Paw Traits

05/07/2024

https://www.bluecross.org.uk/thank-you-for-completing-the-big-pet-census-2024?token=6ygHaUYccjBxLb2e7jiQ6vP6FCbNrwRyAttsxnIKDbc

Thank you for completing the Big Pet Census 2024 | Blue Cross https://www.bluecross.org.uk/thank-you-for-completing-the-big-pet-census-2024

04/07/2024

Save the Date !

04/07/2024

03/07/2024

Great supplier for doggies that need extra tlc. 🐾❤️🐾

Manage pet incontinence with ease using our dog diapers and belly bands. Our range includes safe, comfortable solutions for male and female dogs, including those in heat or with urinary incontinence. Quality materials and designs provide security and comfort for your pet, and stress-free cleanup for you.🐾🐕🐾

https://houseofpawshps.com/collections/incontinence

03/07/2024

The RSPCA is made up of a National charity and several smaller charities of which we are just one!

Our branch was founded on the 5th April 1978. We primarily assist in the rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing of sick and injured cats, rabbits and small animals, but also rescue dogs and other domestic animals.
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As a small independent charity we are responsible for raising our own funds locally through our charity shops, fundraising events, grants and public donations. Without these donations we would not be able to carry out our vital work.
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We are run by a small group of volunteer Trustees who look after all aspects of the branch daily operations. They are supported by a larger group of volunteers which include animal fosterers and charity shop workers. We have a small number of charity shop staff and one animal welfare staff member.

We are all very passionate about the work we do.

We rely on volunteers to support our mission - from retail assistants to fosterers, feeders to feral trapping. With an ever increasing number of animals needing our help, we would love to hear from you if you would like to join our team of volunteers.

www.rspcamiltonkeynes.co.uk/volunteering-opportunities

03/07/2024

Did you see Sunny this morning?? Her four kittens are also looking for their furrever homes - they are being rehomed in PAIRS, so please only enquire if you are interested in adopting two♥️

We request a minimum donation of £120 per kitten.

Unlike private sellers kittens, all our kittens are treated for worms and fleas, receive a course of vaccinations, are microchipped and will receice a full veterinary checkup.

In addition, if your kitten is too young to be neutered when you adopt, your donation includes the cost of neutering once he/she is old enough. You can also opt for four weeks free insurance available from Petplan.

Please ADOPT, DON’T SHOP!

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06/12/2023

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I NOSE WHAT TIME IT IS!

Dogs just seem to know when it’s time for food, time for a walk or even what time we’re expected to come home, sometimes down to the exact minute!

Yes, they may simply know this from daily routines that create predictable patterns or certain cues that predict certain events, but there is far more to this ability to tell time than the obvious reasons.

One theory is that time has a particular smell. Different times of the day smell differently. Morning smells differently to afternoon or evening.

As air heats up over the course of the day, air currents change and move around, carrying molecules of different odours with it.

These changes become predictable and a dog’s incredible sense of smell enables these odours to become their “clock”.

One example is when you leave the house to go to work, leaving a strong scent behind you. As time passes, your scent becomes weaker.

Dogs predict that when your scent becomes weakened to a certain level, it’s time for you to come home.

The level of your scent predicts the time. As dogs can detect both strong and weak scents and all of the levels in between, it means that they are actually interpreting events across an interval of time.

Another way dogs may tell time is through circadian rhythms. Just like us, dogs have fluctuations in systems like hormone levels, neural activity or body temperature and these rhythms may help them to understand the approximate time of day - just like when our stomach starts growling when it’s nearly time for dinner or we feel tired when it's time for bed.

Dogs are not the only species that can interpret time. Animals that migrate or hibernate follow seasonal cues from nature in the form of daylight and temperature to know when the time is right.

Having hundreds of millions more scent receptors than us, a dog’s amazing ability to smell is likely the reason that dogs just "nose" what time it is.

05/12/2023

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🎄✨ Help Spark change this Christmas!

Did you know that Marks and Spencer will automatically donate to us every time you shop and scan your Sparks Card when you pick us as your chosen charity? 💳

Sign up today and you’ll be helping us raise farming welfare standards, fund our rescue teams and find homes for more animals in need: https://bit.ly/3T6TEkA 🐾

04/12/2023

🐾❤️🐾. I have a small dog coat (bright yellow fleece) if anyone would like it. FREE!

