We all know that caring for a dog’s teeth is important. However, did you know that at different stages of their life, your dog requires different types of dental care? Puppies have sensitive and vulnerable teeth. For this reason, their teeth should be treated with care. Their young teeth may also not yet be strong enough to deal with some dental treatments. Equally, adult dogs’ teeth are not as fragile and therefore can withstand other forms of care. Dental care is particularly important here, because unlike puppies their set of teeth has to last for the rest of their life. Older dogs tend to be at a higher risk of dental conditions because their teeth are often more fragile, and they have worn down over time. Read on to discover the different stages of dental care. Puppy Teeth Taking care of a puppy’s teeth can be difficult. Their mouths and teeth are constantly growing and going through changes, which makes keeping track of their dental health important. By the age of 3-4 weeks your pup should have started to grow their first set of teeth. Just like people, dogs grow a set of milk teeth before their adult teeth come through. Once they have come through it tends to take around another 3-4 months before they fall out and adult teeth begin to take their place. Whilst milk teeth aren’t permanent it is still important to look after them. Following the below tips should help keep your puppy’s teeth healthy throughout their first year: Check teeth regularly – Since your puppy’s teeth are constantly changing it’s important that you check them out at least once a week. This will allow you to identify if there are any early signs of a condition developing in your dog’s mouth. Provide your puppy with toys – It’s important to make sure your dog has chew toys while they’re going through the teething process. Chew toys will not only help to keep your dog’s teeth clean, but will also soothe the pain of teething. Make sure teeth have fallen out – After about 3-4 months your puppy’s teeth should have started to fall out. You should take your pup to the vet if your dog’s teeth haven’t started to fall out by this time. Brush their teeth – Brushing your puppy’s teeth from a young age is really important. Not only does it help look after their teeth, but it also gets them used to the idea of brushing from a young age. We advise you start off by slowly rubbing your fingers across your puppy’s mouth. Once you have mastered this you can start to use toothpaste and eventually a toothbrush. Remember to praise and reward your dog after each session of cleaning.

Caring for a newborn kitten can be daunting. The type of care you provide will depend on whether the mother is present or whether you have found this kitten on its own. In this article, we will talk you through the essentials of kitten care, what you should keep in mind as you raise this feline through the early years of their life and how to bring up a strong, healthy and confident cat. Is the mother present? The first question you need to consider when caring for a newborn kitten is whether the mother is present. If she is, then there is less that you will need to do. Most cats know instinctively how to raise their young and will do all the necessary actions at all the right stages in the kitten’s life. It is your job to simply make sure they are warm, safe and protected. But if you have found a newborn kitten that doesn’t seem to have a mother, you will need to take on all her duties. If this is a stray kitten, do make sure the mother is not coming back before taking the kitten in. If you are not careful, you could separate the mother from her young. Keeping them warm When considering how to care for a newborn kitten, you must remember to keep them warm. If the kitten you find is cold, you must warm their body temperature before you do anything else. You can check how cold they are by touching their paws or the tips of their ears.

We all know dogs are able to sense plenty of things we can’t. So, are ghosts one of them? In this article we’re trying to answer the old-age question: “do dogs see ghosts?”. Our canine friends are loyal, gentle and all-around amazing beings. But it’s their ghostbuster-like behaviour that makes them unlike any other family member: howling at the moon, staring into empty space, getting vocal for no apparent reason or running out of the room as if chasing some invisible enemy.

Great news - the time has finally come when you can welcome your new kitten into your home! Just like bringing home a new-born baby, you’ll want everything to be just right so that they’ll settle in quickly and feel right at home. Making the decision to get a kitten is incredibly exciting as not only will you be gaining a new furry friend, but you’ll also be getting an extra family member! Before bringing a kitten home, you’ll need to spend a bit of time preparing for them. That’s why we’ve created this guide to tell you everything you need to know about getting a new kitten, so you can welcome your new four-legged friend into a warm, friendly environment where they’ll feel safe, comfortable and right at home! Before your new kitten comes home Before bringing home a new kitten, there’s a bit of admin for you to do! Here are a few things to get sorted before they arrive: • If you don’t already have a vet, ask local cat owners to recommend one, and get your new kitten registered straight away. It’s much less stressful to know they’re on the books already, as you’ll need to take them for their kitten vaccinations and neutering. It’s also worth it for the peace of mind in case they’re ever unwell.

