5 Things your Dog Loves

Our dogs always keep us entertained and we’ve noticed that they have some pretty strange habits, but what are the top 5 things that our dog loves to do?

1. Making his own bed:

How adorable is that? Your pet loves to feel comfort just like you and will try and make their resting area a place that they can completely relax. They also tend to walk round in circles prior to settling in their bed, which is said to be a habit that goes back thousands of years when dogs would make nests for themselves in grass. This would mean that their scent was on the area so other animals would know that they’d claimed this territory.

2. Listening to music:

You probably already know that your perfect pooch is faultless at sniffing things out with his fantastic sense of smell, but did you know that they have a fantastic sense of pitch, too? When they hear another dog speak, they purposely alter their pitch so that they are seen as being unique. Research also suggests that classical music calms down our furry friends, whereas metal music makes them feel nervous. Spoken lyrics are also identified as preventing dogs from feeling lonely; hence why some owners like to leave their television or the radio on for their pup to listen to. If you sense that your dog is feeling lonely, it may be worth getting in touch with your pet insurance provider who can put you in touch with a vet to give you some more tips on kerbing his loneliness.

3. Experiencing new places:

Your pet probably gets super excited when they hear the beloved word ‘walkies’ echo through your household, but it’s always fantastic to allow your dog to experience new surroundings. There’s so much to see and sniff in a new atmosphere and walking in different settings helps develop your dog’s strength and endurance, as well as keeping them stimulated.

4. Doing chores:

Dogs, like humans, love to have a sense of purpose. Whether they’re busy looking for food, or protecting their family, dogs are bred specifically to work. If you fail to acknowledge your dog’s natural inclination to help out, it can often mean the dog is not stimulated, which may lead to behavioural issues. You can train your dog to do simple tasks, such as fetching the newspaper, or your slippers if you don’t trust them with a mop and bucket just yet!

5. Saving things for later:

Well, we definitely don’t mean food when our dog’s concerned, but any type of jewellery is snatched by our pup! After doing some research, it would seem that dogs are highly attracted to sparkly objects and they stash it away for later, because prior to being domesticated, dogs buried any food that they had to preserve it. For other dogs, it may be a way of keeping active or a way to be near your scent when you’re away at work.

Does your dog have the same loves as our furry friends? We’d love to know more of the odd things that your dog loves to do over on our Twitter, or Facebook pages.

Is Catnip affecting my Dog?

If you’re like us, you’ll definitely have more than one pet; the more the merrier! There’s some items that our cats love, and some that our dogs love, but can they appreciate each other’s toys and is it safe for dogs?

Is Catnip safe for my dog?

The simple answer is YES. Catnip actually contains minerals such as magnesium, as well as Vitamins C & E. Some claim that essential oils found in catnip can actually help keep your dog’s digestive system healthy, but it’s always best to check with any vet recommended by your pet insurance provider if you’re planning on giving your dog catnip as medicine.

Does Catnip have the same effect on my dog as my cat?

We’ve all seen our feline friends become pretty excited when around catnip, and wondered if it can have the same euphoric effect on our dogs, but unfortunately dogs simply don’t respond to catnip in the same way. Your dog will probably have a play with anything containing catnip, purely due to curiosity. Some say that catnip actually makes their dogs rather lethargic and have used it as a nerve tonic for them before visiting the vets.

Are Catnip toys safe for my dog?

Whilst a little catnip may be okay for your dog, catnip toys aren’t designed for them and therefore try to avoid giving them to your dog. All dogs love to chew and the chance of your pup swallowing any filling, or rattles within the toy is where the hazard lies. Try to keep these toys out of reach of your dog to prevent any unnecessary danger.

If you need further advice, please feel free to contact us on Facebook, or Twitter, or your pet insurance provider will be happy to put you in touch with a vet for more information.

Does my cat have diabetes?

We’ve been seeing a lot of talk about diabetes diagnoses increasing for humans in the next few years, but do our cats suffer from the disease, and how can we be sure if they are?

What is feline diabetes?

The official name for cat diabetes is Mellitus, which is actually pretty common in older, overweight cats. It occurs when there isn’t a sufficient amount of insulin in your cat’s body to balance out any sugar in their diet – so it’s pretty similar to diabetes in humans.

