Blog | Luxury Dog and Cat News | Lords & Labradors

28.02.24 February 28, 2024 FAQs Featured

How Often Should You Replace Your Dog’s Bed?

Did you know dogs spend 12 to 14 hours a day sleeping? That's a lot of time in bed so it's no surprise that their bed might be looking a little worse for wear. Dogs are creatures of comfort so making sure they have a a clean and supportive bed is essential for their overall well-being. In this guide, our Pet Experts explore the signs that indicate it's time to change your dog's bed and share expert tips on how to care for your canine's cherished sleeping spot. How Often Should You Replace Your Dog’s Bed? Determining how often to replace your dog's bed depends on several factors including the quality of the bed, your dog's size and activity level, and any specific health considerations. As a general guideline, it's advisable to replace your dog's bed every 1 to 3 years, or sooner if signs of wear and tear become noticeable. Signs It's Time to Change Your Dog's Bed: Visible Wear and Tear: Over time, your dog's bed may start showing signs of wear and tear, such as flattened cushions, lumps, or torn fabric. If you notice any significant damage, it's a clear indication that it's time to consider a replacement. Lingering Odours: Despite regular cleaning, dog beds can accumulate odours over time, especially if your furry friend enjoys outdoor adventures or has accidents indoors. Lingering smells that persist even after washing could signal the need for a new bed. Loss of Support: Just like humans, dogs require proper support for their joints and muscles, especially as they age or if they have existing health conditions. If your dog's bed no longer provides adequate support or has become too soft, it's time to invest in a new one to ensure their comfort and well-being. It might be worth investing in an orthopaedic dog bed if your dog’s breed is prone to joint issues. Allergies and Skin Irritations: Dogs can develop allergies or skin irritations from prolonged exposure to dust mites, pet dander, or other allergens that accumulate in their beds over time. If you notice your dog scratching more than usual or experiencing skin issues, a new bed with hypoallergenic materials may offer relief. Preference for Alternative Sleeping Spots: Dogs are creatures of habit, and if you notice your furry friend opting for alternative sleeping spots around the house instead of their bed, it could indicate that they're no longer comfortable or satisfied with their current sleeping arrangements. It’s worth looking at how your dog likes to sleep so you can get the best bed shape to suit their sleeping style, our Information Hub has a guide on how to choose the perfect dog bed for your dog. Top Ways to Care for Your Dog's Bed: Regular Washing: Establish a routine for washing your dog's bed to remove dirt, hair, and odour-causing bacteria. Most of our Lords & Labradors dog beds are machine washable, we have a handy guide on how to wash your dog’s bed here. Use a Removable Cover: Opt for dog beds with removable, machine-washable covers for easy cleaning. Having a spare cover on hand allows you to swap them out while one is being laundered, ensuring your pup always has a fresh and clean place to sleep. We also sell bamboo bed covers which are great for popping over your dog’s bed to help keep them clean especially after a muddy dog walk, they will act as an additional layer of defence against moisture and stains, extending the life of the bed! Vacuum and Spot Clean: In between washings, use a handheld vacuum or lint roller to remove hair and debris from the surface of the bed. Spot clean any stains or spills promptly to prevent them from setting into the fabric. Rotate and Fluff: Just like flipping a mattress, periodically rotate your dog's bed to distribute wear evenly and prevent premature sagging. Fluffing the bed's filling helps maintain its loft and support over time. Sun and Air Dry: On sunny days, take advantage of natural sunlight by airing out your dog's bed outdoors. Sunlight helps eliminate odours and kills bacteria, leaving the bed feeling fresh and revitalised. Inspect Regularly: Take time to inspect your dog's bed for any signs of damage, loose seams, or worn-out stuffing. Promptly address any issues to prevent further deterioration and ensure your pup's safety and comfort. By recognising the signs that it's time to change your dog's bed and implementing proper care and maintenance techniques, you can provide your furry friend with a clean, comfortable, and supportive sleeping environment. Remember, a happy and well-rested pup makes for a happier pet parent too! If you’re looking to upgrade your dog’s bed why not check out our collection of luxury dog beds? Bedding is our speciality, we design and craft all of our bedding here in our Lincolnshire workshop so you can be sure your dog will be getting the best sleep possible in one of our luxury dog beds.

By Megan Willis
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29.01.24 January 29, 2024 Health Featured

The Importance Of Correct Nutrition For Dogs And Cats!

Ensuring optimal nutrition for our beloved pets is paramount for their overall health and well-being. As responsible pet owners, it is crucial to understand the significance of providing nutritionally complete and balanced meals to our furry friends. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of dog and cat nutrition, exploring the importance of the right food choices, nutritionally complete homemade recipes, and the best commercial options available. Understanding Dog and Cat Nutrition Your pet's nutrition plays a pivotal role in their vitality and longevity. Just like humans, dogs and cats require a balanced diet that fulfils their specific dietary needs. A well-rounded diet supports their immune system, maintains a healthy weight, and promotes optimal organ function. Pet food ranges from being more processed to being raw and rich in natural ingredients, finding the right fit for your pet is important! Dog Food Nutrition Choosing the right dog food is a key aspect of canine care. With an abundance of options available, it's essential to prioritise nutritionally complete choices. To make an informed decision, consider using a dog food nutrition calculator and comparing different products. Look for the best nutritional dog food that meets your pet's unique requirements, taking into account factors such as breed, size, and age. Our favourite nutritionally rich dog foods are Orijen, Carnilove and Acana, they are all designed with your dogs nutrition in mind. Dog Nutrition Facts and Guide Understanding dog nutrition facts is imperative for providing the best care. Refer to a dog food nutrition guide to navigate through the plethora of choices available in the market. Learn about your dog's daily nutritional requirements and make informed decisions that contribute to their overall health and happiness. Cat Food Nutrition Cats, being obligate carnivores, have unique nutritional requirements. The best cat food for nutrition considers their need for high-quality protein and essential nutrients. Explore dry cat food nutrition labels to ensure your feline friend receives a balanced diet that supports their specific dietary needs. For a cat food which is high in protein and great for fussy felines we love Carnilove, they all have at least 80% wild origin meat content and contain No grains, potatoes, GMO, soy, sugar, preservatives or colourants. Daily Nutritional Requirements for Cats Cats require a carefully balanced diet to thrive. Knowing the daily nutritional requirements for cats is essential for choosing the right cat food. Consult with your vet to understand the specific needs of your cat, such as the importance of taurine and other essential nutrients crucial for their health. In conclusion, the importance of correct nutrition for dogs and cats cannot be overstated. Whether choosing commercial options or crafting homemade recipes, prioritising nutritionally complete meals is key to ensuring your pet's health and happiness. Stay informed about dog and cat nutrition, consult with professionals, and make choices that align with your pet's unique requirements. By providing the best nutritional dog food or cat food, you contribute to a longer, healthier life for your furry companions. Here at Lords & Labradors we have a large range of both cat and dog food so you can pick the best option for you and your pet

By Megan Willis
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02.08.21 August 02, 2021 FAQs Featured

