How to stop the dog escaping from the garden?

February 21, 2018/in dog advice, Uncategorized /by Sam Chapman

Ways to stop the dog escaping from the garden?

A common question that we hear from dog owners is how can I stop the dog escaping from the garden. Dogs will be dogs, some escape because they have a high prey drive or they are bored, sometimes it’s food driven. When considering dog proofing the garden there numerous options available.

Traditional Fencing:

Close board or wooden fencing is a popular option for smaller properties. The cost of close board fencing starts from around £80.00 per 100 installed but it depends on the property location and terrain. Stock fencing is a slightly more cost effective solution for some properties but may not be secure enough for small dogs and of course dogs will be dogs and they can dig and burrow under both close board or stock fences. A stock fence will usually start from around ………. . In general the weakest part of the property is the driveway and if the dog is escaping onto a road then securing this area can be quite costly and so a traditional fence may not be the best solution to stop the dog escaping from the garden

Radio dog fences:

Radio dog fences have been available for over 40 years but many people still do not know that they exist. They are often referred to as invisible fences or a freedom fence. A radio dog fence is usually a much cheaper method to help prevent the dog escaping from the garden. The fence is more like a virtual fence – there is nothing to see and the fence can cover large areas or areas that would not easily be fenced by a traditional fence.

So what is a radio dog fence. In simple terms it is just a radio transmitter, a boundary wire that surrounds the boundary or the area to be “fenced” and an innovative computer collar which is worn by the pet. The transmitter sends a coded signal through the boundary wire and a “no go zone” is set when the pet enters the no go zone the computer collar activates and lets out a high pitched warning beep to alert the pet that they are in the wrong area. If the pet continues further info the zone the collar then gives out a small static shock (correction) which is set to the pets personality. With the assistance of some temporary training flags and training from the fence installer the pet quickly learns where the boundary is.

The great advantage of radio dog fence is that is covers all areas including the driveway so if someone leaves the gate open the pet cannot wander in the road. Also the radio signal is 360 degrees around the cable so dog or cat cannot climb over or dig under the signal. With the DogFence system the signal is also quicker than any other pet fence worldwide so that dog or cat cannot out run the fence.

Electric stock fencing:

Electric fencing or electric stock fencing can be used for pet containment but it is not advisable and the shock given out by an electric dog fence is 250 times higher than the output on a radio dog fence. Also with an electric fence if the pet gets stuck in the fence they will continue to be shocked until the fence stops or they are rescued but with a radio dog fence the fence shuts down after 15 seconds to ensure the pet is not over corrected. Of course an electric fence is not only more expensive but cannot cover gateways or driveways and if there are children or members of the public close by they are also affected by the electric fence.

Dog Runs

Dog runs are a great solution for keeping your dog within a confined area of the garden but these can be very costly and unsightly and of course will only give the dog a limited area to use. It is also advisable to install a dog kennel within the run so that dog has somewhere to go to if it is very hot or rainy. In some areas planning restrictions may apply and it is always advisable to check with our local council.

Other Solutions to stop the dog escaping maybe to try to train the dog to stay in the garden, for some breeds this maybe a workable solution but for those with a high prey drive or who have had a previous history of constantly escaping the drive to leave the property may be too great.

Top Tips to Stop your Dog from Escaping Out of The Garden

December 19, 2017/in Canine Advice, dog advice, Keeping dogs safe /by Sam Chapman

Top Tips to Stop your Dog from Escaping Out of The Garden

Dogs get out of the garden for different reasons such as; loneliness, boredom, territory protection, prey instincts and separation anxiety just to mention a few. How to stop your dog escaping from the garden may be more straight forward than you think but it is important to assess the reasons why the dog is escaping. It is every dog owners wish to prevent their dog from getting out of its play area which could be a section of your garden because they may get into fights, get hit by a vehicle, eat garbage or worse still come into contact with poisonous plants or sniff poisonous chemical remains that may have been disposed of wrongly. Also, free-roaming dogs are a threat to children, livestock and even other dogs on leash. So, how do you stop your dog from getting out of the garden?