If your cat isn’t suffering from the disease, their food will be broken down when they digest it and the remaining sugar will enter the bloodstream. Insulin is then released, which regulates glucose levels; in a diabetic cat, this process does not happen. If too much sugar builds up in your cat’s body, it can be very dangerous, and if you suspect that this is happening you should always contact your pet insurance provider for further advice.

How do I know if my cat is suffering?

Symptoms of diabetes in cats can be as simple as obesity and old age. If your cat is older and slightly overweight, it’s best to keep an eye out on them more closely; if their water bowl goes dry and food is being consumed much more rapidly than usual, this could be a sign that your cat has diabetes. Frequent urination is often linked to the disease and is often assign that your pet’s glucose levels are unregulated. Your pet insurance provider can always put you in touch with a vet who can run tests to check how much sugar is in your cat’s urine and blood and will be able to give you a diagnosis.

What if my cat does have diabetes?

If your cat is diagnosed with having diabetes, they may need to receive regular insulin injections or be prescribed pills which will keep their sugar levels regulated. You’ll also have to revisit your pet’s diet and feed smaller portions, which have been designed by your vet to help handle your pet’s sugar intake. There isn’t necessarily a sure cure for diabetes, but even after a few months, some cats stop needing insulin as their pancreas can successfully supply the correct amount of insulin that their bodies need.
If you need further advice, please feel free to contact us on Facebook, or Twitter, or your pet insurance provider will be happy to put you in touch with a vet for more information.

Face Fines if your Pet isn’t Microchipped from TODAY:

Microchipping technology isn’t actually something new and exciting, despite it being a predominant news story over the past few months. It’s been around for about 25 years, however it hasn’t previously been a necessity in England, Wales, or Scotland. 

We’ve all been hearing stories about the new microchip law for months now, but what does it mean for us and our pets, and why is it now a legal requirement?

According to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, more than 1 million dogs have yet to be microchipped, despite the new law making it compulsory. It will not replace current requirements for dog’s to wear collars with their owners name and address, however will limit risks of your pet being unidentifiable.

Is there an age requirement?

Your dog must be microchipped by the time it is eight weeks old; if your local authority discover that you aren’t complying with this new regulation, you will have up to 21 days to fit one or risk being fined a maximum of £500.

 How is the microchip inserted?

The tiny chip is inserted in your pet’s neck and contains a unique code that helps your dog to be identified should they get lost on a regular walk, or unfortunately stolen. Any local authority, animal shelter, or vet can scan the chip and connect you to your pet instantly from details stored on a database.

 Where can I get my dog chipped?

We’ve seen over on Twitter that Dogs Trust are offering a free microchipping service which is fantastic news. Some vets and local councils will also be chipping dogs with no cost attached, but it’s best to check depending on your location.

 How do I know if my new pet is microchipped?

If you’re considering buying a new dog or puppy, you should ask for proof that the chip has been fitted prior to getting your new pet. The seller should have some paperwork to state that the dog has been microchipped to put your mind at ease.

Compulsory microchipping is already prevalent in countries including Northern Ireland, who have seen a steady decrease in the number of stray, lost & abandoned dogs. If you have yet to microchip your dog, be sure to make this a priority. We’ll be happy to answer any questions over on our Twitter, or Facebook pages. Alternatively, contact your pet insurance provider, who will provide answers to any further queries or questions that you may have.

Introducing a puppy to your kids

The two most wonderful things in life in our eyes: puppies & kids. Believe it or not, your child and your pet actually have quite a bit in common; they’re both inquisitive, impatient and are eager to try new and exciting things (and more often than not, it won’t be in the safest way)! With this in mind, ensure that their first meet is supervised so that the outcome can be as precious as you hope, and imagine it to be.

Be Mindful:

A child will often be incredibly excited when a little ball of fluff enters their life; they are likely to be eager to rush up to your new pet and start patting him, which could provoke a negative reaction from the puppy. Be mindful of this, and let the dog nose his way to the child, rather than letting your child approach the dog instantly. Your kids should also be prepped that dogs have zones of space which need to be respected. When a dog is within its intimate zone, the child shouldn’t approach them, unless the dog has explicitly indicated that it’s okay to do so. Explain that dogs get frightened too and they should remain calm and quiet, rather than shouting and using animated arm movements.

