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Author njpadmin Posted on

Keeping Pets Safe at Christmas Time

Here at Not Just Pets we think that Christmas is a wonderful time of year where you can spoil not just your family and friends but also your beloved pets. We have had our shelves stacked with fantastic festive treats for all animals but some of the special treats that we love to indulge in at this time of year are not so great for your pets!

Chocolate! 

There is always lots of chocolate around at Christmas time from advent calendars, tree decorations, selection packs, to tins and presents. These may prove too tempting for your dog and could lead to chocolate poisoning.

Chocolate contains a stimulant called theobromine which is similar to caffeine. This is what is poisonous to dogs. Different types of chocolate contain different amounts of theobromine, white chocolate the least and dark chocolate the most. In 25 grams of white chocolate there is minimal amount, in milk chocolate 44-64mg, in dark chocolate 390-450mg and in dry cocoa powder 800mg. 100-150mg of theobromine per Kg of bodyweight is toxic to dogs. So if a regular sized dog weighing 30kg eats 1kg of milk chocolate it is enough for a fatal toxic reaction.

Please seek veterinary advice if your pet dog eats any chocolate the sooner you seek help the better the outcome. 

If your dog is a chocolate fiend we sell a range of dog safe chocolate that will satisfy them! So while you tuck into your Chocolate Orange your pet dog could snuffle up their own!

 

Grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas. 

Many Christmas treats include these tasty ingredients, Christmas pudding, mince pies and Christmas cake! Grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas are all toxic to both cats and dogs. Cooking them does not change how toxic they are. Any quantity could be harmful so seek veterinary advice if accidental eating occurs. They would make your pet very unwell and this could lead to renal failure.

Bones and carcasses

Although it is tempting to give your pets the bones and carcass from the Christmas roast they could potentially harm your pet. The bones may be too small, sharp or splinter in their throats.

Party time – strangers, noises and fireworks

Alcohol

There are lots of parties, dinners and get-togethers over the festive season. We all know how alcohol can make us feel – the good and the bad – A drink may be left unattended and be accidentally slurped by a pet! Make sure they have plenty of fresh water available to them and are safely settled if you are having a party. This could help avoid any accidental drinking!

Parties

The best way to avoid your pets getting stressed by extra visitors is to prepare beforehand. Make sure you can put them in a quiet, stress free room with their bed, toys and maybe the TV or radio on.

Fireworks 

Over the New Year rather than Christmas time people use Fireworks that can cause stress to cats and dogs.

We sell products that will help calm your pets during this noisy time.

We have Pet Remedy which can be used as a plug in or a room spray and is suitable for all mammals. We also have Adaptil for dogs and Feliway for cats, this comes in a room plug in and a spray also.

We also have a Calming spot on that can last up to a week. Available for both cats and dogs.

Decorations

Although some pets may like to shoot up the Christmas tree as soon as it is up, there should be no harm in them playing with tinsel and baubles just so long as they do not eat them! There are some other traditional decorations that can be harmful and these are the Christmas plants that we bring into our homes at this time such as  poinsettia, ivy, holly and mistletoe. Please make sure your pets are not able to nibble on these and seek veterinary help if an accident occurs.

Hopefully this blog has given you some information about what could potentially be a hazard in your home at this time of year. We hope that you and your pets have a wonderful Christmas and New Year and look forward to seeing you in 2015!

 We look forward to welcoming you in store soon; remember we are open in our Bath store 7 days a week!

Any ideas and suggestions you have will be welcomed. You can follow us in many ways:

Facebook                Twitter             Pinterest

 We are now on Instagram! – notjustpets Follow us and see some fantastic photos!

We run regular photo competitions, quizzes, offers and promotions on our Facebook and Twitter pages, so why not “like” or “follow” us today! 

Get in touch via any of the above, or via our website or email at bathpets@aol.com or telephone us on 01225 461461. Or simply pop in, you’ll be welcome!

Author njpadmin Posted on

It’s Christmas! 2014 News and Products

December is here which can mean one thing… Christmas! The best time of the year where we can decorate the store, get ready for Christmas and display all the favourite Christmas stock! We have been busy stocking our shelves with festive treats for all animals.

This blog will contain all the Cracking Christmas treats that we have in store for dogs, cats, and small animals as well as how we are preparing for the Christmas festivities.

