Holiday Pet Care

Sometimes when we are planning to go away for the weekend or for an extended holiday in the hustle and bustle of planning a trip we overlook our pets. We usually plan for someone to watch our dogs but sometimes we overlook our feline companions. You can board your cat at a reputable cattery. You can find a good one in your area by asking friends, your vet or one of the local animal centres.

The best solution is if you have a friend or relative that can take care of your animals while you are away. Sometimes it is better if the person can come to your home and do the pet sitting. Cats and dogs do much better in familiar surroundings than in a strange places. The ideal situation is if the person can stay at your home while you are on holiday so your pet won't feel abandoned or become stressed. If that is not possible you should have the person come by at least twice a day and stay with your pets for an hour or so.

You want to make sure you leave all the information of where you will be and phone numbers in case they need something. You should also have your vet's number in a visible place in case of an emergency. If you plan on taking your pet on holiday with you, you'll want to make sure you plan ahead and find accommodations that are pet friendly. Your pet may become distressed during a long journey so you should talk to your vet before planning a trip with your pet. You will want to make sure that you have an appropriate travelling box so your cat or dog will be comfortable.

If you are going to take your pet abroad on holiday they will need a pet passport. They will have to have all of the vaccinations required and seen by a vet before you leave the country. Depending on where you are going and how long you plan on being gone will determine whether to leave your pet at home or take them with you. Most good pet insurance policies have cover included for emergency veterinary treatment whilst travelling within the EU, so if you think you will be taking your pets on holiday, don't forget to compare pet insurance policies before you buy.

Some pets, especially cats, don't do well in strange environments and are better off staying at home where they feel safe and secure. All pets are different; so it will be up to you to determine what is best for your pet.

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Tips on Grooming Your Pet

As all pet insurance customers know, grooming your pets is an essential part of keeping them healthy and looking good. You need to brush your dogs and cats regularly to remove dead hair, dirt and to prevent matting. Regular grooming gives your pets healthier shiny coats and stimulates the blood supply to the skin. You can help prevent hairballs forming in your cat's throat by grooming him often, and brushing your dog's coat will help keep him looking healthy and prevent tangles.

If you make grooming part of your regular pet care routine your animals will come to enjoy it. Some dogs and cats see their regular brushing as a form of petting. Brushing your animals is a good way to form a close bond between the two of you. It is important to start grooming your pets at an early age so they get use to it.

There are many different brushes and combs on the market today. You want to make sure you get the proper brush or comb for your breed of pet. Animals with long hair, such as Old English Sheepdogs or Persian cats, will need brushing and combing every day. Short haired animals need less grooming. Part of grooming your animals includes regular baths and you also need to clean their eyes, ears and clip their nails.

I have tried a variety of cat and dog brushes and combs. I have three dogs; a Golden Retriever, a Black Lab and a Boxer. My Golden Retriever needs constant grooming due to his long hair, especially on his tail and rear. I have found that the best grooming tool to use on him and my long hair cats is a horse comb. I use a reversable steel round curry comb. It works great and gets all the dead skin and loose hair off of my dog easily. He enjoys being brushed and the comb doesn't pull his hair or cause him any discomfort.

For grooming my short hair dogs and cats I use a grooming glove. They are excellent to use on short hair animals. My pets love to be groomed when I use a grooming glove. It gently removes hair and dirt. They actually don't even realise I am cleaning them, they just think I am petting them.

Each animal is different, and you will just have to try different grooming products to find the one that works best for you. Grooming your pet can be an enjoyable experience for both of you.

Keeping Your Dog's Coat Shiny

A healthy dog has a shiny coat. Besides grooming, a dog has to have a balanced diet and regular checkups with a vet to keep his coats glossy and shiny. A dog needs a balanced diet that includes protein, vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates. High quality dog food can give your dog the right nutrition to keep his coat looking healthy.

If your dog is ill or has fleas or worms this can rob your dog's body of vital nutrients. Any of these things can make a dog have a dull coat instead of a beautiful glossy one. That is why it is important to make sure your dog has regular checkups with your vet. You should also make sure they are treated for fleas and wormed regularly - most treatments can be administered easily at home once per month.

