DG_walkies

20/08/2024

❗️MAKE SURE YOU KNOW THE LAW❗️

According to the RAC, one-third of UK drivers do not comply with this law and do not restrain their dogs while driving. But not doing so can result in a FINE UP TO £5,000! Which is a pretty big price to pay if you are not aware of the law.

Drivers breaching the rule are deemed to be driving carelessly which means they can be hit with three to nine penalty points and receive a fine of £1,000 that can go up to £5,000 if taken to court.

This is a rule you should have encountered when first learning to drive, as it is stated as Rule 57 in the Highway Code.

“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 seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.”

As the rule states, it is also imperative that even when restrained, your dog cannot cause a distraction to the driver. This means where possible, your dog should be restrained in the back of the car and not sitting up front with you. But it is important to mention that while having a dog sitting in a front seat is not illegal, you may still encounter a fine, and it is not the best practice for safety standards.

The rule also clarifies that a seat belt is not the only option for restraining your dog; cages, carriers and guards are also an option. However, we find that a dog seat belt is the easiest, space-saving solution that ensures you can take your dog with you even at short notice! It’s also a suitable option for all sizes and breeds.

Did you know this? Make sure to share so others are aware of the law 🐶

19/08/2024

Dog philosophy 🐾🐾

What makes human existence worth the bother? How can we free ourselves of inner conflict and live with joy? In an extract from his new book, philosopher Mark Rowlands seeks canine counsel in answer to these eternal questions

16/08/2024

Happy Birthday to one of my first clients - little Percy! He may be small but he's a Leo with a very big personality 🐾🦁💜

[Image generated by Microsoft AI Designer software]

09/08/2024

This week I got to go on 2 first dates with these beautiful boys 💜🐾💜 Not a blind date as I'd already met them with their mums. But this was our first time out without them.
The verdict? Love at first walkies. Are we going to see each other again? Definitely! 💜🐶💜
If you're looking for someone who'll love your pooch as much as you do, please get in touch.

09/08/2024

Gold for her little dog 🐾💜

The Netherlands' Sharon van Rouwendaal makes a late move to clinch gold in the women's 10km marathon swim in the River Seine.

31/07/2024

☀️HOT PAVEMENT WARNING☀️

Yes, even on warm days, in certain conditions, pavements can become hot enough to cause pain, discomfort and even burn your dog’s paws. Although you may think your dog’s paw pads are quite tough, it’s important to remember that they are still made of skin and can be just as sensitive as the bottom of your feet.

On sunny days, pavements can often be deceptively hot and will usually be much warmer than the air outside. Dark and dense pavements easily absorb heat from the sun and are good at keeping hold of it and releasing it slowly. Natural surfaces, including grass, tend to be much cooler, as plants release water to help cool themselves down.

🔸HOW TO CHECK🔸
The best way to tell if a pavement is too hot for your dog to walk on is to place the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If it’s too painful for your hand, then it’s too painful for your dog’s paws.

If you notice that your dog is limping, looking uncomfortable or whimpering, then look at the bottom of their paws and check the temperature of the pavement with the back of your hand. If your dog’s paws look red, swollen or blistered then it’s important that you quickly take them off the hot pavement and contact your vet for advice as soon as possible.

29/07/2024

"Well, if we're not going walkies because it's too hot, I'm going to bounce all over you indoors!" 🐶😂

29/07/2024

Today's tools of the trade - lots of liquids (for the doggies and me!) 🥵

28/07/2024

"Dog people need to be with dog people". Agreed 👍

For some owners, animals are part of the family. But for their friends and lovers, they can present a serious problem …

27/07/2024

Rosettes for good boys and girls

27/07/2024

Looking forward to some four-legged fun this afternoon 🐾🐾

Calling all my clients and local dog owners 🐾🐾🐾 Hope to see you at Meon Funfest DOG SHOW next week - judged by my dear friend, neighbour and amazing groomer Bella Luca Dog Grooming and Spa Do come along for a little doggy get together and some four-legged fun 🏆🏆🥇💜

PS: It's a good job I'm not judging, as I'd find it very hard to pick the waggiest tail between WCS Harry and Millie - whose tails never ever stop! Plus, all my doggies are the happiest when I get to their door (well, 99% of the time - Rupes wasn't a happy bunny this week😞🐢). My Arlo does tricks - but I'm not sure which of my walkers do? At a guess, I'd put my money on Henry. Prettiest bitch? Most handsome boy? OMD - I couldn't possibly have a favourite! 😉 Best in show - again, too difficult to decide.

