Lords & Labradors Information Hub

The home of handy tips and advice dedicated to pet owners

  • How Often Should You Replace Your Dog’s Bed?
    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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  • The Importance Of Correct Nutrition For Dogs And Cats!
    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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  • Dog Crate Sets & Crate Aftercare
    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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  • How To Travel With A Dog In A Car
    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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  • The Top 10 Puppy Essentials
    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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Christmas Gift Guide for Pet Lovers
03.12.20 December 03, 2020 Seasonal Featured

Christmas Gift Guide for Pet Lovers

We’ve talked a lot in recent articles about the many Christmas goodies for pets that we have in our Santa's Grotto. From Christmas clothing for dogs to festive toys for cats, we have everything you could possibly need to make your cat’s or dog’s Christmas the best ever. But what about the pet loving humans in the family? Well we have plenty for them too! If you haven’t seen our beautiful range of homewares, then now is the time to take a look - you will find an array of stylish home accessories that will make brilliant gifts for pet owners. Here we present some of our favourite things that we think your animal loving family and friends might just love to open on Christmas morning.   Our Top Animal & Pet Themed Gifts for Animal Lovers Lords & Labradors Homewares Collection The L&L Homewares collection features five dog-breed-inspired prints across a range of different accessories including mugs, tote bags, tea towels and aprons. You can choose from Cuddlesome Cockapoos, Silly sausages, Fabulous Frenchies, Loveable Labradors and Perfect Pugs. If you know someone with one of these breeds, then they are sure to love this range. Treat them to one or two items or why not go all out and gift them the full range of five items in your chosen design. These aren’t just great for dog owners either, but for anyone who just has a thing about a particular breed of dog!   Animal Print Scatter Cushion Everyone loves a scatter cushion or two and now you can choose one with your favourite dog breed or animal on it. We have scatter cushions that are handmade here in our workshop, or a wonderful range by The Labrador Company. Our range features a number of different Sophie Allport designer fabrics, each one decorated with illustrations of animals including hares, stags and ducks. If you’re looking for a dog print cushion, then the range from The Labrador Company might be more your thing. There are three prints to choose from; Dachshund, Spaniel or Labrador, and three colours: black, blue or brown. The prints are oh-so-stylish too. Silhouettes of the respective breeds sit on a biscuit coloured background. A perfect Christmas gift idea for dog loving family members and friends.   Animal Themed Dining Chair Cushion Part of the Lords & Labradors homewares range, our sets of two dining chair cushions are designed in designer Sophie Allport fabrics. Choose from Highland Stag, Hare, Runner Duck and Labrador designs. Each one is trimmed in a luxury velvet and have two ties to secure your dining chair.   Dog Print Foot Stool Do you know someone who works hard and deserves to put their feet up at the end of the day? Why not gift them a beautiful footstool complete with a dog silhouette print? If you know someone with a Dachshund, Labrador or Spaniel (or someone who just loves those breeds!) then these footstools are a great gift idea.  They are beautifully made and furnished with solid wooden feet.   Room Fragrance A small, yet thoughtful gift. We have a variety of room fragrance options including candles, reed diffusers and room sprays. The Relax collection by Heaven Scent is a lovely gift idea. The products are made of premium-quality ingredients and come in eco conscious packaging. Who wouldn’t love the gift of tranquillity for Christmas?!  We also stock a range of candles by Wildwash. These are designed especially for pet owners and are formulated to help prevent pet odours and other smells. You can choose from candles in a tin or ones in a glass jar and there are three beautiful fragrances to choose from including a calming fragrance especially for nervous pets. ​ Animal Themed Mugs Everyone loves a nice mug and we have a brilliant range that feature all kinds of animals. There are dog print mugs from Sweet William so you can choose your relative or friend a gift with their favourite breed. Alternatively, the Sophie Allport range of mugs feature beautiful illustration designs of wild animals such as the Highland Stag or Hare.     Pet Themed Notebooks & Stationery Do you have a stationary addict friend or relative? We have some lovely notebooks by Fenella Smith that are ideal for dog lovers and owners. Fenella Smith’s designs feature adorable dog illustrations. Her notebooks would make a lovely Christmas present for anyone who likes to be able to jot notes or keep a journal or diary.   Animal Shaped Clocks These clocks by The Labrador Company are simply stunning. Each one comes in the shape of a different animal. Not only are there a range of different dog breeds to choose from such as Poodle, King Charles Spaniel and Dachshund, but there are a number of other animals to pick too; a sitting cat, a dressage rider, and a show jumper! So, if you have a pug owner in the family, a Labrador lover or know a horse rider, then there is a clock that would make the best gift for them. Each clock is a black silhouette version of the animal depicted and features a wagging tail. A classic design that will look great in a range of interiors from traditional to contemporary styles.   Dog Shaped Keyring Are you looking for a small token gift for a pet or animal lover? How about one of our dog shaped keyrings? We have keyrings in the shape of dogs by Sweet William and The Labrador Company.  Both collections are adorable and are sure to raise a smile on Christmas morning. We have keyrings in the shape of Pugs, Spaniels, Schnauzers, Labradors, French Bulldogs, Westies, Cockapoos, Dachshunds and Jack Russells. A lovely thoughtful present, these would make a great gift idea for a teacher this Christmas!   We hope our selection of gift ideas for pet lovers has inspired you. If you need any information about the items listed, please do get in touch. We're always happy to help!