Besides a proper diet and regular checkups, dogs should be groomed on a regular basis. When you are combing or brushing your pet you are removing dead skin and hair. Grooming also distributes the oils on your dog's skin throughout his coat, as well as giving you some quality time together.

There are a variety of pet shampoos on the market. It depends on what type of dog you have and what their coat is like as to which kind of product you choose. You should always use a shampoo designed for dogs instead of regular shampoo which could be too harsh for your dog's coat. The type of dog you have will also help determine how often you should bathe them. When you are bathing your dog make sure to rinse them thoroughly. This will get rid of any shampoo residue which can leave their coat dull.

Taking care of a dog is a big responsibility. To ensure that they stay healthy, they need to have a proper diet, regular checkups, regular grooming and plenty of exercise. You also need to make sure that you have either adequate funds available for unexpected vet's bills should you pet dog become ill or be injured - taking out a good pet insurance policy is a great way of taking care of the worry for you, so that you can take care of the special relationship between you and your pet.

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Where to Buy a Puppy - How to Avoid Puppy Farms

Ethical pet insurance customers will already know how important it is for potential pet owners to realise that a dog is a lifetime commitment and should never be taken lightly. Unfortunately, such is our world that it's full of people more concerned about money than welfare. Which is why it is so important that when you look to purchase any animal, you do your research properly beforehand.

There are many animals out there that are desperately in need of a good home. So always try a rescue centre first before thinking about approaching a breeder or answering an advertisment. You know for a fact that the dog you take in will have been looked after for properly whilst in their care. It will probably also have been vaccinated and any health issues will be fully disclosed before you agree to adoption. A good rescue shelter will also ensure that you are a suitable owner and will assess your home situation. This is how it should be.

Adverts that you see in newspapers are unfortunately not always placed by reputable breeders. These are often puppy farms, which are mostly appalling to say the least. The welfare of the pups is generally not high on their list of priorities. Organisations such as the Dogs Trust are always campaigning against these farms and have likened the production of puppies to the battery farming of chickens. They are "battery farms for dogs", and it's pretty sick that it's us as a nation which has been buying the puppies which has led to it becoming a problem of this scale.

Sadly, there are lots of puppy farms across the country, especially in Wales. It is also believed that 50,000 puppies are imported from Ireland every year. Ireland has particularly lapse breeding legislation. Charities estimate that up to eight million dogs in the UK started their lives in a puppy farm. Some are not so lucky and they die there too, usually in squalour and pain.

The bitches are isolated and fed very little; just the bear minimum to keep them alive. They have no exercise, attention or veterinary care. They are bred from continuously until they are exhausted, then they are killed. Some breeding bitches reject or attack their pups.

The puppies from these farms are often ill before you buy them. Many die within weeks of being with their new owners. These puppies not vaccinated by the breeders, so they are often riddled with worms and canine parvovirus. Many also have congenital heart problems, dislocated kneecaps and spinal disorders. Imagine the mental and emotional problem these dogs will have as a result of starting out life in these conditions. They are starved of human contact and that of other dogs. This can cause aggression, failure to bond with an owner or possibly clinginess. What a way to start and have a life! These farms will never let you see the conditions that the dogs are kept in and they will most certainly not let you see the mother.

Warning! - Don't be taken in in the belief that you are saving a puppy, as you are merely fuelling the supply and demand. These farms keep going because of the lack of resources in local authorities, which are often unable to spot check conditions and paperwork. If you suspect that there is puppy farming going on near you, you must tell the authorities or an animal welfare organisation immediately.

There are new initiatives being suggested to try and stop these abhorrent practices; one is to set a statutory code of practice under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Another is to have compulsory microchipping before the point of sale, so that a dog can always be traced back to the breeders. There is also a "puppy contract" being drawn up by the British Veterinary Association, which will protect both the seller and the purchaser. As with all major changes though, naturally they will take time to enforce and to have an impact.

