Before you start to tackle the problem of fleas, you really need to understand the life cycle of the flea so that you can purchase the correct combination of products to meet your pet’s needs.
Your pet can catch a flea whenever they go outside, even if they never leave your own back garden! And, startling enough, you could even bring them in yourself!
The flea attaches itself to your pet and feeds for 2-3 days before laying eggs. An adult flea lays between 6-20 eggs per day. These eggs then fall off your pet and into their surrounding environment your carpets, pet bed and anywhere your pet goes!
Within a few days of eating and growing, these larvae develop into pupae. Pupae can lay dormant for several months and are usually stirred by warm weather or movement by a potential host.
And then the cycle starts again however, not with just one flea but 20 then become 400 then 8000 and in a few weeks, and infestation has taken hold!
Treating the infestation
Treating your pet
This can be quite confusing as the market has been flooded with products so here is a quick guide on what to buy:
Flea drops: These come in small pipettes and the drops are placed between the shoulder blades of your pet. Make sure to weigh your pet beforehand and choose the correct size pipette. NEVER use a product intended for a dog on a cat as some can be LETHAL . They are active for up to 5 weeks in cats and up to 4 weeks on dogs.
Flea tablets: These are given by mouth and are available for both dogs and cats. They start working within just 15 minutes but, they do stop working after 24 hours. Repeat on any subsequent day as necessary.
Flea collars: Kills adult fleas and can prevent their return for up to 4 months
Flea shampoo, spray or powder: These tend to kill fleas on contact only and therefore, require you to repeat applications. Shampoo will give you a better all round coverage but, a powder may be better for cats as they can become distressed by sprays or shampoos.
Treating your home
Keeping onto of cleaning your home is an important step in overcoming a flea infestation.
Vacuum the whole house and empty the vacuum. Change your pets bedding if possible or wash at as high a temperature as possible.
Use a household spray or powder (use this over your whole house). Products that contain an insect growth regulator (IGR) are effective in breaking the flea life cycle.
Allow pets continued access to infested areas.
ALWAYS keep any unused products in their original packaging to avoid confusion.
NEVER use an environmental treatment on a pet.
Try NOT to let your pet groom itself or each other immediately after applying flea treatment.
Do NOT use products containing ivermectin on Collies or old English Sheep Dogs.
Caution also needs to be adhered to in multi-pet households that have both cats and dogs where flea drops are being used
Why are fleas a problem?
Fleas are far more than just a small irritation, they can cause serious health problems for your pets!
Itching and scratching can result in a loss of fur
Flea allergy dermatitis is and unpleasant skin condition caused by the flea’s saliva
Anaemia can be caused by fleas drinking blood in puppies and kittens
Tapeworms can be passed to your pet as a result of being bitten
The adult fleas on your pet only accounts for just 5% of the whole infestation. The other 95% consist of the eggs, larvae and pupae in the environment!
Flea & Tick products
We offer a wide selection of different products to help either prevent or treat a flea infestation.
Should you need any advice on which products you need or need further information, click here to send us an email or call us on 01482 585315.
In the United Kingdom, 40% of pets suffer from a serious phobia of fireworks, which can cause more harm to your animals than you might believe. In dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, and birds, fireworks can cause significant anxiety and distress. Aggression, urinating in the house, drooling, pacing, destructive behaviour, trembling, and shaking are all indicators of anxiety in dogs and cats. Please read the following information to help your pets manage their stress.
Tips for keeping all of your pets safe:
Soundproofing your home, which means closing all windows and curtains to block out the sounds of the fireworks.
To drown out the sound of fireworks, listen to music or turn on the television.
Provide dark hiding areas for your pets so they may be alone if they wish while remaining safe from flashing lights and sounds.
Check up on them regularly.
Distract your pets by providing them with their favourite treats and toys, however, don’t force them to play if they don’t want too and don’t be too over-affectionate as it can cause them to notice your behaviour change and think something is wrong.
Brings all animals inside to a safe, secure place.
Try calming products such as sprays, diffusers, collars, etc. (More detail on these products below)
Extra tips for Dogs and Cats:
Allow your outdoor cats to go out throughout the day to avoid times when fireworks are likely to be set off and make sure all animals are back inside just before it gets dark.
If your pet is worried, don’t confine them to one room because they will become more stressed from trying to get out. They are more likely to want to be cuddled up with you.
Make sure your pets are microchipped, as they are more inclined to flee during the fireworks season to avoid the bangs and bright lights.
Just in case, secure any escape routes in your garden, and make sure everyone in the house understands the importance of opening and closing external doors quickly.
Try giving your pets long-lasting treats to keep them busy, such as stuffing a puzzle toy such as a Kong with layers of food to keep your dog interested or our Trixie puzzle toys for both cats and dogs, and catnip is great for relaxing nervous cats.
Wire homes can be maintained in a quiet, open room with a blanket on top to help your dog feel more secure, but keep it open so they don’t become more worried.
If nothing else seems to help, a veterinarian may be able to prescribe medication to assist your pet cope with his or her anxiety; however, any medication should always be accompanied by a behaviour management plan.
Extra tips for Small Animals, Reptiles, and Birds:
Give your pet some extra bedding so they can burrow down in it and get cozy. To provide them with another place to hide, you may want to put a cardboard box filled with hay in their hutch with holes cut in it for easy entry and exit.
Bring your pet’s hutch or cage indoors. A peaceful space is ideal, but if you can’t bring them into your house, an unused garage or shed is a good alternative.
If you can’t bring your pets inside, turn their enclosure around so it faces a wall or fence instead of the open garden. This will help to stifle the sound and prevent them from seeing the flashes of light. Cover their hutch with thick blankets or a duvet to block out the sound of the bangs and the sight of the fireworks, but make sure your pet still has enough ventilation.
Rabbits are social animals so keep them with the companion they’re familiar with to limit the stress of firework phobia.
It is not necessary to cover your pet’s cage when they are inside unless it is part of their normal routine.
When it comes to aviary birds, you want to encourage them to move towards the “housing” section of the aviary. You should also keep an eye on the aviary to make sure no rockets land on it and that it is not damaged. The sound of the fireworks can be muffled by partially covering the aviary with a heavy blanket or duvet. You should, however, make sure there’s enough ventilation.
Extra tips for Horses, Ponies, and Donkeys:
If at all possible, inquire with your neighbours to see if they intend to let off fireworks. If they do, explain the dangers and request that they put off fireworks at a safe distance from your animals. You can plan ahead of time if you know when fireworks will be set off.
To make your horse feel safe, keep him in his usual surroundings, following his normal routine, and with any companions. Keep it stable if it’s usually stable. Keep it out in the field if it’s regularly outside, as long as it’s safe, secure, and not close to the fireworks display area.
Outside or inside the stable, music on a radio can often hide sudden noise, distract attention, and be comforting.
If you know fireworks will be set off, make sure you or someone skilled stays with your horse.
Even if your horse is in the field, provide lots of hay and favourite treats like salt licks to keep him occupied.
Products to help keep your pets safe this firework season
Pheromone Diffusers:
Pheromone diffusers are a synthetic form of the natural appeasing pheromone produced by an animal mother to calm and reassure her babies. It has been scientifically demonstrated to help both young and adult pets manage stressful situations such as fireworks and loud noises. It also helps with your pet’s routines, such as keeping them indoors during fireworks season, which can lead to undesirable behaviours such as scratching and urine production, and pheromone diffusers can help them adjust to their surroundings.
Plug pheromone diffusers into the room where your pet spends the most time and wait for them to work their quick magic. They can last up to 4 weeks and cover 50-70 meters. You can use up to 5 refills before replacing the diffuser unit. The diffuser is neither a sedative nor a drug, and it can be used in conjunction with any prescription. More than 13 clinical studies have been published in reputable scientific journals or at international conferences, demonstrating the effectiveness.
Pheromone Diffusers
Calming Sprays:
Calming Sprays such as Pet Remedy works in tandem with the brain’s natural messengers, known as neurotransmitters, which inform the nerve receiving the message whether to calm down or become more active. The nerves get highly stimulated during times of stress or worry, resulting in the many varied indicators of stress that we witness in our pets. The Pet Remedy essential oil mix works with these natural relaxation pathways to help soothe the nerves of stressed or anxious pets.
Spritz calming spray on pet bedding or spray a small amount on your fingers and rub underneath the pet’s muzzle, chin, and chest. It can also be sprayed in the air, as long as it does not come into contact with the pet’s eyes, mouth, or nose. You only need a few sprays, and the effect will last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the pet.
The solution is water-based and ph neutral so it is safe for the pet’s skin and coat, and it works immediately. We provide sprays for dogs, cats, rodents, rabbits, birds, and horses, such as the Pet Remedy Calming Spray, which contains Valerian essential oil combined with Vetiver, Sweet Basil, and Sage to relax your pet without sedation. We sell various different brands of calming sprays such as Beaphar, Pet Remedy, Hownd, and many more!