Dog Crate Sets & Crate Aftercare

Crate training is an important part of settling in a new puppy. A crate provides a safe, quiet space for your pup and will help them to get used to their nighttime routine and with toilet training. A dog crate can be made into a cosy den that will be loved by your new four-legged friend for a lifetime. In this article we will explain the best crate set-up for puppies, how to change the set-up as they grow up and also how to look after your crate and crate bedding. How To Make The Perfect Crate Set-Up For A Puppy Crate training your puppy will have lots of advantages, helping them to settle and feel safe in their home as well getting them into a consistent bedtime routine. The perfect crate for a puppy will feel safe, warm and cosy. It’s important that it’s inviting so that they feel compelled to use it. With this in mind we’d suggest the following items: Crate Cover [product]Crates in their basic form can be rather draughty and a little bit unsightly! A crate cover will not only make the crate look stylish, but it will make the crate feel cosy inside. Our crate covers feature roll down doors which can be lowered when it’s time for bed. Puppy will soon learn when they should be sleeping (doors rolled down) and when it’s time to get up (doors rolled up). Our crate covers come in a range of fabrics which have been designed to match your home and they're all machine washable, making them brilliant for puppies! Cosy & Calming Puppy Crate Bed [product] Our cosy and calming beds have been designed with crate training in mind. Each size is made to fill exactly one half of the corresponding crate size. So if you have a small crate for a Chihuahua for example, the small bed will fit in exactly one half of the crate. This then leaves room for a puppy pad in the other half along with a bowl for water. They come in a range of our printed cotton fabrics and feature a reversible cushion pad inside - one side covered in super plush sherpa! Puppy Pads Whilst we don’t want to encourage puppies to pee in the crate, it’s also important to note that they can’t hold themselves for very long at all. Whilst you will be able to take them outside at regular intervals during the day, this may not be the case at night. When you put them to bed, putting a puppy pad in one half of the crate will help to stop any accidents from dirtying their bed or crate tray. Crate Bowls Puppies will need access to water at all times and a crate bowl is a brilliant accessory as it can be fastened to the crate walls. This will ensure it doesn’t get tipped over or knocked like a standard bowl might. The Perfect Crate Set-Up For An Adult Dog As your dog becomes toilet trained and they begin to need the full space of the crate for their bed, you will need to consider swapping out the puppy accessories for their proper adult bed. At Lords & Labradors we specialise in crate bedding that will make your dog’s den look stunning as well as super comfortable inside. Crate Cushion Our crate cushions are designed to fit our crates perfectly. They come in a range of fabulous fabric designs from luxurious tweeds to printed cottons. There really is something to suit every taste and home. Crate Bumper Crate walls aren’t the most comfortable things to snuggle up to, and if your dog likes to curl in the corner of their bed, they will need something other than metal bars! That’s where our fabulous bumpers come in. They sit around the edge of the crate cushion and create a spongey layer of warmth around the walls. Perfect for snuggling up in the corner when nap time calls! Crate Cover Our crate covers are perfect for setting a routine with your dog, when the doors are rolled down it will signal to them it's time to sleep. Our crate covers are fully lined to help keep light out and come in matching fabrics to our bumpers and cushions to you can be sure crate will look stylish! Crate Set Aftercare and How To Clean A Crate With a little love and care your crate set will last a long time. Here we detail how to look after your crate set: The Crate - The crate is made of sturdy metal and is really easy to keep clean. Our crates are easy to wipe clean and the tray is removable so you can get into the corners properly. It’s really important to make sure the crate is completely dry before setting back up and allowing your pet back in, we recommend drying your crate to avoid any rusting. Lords & Labradors Cushion & Bumper Covers - For our bedding from our core collection you will be able to remove the covers on the cushions and bumpers. Turn the cover inside out and machine wash on a 20 degree gentle cycle. Allow the covers to air dry (do not tumble dry). Once dry return the inner cushion to the cover. Essentials Plush Collection Bumpers & Cushions - Our bumpers and cushions from the Essentials Plush Collection don't have removable covers, we recommend spot washing your essentials plush bumpers and cushions. Lords & Labradors Crate Covers - Our crate covers are all machine washable on a 20 degree gentle cycle, apart from our oil cloth crate covers. After washing, we recommend air drying your crate cover over your crate to help keep it in shape and to make sure it doesn't shrink. A cool iron on the reverse of the cotton fabrics is fine if necessary, but often they won’t even need that. Our tweeds and Savanna fabrics are super fast drying and they will come out of the spin almost dry. Just give them an air and they’ll be ready to use again in no time at all! Cushion and bumper inners - The cushion and bumper inners are protected by waterproof interlinings, so won’t need washing. This will preserve the inner fillings. The waterproof liners are wipe clean. If they become soiled, simply wipe down with a mild pet-safe detergent and they’ll be as good as new again. Cosy and Calm Puppy Bed - Our puppy beds are fully machine washable. You can put the whole bed in the machine and wash on a 20° cycle. When removed, simply shake and plump the cushion back into shape and leave to air dry. Follow these simple steps and your crate sets will last and look stunning for years to come!

By Zac Girdlestone
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06.02.23 February 06, 2023 Owning a Dog Featured

How To Travel With A Dog In A Car

We’re getting to that time of year again where we’re travelling more with our pets to the beach, staycations and even trips to a different location for a long walk. No matter how long the journey - even if it’s a trip to the local vets - you should ensure your dog is properly restrained and safe to travel. Here in the UK it’s the law when travelling by car your dog needs to be restrained. In this blog, we breakdown how to travel safely with your pet. What Is The Law With Dogs In Cars? The Highway Code states in their Rules about Animals, when in a vehicle, dogs are to be suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you’re driving or injure you, or themselves, if you should need to stop quickly. If you were in an accident caused by your dog distracting you whilst you were driving, this could be considered as ‘dangerous driving’. It’s also good to check your insurance policy, as car insurance providers may require you to restrain your pet. Is It The Law To Restrain A Dog In A Car? It is the law to restrain your dog when travelling in your car. So as fun as it is for your pooch to sit with their head out of the window, they must be suitably restrained so they cannot distract you and potentially hurt either you or themselves. When it comes to where your dog should be when travelling, although there are no laws against your dog travelling in the footwell of the car, unfortunately they would not be properly restrained and if you did have an accident, you may be prosecuted for ‘dangerous driving’. When choosing where your dog should be properly restrained, no matter what method you choose, your dog should not sit in the front seat - securing them in the boot or back seat behind a front seat is considered a safer option. How To Secure A Dog In The Car There are many safety products you can choose from, which can help with travelling safely in the car. It’s most important you choose a solution that’s suitable and comfortable for your pooch, and it has been installed and executed correctly to ensure the safety of your pet. Here at Lords & Labradors, we’d recommend the following for safe travel. Dog Carriers Our pet carriers come in different sizes and weights which will vary for the suitability for you and your dog. It’s a lighter option to our metal crates and are easily packed away if you’re staying away from home. Carriers are great when travelling by car and when taking your dog from the car into a safe place to let them out and stretch their legs. They keep your pooch safe and settled whilst travelling. Travel Harnesses Our pet-friendly harnesses come in a variety of sizes, suitable to your dogs breed and size. Travel harnesses are easy to fit onto your dog and it’s quick to clip them into place. They’re specially designed to prevent your dog from moving around whilst in the car, all whilst keeping your pet safe and comfortably restrained. Travel Crates Crating your dog keeps them safe & secure - using a crate to transport your pet has the added benefit if they’re already used to being crated at home. If your dog is used to being crated, often when travelling they’ll feel safer and their surroundings will reduce any anxiety your dog may have around travelling. How Long Can A Dog Travel In A Car Being stuck in the car can be hard for your dog! Not only will your dog need regular toilet breaks, they’ll also need to stretch their legs and get some of their energy out. When stopping for your dog to toilet and stretch their legs, you could also give them some food and water to avoid any spillages whilst travelling. Ideally you should try to keep to your dogs routine where possible (even when travelling) - every 2 to 4 hours for about 15 to 30 minutes is a good guide to follow, however you’ll know what is best for your dog and how they travel. If you’re planning a lengthy trip, try to go on few shorter journeys to see how your dog is likely to react.

By Megan Willis
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13.01.23 January 13, 2023 Getting A Puppy Featured