Teaching and training your dog basic commands and cues is a fun and rewarding experience for both of you. It’s important to begin training your dog at an early age to get the foundations right before your puppy grows into an adult dog. Puppy training and teaching your dog is a great way to spend time together and can also be lots of fun! Dogs are fast learners, and with your loving guidance, training your dog how to ‘come’, ‘sit’, ‘stay’ and even go to the toilet will nurture your relationship as well as encourage good behaviour. Well-trained dogs are less likely to stray, and generally have more comfortable and fulfilling lives compared to their untrained counterparts. Young puppies make eager pupils, so you can start training your dog as soon as you get them home. It’s a myth that pups need to be at least six months old before they can be properly trained – the younger they are, the easier it is to teach them. Think of them as little furry sponges, waiting to soak up all the learning you can give them! Here you’ll find lots of advice on the basics of dog training. For more detailed and advanced dog training advice, try contacting a professional trainer. Visit Dog Guru or Dog Zen by Mark Vettefor some options.

It can be quite worrying if you notice that your dog seems to be losing some of their lovely coat. Alopecia in dogs can be the result of skin infections such as ringworm (a fungal infection), a bacterial infection or parasites such as mites, and is often the result of the dog scratching or licking an itchy or sore area. Alopecia in dogs can affect all breeds and genders at any stage of their life. It’s a fairly common condition and can display as either partial or complete hair loss, but it can also affect your dog’s skin, endocrine, lymphatic and immune systems. It can be alarming to see your dog losing hair as it can be very noticeable, especially if you have a long-furred pet who typically has a silky-smooth coat. Luckily, alopecia in dogs is usually very treatable and a visit to the vet should help to find the root of the problem and allow you to find a suitable treatment to get your dog back to their usual, gorgeous selves. Causes of hair loss in dogs Alopecia in dogs can be a result of a number of skin conditions and cases can range from gradual to acute. The most common causes of hair loss in dogs include: • Mange, an occurrence caused by the mite ‘Demodex’. • A disruption in the growth of hair follicles caused by trauma, infection, immune disease or endocrine system abnormalities. • Hair follicle inflammation. • Allergic reactions: this may be to food or items in your dog’s environment. • Diet and feeding: poor diet can often be a cause of hair loss in dogs. • Parasites and fleas: these can cause intense itching and you may notice your dog losing hair around their lower back, inner thighs, neck and ears. • Bacterial skin infections or hot spots. • Ringworm: if the cause is ringworm, it will typically display as circular patches of flaky, red, hairless patches. • Overgrooming: grooming is obviously normal, but sometimes dogs may do it excessively due to stress or pain. • Seasonal alopecia: some dogs may experience hair loss each autumn which may take around 6 – 12 months to regrow. This type is most common in Boxers, Bulldogs, Dobermans and Staffordshire Bull Terriers. • Inherited: alopecia in dogs can be inherited if your dog’s mother of father suffered from it. More widespread hair loss in your dog’s coat may indicate a more specific disease, so it’s always important to see your vet as soon as you suspect your dog may be losing their fur. Symptoms of alopecia in dogs If you notice your dog losing hair, that can be a symptom of alopecia in itself, but there are also a few other signs they may display too: • Brittle or dry coat. • Shedding more than usual. • Bald patches on your dog. • Crusting, inflammation or red patches around the area of hair loss. • Scaly skin may be present. • Dandruff. • Itchy skin. • Overgrooming. • Patches of dark skin.

Dogs bring a lot of joy into our lives, but when they fall ill it’s all too easy to worry about the cost of treatment. That’s where dog and puppy insurance comes in! We’re here to help you find the right policy for you and your pet. Veterinary care is improving all the time, but unfortunately, these treatments can be expensive. When your dogs under the weather, the last thing you want to worry about is having enough money to make them well again, which is why dog or puppy insurance is a great idea. Taking out a dog insurance policy can bring you real peace of mind by taking the worry out of many stressful situations. Even so, you’ll need to be careful when choosing the company and policy for your pup, as there can be a wide difference between them – it’s not fun, but this time you really need to read the small print! Have a chat with your vet about pet insurance for dogs and the different types of insurance cover you could benefit from. In the meantime, we’ve put together some things to consider when you’re looking for your new policy to help you on the way. What to look for in a dog or puppy insurance company When you’re thinking about how to choose dog insurance, it’s a good idea to look at the company, as well as the cover they offer. A good company means less stress for you should your dog need veterinary treatment. The first thing you should look out for is a good track record in terms of claims history, the types of claim made, and the frequency of claims. You can ask your veterinary practice for advice, or look for this kind of information on the company’s website. The dog or puppy insurance company should also be easy to contact and offer a straightforward service. Make sure you look at how you can contact them – whether this is by phone, email or live chat. The company you choose should always be open to queries, friendly and helpful, you may need to contact them at a difficult time, so it’s important for you to find them approachable.

