Snow Joke!

With Christmas almost here and more than a nip in the air, the big freeze has certainly begun. A lot of places throughout England/Wales/Scotland/NI have been affected by the sudden snow already and I don't doubt there's more to come. With that in mind, I wanted to take few minutes out to make 5 essential points that I hope you'll keep in mind when the white stuff hits!

1. Many people enjoy taking their dogs for a walk and nothing beats an early morning ramble in a winter wonderland but be aware of the dangers that may lie in your path. Everything from sharp black or broken ice, to unforeseen dangers such as broken bottles concealed in the snow drifts, are all too common. Ice and broken bottles (etc) can cut paws and may lead to a trip to the vets. Fore warned is fore armed!

2. When the salt grit trucks are out in force, a route change may be for the best. If that's not possible, then you should be sure to wash your dogs paws thoroughly in warm soapy water after your walk. Salt grit will irritate pads and can upset tummies if ingested during a cleaning session. For your dogs comfort it's best to gently dry their paws after, no one likes cold feet! If your dogs paws do become sore, irritated or even cracked, there are several 'paw treatments' out there that will help soothe them. (Always consult your vet first!)

3. This is probably the most important piece of advice any dog owner/walker will ever receive... Stay away from frozen ponds/lakes. Even if it's 'not that deep'. Even if the ice 'seems thick'. Never ever risk it, because it could be your dogs life, and your own, that will be lost. Sadly this is something we hear about year after year and only today another dog and owner were lost to icy waters. If your route involves/comes close to any frozen water, a river, stream, lake or pond, please keep your dog on a lead and stay well away. The risk is simply too great.

4. I've mentioned sharp/broken/cracked ice being a problem, but even seemingly harmless smooth ice can be an issue for young puppies, golden oldies or otherwise fragile dogs. Avoid ice as much as possible, no doggy wants a sprained or broken leg for Christmas! Games of 'fetch' will be best played indoors or on soft snow :)

5. Finally, keep your doggies warm! They have their fur of course, (well, most do) but with bitter cold winds and possible snow on the ground, a nice thick coat will surely be appreciated, as will an extra blanket in their beds and a warm lap to lie on! (Few can deny the winter snuggles being a 'win' for both doggie and human).

The festive season is full of fun and being in the know is the best way to stay safe :) Between this post, our 'Christmas Safety' post and the upcoming New Years post, hopefully you'll be clued up and ready to enjoy the holidays with your whole family.

One last thing I feel I should mention, don't eat the yellow snow! ;)

Be safe and enjoy the festive season with your furries,
Love and licks,
Rio, Jonny, Buffy, Rafferty, Monroe, Lily and Lola.
xo

P.S As an extra but important precaution, it's wise to check your vets opening times and out of hours service arrangements over the Christmas/New Year period. It's always best to avoid being caught out or put in a tricky situation. Be safe and be prepared.

'Tis the season to be jolly...

Indeed it is the season to be jolly! It's also the season to be safe and although Christmas brings a lot of cheer, it can also bring a host of doggy dangers... It's not all bad, you can take the following simple steps to ensure your Christmas is a happy one!

1. Out comes the tree, up go the lights, yum goes your pup! Be aware that dogs, young and old, will find these shiny, twinkly ornaments are fascinating as you do. They'll show their appreciation with their teeth though, so it's wise to never leave your dog alone with your tree. It's worth avoiding real trees too - the needles will hurt gums and paws alike and never, ever hang chocolate decorations anywhere your dog goes.

2. Lighting candles creates a lovely cosy atmosphere, but that atmosphere won't extend to the vets office if your pup gets burnt! Make sure candles are high up and on a sturdy base.

3. At Christmas food plays a huge role, look out for stray bones and any fruits/vegetables that aren't dog safe. You can find a pretty comprehensive list here, but if in doubt always check with your vet.

4. Unwrapping presents is the highlight of the day for many, including your dog. Indulging in their game is fine and we certainly let them open their gifts, just be sure to take away all the pieces of paper as soon as it's open - they should want their new toy/treat anyway! :)

5. Another decoration to keep an eye on are those festive plants we bring in around this time of year, I'm looking at you Mistletoe! While there are some myths, many plants are still very dangerous to dogs, so getting clued up is wise. You can check here to learn more.

