With dark nights starting to creep in and temperatures getting cooler, autumn brings with it many challenges for pets and their owners.

At this time of year, we also see the start of the fireworks season and Halloween, which can be stressful for many pets. Being aware of hazards for your pets can allow you all to continue to enjoy time outdoors and the colourful scenery that autumn creates.

Korina Stephens, RVN from pet food brand nutravet says: “Dogs can be curious animals and as the season changes, they’ll want to explore new surroundings. Many pets can also become stressed at this time of year due to the noise from fireworks, planning ahead for these particular events will help to reduce any anxiety.

“Like most seasons, pet owners should be aware of any hazards that could cause problems for your pets, such as poorly tummies if they eat something they shouldn’t. Many autumn plants are hazardous for our four-legged friends and should be avoided on walks. If you are worried about your pet’s health at this time of year, speak to your vet who is best placed to offer advice.”

nutravet share their tips for dog owners during Autumn months:

Keep up with exercise

Although the weather may be cooler, it’s tempting to spend more time indoors with our four-legged friends but it’s important to keep up with your dog’s daily walks. This will help to prevent any weight gain, as well as keeping their joints mobile and avoid stiffness. As the weather changes, you could reduce the length of their walks and support your pet’s joints with a natural supplement like nutraquin+.

Autumn plants

With seeds and leaves dropping during autumn months, some are poisonous to pets and can cause serious illness. Yew trees are poisonous and eating just a small amount can be serious. The bark, leaves, flowers and conkers of Horse Chestnut Trees are also poisonous to pets. Conkers can also become a choking hazard or cause blockages.

Acorns are also a common sight during autumn. They can be found on the ground throughout autumn months. These can cause blockages when eaten by pets.

Fleas and ticks

As we start to turn the central heating on in our homes, this makes a more comfortable environment for pesky fleas. Keeping up with your pet’s flea treatment will help to prevent any unwanted house guests at this time of year.

Ticks are also still prominent in autumn, so be sure to check your pets regularly for ticks, especially after dog walks.

Diet

If your pet is exercising less, be sure to adjust their diet to match this. Your vet will be able to offer advice on how much your pet should be eating. Keep any seasonal treats away from pets, such as Halloween chocolate as this can cause tummy upsets. For pets with sensitive tummies during this time, nutrabio is a naturally formulated probiotic paste for dogs and cats to help maintain normal digestive function.

Pumpkins

These are commonly used as decorations throughout autumn and Halloween. Although they are not poisonous, if consumed in large quantities, they could lead to your pet having a sensitive tummy. If you use candles in your pumpkins, make sure these are out of reach from your pet and can’t be knocked over.

Halloween
This time of year can prove to be stressful for pets, due to Halloween and the fireworks season. During Halloween your pet may become stressed with strangers knocking on the door for trick or treat, as they may be unsure about the scary costumes.

If you know you are going to get trick or treaters at the door, secure your pet in another room so they don’t get spooked and try to escape. Although they look cute, don’t force your pet to wear a Halloween costume if they seem anxious. If they are happy to wear one, make sure it’s not too tight, can’t be chewed and doesn’t restrict their airways in anyway.

Fireworks

Firework season can last from October to New Year and make this time of year very stressful for some pets and their owners. To help reduce stress for your pet, make your pet a den to retreat to during the fireworks and close curtains and play music to help block out the noise. Walk your dog earlier in the day before it gets dark to avoid being out when fireworks are going off and bring any outdoor pets inside. If you are worried about your pet, ask your vet about nutracalm – a natural, fast acting calming supplement for cats and dogs.

Provide shelter from the weather

If your pet spends a lot of time outside, be sure to provide a shelter for them for when the weather gets colder or if it rains. Make sure they have lots of blankets to keep them warm and comfy. As the weather gets colder bring smaller pets indoors.

Safety

As the dark nights draw in, check and up-date your pet’s microchip details in case they get lost on walks or get spooked during the fireworks or at Halloween. Up-to-date details will help to ensure your pet gets back to you as quickly as possible when found.

If you are walking your dog early in the morning or late at night be sure to wear reflective clothing. You could also use a reflective collar and coat for your dog, just in case they get lost.

Senior pets

Keep an eye on older pets who feel the cold more than their younger counterparts. Add more blankets to their bedding to help keep them warm and cosy and to support senior joints.

For more tips and advice visit www.nutravet.co.uk

The RSPCA is urging pet-owners to be prepared for any emergencies which arise over Christmas – and to ensure that the festive time is as non-stressful as possible for our fluffy friends.

From toxic foods, the dangers of decorations and keeping your pet calm among the Christmas chaos, here are some of the RSPCA’s top tips for a ‘pet-safe’ Christmas…

Prevent your pets from being poisoned

Most pet owners know that chocolate and onions can never be given to dogs and if your dog does accidently eat these foods you should ring your vet straight away for advice.

However, less well-known is that raisins, currants and sultanas – commonly added to festive bakes – are also extremely dangerous to dogs.

