Mothering Sunday is only just around the corner here in the UK. A special day when we celebrate all that the special women in our lives do for us. You might be wondering how you can include your pets in the celebrations. Here we look at a few things you could do on this special day and also suggest a few gift ideas:
Mothering Sunday Day’s Out
1. Go for a Walk
Dog walking in springtime is one of our favourite things to do. The countryside is awash with new life; birds building new nests, bees buzzing and other life springing from the landscape. What better way to spend a Mother’s Day morning or afternoon than out on a walk? The perfect way to include all the family, including your pets!
2. Mother’s Day Lunch
Mothering Sunday lunch is a must! If you’d like to take your dog along, there are a number of pet friendly pubs in the UK. We wrote an article last year about some of the Top Pet Friendly Pubs. Give it a read before you make a reservation!
3. Pamper Session
Why not book your dog into their favourite groomers whilst you and your mum go off to the spa? A pamper session is the perfect way to treat your mum on Mother’s day!
Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
1. Flowers for Mum
Flowers are a classic Mother’s Day gift. A beautiful way to brighten the home; what Mum doesn’t love a bouquet of her favourite fragrant blooms? If your mum has cats or dogs, do think about flowers that are animal safe. Certain types, such as daffodils and lilies, are poisonous to pets and are best to avoid. Our Poisonous Springtime Plants blog post, highlights some of the flowers to avoid if you have pets. If you’re still unsure, Interflora have created a collection of pet safe bouquets, which will make gorgeous gifts for special Mums.
2. An L&L Present
If your Mum is a canine lover, then one of our dog themed gifts could make the ideal present. We've carefully paw-picked a range of gifts in our Mother's day collection that we know your dog would pick out for mum if they could shop!
Mothering Sunday is only just around the corner here in the UK. A special day when we celebrate all that the special women in our lives do for us. You might be wondering how you can include your pets in the celebrations. Here we look at a few things you could do on this special day and also suggest a few gift ideas:
Mothering Sunday Day’s Out
1. Go for a Walk
Dog walking in springtime is one of our favourite things to do. The countryside is awash with new life; birds building new nests, bees buzzing and other life springing from the landscape. What better way to spend a Mother’s Day morning or afternoon than out on a walk? The perfect way to include all the family, including your pets!
Why not book your dog into their favourite groomers whilst you and your mum go off to the spa? A pamper session is the perfect way to treat your mum on Mother’s day!
Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
1. Flowers for Mum
Flowers are a classic Mother’s Day gift. A beautiful way to brighten the home; what Mum doesn’t love a bouquet of her favourite fragrant blooms? If your mum has cats or dogs, do think about flowers that are animal safe. Certain types, such as daffodils and lilies, are poisonous to pets and are best to avoid. Our Poisonous Springtime Plants blog post, highlights some of the flowers to avoid if you have pets. If you’re still unsure, Interflora have created a collection of pet safe bouquets, which will make gorgeous gifts for special Mums.
2. An L&L Present
If your Mum is a canine lover, then one of our dog themed gifts could make the ideal present. We've carefully paw-picked a range of gifts in our Mother's day collection that we know your dog would pick out for mum if they could shop!
SIGN UP FOR USEFUL TIPS & GUIDES STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX
Our pets are as much a part of the family as our human relations. We know it’s just as important to make sure their festive season is as fun as everyone else's. From the perfect presents wrapped under the tree to some tasty festive treats, there are an array of products out there to make sure your dogs and cats have the best Christmas ever. But what are the dangers at Christmas? There are a few things to consider when preparing for the big Christmas day. Here we have compiled our Christmas Survival Guide for Pets. Take note and ensure you have a wonderful Christmas this year.
Whilst your here be sure to check out our Santa's grotto collection to get any last minute gifts for your pets!
Festive Foods
Food is an integral part of the Christmas festivities in most households. Whilst our human family members are partial to a mince pie and a chocolate or two, it’s important not to share.