By Zac Girdlestone

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What To Get A Dog For Christmas
01.12.20 December 01, 2020 Seasonal Featured

What To Get A Dog For Christmas

Our dogs are just as much a part of the family as our human relatives and friends which is why most of us like to spoil them when it comes to birthdays and Christmas. If you’re compiling your shopping list, you might be wondering what you can get for your dog. The options may not seem as varied as they do for people, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t lots of things you could buy for them. All dogs love to play, so toys are always a good option. And how about treats? What dog do you know that doesn’t love a tasty snack? We also have lots of other great ideas for you including walking accessories or a new bed? In this article we explore all the ideas we have for doggie gifts this Christmas, and also note some things that aren’t suitable for them too.   What do you get your dog for Christmas  We often wonder what we should get people for Christmas and thinking of gifts for our pets is no different. Writing a shopping list for the festive season can be daunting at first; who doesn’t get writer’s block when looking at a white piece of paper?!  But there are all kinds of things that you could get your dog. One thing we like to do is think about what would benefit their lives and ours too. Buying them things that are practical is a great start. How about some new walking accessories? A new dog walking set could be just the thing they need, especially if you have a growing puppy. This would also be a super practical idea if you’re thinking of starting a New Year’s fitness regime. Many of us have New Year’s resolutions, and if yours is to get fit then why not take your dog with you? It could be as easy as extending those dog walks by fifteen minutes – a new collar and lead will be benefitting them and you! Here are some other practical gift ideas for dogs: New Grooming Products – Dog grooming is an essential part of a dog’s routine. Why not treat them to a fancy new shampoo, conditioner or balm? Brands like Wildwash make luxury grooming products for dogs. They are beautifully packaged; making for a great present, and they’re all natural too – sustainability and practicality all in one parcel. New Dog Bowls and Feeding Accessories – We have some wonderful pet bowls and other accessories to make dinner time that little bit more stylish. You could choose a gorgeous luxury bowl by Fennela Smith; a practical printed melamine design by Tarhong; or why not treat them to something really special and get them a personalised dog bowl by Purple Glaze. New Dog Bed and Bedding – Give the gift of a dreamy night’s sleep with a new pet bed. Our Lords & Labradors range includes handmade, luxury pet bedding to suit any dog and home. Whether it's a beautiful new crate set complete with cushion, bumper and cover or a gorgeous Velvet cushion, there is a bed in our collection to suit every taste. Browse the collection online and pick your favourite!   What does my dog want for Christmas  Another way to approach your dog’s gift list is to think about what your dog wants for Christmas. A new shampoo or bowl might be a practical idea, but it might not get their tail wagging! The likelihood is that your dog would rather open something they can get their teeth around, or something that they can play with. Here are some things that you could put under the tree for them that might get them more excited: Dog Toys - If there’s one thing that’s for sure, our dogs love to play! Why not treat them to some new toys for Christmas. You could choose something festively themed from our Grotto like a plush Elf toy; or you could choose something from our main toy collection that they can play with all year long. Whether your dog likes to play indoors or outdoors; likes to chew, tug, chase or cuddle, there’s a toy that they will love just waiting on our shelves. Dog Treats – Another present that might get your dog excited is an edible one. We have a brilliant range of tasty dog treats that will make perfect presents. You could choose some new training treats from brands such as Lily’s Kitchen or Laughing Dog, or you could go for something a little more special. Brands such as The Barking Bakery, BonBon Pooch and Molly’s Pattisserie make the most delightful baked treats for dogs in the form of cakes, cookies and other special recipes that are fit for even the fanciest doggie party! You could buy them some of these and then throw a little Christmas or New Year Party for them. Don’t forget the ‘wine’ and ‘Beer’ from Woof & Brew too!   What not to give dogs at Christmas Don’t forget, there are some things that we shouldn’t give to our dogs at Christmas. Things like chocolate, sweets and many other foods that we eat are actually toxic to dogs. We suggest you only feed your dog food and treats that have been especially made for them just to be on the safe side. Also be aware of Christmas wrapping paper, tinsel and other decorations. Whilst your dog might find fun in batting a discarded bit of paper around, if they ingest it by accident it can cause an obstruction in the stomach.  Other potential hazards at Christmas: • Candles • Potpourri • Plants such as Ivy, Mistletoe, and Holly • Alcohol • Macadamia nuts • Leftover Christmas Dinner • Onions • Christmas Pudding • Chocolate Whilst some of these things may not even be considered as Christmas gifts, it’s still a good idea to make a note of them and ensure you keep your dog away from them this Christmas. We hope you’ve found our guide helpful. Have fun shopping for your presents this year, and don’t forget to get in touch if you need any help with product information.

