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15.07.21 July 15, 2021 Seasonal

Top Tips For Keeping Your Pets Cool In Summer

It's safe to say that most of us love getting out and about in the Summer months. The drier, warmer weather means we can enjoy the outdoors and explore new places with our dogs, with day trips and long dog walks being the order of the day! It's important that we keep our dogs (and cats!) protected from the weather though. Whilst it's important to keep them warm and dry in Winter, it's equally as important to keep them cool in the Summer. There are a number of ways we can regulate our pet's body temperatures and we've compiled a list of top tips here, with a few product recommendations to help! The 10 Best Ways To Cool Your Pets In Summer Walk them earlier or later in the day - If the weather is forecast to be hot, make sure you walk your dog at appropriate times during the day. Try not to go out when the sun is at its peak, but rather walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening when it is likely to be cooler.Not only do you need to keep your dog protected from sun exposure, but also hot pavements and roads. Pavements can become excessively hot in the Summer heat which can lead to burned paws. If the path feels too hot for your hand then it’s too hot for your pup’s paws. During the day, spend time playing with them indoors or in shaded spots in the garden to keep their brains active. Then walk them when it’s cooler. Keep them hydrated - It’s important for us all to stay hydrated in hot weather and the same goes for our pets. Always make sure your cats and dogs have access to fresh cool water throughout the day, both indoors and outdoors. Outdoor water bowls should be kept in a nice shady spot and refilled throughout the day to ensure they stay cool. You could pop the odd ice cube in to keep the temperature down. Ice treats - Dogs will love a refreshing iced treat such as a lollipop. It will provide a tasty snack whilst helping keep their body temperature regulated. At L&L we stock the delicious Pawsecco lollies that are suitable for both cats and dogs. These are full of scrumptious cooling flavour which is just perfect for a hot day. You could also try freezing your dog’s favourite KONG chew toy stuffed with peanut butter, as an alternative! Provide shady spots in the garden - In the middle of Summer, it isn’t just the heat of the Sun that you need to protect your pup from but also harmful UV rays. Dogs can suffer from sunburn just as we can, so make sure to provide plenty of shady spots when you’re outside. We’d suggest popping a bed or cushion and their water bowl in the shaded area to encourage them to recline here. Keep checking throughout the day to make sure the Sun hasn’t moved and reconfigure the area if needed. A large summer brolly or small pagoda is a great way to create shade in an open garden that is otherwise exposed to the sun. Cooling mat - Pets tend to gravitate towards cooler or warmer surfaces depending on how they feel. In Summer a cooling mat will give your pets the perfect place to rest when the temperature rises. They can be used indoors or outdoors depending on the type of mat and can be used year after year.We have a couple of different options in our online shop including the Ancol cooling mat and the All For Paws Chill Out Mat. Paddling pool - Many dogs love a splash around in water. If your dog is one of them, then bring a taste of the beach to your garden with a paddling pool. It will offer lots of fun and games, whilst helping to keep your pup cool on a hot day. Just ensure the water is cool, but not too cold as this could cause your pup’s body to go into shock on a really hot day. Even if your pup isn’t a keen swimmer, just encouraging them to stand in the water for a while will provide a cooling effect. Garden sprinkler - If your dog doesn’t like the idea of being in a pool of water, a sprinkler might be a great alternative. A cooling spray of water that they can run in and out of when they please. We have a brilliant version by All For Paws which has a button that can be operated by your dog. Train them to stand on the button and release the water as they please. A fun interactive game that’s perfect for Summer games in the garden. Cooling vest - If you’re out and about then a cooling coat or vest might be the practical accessory you need. These are great for dog walks and times when your pet is active. We love the Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Cooling Vest which comes in a range of sizes for various breeds. It can simply be soaked in cold water, wrung out and then popped on your dog. It will then help to keep your pup’s body temperature regulated as the water evaporates. You could also use a drying coat to get a similar result. Drying coats are usually used to dry off wet dogs, but you can actually soak the coat in cool water and pop on your dog in hot weather to help cool them down too. Great for a day at the beach or in the garden. Just remember to keep your pup shaded if you’re at the beach, too. Cooling toys - Your dog’s toy box is probably full of all kinds of toys from plush toys to chew toys. We did mention earlier that you could try freezing your dog’s KONG classic if they have one, but you could also invest in some cooling toys that are made especially for hot weather. The brilliant range of Chill Out toys by All for Paws is available in our shop. Use a fan indoors - Even when you’re out of the sun, and resting indoors, it can still get excessively hot. Closing curtains can help to keep a lot of heat out of the house, but we’d suggest popping a fan near your dog’s bed too. Putting a frozen water bottle in front of the fan can help to create an even more refreshing breeze. How to keep your cat cool Cats are very clever and will usually find ways to keep themselves cool. You can also use many of the tips above to make it even easier for your cat to stay comfortable in hot weather such as keeping them hydrated and offering fans around the home. We’d also suggest serving water in a filtered water fountain. Cats can be very fussy when it comes to drinking water which can lead to dehydration if they don't drink enough. Many cats are more attracted to flowing water though and a water fountain offers clean fresh water that will hopefully encourage them to drink more. Perfect for hot summer days! We love the flower fountain by Catit which has a really cute summery design. There's even a mini version for small cats and kittens too!