Know Limits:

If your new pet is showing signs of being uncomfortable with your child, don’t force it. The whole family should learn to know to stop play if signs of dominance are being shown from your pet. You should model the way you want your kids to approach their pet; once they learn this at home, they’ll learn the safest way to approach other animals outside of your family, too.

Encourage Patience:

Patience wouldn’t be the first thing that springs to mind when we’re talking puppies and kids, but it’s really important when introducing a new pet to the household. Between the age of eight and ten weeks, your puppy is still exploring the world. During this period, they can be a little over excited and may become defensive if your child echoes this sentiment, so remember that slow interactions help every member of the family to learn what feels fun to do, whilst knowing that they’re safe in one another’s company.

Include Everyone:

Your dog needs to be walked regularly to reduce the risk of fatigue and a possible pet insurance claim, which can also a fantastic excuse to exercise for the whole family. This will help the owner-dog relationship to naturally progress between your child and your pet, and in turn help both to mature together. Learning commands and looking after the puppy is another great way to grow the bond; have your child feed and clean up after your pet which will help teach responsibilities and create an inseparable tie between the family members.

If you need more tips on introducing a pet to the family, you can talk to us over on our Facebook, or Twitter pages. We’d love to see some pictures of your new pet, too!

Easter Chocolate Warning for Pet Owners

Easter Chocolate Warning for Pet Owners: 

Easter is such a wonderful time of year; spring has sprung so daffodils are aplenty, and families come together to share chocolate eggs to celebrate the end of lent and the beginning of Easter. In order to ensure that your pet gets to join in with the celebrations, avoid letting them get their Paws and Claws on any chocolate, which can result in them becoming seriously unwell.

Why is my dog allergic to chocolate? 

All chocolate may seem delicious to us, however it contains a stimulant known as theobromine that is exceptionally poisonous to our pets. Whilst some chocolate has more theobromine in than others – dark chocolate has the most – all sweet treats should be avoided by our pets to kerb serious issues.

What are the symptoms? 

Symptoms tend to occur within 4 – 24 hours of your dog consuming chocolate and can vary depending on the amount they have consumed. Some symptoms include:

• Vomiting which may include blood
• Restlessness
• Seizures
• Diarrhoea
• Heavy breathing
• Increased heart rate

What should I do if my dog has eaten chocolate?

If your dog has eaten even the smallest amount of chocolate, we recommend that you contact your pet insurance provider, even if symptoms do not occur instantly. They will be able to put you in touch with a vet who will want to know the type of chocolate that has been consumed and how long ago your dog has eaten the substance, in order to work out whether a toxic dose has been digested, and in turn which treatment is most suitable. It’s likely that your dog will be made to vomit and given active charcoal which will help to absorb any leftover theobromine that is left in the intestine. 

A great alternative to Chocolate Eggs for your pet can be won in our Easter competition, which you can find out more about on our Facebook page until 28th March 2016.  Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for pet tips, funny pics, competitions & more!

How to tell that your dog loves you

Since dogs are such a huge part of our families, we often show them how much they mean to us; we must all give our pets stockings at Christmas and pet-friendly eggs at Easter?

Even the little things like regular care and maintenance shows just how much we all love the furriest member of our family. But how can we tell that they love us back?

1. Loves Sleeping Next to You

Dogs prefer to be with members of their pack and sleeping with you shows that they deem you to be a member of the pack. Whether they sleep with you at night, or just have a quick snooze on the sofa whilst you watch your favourite film, this is all signs that they connect to you on a social level and helps them to feel extra safe.

2. Happy When You Come Home

Does your dog run up to you and lick excessively when you walk through the door? It's sometimes shown in other ways than just jumping and licking; if he approaches you with his tail wagging, he’s very pleased to see you.

3. Following You Around

Dog’s follow their owner for many different reasons, including being intelligent creatures who understand that you are their source of food and shelter. They also absolutely love being with their family which they show by sticking by your side.

