Hills Ideal Balance | Pet Shop Bowl Product Review

We were lucky enough to receive a email from Pet Shop Bowl asking us if we would like to review one of their brand new products. Of course we jumped at chance. Lottie loves trying new treats and toys.

So who are Pet Shop Bowl?

Here's what they have to say about the company.

PetShopBowl is a nationwide home delivery subscription service to pet food. We are a young company with a team of friendly, helpful staff dedicated to saving you time and money. All of our staff are pet owners so we understand the needs of other pet parents.

What many other pet business don't offer is there unique  Bottomless Bowl  concept which is offered at the checkout. We all have a busy lifestyle, its unfortunately just the way of the world these days. If like me you are trying to juggle full time study, a work placement and taking care of your dog, you will know what a challenge that can be! This is where Bottomless Bowl comes in. Bottomless Bowl is a simple reordering service. They understand all dogs have a different appetite so offer any frequency from 2 - 12 weeks. But I hear you ask, what if there is a price increase ,well there's no hidden price rises. If the price of a product that you have subscribed to happens to increase, they will contact you to make sure that you still want to continue with your subscription, it really is that simple! They offer free UK delivery on all orders over the value of £19.99, as well as using a courier service which means you can change delivery time or day to whenever suits you best. 

So what did they send us? 

They sent us chicken and brown rice dry dog food from their brand new product range called Hill Ideal Balance. The range includes dry dog food, dog treats, wet dog food and dry cat food. Now Lottie is your typical Westie when it comes to food and can be very fussy. I on the other hand, am very aware of what I feed her. Westie's can suffer with skin allergies and certain food can irritate it more. Seen as Lottie suffers mildly I definitely am extra careful. So I was delighted to hear that Hill Ideal Balance has perfectly balanced nutrition and is made with the finest natural ingredients. They use chicken as their number one ingredient, meaning that there is no nasty added artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. All their product ranges have no wheat, maize or soy. So is great for dogs who have allergies to those. 

So what did we think?

Lottie absolutely loved it. Her current food is lamb and rice so I was originally a little concerned if she would like it. (The flavour they sent us was chicken and brown rice). But I needed not to of worried. As soon as I opened the cardboard box she couldn't wait to have a try. The bag has a handy seal which means that if like Lottie your dog is not a big eater there wont be any waste. It also comes in very handy if like us you haven't got a big enough container which will hold 12kg! The food itself it small hard piece and would easily suit any small or medium sized breeds. Although they really do cater for all sizes as they stock a small and large breed variety of the dry dog food. They also have a range for dogs over the age of 7 and of course not forgetting those puppies too! 

Our Verdict. 

We would highly recommend Hills Ideal Balance to any of our animal friends. It has all the qualities we look for in a good quality food. Lottie's gives it a massive 5 out of 5 in her woof rating, and with their bottomless bowl feature it will mean you never have to run out of dog food every again!. 

We received a box of goodies from Pet Shop Bowl at no charge in exchange for our honest and fair review of their products. All opinions expressed here are our own and truthful!

We're participating in the Pet Parade Blog Hop hosted by Rascal and Rocco, and co-hosted by Jan's Funny Farm, Basil the Bionic Cat, Barking from the Bayou, and Love is being Owned by a Husky! - thanks guys!

Monday's Mischief | What a spooktacular night.

It was Halloween on Friday so of course I got up to lots of mischief. On Friday mum and grandma carved a pumpkin each. I did get a little taste, it was very yummy!

Once they had both finished Mum said it was photograph time (Not again mum!). She had brought me a cute little pumpkin coat so that I would match my new found friends. Although I was a bit unsure of the other pumpkins are first. They just sat there so still and didn't make ANY noise what so ever!

Mum said I was very cheeky once I put the pumpkin coat on and rolled around like a silly doggy. I said it deserves her right for wanting yet another photo opportunity. I mean honestly does she think I am a model or something!

This pumpkin tastes YUM!

Does my bum look big in this?

Come on mum, are we finished yet?

Of course though, the photo meant I got lots of yummy treats. I suppose there is always a positive side to everything. Whilst mum had her back turned I pinched a little bit of the cheese slice mum was giving me during the photograph. Needless to say she wasn't very impressed, but how could she shout at somebody dressed as a pumpkin! I definitely got away with that one!

We had several strangers knock at our door all wanting some goodies. Honestly, the cheek of them! Maybe I should try that in the future to see if it gets me a few extra biccies before bedtime. Mum said I was a very good girl and didn't bark once. Unfortunately it didn't get ME any extra biscuits!

We hope you all had a spooktacular Halloween night. We would love to hear what you guys got up to?

Lottie (And Jessica).



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

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Black and White Sunday | Your turning into a right geek mum!

Sunday's they are made for lie in's, right? Well, this Sunday was no exception. A tradition in this household is Lottie comes through to my bedroom at around 8am, jumps onto my bed and has a sleep until I get up at around 9am.Well this Sunday followed the same routine as normal, expect Lottie was perhaps more comfy than usual as she conveniently used one of my teddies as a pillow. Honestly I'm sure she think she is human sometimes!