Calming Sprays
Calming Treats:
Calming treats contain natural components like chamomile, lavender, lemon balm, hemp, valerian root, and other soothing ingredients that can help your pet relax without causing drowsiness, especially when caused by environmental disturbances like fireworks. Most soothing treats contain tryptophan, an amino acid that increases serotonin production, which helps to control your pet’s appetite, sleep, mood, and pain, causing their mood to improve and their anxiety and stress levels to decrease. Tryptophan can also be used by the liver to make niacin, a form of Vitamin B3 that is required for energy, making your pet feel happier and more relaxed.
It is advisable to give your pet a treat around an hour before the stressful circumstance happens, therefore in the case of fireworks, your pet should get a treat about an hour before it gets dark outside. Because calming treats are made entirely of natural ingredients, they will not harm your pet if consumed in excess, but I recommend sticking to the recommended amount because elevated serotonin levels will make your pet tired. Depending on your dog’s weight and which calming treat you choose, the recommended dosage ranges from one to three treats per day. On the back of each treat bag, there will be a recommended guide.
We sell calming treats for dogs, cats, small animals, birds, and horses. Pooch Mutt, VetIQ, Beaphar, True Hemp, Lily’s Kitchen, and many other popular brands of relaxing treats are in stock here at Peejay Pets!
Calming Treats
Calming Tablets:
Calming Tablets can help calm your pet down during stressful situations like thunderstorms, fireworks parties, and other loud events without causing drowsiness. We sell many different calming tablets such as Dorwest Scullcap and Valerian Tablet; These tablets include active herbs that help the nervous system’s natural soothing pathways, lowering anxiety without immobilizing muscles or making your pet drowsy. Each ingredient in the tablet has a specific role; for example, the valerian helps to support the natural relaxant pathways within the nervous system, without affecting muscles. Scullcap contains a number of valuable compounds including those which bind to the GABA receptor and reduce anxiety. Mistletoe helps to support the natural calming pathways within the nervous system and helps circulation. The gentian supports the other natural active compounds and helps maintain normal liver function.
Each different tablet will have a different recommended dosage on the packaging as the dosage depends on the size of the animal and the ingredients it contains. We sell different brands of calming tablets such as Dorwest, Beaphar, VetIQ, and many more for animals including dogs, cats, and rabbits.
Calming Tablets
Calming Collars and Vests
Calming collars are a lightweight, plastic collar that are infused with calming ingredients which are released slowly over a period of time. Some calming collars release synthetic pheromones. Some mimic the calming pheromones produced by a mother in order to soothe your pet and some mimic the pheromone which animals release when they mark an area as safe. Using a calming collar provides a constant calming aroma wherever your pet may go.
Calming vests will distribute pressure over the back and sides of your dogs chest which acts as a constant calming hug. Research shows that the gentle pressure provided by the vests release endorphins that promote a sense of well-being!
Calming Collars and Vests
Calming Homeopathic:
Loud noises, such as fireworks, can be relieved using homeopathic medicine. This non-sedating, fast-acting liquid or tablet can help with restless, nervous, and unpleasant behavior which can be triggered by fireworks and other loud noises. Homeopathic Remedy contains a precise blend of natural organic ingredients and treats the various forms of anxiety in a safe way and completely free from side effects.
We sell Homeopathic medicine for dogs, cats, birds, and small animals from different brands such as Homeopet, Dorwest, and many other brands. The recommended dosage is on the packaging for each animal as it depends on their weight.
Calming Homeopathics
Please feel free to visit the store and inquire about which product would be best for your pet, as well as any other questions you may have. Alternatively, you can call our Hull office on 01482 585315.
Royal Pythons, referred to as Ball Pythons outside of the UK, are an excellent starter species for someone who is new to keeping reptiles.
Their needs are very basic, they do not grow to a particularly large size and they are usually very placid (although it is important to remember that any animal will defend itself if provoked). This makes them ideal for beginners.
Have you got everything prepared?
Vivarium
Heat and Light Source
Bulb Holder and Guard
Food and Water Bowls
Hide
Thermometer, Thermostat and Hygrometer
Spray Bottle/Humidifier
Feeding Tongs
Snake Hook (optional)
Food (make sure you have freezer space!)
Vivarium Lock
Substrate
Diet
Royal Pythons are obligate carnivores which means they will only eat meat. The size of this type of snake means they can be fed a variety of mice and small rats. Rats and mice are bought frozen, and they should be completely thawed out before feeding to the snake or you could risk dangerously lowering their body temperature. The size of the prey offered should correspond to the size of the prey itself – the prey should never be bigger than the widest part of the snake’s body.
There are two methods in which food can be presented to a snake. These are strike feeding and bowl feeding.
Strike feeding involves dangling the animal in front of the snake using feeding tongs and waiting for the snake to strike the prey and coil around it. Never offer food by holding it in your fingers! This can cause the snake to accidentally strike your fingers when aiming for the prey, or it could simply begin to associate your hands with food, which would make handling dangerous.
Bowl feeding involves laying the prey on a shallow bowl or rock and allowing the snake to find the food for itself. This may not be as effective, as in the wild the snake would expect to chase its prey, and may not be as likely to take an interest if it already appears dead (i.e. not moving).
Whichever method you choose, never ever use live animals.
These snakes can go a few weeks without eating, but if you are struggling to get your Royal Python to feed, try cutting the prey so they will smell the blood more strongly.
Enclosure
Royal Pythons are a terrestrial species, meaning they spend most of their time on the ground. They will, however, climb low branches you may choose to include in your vivarium. Due to their size, an enclosure for an adult should be at least 3ft wide, 2ft deep, and 1.5ft high. The vivarium should allow for a fair amount of substrate, which the python will enjoy burrowing in. It is also vital to check the security of the vivarium as snakes are excellent escape artists. Make sure the vivarium is securely locked and be aware of any damaged areas through which the snake could escape. The enclosure should be spot cleaned daily, with a full clean out once a month.
Heating and Lighting
Royal Pythons require a basking spot temperature of around 35°C with an ambient temperature of around 30°C. The cooler side of the vivarium should be around 25°C. At night, you should make sure that the temperature does not drop below 22°C. UV lighting is not essential for royal pythons, although there can be benefits such as brighter colouration if a low level “natural light” is used. This can come from their heat bulb. Their overall photo period should be twelve hours of light and twelve hours of darkness per day.
A hiding area should be included at the cooler end of the vivarium. Hiding areas are important as they allow the snake a place to retreat into a place where they feel secure. This is a natural behaviour that they instinctually follow even in captivity, because in the wild this would help them to avoid being eaten.
Royal Pythons require a substrate which they can burrow in, and is also good at retaining moisture. Coco fibre is a suitable type to use, and mixing it with bark chips can help to maintain humidity levels. This will also help to prevent respiratory issues caused by finer dust particles. The substrate should be 2 – 3 inches deep.
The humidity levels in a royal python’s vivarium should usually be around 60%, but should never drop below 50%. The humidity level can be topped up by spraying with a water bottle or humidifier. You should aim to be misting the vivarium twice daily, which can be done manually or through a fogger system. A water source should always be available, in a bowl large enough for the snake to bathe in. This should be replenished regularly to maintain hygiene.
As they get ready to shed their skin, the snake’s eyes will briefly go cloudy. They will return to normal during or after the shed.
Snakes can regurgitate their food if they feel stressed or threatened. It is best not to handle a snake for at least two days after feeding.
They may become a bit defensive when preparing to shed, so it may be best to avoid handling during this period.
Snakes will become much more aggressive when they sense food, so it is best to keep your distance when there is food nearby!
Snakes should shed their skin all in one go. Patchy skin is a sign of a bad shed. To combat this, make sure the humidity is optimal and provide a rough surface such as a rock or branch to help them shed.
If this handy guide has piqued your interest in purchasing a Royal Python, everything you may need can be found in-store or on our website. If you have any questions feel free to give us a call on 01482 585315 or drop us an email to enquiry@peejaypets.co.uk.
Corn snakes are an excellent species for people considering snake-keeping as a hobby. Not only are they simple to care for, but they come in a wide range of visually stunning morphs.
In general, corn snakes are a fairly docile species – which makes them very easy to handle and rarely aggressive. But you still need to remember to treat them with care, as any animal will seek to defend itself if provoked.
Have you got everything prepared?
Vivarium
Light and Heat Source
Bulb Fitting and Guard
Thermostat and Thermometer
Water and Food Bowls
Hide
Substrate
Vivarium Lock
Feeding Tongs
Snake Hook (optional)
Vivarium Lock
Food (ensure you have freezer space!)
Spray Bottle/Humidifier (not essential but can help with shedding)
Diet
Corn snakes are obligate carnivores, which means they only feed on meat.