Train your dog not to bolt out exits

Dogs develop the habit of bolting out exits or doors because they get rewarded for escaping. They get to enjoy a fun trip outside, play with other unsupervised dogs and engage their owners in an exciting chasing game. Hence, the repeated escapes once a dog manages to escape once. Teach your dog to wait at the door until you open it for them and to never go out on its own. Always rewards its good behavior like not escaping after the training. Your dog will stop getting out of the garden to enjoy treats from you.

Secure your garden

Ensure that your garden area is well secured to keep the dog from getting out. You may be able to use a 6-foot fence to secure the area because most dogs cannot jump over it – you could also consider digging in a chicken wire along the fence line below ground. When a dog is determined to escape, it can do anything to gain access to digging under the 6-foot fence. The chicken wire will be uncomfortable for the dog, and may prevent deter the dog from digging. You can also place concrete or wood blocks at the bottom of your fence to discourage digging. Try to avoid picket fencing as this can cause serious injury to your dog or cat if they impale themselves on the stakes. If you have an uneven garden terrain, consider having a smaller dog run that should be confined to one corner. Another alternative for securing the garden is installing underground or invisible fencing. The hidden fence uses a small computer collar that interacts with a signal that surrounds the property. When the dog enters the “no go zone” the dog’s collar reacts to the radio signal and gives the dog a high pitched warning beep to alert the dog that he or she is in the wrong area. If the dog continues the collar gives out a low level static shock (correction). The dog will have been trained to know where the “no go zone” area is located through a training protocol that uses both vocal and visual indicators. Over the years there has been negative press on the use of electronic dog fences, often referred to as electric dog fence but recent studies have dispelled the myths, indeed a study into cat containment reported that there are no negative long term effects with using an electronic fence. (Lincoln 2016) http://www.lincoln.ac.uk/news/2016/09/1265.asp.

Driveways and open boundaries

Driveways are always going to be a weak point, as are open areas which cannot be fenced due to planning restrictions. These areas really are ideal for using electric dog fences. Escaping dogs will always use the weakest point on a property and an open gateway or clear area is a golden opportunity for a dog to make a bid for freedom. An underground dog fence will operate invisibly and effectively 24/7 to prevent the dog or cat from escaping through the vulnerable area. Owners often install electric gates to keep dogs and cats off the roads, however, most dogs will quickly learn that when they hear the buzzer they have an open opportunity to not just run out but amble out at a steady pace. An underground dog fence can be fitted in conjunction with electric gates to prevent the pet from escaping when they hear the buzzer.

Consequences of an escaping dog

If your dog escapes and is caught by a council dog warden you may be issued with a warning, a caution or a fixed penalty fine. You may even be prosecuted and fined up to £1,000 which can be an added incentive to stop your dog from escaping! Also further controls can be given to the owner. In some cases the dog may be transferred to a local kennels whilst the owner is located at a heavy daily cost or even transferred to shelter and possibly re-homed.

Exercise your dog

A dog that only stays and plays in the garden will eventually get bored, tired, stressed, frustrated and unhappy. It will look for ways to stay engaged and break the boredom and thus, escape. Therefore, it is advisable to walk your dog every day if possible so that it can experience a new environment, remain engaged and interact with other dogs. Exercises not only boost your dog’s socialization skills but also stimulate its mind. Walks in the park are more exciting to the dog because it gets to explore a new terrain and play with other dogs. If you exercise your dog daily or regularly, it will not have the urge to get out of the garden when left unsupervised because exploring the neighborhood would be a regular affair and there would be nothing new to look forward to.

Conclusion

Just like human beings, dogs like adventure and getting out the garden offers a unique type of adventure where they get to enjoy outdoor without being on a leash or under their owner’s supervision. Hence, you should keep your dog engaged while in the garden and do not leave it unsupervised for long periods – this may not be a fall-proof method to stop your dog from escaping but it will certainly be helpful. Escaping dogs are a nuisance as well as a danger to the public and livestock and whether it is an underground dog fence, a conventional wooden fence or a dog run owners should take steps to keep their pets safe and under control.

Is a wireless dog fence an easy solution?

December 13, 2017/in Canine Advice, Cat Fence, dog advice, Keeping dogs safe /by Sam Chapman

A Wireless dog fence – is this an easier solution?

