Tag Archives: holiday

Cats, The Pet Professionals

What should I do with my cat when I go on my holiday?


With holidays just around the corner, now is a great time to check on the arrangements for your cat during the time that you will be away.

Have you considered whether your cat will be happier with an in-home sitter or in a cattery? If so, do you have any trustworthy recommendations? Will your cat need any special requirements that might be difficult to source?

It’s also never too early to think about pet arrangements, especially as many of the best places might be booked if you wait too long! By planning ahead, you can avoid the stress of last-minute bookings and ensure that your furry family member is in the best possible care, giving you peace of mind during your break.

Keep reading to learn all about leaving your cat safe and sound during your well-deserved summer holidays!

Is a pet sitter or a cattery better for my cat?

While taking your dog with you on holiday is increasingly more common, especially for those of us who have adventurous pets, selling this concept to our feline friends is not as easy!

It’s not impossible to take a cat on a road trip, but most prefer to remain in one place and have a stable, familiar routine, which might be difficult during a holiday. This is why leaving him or her home with someone you trust and finding a trustworthy cattery or pet hotel are the best options for pets who will be staying behind.

Whether a sitter or a hotel is better for your cat, in particular, depends on his or her needs (for instance, does he or she require daily medical care?), personality (some cats might be very nervous at being away from their house), and what resources you have available in your area.

Ultimately, you need to consider all of the factors that might impact your furry friend’s comfort or health and make an informed decision!

How can I know the place I chose is good for my cat?

Regardless of where your cat would feel better, you’ll need to make a good choice on what place or person to talk to.

Here are some tips to ensure that your feline friend will be in great hands:
• If possible, get a referral from a trusted friend or your vet;
• In case you have to find something yourself, research their online presence, their reviews and compile a list of questions to ask them;
• Professional pet sitters and hotels are always happy to answer any questions you might have and will be as transparent as possible with you;
• It’s best to visit any boarding location before booking to get a feel of the conditions they offer, what they can do for your cat (for example, giving medication on time), their emergency protocols and ask how often they will update you on your pet
• Ensure that your furry friend will have any special accommodations he or she requires, and avoid settling for a solution that won’t deliver your cat’s needs.

This can be a lot of work! Take your time to research and make a good decision without feeling pressured to settle for anything less than your pet deserves.

In summary

• If you’re planning on going on holiday and leaving your cat behind, make arrangements as soon as possible before the best options are fully booked!
• A trusted friend or your vet can recommend sitters or a cattery that will be good for your cat;
• When choosing one of these on your own, make sure you research them thoroughly first and, if possible, visit their premises;
• A friend or family member house-sitting for you, a professional pet sitter or a cat hotel are all valid choices and what will be best for your cat will depend on his or her personality and needs.

Would you like to know more about cats? Check our Feline Courses:

Feline 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

Summer safety

Summer’s here! For most of us, this means that it’s time for a break and we can enjoy a few days of relaxing with the family.

If you’re planning to stay local this year, this is the perfect opportunity to organise activities that include your four-legged friends.

With this in mind, keep reading our advice to keep your dog safe this summer!

Dog theft

Many of us have decided to adopt or buy a pet during the pandemic. Unfortunately, there are people who are keen to take advantage of the current high demand for pets to make a profit, and these criminals are looking to steal dogs and sell them at inflated prices. 

If you have a dog, before leaving the house, make sure that:

  • Their microchip details are up to date, 
  • They are wearing a collar or harness with an id tag, 
  • You never leave them unattended outside of a shop, in a garden, etc.

If you are looking to buy a dog, please thoroughly research the seller before making any decision. So take up references and make sure that everything checks out.

Preventive care

If you are planning to take your dog to a pet-friendly park or outdoor space where they will be in contact with other dogs or animals, make sure that their parasite treatments and vaccinations are up to date.

Kennel cough is a highly contagious disease that can easily be caught if your dog spends time with an infected animal. Also, there have been recent reports of parvovirus outbreaks in some areas in the UK. Vaccinations are available for both of these diseases.

If your pet enjoys lying in the sun for a nap, don’t forget to apply pet-safe sunscreen to sensitive areas (such as the tip of the nose and ears) to avoid sunburn.

Heatstroke

Our pets do not have the same ability to cool down as we do, making it harder for them to cope with high temperatures.

If you are planning to include your dog on a hike or a trip to the beach, make sure to avoid the hottest hours of the day, take plenty of water (for both of you) and ensure that you can provide them with a shaded area to rest.

If you notice any breathing difficulties, excessive panting, agitation, or lethargy, and if your dog seems wobbly or collapses, they are likely to be suffering from heatstroke and will need to be seen by a vet immediately. Before you head out, make sure that you have the contact information of a nearby vet in case this or any other emergency happens.

Accidents and potential problems

Accidents can happen, so if possible, take a first aid kit with you when you’re out and about and, again, keep the contact details of a nearby vet at hand.

If your dog gets stung by a bee, they may develop an allergic reaction that can compromise their breathing. If this happens, they need to be seen without delay.

Also common during summer are grass seed-related incidents. Due to their arrow-like shape, grass seeds can get stuck on your pet’s hair and penetrate their skin, leading to nasty infections. They can also get into their eyes, nose and mouth, with a similar outcome.

After walks, make sure that you always check your dog’s hair for grass seeds and, while you’re at it, ticks as well.

Near water

If you find a stream or a pond and your dog is keen to go in for a swim, have a look around for any warning signs of blue-green algae. These are collections of bacteria that produce toxins that are very harmful to your pets, so do not let them in if you suspect the water may be contaminated.

Keep in mind that your dog may not know how to swim, so consider getting them a floating harness, and make sure that they are always within your reach and that you can safely get to them if you find them in distress.

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

Canine courses

 

Uncategorized

Travelling abroad? Find out about canine leishmaniasis

If you’re travelling abroad with your dogs this summer, you will hopefully already have understood the latest requirements.

As the UK is still a part of the European Union, dogs can travel under the Pet Travel Scheme, which means as long as their microchip, parasite treatments, vaccinations and pet passport are up to date, you’ll be able to take them with you to visit other European countries.

However, travelling arrangements are likely to change after Brexit, so make sure you consult the government website before planning a future trip with your four-legged friend:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pet-travel-to-europe-after-brexit

Besides the compulsory requirements you’ll need to comply with before you can enjoy your well-deserved break, you should be aware that there are diseases that your dog can encounter abroad that don’t naturally occur in the UK.

Have you ever heard of leishmaniasis?

Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by a single-cell parasite that is transmitted through sandfly bites. This parasite can affect not only dogs but also humans, even though transmission does not occur directly from dogs to humans and vice versa.

Fortunately, the sandflies that carry the parasite are not currently found in the UK, as they usually need warmer conditions to thrive. However, they are common in southern European countries, which are commonly chosen as holiday destinations.

Once a dog is infected, their immune response will dictate the severity of clinical signs as well as how long it will take for the disease to develop, which can take months or even years.

At first, you may notice fever, lack of appetite, weight loss, other gastrointestinal signs, skin lesions and enlarged lymph nodes.

With time, your dog’s health will progressively deteriorate, and he or she is likely to suffer from multi-organ failure.

As there’s no cure for leishmaniasis, once they are infected, dogs will need lifelong monitoring and treatment.

The good news is that you can protect your dogs against this life-threatening illness! Talk to your vet so he or she can advise you correctly!

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

Canine courses