The most common food used for snakes are mice. Mice are bought frozen so need to be thawed out completely before being fed to your snake, otherwise it can significantly reduce their body temperature which is dangerous. What size of mouse you feed should be determined by the size of your snake itself – it should be no larger than the widest part of your snake’s body.
There are two methods of feeding that snake owners should be aware of: strike feeding or bowl feeding.
Strike feeding involves dangling the mouse from some feeding tongs in front of the snake and waiting for them to strike the prey and coil around it. Never offer food by holding it in your fingers! This can cause the snake to accidentally bite you when striking the prey, or it could cause the snake to simply associate your hands with feeding, which can make handling more dangerous.
Bowl feeding involves laying the mouse on a shallow bowl or rock, and then allowing the snake to find it. The snake may not respond to this method however, as in the wild they would be more attracted to moving prey, not one that already appears to be dead.
Whichever method you choose, never ever use live animals.
It is not uncommon for a corn snake to go a few weeks without eating. However, if you are struggling to get your snake to eat, you may find it easier to cut the prey, causing the scent of blood to be more potent to the snake.
Enclosure
An enclosure that is 3.5ft wide, 2 feet deep, and 2 feet high will provide enough space for a fully grown adult snake, although this should be treated as a minimum size. Whilst corn snakes are mostly terrestrial, they will climb on low branches which you may like to include in your vivarium. The enclosure should be suitable for deeper substrates as corn snakes like to burrow. It is also vital to check the security of the vivarium as snakes are known for being escape artists; ensure that there is no damage anywhere and that the doors shut fully. It is recommended to buy a lock for the enclosure.
Heating and Lighting
A heat bulb will be required to keep the snake’s vivarium at an optimum temperature. The temperature should be maintained at around 20-24°C at the cooler end of the vivarium and 28-30°C in their basking area. At night time, the temperature should never drop below 20°C. It is recommended to buy a bulb guard as well to protect the snake should it choose to coil around the bulb. Corn snakes do not actually require UV lighting, but should have some form of low-level light – this can come from their heat bulb. Using low-level lighting can help to bring out brighter colours on the snake.
If you choose to use a heat bulb as the only light source in the vivarium, a basking or daylight bulb should be used alongside a dimmer thermostat.
If using another light source, ceramic heat elements are the most reliable way to heat the vivarium – they are much more durable and therefore last longer. This should be used alongside either a pulse thermostat or an on/off thermostat.
Heat mats can also be used, but they are far less effective than the aforementioned bulbs.
A hiding area should be included at the cooler end of the vivarium. Hiding areas are important as they allow the snake a place to retreat into a place where they feel secure. This is a natural behaviour that they instinctually follow even in captivity, because in the wild this would help them to avoid being eaten.
As with most reptiles, the topic of substrate is often divided. Beechwood chips or bark chips would be recommended as they allow the snake to burrow and present a lower chance of respiratory issues compared to finer particles like sand. Aspen bedding may also be used, but it is important to note that the dust from this substrate can cause irritation in the nose and mouth. The substrate is best at around 2-3 inches deep.
If your snake is ever suffering from mites, it is useful to use paper towels as substrate. This makes the mites easier to see and gives them fewer places to hide. It is also very easy to clean as it leaves no particles behind.
Corn snakes do not need high humidity levels. Keeping the tank between 40-50% humidity is suitable for them. This can be topped up using water in a spray bottle or a humidifier. A water bowl should be available at all times, this should be deep enough to bathe in and the water should be changed regularly to maintain hygiene.
Behaviours to watch out for
Snakes are very good at escaping so maintaining the security of the enclosure is vital.
Snakes will regurgitate their food if stressed, therefore it is best to avoid handling the snake or rearranging the enclosure for at least two days after feeding.
When a snake is about to shed, its eyes will go cloudy. This is temporary and will clear up once the snake starts shedding.
Snakes will become more aggressive if they sense food, so it is best to avoid getting too close when there is food nearby.
If this handy guide has piqued your interest in purchasing a corn snake, everything you may need can be found in-store or on our website. If you have any questions feel free to give us a call on 01482 585315 or drop us an email to enquiry@peejaypets.co.uk.
Bearded dragons are a hardy species of lizard who get their name from the bearded crest on their throats. They are an entertaining species and make an excellent choice for anybody new to keeping reptiles.
Bearded dragons originate from Australia. They can grow to a length of 24 inches and have an approximate lifespan of 10-15 years. Due to their diurnal nature they are most active during the day. These animals are fairly docile and enjoy being handled, though they are best kept solitary unless wanting to breed.
What Equipment Will I Need To Care For My Bearded Dragon?
Vivarium (3ftX2ftx2ft minimum)
UVB Bulb
Heat source
Bulb Fitting
Bulb Guard
UVB Power Supply (If using fluorescent tube)
Substrate (e.g. Sand or Beechwood Chips)
Thermostat
Thermometer
Water Bowl
Hide/Shelter
Basking Area
Food Bowl
Food and supplement powder
Vivarium (3ftX2ftx2ft minimum)
Bearded dragons are terrestrial but will climb along small branches. Therefore, a fully grown adult will require a vivarium that is at least 3.5 feet (107cm) long, 2 feet (61cm) deep, and 2 feet (61cm) high. This will ensure that they have ample space to roam around their enclosure and some space to climb. Within their vivarium, they will also require an area to hide and a basking spot. Additionally, a deep substrate will be beneficial as they enjoy digging in the sand.
Please note: Vivariums are currently available in-store only. If you would like to organise a local delivery please contact us on 01482 585315 or enquiry@peejaypets.co.uk to book a delivery slot.
UVB Bulb
Bearded Dragons require a source of UVB light of around 12% (this could be a desert or intense category bulb), which will need to be replaced approximately every twelve months. They will also need a photo period of twelve hours per day – this means that the UVB light must be switched on for this length of time. You could do this manually or with a timer. It is also important to note that if a strip light is used the correct fitting will also need to be purchased to correspond to this.
If you choose to go with a UVB strip bulb, it is important that you buy the correct fitting for it. These will allow for bulbs of differing lengths and wattages to provide light to your enclosure.
As with most reptiles, a bearded dragon’s vivarium should be set up so that there is a warmer area and a cooler area to ensure the animal can move between temperatures as it feels comfortable to do so. A bearded dragon will need a daytime basking spot of around 36-38 degrees celsius, whilst the cooler areas of the enclosure should reach around 25-29 degrees. Night time temperatures should never drop below 20 degrees. A bulb fitting (either Easy Screw or Bayonet) will be required to power your heat source, make sure you buy corresponding bulbs and fittings!
It is also important to ensure that your bearded dragon’s enclosure has a thermostat and a thermometer, this will help you to easily identify the temperature in the vivarium and alter it if needed.
The thermomether will constantly monitor the temperature of your vivarium in both celcius and farenheit depending on your preference. It can also display the minimum and maximum temperatures the vivarium has reached so you are aware of any dramatic changes.
Komodo Advanced Thermometer
£13.50
The units offer a range of mounting options from mounting on wooden habitats or clipping to the top of our Glass Terrariums. They have easy to use controls and clear monitoring readouts.
A thermostat, on the other hand, will actually make changes to the temperature of the vivarium for you. It is best to use a dimming thermostat, although other options are available. Dimming thermostats work by changing the amount of energy that is being directed into the heat lamp – i.e. increasing the energy when the temperature falls too low and vice versa. This ensures that your bearded dragon will consistently be at an optimum temperature with minimal input from you!
Komodo Advanced Thermometer
£55.00
The unit will alternate the amount of energy directed to your spot lamp in order to maintain an optimum temperature.
Bulb Fitting and Bulb Guard
Once the correct bulb has been established, you must make sure it has the correct fitting and a suitable bulb guard to protect your bearded dragon.
This ceramic bulb fixture will support bulbs that have an easy screw fitting (not bayonet fittings) and a maximum of 200w. It is possible to use a bulb with a capacity of more than 200w with this fitting, however, it will only ever have an output of 200w. Equally, it is possible to use a bulb with a capacity of less than 200w, but in this case, the output will only ever be that of the bulb itself. This setup will be controlled by the dimmer thermostat if you choose to purchase one.
Komodo Ceramic Fixture ES
£19.95
The Komodo Ceramic ES Lamp Fixture and Mounting Bracket makes securely installing heat or light sources within a reptiles environment simple and safe. Easily mountable, this heat resistant ceramic lamp fixture is suitable for various enclosures and for use with most E27 screw cap heat and light sources up to 200W.
The light and heat guard serves a very simple purpose – to protect your bearded dragon from coming into contact with the lamp and causing itself any heat-related injuries. Therefore, it is not essential but highly recommended due to the risks associated with having a bare bulb.
Komodo Ceramic Fixture ES
£14.95 – £19.95
An essential piece of kit in wooden habitats used to prevent your animal coming into contact with its heat source and potentially injuring itself.