When considering installing a pet fence one of the factors will be “do I need to install a boundary wire?. A wireless dog fence seems like an easy solution. No boundary wire to dig in, just plug in and go! Pet fences have been around for over 35 years traditionally involved digging or installing a circuit of boundary wire to keep the cat or dog contained. The idea of simply plugging in and going seems so much easier so why are these fences not more popular.

The wireless dog fence involves installing the transmitter into centre of the property and then a circular signal is emitted from the base station to create the no go zone around the garden. Sounds simple enough, however, the downside is that property owner needs to consider several major facts when looking into wireless dog fencing.

A Wireless dog fence may not suitable for narrow properties – the property needs to be 30ft wide min.
Terrain challenges: The lay of the land may not be suitable. A wireless fence is not ideal for sloping or terraced gardens. The signal is also confused/intermittent in wooded areas and is grossly effected by metal/ metal fencing. With a wired dog fence any layout can be achieved.
A wireless dog fence collar cannot be worn indoors as is prone to activation from objects within the house – TV’s and dimmer switches as well as other household appliances.
Fence wobble – the boundary with a wireless dog fence fluctuates so the dog boundary will change causing confusion/danger to the dog .With some systems the Wireless Fence wobble can be up to 16ft.
A wireless dog fence cannot be used with houses that have mobile phone signal booster or smart meter.
The Wireless fence receiver collar is heavy and bulky and not really suitable for small dogs or cats.

The system does work for some owners and it would be fair to say that this product is probably more suitable to US houses where the house is on an open flat plot. If the owner is prepared to remove the computer collar and boundary wobble will affect the dog’s safety then this would a product to consider.

The advantage that a wired dog fence has over the wireless system is that it can be used for any shape of property, on any terrain. Also the FM systems guarantee no false activation on the pets collar both internally and externally so the collar can be worn both inside and outside. Technology within the wired systems all means that the size and weight of the computer collars is far small than those offered within the Wireless dog fence market.

What is the most dangerous dog breed in the UK?

January 5, 2017/in dog advice /by Sam Chapman

Dog attacks in the UK has increased by 76% in 10 years and sadly this figure still seems to be increasing. Is this because there has been a trend toward a certain dog breed or are there just more dogs in the UK now? The numbers were collated from hospital admission records of all patients admitted to National Health Service hospitals. Sadly 16% of these attacks were recorded on children and of those 2/3 were recorded as fatalities.

What is the UK’s most dangerous dog breed?

The records show that 7,227 people were admitted to hospitals due to dog-inflicted injury between March 2014 and February 2015. This is a significant increase from the 4,110 dog attack admissions in 2005.

Is there a reason for the rise in dog related injuries?

The rise in the attacks coincides with the exemption of Staffordshire pit bulls from the Dangerous Dogs Act. Interestingly years ago the majority of attacks were on infants (nearly two thirds) but in the last few years this figure has reversed. It seems that the Bull type breeds are not fazed by the size on an adult human, whereas most other dog breeds are subdued by people who are significantly larger than themselves.

The Pit Bull has been banned dog breed in Britain since 1991. Interesting 3% of “bull type breeds” match the characteristics of the Pit Bull breed. Staffordshire Terriers, a pit bull line were exempted from the ban in 1997. In 2015 Doohan and Richardson reporting for The Mirror reported, “More than 3,000 banned Pit Bull terrier-type dogs have been discovered in Britain– almost 25 years after they were banned”.

Doohan and Richardson reported “A Freedom of Information request showed that legislation introduced following fatal attacks on children a quarter of a century ago has failed to halt the animals. Greater London had the largest amount of Pit Bulls with 1,060, and Merseyside was next with 237 followed by Greater Manchester with 223, and the West Midlands with 161.”

The police have the power to seize a dog that deemed as being from the banned dog breed list even if it has not shown signs of aggression. The owner must then prove it is not a banned breed and if the case is taken to court and the owner is found guilty. The punishment is severe; up to £5,000 or even six months in prison but it seems this is not a sufficient deterrent.

What should you do if you come face to face with an aggressive dog?

In recent years media attention has focused on specific breeds, mainly the Bull type breeds and Rottweilers but of course any breed of dog can become aggressive and bite. It is always advisable to follow certain safety procedures around new or strange dogs.

It is strongly recommended not to approach unfamiliar dogs, never to run from a dog or shout or scream at them. Try to remain motionless when confronted by an unfamiliar dog and never look a dog straight in the eye. If a dog is eating or sleeping let him be and do not disturb a mother with her puppies.