6. Mulled wine. Or any 'adult beverage' as it happens is definitely not Fido friendly! If you want your dog to have a bit of extra Christmas 'cheer' then a nip of the doggy safe good stuff will do ;)

7. Christmas is a time for family and like us, you may get your share of visitors. Be sure to educate them about what is and is not okay for your dog to have. Ignorance is bliss until it makes the family dog sick, so being clued up is key.

8. If you're the ones doing the visiting this year, then don't forget that where your pup usually stays while you're out may no longer be suitable! The kitchen will have a bounty of forbidden foods and your living room a toy the size of a tree! (Okay, it is your tree, but your dog won't know that). Crates can play a huge role in keeping your pet safe while you're out.

9. A lot of doggy stockings have the right idea, but sometimes the wrong products. Rawhide is practically a staple in these common gifts, but it's not always as innocent as it seems... The lowdown on rawhide!

10. Last but not least, don't forget that while your dog wants to be involved, sometimes putting them in their crate is for the best. During the cooking a dog running under your feet could be a disaster, so let them take a break from the action.

Christmas is about having fun with all your family, furry ones included, so be sure to fit in lots of fun stuff for your pup too. Supervised present unwrapping, a family walk in the snow and their own dog friendly dinner will give your dog a day to remember :) Even the countdown to Christmas can be fun with a doggy advent calender!

We hope you have a very 'Merry Christmas' and come back soon,

Love & licks,

Rio, Jonny, Buffy, Rafferty, Monroe, Lily and Lola.
xo

Keeping your pet safe from things that go bump in the night...

With Halloween and Bonfire Night just around the corner, we thought it'd be a good idea to share some tips and ideas on how to make sure your dog has as much fun as you do! This time of year can be incredibly stressful for a lot of pets, with loud noises, strangers calling and a general senses overload. We've lined up a list of things you can do to take the pressure off your pet...

1. Keep your pet indoors. If all is quiet your dog may go out to pee, but be prepared with newspaper or puppy pads on hand just in case. Cats should be kept in overnight.

2. Make a den for your pup to go hide in. It might be a good idea to make the hide out close to you, so your presence can reassure them but they'll still have their own space. A crate or carrier with the sides covered will work, as will a bed with a roof or anything similar.

3. Resist the urge to baby your pet. The more you worry, the more they'll pick up on it. Be calm and in control and they'll follow your lead.

4. If you dog is prone to anxiety then using a thundershirt is a great option, alternatively a close fitting t shirt is a good option.

5. Keeping some low level noise going through the worst of the bangs can help mask the noise, but watch your dogs reaction closely.

6. Keep to your routine, walks aside you should try and keep things as normal as possible.

7. If you're likely to get 'trick or treaters' and you know your dog isn't 100% okay with knocks on the door, it might be worth moving to your back room or even a bedroom.

8. If your dog starts to howl at the noises then correct them using a gentle positive reinforcement technique, shouting will add to their stress and letting them continue doesn't help anybody.

9. If you want to let off fireworks at your home, or go to a show, ask a family member to dog-sit for the night away from all the action.

10. There's always a lot more treats and sweets around at this time of year, so be sure to keep them out of the reach of little paws, chocolate is especially dangerous.

And finally,

11. If your pup is really not coping then don't let them suffer, a bad experience will only make next year harder. Know when to call in the professionals and contact your vet - some cases will need a sedative. Don't see it as a failure, just that extra steps need to be taken ready for next year, such as exposure therapy via a CD.

To read more from some people who are definitely in the doggy know, check out the Kennel Clubs press release!

The 'Holiday Season' should be a fun and festive time for every member of your family, including those with 4 legs. It can be easy to over look the little things, but they can make the biggest of differences. We hope you and your pet stay safe this Halloween and Bonfire Night and we'll be back soon to share what we did to celebrate :)

Love & licks,

Rio, Jonny, Buffy, Rafferty, Monroe, Lily and Lola.
xo

A word on dealing with a Pet Emergency (Guest Post)

10 Signs you’re Dealing with a Pet Emergency 

Most pet owners are aware that their beloved furry companions don’t always get sick or injured during the vet’s regular office hours. Accidents or illness can sometimes occur at an inconvenient time, which leaves owners with the tough decision of whether the situation requires emergency veterinary care or not.

To be best prepared for emergency situations, it’s a good idea to have a well-equipped pet first-aid kit in your home. The kit should include bandages, hydrogen peroxide, a thermometer and possibly some OTC pet meds like aspirin for dogs (do not give your pet human medications). 