By Zac Girdlestone

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Festive Dressing Up Box - Christmas Clothes For Dogs
19.11.20 November 19, 2020 Seasonal Featured

Festive Dressing Up Box - Christmas Clothes For Dogs

With only a few weeks to go until the big day, our Christmas preparations are well underway in the L&L offices. In previous articles we have discussed our favourite dog toys and Christmas things for cats that we have in our Grotto. This week we thought we'd share some of the delights on offer in our Festive Dressing Up Box! We have some wonderfully toasty Christmas jumpers that will keep your pups warm this year. From plain knits in festive colours to jazzy striped designs with Christmas motifs, we have something for every taste. If your dog really enjoys dressing up then we have some great novelty items too. Here we present some of our favourite things that you can find on the racks of our Dressing Up Box...   Christmas Jumpers for Dogs Dog jumpers are a practical item for many dog owners, keeping small and shorthaired breeds warm in cold weather. Even if you have a larger dog or one with longer hair, they may still like having the warmth and cosiness of a jumper. Well why not add a festive spin to their wardrobe with one of these adorable Christmas jumpers? They're sure to add a bit of fun to your pup's look during the Winter months!  1. Rudolph Cosy-Fit Dog Jumper Every dog dreams of being Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and now they can with this charming Rudolph Cosy-Fit Dog Jumper. Crafted from high-quality materials, this jumper is not only cosy but also irresistibly cute. The iconic red nose and antlers make your pup ready to lead Santa's sleigh, and the snug fit ensures your furry friend stays warm all winter long. Your dog will steal the show at any holiday gathering!    2. Retro Cosy-Fit Dog Jumper For a touch of nostalgia and a dash of style, the Retro Cosy-Fit Dog Jumper is the perfect choice. With its classic Fair Isle pattern, this jumper combines the festive spirit with timeless fashion. Your pup will look effortlessly chic while staying cosy during chilly winter walks. It's a must-have addition to your dog's winter wardrobe.   3. Stripey Polar Brrr Dog Jumper When the temperatures drop, your dog can stay warm and stylish with the Stripey Polar Brrr Dog Jumper. The playful polar bear design and cheerful stripes make this jumper an absolute winner for the holiday season. Its snug fit and soft fabric ensure your furry friend stays comfy while spreading joy with their festive attire.   Novelty Christmas Outfits for Dogs Are you looking for the ultimate fancy dress for your dog? This selection of fun outfits for dogs will put a smile on your face all Christmas long. 1.Christmas Elf Pup Fancy Dress Costume Transform your dog into Santa's little helper with the Christmas Elf Pup Fancy Dress Costume. This adorable outfit includes a hat and tunic with jingle bells that will make your dog look like they just stepped out of Santa's workshop. Whether you're attending a holiday party or just taking festive photos, your dog will be the star of the show in this delightful elf costume.   2. Christmas Gingerbread Pup Fancy Dress Costume Embrace the sweetness of the season with the Christmas Gingerbread Pup Fancy Dress Costume. This cute and tasty-looking outfit features a gingerbread-shaped tunic with colorful icing details. It's perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to your holiday celebrations. Your dog will be the most delicious-looking gingerbread pup in town! We hope you like our picks from the Festive Dressing Up Box. Of course, not all dogs like to be dressed up and if your dog is one of them, we don't suggest you force them to wear something that they don't want to. All dogs are different and we suggest you buy the things that will suit your particular pup. If your dog is less inclined to wear clothing, you can always consider a small accessory like a bow tie or bandana. If they'll happily wear whatever you put them in, just like the pups from our photoshoot, then there's plenty here to fill their wardrobe with. Christmas should be fun for everyone, both human and canine alike!

