dogs – Page 2 – The Not Just Pets Blog!

Fantastic New Shopping Experience With Three New Rooms at Not Just Pets

Our Bath city centre store now has three new rooms that are all ready for customers to visit. These new rooms will enhance the customer shopping experience and offer something different and new! We have taken the customer feedback about the store and have integrated them into three new rooms in our downstairs area. We are eager for customers to come in and visit them so we can hear what they think about them.

The first of our three rooms is The Garden Room. The store layout as it was did not have enough room to display all the big hutches, cages and coops that we keep in stock for customers to view. We have decorated the room to look like a lovely sunny garden. With Grass, a tree, butterfly, birds and bees. Customers can now see the hutches built up and see the quality and size to help them choose what is right for their needs.

The second of our new rooms is The Relax and Play Room. The area is big enough to stock a vast array of bed designs and sizes that customers were asking for. Customers can now try out the beds and see which they would like to purchase. There are beds for cats and dogs of all shapes and sizes. They look very inviting and we have to check no one has fallen asleep in there! This is the relaxing part of the room.

The play part of the room has a fantastic treat dispenser that with 50 pence you can get a handful of treats to try out the interactive treat toys that we stock. There is enough space for dogs to try out the toys before you buy them. At the moment we have some great Kong toys to try out and the first 6 customers who say “Treat please” at the till will have a free go on the treat dispenser and toys!

The third new room boasts the best views from around the world! It is our very own Pet Hotel. This is a dedicated area for boarding small animals, pets and birds. Decorated to look like a hotel room complete with lamp, rug and bible. We are able to offer the customer 7 days a week pet boarding, safe in the knowledge that their pet is well looked after here in Bath. We have prices per day and discounts for longer stays and multiple animals. Call the store today and ask for a quote. The Pet Hotel will even be open over the Christmas holidays! So if you are planning on going away we can make sure your pets are well looked after.

We look forward to hearing your feedback about the new rooms! We think they add to the shopping experience by offering more choice, space and peace of mind.

We look forward to welcoming you in store soon; remember we are open in our Bath store 7 days a week!

Any ideas and suggestions you have will be welcomed. You can follow us in many ways:

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

We are now on Instagram! – notjustpets Follow us and see some fantastic photos!

We run regular photo competitions, quizzes, offers and promotions on our Facebook and Twitter pages, so why not “like” or “follow” us today!

Get in touch via any of the above, or via our website or email at bathpets@aol.com or telephone us on 01225 461461. Or simply pop in, you’ll be welcome!

Travelling With Pets – Staying Safe

There are a number of reasons that you may need to travel with your pet, a trip to the vets, travelling to the kennels, moving house, first trip home. It can be a daunting experience if you are unprepared for it so we would like to share with you the best ways to travel with your pets to make sure they stay safe and happy.

Unsecured pets and the law

The highway code Rule 57 states that when in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you or themselves if you stop quickly. A seatbelt harness, pet carrier, dog crate, or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.

If there is an accident if your pet is not restrained in the car they may escape from the vehicle, run out into traffic or run away and get lost.

There are many products available to help you keep your animals safe and happy while travelling. Here at Not Just Pets we have a great range of pet travelling items to choose from that are suitable for all types of pet.

For small animals we suggest that owners use a Pod Carrier that is secure and cannot be chewed. This can prevent the risk of your pet escaping into the car.

The Options Pod is suitable for small animals such as hamsters, mice, rats and gerbils. They are well ventilated, secure and have carry handles. Available online or in store from £7.99

A great way to transport your pet.

This is the Savic Discovery small animal Carrier. It is well ventilated and has a carry handle. This would be suitable for larger animals such as rabbits and if you had multiple small animals that would travel together. Available in store and online at £13.99

For larger small animals such as adult rats and guinea pigs we suggest a larger pod type carrier. We stock this Ferplast design in store and online at £16.99 It has a clear door, carry handles and is well ventilated,

These carriers are made from plastic which is easy to clean and can be collapsed and stored at home when not in use.

