Summer & The Warmer Months

Hydration is vital in a wellness routine

While a wide variety of dog food brands and treats are available, hydration is a critical aspect of a dog's overall health that often doesn't receive enough emphasis. As you may know, water is the essence of life, and proper hydration is crucial for the overall well-being of our dogs.

Approximately 70% of a dog's body is made up of water, and it is essential for numerous bodily functions, such as digestion, circulation, temperature regulation, nutrient absorption, and waste elimination. What pet parents often overlook is the risk of dehydration and its impact. Dehydration in dogs isn't just about thirst—it can spiral into a myriad of troubles, from minor issues like a dull and dry coat, leading to undesirable shedding, to lethargy and more serious issues such as constipation, aggravating joint problems, urinary tract issues and in very severe cases, can result in organ failure. It is crucial to keep our pup hydrated to avoid these health hiccups.

What is the difference between the KG Pet Spray and Cedarcide Original Spray?

They are very different products, the Cedarcide Original Spray is an oil (Cedarcide & Silica oil) whereas the KG Pet Spray is a fruit enzymes spray, made from mostly pineapple, papaya, or kiwi fruits fermented for 6 months it is not a pesticide poison. 

The KG spray can be used to help eliminate Mange (all types), Fleas, Ticks, Mites and Itchy Skin Problems. It can also be used to eliminate odours. It can be used as an air freshener and is effective on smoke, cooking, waste and other undesirable odours. The enzymes in the KG Spray act and cause the insect to moult (shed its outer coating) prematurely. It dissolves the insect's skin and it dies. It will not harm mammals as they regrow skin cells daily, so making it very gentle and safe for owners. 

The Cedarcide Original is ideal for pest control, which include moths, fleas, ticks, ants, and other insects. It dehydrates, disrupts pheromones, suffocates and

Summer is finally upon us and with a heatwave this week, here are some helpful tips on how you can help your dog keep cool and safe in the coming months.

Dogs cool themselves through their tongues (panting) and the pads of their feet, so heat can build up quickly. Dogs don't sweat like we do and as a result they can overheat much more quickly. So if your dog is panting, their tongue is hanging out, drooling excessively or looking lethargic then these are signs of an overheated dog and signs of dehydration. Don’t forget, if the ground is warm, then dogs cannot cool down through their feet and dogs with darker coats will also absorb more heat than lighter coats. Hairy dogs, short nosed dogs and young and old dogs are more vulnerable to heat.

Dogs can succumb to heat stroke without shade, ventilation and water as well as after vigorous exercise or over excitement. So here are some factors to consider during the hot weather......Prevention is better than cure, so stay cool.

Avoid Car Travel

With summer here and holidays planned with their pets, all too often motion sickness can make, even a short trip, stressful for both your pet and you. Find out what you can do to help.

What are the typical signs of travel sickness?

Some typical signs of dog travel sickness include; restlessness, panting, whining, excessive drooling, yawning, vomiting and listlessness. Generally dogs will outgrow motion sickness but some dogs won’t and may need assistance to make their journey less distressing.

Dog Travel Sickness - How to Stay Calm when Travelling

For those dogs and cats who find it is the motion of the car which upsets their tummies even though they are not anxious, Dorwest - Digestive supplement is ideal if given two hours before travelling to settle and soothe the stomach. This supplement, for dogs and cats, contains ginger and valerian to calm the digestive tract, rhubarb and peppermint to aid digestion and soothing and comforting slippery elm.

Travel Anxiety
Often a common cause

Have you considered Natural Flea Repellents for Dogs and Cats? Sourcing an effective and safe deterrent for your family pet is important for their overall comfort and for your peace-of-mind. Consider a natural and non-toxic option for cats and dogs...  

One of the key factors in flea prevention is the overall health and immune system of your dog or cat to ensure fleas are kept to a minimum. However on occasions, even healthy dogs and cats may become hosts to fleas.

Fleas are highly productive and one female flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day, mostly in the environment; with a few laid on your pet which can fall off in your home. Their life cycle can be as long as several months and they can survive the winter months outdoors or indoors, even if the home is not kept particularly warm, to cause re-infestation in Spring and Summer. Consider Biospotix Indoor Flea Spray  to help eliminate adult fleas, lavae from your pet's environment. 