By Zac Girdlestone

It's important that we keep our dogs (and cats!) protected from the weather though. Whilst it's important to keep them warm and dry in Winter, it's equally as important to keep them cool in the Summer. There are a number of ways we can regulate our pet's body temperatures and we've compiled a list of top tips here, with a few product recommendations to help!

The 10 Best Ways To Cool Your Pets In Summer

Walk them earlier or later in the day - If the weather is forecast to be hot, make sure you walk your dog at appropriate times during the day. Try not to go out when the sun is at its peak, but rather walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening when it is likely to be cooler.
Not only do you need to keep your dog protected from sun exposure, but also hot pavements and roads. Pavements can become excessively hot in the Summer heat which can lead to burned paws. If the path feels too hot for your hand then it’s too hot for your pup’s paws. During the day, spend time playing with them indoors or in shaded spots in the garden to keep their brains active. Then walk them when it’s cooler.
Keep them hydrated - It’s important for us all to stay hydrated in hot weather and the same goes for our pets. Always make sure your cats and dogs have access to fresh cool water throughout the day, both indoors and outdoors. Outdoor water bowls should be kept in a nice shady spot and refilled throughout the day to ensure they stay cool. You could pop the odd ice cube in to keep the temperature down.
Ice treats - Dogs will love a refreshing iced treat such as a lollipop. It will provide a tasty snack whilst helping keep their body temperature regulated. At L&L we stock the delicious Pawsecco lollies that are suitable for both cats and dogs. These are full of scrumptious cooling flavour which is just perfect for a hot day. You could also try freezing your dog’s favourite KONG chew toy stuffed with peanut butter, as an alternative!
Provide shady spots in the garden - In the middle of Summer, it isn’t just the heat of the Sun that you need to protect your pup from but also harmful UV rays. Dogs can suffer from sunburn just as we can, so make sure to provide plenty of shady spots when you’re outside. We’d suggest popping a bed or cushion and their water bowl in the shaded area to encourage them to recline here. Keep checking throughout the day to make sure the Sun hasn’t moved and reconfigure the area if needed. A large summer brolly or small pagoda is a great way to create shade in an open garden that is otherwise exposed to the sun.
Cooling mat - Pets tend to gravitate towards cooler or warmer surfaces depending on how they feel. In Summer a cooling mat will give your pets the perfect place to rest when the temperature rises. They can be used indoors or outdoors depending on the type of mat and can be used year after year.
We have a couple of different options in our online shop including the Ancol cooling mat and the All For Paws Chill Out Mat.
Paddling pool - Many dogs love a splash around in water. If your dog is one of them, then bring a taste of the beach to your garden with a paddling pool. It will offer lots of fun and games, whilst helping to keep your pup cool on a hot day. Just ensure the water is cool, but not too cold as this could cause your pup’s body to go into shock on a really hot day. Even if your pup isn’t a keen swimmer, just encouraging them to stand in the water for a while will provide a cooling effect.
Garden sprinkler - If your dog doesn’t like the idea of being in a pool of water, a sprinkler might be a great alternative. A cooling spray of water that they can run in and out of when they please. We have a brilliant version by All For Paws which has a button that can be operated by your dog. Train them to stand on the button and release the water as they please. A fun interactive game that’s perfect for Summer games in the garden.
Cooling vest - If you’re out and about then a cooling coat or vest might be the practical accessory you need. These are great for dog walks and times when your pet is active. We love the Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Cooling Vest which comes in a range of sizes for various breeds. It can simply be soaked in cold water, wrung out and then popped on your dog. It will then help to keep your pup’s body temperature regulated as the water evaporates.
You could also use a drying coat to get a similar result. Drying coats are usually used to dry off wet dogs, but you can actually soak the coat in cool water and pop on your dog in hot weather to help cool them down too. Great for a day at the beach or in the garden. Just remember to keep your pup shaded if you’re at the beach, too.
Cooling toys - Your dog’s toy box is probably full of all kinds of toys from plush toys to chew toys. We did mention earlier that you could try freezing your dog’s KONG classic if they have one, but you could also invest in some cooling toys that are made especially for hot weather. The brilliant range of Chill Out toys by All for Paws is available in our shop.
Use a fan indoors - Even when you’re out of the sun, and resting indoors, it can still get excessively hot. Closing curtains can help to keep a lot of heat out of the house, but we’d suggest popping a fan near your dog’s bed too. Putting a frozen water bottle in front of the fan can help to create an even more refreshing breeze.