The Top 10 Puppy Essentials

You may be preparing for the all important ‘Gotcha Day’, the day celebrated by all dog parents as the day you brought your pup home. Taking your puppy home for the first time is exciting, especially if you have prepared for their arrival. Puppy shopping can be so much fun, but also overwhelming if you’re a new pet parent, or if you’ve not had a puppy for a few years. There will be some things you do need to buy for necessity and some things that are worth buying for your new pup. Here at Lords & Labradors we’ve put together the 10 puppy essentials you’ll need to get your new puppy settled. Our Top 10 Items To Buy For Your New Puppy 1) What crate to buy? Firstly, if you’ve decided to crate train your puppy, you’ll need a crate that will see you through from puppyhood to adulthood. You’ll need a crate the appropriate size so you can fit a puppy bed at one end and a puppy training pad the other incase they need to toilet when left in their crate. It also gives your pup enough room to stretch, play and sleep if crated during the daytime. Depending on your training methods, you may want to place the crate somewhere the puppy can be near to you, but also not directly in a high traffic area of your home. Remember the crate is your puppy’s den, so discourage any children from climbing inside. 2) Where should my puppy sleep? We recommend a puppy bed that’s easy for your pup to get in and gives them enough support and comfort whilst they sleep. Our Cosy & Calm Puppy Box Beds have been carefully designed with your puppy in mind. The beds are super squishy and soft, and have the most comfortable sides for your pup to snuggle right into. If you have chosen to crate train your pup, our vet bed is really popular, as it’s cosy, comfortable, robust and relatively puppy proof - it’s easily washed and dried too. It can be used with or without our Cosy & Calm puppy box bed. 3) What will my new puppy eat? It’s recommended you initially use the same food that your puppy comes home with, in order to avoid any tummy upset during their first few days with you. Once your puppy has settled, you can gradually introduce a new food to their diet. It’s good to check the food guidelines of the food you choose to feed your pup, as often they’ll give you the correct guidelines on how to introduce the new food to your pup. Make sure you have a clean bowl for water and a clean bowl for food, you can opt for a slanted water bowl if you have a spaniel breed to reduce your dogs ears from getting soaked in their water. 4) Puppy Toilet Training Top of your list should be a reliable pack of puppy training pads, not only are they great for training your young pup, but they are invaluable when travelling (pop in the bottom of their carrier/crate to catch any travel sickness or accidental toilet trips). You can also use them to absorb muddy, wet paws after your pup has had a play in puddles! 5) How to settle my new puppy at night When settling your new puppy at night, our heart beat sheep will be your puppy's new best friend. The heart beat sheep features a beating heart inside that mimics the beat of Mum's heart. They're designed to offer comfort and calm to new puppies who may feel nervous in their new home; they help to stop separation anxiety too. Alongside the heart beat sheep, you could pop in a heat pad under your dogs bed/cushion to keep them warm and to mimic the feeling of having siblings/mum near. Both the heat and the heart beat sheep will provide comfort for your puppy, especially whilst they are settling in and adjusting overnight. 6) How to keep your new puppy entertained Toys will provide something to chew on for your pup, which you’ll find are essential if you want to avoid your puppy chewing on your furniture. Choose a variety of textures, styles and sizes to keep your puppy engaged and interested. You may want to keep a toy box so your pup can choose what they’d like to play with, or keep a few toys in rotation so your puppy doesn’t get bored with them. You can also buy toys you can fill with treats or their food. If you want/need to leave your puppy - remember to build this up slowly, and don’t leave your new puppy for a long period of time - you could try freezing a peanut butter filled KONG (remember to use doggy/puppy friendly peanut butter). Freezing the toy will take them longer to work through and will give some relief to their sore teething gums and teeth. 7) Does my new puppy need a collar? You may want to purchase your dogs collar before they arrive home with you, however it’s advised to purchase the correct size collar for your puppy, which you may have to wait until they’re here to measure them properly. It is a legal requirement to have a tag with your details on incase your puppy gets lost or strays away, but it’s advised not to add your puppy’s name to the tag. 8) How will I get my new puppy home? Collecting your puppy to take them home is really exciting, but it’s best to be prepared. Make sure you have a suitable carrier/crate to store them in safely for the journey. It’s important your dog is restrained as it is the law to keep your puppy properly restrained whilst driving. In your carrier, you may want to pop in a blanket that smells like home and a scent blanket that smells like their mum and litter mates. It’s also good to have some puppy training pads to hand incase of any car sickness or accidental toilet trips. 9) When to start training my new puppy? You can start with bonding and training your puppy almost straight away, get some high quality, puppy training treats (make sure to check the guidelines), and enjoy teaching them new tricks - you’ll be amazed at how quick they learn! 10) When do I start grooming my puppy? It’s recommend that even if your pup won’t require grooming at first, you should regularly brush them to get them used to being groomed and handled. Choose a simple, soft brush and/or comb for the first couple of months. There will be a time you will need to wash your puppy, make sure you’re not using human shampoo as this will upset your puppy's PH levels and may not be compatible with your puppy flea treatment. It’s best to invest in a puppy shampoo that you can use when and if you need to bathe your puppy. We have our own puppy grooming set in our Petplex collection called the 'Puppy Purifier' it has a shampoo and a cologne to help keep your puppy smelling fresh.

By Megan Willis
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05.11.20 November 05, 2020 Seasonal Featured

Christmas Toys For Dogs

We’re already in November, which can only mean one thing; Christmas is just around the corner! You may have seen recently that we launched our Christmas Grotto and there has already been lots excitement at the festive goodies inside. Here we thought we’d share some of our favourite dog toys from the Christmas range. They will not only make great stocking fillers, but are great for them to play with in the run up to the holidays too. Take a look at some of our picks and browse the range… Christmas KONG Dog Toys KONG is famous for their super tough and durable dog toys. If you have a dog who loves to chew then KONG is the go-to brand for toys. This Christmas, KONG have updated some of their all time classics with a holiday twist. Here are some of our favourites: KONG Holiday Squeezz Confetti Ring - A super durable chew toy with a sparkly twist for the holiday season. The confetti ring come ins two colours; red and green, and is just perfect for teething puppies and ardent chewers everywhere! KONG Holiday Whoops Penguin - The KONG Whoopz penguin isn't like a regular plush toy, but is made from a reinforced material to withstand thrashing and shaking. It will make games of throwing really fun, but will also offer a snuggle at bedtime. KONG Wubba Flatz Santa - A plush Santa shaped dog toy that has a body filled with balls for bouncing and squeaking fun. It's designed to be used as a throwing toy, but the plush outer is also ideal for a cuddle when play time gets too tiring! Christmas House of Paws Dog Toys House of Paws make a wide range of different pet products including beds, bedding, feeding accessories and toys. When it comes to Christmas they never fail to create a range of adorable dog toys. Here are some of our top picks from this years collection: HOP Fluffy Turkey Dog Toy - This is one of three different festive bird soft toys for dogs. The turkey is a super cute plush toy with long dangly legs (ideal for carrying around), a bobbly body and added squeaker that just adds to the fun! HOP Jumbo Sloth Dog Toy - This is a large dog toy in the shape of an adorable sloth. He's all dressed up for Christmas with a Santa hat and red check bow tie. Your dog will love snuggling up to the super soft fur and there's a squeaker inside too. HOP Tough Gingerbread Canvas Dog Toy - Does your dog get over excited when he's playing with his toys? If so, then this might be the perfect type for them. A cute gingerbread man shaped toy that is made form a super tough canvas material. It has the look of a plush soft toy, with the durability of a chew toy. Christmas Good Boy Dog Toys Good Boy make a whole variety of premium products for pets and maybe best known for their treats for dogs and cats. They also make some rather wonderful pet toys too. Whether your looking for a toy for chewing or a toy for cuddling there is something the Good Boy range that will provide your dog hours of festive playtime fun: Good Boy Toy Stocking - Christmas wouldn't be complete with a row of stockings hanging on the mantle. Now you can make sure your dog has a stocking of their own with this one by Good Boy. Rather than treats, this stocking is falloff Christmassy toys including a ball for chasing and a rope toy for tugging. Good Boy Hug tug Reindeer - We love toys that are multi functional. After all, dogs like to play in many kinds of ways. The Hug Tug Reindeer is a large plush dog toy that has rope legs and a squeaker inside the body. When your dog or puppy isn't chasing and carrying it around the room they will no doubt be found curled up in their bed with their new reindeer best friend! Good Boy The Snowman and The Snowdog Crinkle Snowdog - The Snowman and the Snowdog is a modern Christmas classic and now your dog can have a toy inspired the popular animation. This Snowdog plush is made of the softest fabric that is ideal for snuggles at bedtime. It isn't just made for napping though, and has a crinkly centre that will entice your pup to play too Some more of our favourite things for dogs... P.L.A.Y Barking Bubbly Muttscato plush dog toy - Let your dogs join in the toast with a drink all of their own. This plush toy in the shape of a bottle of 'Pawsecco' is just the thing! HuggleHounds Totally Tartan Scottie Knottie Dog Toy - We love HuggleHounds dog toys for their tough rope inners and soft corduroy outers. They are durable enough for chewing yet soft enough for a hug too. This Christmas themed Scottie in a tartan jumper is just the cutest thing! Animal Instincts Snow Mate Reggie Rock Hopper Penguin Dog Toy - Are you looking for the best soft toys for dogs? The Animal Instincts range is hard to beat. This one win the shape of a gorgeous penguin and comes in two sizes so you can pick the perfect size to suit your dog or puppy. Made from super soft fabric and sewn together with double strength thread. Playtime is an important part of every dogs day, whether they're a young puppy or an older adult dog. We've tried to source the biggest variety of toys possible so they can explore a range of different games to aid their development. We hope you like our Christmas collection. With one or two of these added to your pup's toy box, they will keep entertained over the holidays and well into the new year. Don't forget to browse the rest of our Christmas Toys for Dogs here. There's a workshop full of other things for you to choose from!

