Category Archives: Miscellaneous

The perfect solution to all your dog friendly needs

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Head on the keyboard, I’ve had enough.  I’m tired of looking for the perfect solution to my needs.  I grab my coffee and head over to the back door where I stick my head out for some fresh air, oh I wish I could have a holiday somewhere quiet away from it all.  I know that’s not possible because of Lula my mix breed dog, she’s an absolute nightmare on the lead, in the house, in the car, you name it I hide from it!  So here I am stuck at home with my barking, lead pulling (that’s why we don’t get out much) dog.  I do love her and want to have a special bond with her but I can’t find what I’m looking for, I don’t even know what I’m looking for.

I pick up a tennis ball and throw it into the garden, Lula loves to play a game of fetch, it brings her alive and she brings it back and runs to fetch it, this could go on for hours how come it doesn’t make her tired?  I bring her in and try to wipe her paws, yes you guessed it she doesn’t like that either and we end up in a wrestling match with me flat on my face in the middle of the kitchen floor.

That’s it, I’ve had enough! I slam the back door and head out of the kitchen back to the computer.  I know what I’m looking for!  Dog Trainer in King’s Lynn is added to the web browser.  Dog Trainers, Behaviourists and Clubs/King’s Lynn/Norfolk wow that’s the one! I click and get a bright dog friendly page full of dog trainers in King’s Lynn.  I look though a few of the premium pages and it catches my eye Game Based Trainer.  Lula it is meant to be young lady, today is day one of our new journey.

The website was bright, light and full of fun, showing how games created learning through choice – I was hooked and clicked on the Make an Enquiry button on The Good Dog Website.  Excited I jumped up and made another coffee returning quickly to The Good Dog Guide website and where it said click to choose a category I chose Self Catering and in lovely Norfolk.  I booked our holiday for September which gives us four months of intensive game based training sessions to have the best holiday ever!

Thank you The Good Dog Guide you have it all covered!

Article supplied by to Julie Carter at MyLuka Dog Training Solutions

Tips for Making the Right Choice for Your Pet Insurance

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Owning a pet comes with a slew of responsibilities, including the basics like feeding and grooming that all pet owners understand. What can create some unrest in a home with a pet is the emotional and financial disruption of a medical issue that requires veterinary care. On average, pet visits to the vet cost £750, per condition, and this can represent a major cost to a pet owner if they aren’t well prepared. Some medical issues require even more veterinary intervention, such as surgery or ongoing treatment plans, which can cost several thousand more.

Pet insurance offers some respite from veterinary costs. Most pet insurance plans provide a percentage of reimbursement for a veterinary care visit, helping offset the expense of an emergency illness or injury. However, making the decision to obtain pet insurance requires some degree of understanding about how pet policies work, what they cover and exclude, and how to know which pet policy makes the most sense from a financial perspective.

Pet Insurance

Understand the Types of Pet Insurance
The first factor to consider when looking at pet insurance policies is the type of cover being offered. Pet insurance plans come in many different forms, with the most common including:

  • Annual policies: these pet insurance plans offer financial assistance for a pet’s medical issues on a 12-month rolling basis. Each year the policy is set to renew, pet owners may be given an option to switch to a new plan or maintain the coverage they currently have. Most annual policies do not cover pre-existing conditions, and while they may be less expensive than more comprehensive options, they may not pay as much to cover vet expenses.

  • Lifetime policies: these pet insurance plans offer the most comprehensive coverage, potentially offsetting the cost of injuries, illnesses, and chronic conditions. Lifetime policies provide for cover regardless of the pet’s age or health condition, but this means the policy will likely cost more for the pet owner.

  • Accident policies: these pet insurance plans provide cover for accidents that may lead to injuries, such as being hit by a vehicle. Although accidents may lead to higher-cost treatments, most pets in need of veterinary care require medical attention for illnesses instead.

