Reducing Holiday Party Stress for Your Dog

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Reducing Holiday Party Stress for Your Dog

Image: Pixabay

The holiday season is here and everyone is getting ready for big celebrations and family gatherings. While it’s an exciting time for you, it can be stressful for your dog. Most pet parents take dog socialisation seriously, but a raucous party can worry even the friendliest dogs. Celebrating holidays with dogs requires a little extra management to ensure your pup is safe, well-behaved, and happy. Preparing your dog for a large group of people is important and should not be overlooked. So how can you best keep your dog comfortable? Here are a few steps to consider.

Introduce Calmly
While some dogs can’t wait to make new friends, others can become a little overwhelmed meeting too many people at once. Manage every introduction your dog has. The best way to do this is to stagger your guests’ entrances, so they don’t all walk in at once. A sudden crowd can frighten your dog, so you’ll want to make sure that the introduction goes calmly on both sides. If you have an overly friendly dog, you’ll want to keep him from jumping on guests and knocking them over. If your dog is more shy you’ll want to prevent overly friendly humans from making him nervous.

Interestingly, Vetstreet points out that dogs may be more fearful of men with booming voices than of soft-spoken women. Many dogs also prefer adults over children. With this in mind, keep a close eye on any kids who are invited to your holiday parties and consider asking your guests to keep their voices down.

A formal introduction that allows your pup and people to feel safe and comfortable is the best way to go. Perhaps have your dog separated in another room behind a baby gate until everyone arrives. The new guests can each greet him individually from the other side of the gate to make it less overwhelming and prevent any jumping.

Offer Solitude
Socialisation can wear your dog out, even if he’s enjoying the company. Set aside a quiet, familiar space for him so he can take a breather. This is especially important for dogs that aren’t social butterflies. If your dog is hesitant about large groups of strangers, don’t force him to hang out. Forcing a dog to socialise more than he’s ready and willing too can lead to a very stressed and fearful dog. Without an escape, he may show aggression to let everyone know he’s afraid. It’s important to prevent this scenario from happening at all.

A haven will help him feel safe and secure and will give him an opportunity to escape from the chaos if he’s feeling nervous or overwhelmed.

Manage Interactions
Once your dog is comfortable hanging around everyone, you’ll want to ensure his safety. Make sure that all human food or drink and decorations are placed out of his reach. Holidays with dogs can be fun for everyone, but you’ll want to emphasise that table scraps are unhealthy and some foods are very dangerous for dogs. Do not let any guests feed your pup human food and explain that this is for his safety, health and well-being. Keep an eye on children as well because an opportunistic pooch will have no problem stealing candy from a baby!

Don’t Forget Your Pup
Playing host to a bunch of guests can be stressful enough as it is, but the stress that it can have on your dog can make him withdraw. So, during the chaos of hosting do not forget to give your dog some attention. Your guests will surely provide him with needed attention, but it’s you, his favourite human, from which he will be seeking the most attention. Take a few minutes out of each hour of the party to reward him with a treat for being good, scratch him behind his ears, or sit down and rub his belly. Knowing that you’re there for him during this chaotic moment will help reassure him and greatly reduce his stress.

Dog socialisation during the holidays is something that should be considered carefully. While you might have a rambunctious pup that loves everyone, being in a large group of people for an extended period can overwhelm even the friendliest dog. Make sure that introductions are done in a calm, supervised manner. Ensure your dog has an appropriate outlet for any anxiety or discomfort. Establish and enforce rules that don’t allow any human foods to be given to your dog and that decorations and gifts are placed out of reach. Once the party introductions are over, you, your dog, and your guests will have a great time. So let’s make sure you can enjoy the holidays with dogs year after year!

Written By: Katie Finlay
Source: Hill’s Pet Nutrition

Montego Pet Nutrition Invests R30 Million In New Gauteng Facility

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Montego Pet Nutrition InvestsMontego Pet Nutrition, Africa’s largest pet food manufacturer, has invested R30 million in a purpose-built facility located in Knoppieslaagte, Centurion. The new facility consists of a dry food factory, brand new warehouse, and admin offices which covers 21 600 sqms of land.