By Megan Willis

29.10.20 October 29, 2020 Seasonal Featured

How To Calm Your Dog During Fireworks

Fireworks are a great way for us to celebrate, especially through the autumn and winter. With the return of the cold weather and the dark night’s drawing in, the British evenings become perfect conditions for firework use, to celebrate the likes of Halloween, New Year’s Eve and of course, Bonfire Night. However, for many pet owners, fireworks are not seen as a positive thing. A lot of dogs are easily frightened and startled by unpredictable and inconsistent loud noises, such as the noises of fireworks. In this article we discuss ways in which you can help your four-legged friend through the anxious autumn evenings containing fireworks. Why are dogs scared of fireworks? Many pets and other animals, including dogs, are frightened by fireworks – in fact, it is estimated that around 1 in 2 dogs show signs of fearing them. One of the main reasons they find fireworks scary include loud explosive noises and bright flashes. To a dog, occasions such as Bonfire Night are just a normal day, so when fireworks begin it is likely to scare your dog due to the unfamiliarity of them. Your pup may also look to try and escape or hide from them, which is natural. Fireworks may make your dog feel trapped, so they will look to run away from them or find a safe space where they can feel safer. How loud are fireworks to dogs? Dogs’ senses are not the same as humans. Though they have a worse sense of sight than us, their sense of smell and sound are much more acute than that of our own. They can easily escape the bright flashes, especially if curtains/blinds are closed. However, the sound of fireworks is difficult to escape for humans, let alone dogs. To put it into context, the average dog has 4 times better hearing than the average human, which explains their reasoning for being so scared of loud noises such as fireworks. How to tell if your dog fears fireworks There are a variety of signs to look out for in your dog when fireworks are going off. The severity of these signs can depend upon how frightened your pup is, the signs can include: Mild signs – shaking, pacing up and down, heavy breathing or panting. Moderate signs – bark more than usual, trembling, hiding, drooling. Severe signs – destruction of toys or other in-home items, soiling unexpectedly. What to do when a dog is scared of fireworks If you do see any of the signs listed above in your dog when there are fireworks going off, it is likely that your dog feels frightened or scared because of them. There are a range of things you can do to try and help reduce the levels of anxiety and stress of your dog when fireworks are going off, which include: Closing windows and blinds in your home. Create a safe and comfortable hiding place. Drown out the blasts with background noise from a radio or TV. Walk them in the daytime prior to fireworks going off (if you must walk them in the evening, we advise on-lead only when fireworks are going off. How to relax a dog during fireworks It is important to act normally and in a calm way with them as dogs are sensitive to changes in your mood, so if you start acting strangely, they will think something is wrong. We also recommend creating a safe, comfortable, and compact space for them that they can hide away in, this will ease their stress levels. The best way of doing this is with a Lords & Labradors Crate Set – the perfect cosy den for your pup to retreat to for a snooze or to escape moments of fear and anxiety. How to calm an anxious dog during fireworks Keeping any dog calm during fireworks can, at times, be a struggle for many pet owners. The loud blasts that cause your pet higher levels of anxiety than usual can be a troubling time, especially on Bonfire Night. However, if you find that you have an anxious dog, or your dog seems stressed during fireworks then it may be worth purchasing anti-anxiety products to reduce their stress levels. At Lords & Labradors we understand that your dog may have moments of anxiety and stress, this is why we offer a range of calming and anti-anxiety products to aid them through stressful times, such as Bonfire Night and Halloween. Can dogs be trained to ignore fireworks? Training your dog to ignore fireworks or just to get used to them is like training a dog anything else. If you have a puppy, then it will be easier and take a shorter amount of time to get them used to fireworks. However, if your dog has an underlying and deeper fear of them, then this will be much more difficult. How to get a dog used to fireworks The best thing to do is to get them used to loud noises gradually. Start by turning up the TV/radio to high volumes to acclimatise them to loud noises, this may work best with action films with gunshots that make similar explosive sounds to fireworks, or find recordings or videos of firework sounds online. Whilst playing these loud sounds for your dog, reward them for being calm with treats and ensure they have a hiding place where they can feel safe. Build this technique up with real fireworks whilst rewarding your dog. We would also advise staying close to them for as often as possible to support them through their fears.

By Megan Willis

09.10.20 October 09, 2020 Seasonal Featured

What To Do With Your Dog On Halloween?

As the dark nights creep in and the leaves start to turn from green to brown, we can start to get excited for our favourite autumn holiday – Halloween! When the final day of October comes around, it can be a stressful time for your four-legged friend, so it is important to consider their best interests when preparing for a potentially eerie evening Why do dogs hate Halloween? There is not a night quite like Halloween, with the loud noises, creepy masks and excessive amounts of treats! But all of the things we love about Halloween could be upsetting for your puppy or dog, and here are some of the reasons why… Dressing up in unfamiliar costumes – Buying dog Halloween costumes is becoming more and more popular – and we get it, they can look great! But it is important to ensure your pet is comfortable in their costume, on what can already be an uneasy night. Check their body language: are they trying to take their outfit off? Is their head down? Do they look sad or miserable? These are all things to consider when dressing your dog up for the night. Pumpkin Carving – Pumpkin carving is a key part of most households’ Halloween ritual. However, once your pumpkin has been carved, the candles have been lit and put inside, it is important that they are kept out of reach from your four-legged friend! Place it on a surface unable to be knocked or wobbled by your pup, stopping any unwanted burns for your pet or housefires. Costumes, masks and props – Just like children – dogs get creeped out by any unnatural things. They will not grasp that it is you behind some of the masks or costumes you choose to wear and could be quite freaked out by it! It definitely will not help if you tease them with props or masks! Walkies? – For many dogs, a walk is the highlight of their day – their chance to see the big wide world! But when they look out the window on October 31st, they are likely to see you walking around the neighbourhood without them – how distressing! Is that the front door? – When your pup hears a knock at the door, they may be expecting a friend or family member, who they would usually get fuss and love from. Instead they will see a stranger in a scary costume - likely to confuse and disturb them. ‘Trick or TREAT’ – The word ‘treat’ is music to a dog’s ears! Therefore, Halloween can just be one big disappointment for your four-legged friend, when they are constantly hearing visitors at the front door asking, ‘trick or treat? Beware of the poison! – What is the main reason we go trick or treating? For the chocolate and sweets of course! Make sure you keep your goodies well away from your pets, after all chocolate is poisonous for dogs. What to do with dogs on Halloween Each dog will react differently to the big changes we see for Halloween, so it is important you do what is best for your individual pet. Your dog may be more than comfortable with the excitement that Halloween brings, however they may be stressed or upset by it. Treating your dog on Halloween Treating your dog can be a great way to take their mind off any other stresses or excitements, such as Halloween. Here at L&L we have a range of treats as well as Halloween themed toys to distract your dog from the excitement or stress of Halloween… Where to take your dog on Halloween? If your dog is likely to be frightened by the Halloween horrors, then we recommend taking them for a long walk prior to the trick or treating beginning, a tired dog is likely to be more relaxed. If possible, leave your dog in a back room of your home, to avoid the trick or treaters and constant knocks or rings of the door. Background noise from a radio or TV would also be recommended. Can I take my dog trick or treating? Your dog may react well to the Halloween holiday – and love the costumes and excitement that it can bring. If your dog seems comfortable dress them up and take them trick or treating! However, try to avoid any animated props or other unnatural things that may spook your pup. If you are just going round the local neighbourhood that your dog is familiar with, then by all means take them with you. What if your dog has eaten chocolate or sweets? It is important that you consult your local veterinary practice as soon as you can if your dog has eaten a substantial amount of Halloween treats! Where possible you need to inform them of what your canine has eaten, at what time and roughly how much to ensure your vet has the information to make an informed decision of whether your pup needs any form of assessment or treatment. Make sure you do not try to make them vomit, this can cause other complications and make them more unwell. 10 Tips to Help Keep Your Pet Safe and Calm Halloween Create a Cosy Den - Create a cosy den for your pet in the lead up to the events. A safe space is essential for your pet to retreat to where they will feel most safe. A hooded bed for cats and maybe a crate with a cover for dogs will help them feel cocooned and protected when the noise levels rise. Stay Calm - Your pet will notice the way you behave in unusual situations. If you remain calm it will have a calming influence on them and help reassure them that there is nothing to worry about. Shut all windows and doors - Keep all windows and doors shut, including cat flaps. You don’t want your pet fleeing in fright, so best keep them secured in the house. This will also help keep noise levels from outside to a minimum. Keep your cats and dogs busy - Keep your cat or dog entertained with plenty of dog toys and cat scratchers. It’s best to keep even your outdoor cats indoors during this period, so keep them entertained with a series of catnip toys to keep them occupied. Walkies time - Always walk your dog well before the fireworks are likely to begin. Keep the TV and Radio volume high - Music with a distinctive beat can mask the sound of loud noises outside. Keep treats out of paws reach - On Halloween make sure human treats are kept well away from pets. This includes any edibles, but also lit pumpkins. No crazy costumes - If your dog or cat don’t like being dressed up, then please don’t force them to wear a costume. You could try to introduce costumes well in advance to help get them used to them. You don’t want to add any extra stress to an already noisy evening. Careful with trick-or-treaters - Be cautious when answering the door to trick-or-treaters as you don't want your pets to escape through the open door. Give them space - Don’t handle cats if they’re scared. Cats prefer to be in full control when they are in stressful situations. Your dog may find the evening of October 31st a stressful time. At L&L we understand that your dog may be stressed or anxious in certain situations, such as Halloween. We have a range of calming products available, including anti-anxiety coats and calming spray kits, to help your pup through the frights of Halloween…

