Dogs and Halloween: Sound Advice for Keeping your Pets Safe and Calm during Fireworks

by Pilar Bueno

It is nearly that time of the year when the night skies filled with colourful displays, loud bangs and explosions as we get ready to celebrate events such as Diwali, Halloween, Bonfire Night, and of course Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

We have been enjoying fireworks for centuries. Originally believed to have been invented by the Chinese in the 11th century, the then small firecrackers ("fire pills", as they were referred to) were apparently used to scare off evil spirits. Nowadays, the popularity and affordability of fireworks have increased so exponentially that they have become a sign to mark special events all around the world.

As much as we humans may enjoy and delight with the beautiful light displays that pepper our skies, there is no doubt that our faithful pets and wildlife have a different opinion of this cacophony of sound and flashing lights.

Animals simply don't share our fondness for these explosives and react in the only way they know when confronted with a perceived harmful attack or threat to their survival: fight-or-flight. The stress generated as a result of this event can cause not just psychological but physical damage to domesticated animals and wildlife as they try to flee from danger. 

Thousand of panicked birds roosting in large communal flocks during the winter months take to the skies at night crashing into trees, power lines, houses and each other. And the lucky ones that manage to survive the stampede, may end up being poisoned by the pyrotechnics' toxic fumes.

Closer to home, our dogs (and cats), struggle to cope with the perceived attacks to their safe haven and respond either by "attack barking", trying to run away or cowering in a pitiful shacking mess. That is no surprise as dog hearing is far more sensitive than humans, as they are able to hear sound four times farther away than we can and up to three times higher frequency too. Your cat's hearing is even better!
Having said all of the above, some lucky pooches are only concerned that their nap time is being interrupted and couldn't care less about the light show.

Strategies for Coping With the Fireworks Season

• Exercise your dogs before dusk before most of the fireworks commence. If you can, take them on an extra-long and energetic walk with plenty of stimulation so that they are tired and more relaxed.
• Ensure all your pets are indoors. Comfort them to make them feel safe and secure.
• Build a den where they can take refuge. If you have one, cover your dog’s crate or place a blanket over a small table where they can hide. Cats, on the other hand, feel safe up high or in cosy spaces like a cardboard box. Place a comfy bed for them with blankets to burrow in and make sure that they always have access to this safe haven.
• Don’t leave them on their own. Your pet will definitely feel safer if you are around. If you must go out, make sure that someone they know stays with them.
• Play with them and keep them entertained and distracted. The Facebook Group Beyond The Bowl - Canine Enrichment share some great ideas
• Shut windows, doors (and cat flaps) and draw curtains to minimise the noise/light disturbance. Put the lights on in some rooms and leave others in darkness so that your pet can choose where it feels safest.
• Play calming music or turn the tv sound to loud to muffle the outside noise but not too loud that will scare your dog.
• Put your dogs on a lead if they need to go out to the toilet, even if it is in your garden,  in case they hear a firework and bolt.
• Thundershirt: This is a very popular all-natural, drug-free solution to dealing with your pet’s anxiety and fear of loud noises. The shirt applies gentle constant pressure on specific pressure points that create a sensation similar to swaddling a baby. It is available for dogs and cats, starting at around £30 and available in different sizes and designs.
• Put on a snug-fitting t-shirt on your dog. A more affordable version of the Thundershirt that will work along the same lines.
• Be prepared in the event that your pet escapes. Ensure that they are wearing a tag with your contact details and/or that they are microchipped so that you can be promptly reunited with them. 
• Natural Remedies:  CBD (Cannabidiol) Oil, a non-psychoactive substance obtained from hemp, is well known for its therapeutic properties and it has recently gained more popularity for use with our pets for treating a variety of ailments such as seizures, lessening pain and calming anxiety, to name a few. Make sure you purchase from a reputable company. We personally use Chakanna CBD oil who has a special range for Pets.

Help For Cases of Fireworks Phobia or Conditioning

Sound Therapy 4 Pets is a wonderful and FREE sound-based treatment programme to help your dog deal with distressing noises. You can download the programme and the full set of instructions from the Dog Trust Website

Clinical Animal Behaviourists. For those cases that need special attention. Details where you can find suitably qualified personnel can be found at the RSPCA.

Be Safe - Be Thoughtful - Be Kind

Help Make Fireworks Less Frightening to Animals

No sound Fireworks 

If you are a big pyrotechnics enthusiast, why not buy “No Sound Fireworks”? You get the thrill of deploying the firework and enjoy the colourfull light show without the loud bangs.