Recognise Potential Exclusions or Restrictions
In addition to the type of policy being offered, pet owners also need to take a close look at the specifics of a pet insurance plan. Many pet insurers detail exclusions of a policy, which may include pre-existing conditions a pet had before getting insured. This means that should the animal need veterinary care for an excluded condition, the full cost of care falls on the shoulders of the pet owner, not the insurance company.

Similarly, pet insurance providers may also exclude certain treatments. Alternative medical care, such as physiotherapy or acupuncture may not be covered under a pet insurance plan. Some policies may also have waiting periods that must be met before insurance benefits are available. Others do not cover routine or preventative treatments. Insurers also set limits on reimbursements paid to pet owners, either per condition treated or as an annual or lifetime policy limit. It is crucial for pet owners to recognise these limitations before paying for a pet insurance plan.

Compare Policy Options for Cost and Benefits
A finance specialist from Money Pug, a website used to compare best pet insurance deals, shares that, beyond policy cover and exclusions, pet owners need to do their own cost analysis on a pet insurance plan prior to purchasing. Pet insurance comes at a cost each month or each year, and this ongoing expense can range significantly from one insurer to the next. The cost is based not only on the current health status of the pet and their age, but also the reach of the policy. Pet owners can do themselves a favour by comparing several different pet insurance plans, taking an in-depth look at policy benefits and exclusions weighed against the cost of the policy itself.

Having the right pet insurance plan can make a big difference in caring for a pet without spending an exorbitant amount of money out of pocket. However, pet owners must complete a review of the type of policy that makes the most sense for their needs, alongside the restrictions or limitations or the policy. Carefully reviewing these details as well as the premium amount due for the policy is necessary for making the best decision on whether or not to purchase pet insurance and from which company.

Article supplied.

Why You Should Buy A Dog Stroller

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Having a dog stroller sounded quite weird some years back. Nowadays, dog strollers have gained popularity thanks to the numerous benefits they offer. There are various occasions and situation that make it necessary to use a stroller. They are very effective, convenient and comfortable to your dog. Here are a few reasons to get a stroller.

1, Easier for vet visit
Transporting dogs in a stroller when taking them to the vet, especially small puppies, is convenient and eliminates worries of the puppies escaping. A stroller also protects your dog from picking up germs from the floor or other animals in the waiting room. It’s also comfortable in case your dog is convalescing.

2, Ideal for outings
If you’re going out with friends or family, using a stroller can be convenient. You won’t need to worry about your dog as you have your lunch, go to a concert, or indulge in other fun activities. In such crowded places, you don’t have to worry about your dog getting stepped on or picking dangerous stuff. You can also be able to carry your dog once in a while to the office as the stroller provides a confined place for the dog.

3, Ideal for injured and old dogs
A stroller provides a comfortable ride for old, sick and injured dogs that are too weak to walk. Getting such dogs some fresh air and change of scenery may be refreshing, and that’s where the stroller comes handy. A dog that has undergone surgery may need mental stimulation and physical exercise to recuperate.

4, Protection
There is always the danger of your dog, especially the small ones, being attacked by aggressive dogs. A stroller will also protect your precious pet paws from rough sidewalks and pavements. Some dogs are also susceptible to extreme weather conditions. A stroller will protect your dog from excess heat and snow. It also ideal in urban areas where there is a lot of traffic which can be overwhelming for the dog.

5, Better Exercise
It’s fun when you take your dog along for runs and walks. However, it might be hard for the dog to keep up. Therefore, you can bring along a stroller for the dog to ride in. This way, you still get the most out of your workout without tiring your dog. It’s also a great opportunity to have more quality time with your best friend.

6, Ideal for elderly people
A walk is a great way for elderly people to refresh and exercise. However, for the elderly pet lovers who love to tag their pets along, it might be difficult because the dog that can easily stray. A stroller will help keep the dog restrained.

7, Great or multiple dogs
Walking more than one dog can turn out to be a nightmare. It can be tough to control them as they keep running in every direction during walks. Keeping one or more of the dogs in a stroller can save you from all this trouble and keep your pets safe.