By Megan Willis

29.09.20 September 29, 2020 Health Featured

Seasonal Canine Illness - Advice for Dog Owners

The health and wellbeing of our pets is of utmost importance. We all want them to lead happy, healthy lives. This week we thought we'd chat little about Seasonal Canine Illness. A rare condition that can strike dogs at this time of year. Seasonal Canine Illness, or SCI, is a somewhat mysterious illness that affects dogs of all shapes, sizes, age and breed. It’s a rare illness that mainly seems to occur in Autumn, hence the name 'Seasonal'. Here we take a look at what the illness is, how to spot signs of the illness in your dog and what to do if you suspect your dog has it. What is Seasonal Canine Illness and what are the symptoms? Seasonal Canine Illness tends to occur in dogs who have been walked in woodland areas. It mainly occurs between the months of September and November, hence its name. Symptoms can include vomiting, tiredness, lack of appetite, muscle tremors and diarrhoea. No one knows exactly what causes the illness, so prevention can be difficult, but there are some things we can do to monitor and help suspected SCI cases. What should I do if I suspect my dog has Seasonal Canine Illness? Catching the illness early can really help with the treatment of the individual symptoms. If your dog displays any of the symptoms mentioned above, especially within 72 hours of visiting a woodland area, you should seek veterinary advice immediately. Whilst there is no cure for the disease, vets can treat the individual symptoms, helping your dog on their way to recovery. The vast majority of dogs make a full recovery with veterinary treatment. In fact the percentage of dogs making a full recovery is increasing year on year, as Vets are becoming more and more aware of certain factors relating to the illness. How serious is Seasonal Canine Illness? SCI can be incredibly serious, even causing death in very rare instances. One of the main problems is that researchers still don’t know the root cause of the disease, making treatment or prevention very difficult. If you can catch the symptoms early, within the first three days, the chances are that your vet will be able to alleviate certain symptoms and help your dog on their way to recovery. Can I reduce the risk of Seasonal Canine Illness? First of all we’d like to highlight that there has been a steady decrease in SCI cases in recent years, but it’s still important to be aware of the condition and to take precautions where possible. Things to consider are: Using preventative sprays for mites before you walk your dog. Some research has suggested that harvest mites are commonly found on dogs who show signs of SCI. You may wish to discuss suitable sprays with your vet before you administer them. Keep your dog hydrated. Keep your dog on a lead when walking in woodland. Monitor your dog closely after woodland walks - symptoms tend to begin to occur between 24 and 72 hours after walking in woodland.

By Megan Willis

22.09.20 September 22, 2020 Dog Breed Guide Featured

Everything You Need For Your New Beagle Puppy

Are you getting a new Beagle? Getting a new puppy is a really exciting time, but it can also be stressful, ensuring you have everything ready for their arrival. You’ll need a Beagle dog bed as well as all the other accessories, including travel products for the day you bring them home. Here we take a look at the history for the breed and then discuss all of the things you’ll need ready to bring them home. All About Beagles Beagle type hounds can be seen in early paintings and literature from the medieval and Elizabethan times, but the modern beagle was developed in Great Britain in the 1830’s. Beagles are a small breed of scent hound that is very similar in appearance to the larger foxhound. They were originally bred for hunting hare, but have become a popular pet due to their intelligence, good temper and general lack of health problems. Beagles tend to have a lovely disposition, being gentle in nature. They tend to be excellent with children and have a high level of intelligence - one of the main reasons they have become such popular pets. Do be aware of their incredible sense of smell though. Having been bred for the hunt, once they pick up a scent they can be very determined, making them difficult to recall! Beagles are very good at getting along with other pets, including cats and dogs, so if you have a multi-pet household, it should be relatively easy to introduce them to the family. All The Things You Need For Your New Beagle So you’ve decided to welcome a Beagle into the family? Are you wondering, “What do I need for my Beagle Puppy?” We’re here to help ensure you have all the things you will need to bring them home safely and settle them in. Here’s our Beagle Puppy Shopping List: Puppy Carrier You will need a medium sized puppy carrier for when you collect your new puppy. A pet carrier with a strong frame and mesh windows so you can see in and your puppy can see out and being collapsible, making it easy to store away is ideal for your new puppy. It’s important to make the car journey as comfortable as possible, especially if you have a long journey home. Make sure you give plenty of room for them, whilst not being too big. The carrier will come in handy for your puppy’s first visits to the vet too. Puppy Blanket With puppy’s comfort in mind, a puppy blanket is a great accessory to pop inside the carrier and can then be put in their crate when you get home. We have a lovely selection of puppy blankets and comforters to choose from, but we particularly love our handmade blankets. They come in a range of stylish colours and the teddy fleece is oh-so-soft. Our puppy scent blanket is made for new puppies in particular - you can give this to Mum a couple of weeks before you collect them so you can bring the scent of home with them when you collect them. Then you could size up to a large puppy blanket which will be the perfect addition to your dog’s bed. Travel Dog Bowl This may or not be essential on the day you collect your puppy, depending on how long the journey home will be. It’s a really useful item to have in your collection of pet products though, as a travel bowl can be stored flat in your travel bag and can be popped up when your pup needs a water break. Large 36” Crate The perfect Beagle Dog Crate should be 36” in length. This will give your beagle puppy the room they need to grow into adulthood. A double door dog crate such as our Large 36” Lords & Labradors deluxe dog crate is ideal for your new Beagle. We would suggest setting it up with a puppy bed in one half of the crate and then a puppy pad and water bowl in the other half. This is the ideal puppy crate setup for crate training. Then when your puppy is fully toilet trained and growing up, you can swap to a full size crate cushion. Puppy Crate Bed Our Lords & Labradors puppy crate bed has been designed to fit exactly half of our double door dog crates. It comes in a range of stylish fabric designs with a print and colour option to suit every interior. The bed features a cushioned walled design with a sherpa fleece top. Your puppy will love snuggling into this warm plush fabric and can rest their head on the cushioned wall. All For Paws Heart Beat Sheep The All For Paws Heart Beat Sheep will give your nervous new puppy comforting snuggles and hugs at bedtime. It will take your puppy a little while to be accustomed to their new home and they are likely to have some anxious feelings for the first few days. The Heart Beat sheep is a great puppy toy to help settle them down. The “heartbeat” mimics that of their mum which will help make them feel secure in their new home. You could also choose the Little Buddy Warm Bear that has a warming heat pad in it rather than the heartbeat. Both are super cute! Puppy Teething Toys Chew toys for puppies come in a variety of shapes and sizes for different forms of play. They are ideal for teething puppies whose gums will get sore and painful. They are also just a fun toy for them to play with when they’re not teething - some dogs become prolific chewers and will enjoy this kind of play well into adulthood. We’d suggest putting a chew toy inside the crate when crate training your puppy. It will help keep them occupied and hopefully stop them from chewing their bedding through boredom. We particularly love the KONG range of chew toys as they are extremely durable and available in a range of sizes. Plush Toys - Puppies love to play and it will be important to give your puppy different types of toy so that their playtime remains varied. Our selection of puppy plush toys is expansive and includes toys by KONG, Rosewood and House of Paws. These are all perfect for a snuggle at nap time too! Puppy Harness, Collar and Lead Lead training will be one of the most important parts of your puppy’s development. You won’t start lead training straight away, but it’s important to have the correct walking accessories ready for when you do. We’d suggest using a harness for lead training as it offers a greater level of comfort and support than just a collar. Puppy Shampoo Bathtime and grooming isn’t just about keeping your pup clean (which is important!), but it’s also great bonding time for you and your pup. We have a variety of gentle shampoos, conditioners and sprays that are formulated especially with pups in mind. Our PetPlex Puppy Purifier collection has been specially formulated to be gentle and soothing so is perfect for puppies. Your Beagle won’t need baths too frequently as you don’t want to dry out their coat. A bath every 2-6 months is ideal. If you need a quick clean up in-between baths, wipes and fresheners are ideal. They are pet safe wipes for dogs that are great to pop in your travel bag or grooming kit to wipe muddy paws and smaller grubby patches! Dog Grooming Brushes Your Beagle won’t need as much grooming as some longer haired breeds, but a regular brush will keep their coat in good condition. Brushing will help remove any loose hair and also distribute the natural oils through their coat, making it shiny and healthy. A soft bristle brush is ideal for your Beagle, but you may also want to add a slicker brush to your puppy grooming kit which is great at removing dead hair and prevent shedding. Dog Ear Cleaner Beagles have hanging ears which can be susceptible to infection if not cared for and cleaned. Use an ear cleaner designed specifically for pets, to break down any build ups of dirt and ear wax. If ears are left unclean, the ears can develop irritations or even infections. It’s worth getting your vet to check your dog’s ears on their routine visits, just to ensure they stay healthy.

