Cats-dogs.co.uk | Pet Advice

There are many ways to reduce stress and improve health, but did you know that owning a pet is one of them? With our furry friends doing so much for our health, it is only fair that we seriously consider getting our much-loved animals pet insurance so that if anything were to happen to them we are covered for the care they may need.

Here are just some of the health benefits that can come with owning a pet.

1. Improve your mood

Research has shown that pets do have mood-enhancing benefits. In fact, a recent piece of research showed that men with AIDS were not as likely to suffer from depression if they had a pet.

2. Encourage healthy behaviour such as exercise

Exercise has been proven to be very beneficial when it comes to managing stress and what better way to get some exercise than taking your dog for a nice long walk.

3. Help regulate blood pressure

In a group of stockbrokers with high blood pressure, those with pets had lower blood pressure and heart rates than the proportion of the group that didn’t own a pet.

4. Act as a talking point for socialising

If you ever see a person with a dog walking past you, how tempting is it to say hello and ask about their dog. Being a dog owner can make you more approachable and therefore increase the number of people you meet.

5. Provide love and reduce feelings of loneliness

I’ve heard many people say “I sometimes prefer to speak to my dog than people because it doesn’t talk back”. You know with a dog or a cat that you can tell them a secret and it won’t go any further and most pets can help stave off loneliness.

6. Reduce risk of some forms of cancer

A study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology showed that those that owned pets were close to 30 per cent less likely to develop non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects people with weak immune systems. It is thought that our pets expose us to materials that help build our immune systems. Our keenness for cleanliness has lead to less exposure to these materials.

Visit http://www.compareandsave.com to compare pet insurance.

We are very pleased to announce the opening of our new designer dog clothing store.

Featuring luxury dog clothing, pet carriers, designer dog collars and leads.

Visit our luxury dog clothes store at www.luxurydogclothes.co.uk.

Designer dog wear is a relatively new phenomenon in the world of pets, with celebrity pets owned by media figures such as Paris Hilton becoming mini stars in their own right thanks to their own extensive wardrobes! The rise of small and pretty dogs as both pet friend and fashion accessory has meant that canny designers have seen the opportunity to dress these little furry friends in as stylish garments as their trendy owners! Even Hollywood has caught on, with dog clothing ranges being inspired by films such as Beverly Hills Chihuahua - your own miniature dog can own its own pink feminine dress!

There are all sorts of items available for your dogs - even lounge and formal or evening wear! There are a wide range of designers and suppliers who design outfits for all different size dogs - not just miniature mutts either, but also the larger varieties! You`ll be amazed by the dog tutus, embellished jackets, dog hats and hoodies, puffa jackets and even little booties for the best dressed canines in town!

Dog outfit designers create size scales for lines and these custom charts are shown on good online retailer`s order pages to help you pick up the right sizes for your beloved hound.

When looking at dog fashion clothing, look at online dog clothing boutique shops such as GlamourDog, which has huge ranges of dog tshirts, jackets, hooded tops and leads to keep your pooch looking ultra fashionable. Try Puchi dog wear for amusing little tshirts with slogans on such as `because I`m worth it` and `little devil`. Urban Pup has great all in ones, tshirts and patterned carry bags for smaller dogs. Bigger dogs can get sporty at PawPalace with urban combats and Red Sox jackets, and there`s also great accessories such as necklaces and pendants, socks, carry bags, comfortable bags and cushions and chic travel seats!

When looking for the perfect outfit for your beloved pet, then aim for something that is fashionable and fun - but essentially functional. For example, it should be cut and styled so that it`s easy to put on and off without stressing out your pet, or getting stuck on stray paws or noses! Also look for jackets that are warm and waterproof - smaller short haired or toy dogs in particular can get cold in bad weather otherwise, lacking the bulk and thicker coat of other hardier breeds. Above all remember that doggy fashion is about humour and personality - it`s not something to take seriously! So have fun with it and enjoy the comments from passers by about your well groomed and dressed pet!

Puchi Petwear offer a stylish range of designer dog and cat products for the fashion conscious pet owner.

If you want to make your pets look good and save money you can use our discount code in order to get 10% off your order.

Simply enter web100 when ordering. The discount is valid until 31 May 2009.

Click here to visit their site or click on the banner below.

Moulting can be a frustrating time for any pet owner, no more so than for people who suffer with fur related allergies.

