Keeping your pets safe this winter!

How to Keep Your Pets Safe This Winter

Dog In Snow
Keep your pets safe in Winter




The cold weather can be tough on all of us but it is especially tough on our furry friends. As pet owners, it is important to take extra care of our pets during the winter months.

Here are some tips on how to keep your pets safe during the chilly weather.

Grooming

Paw Protection

Pawz dog boots

Additionally, keep the hair on your dog’s paws groomed to stop snow, ice, salt, and sand from adhering to it, tangling, or causing irritation to their paw pads. Every time you enter from outdoors, give your dog’s paws a warm water wash if they are braving the cold barefoot. Sand and salt can get between your toes and irritate their skin (or burn, in the case of salt). If their paw pads are chapped or dry, put some paw balm on them. You can apply some paw balm before starting your walk to add an extra layer of protection. Please note, however, that after your walk, you will need to wash the balm off their paws to get rid of any remaining particles. Alternatively, get your dog some boots, such as the fabulous PAWZ™ dog boots and ensure paws are fully protected.

Fur coats

Keep your dog’s coat well-groomed as a thick, healthy coat will help keep your dog keep warm in wintry weather. Trims are necessary to maintain the condition of your dog’s coat, but you do not want to cut it too short. Dogs with long hair require a lot of fluff to stay warm. Additionally, dogs with double or triple coats, such as Huskies, Malamutes, and Pomeranians, should not be shaved. Their outer coats assist them in controlling their body temperature. They are insulated by their inner coats.

Sore Noses

Even while a dog’s nose does not often get special attention during regular grooming routines, it should in the winter. The dry air can damage their skin and nails and their nose is experiencing the same effects. Your dog may feel uncomfortable and may even lose their sense of smell if their nose is dry and cracked. To help with this, use a nose balm (you can combine a nose and paw balm for this) to keep their nose soft and wet all winter long.


Provide Proper Shelter

One of the most important things you can do for your dog in the winter is to provide them with a warm, comfortable place to sleep. If your dog spends any time outdoors, make sure they have a snug, dry spot to curl up in when they are not active. A heated dog bed or mat can be a lifesaver for older dogs or breeds that are particularly sensitive to the cold.

Bring Your Dog In From The Cold

When the temperature begins to fall, bring your dog inside. Just like humans, dogs can become hypothermic if they are exposed to the cold for an extended period of time. Your dog will not be able to go outside if it is too chilly for you. Bring them inside and make sure they have a cosy, warm bed free from draughts.

Keep Your Cats Warm


A few more cosy spots around the house for your cat to snuggle up in will be much appreciated. Igloo beds are great for winter because they let your cat get cosy and hide … or a cardboard box with a towel to lie on will do.


Litter Trays/Boxes

Even if your cat regularly relieves itself outside, it is a good idea to have a litter tray  inside so they will not feel obligated to go outside in inclement weather or when they cannot make a little hole for themselves in the frozen ground. If you have multiple cats, make sure there is a tray for each cat plus one!

Keep Them Active

Just like us, pets can get cabin fever when they are cooped up indoors all winter. Make sure to give your dog plenty of opportunities to run and play, even if it is just in the backyard. If you can brave the cold for a walk or run, even better! Just be sure to bundle up your pup in a warm coat or sweater if it is particularly cold outside. 

For your cat, get them some new toys and make sure you play with them frequently. Since dawn and dusk are peak hunting hours, try to play with your cat during those times.

Stay Visible And Keep Walks Shorter

If you must walk your dog at night, take extra safety measures. To ensure you are both visible to walkers and drivers, LED collars, hi-vis leads and coats  can be excellent options for your dog.  Take a good torch to illuminate the route and after dark, keep your dog on a lead to avoid hidden dangers and to keep them safe.

Also keep your walks shorter if walking in towns to avoid chemical/salt damage to paws.

Taking Care Of Ageing Joints

Older pets may develop tight joints and arthritis, and occasionally colder temperatures can make these conditions much worse. Take meticulous care of your senior pet’s joints, especially during the winter. Check out our range of foods and products to help your pet’s ageing joints. Good foods like Nature’s Way and Canagan senior/mature contain many joint supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin.

Ice-Covered Ponds

When going for walks in the cold, use extreme caution. Excited dogs may be drawn to frozen ponds and lakes but they can easily slip through the ice (or drag you into it) and get seriously hurt in the chilly water. Keep your dog on a lead to ensure their safety.

Watch For Signs Of Hypothermia Or Frostbite

Dogs can get hypothermia or frostbite just like humans, so it is important to be aware of the signs. If your dog is shivering uncontrollably, has blue lips or gums, has difficulty walking or seems lethargic, they may be suffering from hypothermia. If your dog starts to show any of these signs, bring them inside immediately and warm them up slowly.

Frostbite occurs when the skin and tissue freezes. It most often affects the extremities, like the ears, tail, and paws. If you notice your dog’s skin is pale or bluish in colour or if they seem to be in pain, they may have frostbite. If you suspect your dog has frostbite, warm the affected area gently with warm water.

If you suspect either frostbite or hypothermia, call your vet immediately.