By Zac Girdlestone

21.09.20 September 21, 2020 Owning a Cat Featured

How To Stop Cats Clawing The Carpet

Everyone enjoys the feeling of soft, thick, comfortable carpet under their feet, but for cats, this experience may give them the urge to bed their claws into these materials, pulling at them and causing significant damage. If your pet cats do this to your sofas, carpets, rugs and walls, they could ruin the material beyond repair. If you want to prevent your cat from clawing at your carpet and other furniture in your home, you need to look at the potential causes for why they’re doing it. Once you’ve found the root cause, you should be able to stop them from causing any further damage, and it may even help to encourage your cat to feel more content and happy in your home in the future. How Can I Stop My Cat From Clawing The Furniture? There are a number of reasons why your cat may be resorting to clawing and kneading at the furniture in your home. It could be the case that your cat is feeling stressed and anxious or is being destructive as a result of not getting sufficient attention. However, if you’ve ruled out this possibility, it could be a far simpler reason. For example, it could be due to a lack of mental or physical stimulation, an attempt to mark their territory, a method of trimming their claws down when they are too long or simply a side effect of stretching their muscles. Fortunately, all of these problems can be remedied through introducing a cat scratching post. What Is A Cat Scratching Post? A cat scratching post is an accessory that gives your cat an outset for their urges to scratch and claw. Often covered by cardboard, felt or another thick material, these posts are usually displayed as an upwards-facing pole with a softer base for your cat to roll around on while playing. Cat scratchers are also available as massive structures - better known as tall trees - or as flat cardboard boxes. Why Do Cats Use Scratching Posts? Although you may think that the only benefit of scratching posts is to trim your cat’s claws, they actually possess a number of uses. For instance, your cat may recognise it as a symbol of marking their territory in your home, or it could keep them stimulated and prevent them from scratching at other nearby furniture. Many cat owners see a scratching post as being just as a vital accessory for their feline due to how effective they are with keeping your cat as stress-free and content as possible. How To Get Your Cat To Use A Scratching Post? If your cat isn’t using their scratching post, there are a handful of things you can do to encourage them to use it, which in turn should make them more comfortable with using it on a regular basis. Tips for getting your cat to use their scratching post include: Start your cat young - For kittens, the problem with not being fond of their scratching post could simply be a matter of not knowing what it’s for. However, you can get your kitten better acquainted with your scratching post by getting them to play near it, putting their favourite cat toys next to it and scratching it yourself to tempt them to use it.If none of these approaches work, you could even wait until your cat is calm before bringing them over to the post and gently holding their paws to scratch their claws against the post to show them how it’s meant to be used. Pick the right material for your cat - Although cats typically like specific materials such as wool, cardboard and rope, each cat is different. Before choosing a scratching post, consider what material your cat likes the most and try a few with them until you find one they respond to in a positive way. Consider the placement of the scratching post - Scratching posts are used by cats to mark their territory, so you should put some thought into where it’s being placed. The best place would be near to where they sleep or high traffic areas that they could see as being an important area in your home. If your cat is scratching a specific item of furniture, you could put the scratching post nearby as an alternative option. Give each cat their own scratching post - As previously mentioned, cats recognise scratching posts as a form of marking their territory. Due to this, it would be counterproductive to make several cats share the same scratcher. Instead, give them their own post and put them in separate areas of your home to differentiate.

By Zac Girdlestone

10.09.20 September 10, 2020 Product Spotlight Featured

Our Favourite Tweed Dog Accessories For Autumn

Autumn is one of our favourite times of the year here in the L&L offices. Who can resist the changing colours of the landscape and crisp morning walks. September has crept up on us rather quickly and we’re now thinking about our cold weather wardrobes and what we we might need for our pets in the coming months. You might not only want to think about what dog coat is best for Autumn, but you might swap your dog bed and accessories to match the season too. Here, we’ve picked out some of our favourite accessories for dogs including tweed dog beds, coats and toys. Explore and shop the collection: Our Top 10 Tweed Accessories for Dogs L&L Balmoral Tweed Dog Crate Set Our luxury dog crate sets are some of the most comfortable dog beds around. Our handmade dog bedding turns your cold draughty crate into a sumptuous, luxury dog bed den. Why not upgrade your dog’s bedding to a new tweed set? Our Balmoral tweeds come in stylish colour options in sizes to fit all of our crates. The tweed is durable and washable, making it practical as well as aesthetically pleasing. The perfect winter dog bed; the only consideration is which to opt for! Lords & Labradors Dog Bandana Our range of dog bandanas will add a dash of sartorial elegance to your dog’s look. With September here, we are in love with our tweed bandanas, made by hand here in our workshop. Each tweed bandana simply slips on to your dog’s collar. They come in a variety of colour options and sizes so you will find a size to suit any dog breed. We even offer personalisation on our bandanas so you can treat your pup to a special gift! L&L Tweed Bone Dog Toy If you are looking for Autumn dog toys, look no further than our delightful tweed dog bones. Each dog toy is hand made in the shape of a bone, from our tweed fabrics. These are the perfect addition to your dog’s toy box and will add an Autumnal feel to your dog’s playtime. Sleepy Burrow Beds If you’re looking for a super cosy, plush dog bed, then our Sleepy Burrow Beds might just be for you (and your pooch!). Made in a variety of fabrics, our Sleepy Burrows dog beds are designed to look effortlessly chic whilst offering a cosy spot for any pup. Our classic cushion design, elevated with a hooded top for snuggling under. Stylish Dog Coats If you’d like more dog coat choices, then you may just love the designer dog coats we have on offer. Your pup will look lovely on their morning walk wearing this warm and cosy coat. Dog Harness Our choice of dog harnesses from our luxury designers are the perfect harness for the Autumn season. We simply adore the tweed harnesses, but also the brighter harnesses too! Which will you choose?!