The opening of the new facility entails the consolidation of three existing Gauteng facilities into one plant. This includes Montego’s previous Rosslyn plant moving to the Centurion location, which has created a hub for production, storage, distribution, and admin staff.

The factory will focus on the production of Montego’s Monty & Me Essential range, as well as manufacturing for contract clients. The building was designed to initiate a 100% increase in production capacity, with production forecasted to double when the Centurion facility is operating at full speed. The premises have been successfully audited and is fully equipped with an on-site laboratory to ensure that the same strict controls and testing processes are carried out, as compared to the main plant located in Graaff-Reinet. All raw materials and final products are regularly tested and have been approved according to the Veterinary Approval process, HACCP Pet Food Safety regulations and has also received a FSSC 22 000 certification.

In addition to the factory, a new fully operational warehouse and distribution center has been built on the premises. This has enabled an increase in service delivery to customers while reducing costs and has cut delivery lead time from this depot by 20%.

The final feature of the new facility is a 1 400 sqm. three-story admin office built to accommodate the 147 existing staff based in Gauteng, with room for future new   employees. Montego was able to occupy the new premises within nine months of breaking ground, with the building being designed and constructed from start to finish to suit the needs and specifications of the ever-growing company.

“All decisions during the building process were made with future growth in mind. The decision to combine all three sites into one plant is a significant move for us. This means better customer service, an increase in production and more opportunities for our staff,” says Marco van Jaarsveld, Operations Director at Montego Pet Nutrition.

Source: Montego
Website: www.montego.co.za

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Going away? Where Will They Stay?

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Going away? Where Will They Stay?

It’s that time of year, the time when we all just want to put up our feet, get away and relax.

Finding Pet Friendly Accommodation can be hard, and well, expensive too. Does this mean you have to stay home? Of course not. But you do have to make sure your animals are safe and cared for.

How do you choose between moving your animals to a boarding facility or having someone Pet sit for you at home? Do you ask a friend or family member you can trust, if so, do you take your animals to them, or will they stay in your home? Should you choose a boarding facility, what do you look for, how do you know that your animals will be safe and properly cared for?

Here are a few pointers:

  • If you choose to ask a friend or family member then it is important that your animals know the individual, make sure they are trustworthy and will be able to identify when an emergency arises. It is important that they know what vet you use, so they can take your animals to the vet if needed. Many people who do not own Bulldogs struggle to identify when normal breathing or behavior turns into stressed behavior. If you choose to move your animals to the home of the friend or family member, while you are away, then there are some points to consider. Are there other animals in their home? Are those animals (and your own) social? If they have children, will your animals be okay with kids in the new environment? Will your friend be able to keep your animals in the routine they are used to while having your animals in his/her home? When asking someone close to you to look after your animals, having your animals stay in their own environment can be much less stressful for them.
  • If you choose to use a Pet sitter, then we advise you to do your homework. There are many individuals who do this for extra income over the festive season, we urge you to please work through a trusted, well-established company and ask for references. Using a Pet sitting agency or company means you have someone who comes to your home and stays with your animals for a fee. You can provide them with instructions on care and medications, they will follow the routine your animals are used to, and your animals will be comfy at home. We advise that you arrange to meet with the Pet sitter, allow your pets to meet them and see how they interact with your animals. There is a company called GoSit SA which we gladly recommend if you choose to go this route. They are an amazing group of animal lovers who go above and beyond for their clients and their furry family members.
  • If you prefer boarding your animals, then we also advise that you look at the boarding facilities in your area and go visit them all. That way you can see what the facilities look like and how they operate. If you find one you like, ask them if you can bring your pets along for a visit so they don’t feel overwhelmed with everything being strange when they go for their stay. The boarding areas should be warm, clean, dry, and comfortable. Dogs who don’t get along with others should not be able to make eye contact with others. A proper facility will ask to see the vet books of your animals as well as insist that vaccinations are up to date. Ask them for references and look on the internet and Facebook, often they will have reviews from members of the public who used them before. Discuss your animals needs with the facility, you can provide them with instructions on medication administration, grooming, food etc. Find out what their procedures are in terms of emergencies and vet visits. a Proper facility will do exactly what your animals need.