Chocolate – Chocolate is really poisonous to dogs. It causes sickness and can even be deadly in certain cases. All chocolate should be kept well out of reach of your canine companions. Hang chocolate decorations on the highest branches of the tree and make sure chocolate gifts are not left under the tree.
Alcohol – This may seem obvious, and whilst we don’t expect anyone will be filling their pet's dish with wine, it’s important to keep watch over our own glasses to make sure our pets don’t get any ideas. Also, beware of feeding them any foods with alcohol in. It can cause serious problems in all pets. Want your dogs to join in on the fun? Why not try Woof & Brew's range of pet drinks? From sniffer beer to white wine, these tasty drinks are great for pets this festive season!
Mince Pies, Christmas Cake, and Panettone – Raisins, sultanas, and dates found in all of these foods are toxic to pets and can be fatal in some instances. Make sure you keep these foods out of reach of any pets. Especially any mince pies left out for Santa!
Perhaps buy some Christmas-themed foods and treats for your pets so they can join in the fun in a safe way, you can find Christmas dinner and treats for your pets here. For a list of foods your dog can and can't eat, why not check out our pet Christmas dinner guide here?
Toxic Plants
There is nothing as lovely as decorating the house with fresh foliage. Mistletoe, Holly, Ivy, and Poinsettias are all popular additions to our interior decor at Christmas but can cause serious problems for our pets. All three of these plants can be toxic to pets; the bright red leaves of Poinsettia and the traditional classic holly and ivy can cause serious upset stomachs in many animals. The latter can even be fatal in rabbits. You also need to be wary of Mistletoe which can cause drooling, retching and vomiting.
If you think your pet may have eaten something they shouldn't please consult your vet as soon as possible for advice.
Christmas Wrap and Decorations
Whilst it’s lovely to decorate our homes with Christmas decorations at this time of year, it’s best to be cautious where pets are concerned. Try not to leave them unattended in any rooms with Christmas decorations things like tinsel, flashing lights and other dangly items can be most tantalising to cats and dogs; one, you don't want your decorations ruined and two, the swallowing of any loose parts can be a choking hazard.
The same goes for Christmas wrapping. Gift wrap, ribbon, and tags make your gifts look extra special, but like other decorations can be dangerous to pets. On Christmas morning make sure all paper and tags etc are tidied quickly. Make sure any batteries are kept away from cats and dogs as swallowing those can lead to dangerous internal burns. It’s best to keep pets away from any human decorations, toys, or wrapping. Perhaps treat them to some festive-themed toys to keep them occupied and divert their attention away from the things they shouldn’t play with!
Create A Safe Space
The hustle and bustle of Christmas can cause your pets to worry due to the change in routine, increased noise levels and unfamiliar visitors. Make sure to give your pet a safe, quiet space they can retreat to when the festivities get too much. Your dog might like a crate with a cover or a bed and blanket for instance and your cat will feel safest up high where he can view the room from his own cat tree. If you have smaller pets such as gerbils or hamsters you may want to remove their cages from the main rooms of the house over the busiest days of the Christmas period to make sure they feel safe and content.
Whilst the dangers around Christmas might seem overwhelming, there’s no reason not to enjoy the holiday with the whole family including your animal friends. Take precautions with the above issues, but don’t let it stop you from having a great time. If you have any questions about anything mentioned here or something more general, do get in touch. We love to hear from you and your pets!
We are well into the Autumn season; summer has passed, and the red leaves are falling. This only means one thing; Guy Fawkes night is just around the corner and not long after is Guy Fawkes Night. Whilst we’re enjoying a pumpkin spice latté and deciding where to go and watch the fireworks, we mustn’t forget the furry members of the family. However, the lead up to Bonfire Night can be difficult season for many dogs.
All the uproarious blasts and blazes made by fireworks and bonfires can be terrifying for them, making them stressed and anxious, possibly putting their wellbeing in danger. It is important to consider your canines best interests on Bonfire Night – especially if it's their first one.