People who do happen to suffer with allergies to cats, dogs or other animals may be misguidedly advised to find new homes for their companions. Doctors nowadays are increasingly recognising the importance of the human-animal bond with many believing that pets help us to live longer and healthier lives.

This is especially true of the elderly and those of us who live alone as pets can often make wonderful and faithful companions.

With approximately 10 - 15% of us suffering from pet related intolerances such as eczema and asthma and almost one third of those with an allergy choosing to live in a household with their pet despite their reactions, you’d be forgiven for wanting to keep moulting to a minimum and what better way than with the ‘3 Mikki Must Haves’, a grooming range designed specifically to keep unwanted shedding at bay.

Mikki, sponsors of National Grooming Week recognize that animal hair is a common trigger for both eczema and asthma. Designed for the everyday pet owner, Mikki have developed a range of grooming products enabling people who do suffer with these conditions to continue to interact with their beloved pets.

Use the ‘3 Mikki Must Haves’ to help alleviate any unwanted animal hair before it plays havoc with either your skin or breathing. Begin your grooming regime with the Easy Clean Slicker brush used to combat any big knots or tangles your pets coat may have. Continue your routine with the Anti-Tangle Comb to ensure the coat is knot and tangle free and any excess dead hair is removed before completing your quick and easy grooming process with the brand new Mikki Moult Master. Endorsed by Groomer of the Year champion Alison Rogers, use the Mikki Moult Master to remove the loose dead undercoat to ensure a polished finish before it gets the chance to get tangled, making the whole exercise a less enduring task next time.

Get the best of both worlds by reducing the shedding around the house and making your allergies easier to live with with the ‘3 Mikki Must Haves’, not only you will be happier but so will your pet!

Mikki are the proud sponsors of National Grooming Week, 25th April – 2nd May 2009.

Mikki products are available from Pets At Home and all good pet stores, for more information please visit www.mikkigrooming.com

Tickets are now on sale for the UK’s first dedicated consumer, pet exhibition - The Ultimate Pet Show - taking place over the bank holiday weekend (2^nd-4^th May 2009), at the NEC Birmingham.  The show will be an exciting fun packed excursion to entertain families with a mix of pet related fun, exploring everything from dogs and cats to ponies, fish, birds, reptiles, small animals and exotics. In fact, all creatures great and small!

Come and see contestants perform in the Britain’s Most Talented Pet competition; be wowed by the action in the Dog Agility show and take notes on the next top trends on the pet friendly catwalk.  There will be seminars and workshops with topics like animal first aid and tips for keeping pets healthy and happy and for the shopaholics you can experience the ultimate pet-tastic shopping experience, whether you’re looking for inspiration for the perfect pet or gift shopping for your current furry friend.

For the thrill-seeking pet enthusiast, head to the Petplan Animal Action Area and for all your need-to-know facts and information on pets, check out the Jollyes Lifestage sponsored by Jollyes Petfood Superstores. When the excitement gets too much, put your feet up at the James Wellbeloved Naturally Healthy Café, which will offer diet advice for healthy pets alongside tasty treats for the whole family.

There will also be a variety of celebrity appearances including top TV vet and thepet.net founder Marc Abraham who will be involved in hosting a selection of talks and workshops as well as judging the nationwide search for Britain’s Most Talented Pet.

Marc said “The Ultimate Pet Show promises to be a fantastic event for all the family. From seeing such a variety of animals through my work as a vet, this all encompassing show is long over due.”

The Ultimate Pet Show will run on the last three days of National Pet Month 2009, a month which promotes responsible pet ownership and encourages the nation to raise money for their local animal charities.  The Ultimate Pet Show is also working closely with charities such as PDSA, the Blue Cross and the Dogs Trust who are feature partners within the event.

Nicole Cooper, founder of The Ultimate Pet Show said: “There are many pet shows in the UK, in particular for dog owners, but we spotted a huge gap in the market for animal lovers who are interested in a variety of pets, from the cute and cuddly to the weird and wonderful!”

The Ultimate Pet Show will offer a variety of seminars, features, workshops and clinics including;

• Fabulous fashion shows and special performances at the Jollyes Lifestage
• Free health care advice from PDSA at the Meet The Medics feature
• Amazing animal displays including Dogs Trust rescue dog agility in the Petplan Animal Action area
• Adopt or sponsor a pet at the Blue Cross Adopt-A-Pet feature
• Cute and cuddly pets in the Mr Johnson’s Meet The Pet area
• Weird and wonderful pets in the Exotics and Reptiles zone
• Healthy and nutritious food in the James Wellbeloved Naturally Healthy Café which also has nutrition advice for pets
• Kiddykhana where its humans rather than horses going for gold
• Super show bargains for people and their pet

For more information on the Ultimate Pet Show visit www.ultimatepetshow.co.uk

Book your ticket now and save 20%!