How to keep your cat cool

Cats are very clever and will usually find ways to keep themselves cool. You can also use many of the tips above to make it even easier for your cat to stay comfortable in hot weather such as keeping them hydrated and offering fans around the home. We’d also suggest serving water in a filtered water fountain. Cats can be very fussy when it comes to drinking water which can lead to dehydration if they don't drink enough. Many cats are more attracted to flowing water though and a water fountain offers clean fresh water that will hopefully encourage them to drink more. Perfect for hot summer days! We love the flower fountain by Catit which has a really cute summery design. There's even a mini version for small cats and kittens too!

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How To Get A Puppy Used To Fireworks

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30.10.23 October 30, 2023 Getting A Puppy

How To Get A Puppy Used To Fireworks

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.

By Megan Willis
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10.10.23 October 10, 2023 Health

Toxic Foods Your Dog Should AVOID This Halloween

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

By Megan Willis
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09.10.23 October 09, 2023 Owning a Dog

8 Tips For Walking Your Dog At Night Safely

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.

By Megan Willis
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19.09.23 September 19, 2023 Health

Are Cats Scared Of Fireworks?

As we enter the season of celebrations, it’s often we turn to fireworks to make those occasions extra special. It’s well known our canine friends are often scared of fireworks and there are calming remedies to help, (you can find our dogs & fireworks guide here), but what does mean for our feline friends? Here we explore if cats are afraid of fireworks, and what you can do to help them through the celebrations. Cats And Fireworks It is very likely your cat will be frightened of fireworks, some may be scared by the loud noises, and some may be scared by just the sight – they may even find both elements terrifying to them. If you can, try to keep your cat indoors on evenings such as ‘bonfire night’ and ‘New Year’s Eve’, even if you’re not having a firework display yourself, you can’t be sure neighbours won’t be putting on their own displays. When keeping your cat indoors, don’t forget to put out a litter tray with easy access for your cat to use at their leisure. When keeping your cat indoors, go through your home and ensure you have no windows or doors open that would be easy for your cat to escape to. Remember cats can squeeze themselves to fit into very small, tight spaces which may be dangerous for them, so block these off to ensure they’re able to play and sleep in a safe space. It’s good to create a safe place for them to retreat to whilst the festivities are going on – somewhere they feel warm, safe and cosy – somewhere almost den like. You can encourage use of the area with adding toys, treats and their favourite blanket. This will make them feel secure and should limit the level of anxiety they feel. A hooded bed placed high up on a shelf is ideal, as long as it is safe. Whilst keeping your cat indoors, do not shut them in a confined area. Allow access to all of your home, providing it is safe to do so. Keeping them locked away may encourage their need to escape and they may end up hurting themselves. If your cat does get distressed throughout a firework display, try not to pick them up as this can increase the level of anxiety which could provoke aggression. Your cat is very perceptive, so try to keep yourself calm throughout, if they see you acting normally, it may decrease their level of anxiety. We also stock a range of cat calming products which may help keep your cat calm during fireworks. If you're wondering how cat calming products work and the best ones to use why not check out our cat calming guide? How To Block Out Firework Noise For Cats Turning on a radio and keeping it at a level volume is a good way to drown out any noise of fireworks and keep your home calm. Look out for radio stations which play ‘calming music’, there are often stations which play ‘pet friendly’ music throughout ‘bonfire night’ and ‘New Year’s Eve’. Whilst you’re trying to block out any noise from the fireworks, don’t forget to block the windows too, shutting curtains where possible to shut out any of the colourful flashes which is likely to scare your cat. Buying your cat a treat or toy is a great way to distract from firework noise and flashing. A treat your cat can lick, such as a paste is a great option that your cat can work on and will take some time. Pureed treats often have high water content too which is great to keep your cat hydrated. Here at Lords & Labradors, we have lots of calming options which may be useful to you and your pet throughout the ‘firework season’. Why Are Cats Scared Of Fireworks It’s hard to determine what your cat is most afraid of around fireworks, but it’s likely to be a combination of the loud noise, the unpredictability and the flashing that unsettles them and seems frightening. If your cat suffers from anxiety throughout firework displays, we recommend speaking to your vet, and/or a cat behaviourist as soon as you can. It’s best to address the anxiety before the season starts to desensitise your feline, which may take time.

By Laura Rudd
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