Puppies are likely to be more scared than they have ever been, due to the unfamiliar and potentially frightening sounds and sights. But there are ways to introduce them to fireworks before November 5th and prepare them. We thought we’d give you our tops tips for keeping your pets safe and calm at this noisy time of year, as well as recommending our top calming products.
Why are dogs scared on bonfire night?
Bonfire Night can be a troubling time for many dogs. With the constant loud bangs and bright flashes, it is understandable why some dogs can be so frightened by the evening. Here are some of the main reasons why dogs are likely to be scared because of fireworks:
Loud explosive noises – Dogs have an extremely acute sense of hearing, much more so than humans. The loud bangs and crackles that fireworks bring are even louder to your pup and likely to be extremely alarming!
Bright flashes – Fireworks also make bright flashes at a usually dark time of day. This is unfamiliar to dogs and they may become scared at this.
Can make your dog feel trapped – Fireworks are a difficult thing to escape, especially on Bonfire Night. Your dog may be likely to try to run away or hide, however they will struggle to escape them and may feel frightened or anxious.
A feeling of the unknown and unpredictability – Bonfire Night to your dog, is just another, normal evening. The unpredictability of bangs and flashes is likely to cause restlessness and potentially act out of character.
Can you get a puppy used to fireworks?
The best time to get your dog used to fireworks is when they are a puppy – as a dog who has already experienced a bonfire night in their life may already be frightened by the loud sounds and bright flashes. Preparing your pup begins now – you can start by turning up the noise on the television to gradually ease them into louder noises and bangs, especially during action scenes with frequent loud bangs. Once your pup is more used to that try recordings of firework displays to prepare them for the real thing. However, if your pet suffers from noise phobia or is quite anxious, the proposed preparation may worsen their situation.
What to do with dogs on bonfire night
When dogs feel scared or anxious, they will look to find a space where they can try to relax and feel comfortable. The place they choose will likely be a dark place with one entrance to hide away from the loud bangs from fireworks. At Lords & Labradors, we understand that sometimes your dog will feel scared, especially on Bonfire Night! This is one of many reasons why we recommend a Lords & Labradors Crate Set for your pup! It provides the perfect escape and hiding place for them to find comfort and shelter when they are feeling anxious or scared.
How to keep a puppy calm during fireworks?
The loud noises and bright flashes that fireworks bring can be an anxious time for anyone – so put yourself in your puppies’ position, scared will likely be an understatement. There are ways in which you can distract and calm your dog through their fears:
Distraction from the loud noises via radio or TV – this can soften the loud bangs of the fireworks which should soften the fright for your pup.
Anti-anxiety kits and products for dogs – here at L&L we understand that your dog may, from time to time, struggle with high levels of anxiety or fright. We offer a range of products perfect for situations such as Bonfire Night, where your dog or puppy is likely to be scared.
Do not tell your dog off – it is important not to scare or upset your dog further than they already are. Try to act as normal as possible, sending your pup positive signals in the process by acting calm and happy.
Do not take your dog to a firework display – Even if you think your dog will not be phased by fireworks or a bonfire, is it really worth taking the risk. A loud noise or bright flash could be enough to spook them into running away from you in a panic.
Ensure they don’t have access to leave the front door – sounds a straightforward thing to say to some dog owners, but the strange noises and flashes of light that bonfire night brings could be enough to scare your dog into bolting to escape via the front door. If you need to open your front door, we advise shutting your dog in another room whilst doing so to ensure the highest level of safety.
How to help a puppy when fireworks are going off
Preparing your Dog for Guy Fawkes Night is difficult. The unfamiliarity of the evening could cause high levels of stress and anxiety for your four-legged friend. However, there are some ways in which you can best prepare to try and make the evening as stress free for your canine:
Walk in advance – Walking your dog in advance will ensure they have ample opportunity to relieve themselves before becoming scared by fireworks. Tiring them out may also help them relax more later in the evening.