In the meantime, the main way in which to cease this trade is through public education. So before you buy a puppy, please remember the following:

• Do get advice from a vet before buying. They will probably be able to recommend reputable dog breeders
• Don't ever buy on impulse from a pet shop, pet superstore, from the internet or adverts in newspapers. The puppies will almost certainly have been supplied by a puppy farm
• Don't buy a pedigree dog at a bargain price, the chances are that it's lineage won't be genuine
• Do consider classified ads if you are content with a mixed breed. But only agree to purchase after a medical, and get all communications in writing
• Do go to rescue centres, the dog of your dreams may well be there
• Do go to the breeder's premises, so you can see the conditions and the mother. The breeder should interact with the puppy's mother well. If they don't allow this, don't go through with the purchase and alert the relevant authorities
• Do check the paperwork. All breeders should provide you with medical records and any pedigree breeders should have Kennel Club registration papers. Certain breeds also need parents' hereditary disease screening certificates

Wherever you buy your puppy from eventually, the most important thing is to remember that you now have a responsibility to take care of him and provide for his needs - in return you will be rewarded with unconditional love and a loyal companion for many years to come.

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Are you Financially Prepared for your Pet's Health Problems? 

If you have pets, you need to feed them good nutritious food and give them regular exercise like walking, playing and jumping around so that they can remain healthy and free of ailments. Despite this, your pets may still fall ill.

You need to be mentally and financially prepared for your pet’s health problems. When things happen - as they inevitably do at some stage in the life of your pet - the cost of treatment can cause you financial and emotional strain. A good pet insurance policy will help you tackle the cost of treatment.

Many pet owners do not realise the importance of buying pet health insurance cover. Statistics show that people who have cats are less interested in seeking cover than the dog owners. The reasons behind this is the belief that dogs are more active and more likely to get injured and hence require veterinary treatments as compared to cats who are less likely to sustain injuries.

Cats tend to suffer in silence, which means that although they may have a serious health problem, you may not realise. You have to watch out for signals that indicate something is wrong with your cat.

Having a pet is a big responsibility, but they can provide years of companionship, loyalty and entertainment. Most pets are considered part of the family. Just like other members of your family a pet will become ill at some time or another during their lifetime. To make sure you can provide quality medical care for your pets, no matter if it is just routine care or a serious condition, you should consider buying pet insurance.

To keep your pets healthy you have to provide them with a nutritious diet and give them plenty of exercise. They will also need preventive care such as vaccinations and flea and worm treatments. Both cats and dogs can develop lifelong ailments that have to be treated on an ongoing basis such as arthritis or diabetes. Your pet can also suffer from seasonal ailments, such as allergies or colds and flu. That is why you need to compare pet insurance so you can provide the best possible care for your beloved four legged family members.

Just like your children, your pet needs to have regular checkups to make sure they stay healthy and happy. Vet costs are on the rise and it is getting more expensive by the day. It is a wise choice to have pet insurance in case your pet is seriously injured; whether it be from being hit by a car or from fighting with another animal. You will know that no matter what happens to your pet you will be able to provide the best care you can afford.

Not only will pet insurance help cover medical costs for your pet, depending on the policy it will also help to cover costs if your pet is lost or stolen. Some policies will cover advertising and reward costs. You should also have liability insurance included, in case your pet bites someone or damages someone else's property. It can also cover the costs if you have to put your pet in a kennel or cattery, due to an extended stay in a hospital.

Animal Friends Pet Insurance have a wide range of policy options to suit your need and budget - you can buy online or give the friendly people in the office a call on 0844 55 70 300 who will be only too happy to help. What's more, when you refer a friend to Animal Friends, £5 will be donated to a charity of your choice.

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Tips on Taking Photos of your Pets 

Our pets are just like our children and we often want to capture every funny and landmark moment on film. It looks a lot easier than it really is. Taking a picture of your pet is like taking a picture of a baby or small child. You have to snap your fingers or make sounds to make them look up into the camera. They also will move or run away at their whim.

Lighting is very important when you are photographing your pet. Natural light is the best to capture their character. If you are shooting pictures indoors your pet may become scared or frightened of the flash. Using a flash or not being in the right light can also cause red eye in your pictures. To help prevent this make sure you take pictures from many different angles and poses.

The best pictures are taken on a bright but cloudy day or in a room that is well lit through sun coming in the windows. You have to be very patient and allow time for your pet to settle down. I find I get the best pictures if I carry my camera with me and walk around or stop and play with my pets. This way they get used to the camera. I take pictures as I am walking around and when I am setting down petting my cats or dogs.