By Megan Willis

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Should You Walk Your Dog In The Snow?
19.11.20 November 19, 2020 Seasonal Featured

Should You Walk Your Dog In The Snow?

As the colder months of the year draw near, cooler days set in and the chance of seeing snow and ice on roads and pavements becomes increasingly likely. When snow falls, it can feel just that little bit more like Christmas, and while your dog may get in the spirit and feel the urge to jump into mounds of snow, it’s important that you’re aware of the potential dangers. Many dogs require daily walks to alleviate stress, keep them stimulated and reduce feelings of frustration, sadness and boredom. But it can be concerning to continue the daily routine of walking your dog if it’s cold outside and snow is blocking your path. In this blog, we look at the harm snow could cause to your dog, how you can reduce the risks and what you can do to ensure that your furry friend still gets their steps in.   Can Dogs Go Out In The Snow? Dog's can absolutely go out in the snow, it can be fun for them to play in and a lot of dogs love it. Just make sure to properly dry them off after, especially between their paw pads to help keep them as warm as possible   Can You Walk A Dog In Snow? It can be a concern that the weather is simply too cold for your canine and walking them in the snow could lead to them becoming ill. As a general rule of thumb, if it’s too cold for you, it’s certainly too cold for your dog, but it doesn’t mean that doggy walks must be strictly forbidden until the snow melts and normality is resumed. While it’s true that your dog could be negatively affected by cold weather, you should be able to walk them in the snow providing you prepare for the trip out and bear in mind a handful of key considerations. For instance, before taking your dog for a walk in the snow, you should: Microchip your dog - Ensure that your dog is microchipped in case they escape. Although this is always important, it’s even more crucial in colder weather as it can be more dangerous for your dog if they go missing for a long period of time. Prepare their pathway - You can melt ice and snow from your door, driveway and the road outside your home to limit the amount of snow they’re exposed to. However, it’s important that you use a product that is pet-safe and non-toxic. Commercial antifreeze, for example, should be avoided as it is likely to cause your dog harm if they attempt to lick it. Fit them with a warm coat - Some dog owners believe that a harness or collar is enough heat to keep their dog warm throughout a walk. In fact, while they have more natural insulation than humans thanks to their fur coats, they need just as much protection from the cold. Along with their collar and harness, fit them with a dog coat. Offer them water as you would normally - Providing your dog with a coat is a must during colder times of year, but as it can leave them warm, you should also make sure that they don’t dehydrate. A lack of hydration is likely to be the last thing you’d consider when it’s cold, but there’s never a time where your dog won’t need a drink during walks. Continue to pick up poo - Unfortunately, some dog owners may see the piles of snow as an opportunity to avoid picking up dog poo. While picking up poos is admittedly an unpleasant errand, it’s your responsibility to do this and refraining from picking up your dog’s doo-doos is only likely to cause further problems. When wet, dog poo will become more