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The UK’s most popular dog breeds

October 20, 2016/in Uncategorized /by Sam Chapman

The Top 10 of UK dog breeds

Young Retriever in training with Dog Fence

Labrador Retriever in dog fence training

1. The Labrador/Retriever – Always a firm favourite as a family pet , they are loyal, biddable and also highly intelligent. On the negative side they are often quite food orientated which has earned them the nickname of the hoovers in the DogFence office! Interestingly they were the #1 breed that we contained on the system until 2014 when they were overtaken by the Cockapoo!.

2. Cocker Spaniel – A popular choice for both families and also as a working dog the Cocker Spaniel is also a highly intelligent breed but often a good choice for those who don’t want a large breed dog. They are also an extremely handsome breed and have consistently been placed first as best in show at Crufts. They can be a little strong willed and when mixed with the poodle to create the Cockapoo the result can be a very intelligent but stubborn Houdini.

3. Springer Spaniel (English) -Another Gun dog meaning that the top 3 places are held by working dogs. Traditionally a little more sensitive than the Cocker Spaniel and extremely loyal they have a wonderful nature and make excellent family pets. We describe the Springers as fun loving and busy!

4. German Shepherd – The German Shepherd (aka The Alsatian) is a very loyal and intelligent breed. Known for their bravery they are an interesting breeds as they are also quite sensitive and are often misunderstood by those that do not know the breed. They are often used by the Police or armed forces as a service dog because of their fearless nature and intelligence

5. Staffordshire Bull Terrier – The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is again a breed that comes with a reputation that they do not deserve. When homed in a loving family this loyal breed is both affectionate and inquisitive. Sadly in recent years they have become popular because of their stocky stature and fearless nature and are often the subject of abuse and neglect. Luckily when re-homed into a loving home they make excellent and loyal pets.

6. Border Terrier -Formerly our #2 breed that we contained on the System Border Terrier is a small rough-coated dog originating from the Scottish borders. They have a wonderful personality and are a popular choice of breed for vets as they both hardy and fun loving. These little dogs love children but don’t be fooled by their sweet looking faces as they are also avid hunters and have a high prey drive (hence the need to contain them effectively with the hidden fence).

7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, is a popular choice for families who like the kind nature found within the Spaniel family but want a small dog. They are friendly and affectionate and love to be sat on someone’s lap.

8. The Golden Retriever – The Golden Retriever or “steady Eddy” as we call them! This breed has the kindest temperament. They are extremely intelligent but do be warned as they love water and if you are not a fan of that “wet dog” smell then this may not be the breed for you. Known for their loyalty and ability to work with people they can be found in many working roles such as search and rescue, assistance for blind or deaf people.

9. Pug – The Pug breed has increased in popularity over the last few years – they are loved because of looks, small and stocky (almost a mini Boxer with a curly tail) they are entertaining and good-natured.

10. Boxer – The boxer dog, (one of our favourites) was named because of the ‘boxing’ moves they make when fighting or play fighting. Sadly their popularity has fallen in in recent years, but they do make excellent family pets provided you are prepared for the fact that they are bouncy and not nearly as intelligent as the Lab or Springer. They are always looking to please and extremely good natured.

Lincoln University Cat Study for the use of electronic containment fence

October 5, 2016/in Uncategorized /by Sam Chapman

The long awaited study into containment of cats using the electronic hidden fence system has now been released.

The study carried out by animal welfare researchers at the University of Lincoln, UK, is the first of its kind. The researchers found no evidence of long-term welfare problems in cats living with these fences, compared to control cats able to roam freely in and out of their owners’ gardens, indeed the report concludes:-

“Taken together, the findings do not suggest that long-term (at least 12 months) exposure to the system had a significant negative impact on the behaviour and welfare of contained cats. Indeed cats subject to electronic confinement appear to be less neophobic than unrestrained cats.”

As well as the safety element of using the system to keep the cat safe by preventing death/injury or even the theft of a beloved friend the use of the system also protects wildlife from cats that hunt. In the UK we love our cats and own over 8.1 million but sadly they also do significant damage to our wildlife and are responsible for death of 55 million small mammals and birds each year.