Animals can be very photogenic and with patience and practice you can get pictures that will bring out the best in them, whether you are taking pictures of your active puppy or your lazy feline friend. I always usually have my digital camera in my pocket and take candid pictures whenever I see them. My cats and dogs are used to having their pictures taken.

Another tip is to use an optical zoom when taking your pictures. That way you can be further away and not scare the animal. When using the zoom you have to make sure that you don't blur the image. If you experiment using different angles and taking pictures from different positions you will be able to capture your pet's true character.

If you are still trying to get that perfect picture of your beloved pet, here are some more tips to help you. You want to capture your pet’s personality and have a treasured memory for a life time. Here are some more helpful hints to get the perfect picture.

One common mistake that some people do when taking a picture of their pet is to do it from a standing position. You will get better photos if you get down to eye level with your pet. Whenever you can, try to use natural light, filtered sunlight or bright shade is ideal.

Try to keep as much of the background out of the pictures as you can. When you are taking the picture try to frame your pet tightly in the shot. You want to bring out emotion in your pet, whether it be perking up their ears or tilting their heads. You want to keep their eyes focused on the camera. You can use their favourite phrases or make a sound that will keep their attention.

Before you start to take pictures of your pet you should wipe their eyes and give them a quick brushing. You can use treats to get them to do what you want. You can use small treats and always praise them when they have done what you wanted them to do.

It is a lot easier to take a picture of your pet when someone else is there to help out. That way you can concentrate on getting the best shot. It is very important to have patience. You can take a lot of shots and edit them later. If you do get frustrated you should take a break and try taking some pictures later on.

Pictures are precious keepsakes that you can have of your pet that will last for a long time.

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Pet Dental Care Ideas For Dogs & Cats

Most of us make sure that we try to keep our pets healthy by feeding them right and getting them vaccinated. However, most of forget about dental care for our pets. Dogs and cats need preventive care and dental care for their teeth, just like humans. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society about 70% of cats and 80% of dogs will show signs of oral disease by the age of 3. As a concerned pet insurance company Animal Friends Pet Insurance would like to share some dental care tips for your dog or cat with you. Remember to always consult your veterinarian about any important issues and ask them before you take any active steps to look after your pets health should you be unsure.

You should get yearly dental checkups for your pets and have their teeth cleaned. Your cat or dog could become seriously ill from dental problems. Dogs and cats rarely develop cavities; however, cats can get painful lesions. If you see signs of a buildup of plaque on the teeth and gums this may indicate that your pet has gingivitis, which is an inflammation of the gums.

Your pets can also develop periodontal disease. This disease can cause tooth loss, pain and other complications. Some of the symptoms of dental disease include; difficulty eating or loss of appetite, bad breath, excessive drooling or bleeding and inflamed gums. If your dog or cat shows any of thing symptoms you should seek medical attention right away.

Dental disease in an animal can be very serious. Not only is it very painful; it could also lead to serious problems with their liver, kidneys and heart. You should check your pet's teeth regularly and make sure you feed them the proper food and treats. You can also brush a dog's teeth. You should ask your vet on advice on how to maintain your pet's teeth and gums.

Just remember, pets, just like humans, need to have routine dental care. By making sure your pet's teeth and gums are kept healthy; you will have a happy healthy companion for a lifetime.

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Don't Leave It Too Late To Buy Pet Insurance! 

Every pet owner is aware what an important step it is to make sure your pet has everything he needs. You need to ensure that your pet has a constant supply of water 24 hours a day. You need to make sure you are providing the appropriate nutritionally balanced diet for your chosen breed of dog or cat. Your pet should also attend the vet each year to have a check up and, if appropriate, its vaccinations.  Your vet can then check your pet’s general health and perform a teeth and gum check. 

Never forget that pets need love and companionship too - providing only the barest necessities will not result in a satisfying relationship between you and your pet.

After the above needs have been taken care of, you should give some thought to what you would do if you found out that your pet needed either a very expensive operation or was diagnosed with an ongoing illness. Could you afford to pay for this? By buying pet insurance, your fears could be overcome and you don’t have to pay the earth to buy peace of mind either. Every day Animal Friends Pet Insurance receives calls from people that have had the bad news that their pet has become unwell. They may have just come back from the vet and he has told them the pet’s operation could run into hundreds if not thousands of pounds. They reach for the phone and expect a pet insurance company to take on that condition, but they can’t.