A stroller is a great item for pet owners to invest in. It brings convenience and greater mobility to both you and your buddy. However, with the many options available in the market, you may find it hard determining the best one for your dog. Not sure which one to choose? Check out 8 Best Dog Strollers for 2019 | iPetCompanion.

Article supplied.

How much research do we do before adopting a dog?

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Something which may surprise a lot of dog owners recently emerged in the news, as the results of a survey from Legal & General revealed that one in every three dog owners did little to no research before deciding on which breed of dog to adopt.

This may feel like a high number, but as some of us know it’s sometimes the dog who chooses the owner rather than the other way around.

adopting a dog?

Out of those surveyed who did their research before adopting, common considerations for settling on a specific breed was size at 43%, followed by temperament at 41% and 34% who considered their breed based on their lifestyle. 11% of people surveyed thought about how much adopting a dog would cost, and just 7% looking into the price of insurance policies.

Considering the numbers, it isn’t much of a shock that 14% of owners said that they had five or more visits to the vet in the past year. 45% of owners also revealed that at some point they have also had to pay a visit to an emergency vet, which can come with astronomical costs.

adopting a dog

Worryingly, 36% of owners revealed that they don’t have pet insurance, with 46% saying that there is no need for it. Thankfully, 48% of owners said that pet insurance is a life safer (and will surely be made up of those who had to visit the emergency vet!)

Sadly 6% of those surveyed said they were unsatisfied with their chosen breed, so to help lower this number Legal and General have released the Breed Selector, an tool which, instead of allowing you to choose the ideal dog for you, allows a dog to choose you as their ideal human.

It’s a fun tool that asks about you, your home and your lifestyle, and matches you with a breed which fits in with what you’re looking for.

adopting a dog

As we all know, owning a dog can be hard work, but it is also rewarding and can bring love and joy to our lives. Whilst research is important before deciding who we want to bring home, we can’t always decide who we fall in love with and want to join the family.

For more information on pet insurance from Legal and General, more information is available on their website.

The Safest Materials for Your Dog Bowls

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dog bowls

You’ve got plenty of options when it comes to selecting a material for your dog bow. There is a variety of options in the market, including stoneware, ceramic, plastic, stainless steel, slow-feeding, nonskid and even automated portion-sized dog bowls. However, even with so many options out there, there are still some materials that are naturally safer than others. According to forthefurry.com, here are the five most common, including an exploration of whether they are safe or not.

Plastic Dog Bowls
This is by far the most commonly used material for dog bowls. However, it isn’t the safest. In fact, it can often be the worst material for a dog bowl.
To start with, young teething pups tend to chew a lot on their feeding bowl. A few minutes without you looking and your little pup can tear the bowl apart and ingest the little pieces of plastic. What follows is internal bleeding and blockage of the intestinal system.
Plastic bowls can also be highly porous and easy to scratch. The result is that they develop crevices that make for perfect homes for dangerous bacteria.

Ceramic Dog BowlCeramic Dog Bowls

Ceramic dog bowls are often a pretty good choice, assuming you’ve done your homework before going out to buy one. You should also take care of them to ensure they last longer. The greatest concern when it comes to ceramic dog bowls is that the glazes used to coat them may sometimes contain harmful chemicals like lead. You should be careful about this and go for those that have been certified for food use and are free of lead in their coating. You should also regularly inspect your dog’s ceramic bowl to check for chips and cracks that can harbor bacteria. You also shouldn’t let your dog ingest any chips from the bowl. With such bowls, maintenance is the biggest issue. They are, however, a terrific choice.

Stoneware Dog BowlsStoneware Dog Bowls

Stoneware bowls may have trace amounts of lead so you should be careful about the ones you buy. Lead is very dangerous for pets and can lead to lead poisoning. The symptoms of lead poisoning include cardiovascular problems, renal and kidney problems, skeletal problems, disorders of the muscles and joints, nerve disorders, loss of memory, intellectual impairment, mood swings, infertility and cancer. Select stoneware bowls that are free of lead. Apart from the lead issue, however, stoneware dog bowls are much safer than plastic dog bowls as they don’t chip as easily.

