Are We Over-Spoiling Our Pets?!

Each year, the pet product industry grows tremendously, with the trend of treating our pets. There seems to be a product for everything, including pet fashion, toys, grooming equipment, special treats and food, as well as gadgets, to help out their owners.

Some of these products are more practical than others, but I think most of us pet owners are guilty of spoiling our pets, in one way or another, and I think we often forget who we're buying for-the pet, or ourselves! Would 'Bella' really pick out that little pink number herself, or did you think that she just had to have that in her wardrobe?! Don't get us wrong, we're all for practical dog attire-our little dog would surely freeze during winter, if we didn't pad him out with some warm layers, and we have some reflective vests, for walks on the dull days.

At Amity Pet Care, we're quite guilty ourselves. We invest in the best pet foods and treats, although that is a vital part, in maintaining a pets health, but some of the treats are probably unnecessary. We have our fair share of pet gadgets-the largest pet water fountain we could find, which filters the water, and keeps it flowing (we mainly got a fountain for one of our cats, with a urinary condition), a high-tech pooper-scooper, a floor to ceiling cat activity tower, various interactive dog toys and puzzles, and we're hoping to invest in a small, basic agility set, to use in the garden, to name just a few.

The rule of thumb needs to be: If it doesn't benefit the pet, leave it in the shop!

Campaign For Real Pet Food



One of the most important things, in order to maintain a healthy pet, is a good quality diet. We recently discovered the Campaign For Real Pet Food website, which has a great deal of useful information, regarding the pet food industry, and what to look out for.

There're many pet foods with unnecessary derivatives, additives, chemicals, colourants, etc, as well as fillers, to bulk out the food, and keep the costs down. Many of these 'ingredients' are banned in certain countries, and can have terrible effects on an animal, which may happen over a period of years, or the effects could be seen instantly. These could include behavioural changes, coat condition declining, sickness, cancers, etc.

When Amity Pet Care pick out foods, we always, without fail, check out the ingredients, before even considering purchasing anything. As soon as we read any derivatives mentioned, we immediately put the packet down! We want foods with good quality ingredients, not unnamed derivatives. Good quality foods may cost slightly more, but you will need to feel less, as they're more nutrient dense, and we see it as an investment in our animals' health, which could potentially save on future Veterinary bills.

Another thing we always check out, is whether a company use animal testing (also known as vivisection). Foods with natural, non-harmful ingredients, shouldn't need to be tested on animals, as we already know all about animal nutrition. Testing would only be used, to check if there're any dangerous effects, as a result of consuming the food. Non-invasive taste tests are ok, though!

Have a good read on the Campaign For Real Pet Food's website, as it's a huge eye opener, into the vast world of pet food.

This is a real poster, put up by a Pet Shop owner, regarding poor quality pet foods.

What We're Up To

As we've been lucky enough to have a few short bursts of sunshine, we've taken on the task of refurbishing some of our outdoor hutches, which have been in desperate need. We've got some lovely green coloured, eco-friendly wood paint (no nasty fumes), and they look great-much better than the stereotypical orange hutches!

Once we've done the most important hutches, we're going to move onto our huge run, which is 8ft by 6ft long!

The rabbits and guinea pigs have enjoyed spending time in their run, whilst it's not being pouring with rain. Let's just hope that we get some sunshine, than we've already had so far!

For any information on any of Amity Pet Care's bespoke pet care services, simply visit our website (there's a link at the top of our blog!).

Pet Memorial



Pet Forums

Products We Recommend

Healthy & Ethical Pet Food 
  • Yarrah -100% Organic dog & cat food. 
  • Fish 4 Dogs & Cats -Natural fish dog & cat food. 
  • Burns -Quality pet food, including some Organic. 
  • Applaws -Natural dog & cat food. 
  • Almo Nature -Natural dog & cat food. 
  • CSJ -Natural dog & cat food, for active pets. 
  • Arden Grange -Dog & cat food. 
  • Lily's Kitchen -Natural & Organic dog & cat food. 
  • Nature Diet -Fine Holistic dog food. 
  • Vitalin -Complete pet food, for dogs, cats, small animals, horses, etc. 
  • Benevo -Veg dog food, for dogs with sensitive stomachs, or meat allergies. 
  • Burgess -Pet food, including all-in-1 complete small pet pellets. 
  • Mr Johnsons -Small pet food. 
  • Antos -Healthy dog snacks, treats, & chews. 
  • Pet's Kitchen -Natural food, for dogs & cats. 
  • Skinners -Dog food. 
  • Trophy Pet Food -Mobile pet supplies of pet food, for most animals. 