Elaine Fairfax, Managing Director of Animal Friends, explains the position:-

“I know this sounds a cruel scenario but if you were to come home tonight and your house had been burgled and you did not have any insurance to cover it, would you expect to pick up the phone and get cover for this after the event? The answer is no. But some people think that if they are faced with a large vet bill they simply can’t afford they can get this covered even though their pet has been diagnosed previously.  Pet insurance pretty much works on the same basis as any other insurance policy. Even if you can only afford a budget policy, that is better than nothing and is fine for the majority of one-off problems."

However, if you can afford it, it is best to take out a lifetime cover policy. This would mean that if your pet were to develop an ongoing condition such as diabetes, arthritis etc, then the insurance company will pay for this throughout the pet’s life. When you are considering lifetime dog insurance or cat insurance look at the small print too. Some lifetime covers will only give you an amount per condition for the pet's life. So if you had a young cat or dog that had an ongoing condition, then there might not be enough money to cover it throughout its life. It is better to go for "per condition, per year" as Animal Friends' lifetime policies offer.

Why not give AFI's team a call on 0844 55 70 300 and they will be happy to talk to you about a policy which will suit your needs and budget.

          Don’t wait until it's too late – buy your pet insurance policy today! 

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Alternative Pet Ideas - Jirds As Pets

Despite making wonderful pets, many people have not heard of jirds. These adorable pets are part of the gerbil family, but are closer to the size of cane rats or small rabbits. If you are looking for jirds then you will most likely come across different varieties; Shaw's, Libyan and Persian jirds. In the UK you will find that jirds are often hybrids of these three breeds. Whichever breed you choose to buy, you will find that they are fantastic household pets that have a lot to offer you. As a pet insurance company we realise that UK pet owners are among the worlds most devout pet lovers and we would like to help both customers and friends find out more about the various pets people keep.

Many people, when they are looking to buy a new rodent, are interested in pet behaviour. You will find that jirds are very calm by nature and that they are unlikely to fight which means that you can keep more than one in the same cage or tank; this is very unlike most rodents which are likely to begin fighting amongst themselves if kept together which may bring up problems regarding pet health. Jirds are also generally very happy to be handled and enjoy being played with, and since they are highly intelligent creatures you will find that they are often inquisitive and interested in their surroundings.

Jirds like to burrow, climb and jump around so if you're looking to add a jird to your family then you should find a large-sized tank or cage and supply them with plenty of things to keep them amused; if you are going to use wood shavings to line your tank with, ensure that you use plenty so that your jirds can have hours of fun digging away! To feed your jirds you can buy any form of rodent mix, such as standard dry hamster food. Jirds are very easy to take care of and supply for, so once you have these few things sorted, all you will have to think about is thinking up pet names for your new critter! Although jirds don't get ill often and are generally very healthy pets, you should buy pet insurance to make sure that, if anything bad were to happen, you're new friend can be looked after adequately.

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How to Tell the Difference between Good and Bad Dog Breeders

Puppy farms cater to pet stores and people who are brokers for pet stores. There are so many of these type of places that it is hard for the government to regulate and inspect all of them. When you are looking for a purebred puppy it is wise look for a breeder in your area where you can see the puppies and the conditions they are being raised in.

After you have decided which type of dog breed you want to purchase you should visit and compare several dog breeders and ask a lot of questions. Things to look for in a good dog breeder include:

•  The breeder should be a specialist in the type of dog you are looking for. Usually good breeders only raise one type of dog and don’t have a lot of    different breeds to choose from. 
•  They should ask you a lot of questions and seem genuinely interested in finding good homes for the puppies.
•  The puppies should be properly socialised with humans. You can tell this by watching the pups and how they react to people.
•  The breeding facility should be well-kept and clean. Take notice of their water and food bowls, their beds and if the dogs seem to be in good health.