Be Careful With Chemicals

Anti-freeze and de-icer are used in car radiators and to stop cars icing up in winter but they are incredibly toxic for animals and can kill them. Anti-freeze and other chemicals can be tempting for dogs to lick so be sure to keep any chemicals out of reach and clean up any spills immediately. Contact your vet immediately if you suspect that your pet has consumed something toxic.

If you do use antifreeze in your car, be extra careful to use a pet-safe variety – the PDSA has good advice here on which products to use.

Check Under The Bonnet

In cold and wet weather, cats frequently find refuge under cars. Some even climb into the hood to be close to a warm engine. Before starting your automobile, always check inside to see if a furry someone has climbed inside or rap on the bonnet.

Dangerous Plants

Holly, Ivy, and Poinsettia, popular holiday plants, are poisonous to pets if they consume them. Move them out of reach or put them in a room your pet does not have access to or err on the side of caution and use artificial plants to beautify your home.

Caring for our smaller furry friends


Small animals we keep as pets, such as rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets, are quite sensitive to the cold and temperature fluctuations. Even though a sharp drop in temperature can be jarring, there are a few things you can do to support them.

Bring Them In

If your pets are used to living outside, consider moving them inside or into a sheltered place, such as a shed or car-free garage, where they will be safe from the elements. However, keep in mind that they also require light, so make sure they have a window.

Steer Clear Of Draughts

If you are unable to bring small animals that are accustomed to living outdoors, inside, you should prepare their habitat by covering open fronts to shield them from the elements and insulating the sides of the home with newspaper or carpet and making sure they have plenty of bedding to snuggle into. Make sure that tiny animals, such as mice or hamsters are kept indoors and away from draughts of chilly air. You might need to relocate their enclosure away from windows and towards a warmer area of the house.

Conclusion

Just like us, our pets may require a bit more care throughout the winter. Whether you have a dog, cat or a smaller pet, it is critical that they stay secure, warm and active as the weather begins to cool. It can be challenging for both us and our pets to adjust when the days become shorter and the temperatures drop and we go into the winter but with a little extra care and attention to them, you can safely get through winter.

You can buy all the things you need to keep your pet safe in our stores in Frome and Larkhall and many items are online on our website. If you cannot find what you need on there – please ring us and we will be happy to help! Wishing you all a happy and safe winter season.

Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NotJustPetsFrome and Instagram and Twitter at @NotJustPets – we would love to see pics of your pets in winter!
Not Just Pets, 1 Market Place, Frome, BA11 1AG. Tel: 01373 462068

Spring Time News at Not Just Pets

We are looking forward to spring and summer time here at Not Just Pets as the sun starts shining across Bath it makes the city shine brighter. We have our spring sale in store at the moment in our Bath store across all departments so why not pop in and grab a bargain!

Spring Sale Window

We are fully stocked with travel and sunny day accessories for all animals. Take care of thirsty dogs with fold down water bowls and clip on water bottles. Dogs can not sweat like us so give your dog a helping hand by using a cooling coat. Just dip in water and place on your dog. Make sure your cat or dog is cool and hydrated with a pet water fountain that filters and keeps water fresh.

If you are on the road, rail or in the air with your pets we have travel accessories that will keep your pets safe and secure. Travel harnesses and airplane approved travel boxes of all sizes for dogs,  cats, rabbits and other small animals. Keep your car cool and your pet safe with a Car vent that fits on your window. Never leave your dog in your car unattended.

It is a great time of year to encourage and observe wild animals in your garden . Here at Not Just Pets we stock a wide range of wild bird seeds and feed. As well as a great selection of feeders, tables and houses.

We also keep Spike’s Hedgehog food in stock which is designed for hedgehogs to ensure they are getting the right nutrition. If you find a hedgehog visiting your garden you may be tempted to feed it bread and milk which could do more harm than good.

Why not create your own Spring Watch and install a camera in your garden? We can provide Gardenature bird boxes and camera systems that are specially designed for watching wildlife!

Let us know via twitter or Facebook about the animals that are living in your area!

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!

Christmas Gift Guide For Pets and their Owners

njp hats

With just a few days over 5 weeks to go until the big day we are feeling festive and getting into the Christmas spirit at Not Just Pets. We are stocked to the brim with festive treats and toys.

If you need some inspiration for buying gifts for pets and their owners then you have come to the right place. We have a fabulous range of gifts, stockings, outfits and accessories this year so everyone can join in the festive fun no matter what their species!

Dogs, cats and small animals can join you in the festive countdown with these fabulous advent calendars. Each day they can have a small treat that is made especially for them. Make sure you are ready for the first of December.

Reward your pet on Christmas morning with a stocking! We have a fantastic range of stockings for cats, dogs and small animals, containing treats and toys that will help them join in the festive fun.

christmas stockings

Christmas dinner time! Has your dog tried the Lily’s Kitchen 3 Bird Feast for Christmas Dinner? We have Lily’s trays for cats too. We also have the beautifully presented Christmas treats for cats and dogs that would make a lovely gift. The dog treats are in a red post box with a snowy Christmas scene and the cat treats are in a festive cracker shape with some carol singing cats.

lily-kitchen-christmas-collection

festive-biscuit-dog-lilly

cat-cracker

We have a lovely range of outfits and accessories to help your pet look the part this festive season. With the best range of Christmas jumpers, reindeer antlers, Santa hats and elf costumes your pets will be the best dressed this Christmas.

