Welcome to the Pals4Pets Blog

New Life for Labrador

Pals4Pets — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 20:13:03 +0000

Paula, Oscar’s Pals4Pets carer laughed out loud when she saw Oscar run for the first time. For 11 long years, Oscar was the main companion of an eldery lady, who adored and spoilt him with food, treats and of course affection. Oscar’s life was mainly confined to a house, as his owner became disabled and less able to take him for walks. He lived a solitary existence, his contact with other dogs and people non-existent. His main pleasure was to share the meals and food with his owner, and so Oscar became a very heavy Labrador, weighing 65 kilos

When his owner was admitted to hospital, relatives wondered what to do to take care of Oscar, left alone, bewilded and sad without his life-time friend.

It was thoughtthat Oscar would be best cared for in the only home he knew, believing that he would never adapt, at this age, to a new life.

When Oscar’s relatives approached Monica Loosley, the Director of Pals4Pets, it was to arrange home visits, however, Monica thought that she could offer him more company in an experienced and caring sitter’s home.

The family were supportive and with their help Oscar, with all his weight, was heaved into Pals4Pets adapted pet van. From the minute he arrived at Paula’, the sitter’s home, he was enthusiastic and happy to start a new chapter in his life. He became full of mischief, like a young puppy. Only his weight held him back, and he quickly tired and constantly puffed.

No longer food orientated, but stimulated by the company of other dogs, particularly bitches, he started to loose weight 5 kilos the first week. Veterinary advice was sought, as it was important not to deprive his body of food.

He was given 20 minutes of exercise three times a day, which he felt was not enough, so gradulally it was increased, as his stamina increased. After a month his muscles started to tighten, and he developed a real love of life and the outdoors. His first trip into the woods was a joy to behold, as he ran around taking in all the different smells.

The first time he ran, it was like a couple of steps, but gradually his pace quickened.

Ann, the owner’s daughter decided to adopt Oscar and intergrate him into her family of dogs, so he has gone to live in Buckinghamshire. However, she will be keeping Pals4Pets informed of Oscar’s life and his weight loss.

PALS4PETS IS RECRUITING PET SITTERS

Pals4Pets — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 20:29:37 +0000

On 30 June Pals4Pets is launching a recruitment campaign to find more pet sitters. This is a wonderful way for people to enjoy the company of a dog or cat without the long-term committment or vets bills! Pals4Pets is best known as a home from home dog boarding comany. It therefore always needs people to take in dogs as paying house-guests. Ideally pet sitters should have a home with a secure garden and time to devote to a visiting dog. No Pals4Pets sitter is ever on their own, as they have the 24-hour support of the management team. Sitters are insured, trained, attend meetings and keep record sheets.

Every potential pet sitter is interviewed in their home and they are matched to dogs in accordance with their experience, health and strength.

This is a lovely way to increase income and of course the more one does, the more one earns!

Nora has been with Pals4Pets for 4 years. Retired, she has made new friends through Pals4Pets, has met clients from all walks of life, including a titled Lady. She has a regular circle of clients and is very popular. She looks forward to seeing her regular dogs, has learnt a lot about different breeds, and she goes for regular walks, which is something that she would not do without a dog by her side.

Apart from dog boarding Nora feeds cats, and provides dog walks in her locality at lunchtimes.

Pals4Pets sitters all have different reasons for joining the company; some like Nora are retired, while others are working from home, but the one thing they all share in common is a love of dogs and cats. What Pals4Pets asks is that their pet sitters have the time to devote to a pet.

If you know of anyone who might like to become a pet sitter, ask them to call 020 8201 1601 or email info@pals4pets.co.uk for an appliction form.

Do you listen to your elderly dog?

Pals4Pets — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 17:48:52 +0000

In the last few weeks, Rusty, my 12 year old Jack Russell cross, has physically slowed down. For example, he will start walking very briskly and then after 5 minutes or less stop, dig his paws into the ground and look pleadingly with his eyes and turn round to return home. Likewise, when making it clear that he does not want to go out. Body language is much more powerful than any words and our dogs know that very well and use it so effectively to communicate with us.

It is difficult to know what to do. Do I force him to walk when he is telling me that he does not want to; or give in and let him lie by my desk gently snoring for the rest of the day? There again, I am suprised how many people do not give their dog something soft, like an old duvet to lie on. Wooden and lino floors might be easy to clean and look good, but they are not good for an older dog. When a dog has been too long in one position, it may result in sore patches on joints of the leg. This can be avoided by making your dog move, even if it is only around the house or by introducing a game to kn incentive like a treat to walk to me for, thereby also keeping the mind active.

I believe that as dogs get older we should listen to what they are trying to tell us. Like us, their arthritic joints can give them pain. It is important that older dogs are given short walks at least three times a day to keep them mobile Even 1o or 15 minutes is enough. Allowing a dog just to lie about will make it stiff and will make the pain worse. Natural supplements, suich as flax oil, can help the pain and mobility, as can a small dose of paraceamol.