Most good breeders will have had the puppies checked by a vet and have had their first vaccinations and worming done. They will also be able to provide proper documentation on health checks done on the parents of the puppies to look for common diseases or health issues such as hip dysplasia. Make sure you ask to see the parents of the pups if possible and take notice of their behaviour and how they react to humans.

All purebred puppies should have a proper Registration Certificate authorized by the appropriate governing dog body. Most good breeders will agree to take the puppy back with a full refund if for some reason you are not satisfied. You do have rights and they are enforcible. We also have an article on uk pet control that is well worth a read.

Signs of a Responsible Dog Breeder

There are hundreds of different dog breeders today. It is sometimes difficult to determine which breeders are responsible ones and which are not. There are some things that all good and reliable breeders have in common.

One sign of a good breeder is that they place the welfare of their dogs first and foremost. They understand that things can go wrong during a dog's pregnancy and delivery. Sometimes an emergency Caesarian section is necessary. Sometimes the mother dog cannot nurse or care for the pups after delivery. A responsible breeder is aware of any potential problems and has plans already in place for any problems or emergencies.

A good breeder realises that they may not make a profit from breeding their dogs. They understand that sometimes medical treatments and complications will eat away at their profit from selling their puppies. Even though they realise this they will still do what is necessary to make sure their dogs are taken care of. They also have funds set aside or have an agreement with their vet in case any treatments are needed.

A good breeder will guarantee and stand behind their puppies. They will guarantee that their puppies are free of congenital problems and disease. The best and most responsible breeders are in the business to improve the breed of dog they are raising. These breeders choose the best breeding stock and do not breed inferior animals.

The ponts listed above are there to help you find a breeder that takes good care of their dogs and can be classed as a proper and responsible breeder, but as an ethical pet insurance company we must state that there are breeders out there who do have the best of intentions, and truly love their animals, but may not have all the contingencies in place - perhaps through lack of experience or funds. This should not necessarily deter you from buying a puppy which needs a loving home. Likewise, just because a breeder looks good on paper does not necessarily mean that they have the love for their animals which of course is vital to the happiness of the pups.

In my opinion, if you are looking for a dog or puppy you should really pay a visit first and foremost to your local rescue centre and look at adopting an animal in need of a good loving home. If you are in or near London, why not pay a visit to the Mayhew Animal Home - as one of AFI's beneficiary charities we know just how many unwanted and abused animals are in desperate need of your help.

Once everyone in your household including your newest member has settled down into a routine and you know that this is the right pup for your family, you should seriously consider getting pet insurance on your puppy in case of unforeseen medical expenses in the years to come. You have health insurance on the rest of your family and for peace of mind you might also want to get dog insurance on the newest member of your home.

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A Rescue or Animal Shelter Dog For Your New Family Pet

If you are looking for a new dog, you may like the idea of rescuing one from your nearest dogs' home or dog rescue center. These dogs have not always had the best pasts and you can offer them the love and attention that they deserve and give them a new lease of life with a great family and the end result is a more rewarding relationship for both your pet and your family. It's a chance all pets in the animal shelters deserve, don't you think? As one of the UK's best known Ethical Pet Insurance Companies Animal Friends has not only donated all our net profits to charitable causes such as these, but we also work closely with each and every one of them to make a real difference for the animals in their care where we can.

When going to your local dogs' home, you will find that there are plenty of different pups to choose from and that all of them will be there for different reasons. By talking to staff you can find out which have good temperaments and will be able to get other information, such as whether they are good with children. Many people find that they have no problems whatsoever with rescued dogs, but if you are concerned then you may choose to look into dog training which will not only help your dog to behave correctly, but is also a great bonding experience.

The health of the dogs that you will see at the dogs' home is sure to be perfect; they are thoroughly checked over by professionals before being offered to the public so you won't have to worry about your new best friend having any health problems. After you have selected your dog and taken it home, however, you should look into dog insurance to make sure that you can look after your new dog as best as you can and giving it a new start in life. By choosing a not-for-profit insurance company, also, you can make sure that you are not only looking after your own new pet but you are helping plenty of other animals out there, also.

If you do not feel as though you have the time to give to a dog that may not have had the best start in life, there are other ways that you can look after them such as donating to animal charities or your local dogs' home, who will sure to provide you with pet news and let you know how much you've helped out.

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