4. Playing With You

Dog’s natural way of playing is to wrestle with us, which sometimes comes at very inopportune moments! If you’ve ever sat back whilst your dog is playing with another canine companion, you’ll see that he plays in a similar way to how he plays with you. It shows he feels comfortable around you and loves your company.

5. Cuddles after Eating

Our pet’s top priority is where their next meal is coming from, so it really is no surprise that they jump any opportunity to fill their tummies. But what is your dog’s next priority after eating? If they love nothing more than a relaxing cuddle after a meal, it’s a good sign that they are very comfortable around you.

Want to show even more love for your dog? Why not consider getting him insured from as little as £3.74 a month. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter for more pet tips, fun pics & competitions. We’re also on Facebook and Instagram, so give us a like!

Vomiting in Cats

More often than not, vomiting in cats can be easily managed at home. If your feline friend has vomited to bring up a hairball, has sneakily been stifling human food, or is perhaps reacting to something that they have hunted, their recovery should be fairly rapid and not be something to worry over too much.

Other more serious symptoms of vomiting in your pet could include road traffic accidents, fights with other cats, or eating something toxic – which in colder weather could be anti-freeze, or salt on roads.

Managing the Condition at Home:

The general guide is that if your cat has not been vomiting for more than 24 hours and doesn’t seem to be showing too many other signs of being unwell, you can begin to manage the condition at home. You must start with a period of starvation which must never exceed 24 hours. Be aware that if your cat is under 6 months old, you should not starve it for longer than 6 hours as this may cause the condition to deteriorate.

Watch their Diet:

Practising the starvation method should be followed immediately with a bland protein diet fed to your cat in 4 to 6 very small meals throughout the day; fish or poached chicken will usually suffice. By introducing the food in small stages, your cat’s sensitive stomach won’t be overloaded. Continue this for two or three days and make sure that plenty of fresh water is readily available to your pet, although don’t provide milk as this can increase the nausea in some cases.

Keep them at home:

Whilst you are strictly watching what your cat consumes, and feeding the bland diet, you should consider keeping your cat confined to your home. This will allow you to keep an eye on how well he’s recovering and to stop him from eating something he shouldn’t in either the house or the garden.

If your kitten or cat has been vomiting for over 24 hours, or if you have noticed blood in the vomit, you should contact your pet insurance provider who will put you in touch with a vet immediately.

Don't forget to keep up to date with the latest news from Paws & Claws on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter for more tips, fun videos & pet pics!

Prepping your Dog’s Paws for Cold Weather

Have you noticed that you’ve started to pile on more layers when stepping out of your front door and that winter seems to be longer this year? Well, these colder days and nights can really affect our dogs too.

Whilst their paws are exposed to the elements and toxic chemicals, their paw pads are at risk of drying and cracking and in extreme cases, chemical burning. Thankfully, there are a few things that we, as owners, can do to help combat these possibilities and ensure our dog’s paws remain healthy as the colder weather continues.

Prepare the Paw

Find a balm, or wax that suits your pet’s needs and then begin to prepare the paw for the balm. Many pet owners recommend Vaseline, but it’s important for the balm to be suited to your pet.

If your dog has long hair, use a clipper to make sure that the hair between the paw pads is short which will help prevent ice from forming in between and around the pads. This can be extremely painful for your pet and result in them becoming reluctant to go outside in colder weather.

Apply the wax before you go out for a walk in a thin layer and afterwards wipe your dog’s paw with a warm cloth. This will help to remove any snow, or ice. Follow this with applying further wax to stop the paw from drying out.

Avoid using salt and de-icer

Not only is salt bad for the paws and makes them dry out, it can also be toxic if ingested by your furry loved one. This is also the case for chemical de-icers used to thaw your car mirrors.

Try an alternative like popping a cover over your windscreen to stop ice from forming, and make sure you’re aware of treated areas so that your dog’s paws aren’t victim to salt and de-icer.

If your dog’s paws show major signs of irritation, like rashes or bleeding, it’s best to get in contact with your pet insurance provider who will refer you to a vet if needed.

Shorter walks are preferable

Dogs who are left in the cold for a lengthy period of time are at a higher risk of frostbite on paws, or even hypothermia. With this in mind, it may be an idea to go on shorter and more frequent walks with your pet, rather than one long walk to keep them from spending hours in the cold conditions.