Home & Accessories
  • Norstar -Biomagnetic theraputic pet beds, collars, water bowl coasters. 
  • Bioflow -Magnet technology pet collars, & horse boots. 
  • Orthopaedic memory foam pet beds. 
  • Dog It & Cat It -Pet products, anti-gulp bowls, interactive toys, eco toys, etc. 
  • Nina Ottoson -Interactive food games. 
  • Visiglo -Illuminating dog collars & leads, with stylish designs. 
  • Flea Repelling Pet Tags. 
  • Organic Catnip -The natural cat toy! 
  • Strikeback -Natural Organic flea spray. 

Grooming Products

Pet Rescue Directory

Information
Amity Pet Care are not a rescue company or shelter, but network with animal rescue charities, as well as adopting and rehabilitating many animals ourselves.

We sincerely recommend that people thoroughly consider adopting a rescue animal, as opposed to purchasing from a breeder or farm. Animals bought directly from breeders reduce rescue shelter animal’s chances of finding homes. This results in many healthy animals being euthanized, as rescue shelters have terribly limited space.

Certain rescue animals have experienced many encounters of neglect, from irresponsible owners, and ever changing situations. This often results in them requiring further nurturing, perseverance and dedication with their rehabilitation programme and training. However, with patience, they never fail to become rewarding additions to any family unit.

Adoption Process
If a family is interested in adopting an animal, they usually have to fill in an application form, to register their interest. The charity will then be able to make contact, if they find a suitable animal.

All charities will conduct informal home checks, and interviews, to ensure that the home which the family are offering is 100% suitable, and that the animal suits their lifestyle. If a particular animal is unsuitable, the charity will be able to suggest a more appropriate one.

Animals are re-homed neutered, fully vaccinated, micro-chipped, may have had some basic training, and new owners provided with plentiful advice and support.

Adoption fees or donations usually apply, to help fund the animals neutering, vaccinations, microchipping, flea and worming, care, and education programmes.

Local Adoption Charities & Shelters
Pets At Home Support Adoption for Pets
Animal Saver-
'Your Access to UK Animal Rescue Centres'
RSPCA
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
Cats Protection
The Cat and Rabbit Rescue Centre
Horley Rescue
Epsom Canine & Feline Rescue
Croydon Animal Samaritans
SOS Dog Rescue
Furry Friends Rescue
GetSetPet
Rescue Dogs
Animal Mission
Rescue Remedies
Animal Protection Trust
Guildford and District Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rescue
Vigil German Shepherd Dog Rescue
Valgrays Border Collie Rescue
Last Chance Animal Rescue
British Hen Welfare Trust-Re-Home Ex-Battery Hens.
Felix Cat Rescue
National Exotic Hedgehog Rescue Service
Pets Need You -Find a rescue centre or pet online.

Firework Safety

Advice
Fireworks can be a very distressing thing, for pets to deal with, with the combination of loud banging and flashing lights. Many animals have far more acute hearing, than their human companions, making noise more amplified. If our guidelines are followed, owners can help to alleviate some of the stress, from the situation.

Follow Amity Pet Care's 8 Step Guide:
1. The most important thing, is for owners not to react, or behave unusually. If pets realise that owners are reacting to the noise, and are comforted, they will realise that there is a cause for distress.

2. Ensure that pets receive enough exercise and enrichment, during the day, to encourage them to settle down, in the evening-our Dog walks and Daily Home Visits, are a perfect opportunity, for this.

3. Provide the pet’s final meal, as early as possible, to allow them to fully digest the food and to go to the toilet, before the commotion begins-nervousness can cause vomiting or diarrhea. Always keep a constant supply of fresh drinking water available-we have a filtering water fountain, for our Day Care and Holiday Stay dogs.

4. Keep pets indoors, with all curtains/blinds closed, and lights on-this will help the flashes to seem less obvious. If this is not possible for pets in outdoor hutches, cover the hutches with tarpaulin, and provide extra nesting materials for additional warmth and protection.

5. Keep a radio or television on, with the volume fairly high, to disguise the loud sounds.

6. Keep pets occupied, with a favourite game, toy or chew.

7. Calming plug-ins are available to purchase, from pet shops, as well as calming tablets, & natural supplements, from your Veterinary practice, & online suppliers.

8. Desensitising CD’s are available, to allow pets to become used to, potentially, distressing sounds, which can be played in the home environment.