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luna christmas jumper

We hope this gift guide has given you some ideas and inspiration. Remember that if you do not know what to get we also sell gift vouchers that can be used in our stores on any products. Do you follow us on Facebook or Twitter? Look out for Christmas related promotions and competitions and join in with the festive fun.

We look forward to welcoming you in store soon!

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 01373 462068. Or simply pop in, you’ll be welcome!

Festive fun and Christmas time at Not Just Pets

Christmas is in full swing and with two weeks to go to the big day everyone is on Christmas count down. We have put together some gift ideas for you and your pets and there is plenty in store to choose from.

            

We have a selection of accessories and gift ideas for small animals. Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, rats and other small animals love accessories and treats. Treat your small animal to Christmas stockings, Christmas hides and Chubes, Reindeer hamster bed and tasty chews and treats.

We have Christmas stockings available for small animals, dogs and cats. These enable your pets to join in with the festive fun in a safe way. These have animal safe chocolate and treats. The cat and dog stockings contain a fun toy and the small animal stocking contains a safe chew toy. There is a range of dog stocking depending on what your dog like. Some dogs prefer treats and some prefer toys!

         

Here is a Christmas collection of toys and treats for your festive feline. A lovely cosy bed, a Yeowww catnip candy cane, a festive collar, tasty cat treats, a stocking stuffed with treats, Christmas toys and Lily’s kitchen Christmas dinner for cats.

The store is overflowing with Christmas gift ideas for dogs. Here is a small selection of what we have available in store.  Choose from a selection of cuddly toys, Christmas themed festive jumpers, cosy beds, tasty chewy treats. Do not forget Lily’s kitchen Doggy Christmas dinner and treats!

We have a great range of festive fashion so your dog can get involved with the fun this Christmas! Santa coats, beards, antlers and hats. Here is Luna wearing a snowman sweater – we have sizes for tiny dogs up to German Shepard sizes and beyond!

      

There is so much more available in store and we look forward to seeing you this Christmas time.

 

You can watch our Christmas video on Youtube – Not Just Pets Christmas 2015

We hope that this has given you some great gift ideas for this Christmas. Let us know what you think! We are on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Youtube and Instagram.

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!

Guest Blog – Tips to Healthier and Happier Furry Friends

Tips to Healthier and Happier Furry Friends

 

Keeping your pet healthy and happy all the time may take a lot of work. Should you decide to take the challenge, Jordan Walker, a pet-related blog enthusiast and content curator of Coops and Cages, gives you some tips so you can give your pets the happiness and health level they deserve.

As pet owners, we always want to provide only the best for our furry friends. To properly take care of them, one must remember that while it is important to provide them with what they want, their needs must always come first.

Feed Their Hearts

Most pet owners don’t hesitate to show their affection and care for their pets, because the most rewarding part of being a pet owner is that you get to have your furry friend’s unconditional loyalty.

To fully show that you care, you can provide him with a warm and comfortable shelter. Pets enjoy having their own space at their owners’ home. Make sure that you also provide him with clean, dry, and cushioned bedding or mat that is of the right size.

Another way of showing your affection is through showering your pet with praise when he successfully performs a trick or when he follows your instruction or obeys your command.

If you truly want to keep a pet for long, remember that you’ll need to spare enough time to bond with him. A simple walk on the beach or a few minutes of playtime at home can make your pet happy.

Feed Their Bodies

Pet owners know that maintaining their furry friend’s health is of utmost importance. In this area, you’ll need to focus on healthy diet, exercise, and good grooming.

When shopping for pet food, always make sure to check the labels as well as the ingredients. Although it’s true that most of the expensive products are made of premium-quality ingredients, not all of these are good for your pets. Always opt for those that have just the right amount of calories and those that are made with natural and safe ingredients. Also, make sure that you provide him with clean water at all times.

For your pet’s exercise, you can take him with you for a morning run or a short walk. These activities can also help strengthen your joints, muscles, and bones.

To keep your pet clean, a regular bath can be done. Good grooming helps prevent the growth of ticks, bacteria, parasites, and other harmful disease-causing microorganisms.

Feed Their Minds

Who wouldn’t want to have a smart pet? Most people like smart pet that is why they opt to teach their pets some tricks.While training your pets also get to enjoy the feeling of being able to do something out of the ordinary; and when they know that their accomplishments make you happy, they’d most likely feel happy too.

There are a lot of things that can be done so your pet stays happy and healthy. Although it may not be easy, knowing that their furry friend can live longer and happier inspires pet owners to continue what they are doing for their animal friends.

 

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Author: Jordan Walker


Jordan likes to write for many pet-related blogs, and he is also the lead content curator for
Coops and Cages. His passion for animals is only matched by his love for “attempting” to play the guitar. Catch him on Google+ or Twitter through the account @CoopsAndCages.

 

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!