The best way to transport your pet cat is in a pet carrier. This keeps them safe and secure from escaping out of the vehicle. These carriers are designed to allow your pet to lay comfortably and are well ventilated. You can put in a blanket or towel for extra comfort.

The Cabrio is a great carrier as it is multi functional – you can open the front door for access as well as opening the top hatch for ease of putting your pet in and out. There are compartments for food and water on the go. This carrier can also be placed on the car seat and a conventional seatbelt can be used to secure it in place.

This is one of the stores best products and is a favourite with the staff as well.

Not Just Pets also stocks alternative pet carriers that come in a number of colours and designs. These have the front opening secure door. These can be collapsed when not in use. These come in a range of sizes for small cats/kittens and larger breeds.

Product shown is the Catit Voyageur Tiger Design in Black – prices start from £19.99

When travelling with dogs there are a number of options depending on your pet and the size and shape of your car.

Belts and harnesses – these can clip onto your pets harness or you can buy a travelling harness especially for the car.

The Universal seat belt restraint is used in conjunction with a full body harness which you can clip onto your dog’s regular harness and then put into your car seat belt holder. These are great if your dog does not like fussing into and out of harnesses as you use one for both travelling and walking.

Available in store or on our website at £4.99

The RAC 2 in 1 Car Harness is a great way to secure your pet dog on journeys. These are fully adjustable to ensure a great fit and then simply thread your seat belt though and clip it in as normal. Then when at your destination use the harness as a normal walking harness.

Available in a range of sizes in store and online from £9.99

The Ezydog harness is a great harness for your dog and you! Offers support and control. The chestplate comfortably moulds to the shape of your dogs chest creating a custom fit that is safe and secure. Easy to adjust and fit. Each Harness comes with a free car restraint that reduces in-car distractions. Available in different sizes and colours and in store or online starting from £15.26

Crates – These can fit into most car boots or seats and have two doors for accessibility. Well ventilated, secure and come in a range of sizes. Can be collapsed when not in use to a smaller size and stored at home or in the boot of the car.

Not Just Pets have crates available in store and online, these crates are currently on offer, starting from £30.00 for small breeds. You can also purchase crate mats that make it more cosy and comfortable.

Carriers suitable for dogs – These are great for smaller dogs and can be taken in and out of the car.

Available in different colours and four different sizes that will suit your dog’s needs. They can be collapsed when not in use.

The Carrier shown here is a Dogit Voyageur and these are in store and online starting from £18.89

Ramps for larger breeds and older dogs – These can be stored in your car to help your pet in and out of the vehicle.

This is the Pet Gear Bi-Fold Ramp that is available online at £79.99 this can be stored in your car boot and has a skid resistant surface that allows your dog safe access in and out of the vehicle.

Other items you may find useful

Calming sprays – Pet pheromones have been used to help cats, dogs and other mammals to be calm and relaxed in stressful situations.

Adaptil is available for dogs and Feliway is available for cats.
A plug in diffuser can be used in the home but you can buy sprays for when out and about. Spray on the carrier or bedding to help your pet feel calm and secure.

Calming spot on is available for cats and dogs. This product is a natural herbal supplement that will calm your pet at a stressful time such as fireworks night or while travelling.

Just apply to the back of your pets neck and the formula effects last for up to a week.

Catnip – Can be used to help get cats into their carrier and then help them relax whist travelling.

Non spill bowls

The road refresher can be used out and about as well as in the home. The shape helps to reduce spillages without restricting your pet from drinking. Can be used in the car whilst on the move.

Available in different sizes and colours from £9.99

Travel bowls – Lightweight and transportable these can be filled and used on the go and fold down so they do not take up a lot of room.

Ideal for long walks as well as long distance travelling.

This collapsible travel bowl is available in store and online £4.99

Travel beds and crate mats – Make sure your pet travels in comfort and style. There are a range of designs and styles so your pets journeys are comfortable. Not Just Pets has a wide range available in store.

Seat cover and protectors – If using a harness or seat belt restraint you may want to protect your back seat. These can be fitted over your existing car seat and are designed to still be able to use the seatbelts safely.