We have decorated our Bath city centre store windows with a festive scene and a winter wild bird window.

 

 

Here is a shot of the wild bird window! As you can see it is a wintry scene with some very wild birds joining us… March of the penguins!

 

 

 

 

 

In our other window we have a festive party with a wintry scene. Father Christmas seems to be having some trouble on the roof!

 

 

 

We have a range of Christmas toys and treats for cats, dogs and small animals as well as all our usual toys, accessories and gift ideas.

 

 

Does your cat or dog look at you longingly for your favourite Christmas treats? Here in the Armitage range are dog and cat friendly treats including mince pies!

 

 

 

 

 

Small animals are not forgotten this festive season. We have some lovely natural festive treats, toys and accessories available for them to enjoy. Christmas stockings also available.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 What special doggy wouldn’t want to wake up to these special gifts on Christmas morning! A fantastic pudding outfit, a festive dog friendly cracker, a soft reindeer toy and a lovely bed. We have a range of festive costumes, coats and jumpers for dogs of all sizes. We have plenty of beds in our Relaxing room downstairs where you can try out the beds! We stock a wide range of colours and sizes.

 

There are plenty of special gifts and toys for our festive felines! Doesn’t this igloo bed look warm and cosy?

Festive toy balls, tinsel wise and danglers as well as a festive stocking just for cats!

Billy+Margot have these fantastic Luxury Christmas crackers for dogs! They look fab, just like the real thing, only these do not have a bang inside so are great for dogs!

They do include a joke, a hat and a packet of treats, antler or bone.

 

 

We have had an extra helper this year in the Bath city centre store in the shape of the Christmas Bear who likes to share! He helped us by promoting Christmas discounts on Facebook and Twitter!

Here he is helping Mike out on the till!

Helping himself to the Billy+Margot crackers!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Measuring dogs up for warm coats to keep them warm on their festive winter walks!

Promoting the Natures Menu and Lily’s Kitchen products that we stock, by trying to make Christmas trees out of them!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Making snowflakes out of wild bird food!

Here he is making friends with the goldfish and looking very comfortable with the festive Vet Bed we have in stock. Is this the Princess and the Pea? No! It’s the Christmas Bear deciding which colour bed he likes the most!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are you are going away over Christmas? Do you have anyone to free to care or your pets? If the answer is no then give the store a call! Our Pet Hotel has spaces available for small animals, birds and reptiles.

In our Bath city centre store we have spaces available over the festive period! Staff will be in store over the Christmas break so your pet will be cared for everyday, including Christmas day!

We are open all the way up until the 24th December Christmas Eve should you or your pet need anything in our stores. All your pet needs will be sorted over the Christmas period. Contact us if you have any questions or queries.

We look forward to welcoming you in store soon; remember we are open in our Bath store 7 days a week!

Any ideas and suggestions you have will be welcomed. You can follow us in many ways:

Facebook                Twitter             Pinterest

 We are now on Instagram! – notjustpets Follow us and see some fantastic photos!

We run regular photo competitions, quizzes, offers and promotions on our Facebook and Twitter pages, so why not “like” or “follow” us today! 

Get in touch via any of the above, or via our website or email at bathpets@aol.com or telephone us on 01225 461461. Or simply pop in, you’ll be welcome!

Author njpadmin Posted on

Fantastic New Shopping Experience With Three New Rooms at Not Just Pets

Our Bath city centre store now has three new rooms that are all ready for customers to visit. These new rooms will enhance the customer shopping experience and offer something different and new! We have taken the customer feedback about the store and have integrated them into three new rooms in our downstairs area. We are eager for customers to come in and visit them so we can hear what they think about them.

The first of our three rooms is The Garden Room. The store layout as it was did not have enough room to display all the big hutches, cages and coops that we keep in stock for customers to view. We have decorated the room to look like a lovely sunny garden. With Grass, a tree, butterfly, birds and bees. Customers can now see the hutches built up and see the quality and size to help them choose what is right for their needs.

The second of our new rooms is The Relax and Play Room. The area is big enough to stock a vast array of bed designs and sizes that customers were asking for. Customers can now try out the beds and see which they would like to purchase. There are beds for cats and dogs of all shapes and sizes. They look very inviting and we have to check no one has fallen asleep in there! This is the relaxing part of the room.