Klasek is the European pyrotechnics company that manufactures them. You will find their UK stocklist here. Prices start around £30 for 25 shots.

Join the RSPCA Fireworks campaign to help change regulations to protect animal welfare.
The campaign does NOT call for a total ban on fireworks but aims to minimise distress to animals by, for instance, restricting the sale of fireworks for private use with a maximum noise level of 90 decibels. To put this into context, currently, the allowed level of 120 decibels is the equivalent of a jet aircraft taking off! 

Please sign the Change.org petition and don’t forget to share it on social media.

Halloween Can Be Fun For Dogs Too!

Dressing Up:

There are some hilarious and cute costumes available for your pets. Obviously, don't force them to wear one if that is going to distress them but otherwise let them enjoy the fun. 

Tasty and Nutritious Treats

With all that pumpkin around, why not treat your dog to some delicious and nutritious food. Read our previous blog post about the benefits of cooked Pumpkin for dogs. Also, watch out for our next HALLOWEEN SPECIAL for a tasty selection of Pumpkin Treat Recipes for Dogs. If you don't want to miss it, make sure you go to the top of the article and on the right-hand side of the page you will see the option to "Subscribe".

Do NOT feed RAW Pumpkin flesh or seeds, only cooked or canned

From all of us here at Dogs at Home House Sitting, we wish you a very Spooky and Fun Halloween. 
Be safe and be responsible always remembering to clean up all firework residue such as bits of paper, spent casings, used matches and ash. The debris can be toxic and harmful to animals that may ingest them. 

Thanks

Pilar and John

If you've found our blog to be useful please don't forget to go to the top of the article and on the right-hand side of the page, you have an option to....

Pet Heath - Prevention is Better than Cure : Household cleaners can damage pets!

If your pets are developing skin allergies or breathing problems it might be something to do with the chemicals you are using in and around your home. I could write a whole book about this subject as most of the same problems obviously can be also linked to human conditions. The difference is we humans can express ourselves and more importantly CHOOSE what chemicals are in our environment, our pets have to rely on our choices and understanding of this cause and effect. If it can affect our health then undoubtedly it will affect your pet's health.

Anyway, here's a very informative video from the amazing Planet Paws to get some foundational info that will hopefully save your family and your pets from suffering and medical expenses.
Any question please feel free to contact us.

 Dr. Karen Becker — with Karen Becker and Rodney Habib in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Planet Paws

If you're planning a long holiday, or just a weekend away from home but you hate the idea of leaving your pets in costly and stressful kennels, we can help and your dogs will love it.

Drop us an email or call us for a chat.

Please feel free to share this post with your friends, it would be much appreciated

Thanks, John & Pilar

Dogs At Home - Dog / House Sitting Service WORLDWIDE

It's Halloween! Which means Pumpkin time for your Dog

by John Hodges

With Halloween just around the corner food shops, farmer markets and superstores are stocking up on all shapes, colours and size pumpkins for families to carve and illuminate pumpkins displays for their gardens and doorsteps. I imagine a lot of the pumpkin flesh gets thrown into the waste bin, much to the family dogs disgust.

Pumpkin flesh and seeds are an amazing source of nutrition for not only your family but your drooling pooch. The flesh and seeds are full of vital vitamins, minerals, fibre and are cheap and easy to prepare. It can also be made into delicious doggie treats, all of which can be frozen and used throughout the year. (recipes will be coming in the next blog entry)

Below is a list of seven important benefits for your dog from the consumption of pumpkin. Its got to be better than expensive vet bills and the nasty side effects that go hand in hand with the expensive medication that in my opinion is often over and wrongly prescribed.

Now go and buy a HUGE seasonal orange gourd, get carving Halloween displays and prepping doggie meals in the kitchen, the kids and your dogs will love you even more.

PUMPKIN BENEFITS FOR YOUR DOG

EYE HEALTH

As with humans, vitamin A (beta-carotene) is essential for eye health. It helps prevent macular degeneration, cataracts and night blindness. Pumpkin along with carrots are a great source of this vital vitamin.

GENERAL IMMUNE SYSTEM INTEGRITY

The most famous vitamin associated with human health is vitamin C which helps support all functions of the immune system.

Along with Vit A and Vit E found in Pumpkin are rich in Vit C. It will help prevent certain cancers and destroy dangerous free radicals in yours and your dogs’ body.