Silicone Dog Bowls
Silicone is a relatively recent material on the market. It is rubber-like, nonstick and nontoxic. It has high heat resistance and does not retain any odors. It can also help you save space as such dog bowls are typically collapsible.

Stainless Steel Dog BowlsStainless Steel Dog Bowls

These dog bowls are nonporous, which means you don’t have to worry about bacteria. They are also resistant to rust and very easy to clean. Steel also isn’t exposed to as many dangerous chemicals as plastic is during its manufacture.

Animal Welfare Act 2018: What does it mean?

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Important changes are taking place in England, affecting anyone who breeds, boards, sells or provides day care for dogs. From 1st of October, the new Animal Welfare Act 2018 will come into force providing extra protection for the welfare of our pets.

Animal Welfare Act 2018

From October, dog owners in England will be able to check whether a doggy daycare or home boarder have a licence and see a star-rating awarded by the local authority. The amendments to the Animal Welfare Act will bring changes in terms of licensing and local authority compliance to anyone who sells, breeds or cares for dogs as a business.

As stated on the Dogs Trust website: “There have been significant advances in the understanding of dog behaviour and welfare in recent decades. [We are] pleased that the Government is updating this old legislation, which pre-dates the Animal Welfare Act, and are introducing measures to ensure those conducting animal activities are doing so to the best standards of animal welfare.”

Who must be licensed?

Boarding kennels
At-home boarders
Breeders
Doggy day-care providers

However, the changes to the legislation allow dog walkers, dog groomers, and dog hydrotherapists to continue without the need for a licence from their local council.

A key reform to replace a variety of outdated legislation will be to introduce a single licence for pet vending (selling), dog breeding and animal boarding including home dog boarders and pet daycare. These licences will be issued for a fixed term rather than annually at any point in the year.

Each council will use a risk-based approach to licensing, meaning lower risk and high performing business will be allowed a longer licence with fewer inspections. This new practice aims at incentivising licence holders to operate at and maintain higher standards, enabling council resources to better targeted.

For breeders and sellers, stricter regulations under the new licence will mean better protection for dogs. From October, it will be prohibited to sell puppies below the age of eight weeks in all cases matching the regulation already in place in Wales and Scotland.

The Government, along with several animal charities, hopes the new legislation and focus will help tackle puppy farms in the UK and make it easier for councils to focus their attention on combating issues affecting animal welfare in their local areas.

PetStay has been a strong advocate for licensing, ensuring all their carers across the 42 branches hold a valid licence to care for dogs in their home. Established since 2005, PetStay has built a reputation on the high criteria of their dog carers, ensuring they are checked by branch owners as well as the local authority.

To find out more about our PetStay Carers click here.

petstay

ANIMAL MAGIC COMES TO MAIDSTONE AS ‘WE LOVE PETS’ FRANCHISE OPENS!

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Award-winning animal care franchise We Love Pets has opened a new branch in Maidstone.

The local franchise has been taken up by Elaine Dunn, aged 52, who will be helping pet owners with dog walking and boarding, cat sitting and even looking after snakes, lizards and bigger animals.

Elaine, who recently moved back to her birth town of Maidstone, decided that the time was right to start a new career with animals after leaving the care profession. She has already taken on one member of staff to help her with dog boarding and is looking forward to growing the venture.

The mum-of-four said: “Working with animals is my dream and comes so naturally. Already, we’ve helped customers with dog boarding and walking. It’s important for me to do something that helps people who perhaps don’t have the time or mobility to do it themselves.

“I’m delighted to be able to work with We Love Pets and to continue their great track record. I’m looking forward to providing an exceptional service to my customers and Maidstone is a great place to do it thanks to its numerous parks and nature reserve meaning there’s lots of variety and somewhere new to walk all the time.