Basking Area/Hiding Place
Beneath your heat lamp should be an area in which your bearded dragon can bask in the light and heat, mimicking the experience it may have had beneath the hot sun. This should include an area that it can climb on such as a rock or branch. The Komodo Basking Ramp is ideal for this purpose as there is a flat surface on the top for basking and a hiding spot underneath for shade.
Komodo Basking Ramp
£18.95
The Large Basking Platform Ramp has a perfect basking spot on top and safe place to hide beneath for shade.
Substrate
Sand is usually the favoured substrate for bearded dragons as it absorbs heat well and therefore best replicates the Australian outback from which they originate. However, it is important to consider that using sand particles that are too large can pose a risk to your pet’s digestive system if accidentally ingested. Therefore, it is advisable to use a fine or medium grain sand, or even avoid sand altogether and try Beechwood chips instead.
Bearded Dragons are omnivores, which means they will eat both meat and vegetation. When they are hatchlings, the correct ratio is 30% vegetation to 70% insects, and as they get older this can move to a 50:50 ratio. However, most tend to prefer bugs to greens, so it is important that the vegetation is always available.
Bugs that can be used include crickets, locusts, and cockroaches, as well as mealworms and waxworms as a treat. Make sure any insects provided are no bigger than the space between the dragon’s eyes. It is also important to gut-load and dust the insects with supplement calcium powder to ensure optimal nutritional intake. Remove any uneaten insects as they can become aggressive and potentially bite the lizard.
The greens which can be used include dandelion leaves, pak choi, watercress, rocket, and butternut squash as staple foods. Carrots, bell peppers, peas, and sweet potatoes can be given every few days. Strawberries, blueberries, bananas, and apples can be given once a week. Vegetation to avoid includes lettuce, cabbage, sprouts, melon, citrus fruits, and avocado.
In a nutshell, salads should be provided daily, with 6-7 suitably sized insects every couple of days.
The aforementioned food – mainly the vegetation – should not simply be left on the floor of the enclosure for your bearded dragon. It is important to put it in a food bowl as your pet will then know that this is an area where food will consistently be available; unlike bugs that will roam freely around the vivarium. Although they are a desert-dwelling species, bearded dragons still need constant access to water. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a shallow water bowl. The humidity in the vivarium should be kept between 20%-40%, preferably with a spray in the morning to recreate the morning dew they would encounter in the wild.
Arm waving behaviour is a submissive/passive display.
Dark beard and head bobbing is a dominant/aggressive display.
Brumation – a state of hibernation that bearded dragons can go into if there have been changes to light timing or temperature. Includes loss of appetite without weight loss and excessive resting.
Bearded dragons don’t shed their skin in one piece like some reptiles. Instead, their skin starts to shed in patches all over.
If this handy guide has piqued your interest in purchasing a bearded dragon, everything you may need can be found in-store or on our website. If you have any questions feel free to give us a call on 01482 585315 or drop us an email to enquiry@peejaypets.co.uk.
If your dog or cat suffers from itchy skin, it’s natural to assume that it could be nothing more than a simple case of fleas. But what should you do if, after treatment, the itching doesn’t stop?
When you first notice that your pet is itching more than usual, it is natural to feel a bit concerned. Itching that is particularly severe can cause your pet to develop hot spots, bleed, and be generally an uncomfortable experience.
Many people, seeing their pet itching, will begin a round of treatment for fleas – and will not understand why their pet’s symptoms do not alleviate. If this is you, then you might want to check: can you actually see any fleas? If not, then there is a pretty good chance it’s not this that’s causing the problem. Often in these cases, it tends to be allergies that are the real root of the problem.
The cause of your pet’s itching
The most effective way to cure your pet’s itching is to work out why they are itching in the first place.
There are several possible reasons why your pet could be itching. We can generally break these down into two broad categories: (1) food-based (allergies to specific components of food such as types of meat, wheat, soya, etc); and (2) environmental (grass allergies, a change of fabric softener, pollen, etc).
There are lots of products on the market designed to help soothe irritated skin or prevent your pet from itching (sprays, creams and medications). These can be helpful in easing some of the discomfort felt by an animal suffering from an allergy. But you need to remember that these don’t necessarily solve the problem – they only mask it. The problem is still there, bubbling under the surface, and can become worse if not addressed.
Common food-based allergies
Just like people, our pets’ allergies can be relatively straightforward (an allergy to one specific type of meat, for instance, can be easily removed from your pet’s diet), or they can be incredibly complex (an allergy to several types of meat and vegetables can be much more difficult to help).
Knowing some of the most common allergens can provide a good starting point for you to begin exploring what your pet may be allergic to. In dogs, chicken, beef, maize, wheat, and dairy tend to be the most common causes – in cats, it tends to be fish, lamb, corn, and dairy. Therefore you should try and avoid foods that contain these ingredients in the early stage of your investigations.
Dogs
Cats
Meat and animal derivatives (this is always a potential issue because you can’t say for certain what meats are actually present in what quantities; so if your pet is reacting to something like beef you can’t guarantee it will not be in this food)
Meat and animal derivatives (this is always a potential issue because you can’t say for certain what meats are actually present in what quantities; so if your pet is reacting to something like beef you can’t guarantee it will not be in this food)
Chicken
Fish
Beef
Lamb
Wheat
Wheat
Dairy
Dairy
Soy
Soy
Please remember: This is not an ultimate or definitive guide (there are items on this list that some pets will be okay with eating, and others which may not have ended up on this list that your pet may react to). This table is offered to show some of the most common allergies that we’ve come across in recent years.
Where to start… create a “default” diet
Step one: Choose a food
To find which parts of your pet’s diet are the cause of their itchiness, you need to be able to break down the different aspects of their diet. We recommend you start this process by finding one single food that your pet does not react to. The aim of this is to create a “default” diet for your pet.
This is one of the most important steps you will take – as this forms the basis of your pet’s diet that you will always be able to return to if your pet suffers a reaction to a new food that you introduce. Depending on what is causing your pet’s allergy, it could also take a few attempts – but once you have one food that your pet is happy with, then you can then proceed to the next step.
Here are a few of our go-to options…
Dogs
Peejay Pets Superstore Grain Free
£12.95 to £48.95 (depending on bag type and size)
This grain-free dry food is packed with real meat and identifiable ingredients. Because there is so much protein, it’s not packed with filler ingredients – which means that poos are smaller and less frequent, and your dog will stay fuller for longer. This range comes in a wide range of flavours – but for the purposes of testing for an allergy we’d generally recommend one of the following flavours: Lamb, sweet potato and mint; Turkey, sweet potato and cranberry; Tuna, sweet potato and broccoli; Venison, sweet potato and mulberry.
Burgess Sensitive Complete
£6.95 to £35.95 (depending on bag type and size)
This wheat-free dry food is ideal for dogs with a common chicken or wheat-based allergy. Whilst it is perfectly tasty on its own, if your dog has a preference for a dry/wet mix of food, then this is ideal for mixing with Forthglade wet dog food. There are three flavours in this range… Turkey and rice Lamb and rice Salmon and rice
(please note: the salmon and rice product contains a small amount of chicken fat – if you believe that chicken could be causing your dog’s allergies, then either the turkey or the lamb options may be better suited)..
Forthglade (wet and dry options available)
£20.95 to £23.95 (for a box of 18 trays)
With high-protein wet and dry food options available, Forthglade is well known for its quality pet foods. With a great choice of mixers, complete and grain-free options, there is no wonder it’s appeared on our list. Forthglade wet food comes in a range of mixer and complete options. If you are opting to use the “Just” range of mixers, make sure that you pick a flavour that corresponds with your dog’s dry food (so if you are feeding Burgess Sensitive Lamb, you could mix this with Forthglade Grain Free Just Lamb), and don’t forget to take out a handful or so of biscuits so your dog doesn’t get overweight! The other option is to go for a Complete Wet Food (which might be a better option for dogs that struggle to chew biscuits).
Forthglade dry food is a high meat, freeze-dried biscuit. The way it’s made locks in nutrients which means you don’t have to feed as much.
Whichever option you choose, you can be assured that your dog will be receiving a high meat product packed with only identifiable ingredients. This is why it’s on our list of recommended foods for allergies – because when you look at the ingredients label, you will only see ingredients that you can recognize.
Acana
£6.95 to £35.95 (depending on bag size)
Acana is one of the most protein-rich products on the market – packed with real meat that can attract even the fussiest eaters. The Acana range holds lots of variety, but at the early stages of testing your dog for allergies, we’d recommend one of the following to start off with: Grass-fed lamb Yorkshire Pork
Cats
Peejay Pets Grain Free
£12.95 to £13.95 (depending on bag type)
Cats can suffer a reaction to filler ingredients (like grains and wheats). By swapping to a grain free food with a higher meat content, you may be able to see improvement and additional vitality in your cat.