We had a lovely Sunday dinner at Nana's followed by a sit out in the garden. It's been lovely today here.

When we arrived home Lottie was determined to get me to play with her. I unfortunately was distracted with Uni work, she didn't let me get one for long though. First she sat in her toy box as if to say "Maybe if I sit in it she will think I'm so cute she will just have to play with me". When that didn't work she emptied the entire box and sat inside it performing tricks. Maybe she thought I wouldn't be able to resist her then. Her third and final attempt was to pick her favourite toy, known as 'Spacehopper' and carry it around it with her everywhere I went.

 

 

I had so much fun watching her trying to get me to play. She won! We had a quick game of fetch before I carried on with my studies.

She seemed quite content once she had played fetch and lay down beside my desk for the rest of the afternoon.

We hope you guys all had a great Sunday too?

Jessica and Lottie


We're participating in the Black And White Sunday Blog Hop hosted by Dachshund Nola and Sugar The Golden Retriever - thanks again, guys!

Sepia Saturday | Organised at last!

Now that I'm back at University I had the 'be organised' bug again!

When I started blogging I had no idea the amount of work I would be taking on. Since then I have done far to many posts last minute on my knee in front of the television. Well... NOT no more!

I am finally organised!

A new desk has been purchased and I have to admit it looks like a proper little office now. This is where all our posts will be written from now on.. I have all what I need contained in one little corner. I cant get wait to started.

 

 

 

Jessica and Lottie

Today we are joining the Sepia Saturday bog hop hosted by Ruckus the Eskie. Thank you Ruckus!
This is a Blog Hop!

Wordless Wednesday - Almost | The BEST News.

For any of you that follow our Facebook page, you will be well aware of what a worrying time we have had over the last two weeks.

Lottie went to the Vets for her routine check-up. As part of this they scan her microchip to make sure it hasn’t moved dramatically or gotten lost. As the Vet got the scanner out I made a comment on how easy it would be find her as she had a lump of her back. I naively thought nothing of the lump as when Lottie was 6 months old the nurse had told us ‘don’t worry it’s just her microchip, it sometimes happens’.

What the Vet said next is something all animal owners dread! ‘I don’t think it’s her chip, you can’t normally feel them’ he replied. He then explained that it would need to be investigated further. He measured it and also said Lottie would need to come in to have a sedation so that X rays and a biopsy could be carried out.

How could I possible feel any worse? I had all sorts of thoughts flying around my head. What if the lump was something nasty and I have ignored for years because of the information I was told from the nurse. What if it has spread and would no longer response to treatment? Lottie was booked in for a week’s time. I was very adamant that nobody was going to know until we had the final result. The more I talked about it the more it upset me. So I figured it was best put into the back of my mind.

I starved Lottie the night before as per the instructions. Of course Lottie was completely oblivious about what was going on and just thought I was been extra mean when she didn’t get her night time biscuit as usual. She was still completely oblivious the next morning when I dropped her off at the vets, she just wagged her tail as normal when the nurse took her off into a sideroom. If only I had that privilege.

That day seem to last forever! When the receptionist did eventually ring, she informed me that Lottie was awake and had come round from the sedation very well but was just very groggy.

I felt so sorry for her when the nurse brought her out, she was trying so hard to let me know she was pleased to see me. But was so desperate to catch up on some more sleep, only managed a brief hello.

The receptionist informed us that the results would take between 7-10 days to come back. What? How could I possibly wait this long?

What I hadn’t thought about when I was been so adamant about not telling anybody, was that when they had taken the biopsy they had to shave a substantial amount of her fur from around the lump leaving a big bald patch on her back. How was I going to take photographs of Lottie for our Facebook page without you guys noticing?

After taking a few shots of Lottie sleeping in her bed once we got home. I soon realised it was impossible for the bald patch to be hidden. So, I decided to write a short post explaining that the Vet has found a lump, biopsies had been taken and we were now just waiting for the results.

Lottie after she came back from the Vets.

Lots of comment flooded in wishing us good luck and telling us that they hoped Lottie would be OK.

Well….

We got the results back yesterday and its clear! The Vet rang me to explain that there is nothing nasty in the lump and it isn’t any form of the dreaded C word! Thank goodness for that! The most likely explanation is a cyst that has burst inside rather than out and its Lottie natural way of fighting it. Unfortunately though it doesn’t quite end there. She has got to have the lump removed which is happening next Friday. She should be in as a day case providing she recovers well from the aesthetic. It also routine that they then send the removed lump off for testing again, but the Vet is quite sure it will come back with the same result.

What a traumatic couple of weeks we have had. Something I NEVER want to go through again in a hurry.

Thank you to all our friends who have wished us well with Lottie. I will be sure to keep up guys updated after the operation.

Of course Lottie isn’t as affected. She just thinks I’m been extra nice at the moment with all the extra cuddles. She definitely deserves them though!

 

Enjoying cuddles with Mum.

Have you guys ever experience finding a lump of your pet?

Jessica and Lottie

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