Feed in advance – Feeding your dog before any expected fireworks would be advised, as an anxious or scared dog may not want to eat.
Ensure their water bowl is filled – Anxious dogs are likely to pant, drool and generally be thirstier. Regular checking their water bowl will ensure they have a drink available. It may be worth encouraging them to drink throughout the evening as they may forget due to fear.
Shut curtains and blinds – This will ensure any bright flashes are minimalised which could lead to scaring your pup.
Double check the security of your garden – Letting your dog out to relieve themselves whilst fireworks are going off may be necessary, especially for puppies. Making your garden secure will ensure your dog can not escape in an attempt to run away from the loud explosions and bright flashes.
Anti-anxiety and calming products – At Lords & Labradors we understand that your dog may need something extra to support them through scary and anxious moments. Our range of anti-anxiety and calming products ensure that your dog will be calmer through traumatic evenings such as Bonfire Night.
Time to check your dog's microchipping details?
The Autumn can bring a variety of occasions that can spook your canine friend, especially Halloween and Bonfire Night. It makes early October the perfect time to check you dogs microchip details, and ensure they are wearing their collar with ID tag as often as possible. Loud noises and unfamiliar sights that occasions like Bonfire Night bring (with fireworks) are likely to be things that could spook your pup into attempting to run away. We know that the last thing any pet owner wants to do is lose their pet – but ensuring that their details are up to date will best prepare you for that worst case scenario and help you find them just in case they do go missing!
Top Dog Calming Products To Use On Bonfire Night
Woof & Brew Anxious Hound Herbal Tonic - This healthy tonic for dogs is a great daily supplement for anxious or nervous dogs and is ideal to give them before stressful situations such as fireworks. It's a special blend, rich in vitamins and minerals, best served over food or in their water. Each bottle has approximately 60 servings (please read the label for serving details).
Beaphar Cani Comfort Collars - The Beaphar CaniComfort Collars are great at relaxing your dog, they use pheromone technology to help calm your dog. Pheremones are one of the ways dogs communicate, the Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) is naturally produced by mums when they are feeding their puppies. These collars contain a replica of the DAP which is familiar to all dogs so are instantly calming for all dogs. The collars are effective for up to four weeks so are perfect for over the Halloween and Bonfire festivities. The collar can have effects in as little as 15 minutes but we recommend putting it on a day or two before Halloween in case anyone has any early fireworks go off, simply fit the collar around your dog’s neck, fasten and cut off the excess. Perfect for calming and providing reassurance to your dog in what can be a scary time of year for our four-legged-friends.
Calming Anti-Anxiety Donut Beds - Here at Lords & Labradors we design our products specifically with your dog’s needs in mind, our faux-fur donut beds are perfect for reducing your dog’s anxiety. The plump soft walls of the donut beds have been designed to cocoon your dog to sleep and help calm them. They come in the softest faux-fur fabric so are perfect for snuggling in.
Pet Remedy All-in-one Calming Kit - There are a number of different options in the Pet remedy range including plug-in diffusers and room sprays. Pet Remedy contains a host of natural oils that de-stress and calm nervous pets. Our favourite product is the All-in-One Calming Kit that includes a room spray, plug-in diffuser and calming wipes. All the things you could need to help keep your pet calm through the celebrations.
We hope you enjoy the festivities of the season. If you have a pet and you're concerned about their anxiety levels, don't panic! Try one of the solutions above and do your best to keep them feeling secure.
If you have any questions about this article, or any other topic, do get in touch. You can chat to us via the Chat link on the bottom right hand side of our website, email sales@lordsandlabradors.co.uk or call us on 01790 720900.
Spooky season is here! And households all over the nation will likely find themselves surrounded by a whole host of sweet treats and snacks, ready for trick-or-treaters to arrive at the door.
