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Animal Magic: Benefits To Your Health Of Getting A Pet

Animal Magic: Benefits To Your Health Of Getting A Pet
by K9 Magazine

Getting out of a warm, cosy bed on dark, frosty mornings to take the dog out is probably the last thing you feel like doing. But take encouragement from the fact that it really is good for you.

Quite apart from a blast of fresh air to wake you up, going walkies gives you both the chance to get some exercise. Getting up and about is a great way to keep your dog happy and healthy, but vitally important for you, especially if you’re going to spend the rest of the day slumped at your desk.

Your daily dog walk may not feel as strenuous as sweating buckets at the gym, but rest assured it’s doing just as much good. According to pet health care experts Bob Martin, dog walkers actually get far more exercise than people who consider themselves regular gym goers – an average of five hours and 38 minutes per week, compared with just one hour and 20 minutes per week for the Lycra lovers.

Feeling smug? You should be, as even the fact that you’re getting out every day can have huge health benefits. Scientists believe that doing up to an hour of moderate activity most days combined with a healthy diet could cut mortality rates by 50 per cent.

The benefits of owning a dog go beyond a mere leg-stretch. Medical researchers have found that dog owners have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, for example, and are generally healthier than those without a canine companion.

There’s the social aspect of meeting other dog owners while out and about, and the structure of having a daily routine; both factors which could go a long way to raising mood and stirring you from inertia. In fact, researchers at the University of Portsmouth found that daily dog walking could even ward off depression. Are there any sights in life happier than a dog proudly carrying a stick? You can’t write a prescription for that.

Cat owners can take heart from the news that researchers have claimed all manner of health benefits from caring for a feline friend – in fact a study by the University of Minnesota found that cat owners have a much lower heart attack risk.

It doesn’t take a doctor to tell you that curling up with a cat on the couch at the end of a stressful day can have psychological benefits, either. According to a study carried out by the Mental Health Foundation in conjunction with Cat’s Protection, it’s all down to the relaxing vibrations in a cat’s purr.

Even having a tank of goldfish in the corner of a room is thought to be relaxing, and while lizards and snakes aren’t everyone’s choice of perfect pet, they’re an interesting addition to the household. Having a pet is good for kids, too – it can help them develop a sense of empathy and responsibility, as well as boosting their self-esteem, say psychologists. Owning a dog can also help children become more active, guarding against obesity.

Care for your pet, and it will care for you.

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Tips For Dogs That Don’t Like Car Travel

Tips For Dogs That Don’t Like Car Travel
by K9 Magazine

Travel sickness is a rare condition that can take hold of certain dogs just as it can individual people. Understanding the cause and effects of travel sickness in dogs as well as, obviously, identifying a potential cure for the problem is often easier said than done. Some dogs get carsick just the same as many small children do.

If you depend on a car for most of your transportation, you will want to help your puppy overcome carsickness as quickly and easily as possible. You can do a number of things to help your dog avoid or overcome travel sickness. Cure Travel Sickness in Dogs: Top Tips From the start, help your dog form a positive association with the car.

Without starting the engine, sit in the car with your dog on your lap for a few minutes every day. Praise and pet your dog. After a week of this, start the motor. Place your pup on the seat next to you.

Pet and praise him, making the experience agreeable. After a week of repeating this once a day, get a friend or relative to go in the car with you for a daily ride. Be sure that your dog has an empty stomach and has had the chance to eliminate before getting into the car. Have your helper sit the dog on his or her lap. The helper must not allow the dog to squirm and wiggle around.

Take a short ride around the block. Each week increase slightly the distance that you travel. (One-week intervals for each of these steps are not cast in stone. Shorten or lengthen the time depending on your dog’s reaction.) Be sure that when you ride with your dog, you have someone in the car to help control him. If that’s not possible, put the dog in a crate in the car. Do not let your dog ride on the driver’s lap or crawl under his or her legs. This can become a bad habit and is very dangerous.