This waterproof Ancol Seat Protector is available in store and online at £22.35

Shields for windows – These are great for shading pets from sunlight if it is too warm to shade your pet with a blanket.

Window grates – These fit on your car and allow cool fresh air into the car without the risk of your pet escaping out of the open window.

Fits to the width of your open window.

This Mikki window vent is available in store and online priced at £12.99

Never leave your pet in a car, whatever the weather, even if you leave the windows open – they can still overheat and die.

Now you have all the best travel equipment here are some top tips for travelling with your pets.

Do not feed your pet immediately before travelling as this may result in sickness
Be prepared and have an accident and emergency kit available so you can deal with any problems. The kit should contain –

Paper towels or pet wipes
Cleaner spray
Poop bags

Exercise your pet dog before travelling in the car. If they are worn out they will settle down better in the car for the journey.
You can put a blanket or sheet over your pet’s crate or carrier to help reduce excitability. If they are not stimulated by the world whizzing by they are more likely to settle down.
Have rest breaks from travelling where you exercise and give refreshment to your pet. If you have a pet cat please do not let them out of the vehicle as you may not be able to get them back again.

Do you have any top travelling with animal tips? We would love to hear them!

We look forward to welcoming you in store soon; remember we are open in our Bath store 7 days a week!

Any ideas and suggestions you have will be welcomed. You can follow us in many ways:

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

We are now on Instagram! – notjustpets Follow us and see some fantastic photos!

We run regular photo competitions, quizzes, offers and promotions on our Facebook and Twitter pages, so why not “like” or “follow” us today!

Get in touch via any of the above, or via our website or email at bathpets@aol.com or telephone us on 01225 461461. Or simply pop in, you’ll be welcome!

The Dangerous Dogs Act New Amendment- How It Affects You and Your Dog

The Dangerous Dogs Act (section 3) is a law that protects the public from dogs that can cause harm. That does not only apply to banned breeds but any dog that is considered a dangerous threat. In May of this year the law was amended to apply to private property as well as in public spaces. This will impact on all dog owners as they will need to protect any visitor to their home as well as delivery drivers and post men and women. If they do not manage their dog’s behaviour when there is a visitor, delivery driver or post person at their door they risk committing a criminal offence.

At Not Just Pets we care about animals and their owners and we would like to share this vital information so you are aware of how to protect yourself and your pets. The National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT) have some great information about how the Dangerous Dogs Act affects all dog owners no matter what size, age or breed.

The NAWT have a website and blog with a summary of what you can do to protect you and your dog in regards to the law. Below is a list of the steps they have suggested:

Ensure your garden is safe – this will not only make sure that your dog can’t escape out of the garden and be injured, or possibly be considered a threat but also protects unexpected visitors who will not be able to enter your property without your knowledge.

Manage your dog’s behaviour at your front door – Plan ahead and have a routine when there is a visitor at your door. You need to be able to have visitors at your door without them encountering your dog. Put your dog in another room or out in the back garden if that is secure.

Manage your dog’s behaviour when there is a knock on the door – You may need to help your dog manage its behaviour and seek professional training to help your dog and you. Your dog doesn’t need to bite someone for them to be considered a threat.

Manage the way your dog greets people – You need to make sure they behave in a way that is acceptable to all visitors. You might not mind them jumping up but others may consider that aggressive behaviour.

On the 16th July 7-8pm the NAWT is offering a free Webinar to help people become aware of the act and the amendment. Register for your place and you will be able to learn more about the act.

Owning a dog is a great responsibility and as the owner you are required to train your dog and keep them safe.

We look forward to welcoming you in store soon; remember we are open in our Bath store 7 days a week!

Any ideas and suggestions you have will be welcomed. You can follow us in many ways:

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

We are now on Instagram! – notjustpets Follow us and see some fantastic photos!

We run regular photo competitions, quizzes, offers and promotions on our Facebook and Twitter pages, so why not “like” or “follow” us today!

Get in touch via any of the above, or via our website or email at bathpets@aol.com or telephone us on 01225 461461. Or simply pop in, you’ll be welcome!