It seems pup owners are certainly preparing to protect their four-legged friends from the food-heavy holiday seasons ahead, with 2,400 Google searches for ‘what can’t dogs eat’ in the past month.
With this in mind, Johanna Buitelaar-Warden, Founder of Lords and Labradors has highlighted four toxic foods that you should never give to your dog and how to keep your pets away from potentially harmful snacks
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?
In short, yes, your dog can eat pumpkin flesh. Pumpkins are found in a lot of dog food and may even be an ingredient in the meals they already eat.
However, to stay safe, avoid feeding your pooch the prickly stalk – whilst this is not toxic, it may cause irritation in your dog's mouth and harm once ingested.
It’s also important to remove the pumpkin skin before serving your dog up some pumpkin, as this can act as a choking hazard. If ingested, this can be a serious risk of gut obstruction.
Can Dogs Eat Chocolate?
Be aware, that chocolate is notoriously dangerous for dogs!
This is because chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, which even in small doses can provide serious problems for your dog. Issues can range from mild stomach upsets, to more serious complications like seizures and cardiac arrests.
To ensure your pet remains safe and healthy, keeping chocolate treats away from your dog is essential to their wellbeing – whether you have a little puppy, or a full-grown adult dog.
Can Dogs Eat Sweets?
From sugar-free chewy fangs to jelly eyeballs, artificial sweeteners can be even more detrimental to your dog’s health than sugar.
These types of sweet treats commonly include an ingredient called Xylitol – which is highly forbidden for dogs – as this can potentially result in toxicity, which can set in as early as 30 minutes after ingestion. Complications from Xylitol can pose a danger to your dog’s blood sugar levels and liver function.
Can Dogs Eat Popcorn Or Crisps?
Just like humans, dogs can handle a certain amount of salt in their daily diet. However, high levels of this, found in snacks like popcorn and crisps, can cause complications such as sodium or ion poisoning for your four-legged friend.
This can cause a whole host of complications, ranging from a high fever and vomiting to excessive thirst, seizures and kidney damage.
Can Dogs Eat Raisins Or Grapes?
Although households that hand out fruit on Halloween may have your children’s best interests in mind, healthier snacks like raisins, grapes and sultanas can make your dog seriously poorly if consumed. They can cause gut problems in pups, and in some cases, kidney damage.
The toxic dose varies from dog to dog but can be very little in some cases – meaning that they will only have to eat a small portion to become seriously unwell.
Are puppies at a higher risk?
Whilst it’s important to keep dogs of all ages away from toxic foods like chocolate, high-salt snacks, and sugar-free alternatives, this is especially important for puppies.
Puppy food contains a balance of proteins, enzymes and other nutrients that are designed especially for their health and growth – therefore, overindulging or nibbling on the wrong food item can cause both immediate, and long-term complications for your fur baby.
When rich or fatty foods are consumed as a puppy, the risk of diseases such as pancreatis increases. Essentially, this can lead to a lifetime of gut sensitivity for your precious pooch. And extra calories outside of a healthy balanced diet may lead to obesity, contributing to a shorter lifespan as an adult.
Tricks To Keep Your Dogs Away From Poisonous Food
Distance your pet from trick-or-treaters: it’s a good idea to keep your dog in another part of the house where they will be safe when trick-or-treaters come knocking.
Provide their own special treats to reduce temptation: giving your pet some tasty, dog-friendly treats, such as Barking Bakery’s Doggy Popcorn or Denzel’s Toffee Apple Soft Sticks is a great substitute for toxic human sweets and chocolate.
Have a plan for storing sweets: It’s important to have a plan for where the sweets will be stored, as leaving these on floors, tables, or any other easy-reachable surface becomes a hazard for your dog.
Ensure household members, and visitors, are aware: make sure to review the list of toxic foods with everyone in your household to ensure your pet is as safe as possible – and don’t forget to inform potential guests who may want to give your pooch a tasty treat!
