Fireworks Fear Series | How to prepare your pet for fireworks.

Here in the UK the dreaded night for pet owners is fast approaching. Remember, remember the 5th of November. Dogs remember it all right, and mostly for the wrong reasons. Fear!

According to the RSPCA more than 45 percent of dogs in the UK show signs of fear when they hear fireworks. 

It doesn't have to be that way so please don't ignore the problem. A firework phobia can be treated meaning your dog doesn't have to feel miserable every year. 

The best treatment you can offer is preparation. Here are a few simple things you can do to help your pet deal with fireworks. By preparing in advance before fireworks start your pet will be better able to cope with the noises.

Dogs go through stress at one time in the life and Lottie is no different. I really underestimated just how stressed she would be during a car journey. After many different methods, much to no avail. Our VET recommended a Pheromone Diffusers (No we hadn't heard of them either). They dispense the synthetic copy of the natural canine appeasing pheromone proven to help support dogs in a range of stressful situations. You can purchase them in a variety of different applications (collars, diffuse res, sprays) and are widely available in your local pet store. We couldn't believe the difference they made to Lottie, it didn't happen over night hence why we suggest you start it well before fireworks night. Here the brand that we highly recommend. 

Sound therapy for pets is another great tool that half of us don't use enough. There website can be found here. They offer a range of  downloadable audios that can be played when the dog is distracted and then increased in volume each time to desensitise the dog to that particular sound. 

A safe haven is a must for all dogs but even more important around firework night. You should provide you dog with a quiet area so choose one of the quietest rooms in your home. It should be a place where the animal feels it is in control, so don't interfere with it when it's in that area. Train your dog to associate the area with positive experiences e.g. by leaving toys there but not imposing yourself at any time. r giving them a tasty Kong with some extra special treats instead (some they only get when they are in there safe den. With time your dog can learn that this place is safe and enjoyable. So when fireworks happen it may choose to go here because it knows that when it is here, no harm will come to it and so it's more able to cope. It is important that your dog has access to its doggy safe haven at all times even when you’re not at home. 

Lottie safe haven. 

They are just a few of our handy tips to help you guys prepare for fireworks night. Please don't forget your other pets too, especially if they are outside. 

Have you guys got any top tips to help your pet cope with fireworks. We would love to hear them. 

Jessica and Lottie. 

This is part of the Adventure Dog Blog Hop hosted by yours truly, DOGthusiast and Tiffany’s Diamond Dogs. Clicking the little thumbnails down below will transport you to other doggy adventures.

Wordless Wednesday | I wish it could be Christmas everyday.

Mums been Christmas shopping and look what she got ME! Doggy mince pies. They certainly look very yummy.

She's been a right meany though and says I have to wait until the big day to try one. That's so not fair Mum. So in a quick attempt to get me a taste I came up with a cunning plan. I spied my chance whilst they lay there on the coffee table. I managed to nudge them off with my nose so I could get a better look. This unfortunately is how I was found out. When they fell off the table they made the biggest bang. Mum came to see what I was up to and obviously wasn't happen about my actions. I grabbed them before mum could and ran across the other side of the room. I made sure mum couldn't get them off me by hiding them under my leg. After a quick photo opportunity, mum put them back where she said they belonged. Evidently she didn't mean my belly.

Maybe I will have better luck with plan B, I just need to find the right moment.

Jessica and Lottie

This post is part of the BlogPaws Wordless Wednesday blog hop. Hop around and see what others are doing today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday's Mischief | Autumn Walks.

After a traumatic couple of weeks things are finally starting to look up.

First Lottie had her stitches out on Friday! Yay, things can finally get back to normal! My mum says it likes having a child on smarties when Lottie cant have much exercise. Needless to say she has certainly made up for lost time.

I love autumn, the leaves dropping off the trees just make everywhere look so pretty. We are lucky enough to live in the countryside so have some postcard walks within walking distance.

Straight across the road from us is a lovely country lane which is so handy for a Sunday morning walk. Obviously these have been a bit scarce after Lottie's operation but not no more!

I only had to open the draw where the harness is kept and her tail was wagging in excitement. She bounded onto the sofa as if to say "Come on Mum, Lets go!".  Because of where Lottie's scar was I haven't been able to take her for a walk by myself for nearly a month. The Vet said that because I used a harness it would rub her scar so was best to keep to collar walks until her stitches came out. Now she isn't a big puller but when she does I always find it better to control her using her harness.

                                                                                                     

Somebody was very tired after all that walking and spent the rest of the afternoon having a well earned sleep. 

Jessica and Lottie. 

We've taken part in Monday Mischief blog hop hosted by Snoopy’s Dog Blog, Alfie’s Blog and My Brown Newfies

Wordless Wednesday - almost | Lumps and Bumps

Firstly we need to apologies. Blogging has taken a back seat over the last week. I have started back to University along with a work placement. Things have been a bit hectic to say the least!

As you guys will know from our Facebook page, Lottie has had a rough time over the last few weeks. It all started with the Vet finding a lump which had to be investigated. She had a biopsy done which came clear (thank goodness). Although the Vet did say that it would need to be removed as the lump would just get bigger. She had the operation last Friday and things went well.

She recovered well from the anaesthetic so was allowed home the same day. We definitely had a groggy little doggy that night. She just slept, slept and slept some more. Needles to say she woke up the next day feeling fine. Until her stitches come out in 2 weeks time she has to be calm! CALM! How can I possibly keep a three year old Westie calm? She can't jump so the sofa is off limits. Walks are restricted to five minutes, so we have a very hyper doggy at the moment.

Lottie is her t shirt to stop her scratching

She has been really good at taking at her medication which is a big relief. Of course the best medicine is lots of cuddle and believe me she has had more than her share over the last few days.

Now things are getting back to normal I can start to get back into a routine with Uni and the work placement so should be able to get more blog posts written.

We hope you guys are all OK?

Jessica and Lottie

This post is part of the BlogPaws Wordless Wednesday blog hop. Hop around and see what others are doing today.