The study further reported noted: “In contrast, housing cats solely indoors to remove such risks is associated with increased prevalence of a range of health problems including obesity, Feline Urologic Syndrome and dental disease. Long-term exposure to common flame retardants widely used in homes may also have toxic side effects for cats.”

As many of our DogFence customers are aware we developed a simple and effective training protocol for cats using our indoor units which has proved highly successful.

With the development in technology in recent years from our manufacturer DogWatch Hidden Fence Systems we have seen increased interest in the use of the hidden fence for cats and when you take into consideration that every year 300,000 cats are killed on the UK roads the hidden fence offers a safe an affordable method of containment for cat owners. Sadly there has also been an increase in the theft of pedigree cats and again the fence offers owners comfort knowing that their cats can exhibit normal behaviour but safely in the confines of their own property.

Understanding dog flu

January 29, 2016/in dog advice /by Sam Chapman

We’ve all been there. The winter months bringing with them a bug that leaves you bed ridden with a mug of soup and a lack of sympathy from your friends and family. The flu can really take its toll on you, but did you know that your dog can get it to?

The signs of dog flu – what to look out for

Dog flu, or CIV (Canine Influenza Virus), outbreaks are not usually fatal but do present some serious symptoms that will leave your dog definitely feeling under the weather. Many of the symptoms to look out for are similar to those we experience ourselves and include:

Runny nose
Dry Cough
Sneezing
Lethargy
Loss of appetite
In rare cases, fever and pneumonia

How do I treat canine influenza?

If you believe that your dog has contracted canine influenza, the best course of action is to ring your vet first and make an appointment. Until then you must isolate your dog from any other canines contact to prevent the spread of the virus.

Your dog will need to be kept hydrated as the virus can cause a fever, as well as maintaining lots of rest. If your dog is especially unwell then your vet may want to prescribe medication to help fight the virus.

How to prevent the spread of dog flu

Dog flu is very contagious, and can be spread from dog to dog through shared bowls, toys, and even the same air. Because of how contagious the virus is, outbreaks usually occur in places where lots of dogs are in close proximity to each other such as kennels and dog parks.

Despite its highly contagious nature, CIV does not live long in its environment so isolation is key to stopping the virus in its tracks. To prevent the spread of the virus, you need to minimise any exposure with it. You can do this by contacting your local vet to find out if there are any outbreaks in the local area and avoid as appropriate.

These has been a small insight into canine influenza. If you are worried that your dog may have contracted canine influenza, or for more information about any other canine ailments, we recommend that you seek the advice of a qualified vet.

How to keep your cat safe outdoors

January 29, 2016/in Cat Advice, Cat Fence /by Sam Chapman

Cat are naturally active and love to do their own thing. But this can sometimes lead them into danger, particularly when they have unlimited access to the outdoors. Unfortunately their tendency to wander leads to around 300,000 cat deaths on UK roads every year, a staggering number considering how much we take care of them when they are at home.

On top of the danger posed by roads, an outdoor cat also faces potential run-ins with other animals on neighbouring properties, dogs walking off the lead nearby, or bigger cats protecting their territory.

A cat’s natural prey drive will also drive them to explore further afield into tempting wildlife rich areas, such as woods or local parks. Not only does this pose a problem to preserving local wildlife, but can also cause your kitty to take unnecessary risks dashing across busy roads to catch prey, or getting stuck in buildings or trees as they hunt.

As a concerned cat owner, there are a couple of ways that you can keep your cat safe and sound. One solution is to set up a wire fencing system around your garden that is angled to stop your cat being able to escape. However these are generally costly, can ruin the look of your garden and be an eye-sore to your neighbours. Cats are also notorious escape artists and have been known to climb these fences to reach overhanging branches to make their getaway.

The other option is to try a CatFence, an invisible barrier system that trains your cat not to stray over a safe boundary you create. Providing a stress free and safe environment for your kitty.

This unobtrusive barrier is a hidden fence consisting of a central control box that transmits a coded FM radio signal through a boundary wire that has been laid around the property. To train your cat not to stray over this set boundary, they wear a computer collar that houses a tiny FM receiver. As your cat moves towards the signal the collar emits an audible signal to indicate they should stop and turn back. If the cat continues towards the wire the collar gives a small “corrective shock” set to you cat’s individual requirements.