The Countryside Code

The Countryside Code gives common sense advice to help everybody respect, protect and enjoy the countryside. It is also there to support local communities who live and work in the countryside.

It gives advice on how to enjoy your visit to the countryside while at the same time helping to protect it. Find out about planning ahead, staying safe, controlling your dog near livestock and preventing fires.

The Code applies to all parts of the countryside in England and Wales. Scotland has its own Outdoor Access Code.


Other types of landscape, like moorlands, also have specific codes. These can be found on the Natural England website.

Five Simple Messages Summarise The Code:
Be safe – plan ahead and follow any signs.
Leave gates and property as you find them.
Protect plants and animals and take your litter home.
Keep dogs under close control.
Consider other people.

Strong & Pulling Dogs

Pulling, whilst walking on lead, is a very common problem in dogs, which compromises the safety of both handler, and dog. By using simple training methods and aids, it's easy to retrain dogs to walk correctly, and safely. Pulling can damage the dogs neck, especially if check/choke chains, 'pinch' collars, or slip leads are used, which can inflict great pain.

Firstly, to start reducing pulling, and to protect the neck area, it's important to change the 'pull point', where the lead connects. The most common way, for a dog to be walked, is via the collar, but, if the handler changes the pull point, this can allow for more control.

Walking a dog on a harness is one option, but, for reducing pulling, this may only be suitable for very small dogs.

Our preferred method, is using a Halti, or head collar. By changing the pull point to the head, the handler ultimately has full control. Halti head collars are not designed to be at all restrictive, so the dog has full use of it's head and mouth. We've found much success, when walking dogs on a Halti, even after one session. It does take a few sessions, to get a dog completely comfortable with walking on a Halti, as it is a completely new sensation, but, they're designed to be comfortable, and completely safe, if fitted, and attached correctly. We recommend that owners use a Halti, in conjunction with the link attachment/safety strap, to attach the Halti to the regular collar, for added safety and security. It's completely normal, for the dog to pay attention, and even try to paw at the Halti, when they're adjusting to it, but, with persistence, they will become 100% comfortable with it, and it'll be second nature.

There're many other versions of head collars, but the Halti is one we believe in. Occasionally, some owners choose to use more than one training aid, at the same time. For example, a Halti, and a harness.

It's important to encourage good behaviour, when out walking-sitting at the kerb, before crossing, walking to heal, walking calmly, etc. You may need to use rewards, to encourage your dog.

If at all concerned, please contact your Veterinarian, to ensure that there are no physical health issues. If necessary, contact a professional dog trainer, or behaviourist.

Dealing With Stray Animals

If you find a strayed animal, it's important to safely assess the temperament, before approaching. If you judge it safe to approach, try to secure the animal-use a lead or make-shift lead, for dogs, If the stray is a dog or cat, see if they're wearing a collar and identity tag. If not, take them to the nearest Veterinary centre, who will scan them for a microchip.

If you are unable to approach the animal, you must call the police, if the animal is causing any danger for traffic, and you can contact the local Dog Warden.

Contact Numbers
Reigate And Banstead dog warden: (01737) 276 605

See the post, regarding Local Vets, for their contact details.

Heal It Naturally

At Amity Pet Care, we're huge believers in preventing or treating the problem, before it gets out of hand. To do this, we use a whole host of natural, holistic, and Organic supplements, foods, and other pet products.

Please note: Consult a professional Veterinarian, and do your research, before using any products, and always follow the instructions from the manufacturer. If your pet is already on medication, or a prescription diet, never stop the course of treatment, without Veterinarian advice. Animals with persistent conditions may be sensitive to change in their diet, or lifestyle, or have allergies.

Holistic Supplements
CSJ -natural food, herbs and treats for dogs & cats, including flea treatments.
Verm-X -Natural control of intestinal hygiene, & internal parasites, all pets.
Mark & Chappell (M&C) -Pet health care products, & supplements.
Fish 4 Dogs -Natural fish oil supplements & treats.
Healthy Paws -Nutritional & herbal supplement.
Pooch & Mutt -Canine health supplements.
PlaqueOff -100% natural oral health supplement.
Barker & Barker -100% natural, low fat, dog treats, & supplements.
Land Of Holistic Pets -The nutritional approach to healthy, happy pets.
My Itchy Dog

Dogs With Sensitive Skin
Common Causes
Poor quality diet-additives, poor nutritional content, lacking in oils.
Skin allergies/dermatitis-additives in food, environmental, parasites.