[Don't give your dog alcohol – party hats are probably fine though]

West Highland terrier Harry, pictured above, spent a worrying few days recovering at a vets over Christmas last year after pinching a bag of raisins from his owner’s handbag.

His owner, Rachel Butler-Mallett, from Derby, said: “Fortunately I realised what had happened and called an emergency out-of-hours vets straightaway. Blood tests showed that Harry’s kidneys had started to fail as a result of eating the raisins.

“He was put on a drip for more than 20 hours – we were extremely worried about him and whether he would be left with permanent kidney damage. Thankfully he was OK.

“We were left with a large bill at the end of it but we were just so grateful he recovered.

“Hopefully other people will read this and will know what to do if they are ever in the same situation.”

Other foods to keep away from your pet include leeks, garlic, macadamia nuts, cooked bones (e.g. chicken bones), alcohol and any leftover food which has gone mouldy.

If you believe your pet has eaten something toxic, contact your vet immediately.

Perilous presents

“It’s not just food which is a hazard to our pets – some household items can be dangerous too,” said Alice Potter, from the RSPCA’s Companion Animals team. “Popular festive plants including poinsettias, holly, ivy, mistletoe can be mildly toxic, so avoid these if you have pets.

Lilies are extremely toxic to cats – never have these in the home if you have cats. Tinsel and wrapping paper might be tempting for your pet to play with – but make sure they don’t eat it!

“Silica gel, which is often put in packaging, can cause your pet stomach upset if ingested, as can pot pourri.”

Avoid overindulging your pet

“It’s normal for us to overindulge over the Christmas period – but don’t pass on this habit to your pets, no matter how tempting it may be to shower them with tasty treats!” said Alice.

“Extra weight gain can lead to health problems, so to keep your pet healthy and happy, keep treats to a minimum.”

Don’t forget to stock up

There is always so much going on at Christmas that it can be hard to remember everything! But planning ahead can avoid any potential panic. Alice said: “Make sure you have the number of an emergency vet to hand, just in case. If your pet is on medication, stock up before the holidays so you don’t get caught short.”

Keeping your pet calm among the chaos

Christmas is a chaotic time and this could cause our pets to feel stressed.

“You can help your pet cope with the chaos by keeping to their normal routine as much as possible,” said Alice. “It will also help your pet if you provide them with somewhere cosy and quiet where they can retreat to if the excitement gets too much.

“You might have lots of guests coming and going, so make sure doors aren’t left open because there would be a chance that your pet could get out when you aren’t watching."

“Where have you been all night?”

Enquires Mrs Fido when her husband comes home late one night.

“I’ve been in the alley all night playing with the bins.” He replies taken aback.

“Don’t give me that,” she snaps. “You’ve been sniffing around that poodle again haven’t you?”

“No, I swear I was just with my mates.” Mr Fido replies uncomfortably shifting his weight from one paw to the other.

“My mother warned me about you.” She moans, pressing a paw to her forehead. “Look at you! You’ve got lipstick on your collar!”

“That’s it.” Mr Fido growls as he marches towards the kennel door, barging it open with his nose. “I’ve had enough of your fishwifery, I’m leaving you!”

*SLAM!*

…Okay, it’s an unlikely scenario but divorce and its effect on dogs is a very serious matter and one that more Britons are having to face up to every day By Dan Laurikietis.

Those of us whose parents separated when we were young know how it feels to be caught in the middle of a divorce. Disorientated, frightened, insecure and torn between the two people who have shaped you in your formative years and been a part of every major event in your life.

This is a predicament shared by children and dogs alike. A divorce can take its toll on our furry friends every bit as much as on a child.

Since every dog is unique different dogs will react in different ways but the dog’s reaction can depend on their age and amount of training as well as breed, history and other aspects.

In this country divorce statistics are showing an alarming increase.

A government survey showed that in 2001 a staggering 143,818 divorces were granted in England and Wales and the 4.8 million dog owning households in the country are no exception. It is a sad fact that all over the world couples are separating leaving their pets caught in the middle.

Even in the news and gossip columns we see examples of this, notably Les Dennis and Amanda Holden were engaged in a custody battle over their pet dogs, despite their amicable divorce.

Dogs whose owners get divorced often end up at best disorientated and lonely or at worst homeless. Indeed, an increasingly large amount of dogs given in to pet shelters are handed in on the grounds of divorce.

Dogs are very dependent creatures and being man’s best friend their emotional investment in us is as prominent as their need for the food and shelter that we provide them. Legal procedure for pet custody is very different to child custody. Ownership of the pet will go to the partner proven as the legal owner regardless of who will be able to give the dog a better home.

In legal term the dogs are essentially a material posession, nothing more, nothing less. As is sadly the case in most legal matters monetary value outweighs that of sentiment. Higher wage earners will invariably have to invest more time and attention on their job than their dog.

We should never underestimate the sensitivity of our four legged companions. The dog will be able to sense the emotional tension leading up to and during divorce, which in turn can lead to the dog/s feeling uncomfortable which in turn can manifest itself in behavioural changes.