After completing the training cats quickly learn to understand the warning beep, and will immediately turn back into the allowed zone, thus avoiding correction.

Advantages of a CatFence system

A safe and simple training programme

As any cat owner will know, your cat is the king of its domain and will not do anything that it does not want to. This is why the CatFence system uses a form of training specifically designed for the needs of your cat.

Our training accounts for each cat’s natural personality, curiosity, and movement and starts in the home, where the cat is most comfortable. When your cat is ready, we take training outside to allow your feline friend to learn where it can and cannot go.

You set the safe boundary

You are in control of where you set the CatFence boundary to allow your cat to wander through your garden without a care, whilst keeping them clear of any potential dangers such as poisonous plants, neighbouring properties and busy roads. When setting the boundary you can also protect areas of your property from your pet such as a fish filled pond.

Tackle in house worries

There is the possibility that you live on a street without feline dangers, but you have a home sized scratching post. Cats need to scratch to get rid of dead cells on their claws, as well as to help them stretch out their bodies and paws. Unfortunately for you, your cat may not always use the expensive scratching post that you bought, choosing instead your furniture, carpets or curtains. If this is the case then your cat’s collar works with the special indoor system that allows you to cordon off parts of your home keeping rooms and furniture out of bounds. It can be set on almost any surface and can stuck to door frame if you want to section off a whole room from a feline fiend.

Let your cat know there is always safety at home. The CatFence containment system is the perfect way to ensure that your cat stays happy and healthy whilst still enjoying a life outdoors. If you have any concerns about how to keep your cat safe outdoors, due to busy roads or other potential threat, please call us for a quote on 01628 476475.

bulldogs sleeping next to a christmas tree

Doggy Christmas Gift Guide

December 21, 2015/in dog treats /by Sam Chapman

Christmas is a time of giving. Everyone in the family deserves a little something in the festive season to let them know that they are loved. This love should extend to your family pet, because they are as much a part of the family as you are. Here are 7 doggy Christmas ideas that your furry friend will love.

Personalised Dog Tag – Etsy

Your dog loves everything that you give them, this includes their name! Why not make it extra special with a personalised dog tag? This fantastic little gift comes in a range of colours and can fit your dog’s name and an owner’s phone number. Everyone deserves some accessories this Christmas!

Sidewalker – DogFence

Walking should be a fun and stress-free time for both you and your companion! with the DogFence Sidewalker you can ensure that a simple walk, doesn’t become a drag. This gentle training method teaches your dog not to pull excessively on the lead, so that every walk can be considered a gift! The DogFence Sidewalker is currently on sale, so give us a ring on 01628 476475 to snap up this fantastic product this Christmas!

Turkey and Cranberry Dog Treats – Lily’s Kitchen

There is one thing that everyone can agree is a fundamental part of Christmas, and that is the food. The succulent turkey, served with perfectly roasted spuds and slathered in cranberry sauce. It could be considered some peoples view of culinary perfection! Why not share the joy with your dog this year and give them a turkey treat! This scrumptious little gift will share the joys of the Christmas feast without the danger of turkey bones. To see some other doggy food dangers this Christmas, read our DogFence Christmas Danger Guide.

Dog Mattress – Pets at Home

There is nothing more satisfying then a long snooze after a hefty Christmas dinner. Letting your food go down is one of the most important things so you can make room for seconds! Your dog feels the same way and will love being able to nap on a brand new bed. Don’t sleep on this fantastic doggy gift!

Doggy Santa Claus Outfit – Amazon

There is nothing cuter than when a dog joins in the celebrations and dresses up. The festive season is perfect for letting your pampered pooch play a part in the good tidings! This small dog santa outfit is fantastic way for your dog to unleash their inner Father Christmas. Hopefully they don’t leave any Christmas presents on the carpet though!

Durable Chew Toy – KONG

Your dog deserves a gift that the can really sink their teeth into. The KONG classic natural rubber chew toy is perfect for your canine pal. This durable toy is shaped so that it has an unpredictable bounce when thrown. Making your Christmas Day playtime much more fun. KONG toys are also perfect for stuffing with treats to give your dog extra incentive to join at playtime.