Applaws (wet and dry options available)
£11 to £15.95 (depending on food type and size)
Applaws have crafted a range of meaty delights that cats love. If you look at the ingredients label, you’ll be able to find that their products generally only have one or two main identifiable proteins (meats), which means it can be ideal if you are trying to whittle down which foods your cat may or may not be allergic to.
Raw diet
If you’re struggling to find a food that your pet won’t react to, and are thinking it could possibly be something to do with one of the filler ingredients located in most commercial foods, you could always consider trying a raw diet. We will caution you that this diet can be more complicated than a standard kibble, and will require continuous monitoring over time, but it can be really beneficial for cats and dogs struggling with allergies.
Nutriwolds Raw Food
£3.95 to £5.95 (depending on type)
Nutriwolds offer a high quality range of raw foods that are suitable for both dogs and cats. Their recipes contain chunkier blends (like their Unroast Beef) perfect for dogs and cats that like to chew and tear their meat, and finer blends (like Herby Turkey) that are ideal for smaller mouths.
Step two: Introduce your new food
Only feed your pet this food for three to four weeks. It can take up to six weeks for an allergen to fully work its way out of your pet’s system – but once on their new food, you should begin to see signs of improvement within the first two weeks.
Step three: Bringing new foods into your pet’s diet
After your three-week period has passed, you can then begin the next stage of introducing a new food. There are a couple of ways you can approach this – either introduce a new flavour of food into the diet (for instance, if you had been feeding turkey, then maybe consider lamb if it’s in the same brand), or introduce new treats. If you are opting for the treat-route, then we recommend opting for a natural treat with no (or few) filler ingredients. Just like with your starting point, doing this will make it easier to identify what could be causing the itching.
If the itching doesn’t start again, then you know that this treat or food is safe to give your pet. If it does return, however, then you know that this contains something that your pet cannot tolerate – you therefore need to return to their default diet for a few weeks to allow the allergen to pass through your pet’s system once again.
This process can take time – don’t stress
Because pet food tends to be formulated with several different combinations of ingredients, it can be difficult to find that one “right” food first time round – especially if your pet’s allergy is a result of one of the minor components of the food you provide. If you think this might be the case, then you could consider opting for a raw diet.
If all else fails most veterinary surgeries will be able to perform an allergy test to try and identify exactly what is the root of the problem – whilst this can be a more expensive option (particularly for more common allergies like those to chicken in dogs or fish in cats), it is definitely one worth pursuing if your pet suffers from complicated or environmental allergies.
Summary
Find one type of food that your pet is okay eating and does not suffer a reaction to and give them only this food for three to four weeks.
Try and find a food which contains only one type of protein (only one type of meat – for instance, go for an option which is just “turkey” instead of “turkey and chicken” or “poultry”).
After your pet has settled on its new diet, you can then look to introduce a new component, which you can try over the fourth or fifth week. If you’re feeding your dog a turkey-based diet, maybe introduce a rabbit hide roll or a beef stick.
Whatever treat you provide at this stage, try to keep it natural with as few ingredients as possible to keep matters simple.
Introduce only one new ingredient per week – and if your pet does have a reaction, then wait for another two to three weeks before trying a new food again (you want to give it long enough for the itching to settle once again).
Remember to take it slow and you will be able to gradually build up a picture over time of the foods that your pet is okay with eating.
Always bear in mind that the source of your pet’s allergies may not be limited to their food – environmental factors can also have a significant impact. If you are concerned that your pet may be suffering from a complex allergy that is particularly painful for them, then it is always advisable to speak to your vet.
Frenchies have built up a bit of a reputation for their cute features and happy nature – but one thing that lots of people don’t come to realise until they have a French Bulldog of their own is how prone they are to… errr… let it go…
If your French bulldog keeps farting, it can be a little embarrassing – and you’re not alone in trying to find a solution to make life a little less smelly. Luckily we’ve got experience in this area, so here are our top tips for clearing away some of the noxious gases from your life.
Why does this breed fart so much?
Lots of people who own French Bulldogs are quick to pass the breed off as being naturally flatulent. Is this true… well, yes and no.
Frenchies come within a family of dogs with short noses (called brachycephalic breeds; the same as Pugs, Boxers and Pekingese). Because their noses are so short they literally have to inhale their food into their mouth quickly – taking in a big gulp of air with every mouthful. The problem with this is all that air eventually has to come out again – and since you’ve found your way here i’m guessing you’ve become quite familiar with how.
So to this extent, the breed does have a natural tendency to toot. But another large cause of farting in Frenchies is actually linked to their diet – you’ve always got to remember that the quality of what you put into your dog will impact on what comes out the other end. Foods with a high dairy, wheat or grain content, or poor quality foods, will increase your dog’s natural emissions.
So now you know why it happens, let’s show you how you can help it.
Our top recommendations for reducing gassiness
(1) Slow feeder bowl
Because a large part of the flatulence of French Bulldogs is caused by gulping air when inhaling their food, one of the first things you can try is a slow-feeder bowl. By slowing your dog down, you are encouraging them to chew their food and so there is less opportunity for pockets of air to form during digestion.
You could also consider opting for smaller sized kibble. Because of the smaller surface area, there is less room for the air to get trapped during eating – which ultimately means there is less build-up during the digestive process so your dog will fart less.
Happy Pet Stainless Steel Bowl
£6.95
These stainless steel bowls from Happy Pet are really easy to clean. Their weightiness helps to ensure your dog won’t be able to tip them over and send their food scattering across the floor – meaning they’ll still get the benefit of the slow feed design.
(2) Wheat free food
Take a look at what food you’re currently feeding your dog. If you’re reading through the ingredients and finding a high percentage of wheat, then you could consider swapping to a wheat-free diet.
Wheat and oats are high in fibre and starch. You’ll find this in the majority of whole-grain products. Because these sorts of fibres are not easily digested, it tends to ferment in the gut and creates additional gas (sometimes leading to bloating).
Burgess Sensitive Complete Dog Food
£6.95 to £35.95 (depending on bag size)
Burgess Sensitive’s wheat free range are one of our go-to staples when it comes to Frenchie flatulence. There are four types to choose from: puppy turkey, adult lamb, adult turkey and adult salmon.
Forthglade Complete Wet Food with Brown Rice
£23.95 for 18 trays
Forthglade is another go-to when it comes to any form of wheat based allergy or intolerance. With a high meat content and only identifiable ingredients, it can entice even the fussiest eaters to enjoy their dinner.
(3) Grain free food
Removing the grains from your dogs diet will also help reduce flatulence – for best results to minimise farting in your French Bulldog, go for a diet that is both grain and wheat free.
Ideally you need to be looking for a food that has a high meat content. This is because your dog’s body finds it easier to digest meat proteins compared to vegetable proteins and grains. The other benefit of this is that, in terms of quantity, you don’t have to feed as much! This can be really beneficial for helping to reduce farting in your French Bulldog by limiting the opportunity for them to inhale air when they eat.
Peejay Pets Grain Free Complete Dog Food
£12.95 to £48.95 (depending on bag type and size)
When it comes to finding a good quality grain free food with a high meat content, then you should definitely consider the Peejay Pets Grain Free range of complete dry kibble. You won’t find a single product in this range with less than 50% meat/fish content.
Acana and Orijen Complete Dog Food
£14.50 to £73.95 (depending on type and bag size)
Acana and Orijen foods have some of the highest meat contents on the market. Their high protein content means your Frenchie will be getting all the nutrients they need in an easy-to-digest format.
Forthglade Complete Grain Free Wet Food
£23.95 for 18 trays
Forthglade is another go-to when it comes to to grain free meals also (if you haven’t guesses, their range of foods really is quite wide!) With a high meat content and only identifiable ingredients, it can entice even the fussiest eaters to enjoy their dinner.
(4) Raw food
With a French Bulldog that keeps on farting, you want to make digesting food as easy as possible – opting for a raw diet can really help with this because of just how quickly your dog’s body is able to process it. Because raw diets contain only digestible meats which your dog’s body can quickly convert into energy, not only is there less poo, but less chance for gases to ferment in your dog’s stomach.
Nutriwolds Raw Food
£3.95 to £5.95
Nutriwolds offer a range of chunky (or finer textured) complete meals for your dog. Packed with locally sourced meat, your dog will love this range of food.
(5) Granulated charcoal
Another way you could seek to address your dog’s flatulence is through use of charcoal. Charcoal is naturally porous which gives it a higher surface area – what this means for your Frenchie is that it helps to absorb gases and toxins in the stomach.
Granulated Charcoal
£5.50
Hatchwell’s Charcoal Granules are cost effective and really easy to use! Instead of struggling with getting your dog to swallow a tablet, you can simply mix a couple of tablespoons of these granules into their food. This means it will be effective almost as soon as they start eating.
What happens if it doesn’t go away?