If the worst-case scenario happens and you think your dog may have eaten something harmful, it’s important to treat this as an emergency and contact your local veterinarian straight away. Keep monitoring your pooch just in case they display any unusual behaviour, such as: vomiting, lethargy, loss of coordination, excessive thirst, rapid heartbeat or seizures.
Want to treat your dog to some terrifically tasty treats which they can eat this Halloween, why not check out our Halloween collection? It's filled with spook-tacular goodies for them to enjoy
As the seasons change and we find ourselves in the midst of autumn and approaching winter, the days grow shorter, and darkness descends upon us earlier.
For dog owners, this shift in daylight hours can present a challenge when it comes to walking our furry companions. Walking your dog at night during these darker months can still be a delightful experience, offering tranquility and cooler temperatures, but it also brings its own unique set of challenges.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable night walk with your dog as we enter the autumn and winter seasons, it's crucial to be well-prepared and take the necessary precautions, including the use of reflective gear for dog walking. In this article, we will provide you with 8 expert tips to help you navigate the changing seasons and walk your dog safely at night.
1. Invest in Reflective Gear
Investing in reflective gear for dog walking is essential for night-time outings. Outfit your dog with a reflective collar, lead, or harness to make them more visible to passing vehicles. We recommend the Zoon flash and go rechargeable collar, it comes in multiple sizes and is super adjustable so you’re sure to get the right fit. Similarly, consider wearing reflective clothing or accessories yourself to enhance your visibility to others.
[product]
2. Stay on Familiar Paths
Walking your dog at night is not the best time to explore new and unfamiliar paths. Stick to routes that you and your dog are well-acquainted with to reduce the risk of stumbling or getting lost.
3. Keep Your Dog On The Lead
Even if your dog is well-behaved off-lead during daytime walks, it's advisable to keep them on the lead at night. This provides better control and prevents them from wandering into potential dangers, like roads or other animals.
4. Choose Well-Lit Areas
Opt for well-lit routes whenever possible. Walking in areas with streetlights or well-illuminated paths can significantly enhance safety during your night-time dog walks.
5. Carry Essentials
Pack essentials such as a torch, poo bags, and a fully charged phone with emergency numbers programmed in. These items will prove invaluable if you encounter any unexpected situations.[product]
6. Train Your Dog
Before embarking on night walks, ensure your dog is well-trained and responsive to commands like "stop," "stay," and "come." A well-trained dog is easier to manage in low-light conditions.
7. Stay Aware
Maintain situational awareness throughout your walk. Keep an eye out for potential hazards, such as uneven paths, potholes, or other pedestrians. Additionally, be cautious of wildlife that may be more active at night.
8. Be Prepared for Weather Changes
Weather conditions can change rapidly at night, so check the forecast before heading out and dress appropriately. Bring extra layers, an umbrella, or rain gear as needed to ensure both you and your dog stay comfortable.
Walking your dog at night can be a wonderful experience, provided you prioritise safety and preparedness. By following these 8 expert tips and using reflective gear for dog walking, you can enjoy the benefits of night-time dog walks while minimising the risks. Remember that your safety and the safety of your canine companion should always come first, so take every precaution to ensure a safe and enjoyable night walk.
![[color:ivory tort]](http://www.lordsandlabradors.co.uk/cdn/shop/products/coco-pup-walking-bag-ivory-tort.jpg?v=1663752321&width=533)
![[color:granite boucle]](http://www.lordsandlabradors.co.uk/cdn/shop/products/Granite-Sofa-Topper-Nala.jpg?v=1660059981&width=533)
![Mobile Dog Gear One Flap Week Away Back Pack [color:grey]](http://www.lordsandlabradors.co.uk/cdn/shop/products/overland-dog-gear-one-flap-week-away-backpack-lifestyle-model.jpg?v=1639567769&width=533)
.jpg?v=1698672952691&options=)
.jpg?v=1696968643911&options=)
.jpg?v=1696856071880&options=)
