Tag: news

Keeping Pets Safe at Christmas Time

Here at Not Just Pets we think that Christmas is a wonderful time of year where you can spoil not just your family and friends but also your beloved pets. We have had our shelves stacked with fantastic festive treats for all animals but some of the special treats that we love to indulge in at this time of year are not so great for your pets!

Chocolate! 

There is always lots of chocolate around at Christmas time from advent calendars, tree decorations, selection packs, to tins and presents. These may prove too tempting for your dog and could lead to chocolate poisoning.

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.

Please seek veterinary advice if your pet dog eats any chocolate the sooner you seek help the better the outcome. 

If your dog is a chocolate fiend we sell a range of dog safe chocolate that will satisfy them! So while you tuck into your Chocolate Orange your pet dog could snuffle up their own!

 

Grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas. 

Many Christmas treats include these tasty ingredients, Christmas pudding, mince pies and Christmas cake! Grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas are all toxic to both cats and dogs. Cooking them does not change how toxic they are. Any quantity could be harmful so seek veterinary advice if accidental eating occurs. They would make your pet very unwell and this could lead to renal failure.

Bones and carcasses

Although it is tempting to give your pets the bones and carcass from the Christmas roast they could potentially harm your pet. The bones may be too small, sharp or splinter in their throats.

Party time – strangers, noises and fireworks

Alcohol

There are lots of parties, dinners and get-togethers over the festive season. We all know how alcohol can make us feel – the good and the bad – A drink may be left unattended and be accidentally slurped by a pet! Make sure they have plenty of fresh water available to them and are safely settled if you are having a party. This could help avoid any accidental drinking!

Parties

The best way to avoid your pets getting stressed by extra visitors is to prepare beforehand. Make sure you can put them in a quiet, stress free room with their bed, toys and maybe the TV or radio on.

Fireworks 

Over the New Year rather than Christmas time people use Fireworks that can cause stress to cats and dogs.

We sell products that will help calm your pets during this noisy time.

We have Pet Remedy which can be used as a plug in or a room spray and is suitable for all mammals. We also have Adaptil for dogs and Feliway for cats, this comes in a room plug in and a spray also.

We also have a Calming spot on that can last up to a week. Available for both cats and dogs.

Decorations

Although some pets may like to shoot up the Christmas tree as soon as it is up, there should be no harm in them playing with tinsel and baubles just so long as they do not eat them! There are some other traditional decorations that can be harmful and these are the Christmas plants that we bring into our homes at this time such as  poinsettia, ivy, holly and mistletoe. Please make sure your pets are not able to nibble on these and seek veterinary help if an accident occurs.

Hopefully this blog has given you some information about what could potentially be a hazard in your home at this time of year. We hope that you and your pets have a wonderful Christmas and New Year and look forward to seeing you in 2015!

 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!

It’s Christmas! 2014 News and Products

December is here which can mean one thing… Christmas! The best time of the year where we can decorate the store, get ready for Christmas and display all the favourite Christmas stock! We have been busy stocking our shelves with festive treats for all animals.

This blog will contain all the Cracking Christmas treats that we have in store for dogs, cats, and small animals as well as how we are preparing for the Christmas festivities.

We have decorated our Bath city centre store windows with a festive scene and a winter wild bird window.

 

 

Here is a shot of the wild bird window! As you can see it is a wintry scene with some very wild birds joining us… March of the penguins!

 

 

 

 

 

In our other window we have a festive party with a wintry scene. Father Christmas seems to be having some trouble on the roof!

 

 

 

We have a range of Christmas toys and treats for cats, dogs and small animals as well as all our usual toys, accessories and gift ideas.

 

 

Does your cat or dog look at you longingly for your favourite Christmas treats? Here in the Armitage range are dog and cat friendly treats including mince pies!

 

 

 

 

 

Small animals are not forgotten this festive season. We have some lovely natural festive treats, toys and accessories available for them to enjoy. Christmas stockings also available.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 What special doggy wouldn’t want to wake up to these special gifts on Christmas morning! A fantastic pudding outfit, a festive dog friendly cracker, a soft reindeer toy and a lovely bed. We have a range of festive costumes, coats and jumpers for dogs of all sizes. We have plenty of beds in our Relaxing room downstairs where you can try out the beds! We stock a wide range of colours and sizes.

 

There are plenty of special gifts and toys for our festive felines! Doesn’t this igloo bed look warm and cosy?

Festive toy balls, tinsel wise and danglers as well as a festive stocking just for cats!

Billy+Margot have these fantastic Luxury Christmas crackers for dogs! They look fab, just like the real thing, only these do not have a bang inside so are great for dogs!

They do include a joke, a hat and a packet of treats, antler or bone.

 

 

We have had an extra helper this year in the Bath city centre store in the shape of the Christmas Bear who likes to share! He helped us by promoting Christmas discounts on Facebook and Twitter!

Here he is helping Mike out on the till!

Helping himself to the Billy+Margot crackers!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Measuring dogs up for warm coats to keep them warm on their festive winter walks!

Promoting the Natures Menu and Lily’s Kitchen products that we stock, by trying to make Christmas trees out of them!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Making snowflakes out of wild bird food!

Here he is making friends with the goldfish and looking very comfortable with the festive Vet Bed we have in stock. Is this the Princess and the Pea? No! It’s the Christmas Bear deciding which colour bed he likes the most!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are you are going away over Christmas? Do you have anyone to free to care or your pets? If the answer is no then give the store a call! Our Pet Hotel has spaces available for small animals, birds and reptiles.