By Zac Girdlestone

01.09.20 September 01, 2020 Cat Breed Guide Featured

Everything You Need For Your New Scottish Fold Kitten

The Scottish Fold is a beautiful and distinctive breed of cat. They have a natural gene that affects the cartilage throughout their body, sometimes causing their ears to bend forwards; hence their name, Scottish Fold. Their distinctive good looks and loving personalities make them extremely popular pets. Here we take a look at the history of the breed and then discuss all the things you should have if you’re going to make a Scottish Fold your next pet. The History Of The Scottish Fold Cat The First Scottish Fold cat was discovered in Scotland in the early 1960’s. Susie had the distinctive folded down ears and soon gave birth to two kittens with the same owl-like appearance. The cats went on to be registered with the GCCF Governing Council of Cat Fancy) and the Scottish Fold breed was born. The breed is renowned for their folded down ears, but it’s important to note that not all Scottish Fold’s will have folded ears; it all depends on the kitten’s dominant gene. Scottish Fold’s who do not develop the folded ears are often called Straights. Straights are no less attractive - who could resist those round cheeks and big eyes! A medium sized cat, Scottish Folds can be either long or short haired and can have almost every known colour. The breed is typically very pleasant natured with with humans and other animals. In fact they tend to grow very strong bonds with their human owners and are usually very affectionate. This makes them a very popular choice of pet. Just make sure you have the time to give them plenty of attention as they can grow lonely quite easily. If you work full time, it might be a good idea to buy two together so they are not alone for long periods of time. Scottish Fold Kitten Shopping List Are you planning to get a Scottish Fold? If you’re making one your next pet, or are considering it, we’ve put together this shopping list so you can make sure you have everything you need ready to collect them and bring them home. Cat Carrier Travel safety is an important consideration for your cat, both for the day you collect your kitten and beyond. Choose your carrier carefully and look at their really practical features. The main thing we love about cat carriers is a top opening with double door closure. It allows you to easily get your kitten in and out. Nervous new kittens might be reluctant to get in a carrier or get out so the top opening is ideal. Also a lot of our carriers are certified safe for various forms of travel including land, sea and air so all travel forms are covered. Kitten Blanket You will want your kitten to be as comfortable as possible on the journey home. Little kittens may be nervous to travel and will be unsure of their surroundings. A blanket will offer warmth and a feeling of security. We have scent blankets that can be left with Mum for a couple of weeks before you pick your kitten up. They can bring the scent home with them and have the comforting feeling of home with them. A large cat blanket is a good idea to put with them in their carrier though and can be added to their bed for snuggles at catnap time and bedtime. Pet Calming Products for Kittens Pet Remedy make a range of calming products suitable for both cats and dogs. You might like to spray their blanket with some of the natural solution to help keep your kitten stress-free on the journey. You could also spray their bed at home to help settle them in. Pet remedy make a range of different products including kits for New Homes and for Travel. Feliway is a brand of calming products designed especially for cats and kittens. Their plug-in diffusers can be plugged in a week or so before you bring your kitten home and will help to make them at home more quickly. They are 100% pet safe, tried and tested to help calm nervous pets in a range of situations. Feliway is great to use in the lead up to trips to the Vet and at any other times that your cat may feel particularly stressed. Cat Litter Tray & Accessories Pet hygiene is an important part of your cat’s life, whilst litter training is a crucial part of their development and cleanliness. Most kittens will be fully litter trained by the time you bring them home, so just ensure you have a litter tray with good quality litter and a scoop for cleaning. When you first get kitten home, make sure they know where the litter tray is. We have a wide range of litter tray types, but we’d suggest a medium to large size for your Scottish Fold and a clumping litter. Cosy Cat Bed Kittens love to nap and snooze. New kittens can spend up to 20 hours a day sleeping, so having a comfortable bed is a must. A cosy kitten bed can also help them to feel safe and secure in their new environment. A hooded cat bed is a really good option as cats like to feel sheltered and safe. Choose a cat bed with a sherpa top as cat’s love the texture of this type of fleece. Cat Bowls Your Scottish Fold will need bowls for feeding time! A minimum of two bowls or saucers for food and water is essential. You might also consider a third one if you want to feed dry and wet food separately. Some of our favourite bowls are the shallow designs. Tarhong make really durable melamine saucers that are just perfect for pouches of wet food or water. The shallow design makes them particularly whisker friendly. Cat Food A good quality dry kitten food is essential for developing kittens. Your breeder is likely to suggest the best food for them and will probably send you home with a sample of the food they’ve been eating so far. If you decide to move them on to a different food, make sure it’s suitable for kittens and make sure changes are gradual over a week or two. Sudden changes to diet can have negative effects on kitten’s digestion. Our recommendation is that you keep dry food down all day for your kitten to graze on and then supplement with one or two wet food meals a day (make sure you read the packaging for portion sizes as different foods will vary). Dry food is great for dental health, helping to keep plaque at bay, but wet food has the benefit of a high water content which is beneficial for cats, especially for those who don’t like drinking water from a bowl. You should always keep fresh water down for them, even if they don’t drink much. Cats can suffer from urinary tract problems; making sure they drink enough can keep such problems at bay. Cat Treats Choose some good quality treats for your kitten. Treats are a nice little reward for good behaviour and can be used to instil good behaviour when training them to scratch their scratch post. We have a wide selection of treats from brands including The Innocent Cat and Felix. Cat Toys Whether your cat will live indoors or outdoors, they will love playing. Choose good quality toys that appeal to an array of your cat’s senses. Hunting, chasing and pouncing are just some of the things your cat will do in the wild, so giving them toys that allow them to do the same in their indoor environment will make sure they are entertained and stimulated. We have a fun collection of catnip toys as well as enticing cat wands and teasers from brands including Catit, KONG and All For Paws. Don’t forget to swap toys around so your cat doesn’t get bored! Cat Scratch Post Your Scottish Fold kitten will definitely scratch, which shouldn’t be seen as naughty behaviour, but rather a natural instinct to be encouraged in the correct places. Never scold your kitten for scratching furniture, but instead provide specific scratching products for them to sate their scratching needs. A good quality scratch post should be tall enough for your kitten to stretch when scratching. You may choose a small compact one to begin with and size up as your kitten grows. If your cat is going to live solely indoors then you will need to invest in a tall scratch post with platforms and ledges for them to climb and exercise. Indoor cats live long healthy lives as long as you give them plenty of things to do. A tall cat tower is ideal for indoors cats. Cat Collar If you are going to let your kitten outdoors eventually you may want to invest in a cat collar so you can attach an ID tag in case they go missing. Choose a cat collar with a safety buckle incase it gets caught when climbing and consider something with a reflective strip so your cat can be seen in the dark. You may well choose to keep your Scottish Fold as an indoor only cat, which is perfectly fine as long as you provide them with plenty of activities to keep them active and stimulated indoors. Cat Grooming Tools Cats are very good at grooming themselves, but it’s also a good idea to get them used to being brushed and in some cases bathed too. Short haired Scottish Fold’s will only need minimal brushing but a long haired cat may require a daily brush. Grooming is good for their socialisation and helps build a strong bond with you. You could get your cat used to bathing too. Shampooing your cat isn’t always necessary, but you may choose to get them used to a bath every now and then; it might be necessary if you intend to show your cat. If your cat doesn’t like water, you could try a waterless shampoo spray. It’ll condition the hair and make it smell Devine.

By Zac Girdlestone

26.08.20 August 26, 2020 Product Spotlight Featured

Brand Spotlight: KONG - Pet Toys For Cats & Dogs

KONG has long been one of our most popular brands of dog toys. We all know and love KONG for their practical and durable chew toys such as the classic KONG and puppy teething toys. KONG also make a wonderful selection of dog plush toys and toys for cats too. We thought we’d explore the range and highlight some of our favourite new arrivals! KONG Dog Chew Toys KONG dog toys are known for their super durable, almost indestructible qualities - the ideal toys for teething puppies and obsessive chewers. We’ve all seen the classic KONG toys, but now we have some additions to the line up that will add another dimension to your dog’s toy box! KONG Classic with a Rope - The KONG Classic now comes in an all new version with a rope. The KONG Classic with a Rope dog toy offers all the chewing fun of the normal Classic, but with added throwing and tugging capabilities. Fun games of tug, throw and toss have never looked so fun! It’s the perfect dog toy for the beach or the park as the bright colours mean it can easily be spotted from a distance - no more losing your dog toy in the bushes or the sea! KONG Puppy Goodie Bone on a Rope - What puppy doesn’t love their Goodie Bone?! Made especially for teething puppies, the toys are durable and help soothe aching gums. Now there is a new version with an additional rope threaded through. This is great for puppies who enjoy a game of tug or those who like to carry toys around with them. The cotton rope gives more chewing choices and will help clean teeth too! KONG AirDog Fetch Stick - If your dog cares less about chewing and more about throw and retrieve games of fetch, then they may just love the AirDog Fetch stick. The toy itself is made from a non-abrasive tennis ball like material, making it kind to teeth and gums; whilst the added rope makes it perfect for throwing long distance and great for tugging. KONG Wobbler - The KONG wobbler looks just like a KONG Classic, but is an all new type of toy. A mentally stimulating puzzle toy that can be stuffed with treats. It is weighted at the bottom for your dog to knock and bat until they release the treats for a tasty reward! A great way to spark your dog’s curiosity if they’re reluctant to play with normal toys. It can also be used at mealtime with real food for dogs who eat too quickly, to help extend meal time and aid digestion. KONG Cat Toys & Accessories KONG produce a range of cute catnip toys and plush toys for kittens. We have some adorable new additions to the range to keep your cat entertained with games of hunt and chase! KONG Softies Fuzzy Bunny Grey Plush - A cute cat toy stuffed with premium catnip is designed especially for kitten paws. It also has a rattle inside to ignite your kitten’s curiosity for hours of chasing and pouncing fun. Available in two fun colours! KONG Curlz Teaser - Cat teaser wands are perfect for interactive play between owner and kitten. This one features a feather and ribbon tail made up of springy corkscrew curls. This distinctive construction makes for truly unpredictable playtime fun and will have your cat chasing, jumping and pouncing for hours!