Keeping pets safe this summer

Summer has finally arrived here in Bath and we have been having some fantastic weather recently. This got all the staff thinking of different ways we keep cool and how we can help animals keep safe, happy and cool during summer.

So here are our top tips for keeping pets cool this summer

Place frozen water bottles on top of their cage and this will act like air conditioning as the cooler air will sink into the cage as heat rises.
Give them frozen fruit and veg to eat
Pea bobbing! – Place frozen peas in a water bowl – Fun at the same time!
Ice pads are available to buy to help keep your pets environment cool.
keep them out of direct sunlight – move their cage or shade the room by drawing the curtains
Keep them hydrated – always have drinking water available
keep damp towels in their sleeping area to help keep them cool.
Do not ever leave your pet in a car for any length of time!
Do not leave your pet in the conservatory! – Like a green house it can get very hot
Travel bowls and bottles are a great way to give a drink when out and about
Billy+Margot Iced treats for dogs are a tasty way for dogs to keep cool! In fabulous flavours too!
Put rubber or rope toys in cold water and then freeze them giving a soothing chew toy
Reptiles can also over heat – you can use special reptile enclosure fans to ensure the enclosure has a cooler end for your pets to cool off in.

If you need to travel with your pets we suggest

Use a windscreen shade to keep them cool and out of sunlight whilst in the car
Use a pet guard on the window so there can be a breeze without the risk of your pet escaping
Travel non spill bowls are great for travelling and keeping hydrated.

Why is there so much fuss about keeping dogs cool? Dogs do not regulate their body temperature the same way we humans do. They pant and have sweat glands in their paws and their noses, but not a lot of body heat is lost that way. So if a dog gets hot quickly, like being in a hot stuffy car, they have no way to cool down. This is why we support the RSPCA campaign Dogs die in hot cars!

On our Facebook page we are running a photograph competition! Win a prize and your pet will have pride of place as our cover star on our Facebook page! The theme is What does your pet do to keep cool? Here are some examples of what Luna loves to do!

She loves to paddle in the sea and chase the waves

She loves the Billy+Margot doggie iced treats!

She likes to explore the rivers and streams!

We look forward to seeing your entries on our Facebook page (or tweet us!)

Let us know any of your keeping cool tips!

We look forward to welcoming you in store soon; remember we are open in our Bath store 7 days a week!

Any ideas and suggestions you have will be welcomed. You can follow us in many ways:

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

We are now on Instagram! – notjustpets Follow us and see some fantastic photos!

We run regular photo competitions, quizzes, offers and promotions on our Facebook and Twitter pages, so why not “like” or “follow” us today!

Get in touch via any of the above, or via our website or email at bathpets@aol.com or telephone us on 01225 461461. Or simply pop in, you’ll be welcome!

Pet emergency – Part 1 – Dogs and chocolate what is safe?

This weeks blog is part of our Pet Emergency series that will offer advice and information around what life is like living with animals and what to do when there is an emergency.

This is Part 1 which will explain why dogs can not eat chocolate and what to do if your dog eats some by accident.

The Not Just Pets Blog post is for information only. It should not replace veterinary advice. If it is an emergency and your pet is ill please ring a vet immediately.

What is in chocolate that is so bad for dogs?

Chocolate contains a stimulant called theobromine which is similar to caffeine. This is what is poisonous to dogs. Different types of chocolate contain different amounts of theobromine, white chocolate the least and dark chocolate the most.

In 25 grams of white chocolate there is minimal amount, in milk chocolate 44-64mg, in dark chocolate 390-450mg and in dry cocoa powder 800mg.

100-150mg of theobromine per Kg of bodyweight is toxic to dogs. So if a regular sized dog weighing 30kg eats 1kg of milk chocolate it is enough for a fatal toxic reaction.

How does it harm your dog?

Theobromine will affect your dog’s heart, central nervous system and its kidneys, depending on how much the dog has eaten compared to its body weight.

What are the symptoms of chocolate poisoning?