Our pets are a saving grace when we’re stuck inside. Their happy wagging tails and sweet purrs offer a welcome pick me up when we’re feeling down, but after a while, they can get bored of being cooped up. We’ve created this guide with our top 10 tips to keep your dog or cat happy indoors. When it comes to being stuck inside, there’s no doubt that pets can make the time at home feel a whole lot more enjoyable. They’re there when we need to vent or just need a good cuddle, and their care provides a productive outlet that’s beneficial to both pets and people. But being stuck at home with your pet can also present its share of challenges. Here you can find some tips on how to keep your pet happy and engaged when you’re stuck inside. 1. Stick to Their Routine Your routine has likely been disrupted in some pretty significant ways. In times like these, it can be tempting to let your pet’s routines fall to the wayside, too. Purina behaviourist Dr. Annie Valuska warns against this: “It’s important to try to keep your pet’s routine as intact as possible. Feeding, potty, and walks should all happen when they normally do.” She also reminds us that continuing to ask for good manners, like sitting before going through a doorway or not begging for table scraps, is another important way to maintain consistency in your pet’s routine. 2. Be Intentional About Rest Time Your pet may be used to having time to themselves while the family is away, so try to give them plenty of rest time throughout the day. As Purina behaviorist Dr. Francois Martin reminds us, “It is not a good idea to change your pet’s routine with a lot of socialisation. Pets are not kids. Owners don’t have to keep them busy with things to do all day.” Parents, breathe a sigh of relief: your kids may need activities to fill their days, but your cat or dog will be just fine, and will even benefit from having some quiet time. 3. Let Them Chew It Out For those conference calls, homeschooling sessions, or just moments when you need some rest, it can be helpful to give your pet a long-chew treat to help keep them entertained. Dr. Sverine Ligout, a Purina behaviorist, reminds us that while these treats can be a fun activity for your pet, it can also be easy to overfeed them. Keep calorie counts in mind and compensate for extra treat calories by feeding a little less at mealtime. 4. Exercise, Exercise, Exercise Keep nerves in check and channel nervous energy into a productive outlet - exercise. Staying active during this time is as beneficial for you as it is for your pet. You may not be able to take your dog to the dog park for exercise, but you can still find ways to get their energy out. Even a trip to the mailbox can provide a little exercise. If you’re stuck inside, clear away some furniture to make room for a game of fetch or tug of war. Get out in the backyard if you have one and play a game of chase. We recommend using exercise as another way to reinforce your pet’s schedule. Have planned play sessions at around the same time each day, this will encourage your pet to follow routine, while also providing physical and mental stimulation, as well as promoting the human-animal bond. 5. Play Some Mind Games Another great way to tire your pet out is with mental stimulation, like teaching them a new trick or two! Have you always wanted your dog to be able to roll over or for your cat to dance? Now is the perfect time for those lessons. “Just like people, pets experience what we call the ‘Eureka Effect,’ or the emotional response to problem solving,” Dr. Ragen Mc Gowan, Purina behaviorist, explains. “That ‘ah ha’ moment when you finally figure something out. You feel a positive surge of emotions. Our pets experience this as well.” You can also use feeding time as a way to mentally enrich your pet’s day. Scatter their food around the house and let them use their sense of smell to find it or incorporate a puzzle toy into feeding to give them a little mental challenge.