Some minor injuries or illnesses may be able to be cared for and monitored at home until your regular vet’s office is open, but the following symptoms warrant a trip to an emergency veterinary clinic:

1. Your pet is experiencing severe pain
2. Your pet is having difficulty breathing
3. Your pet is profusely vomiting- This is of particular concern if the vomit contains blood, water can’t be kept down or the animal is severely depressed or obviously in a great deal of pain.
4. Your pet has had repeated unsuccessful attempts at vomiting- This is especially alarming if accompanied be an enlarged abdomen, which can be a sign of “bloat” (gastric dilatation and volvulus). This is a life-threatening condition common in large breed dogs. 
5. There is a large amount of blood present in the stool
6. Your pet is experiencing profuse, watery diarrhoea- This is of particular concerns in puppies.
7. Your pet is experiencing a seizure for the first time- If seizures are a regular episode for your pet, veterinary advice is still necessary if the seizure seems especially severe.
8. Your pet is severely depressed or there is a lack of response when you try to touch or talk to your pet
9. Your pet is experiencing extreme weakness or is unsteady when standing or walking
10. Your pet is bleeding severely  enough that there is a trail of drops when the animal is moving or a pool of blood when the animal is resting

It’s better to play it safe if you’re unsure about your pet’s condition. Always contact a veterinarian when in doubt.

Thanks to the people at vetdepot.com for the great tips!

Baking Garlic, Cheese and Spinach American Biscuits!

You may remember about a week ago we had a baking day and made some 'pupcakes'. We decided to have a go at something a little different today, American Style Biscuits. They're thicker and softer than traditional English biscuits, they're kind of a cross between a biscuit and a scone? Anyway, we made some in a garlic, cheese and spinach flavour, which went down well with the girls. (I wouldn't recommend these for humans, bit of an odd combination for our sweet biscuit loving palates!)

Sampling their treats;

Lily decided to try stealing a chunk and running off...

Tut tut!

The recipe we used;
2 cups all purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup butter chilled, cut into pieces
2/3 cup milk - reduce milk slightly if adding wet ingredients for flavour

Bake at 450F for 12-15 minutes, allow to cool and tear in half to serve. Makes 12.

For the garlic, cheese and spinach flavour just add 1/2 tablespoon garlic paste OR 1 finely chopped clove, a small handful of grated chedder and a generous palm full of roughly chopped spinach.

We'll be doing another baking post in a few days, we're going to have a go at some traditional English type biscuits, the thin crunchy kind!

Love & licks,
Rio, Jonny, Buffy, Rafferty, Monroe, Lily and Lola.
xo 

Training Tombles (Lola).

Everyone who has a dog thinks theirs is beautiful and each dog is, in its own way. As any proud parents would, we think Tombles (Lola) is gorgeous. She's also really quite clever and very quick to learn new things, so we've decided to try her out in the world of doggy modelling. Before we can sign up with an agency though we need to get her trained up and be confident in her skills. While we're on the training path, we thought we'd share some of our sessions with you!

We actually started training her to 'sit' yesterday, so she's pretty good at that already;

However mid session Daddy (Jonny) decided to throw her a curve ball and try her with 'down'. We caught her first attempt(s) and her third attempt on film! (Her second attempt was used on a 'practise go' ready for the next video).

First ever attempt - working out what exactly 'down' is;

I love how enthusiastic she is hurling herself into the 'down' position in this next video, she seems so pleased with herself! Obviously over time once her confidence grows and she gets used to the commands we'll polish up her method of going into the lie down pose, but for now we'd rather she enjoyed our short sessions and keep it fun and happy for her :)

Third try - pretty darn good!;

Of course it's early days, so Tombles still makes mistakes, here's a little blooper video - she does a half sit, a real sit and then she drops her biscuit - please excuse my giggling, we were dying laughing!

We'll post updates on her training every so often, when she learns a new trick or really perfects one we've already started working on :)

Love & licks,
Rio, Jonny, Buffy, Rafferty, Monroe, Lily and Lola.
xo

Note; We don't use what's known as the 'Alpha method' (used by certain TV dog trainers/whisperers, ahem) and physically push them into a sit or a lie down, or scold them if they do it 'wrong', we exclusively use what's become known as the 'Victoria Stilwell method' (plus positive reinforcement) and wait patiently while the puppy/dog actually figures out what it is we want her to do. If she doesn't do it we don't make her feel like she's failed, we just try again and when she does do it, we give her a treat and praise her, so she learns doing the command = something really good. Personally we find it feels kinder and seems more effective than other methods, it's better for them to use their brains, right?