Tickets are priced at:

• Adults £12
• Under 5’s go free
• Children over 5/ senior citizens and groups £10
• Family tickets (2 adults and 2 children) £35

Tickets are available by calling 0844 581 0817 or visit www.ultimatepetshow.co.uk for more details.

A dog massage has many benefits for your canine friend.

So what are the benefits of dog massage, you ask?

The benefits that your dog gains will depend upon the reason for his massage.

If he has a health problem and a vet has recommended massage as a form of therapy then the benefits will relate to fixing or at least relieving the health issue.

Often a vet will recommend this therapy when there is a muscle injury, circulation problem and even arthritis.

Let’s take a look at the main benefits of dog massage regardless of the reason for your dog undertaking a massage:

- Massages improve blood and lymph circulation
- Massages can relieve muscle tension
- Massages can help a dog to recover quicker from injury
- Dogs can de-stress with a massage - just like people can
- A massage can help to rebalance energy
- Massages can enhance the bond between you and your dog
- Massaging a dog can increase the immune system

A great benefit of dog massage is to increase the effectiveness and strength of the immune system.

Chemicals called cytokines are released during a massage and these help to reduce stress hormones.

Yes, dogs can suffer from stress too! And reducing stress in your dog can lengthen their life and improve their behavior.

Improving stress can also help your dog to fight ailments and illnesses as he ages.

Many people are now hiring a masseuse for their dog’s happiness.

Just like people, dogs gain pleasure from a massage.

However not all dogs are suited to a massage.

Some simply will not lay still for long, whilst others (in particular older dogs) could lie down all day and be massaged.

You will know whether or not your dog could handle a massage.

Puppies generally will not have the patience for it but, who knows - once he experiences the pleasure of a massage his whole personality might change!

You don’t have to go to a professional dog massage therapist - you can learn dog massage and massage your dog from the comfort of your home.

You can ask a vet for advice on the best spots and the type of pressure to use, but it is not overly difficult to apply a feel good massage to your dog.

The benefits of dog massage are clear - your dog will love it and you’ll love have a more relaxed, happy dog!

For more information on dog massage, please vist www.massagefeelsgood.com

Remote animal health scanning by www.complementaryanimalhealth.co.uk is designed to give you a full picture of your Horse, Dog or Cat’s overall health. This will include a vitamin and mineral deficiency scan, a list of any food sensitivities and allergens, a homeopathic remedy scan. A tincture can then be produced “tailor made” for your animal.

No need to bring them your animal, as all they need is a small sample of your animals’ hair/tail/fur together with personal information. You will be sent a ‘Personal Care Information Pack’.

This unique service is used for scanning health issues such as:

- Weight and Diet - Obesity
- Food Allergies
- Digestive Problems
- Emotional and Mood Behaviour
- Stress and Anxiety
- Skin Conditions
- Sleeping problems
- Non Food Allergens
- Arthritis
- Toxin Clearance
- Structural Problems
- Parasites and other Pathogens

Specialising in natural remedies, their philosophy is based on treatments which are holistic such as Shiatsu, Meridian Balancing, Reiki, hypnosis and other natural therapies.

For further information

www.complementaryanimalhealth.co.uk
Contact Lesley on 07899088438 or 01306 713077
Email:info@complementaryanimalhealth.co.uk

Has your pup got attitude? UrbanPup.com has a great selection of statement harness t-shirts. Choose from statements like ‘Home Security System,’ ‘Obedience School Drop Out’ or ‘Yorkshire Terror.’ Whatever you want to say about your pup, UrbanPup.com has the words.

It’s an added bonus that these dog t-shirts have fully adjustable built-in harness that give the t-shirt added security as it fits snugly to your pup. Also, the D-ring makes it easy to clip your lead on and off your pup.

Harness t-shirts from £14.99 at UrbanPup.com

Petmeds.co.uk are offering a 5% discount on the following food brands, expiring 24th January.

James Wellbeloved
Burns Pet Food
Hills Pet Food
Royal Canin
Nature Diet

Use the code “FoodOffer” when purchasing to get your discount.

Visit Petmeds here or click banner below.