Whether you choose family, friend, a pet sitter or boarding facility, here is a helpful list of information you can provide your temporary carer, to help them provide the very best service and care:

  • Vet details
  • Knowledge of any pre-existing medical conditions
  • Who to call in an emergency
  • Any medication that your dog is on, instructions and dosage
  • Your dog’s usual feeding routine
  • A note of your dog’s microchip information in case they get lost
  • What time you usually walk your dog and how much exercise they need per day
  • Any behavior issues that they will need to be aware of
  • If staying in your own home or someone else’s, the rules for the household, such as if your dog is allowed up on the furniture etc.
  • Whether you are happy for them to let your dogs interact with others and if not, why. this will be helpful during walks.

Source: English & French Bulldog Rescue SA

Filling Those Stockings

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Filling those stockingsDo you want to add a stocking for your Bully on the Christmas Mantle? Not sure what to fill it with?
There is nothing as rewarding as watching your adopted Bully enjoy their very first Christmas with your family. Especially if they have their very own stocking filled with interesting goodies to enjoy.

We thought it would be a good idea to list some items that you can possibly get (or make) your Bulldog, that are stimulating, fun and will keep them busy for days to come. The most common, and perhaps easiest, to find stocking fillers are items easily bought from your local vet shop, pet shop or even grocery store. These include plush toys, squeaker toys, indestructible balls, store bought dog treats or dental sticks.

You may even want to add a comfy blanket or maybe some rope toys, a new harness, or a Christmas themed outfit. These would be things
most people think of when they consider making a doggy stocking.  But if you know your dogs and what they like, it truly becomes so easy to buy or make them something more unique.

It all comes down to what your dog enjoys. If you have a dog that enjoy mentally stimulating games and toys, then consider treat puzzle toys or a snuffle mat that will force him to use his nose to find his favorite treat. Snuffle mats can easily be made at home if you don’t mind spending a few hours with some old cut off material.

Another popular item for many dogs is an empty plastic bottle. Quick and easy – just remember to remove the cap completely so they don’t chew and swallow it. You can even add a few stones in there if they like noisy toys (this one is to be played with under supervision, of course, and removed once done playing).

Licker mats are also amazing! You can smear anything yummy on there and it will keep them busy for ages.

Other items for bullies to consider is a good nose butter and paw soother to take care of their paw pads. The options are endless – sometimes we just need to think outside the box.

Source: English & French Bulldog Rescue SA

Are you Dressed to Kill or Do you Kill to Dress?

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Wear it Kind – Image by Four Paws

Your Guide to wear it kind because together we can Fix Fashion and Prevent Animal Cruelty.
Animal cruelty comes in many forms and you might, unknowingly, be contributing to it by supporting certain practices, industries, buying certain beauty products or certain clothing items. With so many animal-friendly options available, and more on the market every day, it’s never been easier to have a cruelty-free wardrobe.

In 5 Simple Steps you can make a World of Difference! (by FOUR PAWS)

  1. Look for more sustainable plant-based fibres like organic or recycled cotton and hemp – these fabrics are gentle on the planet and can be found in so many fashion items.
  2. Go for products made from waste! Discarded fishing nets, plastic bottles, recycled polyester, and even used coffee grinds are being made into versatile, durable and luxurious fabrics turning one of the world’s greatest problems – consumer waste – into one of its best solutions!
  3. Love pre-loved! Wearing it Kind doesn’t have to break the bank. Try the 80:20 rule – 80% pre-loved and 20% new and kind.
  4. Be a protector of oceans, rivers, and lakes every time you wash! Use a washing bag in your machine to capture nasty microfibres and put a stop to harmful microplastic pollution.
  5. Speak up! Already have a favourite brand you wish was doing more? Let them know! Your voice may be just the motivation they need to make their products better for animals, people, and the planet.