Baking Pupcakes!

Today we decided to do a little baking! I've done bits and pieces for the girls before, but today we decided to share the experience... We made honey muffins with a banana and vanilla cream cheese topping! These muffins are edible by humans (Jonny ate 3, minus the topping, he had icing on his) but the girls seemed to prefer it when they were eating them... I wonder why!

Our Pupcakes!

 Pre topping;

With topping;

Taste testing;

Mm yummy!
We can't stop laughing at all the big eyes and long tongues :')

Sharing;

The mysterious cake stealing Chihuahua that appears from the shadows only for delicious pupcakes;

The cakes are 100% dog safe and although they aren't super fattening, I do only give the girls a piece or 2 a day, so this batch of 12 will last them a good few days, although we'll probably send some over for Alfie, we best get a move on though before they're...

...all gone!

The recipe we used; 
2 cups all purpose flour 
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup sugar 
1/2 teaspoon salt 
1 egg 
1 cup milk 
1/4 cup butter (melted)
1/4 cup honey

Bake for 15-18 minutes at 400F/200C. Makes 12.

For the topping you need to combine 1 small/medium pot of natural banana yoghurt, 2 tablespoons of cream cheese, a drop of vanilla essence, 1 teaspoon icing sugar and 1/4 cup pouring cream (whipped).
Refrigerate for 30 minutes prior to piping, helps firm it up a treat ;)

You could also do different flavours - Apple and Cinnamon, Carrot cake, Peanut butter, Vanilla, Ginger, Pumpkin, Mint etc etc. There's so many to choose from :O

We hope you have a go at making your very own pupcakes and we hope they're super yummy!

Love & licks,
Rio, Jonny, Buffy, Rafferty, Monroe, Lily and Lola.
xo 

Dog Photographer

of the year 2011... certainly isn't going to be us! Not with our useless camera and often uncooperative 'models' ;)

But there's no harm in entering, so fingers crossed for us, it's a great thing to do especially with the proceeds going to such a worthwhile charity, the Kennel Club Charitable Trust.

There's also prizes to be won, such as a Pixum canvas print of your pooch and a Lomo camera, the runners up prizes aren't bad either and a friendly competition is always fun :)

To find out everything and anything you could possibly want to know about the competition, including how to enter, clickity click over here!

As info isn't our strong point here, how about we give you a run through of the Hilton's top 10 model-esque tips, that way at least your model is prepared! (Or should that be prepawed?)

1. Look fly! Bathed, brushed and pampered to perfection? Lookin' like one hot dog!
2. If the world is your oyster, then your home, garden and local park can sure be your stage. Try going out and about for some great action shots.
3. Macro, you know how adorable your dogs crinkly nose is, get in close and show the world.
4. A happy dog is your best friend, caught in natural poses, your dogs eyes will shine.
5. Think outside the box. What makes your dog unique? Try to capture their personality in the shot, with poses and props.
6. Faces, your dog has as many emotions as you, use toys and your voice to bring out different expressions and catch them on film.
7. Angles can be your best friend, everyone knows what a dog looks like from above, get creative and be prepared to get a little mucky!
8. A dog is art in it's own right, don't over complicate your shots, let the subject speak for itself.
9. Have fun, if you're taking pictures for your photo album or for a competition, your feelings will show in your shots and most importantly...
10. Be proud of the beautiful dog you call your own and work those cameras!

Best of luck to everyone who enters!

Love & licks,

Rio, Jonny, Buffy, Rafferty, Monroe, Lily and Lola.
xo

ETA - You can check out our entries here!

Hot dogs aren't cool

in cars! Or pretty much anywhere.

Hot dogs are not cool in cars!

You might remember a while ago, back in April, I did a tips based post on keeping your dog cool at home, if you don't remember then you can refresh your memory by clicking -here-. Now however the weather is hotting up even more and people seem to be forgetting that while they enjoy being out soaking up the rays or going for a countryside drive, their furry companion might not so much...

We're seeing an increasing number of dogs left in hot cars and not all are owned by members of the general public, who are perhaps blind to the issues. Some are owned/looked after by professionals, who work with dogs only a daily basis, which makes it even more frightening, proving it can and will happen to anyone who chooses to ignore the facts. To find our more about the recent Police dog losses check out this article. The worst part of this story is the fact he had it happen to him before! We need to learn from the mistakes that have already been made. Sergeant Craven is not the first and sadly I doubt he will be the last. A similar thing happened back in 2009 with Nottinghamshire police. While most take it to be common sense, some owners are neglecting their duties to their dogs. If you cannot take your dog out of the car when you arrive at your destination, please don't put your dog in the car in the first place, leave him/her at home. The car ride is not worth being left in your car, which becomes an oven in minutes. If your dog can't be alone, ask a friend, family member or even a pet sitter to watch them for you.