Let us know how you treat your dog’s paws in this cold weather over on our Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter and tweet us your thoughts!

#LoveYourPetDay: Top 5 reasons why we love our cats

Top 5 reasons why we love our cats

This #LoveYourPetDay, we’re talking about why our feline friends are so adorable and why we love them so much. Any cat lovers will know how strong the bond can be between your furry friend and yourself.

Mark Twain even once wrote “I simply cannot resist a cat. They are the cleanest, cunningest and most intelligent things I have ever known.” But why do we love our cats so very much?

1. They’re unpredictable

We can never quite know what our cat will get up to next. One minute they crave the outside, and the next they love spending time with us in the comfort of our home. They seem to enjoy having no routine and it really does add excitement to each day… Maybe this is why they need 9 lives? Cat Insurance anyone?

2. It’s hard to gain acceptance

We love our cats and dogs equally, but gaining a cat’s acceptance does seem to be much harder than a dogs. It feels very meaningful when our cat rubs against our legs or wants to settle down for a cuddle. Even if our cat ducks away, but doesn’t run off, we consider this a victory.

3. They’re impressive athletes

One minute they’re on the floor, the next they’re on top of our wardrobes. Impressive. They seem to love to show off their athleticism in any way they can, whether it’s from their climbing skills, or their ability to run remarkably quickly.

4. They really are great at cuddling

The physicality of a cat is incredible; they’re able to curl round us and relax upon our laps or in our arms making us relax in turn. They seem to constantly want to sit on our lap, even at inconvenient times like when we’re on the toilet.

5. They only meow to us

Cats do not meow to other cats, only to us humans which is an amazing trait. Our cat is definitely talking to us and wants us to know that it loves us when it purrs loudly (or so we like to think!)

Got another reason to add to the list about why your cat is the purrrfect pet? Let us know on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.

#LoveYourPetDay: Top 5 reasons why we love our dogs

Top 5 reasons why we love our dogs

This #LoveYourPetDay we’re reflecting upon why our dogs are just the best. There’s so many books, films & websites devoted to our furry friends, so it’s pretty safe to say that they’re universally appreciated. Just in case there was any doubt in your mind, here are our Top 5 reasons why we love our dogs so very much!

Image: https://sites.psu.edu

1. They’re genuinely excited to see us

It’s always great to know that our dogs are waiting at the door and seem to know when we’re coming home. Our beautiful dogs always seem deliriously ecstatic when we open the door, and there’s nothing quite like feeling that loved after a day of work.

2. Best Friends Forever

The phrase ‘Mans Best Friend’ is beyond accurate. Dogs are always doing new and exciting things that keep us entertained and watching them grow from a puppy to an adult is so rewarding. Despite challenges in training a puppy, and the occasional visit to the vets for any issues, they remain loyal and adoring. We’re just glad we have pet insurance to keep those vet bills low and our best friend’s healthy.

3. They’re the best exercise partner

They provide constant motivation to go outside and face the great outdoors! Exercise barely even feels like exercise with our dogs around. They love a long walk along the beach as much as we do, and we can’t think of anybody we’d prefer to share those lovely experiences with.

4. They just know when we’re upset

Dogs seems keenly aware of when we’re feeling a little sad and do their best to show maximum affection during this time. It’s hard to stay upset when our dogs have their head rested upon our laps and seem extra cuddly!

5. They’re the perfect listening partner

Sometimes, our pets seem to nod along in agreement when telling them about the latest news and filling them in on our days. It’s almost like they’re genuinely interested in what we have to say, without comment or passing judgement.

A house is really not a home without a pet. For more pet related stories, fun facts & cute pics, don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and give us a like on Facebook.

Treating your Dog’s bad breath in time for Valentine’s Day!

From your partner to your dog, make sure the whole family are prepped with fresh breath in time for Valentine’s Day this year!  Dogs are known for stealing a smooch, or two from their beloved owners, so you can rest assured that your dog will be there for this romantic weekend to provide unconditional love.

Look out for a change in behaviour:

There are countless reasons why dogs can behave badly, but undetected oral hygiene issues can be one of them.