In cases involving two or more dogs, if the dogs are separated they will miss each other as well as their estranged masters. A seemingly minor change to a human’s lifestyle could affect the dog on a far larger scale. For example a house wife or husband is obliged to find a job following divorce, the lack of company and attention now availed to the pet can be deeply depressing. Changes in location are also very important.

Dogs being very territorial creatures will respond with bewilderment and frustration following a drastic change in scenery. Couple this with Rover’s primal need to mark this strange new territory as his own and you mustn’t be surprised to tread in a puddle every now and then.

The environment the dog is moved to must also be considered, much like when you first considered bringing it into your home. Moving from a semi detached house to a high rise flat will result in far less space for the dog to explore and no back yard to be exercised in (unless the dog is so small it can run around a window box).

We humans can make this difficult transitional period infinitely easier for our wet nosed friends simply by considering how their needs will be catered for following the separation. Making the minimum possible amount of changes to your dog’s lifestyle can help to ensure against behavioural problems which could complicate life further for everybody. It is also important for the dog to have regular contact with both divorcees much like children. Fido has feelings too you know!

UK pet nation heading for animal welfare disaster

Lack of training and socialisation causing behaviour meltdown in 250,000 dogs

…and fat pets are fast becoming the majority with 5.5. million fed fatty treats

Badly behaved and overweight pets are fuelling a pet welfare crisis in Britain, according to the annual PAW Report from vet charity PDSA.

The latest Report reveals some shocking findings with a rise in dog aggression directed both at humans and others pets, and concerns relating to destructive behaviour, both caused by a cocktail of boredom, lack of training and socialisation and worryingly low levels of regular exercise. A quarter of a million dogs are behaving aggressively towards people every week. And dog hostility towards other pets, including attacks, rising annually to over 600,000.

The Report also shows that pet obesity levels are continuing to increase. 80% of vets and vet nurses now predict there will be more overweight pets than healthy pets in five years time, and with 5.5 million pets being fed fatty treats the pet obesity epidemic is set to balloon.

Another staggering finding is that 2.4 million dogs in the UK are not given the opportunity to safely exercise off the lead outside of the home or garden on a daily basis – with over 800,000 of these dogs never going for walks. This can lead to destructive behaviour and anxiety, as well as aggression and is also contributing to the rise in pet obesity.

These statistics are taken from the PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report*, the largest ever annual assessment of pet welfare (which has surveyed 21,000 pet owners over the past four years). Produced in conjunction with YouGov, the 2014 PAW Report exposes a grave lack of understanding when it comes to meeting some of the most basic of pets’ needs, says PDSA Head of Pet Health and Welfare, Nicola Martin: “We are undoubtedly a nation of animal lovers, with four out of five pet owners stating they feel physically or mentally healthier because of their pet.

“However, our latest findings reveal that anti-social behaviour in dogs continues to rise due to a worrying lack of training, socialisation and exercise. Owners are sadly continuing to feed the wrong types of food with portion sizes out of control. Preventative health is also a major concern – the basics such as vaccinations and neutering are often ignored by owners, leaving their pets vulnerable to a wide range of deadly diseases.”

In response to these findings and in an effort to gain an even deeper understanding of the health and happiness of UK pets, PDSA is encouraging pet owners to take part in its Big Pet Survey: pdsa.org.uk/bigpetsurvey. The charity aims to build the biggest ever insight into the wellbeing of the pet nation.

Nicola continues: “The more people that take the survey and share their views with us, the more we can identify the most vital and pressing pet welfare issues, and provide the right support and solutions to help make improvements.”

Key findings from the PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report:

Dog Behaviour

1.5 million dogs are not properly ‘socialised’ as puppies – which involves exposing them to everyday sights and sounds before 12 weeks of age.

62% of pet owners having been concerned or frightened by another dog’s behaviour

250,000 dogs are showing aggressive behaviour towards people every week and 30% of pet owners reporting they have been bitten or attacked by a dog

Over half of veterinary professionals report an increase in levels of dog on dog attacks

Over 800,000 dogs never being taken for off the lead walks, and nearly 250,000 never even walked on a lead

Obesity

5.5 million pets still being fed fatty treats, fuelling the pet obesity epidemic

80% of veterinary professionals predict there will be more fat pets than healthy weight pets in five years time

Owners over 55 are least likely to seek vet advice regarding their pet’s diet.

Preventative Health

Millions of pets still at risk of deadly diseases, such as parvovirus, due to lack of vaccinations and neutering

Just 66% of dog owners are aware that microchipping will soon be compulsory in England and Wales

Pet Ownership

5 million pet owners did no research at all before taking on their pet with many largely unaware of the specific needs of their chosen pet

25% of pet owners would consider getting a puppy from a puppy farm where there welfare needs are unlikely to have been properly met

86% of pet owners believe online sales of pets should be regulated

For more information, and to take part in the next PAW Report, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/bigpetsurvey

Photo by swong95765