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
- Used in rescue centres as an alternative way to tackle stress in dogs
- Adding a few specific plants and other features to your garden can stimulate your dog's brain, activate natural canine instincts, and build confidence
- Encourage dogs to interact with their surroundings and provide physical and mental challenges
Dogs Trust's training and behaviour team advised green-fingered dog owners to keep the following points in mind.
- Install a good selection of different plants. Avoid anything tropical. Ensure any plants you put in are dog friendly and not poisonous
- When it comes to tyres, avoid using rubber that is crumbling, which could easily be broken off and ingested
- Different textured areas can be created using non-toxic sand, grass, wood chippings, or gravel, and can provide an interactive area in which you can hide toys and treats.
- In addition to the permanent fixtures, treat balls can also be introduced and filled with food to provide an unexpected stimulation for dogs
- Dogs don't need, although they do appreciate, designated areas laden with interactive elements. Large cardboard boxes can become playgrounds with hidden treats stuck into the sides or smeared on to the edges
- Split level areas are another great, and relatively simple, addition that can be made to adapt an area. These different heights allow dogs to climb and give them different vantage points. Railway sleepers, steps, and small benches can all be used to create a versatile area.
- Exhibit caution if you have more than one dog who may become a little protective or possessive of toys or food
Some of the plants that can be used in your sensory garden:
- Birch - known to help with muscular and inflammatory pain
- Catnip - good for its relaxing properties and stimulates playfulness in dogs
- Lavender - known to encourage scar tissue regeneration
- Marigold - often selected by animals experiencing grief or emotional distress
- Meadowsweet - often selected by animals with digestive problems, arthritis, and rheumatic conditions
- Peppermint - good for its cooling properties and often selected by animals with skin irritations. It can also be offered as an aid for training
- Valerian - often selected by anxious dogs for its calming effect
- Wheat grass - animals who are nervous, anxious, and exhibit hyper behaviours often select wheat grass
- Willow - animals in pain often select willow bark
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:
- Panting
- A staring or anxious expression
- Failure to respond to commands
- Warm, dry skin
- Extremely high temperature
- Dehydration
- Rapid heartbeat
- Collapse
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:
- Ears back
- Excessive panting
- Drooling
- Shaking
- Hiding Away
- Barking Excessively
- Messing in the house
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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click here.
Thundershirt Anxiety Coat for Dog
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ADAPTIL Calm Home Diffuser
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click here.
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
- Can enjoy peace of mind when leaving your dog home alone, knowing that nothing can be soiled or destroyed-and that he/ she is comfortable, protected and not developing any bad habits.
- Can house-train your dog quickly by using the confinement to encourage control, establish a regular routine for outdoor elimination, and prevent accidents at night or when your dog is left alone.
- Can effectively confine your dog at times when she may be under foot (i.e., when you have guests, at mealtimes), over-excited, or bothered by too much confusion or activity (such, as lots of children running around the house).
- Can travel with your dog safely and be assured that she will more easily adapt to strange surroundings as long as she has her familiar "security blanket," her crate.
- Your Dog
- Can enjoy peace of mind when leaving your dog home alone, knowing that nothing can be soiled or destroyed-and that he/ she is comfortable, protected and not developing any bad habits.
- Can housetrain your dog quickly by using the confinement to encourage control, establish a regular routine for outdoor elimination, and prevent accidents at night or when your dog is left alone.
- Can effectively confine your dog at times when she may be under foot (i.e., when you have guests, at mealtimes), over-excited, or bothered by too much confusion or activity (such, as lots of children running around the house).
- Can travel with your dog safely and be assured that she will more easily adapt to strange surroundings as long as she has her familiar "security blanket," her crate.
- Some ideas to make the crate more enjoyable:
- Cover your crate with a thick blanket/ cover
- Use of toys Kong’s/ cuddly toys
- Scatter some treats in the cage before your dog goes in
- Use bedding they have their scent on already to put in the cage so there are familiar smells
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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click here.
MOOL Lightweight Fabric Pet Carrier Crate with Fleece Mat and Food Bag - Large (70 x 52 x 52 cm), Black
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click here.
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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click here.
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;
- Choking
- Vomiting
- Tummy Discomfort
- Bloating
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;
- Encouraging attentive play
- Mentally stimulating and boredom-busting
- Ideal for pets on restricted exercise
- Can be used for behaviour modification training
- May help reduce stress
- Energy zapping!
- Regular practise greatly benefits dogs lacking in confidence
- Great for puppies who are just learning about mental enrichment
- Use with older dogs who can’t physically manage playing with other food dispensing toys.
- When leaving dogs alone, leave them with the treat mat to give them something to focus on in your absence
- Fantastic for dogs on restricted exercise as a result of surgery or recovery from injury.
- In certain situations, e.g. handling or grooming, it can be used to reduce anxiety.
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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click here.
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:
- Social enrichment
- Cognitive enrichment
- Physical enrichment
- Sensory enrichment
- Feeding enrichment
- 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:
- Encouraging Attentive Play
- Mentally stimulating and boredom-busting
- Ideal for pets on restricted exercise
- Can be used for behaviour modification training
- May help reduce stress
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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!