By Zac Girdlestone

21.08.20 August 21, 2020 Dog Breed Guide Featured

Miniature Schnauzer: The Ultimate Guide

Miniature Schnauzers are a small, intelligent breed, that are friendly and easy to train. All of these traits make them extremely popular pets with people around the world. Here we take a look at the history of the Miniature Schnauzer and take a look at everything you need to know and all the essentials you’ll need if you’re going to choose one as your next pet! The Standard Schnauzer was first bred in Germany in the early 19th century with the miniature coming along around the late 1880’s. It is thought that the smallest of the Standard Schnauzer breed were crossed with smaller breeds such Miniature poodles to form what we know today as the Miniature Schanuzer. They were originally bred into a smaller form for ratting, but would soon become a popular pet around the world. Miniature Schanuzers are known for their square shaped build, double coat with wiry topcoat and soft undercoat and their signature rectangular head with bushy beard. They come in four coat colours; Black, White, Salt and Pepper, and Pure White. Features Breed Miniature Schnauzer Breed Group Terrier Breed Size Medium Height 12-14 inches Length 18-21 inches Weight Range 11-21 inches Coat Length Medium Coat Colours Black, Silver, Salt & Pepper Coat Type Wiry when hand stripped, soft and curly when clipped Lifespan 12 - 15 Years How Big Does A Miniature Schnauzer Get? Although miniature is in the name, Miniature Schnauzers are actually medium dogs. This means that when they’re fully grown they usually measure between 12 and 14 inches. We usually recommend either medium or larges in our L&L products for Miniature Schnauzers depending on how big they are but we always recommend checking the products individual sizing guide or speak to our customer care team who are always happy to help you find the paw-fect fit. What Do Miniature Schnauzers Look Like? Miniature Schnauzers are instantly recognisable from their bushy beards, crazy eyebrows and rectangular heads. Their bodies are almost square shapes and they’re shorter than their standard cousins. Are Miniature Schnauzers Easy To Train? Schnauzers are known for being obedient, fast learners who are devoted to their owners – this makes them easier to train. Schnauzers are also super easygoing, they’re adaptable meaning they are just as happy being city dogs with a walk or two a day as they are being countryside dogs with plenty of room to run. They make great family dogs as they are super playful and sociable. Miniature Schnauzer Health Issues Miniature Schnauzers age gracefully, not showing signs of aging until their later years. The main things to watch out for with your Schnauzers are dental disease, obesity and ear infections. All of these are both easily preventable and treatable; make sure you are giving your dog dental treats, plenty of exercise and cleaning their ears regularly to help keep these health problems at bay. How To Groom Miniature Schnauzers Miniature Schnauzers do require regular grooming; something to think about if you’re considering one as a pet. Their signature groom cut is achieved by either clipping or stripping and is recommended every 6-8 weeks or so. Your Miniature Schnauzer will need regular grooming as they grow up. When they are older you may well want to invest in regular trips to a professional groomer to keep them in tip top condition and looking their best. It’s important to get them used to grooming from puppyhood though, with daily brushing and regular bath times. Animology make a range of super puppy shampoos and conditioners. We’d also suggest buying a slicker brush and then maybe a double-sided slicker brush as they grow up. How Much Exercise Should A Miniature Schnauzer Have? One of the most important parts of your puppy’s development will be lead training. Make sure you’re prepared by having a well fitted harness or collar and a lead. Also keep treats with you and some poo bags. When you first start lead training we’d suggest using a harness as it gives comfort to your pup and will distribute the pressure if your pup pulls in the early stages. The Hi & Light Harness is perfect for training puppies as it is so lightweight. We'd probably suggest the XXS, but do check the measurements and cross reference with your puppy - puppies, like humans, can vary a little a size! Miniature Schnauzer Nutrition Feeding time will be one of your dog's favourite times of the day, so make sure they do it in style! We’d suggest crate bowls that can be attached to the bars of your dog’s crate and will help prevent spillages. For outside the crate we love the melamine pet bowls by Tarhong. They come in an array of wonderful colours and patterns and have coordinating scoops, treat tins and placemats too! Miniature Schnazer Sleeping 30” Dog crate Crate training your puppy will really help them to settle in to their new home quickly and efficiently. Crating isn’t a punishment, but gives your pup a space of their own, away form the hustle and bustle of the rest of the house. A 30” deluxe dog crate is ideal for a Miniature Schnauzer from puppyhood through to adulthood. To begin with you can put a puppy bed in one side and a puppy pad in the other just whilst pup is training, and then swap out to a full size bed once pup has grown and is fully potty trained. Miniature Schnauzer Puppy Bed Choose a puppy bed that will fit in one half of the crate. We’d suggest either the Grow with Me bed for a Miniature Schnauzer, or our Cosy & Calm Puppy Crate Bed - designed to fit exactly one half of the crate. When puppy is fully trained, you can use the bed elsewhere in the house as a stand-alone bed and buy a full size cushion for the crate. Puppy Blanket Puppies love to snuggle; it is comforting to nervous new pups and makes them feel safe. We’d suggest buying a scent blanket at first. Give it to your breeder a couple of weeks before you pick up your pup. It can be left with Mum for a while and then when you collect pup, you can bring the scent blanket with them. The comforting smell of Mum will come home with them and help them to feel content in their new surroundings. As pup grows up, size up to a full size dog blanket. Our luxury velvet blankets are lined in cosy sherpa or teddy fleece and make ideal additions to your dog’s crate or bed. They are also ideal to pop in your travel crate or carrier on trips to the Vet. Dog Crate Cover The perfect crate set-up for a puppy includes a dog crate cover. A crate cover is a really practical addition to the crate as it helps to make nervous pups feel safe, whilst also helping them adjust to their new night-time routine. They're washable too, so great for puppies! Hopefully this guide will have given you some ideas of the key things to buy when getting ready for your new Miniature Schnauzer. even more suggestions, visit our Schnauzer breed page which has some must-have items for all Schnauzer owners. If you need any help or advice with your order don’t hesitate to contact us, we’re always happy to help as best we can.

By Zac Girdlestone

Tavo Hendrick Stroller Adapter

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Tavo Hendrick Stroller Adapter

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Tavo Shell Pet Bed & Swaying Lounger - Latte

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Tavo Shell Pet Bed & Swaying Lounger - Latte

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Tavo Hendrick Small Dog Carrier & Car Seat with ISOFIX - Onyx

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Tavo Hendrick Small Dog Carrier & Car Seat with ISOFIX - Onyx

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Tavo Additional ISOFIX Base For Tavo Maeve Pet Protection System

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Tavo Additional ISOFIX Base For Tavo Maeve Pet Protection System

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Tavo Roscoe Stroller Frame for Maeve and Hendrick

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Tavo Roscoe Stroller Frame for Maeve and Hendrick

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Tavo Dupree Small Dog Carrier & Car Seat with ISOFIX - Merle

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Tavo Dupree Small Dog Carrier & Car Seat with ISOFIX - Merle

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Tavo Crispin Pet Travel Crate with ISOFOX Connectors - Onyx

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Tavo Crispin Pet Travel Crate with ISOFOX Connectors - Onyx

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Tavo Maeve Pet Car Seat Medium with ISOFIX Base - Sable

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Tavo Maeve Pet Car Seat Medium with ISOFIX Base - Sable

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Tavo Maeve Pet Car Seat with ISOFIX Base - Onyx

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Tavo Maeve Pet Car Seat with ISOFIX Base - Onyx

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Tavo Maeve Pet Car Seat with ISOFIX Base - Merle

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Tavo Maeve Pet Car Seat with ISOFIX Base - Merle

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Tavo Maeve Pet Car Seat With Base in Fawn

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Tavo Maeve Pet Car Seat With Base in Fawn

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Tavo Dupree Small Dog Carrier & Car Seat with ISOFIX - Onyx

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Tavo Dupree Small Dog Carrier & Car Seat with ISOFIX - Onyx

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Tavo Crispin Pet Travel Crate with ISOFOX Connectors - Merle

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Tavo Crispin Pet Travel Crate with ISOFOX Connectors - Merle

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Rosewood Easter Mini Eggs For Dogs 150g

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Rosewood Easter Mini Eggs For Dogs 150g

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Felix Joyables Duck Liquid Treats 4 x 10g

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Felix Joyables Duck Liquid Treats 4 x 10g

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Brand Spotlight: KONG - Pet Toys For Cats & Dogs

Miniature Schnauzer: The Ultimate Guide

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