It is difficult to come to terms with our dogs ageing process and the fact that their needs have changed, but it is important to respect them and make changes to give them the best quality of life.

Pals4Pets do not dog walk in groups. This means that an hour’s walk can be divided up time-wise, so that a dog gets exercise but also companionship during a day when an owner has to be out of the house.

RABBIT AT WEDDING

Pals4Pets — Mon, 30 May 2011 20:03:26 +0000

To celebrate Rabbit Awareness Week, today on May 30, Shakespeare a dwarf rabbit played an important part in the wedding ceremony of Kate and John. Shakespeare with bow tie in place walked down the aile of the Church, escorted on lead, by the Man of Honour. He sat through the entire ceremony, on the lap of his minder, as requested by the owner, paying attention to every detail of the service. He witnessed his mistress, Kat ie being married to John. Shakespeare was included in all the important wedding photographs, before being taken back to his home to enjoy a bowl of freshly chopped vegetables and a good rest.

Escorting and looking after the family pet at weddings, is the newest service being provided by Pals4Pets, the professional pet care company. ‘Many couples want their pet present on their big day’ explains Monica Loosley the Director. ‘We just make that possible’. Pals4Pets service includes an introduction meeting, we will make a costume to match that of the bride. On the day we will collect, groom, transport and take care of the pet, so that it can also enjoy the special day without being too stressed. After its appearance, Pals4Pets will board the pet for the night of the wedding and can also provide accommodation during the couple’s honeymoon.

DOGS ARE NOT SELF-CLEANING

Pals4Pets — Thu, 26 May 2011 20:23:18 +0000

Pals4Pets were given a very unhappy border terrier puppy to care for recently. It appeared depressed and withdrawn, lacking bounce and playfulness. Then the carer decided to wash it. Suprise, surprise the puppy’s coat changed from black to a light shade of brown. Then it was noticed that it was constantly rubbing its ears along the ground. So off to the vet who diagnosed a chronic ear infection, which must have been giving the puppy pain for months.

Once clean, and without discomfort in its ears, the puppy began to play and run around. When the owner was given back their puppy they were quite suprised and delighted in the change in its appearance and more important they noticed that it was happy. ‘Oh’ said the owner, this is my first dog, and I thought it was self-cleaning’. This was not a case of neglect but ignorance.

It is important:

To wash a dog every 6 weeks with a mild shampoo anhd immediately if it rolls in cow or fox pooh - Pals4Pets recommends Johnson’s Baby Shampoo, because it is the mildest on the market. Shampoos with aleo vera can cause skin problems

Checking the length of nails. If a dog is walked a few times a week on paving stones ie in the street, the paving acts as a ‘nail file’ and less visits to the vet for cutting nails becomes necessary. It is important to learn how much nail you can cut off without causing bleeding from the cuticle being damaged so veterinary advice is important. before attempting cutting on your own

To check eyes every day, because many dogs have ‘runny eyes’ or ‘blocked ducts’ so the dog needs its eyes washed every day with sterile water and cotton wool.

To check ears on a weekly basis, and to be aware if your dog appears to be rubbing its ears on the ground or scratching one of them, there could be a problem.

Brushing or combing a dog is important for a number of reasons: 1) to show that you are the pack leader and can what you want to your dog, 2) to ensure knots do not form, 3) to check for flees. Many dogs’ coats are divided into top and lower coats to keep rain off them. Just brushing the top coat is not sufficient, as knots can develop underneath.

Checking that your dog is clean around its bottom, and if it rubs its back-side on the ground, it probably means that its anal glands are blocked and a trip to the vet becomes necessary.

So, lets conclude that dogs are not self-cleaning, some breeds require more care than others, but it is important to take responsibilty for the physical comfort or your pet.

PUPPY’S FIRST OUTING

Pals4Pets — Sun, 22 May 2011 22:22:53 +0000

Just met a new proud owner of an 11 week old cocker spaniel puppy. ‘Puppy’ as he was named was out for the first time, having had all his vaccinations. The Cocker spaniel was being walked on a very short lead, his head being pulled side-ways and so tight that ’Puppy’ did not have a chance to socialise with my elderly Jack Russell, Rusty, who is always tolerant of young dogs. When will new owners learn that keeping a lead slack when dogs meet is so important, so that they can sniff each other out (front and back) without a fight breaking out.Many owners say that there dog does not get on with other dogs, but this is only when they are on the lead, because the dog believe that it has to to guard and protect its owner. When off the lead and moving freely in parks, on beaches and open spaces most dogs do get on with one another. There are of course breeds, like the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, who are great with people, but not necessarily with other dogs. Dogs are pack animals and in my opiniion, if allowed to sort out their own pecking order do in the main get on. It is us humans who get in the way!

Pals4Pets are offering puppy training and are happy to talk to people considering buying a puppy and want to discuss how to plan for the new member of the family, to make sure the everything goes smoothly. We also provide puppy sitting services for new arrivals and will visit the home to give help with toilet training, socialization etc.

