Autumn & Firework Season

Taking the dog for a walk through the glorious summer days is something we all adore. But when autumn comes along with its lashings of rain, it’s not always fun and games. Here are a few tips to help you embrace and even enjoy those soggy walks with your pooch.

For some people, walking in wet weather is the main downside of owning a dog and often becomes a dreaded chore. And while you could be lucky with a dog that prefers to stay indoors until the rain stops, others love a good romp around in puddles. Meaning you’re dragged outside in the cold, wind and rain whether you like it or not!

But your rainy dog walks don’t have to be a nightmare. Preparing yourself both mentally and physically will have a huge impact on how you view those rainy strolls. Here are a few tips to help you embrace and even enjoy those soggy walks with your pooch.

PREPARE THE AREA : 

Before you leave, take a moment to place everything you need for your return just inside the front door. You don’t want messy paw

As those chilly nights draw in, we know autumn is here. Autumn is a wonderful season to get outside and spend time with your dog. But there are a few potential risks dog owners should bear in mind. The health and happiness of our pups should always be a priority. So consider these safety precautions when caring for your dog this autumn.

Take care of your dog’s paws

When piles of leaves litter the streets, potentially harmful debris can lurk underneath. Broken glass and sharp objects hidden under the leaves could cut your dog’s paw pads, so it’s always a good idea to check your dog’s paws regularly.

Later in the season, salt used to de-ice the roads can irritate your dog’s paws. If you’ve been walking over road salt, be sure to wash your dog down afterwards.

Wetter autumn weather often means damp paws, which are the perfect breeding ground for yeast and bacteria. If you notice your dog’s paws have a yeasty smell or they seem red and irritated, be sure to see a vet.

View our range of paw

Fireworks can be a source of fear for many animals with their loud bangs and flashes.  Here are some tips to help your pets stay calm this Bonfire Night.

It's estimated that 45% of dogs in the UK show signs of fear when they hear fireworks. It doesn’t have to be that way though - so don’t ignore the problem. There are many  things you can do to help your pet deal with fireworks and by preparing in advance, your pet will be better able to cope with those noises. 

• Keep your cats and dogs indoors. If your cat is normally out during the day and doesn’t return until dusk, consider whether you should keep them in all day, to avoid them being frightened by early fireworks. 
• Make sure if you have a cat flap this closed to stop your pets escaping
• Walk your dog mid-afternoon or at dusk before there is any chance of fireworks starting.
• Bring your pet’s feeding time forward by around an hour to settle them earlier than usual, without hugely interrupting the normal routine. Pets may also be

With Fireworks night upon us, let's focus on two products to help relieve pet anxiety - Dorwest Scullcap & Valerian Tablets and Dorwest Valerian Compound

Anxiety and nervous behaviour in dogs and cats can encompass an array of conditions with many varied causes that may need different actions.

Herbal products are ideal to induce calm and relaxed demeanour, but some cases will also benefit from the use of behavioural techniques from a qualified animal behaviourist.

Specific situations can cause anxiety – such as thunderstorms, fireworks, travelling, meeting strangers, going into kennels, visits to the vets or just a new experience or an unfamiliar place. Often the problem is not really nervousness but fear or apprehension of what is expected when a new situation arises. This is often the case with young dogs but correct training and appropriate support will help them overcome this as they mature.

On-going or habitual anxiety or nervousness may have various causes and a range of techniques