If your dog’s farting doesn’t disspate, then the other thing to consider is whether it could be health-related. Irritable bowel syndrome, stomach infections and inflammatory bowel syndrome are a few possible factors that it could be. If your Frenchie’s flatulence is becoming a bit concerning, then speak to your vet.
Raw diets have grown in popularity in recent years as more owners have discovered the benefits that raw feeding provides. If you’re considering swapping your pet over to a raw diet, there are a few things you need to consider.
Lots of our customers feed their dogs, cats, and ferrets a raw diet. But the learning curve can be quite significant, both in terms of learning how to feed raw properly, and other practical realizations which occur only after feeding a raw diet has started. Here at Peejay Pets, we’ve been able to speak to our existing raw customers and discover what these are so that you can start raw feeding knowing what to expect.
Storage
This is by far one of the most important considerations of anyone wanting to feed a raw diet. If you don’t store your pet’s meat properly, it can cause them to become seriously ill.
Whilst one option is to make several small trips throughout the week to collect a couple of days’ food at a time, this can be an expensive and time-consuming process. Most people benefit from storing one to two week’s worth of raw and making the occasional top-up journey in-between.
To place this into context, if you have one moderately active dog fed at 2% of their body weight daily, then the average storage space you’ll require per week would be 1,750g raw for a 10kg jack russel or 5,250g raw for a 30kg labrador. If you’re planning to feed blocks of meat, can use this handy table to work out approximately how much room you’ll need to store your pet’s dinners here.
Defrosting
A raw diet can be really easy to prepare – as simple as taking it out of the freezer first thing in the morning before going to work, and last thing on the night. Many people when they first start out on a raw diet worry about what would happen if they forgot to take their meat out of the freezer. The answer to this is relatively simple – simply pop your raw food into a zip-lock bag or tupperware container and leave it in some warm water for a couple of hours (swapping the water over a couple of times to keep it a nice temperature).
But it is important to remember: you can never microwave or oven-cook your pet’s raw mince. Raw mince designed for consumption by dogs, cats, and ferrets contains bone (which is required for a nutritionally fulfilling diet) – which is soft when uncooked. When cooked in an oven or microwave, however, this bone solidifies and becomes sharp shards which risk becoming lodged in your pet’s digestive tract or oesophagus.
Waiting a couple of hours for your pet’s food to defrost when you forget to get it out of the freezer on the night/morning is okay for many people, but if you work a tight schedule then this may cause you some problems when it comes to managing time on an evening or in a morning before work. Therefore if you work uncertain hours, you may need to consider whether this would be the easiest diet to manage or not.
Food poisoning
Whilst your pet’s digestive system has stronger stomach acids which enable them to digest raw meat, there are not immune from food poisoning or salmonella. Making sure you handle their raw dinner properly is essential to ensuring their health.
The following should always be kept in mind…
Never feed your dog minces that have been defrosted for more than 24 hours;
Don’t defrost and then re-freeze raw meat;
Don’t give your dog meat that has developed a layer of fur or mould.
The majority of raw pet foods will also undergo a deep-freeze treatment to help kill harmful bacteria. Minces from the supermarket, however, do not (as we generally kill the bacteria by cooking it). This is one reason why feeding minces from supermarkets is not recommended (with the other reason being that they do not contain the required offal and bone components that dogs need as part of a healthy diet).
Nutritional imbalance
Another large concern is ensuring that your dog’s dinner is properly balanced – if it is not then you could make your dog very ill. Nutritional balances are particularly risky for puppies and younger dogs as their bodies are still developing – if they do not have enough of one element of their diet (like calcium, for instance), then this deficiency can have lifelong consequences.
You’ll already be aware of the 80:10:5:5 ratio of meat, bone, liver, and offal. Making sure you get the balance right is essential to ensuring the long-term health of your dog and ensuring they do not have difficulty going to the toilet. There are a couple of ways you can approach this…
Daily balance: The first option you can consider is making sure that every single meal you feed your dog contains the right percentage of each component. This is a fairly easy way to ensure your dog’s overall health.
Weekly balance: This option allows you to be a bit more adventurous by spreading their intake over the space of a week. This option tends to be easier if you are feeding raw treats (like knuckle bones, chicken wings, etc) alongside a complete mince. If you decide to feed a knuckle bone, for instance, you would reach an overall balance by feeding a meat-only mince.
Whilst either option is okay, you need to make sure you keep track of your pet’s overall intake. Feeding slightly more of one component won’t make much of a difference in the short term, but if you consistently fail to balance their diet then this can cause problems in the long-term. Take liver, for instance – whilst if you overfeed slightly every now and again it won’t make too much difference, but because of the really high levels of certain minerals overfeeding on a regular basis can lead to problems like Vitamin A Toxicicosis.
You should also remember that different meats contain micro and macro nutrients. To ensure a balanced diet for your pooch, you need to make sure that you are providing a variety of different proteins, and feeding oily fish at least once every ten days.
Affordability
There is no denying that raw meat can be expensive as a long-term option. Before you commence a raw diet, you need to consider how much you are willing to spend on your dog’s food on a weekly/monthly basis, and from there make the decision as to whether it is worthwhile.
Whilst a raw diet is an excellent choice, if you can’t afford to do it properly then you risk putting your animal in danger. Trying to reduce costs by opting for supermarket minces which do not contain the required bone and offal content increases the risk of your dog suffering health problems.
Fussy eaters
Raw diets are brilliant at enticing even the fussiest eaters to their dinner. Because of its stronger smell and meaty flavour, many fussy pets will be able to be coaxed into eating.
But this goes two ways – if your pet will instantly devour anything raw, but reject other types of food, then you need to bear in mind that this could cause problems later on if you decide that you cannot feed a raw diet anymore.
Holidays, kennels/catteries, and relatives
Another consideration you should make is what will happen if you decide to go on holiday. Regardless of whether you are taking your dog camping in the Lake District, or leaving them in kennels/catteries or with a relative when you take a trip to Spain, you need to consider how you will accommodate their raw diet. This is something lots of people worry about before putting their pet on a raw diet.
Most kennels/catteries (and, indeed, relatives) will be more than happy to accommodate your pet’s raw diet – especially since it is becoming an increasingly popular way of feeding animals. But there are those that don’t.
There are alternatives suitable for raw-fed pets, however. We often recommend owners turn to the Natures Menu Country Hunter range of pouches and tinned foods when an alternative to raw is needed. As this range is lightly steamed, it is one of the closest alternatives you’ll get you a raw diet whilst maintaining the convenience of pre-prepared complete meals.
Where do you go from here?
If you don’t think that you could feed a raw diet properly, and devote the required time and money to it, then there are plenty of very good dry and wet options available on the market which we would recommend you considering first. If you’re sitting on the fence, or would like to look at the other options available, then feel free to pop in store to speak to one of our trained members of staff.
Raw diets have been growing in popularity over recent years as more owners are seeking a healthier, chemical-free diet for their pets. But starting a raw diet for dogs can be quite a minefield if you’ve not fed raw before. Here’s our quick guide for getting started with a raw diet.
A raw diet can be an excellent choice for many dogs – many people consider it one of the most natural options on the market!By switching to raw, you are helping to provide your dog with better access to beneficial proteins, enzymes, and essential fatty acids – without all of the additional filler ingredients found in many dry and wet diets.
Because you’re completely in control of what you feed them, switching to a raw diet can also be an excellent choice for dogs with nutritional allergies and intolerances.
Other benefits to a raw diet include:
Fresher breath;
Less hyperactivity;
Better appetite;
Helps anal glands;
Less flatulence;
Assists with joint issues;
Better, smaller poos that are less smelly.
Is it dangerous?
Feeding a raw diet isn’t necessarily dangerous – but you need to ensure you do it properly. Dogs have entirely different digestive systems to humans which allows them to process bacteria which would make us sick. But you are still feeding them raw meat which is a breeding ground for potentially harmful bacteria, and if you are careless then the chances of your dog becoming ill (in some cases grievously) are dramatically increased.
Most of these dangers are generally preventable through the following…
Never feed cooked bones (raw bones are soft – cooked bones can splinter and get trapped in the digestive system);
Ensure that you are providing your dog with a diet that takes into account their unique needs (whilst humans don’t need bone and offal in their food, your dog does as part of a healthy and balanced diet);
Supervise your dog whilst eating;
Don’t re-freeze raw meat, or leave it defrosted for more than 24 hours (as this gives harmful bacteria the opportunity to breed);
Always clean your dog’s bowl thoroughly after feeding.
Feeding guidelines
One of the first things many people notice when they transition their dog onto a raw diet is just how little your dog actually needs to eat! This is because of the high-protein nature of the diet. When moving your pet onto raw for the first time, the difference can be quite dramatic!
The following are provided as a general guide for feeding a raw diet. Like with any diet, remember that your dog’s overall levels of activity may require more/less than the guidelines given.