When a dog has eaten some chocolate depending on how much they have eaten and their body weight you can expect these symptoms.

vomiting
diarrhoea
restlessness
breathing difficulties
muscle tension
increased heart rate
seizure

These can start from 4 hours up to 24 hours after consumption. The sooner you get to see a vet the better the outcome for your dog

What should you do if your dog eats chocolate by mistake?

Contact your vet straight away and they will be available to advise you of what to do. They will offer treatment which will be induced vomiting to avoid the chocolate being ingested. If it is too late for that then the vet may offer medication to control the dog’s heart rate and blood pressure.

Case study Lola the staffie

Lola is a one year old staffie, her owner Siobhan adopted her from the local shelter. The family knows that Lola likes to scavenge for food and so no tasty tidbits are ever left out and about for Lola to help herself to. Siobhan has two children who have been taught not to give Lola anything extra to eat.

Last Sunday was Easter Sunday and the children had their Easter egg. Siobhan’s oldest child put her egg down on the table for a second and Lola had scoffed it! This could have happened to anyone that owns a dog; with all the extra treats and excitement going on during a family event sometimes thing can go wrong. Dogs seem to know how tasty chocolate is and will take any open opportunity to get it!

Knowing chocolate is not good for dogs Siobhan rang the vets and was able to take Lola in to be seen. They made her vomit so she didn’t ingest the chocolate as the amount she had eaten would have done some serious damage if not killed Lola. Lola was back home that evening with her family safe and sound.

If Siobhan didn’t know the dangers of chocolate she may not have called the vet straight away. Most pet owners do not call the vet until their pet is showing signs that they are ill. The symptoms of chocolate poisoning may not show up until 4-24 hours later when it may be too late for your vet to take action.

What if I like to give my dog a treat?

The information here is to let you the pet owner be aware of why certain things are not recommended for pets. If you enjoy giving your pet a tasty treat or you get those puppy dog eyes looking at you when you are eating your favourite snack, don’t be tempted to give a little taste as there are some alternatives! At Not Just Pets we stock a variety of treats that are suitable for dogs including doggie chocolate bars!

Our staff are on hand to guide you through all the different treats available. From biscuits and chocolate drops to pigs’ ears! There is something for every dog and pocket.

We look forward to welcoming you in store soon: remember we are open in our Bath store 7 days a week!

Any ideas and suggestions you have will be welcomed. You can follow us in many ways:

On Facebook:(https://www.facebook.com/NotJustPets) and Twitter: (https://twitter.com/NotJustPets) and Pinterest: (http://www.pinterest.com/notjustpets/)

We are now on Instagram! – notjustpets Follow us and see some fantastic photos!

We run regular photo competitions, quizzes, offers and promotions on our Facebook and Twitter pages, so why not “like” or “follow” us today!

Get in touch via any of the above, or via our website or email at bathpets@aol.com or telephone us on 01225 461461. Or simply pop in, you’ll be welcome!

National Pet Month continues! Celebrating cats, dogs and birds!

We continue our National Pet Month Celebrations this week at Not Just Pets with cats and dogs! There are many wonderful reasons to own a cat and dog, so please come and join us in store with another fabulous open day this Saturday 12th April

Kelly from Canagan will be joining us and she will be offering nutritional advice for both cats and dogs. Find out about this fantastic new food which is grain free and formulated to offer the best for your pet.

We have Imogen who is a dog physiotherapist visiting in store. She will be offering advice and information.

Also, we will have the expertise of Caroline, who is a Dog Trainer from Clever Dog Company she will be in store to answer questions about your pet’s behaviour.

Bath cats and dogs home will be in store and we will once again be supporting and raising funds for them by selling cakes and treats. Claverton will be here plus Bella and Bob.

As part of the celebrations we will have advice, freebies and more!

The location for these cat and dog festivities is in our Bath store Not Just Pets, St James Parade, Bath. Join us between 10.30am-4pm

In our Larkhall store we are Celebrating birds as pets this week! We will be holding an open day this Saturday 12th April. Come and join Catherine and Sunshine the Eclectus parrot in the celebrations!

Other special guests include Birdline UK Parrot rescue who will be bringing a macaw, African grey and a cockatoo with them!

We will have also have a lucky dip, offering handling advice, offers and freebies!

