Buying a Puppy

Hi PetPals!

Hope you've had a wonderful Easter and Bank Holiday Weekend. Today's post is all about buying a puppy :)

When buying a puppy it's important to think about it long term. Puppies are a huge commitment and require a lot of time, love and care. Just like any other animal, puppies come with a financial commitment too. Potential owners need to make sure they can afford the vet bills, food, toys and grooming costs as otherwise owners may have to rehome their dog which can be stressful on both parts.

These are a few things that every potential owner should do/consider

1. Research your breed thoroughly - whatever breed you choose, make sure you do your homework first. Talk to owners of the breed, go to the library, research on the internet. Whatever source you choose, make sure you know what the breed is like, how it behaves?, how much food it eats? How much exercise does it need?,  Can it be trained easily?, do they suffer with any health problems?. It's extremely important to know what dog your buying before you bring it home.

2. Your lifestyle - it's important to look at your lifestyle also. Do you work long hours?, Do you have time to care for your pet?, Are you fit and healthy enough to walk the dog? Can you afford to care for the dog? Do you live in the right area/house?

3. Research your breeder - it's okay to check out your breeder before buying, ask to see certificates and check them out on the assured breeder scheme (http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breeding/assured-breeder-scheme/). Also ask them questions like when can I take my puppy home? If they say at 7 weeks, do not buy from them and report them to the police. Good Breeders will sell their puppies at 12 weeks. Always ask to see receipts for vaccinations and worming products, even ask for their vet details so you can check the puppy has had their vaccinations.

4. Prepare early - So you have decided to get a puppy and have put your deposit down. Now it's time to prepare for the arrival. Get your house puppy proof and purchase all the necesseties. Always follow the breeders guidelines when it come to feeding as for so many weeks they will need a particular diet. 

5. Viewing your puppy - when viewing your puppy make sure the mother dog is present too. If the breeder makes up any excuses, do not buy from them and report to the police. Good breeders will allow you to see the mother and sometimes the father depending on if the studs owner has agreed to it. Also check the mother, does she look healthy? Is she friendly? Is she young herself? (Bitches should not be bred until they are at least 18 months old and should not be bred more than 6 times in her lifetime) Does the mum look like she's had more than one litter this year?. Don't be afraid to question the breeder, it shows you are a serious and dedicated dog owner. If the puppy is still suckling then they are too young to be sold. Make sure the puppies look healthy, have clear eyes and nose, clean bums and are alert to their surroundings. Check the dogs environment, is it clean? Is it safe? Are they being provided with food, water, toys? 

And there you have it, 5 key points to buying a puppy. 

If you ever have any doubt about a puppy or a breeder, do NOT buy. It's tempting to purchase a puppy just to save them but the best thing you can do is to report the breeders to the police and RSPCA. If you need to, revisit the puppies and take pictures/videos. The more evidence the police/RSPCA have, the better chance they have at taking the breeders to court and getting them convicted. 

If you are looking to buy a puppy, please remember all the dogs in rehoming centres who are looking for a second chance.

Don't miss the last episode of The Zoo

Hi PetPals!

Quick reminder that The Zoo is on tonight at 8pm on ITV. It's the last episode in the series :(

In tonight's episode we find out if the Rhinos from Whipsnade Zoo make up and start a family.

Mak sure you don't miss it! 

The Zoo- ITV1 8pm tonight

Hi PetPals!

Now, if you live in the UK you will know the popular documentary 'The Zoo' has returned to our screens once again.

The Zoo documents the life behind the zoo at Whipsnade and London. It features all of their animals and the time and hard work that goes into keeping these animals healthy and happy.

I only live about 20 minutes from Whipsnade Zoo and love watching the programme and getting to see all the behind scenes. It's a fantastic insight into life at the zoo.

Anyway, make sure you don't miss tonight's episode. It's on ITV1 at 8pm. 

Operation Wild: Thandi

Hi PetPals,

Operation Wild is a documentary on BBC1 that's being shown every Wednesday at 9pm. I'm currently watching an episode and I'm literally infuriated by what I am seeing. If you are watching or have watched this episode (number 2) then you will know what I am on about it.

Now I'm well aware poaching goes on. I'm also dead AGAINST it. But having seen Thandi the Rhinocerous have to endure the pain and suffering of her horn horn being removed by absolute, evil humans, I feel more needs to be done to help her and all the other animals in the wild facing poachers.

Rhinos and most wild animals are killed by poachers because they believe their horns,body parts, blood etc have medicine inside them which can treat/cure human illnesses. No matter how many times, scientists say it, these poachers and these witch doctors still believe they have medial properties. 