runny, leaving the pavement slippery to pedestrians and other dogs. Limit your dog’s playtime in snow - Allow your dog to play in the snow but limit this time to avoid the cold from setting in and causing harm. It shouldn’t have much of an impact when snow comes into contact with them, but when the snow begins to melt, it can be reminiscent of an ice bath on their skin. Keep them on a lead at all times - Refrain from taking your dog off the lead to prevent any chance of losing them in the snow. As previously stated, a dog can come to more harm if they’re lost in the cold than they might be in warmer periods of the year. Steer clear of frozen water - Don’t let your dog near frozen ponds, puddles, lakes or rivers. Not only could they risk drowning if the ice breaks, but significant contact with cold water could also be harmful to them and their paws. Watch what they eat - Be extra vigilant over what they could be eating. You’d usually check that your dog isn’t eating objects from the floor such as poo and potentially harmful items and substances, but with snow masking these items, it can be easy to miss something. Warm your dog up - Once you return home, wipe away snow and water from your dog’s paws, fur and skin. You should then turn the heating on and wrap them in a blanket to increase their body heat. Then, when they’re warm, remove the blanket to prevent them from overheating. How Cold Is Too Cold To Walk Your Dog? You may be wondering when it's too cold to walk your dog, this will vary from dog to dog depending on their age, breed, size and coat. Our pet experts have written an in depth guide on 'When Is It Too Cold To Walk My Dog', which has everything you need to know about winter dog walks in.   Can Dogs Walk In The Snow Without Shoes In the summer, you need to be careful that the hot pavement doesn’t burn your dog’s paws and cause serious damage. Although this isn’t a problem in the winter, it’s possible that the cold ground could leave their paws sore and at risk of accidents. For instance, exposure to cold surfaces can cause your dog’s paws to become painful, and if snow and ice gets stuck in their paws, it can be even more uncomfortable and harder to remove. Another potential danger to your dog’s paws is the salt. Used to defrost roads and pavements, salt is an effective solution, but if it gets stuck to a dog’s paws, it can cause an unpleasant stinging sensation. Not only that, but if your dog licks up this salt, it could damage their insides. It can be difficult to tell whether or not your dog would benefit from using shoes. If they’re nipping into the garden to answer the call of nature or if you’re taking them for a brief walk and have already checked that the path you’ll be taking is clear, your dog may not need boots.   How Long Can A Dog Walk In The Snow? Working out how long you can walk your dog in the snow is likely to be based on the specific breed of the dog and the temperature outside. Providing the temperature is above freezing, a healthy medium or large dog should be able to walk for up to 30 minutes without experiencing any discomfort. As for smaller dogs, walks at this temperature should be limited to between 15 and 20 minutes. If the temperature is below freezing, it would be advisable to keep your dog inside and only walk them once the temperature rises above zero.

By Zac Girdlestone

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Festive Feline Collection - Christmas Toys & Treats For Cats
12.11.20 November 12, 2020 Seasonal Featured

