General Pet Advice

Please note. This page is only for general pet advice. If your pet looks unwell then please get immediate veterinary attention. Water - pets get thirsty too.

Always ensure that your pet has access to fresh drinking water. Check bowls and feeders daily (twice daily when the weather is hot) and make sure that water bottles are functioning properly.

Dogs and cats can have ice cubes added to water during hot spells and small animals can have water which has been chilled.

Heat - Keep them cool

If your pet is feeling the heat there are many things you can do to help them. For instance, you can place wet towels over your dogs, put damp towels on a coll surface for your cat to lie on. Small animals can have chilled bottles of water placed in their pens. Please remember though to remove any traces of glue or wrapping beforehand. Lightly mist birds with water and place your fish at all times away from direct sunlight.

Cold - keep them warm and well

When the cold months arrive, you need to take special care of your pets. They may require extra food - as animals tend to burn more calories when it gets very cold.

You need to check their water at least 3 times daily. Water supplies can freeze very easily and without a supply of water your pet will get dehydrated. Water bottle nibs can actually freeze in minutes - even if the bottle itself shows no sign of freezing. Place old socks, or bubble wrap over bottles or invest in a special insulation cover.

We strongly recommend bringing pets inside during the winter. This might mean using the shed or outhouse. Use garages only if you do not use it to park your car. Exhaust fumes will kill.

Remove damp bedding daily and remember to exercise small animals during winter months as this is the time when they are often more confined.

Check cat flaps at least once a day as they can freeze shut very easily, leaving poor mog outside in the cold.

When walking dogs, make sure you protect their feet from ice grit and salt by rubbing paw wax onto their paws. Alternatively you can buy special boots which are now available. Remember, when out walking near open water, always keep your dog on a lead, as frozen lakes, rivers or canals can be lethal.

Think about older animals. Like us, they may need extra heating when they get older. There are products available now to make your life and their lives much easier and happier - such as microwaveable heat pads and plug in heated beds.

Don't forget the wildlife either. They will also benefit from extra food and water as their natural supplies are scarce.

Bonfire night - its no fun for them

Bonfires and fireworks are a huge problem for animals. Animals might shelter in an unlit bonfire, leading to disastrous results when lit. Fireworks are very noisy and can be very frightening for animals.

Always ensure therefore that they are safely shut away. Keep cats and small animals indoors. Dogs should always be kept on leads. Ideally try using a natural sedative such as Seren-um. It can be used safely on dogs, cats and rabbits. Most animals will not eat when fireworks are in full swing, so make sure that they are fed earlier in the day. Keep yourself and your pets safe.

Travel Tips

Never leave any animal in a car unattended on a warm day. In a matter of minutes, you could have a tragedy on your hands. Try to travel early in the morning or evening, as it is much cooler for your pet.

Dogs should be placed where they are secure. Use dog guards, harnesses etc.

For cats and small pets, we do not recommend using cardboard carriers, as they are both flimsy and usually have insufficient ventilation. We see far too often pets arriving at our shop, panting and exhausted, having been transported in such carriers. We recommend using mesh or plastic carriers which are placed out of direct sunlight and a good supply of fresh water.

For your peace of mind: A top tip

If you are travelling, without your pet, always carry instructions on any animal that you might have at home. Should you fall ill or have an accident, then someone will be aware that there are animals at home that need to be cared for.

We will be expanding and improving on this page as our site develops. We welcome any questions that you might have or any suggestions for items that you would like us to include. Please see the "contact us" page for details.