Children and dogs can form wonderful bonds that provide companionship and teach valuable life lessons. However, it is crucial to prioritise safety when allowing these interactions to ensure the well-being of both the child and the dog. As the primary carer for a dog and or child it is your responsibility to manage their interactions to ensure that it remains a positive and safe experience at all times.

Ensuring safety is the priority when children and dogs interact

Unfortunately, children are most at risk to receive injuries from pets and the majority of incidents relating to children and pets are preventable. The key preventative tool is supervision, ensuring that there is an adult to supervise and intervene when necessary will decrease the likelihood of an incident occurring.

Educating children on boundaries with pets is the second most important tool for preventing incidents. No child is ever going to be bulletproof when it comes to interacting with pets which is why supervision will always be necessary.

Regardless of how well they know each other an incident between a dog and a child can always occur, it only takes a matter of seconds for something to go wrong. This is because not every nip, growl, bark or bite comes from malicious intent.

Teaching children boundaries with dogs is crucial to safe interactions however, the responsibility for everyone’s safety is your responsibility. This means that you should always take responsibility for the dogs and not let children do things such as hold the lead, feed the pet or assume any other responsibility for other people’s pets in your care.

WHY DO MY PETS NEED WATER?

Pets and all living creatures alike need adequate water and hydration to make sure that their organs function correctly. Water is continuously used in the processes of organ functioning.

HOW MUCH WATER SHOULD MY PETS DRINK?

To get a general idea of how much water your pet should be drinking, you have to know how frequently and how much they drink. Most animals have an instinct of when they’re in need of water, and they can do it on their own as long as there’s water nearby.

Despite what you think, cats and dogs don’t need that much water unless you’re taking them out for exercise and other activities. If cats have a diet that consists of primarily wet cat food, they’ll be drinking less water than those with dry cat food. The same goes for other pets. If their food contains a high percentage of water, they won’t need to drink as much, but for those that have a dry food diet, they’ll often be needing to drink more water because there isn’t as much water content.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CHANGE MY PET’S WATER?

In order to ensure that the water is clean, you should do a water change at least once a day for bowls or once a week if you are using a drinking water fountain with a filtering system. Aside from changing the water, you also have to ensure that you clean the bowl before refilling it. Pets have microbes in their saliva, and with the way they drink water, they’ll be bound to transfer some of them to the water bowl.

Store fertilizer and lawn products out of reach
Keep up with flea and tick preventatives
Know your outdoor plants
Watch out for bees
Keep cleaning products out of reach
Update ID tags and microchips if needed

An important part of being a responsible pet owner is to have your dog or cat vaccinated against preventable diseases by a qualified veterinarian. This is a simple and effective way to keep them protected against certain serious diseases.

Like in humans, vaccination works by training your pet’s immune system to recognise and respond to an infection, so that if your pet encounters the disease at a later stage, they’ll be better placed to fight it off.

Book an appointment with your veterinarian.

The first and most important step is to book an appointment with your veterinarian so they can assess the individual needs of your companion animal and provide you with advice on what vaccines are appropriate.

Winter brings colder temperatures, and it’s important to ensure the well-being of our beloved pets during this time. Just like us, they need extra care to stay warm and cozy. In this blog post, we’ll provide essential tips to help you keep your pets comfortable and safe during the winter months.

Provide a Warm Sleeping Spot: Make sure your pets have a cozy place to sleep, especially during cold nights. Keep them indoors as much as possible and change their water regularly to prevent it from freezing. Consider using plastic food bowls instead of metal to avoid tongue sticking in extremely cold conditions.
Stick to an Exercise Routine: Encourage physical activity for your pets by sticking to a regular exercise routine. Spending time playing with them and engaging in tricks and training sessions helps keep them active and prevents excessive laziness during the winter.
Special Care for Pets with Arthritis: Colder weather can worsen joint pain in older pets with arthritis. If you notice signs of discomfort, consult your vet for advice on keeping their joints comfortable. Ensure they get enough exercise to promote circulation, and manage their weight to alleviate joint ache.
Invest in a Winter Coat: Consider purchasing a winter coat for pets with thin fur or older pets who require extra care. While most cats and dogs have a natural coat, a winter coat provides additional warmth and protection against the cold.
Heat Pads for Small Pets: For small pets like guinea pigs and rabbits, create a cozy environment in their enclosures by using warm blankets or hay. You can also invest in animal heat pads that can be microwaved. Ensure the heat pad covers only a portion of their enclosure, allowing them to move away from the heat if necessary.
Safety Around Fireplaces: If you have a fireplace, take precautions to protect your pets. Install a fireplace screen or glass door, or use a pet gate to prevent access to the room. Train your pets to stay away from the fireplace and supervise them when near it.
Maintain Grooming Routine: Regular grooming is essential during winter to prevent matting and infections. Dry your pets thoroughly after they get wet and brush their coats regularly. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to soothe dry skin. Trim their nails and provide extra care to ensure their well-being.
Adjust Food Intake: If your pets are less active during winter, adjust their food intake to prevent weight gain and maintain a healthy metabolism. This applies to both dogs and cats, so monitor their portion sizes accordingly.

Conclusion:

By following these essential tips, you can ensure your pets stay warm, cozy, and safe during the winter months. From providing a warm sleeping spot to adjusting their food intake and maintaining grooming routines, these practices will help keep your furry friends healthy and comfortable throughout the season. Show your pets the love and care they deserve during the colder months, and enjoy a cozy and joyful winter together.

Rabbits are more than just cute and cuddly creatures. They have fascinating characteristics and behaviors that make them truly remarkable.

Kit, Doe, and Buck: To start, a baby rabbit is called a kit, while a female rabbit is known as a doe, and a male rabbit is called a buck. Understanding these terms helps in identifying and discussing rabbits with greater accuracy.
Social Creatures and Warrens: Rabbits are highly social animals that live in groups. They create complex systems of tunnels and rooms known as warrens, which serve as their underground homes. These warrens provide shelter, protection, and a safe place to raise their young.
Ever-Growing Teeth: Rabbits have teeth that never stop growing.
The Joyful Binky: When rabbits are happy and excited, they perform an athletic leap known as a “binky.” This delightful display involves mid-air twists and kicks, showcasing their exuberance and pure joy.
All-Seeing Eyes: Rabbits have eyes positioned on the sides of their heads, providing them with almost 360-degree vision. This unique placement allows them to be vigilant and alert for potential predators while going about their daily activities.
Purring Rabbits: Similar to cats, content and relaxed rabbits may emit a purring sound. This gentle purring indicates their happiness and comfort in their environment.
Impressive Leaping Skills: Rabbits are incredible athletes, capable of leaping as high as 90 centimeters in a single bound. Their powerful hind legs enable them to achieve impressive vertical jumps.
Ears of Wonder: A rabbit’s most distinctive feature is its long ears, which can grow up to 10 centimeters in length. Their ears are incredibly flexible and can rotate 180 degrees, allowing them to listen attentively for potential threats.
Bugs Bunny’s Influence: The famous Warner Bros cartoon character, Bugs Bunny, has brought rabbits into the spotlight. Although depicted as a carrot-loving character, rabbits, in reality, should not consume excessive amounts of carrots as it can cause digestive issues.
Prolific Reproduction: Rabbits are highly prolific breeders.

Conclusion:

Rabbits are not only cute and cuddly companions but also fascinating creatures with unique characteristics. From their social nature and athletic abilities to their ever-growing teeth and all-seeing eyes, rabbits continue to captivate us with their remarkable traits.