You can blame it on lack of education, but personally I just think they're stupid and selfish. Yep, that's right. What gives them the right to cause suffering to an animal? They are no better than any animal. We're technically all the same, we should all be treated the same. 

There would be uproar if someone went around mutilating people for medical purposes yet there's none when it comes to the poaching of animals. We're extremely lucky that we have the gift of speech, animals can't communicate their feelings but it doesn't mean they don't have rights. 

Every animal has a right to live a happy and healthy life. Sometimes, I hate the human race and feel quite ashamed that I am a human really especially when our kind do such selfish, evil things. 

So Thandi the Rhinocerous had her horn removed by poachers, she was lucky to be found when she did otherwise she would most definitely have died. The rangers in the reserve park she lives in watch her 24/7 and are trying to heal the wound she still has 2 years after her ordeal. At the end of the programme, the rangers announced that Thandi was pregnant with her first baby. The future is looking bright for Thandi.

To finish this rant (sorry), I thought this picture summed up Thandi's ordeal and why it should NEVER have happened: 

Staffie Saturday || 2

Hi PetPals,

Woodgreen Animal Shelter are running a campaign on changing the perception of staffies. On their website (link below) they have explained why staffies make good pets and what they need from their owners. 

Please check the website out and make sure you share to your friends so together we can change the perspective of these friendly dogs. 

http://www.woodgreen.org.uk/what_we_do/animal_welfare/give_staffies_a_chance

Help Find Tess

Hi PetPals,

You may have heard through the media about Tess, the guide dog who has gone missing.

The six-year-old black curly coated retriever disappeared while walking off-lead with her owner in Nairn, a seaside town about 16 miles east of Inverness. 
The Guide Dog society are doing everything they can to locate Tess and reunite her with her owner. We can all do our bit by sharing this poster and putting it in shop windows/on lamposts. 

Although she went missing in Scotland, Tess could now be in any part of the UK, so we really do need everyone’s help to find her. If you see a dog who looks like Tess for sale in your local area, or notice that someone has recently acquired a black curly coated retriever, or if you have any other concrete information which may help us, please get in touch with us immediately on 0800 688 8409. 
The more people that are aware of missing Tess, the more likely we are to find her.


PLEASE SHARE THIS POSTER ON ALL SOCIAL MEDIA AND AROUND YOUR LOCAL AREA. BRING TESS HOME. 
You can download the poster here: http://emails-guidedogs.org.uk/LDK-2OXMJ-651EON-17EY6U-1/c.aspx

Rain + Dog Walking = Frizzy Hair and Smelling Like a Wet Dog

Hi PetPals!

After months of lovely, hot weather, the rain has returned to the UK and boy is it making up for its absence. As I write this it's pouring it down and there are lots of people running into their houses having just gone out for a walk with their dogs.

It got me thinking, what do you wear to walk the dog that makes you feel good and keeps you dry? 

Well....

Firstly, it's important you're wearing sensible shoes. There's nothing worst than getting wet feet! These Chelsea boot Wellies from Asda are the perfect thing to wear. They're a lot more stylish than ordinary wellies, cut just above the ankle too so you don't have to struggle getting them on/off. They're a patent black which means they're not too in your face and can be paired with pretty much anything. These are £12, so are super affordable. 

Pair these with skinny jeans, leggings, shorts and dresses and you'll look super stylish walking your pooch.

Another important thing to wear is a coat or jacket of some sort. Asos have this super cute Daisy Print Mac which  can be worn anytime really. It's quite pricy at £45 but it's a great investment as it's high quality, thicker than most macs and will never go out of fashion. It's a great way to jazz up your outfit.

If you don't really want to pay that much for a mac, Asda do their own. This one is £20 and is a plain dark grey which you can dress up or down. It's great quality and the reviews speak for themselves.

Finally, we can't forget your beloved pet pal! As much as they love walks, they don't like getting caught in the rain either.

This coat is from Pets at Home and comes in a range of sizes. It costs between £20-£25 pounds depending on the size you get. It's waterproof which means your dog won't get soaked and keeps them warm in the colder months. It's called Repels-It Nano Proof and comes in blue or red. 

If you would prefer your dog to be bone dry and not muddy, I recommend you purchase this. It's from PetPlanet and it like a tracksuit for your dog. It's got 5 star reviews and starting at £15 it's a bargain! It's called Cosipet Trouser/ Tracksuit and comes in a range of sizes. The coat covers your dogs body and legs leaving only it's head and tail exposed. The fact it covers your dogs legs means your dog won't come home with muddy legs. 

So there you have it, items for you to look stylish and keep dry in the UKs wet summers and so,etching for your pet pal too! 

Let me know in the comments if you enjoyed this post or have any tips on how to look stylish yet stay dry when walking your dog in the rain.