Festive Feline Collection - Christmas Toys & Treats For Cats

Christmas is coming and we're rather excited about it here in the L&L offices. We can almost smell the scent of pine needles and mulled wine in the air! With another lockdown just around the corner, we are staying positive by starting our festive preparations early. You may already have seen our Christmas Grotto which opened in the last few weeks. It's full of goodies to make your pets' Christmas as special as possible. Here we thought we'd highlight the corner of our Grotto dedicated to cats. We've sourced some fabulous catnip toys and tasty treats, all with a festive twist, to make their holiday season a great one. Here we present some of our favourite picks from the collection!   KONG Christmas Toys for Cats KONG are possibly most famous for their dog toys, but their cat toys are just as amazing! KONG have thought about all of the things that cats love in their range of toys and have designed products for them to hunt, chase and pounce on: KONG Holiday Crackles Pal Mouse - This super cute mouse is filled with enticing catnip and will have your cat chasing around for hours on end. The mouse wears a festive Santa hat and a striped scarf.  KONG Holiday Laser Lights Teaser - This is a great 2-in-1 toy for cats. It is not only a teaser wand toy, but also has the added functionality of a laser light too. We all know a cat or two who love to play with their owners and this toy will give both cat and cat owner, multiple ways to play! KONG Holiday Kickeroo Reindeer Cuddler - This adorable reindeer toy for cats features a long shape that makes it ideal for kicking and batting around. The shape will allow your cat to kick with front and back legs giving them a full body workout during playtime. The soft plush material will be perfect for snuggles too, when playtime wears them out!    Rosewood Christmas Toys for Cats Rosewood are known for their premium quality products for pets. Their range includes some lovely things for cats and we're really excited about some of the festive themed toys. We just can't decide which is our favourite! Rosewood Penguin Catnip Grab Toy - How adorable is the Penguin shaped cat toy? It features a plush body and head in a wintery shade of grey as well as a long neck which will allow your cat to bite and bat it around around easily. Inside is high quality catnip to entice your cat for hours of play! Rosewood Multi Toy Bauble - I think we all know a cat who loves to play with the baubles on the tree, even though they know they're not supposed to! Well now you can treat them to a bauble all of their own. This pretty bauble contains three exciting cat toys. The bauble is hangable so you can keep it on the tree until Christmas Day if you wish, and features frosty colours of silver and blue.  Rosewood Metallic Feather teaser - Wand toys are great for playtime that involves both cat and owner. This one comes in a wintery silver colour and features a festive gingerbread man toy on the end. There isn't a cat in the land that won't love playing with this cute toy at Christmas!   Tasty Christmas Cat Treats  It wouldn't be Christmas without food and it's nice to include out pets in the festive feast wherever possible. Whilst most human foods aren't suitable for our feline friends, there are a number of treats and foods that are made just for them, complete with a festive twist: Hatchwells Cat Advent Calendar - Let your cat join in with the countdown to Christmas with their very own advent calendar. This one is filled with tasty yoghurt and catnip treats.  Dreamies Christmas Cat Stocking - You've got the cat advent calendar sorted, but what about their stocking? This version includes tasty Dreamies treats; individual servings that can be stored and saved for the New year - you don't want to give them too many sweets on the big day! Sheba Christmas Dinner Collection - This is a gift pack of cat foods that are ideal to be served in the run up to the big day and into the new Year. It contains 20 servings of cat food and treats in four tasty flavours; 2 types of creamy snack and two types of cat food in gravy. Your feline's Christmas dinner couldn't be tastier!    A few more of our favourite thing for cats... Happy Pet Fairy Light cat Teaser - This cute cat wand will keep your cats entertained for hours on end with it's fluffy feather trim and foil fairy light decoration. This is a perfect alternative to the KONG one mentioned previously, if you don't want the functionality of the laser. KONG Holiday Paw Stocking - This paw shaped stocking will look lovely hung on the mantle along with the stockings for the rest of the family. You can pop a number of cat toys and treats inside in preparation for Christmas Day. L&L Luxury Pet Blanket - The medium size velvet blanket is ideal for cats and small dogs and comes in Teal, Cranberry and a range of other colours. It will add a gorgeous, soft layer of cosiness to your cat's bed or cushion at Christmas. Your cat is sure to enjoy the dreamiest catnaps snuggled on this! Christmas is a time of joy for all of the family and that includes our pets. We hope we've given you some great ideas for your cats that will help make their Christmas as special as your own. This year may be a little different for us all, but there's no reason we can't make the absolute most of it and try to enjoy it as much as possible! We've only included some of our highlights from the Festive Feline Collection in this article, but you can find many more delightful things here in our Grotto.

By Megan Willis

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Christmas Toys For Dogs
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

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How To Calm Your Dog During Fireworks
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

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What To Do With Your Dog On Halloween?
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

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Seasonal Canine Illness - Advice for Dog Owners
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

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Everything You Need For Your New Beagle Puppy
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

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