For puppies
Growing puppies require more nutrition and calcium in their diet to help with healthy growth and bone development. As the puppy gets older, they will not require as much – so the amount you need to feed reduces.
Age (weeks)
% of raw proportionate to body weight
7 to 10 weeks
8% to 10%
10 to 16 weeks
7.5% to 8.5%
16 to 20 weeks
6.5 to 7.5%
20 to 24 weeks
4.5% to 3.5%
36 to 56 weeks
3.5
68 weeks and over
Adult guidelines
For adult dogs
Adult dogs only require around 2% to 3% of their body weight per day (depending on how active they are). This can be given in either one large or two smaller meals.
Weight
Amount of raw (g)
5kg
125g
10kg
250g
15kg
375g
20kg
500g
25kg
625g
30kg
750g
35kg
875g
40kg
1,000g
45kg
1,125g
50kg
1,250g
The basics
80/10/10: The golden ratio
Lots of people considering a raw diet will come across the “80/10/10” feeding ratio – but might not understand what it means. As explained above, this accounts for…
80% meat (used for energy);
10% bone (used for calcium and stool-regulation); and
10% offal (used for nutrients).
This is a great starting point for if you haven’t got a lot of experience with raw before. The quantities of meat, bone and offal you provide will have a significant impact on your dog’s general health – and their poo will offer a good indication as to this (see below). Just remember that these are only rough guidelines – there is some room for manoeuvre if you are careful and ensure that your dog will still be provided with the right amount of food. If you are struggling with this, please feel free to visit us in store and speak to a member of staff.
Fruits, vegetables and carbohydrates
Dogs don’t derive as much nutritional benefit from fruits and veg as they do from meats – but that’s not to say that they cannot be a great addition to a varied diet and help with stool consistency. Some great options include…
Raw bones, treats and chews
Raw bones are a fantastic source of nutrition – being rich in glucosamine, calcium, phosphorus, and many even contain Omega 3 fats too! Chewing on bones is an excellent way of cleaning teeth and keeping your dog entertained – they’re also necessary for ensuring healthy poo that isn’t runny.
Just don’t forget that raw bones and treats do count towards your dog’s daily intake – they can gain weight from them just as easily as they can from their complete mince. Offer as a treat or reward, but remember not to overdo it.
Your dog’s poo… it’s important
When feeding a raw diet, your dog generally won’t poo as much as on conventional kibble diets.
But you can monitor your dog’s nutritional needs by keeping an eye on their poo. Here are a couple of common indicators…
White and crumbly: Too much bone – offer a meat only option or boneless treat.
Black: Too much offal/iron – reduce intake of offal, liver and spleen (but don’t forget that some meats, like beef or tripe, will naturally darken the colour also).
Yellow: Normal for a diet that is high in chicken and poultry meats – expect yellow poo during the first week or so if transitioning to raw using chicken or turkey mince.
Runny: Not enough bone and fibre. Give raw bones, increase intake of fibre rich vegetables, and ensure you are feeding a complete mince option.
Starting with raw
In the first ten days…
We recommend starting a raw diet with an individual, white meat protein source – we’d generally say start off with turkey for this purpose (simply due to the number of dogs who suffer reactions to chicken). But, of course, if you have a dog which is reactive to multiple different types of meat and you know that they can tolerate one type (for instance, duck), then start from this point.
Just remember to monitor your dog’s behaviour and overall health during this transition.
After the first ten days…
After ten days have passed, you can begin introducing other meats into your dog’s diet. Just be careful not to introduce too many different meats in one go – as this might overwhelm your dog can cause and upset stomach.
Because different meats contain different micro and macro nutrients, it should be your long-term goal to introduce a wide variety of protein sources to your dog to ensure they get a fulfilling and nutritious diet overall.
After successfully introducing three or four proteins…
You can then introduce oily fish. From this point onwards, ideally you should be feeding oily fish mince to your dog three to four times per week for optimum nutritional value.
Frequently asked questions
Can I mix it with dry?
No. Not only does your dog not gain anything from the addition of dry to the raw diet, but it can put your dog at risk due to the slower rate of digestion of dry food – in a worst case scenario, the raw food will sit on top of the dry, and harmful bacteria will be able to thrive in your dog’s warm stomach.
If you really must feed your dog dry biscuits at any point when feeding raw, we generally recommend waiting 12 hours.
Do I need to add supplements?
Supplements can be really beneficial for targeting specific areas of your dog’s diet. Some supplements can be ideal for joint health (such as cod liver oil), coat maintenance (such as salmon oil) and general health and flea prevention (such as garlic tablets). You can also find a number of Superfood blends which help provide useful additional nutrients for your dog.
Probiotics can also be particularly useful to have on hand when you start a raw diet for your dog, as they help restore normal gut function. During stressful times, it can also promote non-sloppy stools.
Other things you should consider
Before swapping your dog over to a raw diet, there are other practical factors you should really take into account. Take a look at our article on Things you should consider before swapping your pet to a raw diet.
Lockdown, for many, has brought mixed emotions. Whilst some have carried on work as normal, others have had more chance to enjoy staying at home a bit more. But as more of us return to work and offices, the next few weeks may prove a bit of an emotional rollercoaster for our pets.
Over the past year your pet might have become accustomed to having you around more. The sudden return to work will mean a wave of changes all at once for your pet; not being able to come and go as they please, not enjoying those extra treats throughout the day, a change in how often they can use the toilet, and one of the biggest, not being able to see you. This completely altered routine can cause significant stress.
But there are things you can do to make it easier for your pet – keep reading for our top tips!
Separation anxiety: what it is, and how to tell if your pet is struggling
Common signs of separation anxiety in dogs include…
Pacing;
Howling or barking;
Chewing, digging or destruction;
Urinating;
Throwing up.
Common signs of separation anxiety in cats include…
Meowing, crying or yowling;
Urinating outside of the litterbox;
Excessive self-grooming;
Destructive behaviour (for instance, scratching or biting).
What can you do?
Because of the sheer number of changes involved in the return to work, the sooner you can start taking the following steps the better.
1 – Getting into a new routine
One of the first things that might come as a bit of a shock to both you and your pet is the change of routine. If you’ve been relishing those extra few minutes sleep in the morning, and working a little later into the night, then it might not be just your pet who struggles with the return of the early morning get-out-of-the-door routine.
To help address this, start getting back into a routine now whilst you’re still at home. Waking up a bit earlier and going for a morning walk will help both you and your pet get into the habit of getting up earlier and feeling more refreshed when the time comes to return to the workplace. Even if you have a cat or kitten, getting up and going for a short walk by yourself will help them get used to you leaving the house early in the morning.
Top Tip: If you have the time in a morning, try taking your dog for a long walk – even when you go back to the workplace. Not only will this fun activity tire them out, but the exercise will release endorphins that will make it easier for your dog to cope with your absence. If you have cats, try spending some time playing in the morning.
2 – Start small
If you have gotten a new puppy or kitten over lockdown, then the chances are there has always been somebody home with them up until this point. A sudden absence of everyone from the house, even for a period as small as half an hour, can be a source of stress for your pet.
It’s important that you begin building up your pet’s confidence by taking small steps and gradually increasing this over time. Start off by finding (or creating) a time when everybody but yourself is out of the house. Now calmly go to the door and go through your normal routine (get your shoes on, if you have a house alarm set it up – just make sure you switch off the rooms your pet will be staying in – etc) and leave the house and garden. Wait outside for a few minutes – you can always walk around the outside of the house or to the corner shop – and then come back in. Give your pet lots of attention and treats – which will positively reinforce their good behaviour. Then, wait a few minutes, before going through the process again.
The idea behind this is getting your pet used to you being out of the house, safe in the knowledge that you will come back to them. Separation anxiety often arises when pets feel abandoned or they can’t get to you. Also, particularly if you have young animals, you need to take great care to ensure that your pet’s first experience of being left alone is a good one – the first time your puppy or kitten experiences something will have a significant impact on how they experience that thing in the future. For example, if the first time your pet is left home alone they are scared and panicked, then they will remember this experience as a bad one every time they are left home alone in the future – and it can be really difficult to change their mind. Because of this, it’s really important that you get this step right to help put your pet’s mind completely at ease.
It’s not just puppies and kittens!
You might think that, because you have an older pet who has experienced being home alone for long periods in the past, your return to work won’t make much of a difference so this step can be avoided. We’d suggest otherwise. Whilst your pet may have grown used to your absence in the past, it may be the case that they have gone through an extended period of having someone in the house with them at all times which can alter the way they feel about being left alone.
Over time you’ll be able to increase the amount of time you leave your pet to their own devices – from five minutes to ten, to half an hour and an hour, etc. Because you’re building this time up slowly, it will really help reassure your pet that no matter how long you are gone you will come back.