Spending lots of time indoors can get boring for all after a while, and that feeling extends to your pets too! That’s why we’ve put together this article to give you lots of handy tips for keeping your cat or dog entertained inside your home. When the whole family is cooped up inside for extended periods of time, you may find it difficult to come up with new activities for your family and pets. Fortunately, there are a number of enrichment activities you can set up indoors for both cats and dogs and some can even involve the kids. These activities can provide your pet with much-needed mental stimulation and help prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviours if left unchecked. 1. Designated Together Time Transitioning to being home all day is a big change for everyone, including your pets. Try creating a new routine with designated time together each day. Try doing fifteen minutes at the same time every day for a week. Find a quiet space, and while giving your pet your undivided attention, pet them for the full fifteen minutes, adding in praise or telling them a story. Note how your pet reacts the first day compared to their reaction a week later. They may start seeking you out when it’s play time. If you both enjoyed this time together, continue as a daily activity, or change things up by keeping the same time but adding a new activity. 2. Movement Both dogs and cats find moving objects, lights and sounds entertaining. You can hang a bird feeder outside a window so your pet can watch. Light catchers, lasers, feather wands and cat dancer toys are popular with cats. You can even try creating your own as a family activity. Light catchers or wind catchers are easy for beginners. 3. Couch Potato Play Spending more time inside often means more time on the couch binge-watching a TV show. Your pet may enjoy curling up next to you for TV time, but you can also give them something to do without leaving the couch. We suggest keeping a basket or drawer of toys close by, such as stuffed animals, feather wands and tug-toys. Verbal encouragement is often enough for pets as they interact with a toy on their own. Provide words of praise, which can increase their excitement for the activity and extend play time.

Whether you enjoy a soothing meow every now and then or you’re growing impatient with all your cat’s attempts to make conversation, the reasons why cats meow are just as fascinating as the kittens themselves. Find out more here. As a proud cat owner, you are by now probably used to the daily soundtrack of meows and purrs your cat shares with you. But did you know that the way cats communicate with other cats is mainly via scent, and cat meowing is a language reserved for humans only? That’s to say, cats don’t meow at each other, only at humans, and meowing is a learned behaviour. Different meows tend to mean different things too and a subtle difference in one meow to another can indicate your cat is talking to you for a very different reason! Why would cats, who are better known for their “can’t be bothered” attitude, go to all the trouble to communicate with us? They must have something important to say. So if your cat won’t stop meowing and you need help deciphering what this means, here are the top reasons why cats meow. Why do cats meow? 1. To greet you If you’re used to a short meowing burst just as you close the door after returning home, congratulations – your cat actually noticed you were missing. These quick meows are your cat’s way of saying “hi” and “where have you been all this time”. A bit of affectionate petting and a few warm words are expected in return before your feline friend goes back to the usual preoccupations. Ah, the joys of being a cat owner! 2. To get your attention One reason why cats meow is to they can get your attention for play, petting or some nice treats. So if your cat keeps brushing up against you while belting out her signature meows, chances are you’re needed for some good old spoiling time. So if you’re wondering why does my cat keep meowing, that’s your cue to get the bag of treats out. If you need some inspiration, here are some cool cat games ideas to try. Have fun! 3. To get food If your cat won’t stop meowing at certain times, it’s always a good idea to check the food bowl. If it’s empty, you know why your cat is meowing! However, don’t fill up the bowl straight away – a good trick is to wait until your cat stops meowing before getting the food out. Otherwise your cat will learn that they can meow and get fed, so they’ll do it more. 4. To tell you they’re unwell Unfortunately, the reason why cats meow is not always easy to address, especially if the pitch and the frequency of your cat’s vocalisations are unusual. If your cat is meowing at night, they might be trying to tell you there is something wrong. In fact, many illnesses from kidney disease to urinary tract problems or arthritis can have your kitty meowing for help. If you notice anything unusual about the sounds your cat is making, it’s always better to visit the local vet to rule out a possible illness. However, be aware that it can be very difficult to read a cat’s body language and they often hide signs of pain, so just because they are not meowing doesn’t mean they are necessarily comfortable! If your cat is not a youngster anymore, watch out for a common culprit showing up in older cats – Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome. Some of the symptoms include confusion and meowing at night, so make sure you discuss this possibility too with your vet. 5. To indicate stress If you notice extra cat meowing on top of the usual chat you’re expecting from your feline friend, think about any possible disturbances or changes in your cat’s environment. A new house, a new pet or a new baby can set off alarm bells in the mind of your furry companion. So be mindful of any changes and try to put your cat at ease by offering them more attention and some nice quiet time.