The play part of the room has a fantastic treat dispenser that with 50 pence you can get a handful of treats to try out the interactive treat toys that we stock. There is enough space for dogs to try out the toys before you buy them. At the moment we have some great Kong toys to try out and the first 6 customers who say “Treat please” at the till will have a free go on the treat dispenser and toys!

The third new room boasts the best views from around the world! It is our very own Pet Hotel. This is a dedicated area for boarding small animals, pets and birds. Decorated to look like a hotel room complete with lamp, rug and bible. We are able to offer the customer 7 days a week pet boarding, safe in the knowledge that their pet is well looked after here in Bath.  We have prices per day and discounts for longer stays and multiple animals. Call the store today and ask for a quote. The Pet Hotel will even be open over the Christmas holidays! So if you are planning on going away we can make sure your pets are well looked after.

We look forward to hearing your feedback about the new rooms! We think they add to the shopping experience by offering more choice, space and peace of mind.

 We look forward to welcoming you in store soon; remember we are open in our Bath store 7 days a week!

Any ideas and suggestions you have will be welcomed. You can follow us in many ways:

Facebook                Twitter             Pinterest

 We are now on Instagram! – notjustpets Follow us and see some fantastic photos!

We run regular photo competitions, quizzes, offers and promotions on our Facebook and Twitter pages, so why not “like” or “follow” us today! 

Get in touch via any of the above, or via our website or email at bathpets@aol.com or telephone us on 01225 461461. Or simply pop in, you’ll be welcome!

Author njpadmin Posted on 1 Comment on Tick Advice and Information

Tick Advice and Information

Ticks are blood feeding external parasites that can carry diseases that can harm you and your pet. Diseases such as Lyme Disease are transmitted when the tick injects saliva into their host whilst feeding.  To find out more about Lyme Disease, the symptoms and treatment, check out the Lyme Disease Action website.

They have a life cycle that has 4 different stages. Starting with the egg, 6 legged larva, 8 legged nymph and the adult tick. This blog post aims to offer some advice as well as some useful products to help you and your pet stay healthy and safe from ticks.

Ticks are arachnids, more closely related to spiders than to insects. A fully fed tick can be 3-10 times the size of an unfed tick.

Although pet owners have to consider ticks all year round it is in the summer that they are most active. They thrive in long vegetation waiting for passing animals, including humans, to attach themselves to. Ticks will then feed on the animal’s blood before dropping off. Contained within their saliva is an anaesthetic so the host animal will not feel the bite!

The Dartmoor National Park Authority has some very good preventative measures that can be adopted by dog walkers and visitors. They suggest:

  • Wearing covered shoes and long trousers tucked into your socks
  • Wearing light coloured clothing so a tick can be more easily seen.
  • Avoid a ticks favourite place by walking in the centre of paths and check yourself after sitting or leaning on trees.
  • Use a light coloured picnic blanket and check the underneath afterwards
  • Check your pets after they come home.

If a tick is found early removal is critical in reducing the risk of infection. Removal should be done carefully to prevent leaving parts of the tick behind. Here at Not Just Pets we have a range of products that will give you confidence in removing and preventing ticks.

 

The Ancol Tick Tool is a helpful tick remover that can be kept in your bag or backpack and is available for cats and dogs (in pink and blue) This tool fits over the tick and you can pull it out safely. Available in store and online priced at £2.30

 

 

 

 

Another great tick remover is the O’Tom Tick Twister which is shaped like a hook. It is supplied in two sizes to ensure you can remove ticks easily. Place the hook around the tick and twist slowly until the tick is released and safely remove from your pet. This design ensures that the tick is not squashed when removed which can lead to harmful saliva passing into the host animal. Available in store and online priced at £4.32

 

To help avoid picking up ticks when out and about Biospotix is an all natural, non-chemical based product that comes in a spot-on treatment for both cats and dogs. You place the treatment on the back of your pets neck. This repellent works by breaking the tick’s respiratory system. 100% safe for humans and pets. Can be used on animals older that 3 months and can last up to 4 weeks. Available online and in store each pack contains 5 pipettes and is priced at £10.00

The Tickless Ultrasonic Tick and Flea Repeller is a small electronic device. Shaped in the form of a pendant that can be placed on your pet’s collar. This device emits ultrasonic impulses to rid pets of fleas and ticks. A non toxic, chemical free way to protect yourself and your pet from ticks. Available in store and online priced at £22.99

 

 

 

 

Finding and removing any ticks safely will reduce the chance of illness occurring. Here at Not Just Pets we hope to help any pet owner with any concerns. Your vet will also be able to give you any advice you need to help you.