“We Love Pets have given me so much support already; they’ve been doing this for ten years and the business model is proven to work. They made me feel they care about me and my success. Plus, being outdoors in the fresh air is such a bonus in any job I’d say.”

For more information, click onto www.we-love-pets.co.uk/areas-covered/maidstone

How to Find Best Pet Insurance For your Pet and What Should You Know Before Buying?

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When we adopt a pet, we know for the matter of fact that it is going to end with us having to say goodbye, but we still do it. And we do it for a very good reason: They bring happiness and joy and optimism. They attack every moment of every day with that attitude.
We find a friend in them and unconditional love. So, to protect these amazing animals in their times of sickness or injury and to give them the best medical aid, it is imperative to avail Pet Insurance.

Pet insurance

What do pet insurances do?
The first question comes on our mind Is Pet insurance necessary? The Pet insurance schemes cover all veterinary expenses incurred for the treatment of a pet who has suffered an injury or is sick. Some pet insurance plans along with death cover also cover the loss of the pet that is insured. These benefits help pet owners to eliminate the risk of high expenditures on medical treatment of the pet and protect its valuable life by giving the best treatment.

Features and Benefits of a good Pet Insurance:
Customized plans – Pet insurance plans are customizable according to the needs and available for pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, etc. Know here how to find an insurance company.

Sum Assured – Generally, the sum assured on pet insurance products, varies from £500 to £750. This depends on the factors like the breed of the pet and other related considerations.

Add-On Cover – Some insurance providers like Future Generali insurance offer add-on benefits and covers as well for the base policy, such as loss of show entry fee. This cover is meant to offer for the forfeit of entry fee when the pet cannot make it to the show due to an injury or sickness.

Third Party Liability – Third party liability cover is also offered by some pet insurance policies, in the unlikely event that your pet attacks a third party and causes any damage to third party property.

Types of Cover – There are three major types of pet insurance cover.

Lifetime cover
Time-limited cover
Money-limit cover

What does pet insurance cover?
These policies cover the following
Accidental Death
Illness contracted or injury suffered while the policy is in effect
Full Treatment expenses of the pet.
An accident of the pet insured while in transit via rail, air or road.
Loss or theft of the pet insured
Incapacitation
Accidental poisoning
Any Third Party Liability

Factors considered in Calculations of premiums for Pet insurances:
Age of animal
The breed and type of animals
Health condition of the animal
Exotic animals will have a higher premium rate
The location of your house and the prevailing climatic conditions

A good pet insurance covers pet’s treatment at the vet, covers the vaccinations that need to be given to the pets for protection, the life cover of the pet.
Home is not a home without a pet. So, ensure your happiness with pet insurance.

Trading Standards ‘Buy with Confidence’ status achieved by Wagging Tails UK Dog Boarding

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Wagging Tails

Wagging Tails is the only Dog Boarding Franchise which has achieved this level across all of its branches, offering a clear indicator to dog owners that they can be assured that Wagging Tails delivers on everything it sets out to do.

Operating within a legal framework (all dog carers are licensed and insured). And is without a doubt a leader in its industry.

www.waggingtailsuk.co.uk/news/trading-standards-buy-with-confidence-status

Buy with confidence

A Pet Vacuum for Dog Owner – Expert Recommendations

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A vacuum for pet is not just a simple appliance with a high power score that makes the life of a pet owner easier and carefree. In fact, pet vacuums allow for cleaning dust, pet hair, and other allergens thus assuring absolute cleanliness in premises. In this review, we will talk about vacuums for pet efficiently coping with the pet hair and the consequences of canine and feline pranks. All the cleaners from our review have passed tests in several steps and proved to be useful appliances.

The characteristics that reflect an upright vacuum cleaner dealing with the 2 turbo brushes. A greater brush’s to be used for clothes, furniture, fur, and carpet. On the top of that, the turbo brush has a roller in the center of the nozzle, which winds the pets’ hair or dust. The two turbo scrapers make the cleaner the right weapon in the fight against wool, hair, as well as dirt. However, there are some other parameters that must be met to assure you are using the best vacuum for pet owners. Characteristics of the best vacuum for long hair include:

– The suction power has to be stably high even when the dust canister’s full. Therefore, multi-cyclone systems with a high suction score are optimized to fill the bag in several steps. They are aimed at removing pet hair and dirt from any surfaces.

