Sensory Gardens For Dogs, What Are They?

Sensory Gardens For Dogs, What Are They?

Sensory gardens are becoming more and more popular with dog owners, what are they and why are they now a thing?

Here are some reasons why

Dogs Trust's training and behaviour team advised green-fingered dog owners to keep the following points in mind.

Some of the plants that can be used in your sensory garden:

How To Care For Your Dog In The Heat This Summer

How To Care For Your Dog In The Heat This Summer

Heatstroke

Your dog, just like you, can suffer from heat stroke. Heat stroke in dogs can develop rapidly with exposure to high temperatures, humidity and poor ventilation. Symptoms to look out for include:

Generally, we find that puppies and elderly dogs in summer tend to be more susceptible to heat stroke. Also we aware of dogs with thick, heavy coats or dogs with an existing cardiovascular or respiratory condition can be affected too. Certain breeds with narrow airways, such as bulldogs, are particularly prone to heat stress. If you’re worried about any form of heat stress, the best course of action is always to seek prompt vet attention!

Sunburn

Another danger to be aware of is dog sunburn. Many believe because dogs have fur, they are not susceptible to sunburn. Some dogs however can get burnt, especially if their hair is light and thin. Some dogs even have no hair at all in areas such as around the nose, and these areas can be easily burnt when out in the sun.

Paw pads can be burnt when on a walk. If it is a particularly hot day your dog may struggle outside, especially if you are walking on surfaces that heat up quickly. The best way to check if it is too hot is to press your hand on the surface, if you can’t hold your hand there for long it’s too hot for your pooch to be walking on. If this is the case, walking on grass might be safer.

How to keep your dog cool

Make sure your dog has access to clean water at all times, ideally a large bowl filled to the brim. Carry water and a bowl with you on walks. On hot days, walk your dog during the cooler parts of the day, in the early morning and late evening. Watch your pet for signs of over-heating, including heavy panting and loss of energy. If you recognise these signs when on a walk, stop, find a shady spot and give your dog water.

Make cooling tasty treats by making ice cubes with your dog’s favourite food inside or stuff a Kong and pop it in the freezer!

How To Help Your Pets Cope with Firework Season

Helping Your Pets Cope With Firework Season

As the dark nights draw in the season for fireworks and loud noises is underway. There are a number of ways you can protect your pet and ensure they are at ease throughout the winter months.

Signs That Your Dog is Scared of Fireworks:

When you hear fireworks ensure that all windows and doors are shut. Close all of the curtains and turn on the TV or play music to hide the sounds of loud bangs.  Consider distractions such as chews, tops or playing a game with your dog to occupy them. Ensure on bonfire night/ New Year’s Eve to walk your dog early in the evening when it is still light to avoid walking them when fireworks have begun and don’t leave them on their own in the house when they are going off.

The most important thing to consider is NEVER punishing your dog for displaying unwanted behaviors as a result of fireworks this will cause more distress.

This will help ease your dog and lower the stresses that fireworks cause for your canine friends:

KONG Classic Dog Toy, Medium

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Thundershirt Anxiety Coat for Dog

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ADAPTIL Calm Home Diffuser

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The Stigma Behind Dog Crates (Yes or No)

There is a lot of stigma behind putting dogs in crates after attending various seminars and training and owner’s homes I have come to realise there are mixed views on crate training for dogs. Some people are all for crate training and others are very against and feel that it is wrong.

Everyone has a right to an opinion on the subject but there are many positives to crate training dogs and owners shouldn’t feel they are doing wrong or shouldn’t use a crate. It is something that you have to slowly introduce and positively reinforce as a good place for your dog to go! Here are some benefits for you and your dog.


- You


- Your Dog

- Some ideas to make the crate more enjoyable:

When buying a crate, ensure it is appropriate for the size of dog you have and check that they have room to move around comfortably. Below are some links to dog crates for ideas:

Ellie-Bo Dog Puppy Cage Folding 2 Door Crate with Non-Chew Metal Tray Large 36-inch Black

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MOOL Lightweight Fabric Pet Carrier Crate with Fleece Mat and Food Bag - Large (70 x 52 x 52 cm), Black

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Ellie-Bo Deluxe Sloping Puppy Cage Folding Dog Crate with Non-Chew Metal Tray Fleece and Slanted Front for Car, Medium, 30-inch, Black

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click here.


Midwest Homes for Pets CVR30T-GY Dog Crate Cover with Fabric Protector, Medium, Gray Geometric Pattern

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The Benefits Of Slow Feeding Bowls

Your dog’s nose and brain were made to hunt, track, burrow, sniff, and snort. They were made to WORK! Nose work or snuffling capitalises on this natural desire to sniff. Snuffle Mats are an interactive enrichment puzzle, used to help refine search and find skills along with many positive results including;

This can be concerning as an owner and you can feel helpless.Here’s where slow feeding bowls come in they come in different shapes and materials and there is options for tiny and large! Not only does a slow feed dog bowl slow your dog down but it gives them time to actually chew the food before swallowing it. A slow feeder bowl can give you peace of mind if you have choking concerns.

Slow feeding bowls should help to modify eating habits and helps portion control and your less likely to over feed.

Another option would be a puzzle or maze slow feeder bowls slow down your dog’s eating habits, but they also provide mental stimulation. This is a good way to keep your dog’s mind occupied. If you have more than one puzzle bowl this is even better because they get variety and greater mental stimulation.

There are some options of great slow feeding bowls for your dog listed below:

Smarterpaws Slow Eating, Fun Foraging Dog Bowl


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Company of Animals Interactive Feeder, Green

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Why Your Dog Would Love A Snuffle Mat

Your dog’s nose and brain were made to hunt, track, burrow, sniff, and snort. They were made to WORK! Nose work or snuffling capitalises on this natural desire to sniff. Snuffle Mats are an interactive enrichment puzzle, used to help refine search and find skills along with many positive results including;

Use your dog’s daily food allowance if fed on a dry diet, or use chopped up carrot or apple if concerned about calorie intake.  This treat mat doesn’t just have to be used with treats!

There are various different types of snuffle mats available on the market from basic to advance. Get them noses working!

Zicosy Snuffle Mat for Dogs- Feeding Mat for Dogs - Grey Feeding Mat


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Pidsen Dog Yummy Mat Pet Snuffle Cushion Training Feeding Stress Release Pad

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Why Mental Enrichment Is Important For Your Dog

Why Mental Enrichment Is Important For Your Dog

Regular walks are important for your dog but what’s usually missed by many owners is the importance to provide mental stimulation and enrichment for your dog.

There are six types of enrichment:

  1. Social enrichment
  2. Cognitive enrichment
  3. Physical enrichment
  4. Sensory enrichment
  5. Feeding enrichment
  6. Toy enrichment

Mental stimulation enriches dogs lives by giving them something meaningful and challenging to do, instead of the usual going out for walks. Because these activities alleviate boredom they decrease the likelihood of our dogs developing behavioural issues such as excessive chewing or barking.

Some of my favourites include:

Snuffle Mats - An interactive enrichment puzzle, used to help refine search and find skills along with many positive results including:

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Snack Balls -  Snack labyrinth as I call them, they provide longer lasting fun as your dog tries to release treats.

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Kongs -  These are a great! Stuff them with what you like! These help with speedy eaters, separation anxiety, crate training and teething.

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Be inventive and play around, I can assure that adding mental enrichment to your daily routine will help keep your dog happy!