If you have any great tips or advice about ticks please contact us and let us know! We look forward to connecting with you.

We look forward to welcoming you in store soon; remember we are open in our Bath store 7 days a week!

Any ideas and suggestions you have will be welcomed. You can follow us in many ways:

Facebook                Twitter             Pinterest

 We are now on Instagram! – notjustpets Follow us and see some fantastic photos!

We run regular photo competitions, quizzes, offers and promotions on our Facebook and Twitter pages, so why not “like” or “follow” us today! 

Get in touch via any of the above, or via our website or email at bathpets@aol.com or telephone us on 01225 461461. Or simply pop in, you’ll be welcome!

Author njpadmin Posted on 1 Comment on Travelling With Pets – Staying Safe

Travelling With Pets – Staying Safe

There are a number of reasons that you may need to travel with your pet, a trip to the vets, travelling to the kennels, moving house, first trip home. It can be a daunting experience if you are unprepared for it so we would like to share with you the best ways to travel with your pets to make sure they stay safe and happy.

Unsecured pets and the law

The highway code Rule 57 states that when in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you or themselves if you stop quickly. A seatbelt harness, pet carrier, dog crate, or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.

If there is an accident if your pet is not restrained in the car they may escape from the vehicle, run out into traffic or run away and get lost.

There are many products available to help you keep your animals safe and happy while travelling. Here at Not Just Pets we have a great range of pet travelling items to choose from that are suitable for all types of pet.

For small animals we suggest that owners use a Pod Carrier that is secure and cannot be chewed. This can prevent the risk of your pet escaping into the car.

 

The Options Pod is suitable for small animals such as hamsters, mice, rats and gerbils. They are well ventilated, secure and have carry handles. Available online or in store from £7.99

A great way to transport your pet.

This is the Savic Discovery small animal Carrier. It is well ventilated and has a carry handle. This would be suitable for larger animals such as rabbits and if you had multiple small animals that would travel together. Available in store and online at £13.99

 

 

For larger small animals such as adult rats and guinea pigs we suggest a larger pod type carrier. We stock this Ferplast design in store and online at £16.99 It has a clear door, carry handles and is well ventilated,

These carriers are made from plastic which is easy to clean and can be collapsed and stored at home when not in use.

 

 

 

The best way to transport your pet cat is in a pet carrier. This keeps them safe and secure from escaping out of the vehicle. These carriers are designed to allow your pet to lay comfortably and are well ventilated. You can put in a blanket or towel for extra comfort.

The Cabrio is a great carrier as it is multi functional – you can open the front door for access as well as opening the top hatch for ease of putting your pet in and out. There are compartments for food and water on the go. This carrier can also be placed on the car seat and a conventional seatbelt can be used to secure it in place.

This is one of the stores best products and is a favourite with the staff as well.

 

Not Just Pets also stocks alternative pet carriers that come in a number of colours and designs. These have the front opening secure door. These can be collapsed when not in use. These come in a range of sizes for small cats/kittens and larger breeds.

Product shown is the Catit Voyageur Tiger Design in Black – prices start from £19.99

 

 

When travelling with dogs there are a number of options depending on your pet and the size and shape of your car.

Belts and harnesses – these can clip onto your pets harness or you can buy a travelling harness especially for the car.

The Universal seat belt restraint is used in conjunction with a full body harness which you can clip onto your dog’s regular harness and then put into your car seat belt holder. These are great if your dog does not like fussing into and out of harnesses as you use one for both travelling and walking.

Available in store or on our website at £4.99

 

The RAC 2 in 1 Car Harness is a great way to secure your pet dog on journeys. These are fully adjustable to ensure a great fit and then simply thread your seat belt though and clip it in as normal. Then when at your destination use the harness as a normal walking harness.