– Hair cleaners must be hygienic (high-class vacuuming filter HEPA – 13 or 14). If it is a bag-cleaner, it is optimal for pet owners to have an additional cleaning filter. It helps to eliminate the specific smell and remove absolutely all animal hair in the house.

– The roller of the corded turbo brush should be driven not by the flow of air but by electricity since when the force of the airflow decreases, the roller of the brush generally stops spinning.

– The roller of the turbo brush should be easy to get and clean. If there’s a device to be used directly on the nozzle, there will be no issues with cinetic cleaning vacuum.

– A canister has to be heavy to store large amounts of pet hair in several steps. Otherwise, if the canister is small, you should clean the vacuums again and again.

Vacuums for Animal Hair?
Dog owners often have to take into consideration what sort of a friendly cleaner is better for harvesting cats and dogs’ hair to buy in the store and test the chosen appliance. Modern cleaners are manufactured taking into consideration all the latest cleaning specs. It is interesting that many buyers of cleaners prefer purchasing cinetic robots and other modern washing options, which have a high score from us.
What should you take into account if you have a dog/ cat in the house? An important thing you’ll need to do is to clean floors and any other surfaces with a cleaner regularly. Another thing to enquire is the suction power of the device. The presence of additional cinetic supplements will also be a plus for the appliance. As a general rule, you’ll find the following items in the clean package claims:

– Nozzle for floor and carpets;
– Mechanical turbo-brush (can be multiple);
– Electric turbo-brush;
– Special silicone nozzle;
– Nozzle-puncher;
– Turbo motorhead.

What Useful Functions Should a Vacuum Cleaner Perform?
Still wonder what type of a cleaner is for you to clean pet hair from floors, clothes, fur, and carpets? It’s necessary for you to realize that the device is needed not only for this purpose (and test it), so it is worth checking the following parameters:

– Vacuums with aqua filters perfectly cope with the cleaning the floor, steps, and moisturizing the air well. Their only drawback is the inability to use them when cleaning the carpeted hardwood.

– The greater suction rate of the device is, the higher score we will give it. However, it is still necessary to test the device. Such tests will provide you with info on how easy it cleans stairs, floor, corners, apart from other surfaces. You should test everything yourself, without simply believing all the claims of the manufacturer. If there’re many cats and dogs in the house, then the vacuum should have suction Powerglide of at least 350 W – 400 W. The manufacturer usually reflects the score on its motorhead. Give precedence to those appliances whose suction power is indicated on the brush.

– Modern devices have an impressive weight and size. A manufacturer claims to test the device in several steps before releasing the device. Therefore, the company claims to use the best materials for the appliance. Read this review as well as many other reflects before making a purchase. But it will be a greater approach if you could test the cleaner yourself and make sure that it works well and removes dirt, for example, Miele, in several steps. You should see what the tube tile is made of. If the tile material plastic, then it is necessary to test how strong it is.

Best Vacuum Cleaners for You and for Pet

1. Shark NV752 Rotator– our score 9,5
It is an upright cleaner with lift-away mechanics allowing deep cleaning of the deepest corners with pet hair or Miele on them. But the option dog owners really adore is the TruePet attachment. The appliance powers deep into carpets removing dust in several steps.

2. Miele Alize S8590 – our score 9,2
Such a greater score in our review is due to excellent functioning, greater look, and mobility. It effectively picks up dust in several steps and is easy to clean.

3. Dyson V6 Motorhead – our score 9,1
Having passed many tests, the upright pet vacuum justified all the claims of its manufacturer, which we have to mention in this review. The device has cordless stick vac’s cleaning power that is easy to readjust on any surfaces in several steps. Our high score reflects such a unique feature.

Best vacuum for dog hair