If your dog begins to chew on items that he usually would bypass, or is paying more attention to chomping on his favourite chew toy, it may be a sign that he is experiencing dental problems that could easily be remedied with regular brushing.

Always remember, prevention is better than cure! The daily practice of good dental health should be maintained by both humans and pets, and regular tooth brushing is the best way to prevent disease that can become more of an issue with a build-up of plaque.

Reduce stress for your dog:

To reduce stress in your dog, introduce a brushing routine in to their daily activities from a young age and try and stick to the same time each day.

An ideal time to get the tooth brush out is after walking & feeding when your dog is lethargic and relaxed.

Before you go ahead with the paste, give your pet a quick dental check and ensure that their gums aren’t bleeding. If you spot any signs of this, or broken/chipped teeth, give your pet insurance provider a quick call and they will advise you of any steps that need to be taken.

Introducing the steps gradually:

Introduce the taste of the paste prior to brushing, and then the feel of the brush slowly to your dog. This way he won’t respond in a shocked manner; even if it involves your dog licking paste off of his teeth, he will gradually become used to the sensation and the process will become an easy, daily occurrence.

Do you give your pet dental treats and chews to combat disease? Which would you recommend to the Paws & Claws community? We’d love to hear your thoughts on Facebook or Twitter! Alternatively, if you’d like additional advice on ways to prevent plaque build-up, contact your pet insurance provider, who will put you in touch with a preferred vet for further advice.

Getting your Dog to say ‘Cheese’ for the picture perfect snap!

This Valentine’s Day, we’re running a competition over on our Facebook page to encourage all you pet owners to take some smiling snaps with your pet in an effort to be the lucky winner of a Petsafe Drinking Fountain. We absolutely adore  a dog’s smile and it can be hard not to laugh when they show us their big grin! By training your dog to smile on command, you can enjoy that adorable look whenever you like.

Here are our Top Tips to get your pet to cooperate, ready for the perfect smiling snap:

1. Encourage the smile: Try stroking your pet and rubbing their tummy to get your dog happy and relaxed. You should encourage the behaviour whenever you see it.
2. Reward the smile: Once you start to know when your dog’s mouth is forming a smile, start to reward it. Give him a treat and be over-the-top with praise whenever you see him smiling and you’ll begin to notice it more and more.
3. Give the smile a name: In the same way that you’d coo at a baby and shout CHEESE enthusiastically before opening your camera lens, try doing the same with your dog. This will teach your dog to respond to the chosen word by smiling, just like how you have taught him to sit on command.
4. Don’t distract from the smile: If you know there’s a specific location where your dog feels relaxed, practice the smile here. This way, his attention is on you and will be focussed on perfected that pearly white grin.

For more tips, follow us on Twitter and give us a like on Facebook.  Head over to Facebook now & enter our competition before 21.02.16.

How to introduce a new pet to your home and existing pets

It’s not all cuddles and ease…

Before getting a new pet, our minds work overtime imagining the picture perfect scene of our dogs meeting for the first time. It’ll be all cuddling up to one another on the sofa, whilst we all settle in to the latest EastEnders episode, right?

Well, not quite.

It’s always hard to know when adding a new family member to your pack what’s big YES and what is a solid NO!

Pack leader will feel like their territory may be threatened

Top tip - introduce the pets gradually; there is nothing worse than just bringing a new dog in to the house; the original pack leader will feel like the newbie is threatening their territory, thus leading to competition between the two, which often leads to a bigger problem later in life.

Remembering that it can be stress inducing for your current dog, try and place two cages in separate areas of your home. This way your dogs can smell each other, rather than experiencing intimidating visual eye contact from the other pet.

Some say that “scent articles” help to introduce dogs; they pop a toy, or blanket from the other dog in the new pet’s cage so they can get used to the scent which creates a bond between the dogs.

Give your new family member freedom (even though they may be naughty)…

The new dog should also be given freedom to roam freely around the home (whilst your second dog is out of sight) so they can explore and leave their scent on a territory that is still not claimed.
This may confuse the original dog when he comes and wanders the house, however allow him to sit by your side and give him some comfort so that he becomes accustomed to the new scent and knows that it doesn’t need to be feared.