Natural methods of flea prevention can play a key

Summer is prime time for walking trips and exploring the great outdoors. Since our dogs are members of the family, we’re always looking for ways we can include them too. But when it comes to walking trips with your pooch, there are some special considerations you have to bear in mind, it's not quite as simple as just 'pack up and leave.'Here are 8 backpacking essentials to ensure you and your dog have a fun and safe walking trip this summer.

Water

Be sure to pack plenty of water for both you and your dog. Hydration is the number one priority here. While exercising in the heat you’ll both be thirstier than normal, so you may need to pack more than you’d expect. Dogs need to drink up to 50% more in hotter climates and you certainly don’t want to run out when you are miles away from anywhere.  Furr Boost  grab & go cartons are perfect for all of your adventures where your dog is by your side on long walks or on very hot days.  Alternatively Pawer Water are advanced hydration sachets

Dogs sunburn just like you and I. Certain dogs are at a greater predisposition to sunburn, including white dogs, light-colored dogs, short-haired and hairless dogs. Regardless of colour, coat or breed, all dogs sunburn.

Dog sunburn is especially common in areas with little to no fur, such as their nose, belly, around the mouth, eyelids and ears. Dogs can also sunburn through their fur; especially white or light-colored dogs with fair skin.

A dog sunburn is nothing to ignore, as reoccurring or untreated burns, may lead to an increased risk for skin cancer. They can also be painful and irritating, just like sunburns for humans.

Dog Sunburn Symptoms

Dogs show signs of sunburn similar to humans. You will likely notice your dog is sunburned on his/her ears, nose or belly before anywhere else. Some signs your dog got too much sun include:

• Red skin that may also be sensitive to the touch

• Dry, cracked skin

• Curling at the edges of the ears

• Your dog may be scratching and possibly whimpering (as

Your dog has itchy, sore paws? So what can you do? At Healthful Pets we have a range of natural products to help soothe your dog's itchy paws. Here are some suggestions:-

Itchy paws may be related to a number of factors including diet, allergies, stress as well as factors. Ideally you need to understand the root cause of the itching, such as allergies, otherwise these symptoms may continue. However below are some suggestions which may to help soothe itchy paws.    

Wildwash Pro Magic Paw Balm:

WildWash Magic Paw Balm for dogs contains only human grade ingredients of Sweet Almond Oil, Frankincense and Kanuka which is a super conditioning paw treatment for your dogs’ cracked, dry and rough paws and help form a barrier to protect them from everyday wear and tear.

This paw balm can also be used on:

• Minor cuts and grazes
• dry itchy spots
• to moisturise nails and dry noses
• condition calloused elbows and dry patches

Take a look here

Diet'Dog Skin Relief Spray:

A natural, steroid free spray designed

Best-Selling Holistic Pet Care Supplements by Proflax

Dive into a world of holistic pet care with Proflax's comprehensive range of supplements. From powders like Tummy Tastic and Bottoms Up, to oils including Omega Vital and Puppy Power, treats like Superchews, and tinctures such as Keep Off Me Pure – we've got everything for Bone & Joint, Calming, Skin & Coat, and more. Elevate your pet's well-being with our vet-approved, natural solutions.

Whatever the true reasons for and nature of climate change, it seems we need to get used to the concept of warmer summers and milder winters. One severe consequence of this will be an increase of parasites such as fleas and ticks. They will breed for longer periods and more will survive over winter. Not a happy prospect for dogs and cats!

Over the years in my veterinary practice I have found that some pets seem very prone to picking up parasites, whilst others rarely have any 'visitors'. I have come to the conclusion that healthy adult dogs and cats with good immune systems who are fed a healthy diet are much less likely to suffer from fleas and ticks. To help ensure pets stay free from parasites, keep them healthy by paying attention to:

Diet: Avoid processed food and if possible, feed a diet mainly consisting of fresh food. As dogs and cats are carnivores this should preferably contain raw meat and bones. Otherwise give a good quality, high protein, low carbohydrate, grain free proprietary