Happy 13th Birthday Pals4Pets

Pals4Pets — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 21:55:57 +0000

Pals4Pets celebrates 13th anniversary! Friday 22 April marks the 13^th anniversary of Pals4Pets; making it Londons’ longest established pet care company. Pals4Pets has remained under the same ownership and directorship during this time; that of Monica Loosley . Her vast experience and setting of professional standards ensures the all important match between pet and sitter, on which her clients rely.Pals4Pets was launched by the actor Jenny Seagrove at a dog’s tea party and was featured in the Daily Telegraph and on regional news and radio. In 1998, there was no other service like Pals4Pets and the concept of home from home boarding, as compared to traditional boarding kennels, was unheard of. Today there is a lot of competition but Pals4Pets still leads the way, having pioneered new services and sat on a Government Committees and it continues to personally select and match its sitters to give clients complete peace of mind.

Liver Cake

Pals4Pets — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 19:13:38 +0000

If you are interested in getting your furry friend to do as you ask – a good tasty treat is really handy. There are many things available on the market to buy, but many of them are high in salt and additives and not very good for your dog.

One of the best things Pals4Pets franchisee Jane Palmer has used with her own dog is Liver Cake. It is easy to make and your dog will do almost anything for you!

Here is the recipe:

• 1lb of raw liver

• 6 oz porridge oats

• A few garlic cloves crushed

Put all the ingredients in a liquidiser/food blender. Line a swiss roll tin, pour in mixture and bake in oven @ 160 (180 if not fan and if gas -mark 4) for 15-20 minutes. Cool and chop into small training size pieces. This can also be frozen too, which is really useful.

Jane recommends that you only use this when actually doing a training exercise (never as a general food treat or snack) and then ongoing to re-enforce the correct behaviour – remember, timing is everything and the treat must be given with 2 seconds of the correct behaviour being achieved otherwise the dog will not make the association.

Pals4Pets Carers

Pals4Pets — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 18:33:16 +0000

2010 was a very busy year for us all here at Pals4Pets and we have now taken on more carers to cope with the anticipated growth during 2011.

Recruiting carers is a very important part of our role here at Pals4Pets. Initially we visit applicants in their own home. We inspect their homes and in particular their gardens to ensure they are safe and “escape proof.” If any amendments need to be made we make sure they are done prior to any dog boarding. Licensing regulations state that all homes being used for dog boarding have certain safety items in place to ensure peace of mind and that hygiene levels are maintained.

Unlike a kennel environment our homes are not subject to many dogs being present at any one time – however, we still have to ensure that areas where dogs are allowed to go are kept clean and disinfected thoroughly between clients. All new carers undergo induction training with us – obviously they have all experienced dog ownership, but they all need to follow the same rules and regulations – so we make sure they all follow our systems.

We actively encourage feedback from our clients so as to improve our services any many of our testimonials are published on our website for others to see.

Peace of mind is one of the main reasons our clients regularly use us – we do all the hard work of finding the right person to look after their furry friend.

All of our carers are trained to a high standard and we operate uniform standards throughout our organisation. This means that if a client’s dog if having a home board, they will stay somewhere safe which has a secure garden; will not be left alone for long periods of time – if at all in many cases. Plus the dogs’ routine will be followed by the carers who have access at all time to a 24 hour helpline.

Carers who visit a client’s home whilst they are not there have been police checked and a client will always get to meet them in advance of any assignment.

All of our carers keep records and the animals care is recorded in a professional manner in accordance with our systems.

8 Tips To Give Your Pets A Safe And Stress Free Christmas

Pals4Pets — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 11:26:01 +0000

Stress, over eating, accidents – Christmas can be a perilous time for our beloved pets. Below you’ll find 8 ‘top tips’ to help keep your pets fit and well during the busy festive period.

1. Beware of Chocolate!

Dogs like chocolate but it is toxic to them so store out of reach and do not put chocolate decorations on your Christmas tree.

2. The trouble with Tinsel

Pets have a real fondness for tinsel and many other festive decorations which, if swallowed, can cause intestinal blockages that will need emergency treatment. Keep it out of paw’s reach.

3. The Holly, the Ivy and the Mistletoe!Holly, mistletoe and poinsettia are highly poisonous to our furry friends so keep them away from pets.

4. Flames + Pets = Hazard

Never leave a pet unattended around a lit candle. One wag of the tail can lead to disaster.

5. Rocking around the Christmas Tree

Watch out for adventurous cats or playful dogs who could topple a tree should they decide to climb it or knock into it. Also, keep your floor clear of dropped pine needles, as these will prove painful if caught in paws and will cause even bigger problems if swallowed.

6. Christmas Wrapped UpDispose of aluminium foil and plastic film that has been used to cover food as pets find them irresistible. Wrapping pap er sho uld follow the foil into the bin as it may also become an inapprop riate meal.

7. As Regular as Clockwork

The Christmas period can be very unsettling for your pet but retaining its usual routine of feeding and exercise can help calm its nerves.

8. Be Prepared

Keep details of emergency vets who will be available over Christmas, by the phone.