Next, arrange a face-to-face meeting for your pets. ♥

This should not occur in the house, as this can cause to territorial problems; a park is a much better place for a first meeting. The dogs will detect a familiar scent and are likely to greet one another and have a good sniff, rather than a fight! By first introducing scent, before a visual greeting, you’ve allowed the dog’s natural instincts to be the teacher which is simple and effective; after all a dog’s sense of smell is considered to be their primary sense!

If you are worried, or have concerns about introducing a new dog to your household, contact your pet insurance provider who will be able to put you in touch with a vet for more information.

Come & keep an eye out for more top tips, fun vids & share your pics over on our Facebook & Twitter pages.

5 Nail Clipping Tips

If, like our Riley, your dog despises having his nails clipped, try these top tips to make the whole process much less stressful for the furriest member of your family – and yourself!

If you can hear a tapping sound when your dog walks on the kitchen floor, he’s well overdue a nail clipping. Tedious, but necessary, this part of the dog grooming process is super important as torn nails and broken toes can lead to much bigger problems than a simple snip and go!

We dread the day Riley needs a clip, as the process can be very intimidating; he hates his paws being touched and there’s always that underlying fear of cutting a little too far down and chopping his delicate paw.

Image: Dogster.com

Whilst that fear never truly subsides, these top tips have certainly made the process much less gruelling and run a lot more smoothly:

1. Touch your dog’s feet more: When you’re enjoying a cuddle with your furry friend – and without those pesky clippers anywhere in sight – get your dog used to the sensation of having his paws touched. The more normal the process becomes, the more your dog won’t even notice that you’re touching him. You could try and associate the experience with treats if needed.
2. Inspect your dog’s feet: If there is rock, salt or dirt in between your dog’s toes, the nail clipping can be quite painful. It’s important to inspect and remove anything that has stuck to your dog’s feet before starting to clip the nail.
3. Be slow: Introduce the clippers in a relaxed way and trim just one tow at a time. Even if it takes you a few days to get them all done at first, your dog will become more used to the sensation.
4. Miss the quick: The quick is a vein in the nail; if you cut it, your dog will bleed. On lighter coloured dogs, this is the pink area that runs through the nail, but on darker dogs it’s a little harder to distinguish, so ensure you are being alert for the quick.
5. Use styptic powder: Even professionals can accidentally hit the quick sometimes; keep calm if this happens. If you don’t panic, your dog is less likely to. Slowly apply the powder and the bleeding with stop quickly.

Let us know how you get on with these few tips over on our Facebook page, and make sure you’re following us on Twitter for more tips, tricks and fun!

How do cats learn their name?

It’s often thought that cats can’t recognise their name at all, whereas dogs are happy to jump up as soon as they hear ‘Rover’ being called. It’s important to remember that cats are motivated when they can see something in it for themselves; dogs are pack animals, whereas cats are free spirits!

Image: https://herbertspoultry.wordpress.com/

If you want your cat to respond to their name, try these few tips – remembering that intonation can help, and if your feline friend isn’t responding to you at all, try stressing a different part of their name.

1. Pick a name that is easily recognisable (Princess Furry Boots II won’t work!) Start to say their name when they are sat with you and seem to be content. This way they will associate being relaxed with their name.

2. If you cat looks up at you whilst you’re stroking them and saying their name, give them a reward like a small treat or something that you know that they enjoy; they are more likely to continue responding to their name in the hope of getting a reward. It may be an idea to give them less food than usual; this way they aren’t in danger of gaining excess weight during their name training with all those extra treats!

3. Use a hand gesture along with the name, like stretching out your hand to show that you’d like your cat to come to you.

4. Once they associate their name with affection, or a treat, practise saying your pets name when they are playing in a different room and praise them if they do indeed respond.

5. Patience is key; get your whole family to join in with the training process and keep it going until your cat begins to respond. Remember that cats don’t respond kindly to discouragement and are likely to develop a negative attitude to the training if affection from you begins to stop! Although you don’t need to dish out treats all the time once the training has started to show signs of sinking in, remember that you should continue to demonstrate affection and praise.