Preventatives
Use a good quality of food-fish varieties are best for skin and coat condition-check the nutritional values, and recommended amount.
Regularly clean the home, to reduce the risk of parasites-use a powerful hoover, use natural oils, such as lavender, to repel insects.
Keep up to date with parasite prevention treatments.

Recommended ProductsCSJ Skinny Spray-Daily spray, to repel external parasites.
CSJ Skinny Shampoo-Insect repelling shampoo.
CSJ Billy No Mates-Insect repelling, and conditioning herbal supplement.
CSJ Come On-Herbal coat, skin, and body conditioner supplement.
Sensitive Nature Diet-With salmon, vegetables, and rice.

Aching Joints
Common Causes
General old age-Arthritis.
Poor diet-Lack of oils.

Preventatives
Use a good quality food, rich in oils.
Keep the animal warm at night, with a soft Orthopaedic bed, blankets, and a pet heat pad.
Use Magnotherapy products, including collars, and beds.
Provide short, and gentle exercise, to keep the animal mobile, but not too strenuous.

Recommended Products:
Fish Nature Diet (For Dogs).
Almo Nature Fish Flavour (For Cats).
CSJ No Ake- Aimed at the nutritional maintenance of the dog's musculo-skeletal system and in particular the inflammatory response.
CSJ Get Over!- A herbal blend which can really benefit those dogs feeling their age and showing signs of stiffness now the weather is cold and wet.
CSJ Turn Back Tyme
BioFlow Magnotherapy Collars

Hyperactive Dogs
Common Causes
Poor quality diet-Additives, colourants, etc.
Not enough exercise and enrichment.

Preventatives
Use a good quality food, with a good content, and no additives.
Use natural calming supplements.
Provide enough exercise, during the day.

Recommended Products
Fish Nature Diet
Norstar Biomagnetics Water Coaster-with the calming effect side.
CSJ Calm Down!

Local East Surrey Vets

Companion Care-Redhill, (01737) 231480.
Gayton Veterinary Group-Redhill, (01737) 761475.
Village Veterinary Centre-Merstham, (01737) 646212.
Priory Vets-Redhill, (01737) 765353.
Priory Vets-Reigate, (01737) 242190.
Crown Veterinary Clinic-Nutfield, (01737) 822250.
Hillside Mobile Vets-(01737) 390065
The House Vet (mobile)-07817 282978

Microchipping & ID Tags

It is a legal requirement, under The Control Of Dogs Order 1992, for all dogs to wear an identity tag, with the correct details on:
  • Surname 
  • Contact Number 
  • First Line Of Address 
  • Postal Code 

Identity tags are a very low cost way of keeping your dog or cat safe, and returned home, should they stray.

It is highly recommended that all pets are microchipped, and in 2016, it is to become a legal requirement, under The Animal Welfare Act, for all dogs to be microchipped. Failing to comply with this, could result in a £500 fine. Microchipping reduces the number of stray animals, and allows missing pets, to be rapidly reunited with their owners. It is vital that owners keep their contact details up to date, with as many different methods of contact-address, phone numbers, email addresses, Veterinary details, etc.

Neutering

It is highly recommended that pet animals are neutered, as soon as they've reached a suitable age, for their species, and breed. We recommend that owners discuss neutering with their Veterinarian.

Amity Pet Care cannot accept un-neutered dogs for Day Care, or Holidays, once they've passed the appropriate age for their breed, and cannot accept females in-season.

Spaying of female animals can reduce the risk of mammary cancer by up to 99.9%, and eliminates the risk of potentially deadly uterine infections, and neutering a male animal can reduce the risk of prostate or testicular cancer by up to 99.9%, as well as reducing other potential health complications.

Neutering reduces many unwanted behaviours, such as wandering (searching for a mate, or 'patrolling territory'), which will minimise the chance of an RTA occurring, or your pet from becoming lost, it also reduced territory scent marking and 'spraying' behaviours, and reduces aggression.

There're so many myths, with regards to neutering, such as when to have the procedure, that females are 'better off having a litter', etc. Neutering is a very simple, and routine procedure, with a short recovery process. To find out the most appropriate time to have your pet neutered, discuss with their Veterinarian, as it can vary, dependant on their breed/size.

There're thousands of animals in rescue centres across the country, and it's the most ethical thing, to have your pet neutered, to reduce the risk of more unwanted litters, thus reducing the chances of the rescue animals from finding homes.

Parasites

There are many different types of internal and external parasites, which can effect animals, but there are simple preventative measures, which can be taken. The majority of parasites are transmitted directly from infected animals, from the consumption of infested faeces, a dirty environment, or a poor diet.