Despite the cold and frosty weather, our pets still love and need to get outdoors! 🐾

Many people think that our pets are protected from the cold by all their fur, but this isn’t actually true! ❄️

Like us humans, our pets can also develop a dangerous and potentially deadly condition called hypothermia. Any pet can become seriously ill if the temperature of their body drops too low, and acting quickly and doing the right thing could save your pet’s life. If you suspect your pet may have hypothermia, it’s important to call your Vet straight away and follow their advice.👩‍⚕️⚠️

🔗Find out more: http://pdsa.me/xbKj

04/12/2023

Photographing a black (& white) dog with a black background …. works 😁 🐾❤️🎄🐾

02/12/2023

Sneak peek from this mornings little photo shoot 🐾❤️🐾

02/12/2023

Today !

01/12/2023

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Have you cracked open your festive chocolates yet?

We've created our own selection box of puppies you can sponsor as a gift for that hard to buy for friend or relative.

You can now choose from a range of our life-saving trainees to sponsor, from Spaniels to Poodles, if one just isn’t enough or you want a different present for different people.
https://www.medicaldetectiondogs.org.uk/puppy-sponsorship/

01/12/2023

It’s officially the festive season 🎄🎅! Stagsden’s Christmas themed Group Dog Walk will be on Saturday 16th December 2023.

Please meet outside the Village Hall (if driving, PLEASE park on the road, past the last house towards MK & not in the hall park park, thank you) at 10am to register. There is a suggested Donation of £5 per dog & each dog will receive a FREE Doggie Bandana!

A reminder that NO bi***es in SEASON please!

If you don’t have a dog, you can still attend. The walk should last approximately an hour & a half which includes a half way refreshment/toilet “pit stop” at Thumpers Pet Supplies, Kinsbourne Farm, Wick End for mulled wine, mince pies (for hoomans only) plus dog treats.

Please keep leads on & leave space especially for anxious dogs which might need it.

Remember to bring suitable clothing for you & your dog and footwear as we will be walking on hard & soft possibly muddy ground including fields & road. Don’t forget poo bags, water & cash for donations.

Finally, if you have neighbours/friends, who are not on Facebook, please let them know about this festive event. Thank you 🙏

Rosie & Jim (Jimmy) are looking forward to seeing you 🐾❤️❤️

30/11/2023

We renamed our two 🐾❤️🐾

WHAT’S IN A NAME ?
Changing a rescued dogs name can be a good thing.

If a dog has come from an unpleasant or abusive background, or even an unknown background, they may associate their name with negative experiences.

A previous owner may have shouted their name just before doing something unpleasant to them.

Changing a dog’s name can be a fresh, new beginning and can provide an opportunity to rebuild broken trust and build new bonds.

There may be concern that changing a dog’s name will confuse them or may cause some form of emotional distress, but dogs really don’t see their names in the same way that we do.

Dogs really don’t care what we call them, as long as that name is associated with positive experiences it will be a good name.

A dog’s name is more important to us than it is to a dog. A name is really just a cue to get your dog’s attention so they respond.

The way a new name is introduced and taught is important. Care should be taken not to attach any negative associations with the new name.

The new name should always be paired with something positive whenever your dog hears the sound. Call the new name and every time your dog reacts, responds or looks at you, reward this with a treat, lots of praise, a game or a toy.

Keep repeating this and dogs will quickly begin to associate their new name with something good about to happen and will start responding to the new sound in a positive way.

“It ain't what they call you, it's what you answer to.” - W.C. Fields. This quote sums up the importance of pairing a name with something positive so that it will always be what a dog wants to answer to.

A previous name may always be linked to a traumatic past, but a new name can be the beginning of a happy ever after and forever home.

30/11/2023

To brighten up a freezing foggy day 🐾❤️🐾

29/11/2023

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Winter care for our furry friends is a nuanced task, considering the diverse needs of different dog breeds. Can you overheat your dog in the winter? ⤵️

While some, like Labradors and Alsatians, boast thick coats and are well-equipped for colder temperatures, others may require extra attention.

Providing cozy sleeping spaces, extra blankets, and even a snug jumper for chilly days can be beneficial. It's crucial to keep them dry after a wet walk and remove snowballs from their paw fur. ❄️

Additionally, be cautious of ice salt and grit, as they can be toxic.