Even with the best training, there will be times when these tips don’t work; keep trying with different incentives that are likely to work on your cats. In some severe cases, it may be a sign that your pet may have a hearing problem. If you suspect this to be the case, call your pet insurance provider who will refer you to a vet for a screen of your cat’s hearing.                                                                                                                              

Cold Facts about Dangers of Anti-Freeze for your Pets

Whether you have already been hit by snow in your area, or the cold temperatures are leaving a pristine layer of ice on your car, you’ll know that temperatures in the UK are steadily dropping and that we are set to see further freezing temperatures leading in to the end of January.

During this time, we’re sure that you’ll try everything you can to prevent snow and ice from effecting your everyday life; from popping a cover over your car, to generously pouring de-icer on the sheet of ice that has formed overnight on your garden features.

Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, which is a substance - used in car radiators and de-icers - that can prove deadly if your pet ingests the chemicals. Unfortunately for us feline lovers, cats seem to be attracted to the smell and the taste of anti-freeze; they only need to ingest a small amount of the toxic liquid for them to become dangerously affected.

To combat the growing problem of anti-freeze killing an average of 50 cats per month in the UK, try and buy a product that doesn’t contain ethylene glycol, in order to safeguard against both your pets and the distress for other pet owners. Alternatively, keep your products in a sealed container that your pet won’t have any access to and clean up any spills immediately.

Some signs to look out for in a pet that has digested anti-freeze are vomiting, lethargy, going to the toilet more often & drinking an unusual amount. If you know – or suspect – that your pet has come in to contact with the chemical, please contact your pet insurance provider who will let you know the next steps to take.

When is your puppy considered an adult?

With so many products and foods targeted at “puppies” or “adult dogs” do you really know what you should be feeding your pet? 

Making the change from puppy to adult food is as important for dogs as it is for babies, as there is a big change in regards to the nutritional requirements of your puppy as they approach maturity. Feeding a dog puppy food can cause issues later on in life, as puppy food is high in calories causing your adult dog to put on a lot of unnecessary weight, which may be problematic to tackle further on in their life.

There are so many articles out there which provide conflicting information when it comes to making the transition from puppy to adult food, but the important thing to bear in mind that different breeds mature at different rates. Smaller breeds often mature much quicker than larger breeds. It is said that smaller breeds (13kg) mature around 10 to 12 months, whereas larger dogs (35kg) mature at 13 to 16 months.

It’s important to remember that these are only guidelines, and the best guideline to follow is your pets’! If they are already rejecting their puppy food, it may be time to move them along, and if they are having trouble adapting to the new flavours of adult food, try mixing it at first to help them adjust. Add a little more adult food as time goes on and soon enough, you should only be feeding the adult food. This also helps reduce the risk of upset stomachs!

If you would like to seek further advice about switching your pet’s food, contact your pet insurance provider, who will be able to put you in touch with their preferred vet for confirmation of when is best to make the change.

How does my dog see?

A huge misconception when it comes to dogs is the belief that they can only see the world in black and white. Although their vision in colour is not nearly as expert as us humans, they can see some colours due to the two different colour cone cells in their retina – yellow and blue. Dogs, however, can’t fully distinguish between green, red and yellow colours, although this does not mean that they cannot identify them as a colour – so yes, your dog is likely to know the colour between different coloured balls, although it may take them a bit longer if the ball is red, green or yellow!

So my dog’s vision isn’t as great as mine? 

Well, your dog manages to outperform humans when it comes to seeing moving objects in the distance – they’re about 10 to 20 times more sensitive to motion at a distance and can adjust to changes in light much more easily than humans! Dogs have a wider degree of peripheral vision than us humans, and this combined with their fast pace and twilight sensitivity makes them the perfect candidate for hunting down fast-moving pray at long distances. 

Image: barkpost.com

So, next time your dog can’t find that red ball you’ve thrown in to the green grass, remember that their colour cone cells are not as receptive to these colours, and that their world is mainly full of intense blues and yellows! Needless to say, what they lack in visual abilities, they more than make up for in their great sense of smell; their noses are said to be a 100 million times more sensitive than their owners!

Your pet is an important part of the family and with 1 in 3 requiring veterinary treatment every year following an accident, or illness it is vital that you are able to provide the care your pet needs if the worst happens. We offer Pet Insurance for your pets eyes, or any other accidents or illnesses from as little as £3.74 a month.