In our Bath city centre store we have spaces available over the festive period! Staff will be in store over the Christmas break so your pet will be cared for everyday, including Christmas day!

We are open all the way up until the 24th December Christmas Eve should you or your pet need anything in our stores. All your pet needs will be sorted over the Christmas period. Contact us if you have any questions or queries.

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!

Tick Advice and Information

Ticks are blood feeding external parasites that can carry diseases that can harm you and your pet. Diseases such as Lyme Disease are transmitted when the tick injects saliva into their host whilst feeding.  To find out more about Lyme Disease, the symptoms and treatment, check out the Lyme Disease Action website.

They have a life cycle that has 4 different stages. Starting with the egg, 6 legged larva, 8 legged nymph and the adult tick. This blog post aims to offer some advice as well as some useful products to help you and your pet stay healthy and safe from ticks.

Ticks are arachnids, more closely related to spiders than to insects. A fully fed tick can be 3-10 times the size of an unfed tick.

Although pet owners have to consider ticks all year round it is in the summer that they are most active. They thrive in long vegetation waiting for passing animals, including humans, to attach themselves to. Ticks will then feed on the animal’s blood before dropping off. Contained within their saliva is an anaesthetic so the host animal will not feel the bite!

The Dartmoor National Park Authority has some very good preventative measures that can be adopted by dog walkers and visitors. They suggest:

  • Wearing covered shoes and long trousers tucked into your socks
  • Wearing light coloured clothing so a tick can be more easily seen.
  • Avoid a ticks favourite place by walking in the centre of paths and check yourself after sitting or leaning on trees.
  • Use a light coloured picnic blanket and check the underneath afterwards
  • Check your pets after they come home.

If a tick is found early removal is critical in reducing the risk of infection. Removal should be done carefully to prevent leaving parts of the tick behind. Here at Not Just Pets we have a range of products that will give you confidence in removing and preventing ticks.

 

The Ancol Tick Tool is a helpful tick remover that can be kept in your bag or backpack and is available for cats and dogs (in pink and blue) This tool fits over the tick and you can pull it out safely. Available in store and online priced at £2.30

 

 

 

 

Another great tick remover is the O’Tom Tick Twister which is shaped like a hook. It is supplied in two sizes to ensure you can remove ticks easily. Place the hook around the tick and twist slowly until the tick is released and safely remove from your pet. This design ensures that the tick is not squashed when removed which can lead to harmful saliva passing into the host animal. Available in store and online priced at £4.32

 

To help avoid picking up ticks when out and about Biospotix is an all natural, non-chemical based product that comes in a spot-on treatment for both cats and dogs. You place the treatment on the back of your pets neck. This repellent works by breaking the tick’s respiratory system. 100% safe for humans and pets. Can be used on animals older that 3 months and can last up to 4 weeks. Available online and in store each pack contains 5 pipettes and is priced at £10.00

The Tickless Ultrasonic Tick and Flea Repeller is a small electronic device. Shaped in the form of a pendant that can be placed on your pet’s collar. This device emits ultrasonic impulses to rid pets of fleas and ticks. A non toxic, chemical free way to protect yourself and your pet from ticks. Available in store and online priced at £22.99

 

 

 

 

Finding and removing any ticks safely will reduce the chance of illness occurring. Here at Not Just Pets we hope to help any pet owner with any concerns. Your vet will also be able to give you any advice you need to help you.

If you have any great tips or advice about ticks please contact us and let us know! We look forward to connecting with you.

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!

Ashley Wins Two Awards at the Bira Highstreet Conference and Gala!

 Ashley Gale, Manager of our Not Just Pets branch in Larkhall has won two awards at the British Independent Retailer Association (bira) conference and gala held on Thursday 15th May 2014 at the Cotswold Water Park. The awards were presented by Chris Barrie of Red Dwarf and Brittas Empire fame.

Ashley’s first award was for the Young Retailer of the Year in his division of Pet Product Retailer Association (PPRA).

After winning his division, Ashley was then up against four strong candidates, who had won their divisions, for the overall award. The other divisions included hardware, cookware, agriculture, gardening, pet and fashion, across the UK. The judges were unanimous in their vote and chose Ashley as winner of the British Independent Retailer Association (bira) UK Young Retailer of the Year.

Ashley was nominated for this award after all his hard work and dedication to the company. At the age of 16 in 2005 Ashley joined Not Just Pets as a Saturday worker. Enjoying his work and engaging with the business and customers, Ashley progressed and last year was offered the manager position at the Larkhall Store.

Ashley’s prizes include Champagne, certificates and two plaques as well as a place at the prestigious Oxford Summer School for Retail at Oxford University. The School offers the best training and development for retail managers.


Not Just Pets owner Janine Tozer said “We are absolutely delighted and thrilled for Ashley to win this award and we are very proud of him. The prize of a place at the Oxford Summer School for Retail is fantastic and, from an ex-graduate of that school I can confidently say he will thoroughly enjoy it and will learn so much. Ashley deserves this award for his hard work and commitment to our Company. He is always organized, dedicated and ready for a challenge and he shows such an interest in our customers, always putting the customer first.”

This year the awards were sponsored by Towergate Insurance. These awards are held by bira to recognise young independent retailers and reward them in their efforts.

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!

 

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/

Greyhound rescue

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!