Dog Food and Water Bowl – NotOnTheHighStreet

Dogs probably don’t understand what Christmas is, but they do understand food. So why not give them even more reason to be excited at dinner time by sprucing up their dinnerware with a new bowl set? This beautifully crafted ceramic bowl set is perfect for a pet. They might not be able to say thank you, but they’ll love you just the same!

Dogs are the most loving creatures in the world, and deserve a gift every now and then as much as anyone else in the family. These have been some ideas that every precious pooch will love this Christmas!

Doggy Winter Survival Guide

December 15, 2015/in dog advice /by Sam Chapman

Dogs love the winter time, for many it means extra cuddles in front of a warm fire with their owner! However, the colder weather presents a few problems for keeping our furry friends safe and entertained during the colder months. Here are a few tips for ensuring your family pet stays happy this winter.

Keep Your Dogs Safe

Winter walks are fun but the hair around your dogs feet can become clumped with snow. This is very painful for dogs as the snow forms ice balls which digs into the pads of their feet when they walk. Trimming hair around your doggy’s toes helps prevent these ice balls from forming.
Reflective clothing can be very helpful when heavy snow starts to fall, especially for smaller dogs. The jacket ensures that you can see your canine, especially when they are playing in deep snow.
Stay away from lakes or ponds, especially when they freeze over. You can never tell how thick the ice is and curious dogs may fall through. On top of the danger of your dog taking a dip, there is also the danger of you falling in when you go to try and help them.
Winter time means Christmas time, which means lots of opportunity for over indulgence on food. Dogs also love a tasty treat, even if they don’t know the occasion. Try to avoid feeding your dog human food, as this can give them an upset stomach. Be especially careful that your dog doesn’t try to sneak a turkey bone as they can splinter and cause your dog to choke. For more foods to stay away from, see our Canine Christmas Dangers.
Anti-freeze is very very poisonous to dogs (and cats) as it contains ethylene glycol, which tastes very sweet and causes acute kidney failure when ingested by canines. Make sure that you wipe your dogs paws if they are near an area where it was just used. Try to use anti-freeze that contains propylene glycol, as it is safer if accidentally ingested than ethylene glycol. If you suspect your dog has ingested anti-freeze and is displaying signs of vomiting, sleepy/depressed behaviour, appearing drunk, seizures and fits or difficulty breathing, you should immediately seek the help of a vet.
Rock salt is abundantly used in winter to de-ice roads for motorists. Unfortunately your pets are likely to accidentally pick it up on their paws when they go outside after it has been used. Rock salt it actually poisonous to cats and dogs when ingested (usually by them licking the rock salt off their paws) as it causes high blood sodium levels in pets. This can lead to increased thirst, vomiting and lethargy (sleepiness) and in extreme cases convulsions and kidney damage. For more information, have a look at the RSPCA’s rock salt information brochure.

Keep Your Pets Warm

Dogs obviously have a natural protection against the elements, but that doesn’t mean they don’t get cold. Make sure to not leave your dog outside unattended as they can develop frostbite or hypothermia. This is especially important if your dog spends most of its time indoors. If you believe your dog is showing symptoms of hypothermia (muscle stiffness, lack of mental alertness, shivering, weakness, and shallow breathing) you must contact your vet as soon as possible, as left untreated it can cause a coma, or even be fatal.
Maybe think about opting for some doggy fashion this winter to keep your dog warm. A doggy coat is great for short hair dogs whose natural defenses against the cold are not as strong as long haired dogs. You can also buy doggy boots which help keep irritable ice, salt, and grit off your canine’s delicate paws.

Keep Your Pets Entertained

Whilst it’s tempting to snuggle up with your furry friend when it gets cold outside, they still need exercise! Don’t forget to stick to your walking schedule, even when the temperature is low.
If you really don’t like the idea of battling Jack Frost with your canine companion, it’s important to keep them entertained so they don’t go stir crazy inside and start chewing up your furniture. Have some alternatives to outdoor exercise ready. Play hide and seek with favourite toys (or members of the family). Stimulate their nose by getting them to seek scents by hiding treats around the house or a specially made indoor obstacle courses. Or sign them up for a local indoor class where they can socialise with other dogs, top up their training or learn a new skill.

We here at DogFence know that your pet is part of the family and deserves the same amount of safety and comfort as you. These have been some tips to make sure that your pet has as much fun as possible this winter!