crate or secured with a dog harness for safety reasons. Make sure you make frequent stops along the way for bathroom breaks, for you and your pet to stretch your legs and to get some fresh air. Don’t forget to keep a bowl with you so you can offer your pet some water. Remember to never leave your pet locked inside your car alone, even if it is in a shaded area and with the windows open.

If you and your pet are flying, make sure to check all the airline’s recommendations.  For more information, you should also check https://www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad.

8: Get settled.

Try to make your room/cottage/bungalow feel like home. Find a place to put your pet’s bed, bowls and toys. A walk is the best way to explore the new environment and get acquainted with the new space. Dogs are creatures of habit so, if possible, stick to their feeding and walking routines.

9: Keep your pet safe.

Although you might love the idea of allowing your pet to explore freely and have some fun, you should always keep an eye out to see that he or she doesn’t get into trouble. Be especially careful with cliff edges, streams, wild animals, poisonous plants and other potentially dangerous things that your dog might chew and swallow.

Enjoy your holidays!

Dogs

Lungworm

What do you know about Lungworm? This parasitic disease can be found throughout the UK and owners should be aware of the signs as leaving it floating about in your dog’s body can have dire consequences.

First off, what causes Lungworm? This disease is caused by a parasite called Angiostrongylus vasorum that is carried by slugs and snails. Dogs come in contact with it by eating these snails and slugs, either by accident when they play around outside or on purpose, we know all too well that some dogs love seeking out exotic snacks!

Because snails and slugs thrive in damp and relatively warm weather, Spring is one of their high seasons and they will be lurking in a lot of places outside so do keep an eye out on what your dog is doing and eating outside.

Signs of a Lungworm infection include:

  • Breathing difficulties;
  • Coughing;
  • Trouble clotting blood;
  • Getting tired easily;
  • Weight loss;
  • Lethargy;

If you see any of these signs, take him or her to the vet for a check-up! If left untreated, these parasites can be fatal but fortunately treatment and prevention is possible and most dogs recover well if treated on time.

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

Canine courses