PreventionIt is highly important to keep the environment clean and hygienic, by regularly vacuuming, removing of faeces, and regular grooming is important for early detection of external parasites.

It is vital to keep animals up to date with their anti-parasite treatments. These tend to come in the form of a liquid 'spot-on' treatment, which applied on the skin at the back of the neck, to repel external parasites. Veterinary prescribed 'spot-on' also prevents worms. Other worming treatments come in the form of a powder, tablet or liquid, which can be orally administered, or mixed in with their food.

If parasites are detected, the entire environment must be treated.

Ask Amity Pet Care about some of the great natural, holistic, & herbal supplements, grooming products, and home product alternatives, for parasite prevention & treatment.

Symptoms
Symptoms are variable, dependant on the location of the parasites.

External parasites are sometimes visible to humans, and tend to irritate the skin, making it red and inflamed.

Internal parasites can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and a bloated appearance, when within the digestive system, but also difficulty in breathing and coughing, when inside the respiratory system.

Annual Vaccinations

It is vital that we keep our animals up to date with their routine vaccinations and parasite control treatments, to keep them free from disease, and in optimum health.

See below for information about common types of animal diseases, including symptoms and methods of transmission.

(Dogs and cats require annual vaccinations and generally monthly parasite treatments, and rabbits have 2 vaccinations a year/1 combined vaccine, when they will also be given a full health check.)

For further details, please contact your Vet.

Canine Vaccinations Prevent:
Disease: Canine Parvovirus
Description: Virus can survive in environment for 9 months. 80% of infected dogs, without treatment, die.
Symptoms: Severe bloody vomiting and diarrhoea, dehydration, white blood cell count loss.
Transmission: Caught by contact with faeces from infected dogs.

Disease: Canine Distemper Virus
Description: Short lived in environment, so spread by direct contact.
Symptoms: Fever, depression, coughing vomiting diarrhoea, discharge from eyes and nose. Long term seizures and thickening of skin on nose and pads.
Transmission: Bodily secretions from infected animals.

Disease: Leptospirosis
Description: Disease caused by bacerium.
Symptoms: Fever, lethargy, increased thirst, vomiting, bloody diarrhoea and jaundice. Long term kidney and liver failure.
Transmission: Infected urine or contaminated water.

Disease: Infectious Canine Hepatitis
Description: Virus can survive in environment for months, and urine infectious for 1 year.
Symptoms: Lethargy, coughing, fever vomiting, diarrhoea, jaundice and abdominal pain.
Transmission: Spread by contact of saliva, urine, faeces, blood or nasal discharge of infected dogs.

Feline Vaccinations Prevent:
Disease: Feline Infectious Enteritis
Description: Virus can thrive in environment.
Symptoms: Poor coordination, loss of white blood cell count-loss of ability to fight infection, lethargy, inappetance, fever, seizure, vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration
Transmission: Spread by faeces and urine of infected cats.

Disease: Feline Herpes Virus
Description: Virus can survive in environment and be passed on to other cats. Common cause of 'Cat-Flu'.
Symptoms: Fever, sneezing, discharge from eyes and nose, conjunctivitis, occasional ulcers on surface on eyes and tongue, anorexia and depression.
Transmission: Spread by discharge from eyes, nose and saliva of infected cats.

Disease: Feline Calicivirus
Description: Surviving cats, of the virus, can become carries and transmit to other cats.
Symptoms: Fever, inappetance, discharge from nose and eyes, sneezing, drooling, mouth ulcers, pneumonia,
Transmission: Spread by direct contact with affected cats, air-borne or contamination of environment.

Disease: Feline Leukaemia Virus
Description: Disease more common in multi-cat households and with un-neutered cats.
Symptoms: Poor body condition, poor coat, anorexia, recurrent infection or disease, gingivitis, diarrhoea and jaundice.
Transmission: Spread via nasal secretions and saliva, though close contact, from grooming, bite wounds and sharing bowls.

Rabbit Vaccinations Prevent:Disease: Myxomatosis.
Description: Viral disease endemic in wild rabbit population in UK.
Symptoms: Discharge from eyes, swelling of eyelids, lips, genitals and around ears.
Transmission: Spread by direct contact with infected rabbit, or bites from parasites carrying the virus.

Disease: Viral Haemorrhagic Disease
Description: High mortality rate.
Symptoms: Depression, collapse, difficulty breathing, fits, fever, lethargy and bleeding from the nose.
Transmission: Spread by direct contact with infected rabbit, parasites or contaminated surroundings.