Q: Should I give my puppy a bone when I leave the house to give them something to do? A: As a general rule, we’d say no – particularly with younger puppies. Leaving your puppy unattended with a bone or other hard treat like an antler can be a serious choking hazard that could put their life in danger – particularly if you’re not home for long periods. Instead, you could consider trying a softer treat just before you leave the door (like a dog biscuit), or giving them a toy to keep them occupied – like a stuffed Kong or Grrrelli.
3 – Try a calming diffuser or atomiser
This is a really useful tool at any stage of your pet’s life and training. A happy, relaxed pet is more likely to learn new information quickly than a stressed and upset one – so this can be a great investment regardless of how old or well-trained your pet is.
If you’ve noticed your pet has been getting stressed when you’ve attempted either stage one or stage two, then a diffuser can be a really great investment to help calm your pet down and put them at ease. If your pet’s anxiety is really bad, you could also consider adding a couple of drops of valerian compound into their water leading up to you leaving the house – which will help relax your pet and reduce tension. In extreme cases, CBD oil could also be considered.
4 – Leave the radio or TV on
When you are at home, your pet has a constant source of stimulation and noises going on in the background. Whether it’s the sound of the washing machine running, the tv, typing or handwriting, etc – there’s always something going on. When you’re not home, though, all of that goes away and leaves your pet alone in an echoy home, with only the sound of their own paws clicking against the laminate to keep them company.
By leaving the radio on, you’re creating a source of stimulus for your pet. Don’t leave it on too loud, just loud enough for a bit of background noise during the day that can help your pet focus on something.
5 – Be patient!
It can be easy to become upset and flustered if your pet becomes stressed and destructive – urinating in the house, scratching, chewing and howling/crying are all signs that your pet is distressed. It’s important not to shout at your pet if this is the case, you need to try and correct their behaviour by addressing the source of the problem: the fear that they have been abandoned.
If your pet is struggling, it may be worthwhile speaking to a behaviouralist to see if they are able to help. Other options you could consider are leaving your pet at daycare, paying a dogwalker or pet-sitter to come visit your pet during the day, or leaving your pet with a relative.
Top tip Crate training is another idea which some owners find helpful. By creating a safe “den” for your pet, you can provide a safe place for them where they can go when they get stressed and upset – but it’s not wise to leave your pet in a crate for extended periods. If you’re not sure where to start, get in touch – we’ll be posting an article soon about this topic.
? We can generally anticipate the arrival of fireworks – between late October to early January they are an almost guaranteed fixture in our calendar. What many people forget to anticipate is the negative impact it can have on our pets. From the largest horse, to the smallest mouse, the bright lights that we humans use to create dazzling displays can be a terrifying experience for our furry and feathered friends. ?
Most of the animal-owning population struggle with problem behaviour during firework season. But there are things you can do to make it easier! Unfortunately there isn’t a single one-dose wonder remedy that will make the fear go away, but like with most things effective planning in advance can help minimise the problem.
The signs
Animals can be easily startled by the unpredictable patterns and sudden noise of events like firework night – and being unable to escape can lead to feelings of being trapped, triggering the natural fight-or-flight response.
? Common signs include… ?
Barking or growling at the noise;
Hissing;
Excessive panting;
Weaving and stall-walking (in horses);
Restlessness;
Cowering;
Shaking;
Hiding;
Loss of appetite;
Unwillingness to go outside.
Preparations before firework season
? The start to the middle of October is actually the best time to to begin your preparations for the firework season. By establishing a new routine, you can create an atmosphere in which your pet feels safe. It will also help reduce the stress caused by early firework-users.?
Create a den or safe space. For dogs, if you don’t have one already, it may be worthwhile investing in a wire home that you can drape blankets over and fill with comfy bedding. Cats will often have existing hiding-places around the home, so try to observe where these places are and make a note of them. Use calming sprays in these areas to help your pet relax and feel safe.
For small animals, partially drape a blanket over their cage/hutch to help muffle loud noises, and ensure there is plenty of bedding that they can burrow into. This will help them keep warm and feel sheltered. It is advisable to bring them indoors, but if they are normally kept outside you should try and slowly integrate them into the indoor environment so that they are not startled by the sudden change in scenery. Ideally this will need to be done approximately a month in advance.
Invest in a calming diffuser or atomiser. You can help turn larger areas into a calming space through use of a calming diffuser. These diffusers work in the same way as an air freshener, but emit into the air soothing hormones or herbal essences specifically designed to help the animal relax.
They’re not just for dogs and cats either – the Pet Remedy herbal atomiser can even be used to help soothe and comfort small animals, birds and horses!
Begin using calming tablets… Calming tablets are designed specifically to help your pet physically and mentally relax. Particularly useful for animals that suffer greatly from stress and anxiety during firework season, there are a great variety of options on the market all made with different ingredients designed to target and soothe particular points of anguish for animals.
…or try a homeopathic remedy. Homeopathic remedies aren’t new in the pet market. Whilst we don’t normally recommend use of just these remedies on their own, they can be useful in conjunction with other treatments to help aid the calming process.
During firework season
Bring your animals indoors. Ensure that your animals are not outside during the evenings and nights. Bring horses and livestock off fields/pastures, and ensure that dogs, cats and small animals are brought indoors in the early evenings.
Walk dogs earlier in the day. Help reduce your pet’s stress by walking them during daylight hours. Not only will your pet be more at ease, but the chances of people lighting fireworks during the day tends to be greatly reduced.
Try to muffle the sound of fireworks. Using blankets over cages will help muffle any loud bangs, but you can also try to minimise the impact of the sound by creating other distractions. Switch on your television, or play music in the background, to help mask the noise (please note: death-metal listeners, you’d maybe be best opting for the former).
Top-up with ValerianCompound. Add a couple of drops of Valerian Compound to your pet’s water bowl so that they will feel a renewed sense of calm every time they go for a drink.
Provide your pet with a calming treat. What better way to cheer up a stressed pet than reminding them how good they are with a tasty treat! The good news is, there are a number of options which contain ingredients specifically designed to have a calming impact on your pet.
Small animals are just as likely to suffer from heat-related problems as dogs and cats. Because their natural environment is outdoors, it can be easy to forget that they react just the same as other furry animals to long periods in the sun.
Rabbits cannot sweat like humans, nor pant like dogs – the majority of their ability to cool down comes from their ears. Guinea pigs aren’t even able to do this, which makes them particularly susceptible to problems of overheating – just like hamsters, mice and gerbils! Thankfully, there are plenty of things you can do to help them stay cool during the summer months.
Move their hutch/cage to an area with more shade
Sitting in the sun for long periods will increase the chances of your smaller animal overheating. Wooden hutches and plastic cages can both trap heat, which means your animal may struggle to find a cool place to rest away from the heat. Even if your pet lives indoors, there can still be a risk of overheating if their cage is in direct sunlight.
By moving their hutch or cage to an area out of the sun, your small animal’s home will be significantly cooler.
Classic Colour Water Bottle, Large
Give them plenty of water
Hydration is essential for keeping small animals healthy and maintaining a cool body temperature. Whilst they can’t perspire like humans, drinking cool water helps them maintain a steady body temperature and also ensures that their internal processes all work properly.
Create shade
If you do not have shade readily available, then you may have to find a way to create some. Whilst most hutches will have shaded compartments in which they can sleep, rabbit runs can pose a unique set of problems when it comes to finding shade. Whilst a hutch may be easily moved to a shaded area, an outdoor grassy run may prove a more difficult challenge.
Owners may consider draping a towel over the corner of a run to help create a shaded area for smaller animals – so that they can still stay cool even whilst playing in the grass.
Trixie Small Animal Cool Plate
Try a small-animal safe cooling mat or tile
Give them the option of somewhere cool to lay by placing a cooling tile into their hutch or run. Just make sure that you do not place the tile in direct sunlight, otherwise these will not be effective.
Soak fruit and vegetables in cool water before feeding
Another great way to ensure they are getting enough hydration is to soak fresh fruit and vegetables in cold or icy water for a minute or so before giving them to your pet. Once more these are a fun way to cool your pet down in the sun.
Don’t leave them in exercise balls for long periods of time
Plastic exercise balls can heat up quickly – think of them like tiny greenhouses. For this reason you should be especially weary of leaving them to roam for too long. Always monitor them, and where possible ensure they are roaming in cooler, shaded spaces.
Royal Pythons are a terrestrial species, meaning they spend most of their time on the ground. They will, however, climb low branches you may choose to include in your vivarium. Due to their size, an enclosure for an adult should be at least 3ft wide, 2ft deep, and 1.5ft high. The vivarium should allow for a fair amount of substrate, which the python will enjoy burrowing in. It is also vital to check the security of the vivarium as snakes are excellent escape artists. Make sure the vivarium is securely locked and be aware of any damaged areas through which the snake could escape. The enclosure should be spot cleaned daily, with a full clean out once a month.