Available in a range of sizes in store and online from £9.99

 

The Ezydog harness is a great harness for your dog and you! Offers support and control. The chestplate comfortably moulds to the shape of your dogs chest creating a custom fit that is safe and secure. Easy to adjust and fit. Each Harness comes with a free car restraint that reduces in-car distractions. Available in different sizes and colours and in store or online starting from £15.26

 Crates – These can fit into most car boots or seats and have two doors for accessibility. Well ventilated, secure and come in a range of sizes. Can be collapsed when not in use to a smaller size and stored at home or in the boot of the car.

Not Just Pets have crates available in store and online, these crates are currently on offer, starting from £30.00 for small breeds. You can also purchase crate mats that make it more cosy and comfortable.

 

 

Carriers suitable for dogs – These are great for smaller dogs and can be taken in and out of the car.

 

Available in different colours and four different sizes that will suit your dog’s needs. They can be collapsed when not in use.

The Carrier shown here is a Dogit Voyageur and these are in store and online starting from £18.89

 

 

Ramps for larger breeds and older dogs – These can be stored in your car to help your pet in and out of the vehicle.

 

This is the Pet Gear Bi-Fold Ramp that is available online at £79.99 this can be stored in your car boot and has a skid resistant surface that allows your dog safe access in and out of the vehicle.

 

 

 

Other items you may find useful

Calming sprays – Pet pheromones have been used to help cats, dogs and other mammals to be calm and relaxed in stressful situations.

 

Adaptil is available for dogs and Feliway is available for cats.
A plug in diffuser can be used in the home but you can buy sprays for when out and about. Spray on the carrier or bedding to help your pet feel calm and secure.

 

 

 

Calming spot on is available for cats and dogs. This product is a natural herbal supplement that will calm your pet at a stressful time such as fireworks night or while travelling.

Just apply to the back of your pets neck and the formula effects last for up to a week.

 

 

Catnip – Can be used to help get cats into their carrier and then help them relax whist travelling.

Non spill bowls 

The road refresher can be used out and about as well as in the home. The shape helps to reduce spillages without restricting your pet from drinking. Can be used in the car whilst on the move.

Available in different sizes and colours from £9.99

 

 

Travel bowls – Lightweight and transportable these can be filled and used on the go and fold down so they do not take up a lot of room.

Ideal for long walks as well as long distance travelling.

This collapsible travel bowl is available in store and online £4.99

Travel beds and crate mats – Make sure your pet travels in comfort and style. There are a range of designs and styles so your pets journeys are comfortable. Not Just Pets has a wide range available in store.

Seat cover and protectors – If using a harness or seat belt restraint you may want to protect your back seat. These can be fitted over your existing car seat and are designed to still be able to use the seatbelts safely.

This waterproof Ancol Seat Protector is available in store and online at £22.35

Shields for windows – These are great for shading pets from sunlight if it is too warm to shade your pet with a blanket.

                                                                                                        Window grates – These fit on your car and allow cool fresh air into the car without the risk of your pet escaping out of the open window.

Fits to the width of your open window.

This Mikki window vent is available in store and online priced at £12.99

 

 

 

Never leave your pet in a car, whatever the weather, even if you leave the windows open – they can still overheat and die.

Now you have all the best travel equipment here are some top tips for travelling with your pets.

  • Do not feed your pet immediately before travelling as this may result in sickness
  • Be prepared and have an accident and emergency kit available so you can deal with any problems. The kit should contain –
  1. Paper towels or pet wipes
  2. Cleaner spray
  3. Poop bags
  • Exercise your pet dog before travelling in the car. If they are worn out they will settle down better in the car for the journey.
  • You can put a blanket or sheet over your pet’s crate or carrier to help reduce excitability. If they are not stimulated by the world whizzing by they are more likely to settle down.
  • Have rest breaks from travelling where you exercise and give refreshment to your pet. If you have a pet cat please do not let them out of the vehicle as you may not be able to get them back again.

Do you have any top travelling with animal tips? We would love to hear them!

We look forward to welcoming you in store soon; remember we are open in our Bath store 7 days a week!

Any ideas and suggestions you have will be welcomed. You can follow us in many ways:

Facebook                Twitter             Pinterest

 We are now on Instagram! – notjustpets Follow us and see some fantastic photos!

We run regular photo competitions, quizzes, offers and promotions on our Facebook and Twitter pages, so why not “like” or “follow” us today! 

Get in touch via any of the above, or via our website or email at bathpets@aol.com or telephone us on 01225 461461. Or simply pop in, you’ll be welcome!

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