Join us at Not Just Pets Larkhall 3 Lambridge Buildings between 10am and 3pm

We look forward to welcoming you in store soon: remember we are open in our Bath store 7 days a week!

Any ideas and suggestions you have will be welcomed. You can follow us in many ways:

On Facebook:(https://www.facebook.com/NotJustPets) and Twitter: (https://twitter.com/NotJustPets) and Pinterest: (http://www.pinterest.com/notjustpets/)

– plus we will be joining Instagram soon too!

We run regular photo competitions, quizzes, offers and promotions on our Facebook and Twitter pages, so why not “like” or “follow” us today!

Get in touch via any of the above, or via our website or email at bathpets@aol.com or telephone us on 01225 461461. Or simply pop in, you’ll be welcome!

Spring time news!

The weather is getting warmer, the days are getting longer and as we head into the last week of March it is starting to feel like Spring has sprung.

Spring is known as a time of year for fresh starts and new beginnings, and here at Not Just Pets we too have some new ideas we would like to share with you.

We are taking the blog updates in a new direction to share news, advice, products and information in a regular newsletter. These will be once a week and include reviews, news, information and stories! We are also hoping that you the reader and pet owner will help contribute to these by sending in pictures and stories of your pets when they have settled into their forever home. These can be old pets, new pets, or borrowed pets! Everyone is encouraged to get involved in illustrating the wonderful world of pets as part of the family. In return we will be offering contests, giveaways, information and advice as well as tutorials and how-to guides and product reviews. We will be reviewing new products available as well as old favourites. We will be demonstrating the benefits of why we recommend and love them.

News from in store this week

We had the Greyhound rescue charity event in store on Saturday 22nd of March. Greyhound rescue West of England volunteers and dogs were in store raising funds for their charity. They work hard to promote rescue of the greyhound and lurcher breeds as well as promoting the benefits of the breeds themselves. They have all the information about rehoming and rescuing on their page. http://www.grwe.com/

Offers in store this week

We currently have 25% off Trixie Prince and Princess bowls, beds and toys! These are especially designed for your royal pet! In subtle colours and patterns your cat or dog will love these items and at 25% off now is the best time to treat them.

We also have 25% off our luxury Petface, Beco and Trixie beds. Some lovely designs and colours that will suit any home and pet.

On our Tasting table this week … In store each week we will have a sample of products for your pet (and you if you so desire!) to sample and try out. Our staff will be on hand to tell you the benefits of these products as well as any other items in the range that would suit your pet.

This week we have

Billy + Margot treats (all varieties)
Lily’s Kitchen biscuits and treats (for reward, bedtime and training)
Nature’s menu Country Hunter treats

New Products in store for you to try

In store this week we have a new tinned wet food from the company that brought you Doggie Icecream! Billy + Margot. Their new meals combine meats, fruits, vegetables and vitamin supplements to provide a complete meal for our adult dog or puppy. This new product is made in Britain and uses the best human grade ingredients. available in four delicious sounding flavours and a special tin available for puppies, we hope your pet loves them as much as we do!

Also available in store this week is a new treat from Billy + Margot called Fish skin cubes. These low calorie, hypoallergenic treats are suitable for any dog. So if your pet is trying to lose weight or has allergies they don’t have to miss out! Made from Defra approved, sustainable sourced fish and nothing else this is an ideal treat to pick up and keep handy on your walks as a training treat or at home as a reward.

We look forward to welcoming you in store soon remeber we are open in our Bath store 7 days a week!

Any ideas and suggestions you have will be welcomed. You can follow us in many ways:

On Facebook:(https://www.facebook.com/NotJustPets) and Twitter: (https://twitter.com/NotJustPets) and Pinterest: (http://www.pinterest.com/notjustpets/)

– plus we will be joining Instagram soon too!

We run regular photo competitions, quizzes, offers and promotions on our Facebook and Twitter pages, so why not “like” or “follow” us today!

Get in touch via any of the above, or via our website or email at bathpets@aol.com or telephone us on 01225 461461. Or simply pop in, you’ll be welcome!