Once your dog begins obedience training and understands to lie down and stay, employ this exercise in the car when travelling. Associate trips in the car with fun. Every car ride should not end up at the veterinarian, groomer, or boarding kennel. Use the car to take your dog to the beach, park, or woods.

Most dogs, like most children, outgrow travel sickness. In the interim, doing the right things can minimise messes, limit nervousness, and shorten the time it takes for your dog to learn that car rides can be a lot of fun. If none of the above steps seems to help, contact your veterinarian. In this article we’re not going to touch on the medical approach to curing dog travel sickness, we’ll leave that for a future article as it is a subject in its own right.

13 Things to Take With You When Travelling With a Dog

In order to have a comfortable and enjoyable time when travelling with your dog, you need to prepare certain things ahead of time. You need to be ready in case of an emergency or any unpredictable situation that may occur. So keep in mind the following 13 items and make sure that you have them ready and available before you go on that road trip with your dog.

1. A dog crate or den with a small blanket inside for your dog’s safety and comfort, or a seatbelt harness if you prefer to have him stay on the seat.

2. An adequate supply of dog food to last for the entire trip. Make sure to bring enough extra food, especially if your dog is a fussy eater.

3. At least three gallons of extra water for your dog. If you are going to a different country, keep in mind that the water there may be different from the water you have at home. Since your dog may be sensitive to the differences in the water which could make him sick, be sure that you carry enough water to last for the entire trip.

4. A water bowl, particularly one that is heavy enough to prevent spilling so that it can be used inside a moving vehicle. An alternative to this is to teach your dog how to drink out of a water bottle.

5. A first-aid kit specifically made for your dog.

6. A suitable collar with a clear and legible ID tag.

7. Two – five chew toys.

8. Extra toys for him to play with, which will also help to keep him busy during the road trip.

9. An extra lead and extra collar. It’s amazing how many problems you can encounter if your dog’s lead and collar breaks!

10. Any vitamins or medication that he is currently taking.

11. Paper towels and plastic bags to clean up after his potty breaks.

12. His regular grooming kit, which includes a brush, flea comb, nail clippers, toothbrush, and other items that you regularly use during his grooming sessions.

13. Thick towels and large blankets in case he decides to jump in a river or run in a muddy ground when you stop the vehicle for breaks.

Harness Fitting

Written May 9th 2012

 I am often asked for dog advice from customers, so I though I’d share some information about something I do have a bit of knowledge about – harnesses. I always recommend getting your dog a harness, but more importantly, a harness that fits well! An ill-fitting harness will do more damage to the dog than good!

 Harnesses eleviate back and neck pains for dogs, especially those that “pull” on the lead, as the pressure is more evenly distributed across strong parts of their bodies. They can improve behaviour as the owner has much more control over the dog. In a recent study of 400 dogs conducted in Sweden by Behaviorist, Anders Hallgren, his students and several Chiropractors found that; 63% of the dogs examined had neck and spinal injuries and 78% of the dogs with aggression or over activity problems had neck and spinal injuries.

And, of the dogs with neck injuries, 91% experienced hard jerks on a collar and leash and/or strained against their leashes.

At Barkitty we have a range of harnesses beginning at just £10.00 for a nylon printed version; Puppia soft harnesses which are best selling items, recommended by vets worldwide starting at £16.00; up to Mutts & Hounds handmade linen harnesses from £28.00. You will soon be able to buy these items online, however if you’re nearby feel free to bring your dog instore to try some on and most importantly get fitted correctly.

We can ensure your dog is wearing a perfect fit in a style to suit them and a price to suit you! All fitting is completely free with no pressure to buy – we just care about dogs and want them to be comfortable!

Little Jake was fitted in a polka dot harness and matching lead (£23 for complete set) and left a happy and comfortable little boy!

So come in any time, 7 days a week with your dog for a complete harness fitting service. If you are unsure if we can cater for your dog or have any other questions feel free to call beforehand on 01327 349328.

Lisa x