BOWEL AND URINARY TRACT SUPPORT

Pumpkin flesh and seed are a rich source of Omega 3 fatty acids. These vital anti-inflammatory fatty acids can help remove kidney stones and prevent urinary tract infection which ultimately can develop into more serious health problems. Also because of pumpkin in high in soluble fibre, it helps prevent constipation or diarrhoea, a common complaint in the dogs with poor commercial diets.

WEIGHT LOSS

Because of the high water content and soluble fibre in pumpkin, it can help remove stored toxins in your dogs’ body, acting like a sponge, removing the toxins that have been locked up by the immune system with fat cells. Regular addition of pumpkin, either canned or fresh will help maintain your dogs' weight and therefore overall health.

METABOLIC EFFICIENCY, MUSCLE INTEGRITY AND BLOOD PRESSURE

One of the most important all-round benefits of eating regular pumpkin supplemented meals is that it’s a great source of Potassium; ask any athlete about the importance of a regular, natural source of potassium. Everybody thinks of bananas as being the easiest source, maybe the marketing, as well as taste, has made this the most common go-to food but a pumpkin will go much further because of size. Prepare it and freeze so that it’s always at hand come meal times. Trust me your dog will love the sweet, creamy texture of pumpkin, you can even add a little honey or cinnamon for an added treat.

SKIN AND FUR

Nothing looks better than a dog with a shiny, healthy looking coat of fur. As well as all the vitamins and water content I’ve previously mentioned, Pumpkin is also rich in Zinc. This is the mineral that all the cosmetic companies promote in shampoos and body lotions to help maintain good hair and skin. The same applies to your dogs. Give them a makeover every day with a little pumpkin love.

PARASITES

Dogs can easily become infested with parasites such as tapeworms which they can pass on to humans. This wreaks havoc on the digestive system with symptoms including weight loss, scruffy coat and dry skin.

Pumpkin has a high concentration of the Amino Acid Cucurbitin which is toxic to most parasites and is often used to expel parasites in ruminants such as cattle, sheep.

PORTION SIZE

Recommended 1-4 tablespoons per day depending on the size of the dog.

IMPORTANT: Do not feed RAW Pumpkin flesh or seeds, only cooked or canned.

10% OFF - DOGS AT HOME - HOUSE SITTING

10% Off ALL BOOKINGS BEFORE CHRISTMAS & 2019

If you're planning a long holiday, or just a weekend away from home but you hate the idea of leaving your pets in costly and stressful kennels, we can help and your dogs will love it.

Drop us an email or call us for a chat.

Please feel free to share this post with your friends, it would be much appreciated

Thanks, John & Pilar

A DOG PARTY in the sun for Blue Cross charity fundraiser 2018

What a great turn out at the Blue Cross, Bromsgrove 2018 summer fete. The event was packed all day and I'd estimate easily a 1000 people passed through the gates, many attendees accompanied by excited, well behaved and happy dogs, which made the day for me. 

We saw loads of stalls ranging from Animal and Conservation charities such as The Wildlife Trust and other local dog and cat charities, lots of homemade food stall. Locally grown, organic veggies for sale (we filled a couple of bags). Face painting, and games and even a LIVE Dog Show. 

A special mention to AS ONE Vegan Lifestyle and their great food van. It was the last outside event for them after three years of trading. They are launching a new business venture, 'Greens Vegan Cafe and As One Lifestyle' shop in Stourport, click on the link above to find out more.

We'll have to wait and see the figures of how much was made for this important charity but I'm sure they'll break previous records. Everybody who contributed to this well-organised event deserves high praise.

A special congratulations go out to my friends, Samina Arif & Les who's tireless and constant fundraising work blows me away. They also produce the best Indian food. There were queues were around the stall all day and it appears they SOLD OUT of everything.....WOW fantastic 😋

All the food is handmade and Les was kept very busy cooking all the Samosas. It looked like he only just kept up with the demand, Samina was rushed off her feet serving.....hot work indeed. My veggie Curry was amazing, thanks Samina 😘

100% of the proceeds go to the Blue Cross Dog/Cat charity
Question is, how do they top this next year??

Pilar Bueno, you missed out baby but at least you can ask Mandy Bonehill how good your curry would have been. 

Don't worry I have a stash of samosas in the freezer awaiting your return from Spain. 

