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 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.
| Pals4Pets celebrates 13th anniversary! Friday 22 April marks the 13th 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. |
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.
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.
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 kno ck 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.
Too late for bonfire night, but perhaps a consideration for New Years Even when fireworks will go off again — the Quiet Kennel!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgseKV8Rh78
The Quiet Kennel can be purchased via Presige Pets at: http://www.prestigepets.co.uk/quiet-kennel/!
Via Pals4Pets franchisee Helen Alvarez who works with clients in South West London, below you’ll find some tips for keeping pets safe and calm on Guy Fawkes Night. This is important as while many people enjoy fireworks, most animals are frightened by them.
 Dogs & Fireworks Don't Mix! Cats and dogs
- Never take your dog to a fireworks display.
- During the fireworks season, at nightfall, close all windows, cat flaps and curtains and put on some music to mask and muffle the fireworks sounds.
- Keep your dogs and cats inside before fireworks are let off.
- Make sure you walk your dog before the fireworks start.
- Let your pet pace around, whine, miaow and hide if that is what he/she wants to do.
- Never show anger to your dog or cat if he/she appears frightened – this will only convince your pet that there really is something to be afraid of!
- Do not fuss over or try to reassure your dog or cat when he/she is frightened.
- Make sure your dog or cat is kept in a safe and secure environment at all times, so that he/she can’t bolt and escape in reaction to a sudden noise.
- Make sure your dog is wearing a collar with an ID tag, even while in the house. Also if you have had your pet micro chipped you will certainly improve the chances of them returning safetly.
- Prepare a “den” for your pet where it can feel safe and comfortable. This could be under your bed with some of your clothes. Your pet may like to hide in the den before the fireworks start.
- Avoid leaving your pet alone during events when fireworks are being used near your home.
- Don’t tie your dog up outside whilst fireworks are being let off. This includes outside a shop, or in your garden.
Other animals
- If possible, hutches and enclosures should be bought into a quiet room indoors or into a garage or shed. If it’s not possible to bring the hutch inside, turn it around so that it faces a wall or fence.
- Provide extra bedding so that your pet can burrow to feel safe.
- Cover aviaries and hutches with blankets – this will help darken the flashes and lower the sound of the bangs from the fireworks. Ensure there is enough ventilation.
In general, if your pet is frightened by loud noises, don’t ignore the problem. Seek veterinary advice and also follow these tips on how to keep your pets safe when fireworks are being used.
So, now that the summer is well and truly over, it’s time to look at some of the things facing our pets this autumn. With this in mind, below are some tips as shared by Pals4Pets franchisee Jane Palmer who works with clients in the Sussex area.
 As it gets cooler and the days are getting shorter it is really important to remember to continue (or even start!) decent anti-parasitic treatments to prevent problems associated with fleas. These tiny wingless insects are always such a major cause of irritation to both pets and their owners and, with our centrally-heated homes, are now a proper year-round menace!
Tiny orange harvest mites may also be seen on our pets around this time of year too. These very seasonal parasites are picked up from long grasses – tending to congregate on the ears, eyelids, feet and even the underside of your pet’s tummy. Like fleas, these mites can cause intense itchiness in susceptible individuals at this time of year – with itchy, crusty lesions developing on all affected areas. There are many preparations available on the market – the ones that will protect your pet best will probably come from your vet, so seek advice and remember to let your pals4pets carer know you have treated your animal – particularly your dogs if using the home boarding service.
Now is also the time to look at what you can do for your pet if they are troubled by fireworks. Desensitisation CD’s can cure your pets’ firework phobias and can be effective in preparing your frightened pet for what can be a very difficult time of year. Pl ease seek individual veterinary advice for your pet, and try not to leave it till the last minute to organise sedatives, if you need them; of course always keep pets indoors in the evenings to avoid firework injuries. We always make sure that all dogs have been walked by mid afternoon and are tucked up indoors by the time it is dusk. Most animals with mild phobia can be kept calm with the curtains closed and the t.v or radio on to disguise any bangs! Try and continue your routine and not draw too much attention to what is going on outside. Reassure your pet, but not overfuss as they can become too needy. Don’t forget to advise your pals4pets carer of whatever techniques work best for your animals – they are happy to continue with whatever you have been doing in order to make your animals stay with them a comfortable one.
Those of us who are car owners will also be getting ready for the winter – lets hope its not quite as hard as last year!! Antifreeze – and de-icer are tasty to our inquisitive pets (especially cats) and extremely poisonous. If ingested, even small amounts will cause serious irreversible kidney damage and usually death. If you suspect that your animal has come into contact with this or any other chemical seek immediate veterinary advice.
 Francesca: a Chocolate-point Birman; Pedigree name:- Ozma Femme Fatale. Below you’ll find a tip for medicating a cat shared by Pals4Pets franchisee Paul Milner. Paul who provides pet care services to clients in the South West Midlands and Worcester area has a 16 year old Birman, Francesca who has helped to perfect this technique.
So here goes:
I buy frozen Coley from the supermarket in a packet of 6 slabs of fish. I microwave two slabs and then divide it into about 14 – 16 compartments of an ice cube tray. I then put one teaspoonful of water onto each bit of fish (this helps it stick together and makes it more easily removable, plus adds a little more moisture for when the tablet is added). I freeze it and when frozen, I bag the fish-cubes so I can take one out for putting the medication in. It can either be thawed naturally or microwaved for approx 15 seconds to release the smell to tempt the cat. Francesca is not at all easy to tablet but she loves a bit of Coley so this is the only way we can do it. She does have Kidney Failure so is not supposed to have too much high protein food; but it is such a small amount of fish and it is a treat for her too – she nearly always meows when I am putting it down for her.
Check with your vet if the medication is in capsule form; some capsules can be emptied onto the food, but some are for slow release and therefore must be given whole. The same may apply to tablets.
Pals4Pets Alert which was launched late last year has had great appeal with older clients who are worried about what would happen to their pets if they were rushed to the hospital for an emergency as well as women who are pregnant. Particularly as while most women can work out a due date, the exact timing of the birth can be a bit difficult to predict which makes it somewhat tricky to line up appropriate pet care with family or friends.
 Thus, by signing up for Pals4Pets Alert – a subscription service – a trustworthy Pals4Pets sitter will visit the home within 3 hours to calm and settle the pet(s) after getting the call that the mum to be has gone to the hospital to give birth. We’ll also then make arrangements to take care of the pet(s) for another 24 hours and extend for a longer period to time to give the new mother time to adjust to their new bundle of joy!
Heather & Martin Scott a recent client signed up for the service after finding out that they were expecting twins. As the owner of a new puppy Oscar, Heather did so as their family didn’t live nearby and was she was worried that friends would not be available when the time came.
Sure enough, their twin girls – Isabelle Scarlet and Ava Grace – arrived 6 weeks early over a bank holiday and so Heather was pleased that she signed up for the service as it allowed her to focus on the birth and delivery. Plus her husband Martin could stay at the hospital without worrying about neglecting Oscar.
Additional feedback from Heather indicates that the service was “just brilliant as Pals4Pets kept in contact and found a suitable sitter so she didn’t have to worry about her first little boy as well as her two little girls.” Plus “Oscar has been well looked after when we’ve had scheduled holidays so to have the same level of service on short notice has been great and completely invaluable. We don’t know what we would have done!”
With this in mind, if you are pregnant or know someone who is pregnant, consider signing up for the Pals4Pets Alert package.
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