Let’s look at some Items in YOUR Wardrobe:

Outdoor & Active wear:
More people are wearing outdoor and activewear than ever before but, while it may be practical and super comfortable for us, it can have disastrous impacts on animals and the environment. That is unless we Wear it Kind. By choosing recycled plastic, you’ll not only look fabulous, but you’ll also feel fabulous in the knowledge that you’re helping to clean up our oceans and earth! 

Look for items made from recycled plastics like Econyl – a warm, adaptable, and innovative product made entirely from the ocean and landfill waste! It’s made by recycling industrial plastic, fabric scraps, and discarded or lost fishing nets. Once abandoned at sea, these ‘ghost nets,’ last indefinitely, trapping and killing animals such as turtles and dolphins.

Coats & Knitwear:
Recycled polyester, hemp, and organic or recycled cotton are great options here. If you want the look and feel of cashmere, but without the cruelty, go no further than vegetable cashmere, a revolutionary product made from soy pulp, a by-product of tofu production.

For those choosing to continue to wear wool, at minimum ensure it is mulesed wool-free and don’t forget what’s inside the coat, Primaloft® is a great alternative to down for keeping you warm!

Mulesing is a cruel practice in which lambs have large strips of skin cut away from their buttocks without necessary pain relief. For a long time, this happened because of the (wrong) assumption that a sheep produces more wool if it has more skin folds. Check out the Brands Against Mulesing list to see which brands are taking a stand against mulesing.

Wear it Kind – Image by Four Paws

Shoes, Belts & Handbags:
The range of animal-friendly leather alternatives on the market is growing all the time, here are just a few of the fantastic plant-based options now available.

  • Piñatex is a durable, leather-look product made using pineapple leaves. Developed in Italy, this material is growing in popularity with designers, retailers, and customers alike and, in 2019, department store H&M released a range of boots and jackets using Pinatex and other sustainable materials.
  • Apple leather – another innovative product to hit the market. Made from the leftovers from apple harvesting, apple leather is strong, hypoallergenic and 100% biodegradable.
  • Mushroom, or mycelium, leather is another new kid on the block that could be set to change the future of fashion. While it’s a relatively new technology, prototype mycelium leather bags, belts and other accessories were released in 2019 and we could soon see a lot more of them.
  • For coffee lovers, there could soon be another way to enjoy the bean we love so much! Pioneered by a German company, Nat-2, coffee leather will turn a waste product from the global coffee market into a versatile and sustainable alternative to animal leather.
  • Cork is another more sustainable alternative that not only looks great and performs well but is gentle on the earth. It’s no surprise that a growing number of brands are turning to cork for their designs and more of it is appearing on our shelves.

And this is just the beginning of an ever-expanding list! With more humane alternatives reaching the market all the time, keep a look out for leather made from coconuts, cactus, and teak leaves, just to name a few.

Wear it kind – Image by Four Paws

Basics & Warm Weather:

  • Linen has long been an ethical choice for the fashion-conscious. It has strong sustainability credentials and, unlike many clothes available in stores today, it can be worn time and time again and still look great!
  • Lyocell and modal fabrics, generally known by the brand name Tencel, are a newer alternative. Made by processing wood pulp, lyocell and model fabrics are super soft and resist wrinkling.
  • Microsilk is a revolutionary product that captures the unique properties of silk without harm to any animal. By studying the way spiders spin silk fibres, Bolt Threads, the creators of Microsilk, have imitated nature to create stunning fabrics favoured by ethical fashion designers such as Stella McCartney.
  • When looking for hats that offer sun protection while looking great with any outfit, look no further than jute, straw, and organic cotton. These three materials are versatile, durable, and kind to the plant.