If you'd like to get involved in helping this important charity, you can contact them here

bluecross.org.uk/contact-us  

You can call on 0300 790 9903. The Supporter Care Team will be ready and willing to help. The phone lines are open Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 5.00pm.

#BlueCross #LoveOfDogs #DogsWorld #BlueCrossForPets

Dogs At Home - House Sitting

#InternationalDogDay

As many of you are aware Pilar and I, while in the UK over the last five years, have had the pleasure of looking after many clients houses and pampered pooches while they relax on vacation or fulfil business engagements. The length of the house sits have ranged from a single day to five full weeks; all are repeating clients.

We take our work very seriously. The health and happiness of the dogs we look after is our priority. We tailor exercise and diet accordingly to the wide range age and breeds we work with. We feel very honoured to have a very large and extended dog family up and down the country with wonderful clients.

When our clients have to leave the family home for whatever reason, they need to feel secure that the family dog is receiving the best of care. Diet, exercise and affection (that's the easy part for us) are essential to minimise the stress for the animal while being separated from their human family. The idea of putting the family dog into kennels is not an option for our clients, I'm very pleased to say. For most dogs, this is a very hostile, foreign and scary environment. They have no idea where the owners have disappeared to or even if they are returning. Dogs are emotional animals and a day or a fortnight in doggy prison, no matter how luxurious, can change a dog's personality forever. 

Happy dogs need to be in their own environment with all the familiar smells, toys, places to sleep, walking routes, diet and no competition from strange dogs. A familiar routine and family environment equals wagging tails. 

As well as loving care for the dogs, we will guarantee the best security for your home. Apart from the obvious dog walking and food shopping, we will spend the majority of our time in your home. The property will show no signs of being empty for extended periods of time and your cars will be safe on your drive.

Our new business, 'Dogs At Home - House Sitting' is being launched this month. Not only are we taking requests and bookings for standard dog/house sitting, we are also offering on the job nutritional plans for ailing and sick dogs of which we have vast amounts of experience. We are also offering a photographic portfolio and updates uploaded online here at the Dogs At Home blog 

For the first time, we are also offering our services outside of the UK. This is a service we have declined in the past because of other obligations. But now after too many requests, we are offering our services ANYWHERE around the globe. Our fees will remain the same as for our UK clients but travel expenses and other travel expenses will be charged.

Additionally, in the coming weeks and months, we will be looking for the 'right' people to come and join the team. All potential applicants will be required to go through the DBS police security check. We will then conduct in-house or online interviews.

If you have free time, are prepared to travel with your own transport, have a clean record, love dogs and have experience with canine care, this could be the perfect job for you, couples are preferred. 

Our services come fully insured and we can provide references from our established and happy clients, many at the top of their professions.

For more details or booking requests or just a chat please either give us a call (UK 07976 268332) or email us at DOGS AT HOME
John and Pilar

Dogs are OMNIVORES - Wild berries for dogs

It's just a fact, modern dogs are omnivores and need a wide spectrum of plant based foods in their diet to maintain health and vitality. It will also mitigate you from the cost of vet bills, plus the worry and pain that many of us go through at the end of life with our beloved pets. Prevention is better than cure. Shhh, don't tell your pet insurance company this. 

Evolutionary biologists in the study of how genetic code of the domestic dog differs from that of the wolf, have discovered starch assimilating genes that suggest that canine evolution in part was sparked by wolves adapting their diets to eat more like us. (See my previous blog entry) or check this BBC coverage by Jonathan Amos - Science correspondent.

Below is a short clip of one of our client beautiful dogs, Lois picking blackberries for herself. Once I showed how a few years ago she now happily gorges herself when the opportunity presents itself. Our dogs evolved as seasonal foragers, just like us and their biology benefits the same as ours.

Here are some additional superfoods for your dogs that you can introduce. If they're not familiar they may at first turn their noses up at your new food offering, just like children and some adult do. Be patient and I suggest sitting and sharing the food with them. Once they realise it's good and enjoyable for you they'll soon cotton on. Some of these they'll enjoy raw but the greens I suggest a gentle steaming preparation and before feeding make sure they have cooled appropriately.

In the near future, I'll be posting some great recipes so that you can prepare food in bulk and freeze. Also, some really tasty snack for your dogs so that you can give them the best diet with knowledge and care.

Please feel free to comment and share. 

Or contact about Dog Sitting or dietary advice at dogsathomesitting@gmail.com

A special thanks to the Roberts family and their wonderful dogs