The Kennel Club are behind a newer campaign to try and raise awareness on the issue, which you can check out in full here - Hot dogs are not cool in cars.

The sun doesn't just bring danger in cars, it brings out a whole host of sun loving critters. Everything from bees and wasps, which can give your dog a severe allergic reaction if they sting your poor pup, to Adders, our only poisonous snake here in the UK. An Adder bite is unlikely to be fatal to us 2 legged folk, but to our 4 pawed friends, the consequences can be life or death. Please contact your vet asap if you think your pup has been stung/bitten! To get an idea of some of the damage caused by Adders, you might want to check this out. Tragic. Please don't let it happen to your furry friend.

Everyone wants to enjoy the summer sun with their beloved pets, so follow the KC's guidelines, feel free to take away anything from my tips and be aware of the potential dangers because a safe, healthy dog is a happy dog and a happy dog is your best friend.

Well wishes,

Love & licks as ever,

Rio, Jonny, Buffy, Rafferty, Monroe and Lily.
xo

Keep cool this Summer! (Tips)

So, we mentioned in our last post that the weather here is starting to heat up, which means our girls need some ways to cool down! As promised, here's a list of the things we do, to keep our girls feeling fresh!

Food;
Keep their food light and where possible give them chilled/frozen foods, i.e 'pupsicles'.
You can make a pupsicle out of almost anything, mashed banana, a drop of honey and plain yoghurt for something sweet, or chicken pieces, salt free stock and carrot for savoury.
Turn your summer treat into a boredom buster by freezing foods within a toy, i.e a Kong :)

Doggy safe freezable foods include; Peanut butter, low fat yoghurt, low salt stocks, cream cheese, canned dog food, soaked kibble, chicken/meat pieces, various veggies, i.e carrots, sweet potato, peas etc and other commercial products, such as the Kong pastes or Fish4Dogs salmon mousse.

Always test your pooch with a tiny amount of peanut butter and/or honey before making the full treat, some dogs can have very mild allergies to these, however it is extremely unlikely, all 4 of ours are fine with them :)

Water;
Now more than ever your dog will need access to clean, cool water, but on those days where the tongues come out and panting is heavy, a couple of ice cubes in their water dish will do the trick. Make sure you rinse them first though, we don't want any tongues getting stuck!

Rest;
On hot days your dog(s) will probably rest a fair bit, so make sure they have plenty of 'cool spots'.
Make sure they always have access to shady areas, if necessary provide them a small child's tent to rest in.
If your dog is a sunbather, like Rafferty, dampen an old towel for them to lie on, make sure to keep the towel damp throughout the day, a spray bottle is ideal for this.

Fun;
Nothing beats playing with your dog on a sunny day, so feel free to incorporate some 'keep cool methods' into your fun! Sprinklers and shallow paddling pools make for great (supervised) fun!
There's a host of water friendly toys out there, from brand name retriever toys to the good old tennis ball :)
(Never pour ice water on your dog, or squirt them in the face, they'd like it about as much as you would!)

Other;
Hairless breeds and some white haired dogs may need a little sun cream on the tips of their ears etc.
Easy to overlook, but sunburn can be as bad for your pooch as it is for you :(
When the fun is over and it's time to relax, a small electric fan is great.
Just make sure your dog is dry and that the fan is kept of reach of inquisitive noses and paws!

Hope these tips we've picked up along the way help you have some fun in the sun, whilst staying cool!

Love & licks,
Rio, Jonny, Buffy, Rafferty, Monroe & Lily.
xo

P.S Don't forget; Never ever leave your dog in the car. Thieves aside, your pup would be at very high risk of sunstroke at this time of year. Sunstroke can be extremely dangerous and have serious consequences. If you suspect your dog has sunstroke, please call/visit your vet immediately.
Summer also brings more insects, including bees and wasps, which can give your dog a severe allergic reaction if they sting your poor pup. Again, please contact your vet asap if you think your pup has been stung/bitten.
Now is a great time to give your pup their summer wormer and flea prevention treatment!
And last but not least, remember to watch for poisonous plants in the garden/home and have a safe Summer!