Observing your dog's behaviour and adapting care routines accordingly, from adjusting coat length to offering extra cuddles, ensures a happy and healthy winter for our canine companions!

29/11/2023

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27/11/2023

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What to do if your dog ever goes missing 🐕

26/11/2023

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With less than a week to go before our Christmas Fair event, the volunteer elves are busier than ever!

Running from 12.00 pm to 16.00 pm, it will be held in Great Linford Memorial Hall, MK14 5AX.

We really hope you can pop along for a festive treat - you are welcome to bring your dog along too, plus there’s FREE parking!

Our mystery boxes will make perfect gifts for your furry family members, and there’s more! With craft stalls, BBQ, delicious hot chocolate, mince pies and mulled wine…we really think it’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!!

We really hope you can come along and support your local branch, RSPCA Milton Keynes and North Bucks.

www.rspcamiltonkeynes.co.uk

We are still accepting donations for the event and would be most grateful for any bottles of wine, spirits, smellies etc for our bottle tombola❤️

24/11/2023

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23/11/2023

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23/11/2023

Have recently adopted two RSPCA Milton Keynes & N. Bucks Branch rescues, I can relate to this🐾❤️🐾

Unlike humans, dogs have very limited control over their external environment, which can significantly affect their well-being and behaviour.

Dogs can't alter the noise level in their surroundings, choose their own meal times, or decide when to go for a walk. Their daily lives are largely dictated by the routines and decisions of their human companions, leaving them with few choices about where to go, what to do, and when to do it.

This lack of control can sometimes lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, and frustration. For example, a dog may become anxious if constantly exposed to loud noises but can't retreat to a quieter space. Similarly, a dog may display signs of stress if their routine is frequently disrupted without warning.

However, as dog guardians and primary caregivers, we can help mitigate these feelings of stress by creating an environment that caters to a dog's need for safety, predictability, and stimulation. While we can't give dogs full control over their environment, we can aim to understand their needs and preferences, and adjust their surroundings to make them feel more comfortable and secure.

Helping our dogs to feel safe is the most important part of being their guardian in this World.

Way more important than changing their behaviour.

22/11/2023

🪮Brushing Guide🪮
🍓Red- Priority areas that should be brushed most frequently; feet, legs, undercarriage, chest, neck, ears, behind ears. These are places where matts thrive.
🍌Yellow- Head, sides and tail are all areas that need frequent maintenance but are more forgiving if matts occur.
🍏Green- Easiest part to groom and the least likely to matt; back.
Brush thoroughly all over with a slicker style brush, followed by a metal comb. Ensure you’re getting the comb right down to the root of your dogs hair and will glide through with no resistance🥰

22/11/2023

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Tiny 7 months JRT type

Tiny - about the size of a small cat! - has settled right in. He likes to be centre of attention & involved in absolutely everything! He gets on well with the kids & is happy to play with the Whippet in his foster home. As usual, he's had very little input until arrival so full training needed.

He's happy to chill if everyone else is, even for quite long periods but soon as your up he's up. He can be a bit yappy out walking when he wants to meet other dogs & he wants to meet all of them! Friendly, happy, playful, lapdog. Kids around 8+ because he so small & fragile. Not cat tested

All enquires, please call 01763 244488 & leave a message during opening hours

22/11/2023

A huge Thank You to all those who purchased Purple Poppies 🐾💜🐾

22/11/2023

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21/11/2023

XL Bullies - please read. The RSPCA have advised they will continue to fight the ban !
https://www.rspca.org.uk/whatwedo/endcruelty/changingthelaw/bsl/xlbullies?fbclid=IwAR2mLgXsMr7sJH1XyS3hJYEE8D2sfapLIyEVTEUoeorI0LLuGidRIfttMqQ_aem_AXUrn21_JX6jBfW8PWmKnNrektIaGj_G8oW4wdD-Zb5JGfbup_2VutlvsNsC7_lICnk

Our advice for owners of American XL Bullies following the UK Government's suggestion that they will be added to the list of banned breeds.

20/11/2023

Still missing 🐾💔🐾

19/11/2023

See page 64 of the latest Towpath for my latest article & image - https://www.towpathtalk.co.uk/read-online/