Find brands that are kind to all living beings via our friends at the brand rating platform Good On You.

The demand for ethical fashion is higher than ever! Animal-friendly fashion helps us to #LiveKinder, because we don’t need to harm animals to look good. You can help, by taking our pledge and demonstrate the huge support for animal-friendly and sustainable fashion! Will you WEAR IT KIND? You can sign the pledge here. 

WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER!

Source: The Bulletin & Four Paws
Website: www.thebulletin.co.za

Odd Behaviours of Dogs: Running in Their Sleep and More

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Image: Pixabay

If you’re a dog parent, chances are pretty good that you’ve observed your dog running in their sleep and wondered what on earth is causing those sleeping legs to move so much. Well, wonder no more! We’ve got the low-down on what causes dog sleep running and other quirky canine sleep behaviours.

Running, Twitching, and Barking
Although it might seem that dog sleep running is a distinct behaviour from the twitching, barking, and other vocalisations dogs also sometimes do in their sleep, the truth is that these behaviours are all related, which is why they often happen at the same time. Whether you have a dog running in their sleep, twitching, barking, whining, or all of the above, what you actually have is a dog that’s dreaming.

Dogs’ brains are structurally similar to those of humans, according to Psychology Today, and they go through the same electrical patterns that human brains go through during the sleep cycle. This includes rapid eye movement, otherwise known as REM sleep, during which dreaming occurs. Many dogs try to physically act out their dreams–which often involves reliving memories of what they did that day–and this is the cause of sleep running, barking, and twitching.

Sleep Position
You may have wondered why your dog always curls up in a ball when he lies down to sleep, even when it’s not cold. According to Vetstreet, this behaviour is an evolutionary holdover from their ancestors. In the wild, wolves and wild dogs curl up while sleeping in order to protect their vulnerable organs from an attack.

But if that’s the case, then why do some dogs sleep on their backs with their bellies exposed? A small percentage of dogs are comfortable sleeping this way–Vetstreet estimates between five and ten percent. Easy-going, well-socialised dogs with temperaments that are a far cry from their wolf cousins and ancestors may favour that position. If your pup likes to sleep on their back, this is a sign that they trust you and feels safe and secure in their surroundings.

Turning Circles and Digging
Another strange behaviour you might have observed during your dog’s bedtime is a habit of scratching the floor and turning in circles before lying down, even on a soft surface like a bed or pillow. This behaviour goes all the way back to the same nesting instinct that compels dogs to curl up to sleep. In the wild, their canine ancestors would dig to soften the ground and create nests to lie down in, which would offer added protection and help to regulate body temperature. They would also turn circles to tamp down the dirt, leaves, or grass lining of their bed to make it more comfortable. Why this instinct has survived thousands of years and is still strong in domestic dogs today remains a mystery.

Snoring
Most dogs can be heard sawing logs in their sleep from time to time. However, some do it more often than others. Dogs snore for the same reason humans do–because of an obstruction in the airway. This obstruction can have a number of causes, including allergies or respiratory illness, obesity, or the shape of the snout. Bulldogs, for example, are notorious snorers because of their compact snouts.

While occasional snoring is nothing to be concerned about, chronic snoring could indicate a more serious problem with your pup. In all likelihood, a dog that snores a lot while asleep also has difficulty breathing while awake, warns PetMD. Because dogs rely on the ability to breathe rapidly to help regulate their body temperature, the inability to do so could have serious repercussions on their health. So if you have a chronic snorer, you should visit your veterinarian to determine the cause of their snoring.

Dogs sleep for hours throughout the day, providing plenty of opportunities to observe these quirky behaviours. So the next time you notice your dog running in their sleep, you can smile knowing they’re having a blast chasing dream squirrels or playing a game of dream fetch.

Source: Hill’s Pet Nutrition
Written By: Jean Marie Bauhaus
Website: www.hillspet.co.za