Good luck to all 🤞🐾

26/07/2024

'Boop' is one of my favourite words. 💜 I use it with doggies that boop my fist with their lovely wet nose to get me to open it up and give them a dog treat 🤛🐶👃😋

The new additions are among more than 3,200 words and phrases introduced this year.

26/07/2024

A little heads-up for (responsible) local dog owners. If, like me, you love our local National Trust Hidcote, but don't like leaving your doggy at home - I'm sure you'll be interested in a new trial they are running, starting Friday 2 August. will run, on Fridays only, until the end of August. Owners will be allowed to take their dogs into these very special Grade 1 listed gardens - as long as everyone follows their Canine Code: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/gloucestershire-cotswolds/hidcote/visiting-hidcote-with-your-dog. Short leads, stick to paths/mown grass, pick up p**p, no drinking or paddling in water features. If we all do this and pass the trial with flying colours, hopefully we'll be able to take our doggies to Hidcote in future.

PS: How lucky were we?! Last week, Arlo got to pre-trial the new trial with George!

19/07/2024

Calling all my clients and local dog owners 🐾🐾🐾 Hope to see you at Meon Funfest DOG SHOW next week - judged by my dear friend, neighbour and amazing groomer Bella Luca Dog Grooming and Spa Do come along for a little doggy get together and some four-legged fun 🏆🏆🥇💜

PS: It's a good job I'm not judging, as I'd find it very hard to pick the waggiest tail between WCS Harry and Millie - whose tails never ever stop! Plus, all my doggies are the happiest when I get to their door (well, 99% of the time - Rupes wasn't a happy bunny this week😞🐢). My Arlo does tricks - but I'm not sure which of my walkers do? At a guess, I'd put my money on Henry. Prettiest bitch? Most handsome boy? OMD - I couldn't possibly have a favourite! 😉 Best in show - again, too difficult to decide.

Good luck to all 🤞🐾

16/07/2024

Yappy Ever After - well done 💜

Toby is eating a special diet with pro-biotic dog food to help him gain weight, after being rescued.

15/07/2024

Today is St Swithin's Day - so I guess that means we're going to have another 40 days of the wet stuff 😕 Sorry, Percy, Rupert and Millie - paws crossed it'll be dry during your bookings 🤞 How does your dog feel about rain? Do they care? Or do they hate it?

Photo credit: BBC News website

12/07/2024

Every dog’s different. Some are pullers, others are plodders. Some go nuts for toys, treats and balls. Some want nothing at all. There are off-lead heroes. And recall zeroes. Some go for miles, others just a patch. Some are well-mannered. Some may sn**ch! Some really dislike rain or puddles. While others splish and splash - then come for cuddles! Fast or slow, big or small. All dogs are individual. And I love them all. 💜🐾🐾💜 I offer solo walks adapted to each doggy (or doggies from one household). Let me know what your pooch prefers.

10/07/2024

Brilliant 😍🐶😂

In the doggy bookshop….

10/07/2024

Bella Luca Dog Grooming and Spa Well done, Mia 🐾🐾👏👏👏

10/07/2024

🦟 TICKS ,TICKS, TICKS

If you have spotted a pesky tick on your pet, here are some handy tips on how to safely remove a tick:

➡️ Slide the tick remover (or if you do not have one of these, fine-tipped tweezers should do the trick) under the tick as close to your pet’s skin as possible.

➡️ If the tool doesn’t fit neatly, try a different size.

➡️ Be very careful to hold the tick gently and close to the skin.

➡️ Twist the tick: Without pulling upwards, twist the tool in one direction until you feel the tick loosen. It will let go when you’ve turned enough.

➡️ Remove the tick: Slowly lift the tool away from your pet; the tick should release and stay in the hook.

➡️ Dispose of it in a sealed container or resealable freezer bag to prevent it from attaching to other people or animals.

➡️ Clean the area: After removing the tick, clean the affected area with warm salty water.

10/07/2024

Same field. Different walks. One dog drags me to the field. The other gently leads me. One is unsure. One is super sassy. One likes loads of fuss. The other doesn't. One isn't allowed treats, while the other expects them! Every dog is different. That's why I specialise in solo walkies, where I can tailor everything to your pooch's preferences.

09/07/2024

Little and Large. My regular Fernleigh Park furries 💜🐾🐾💜 One's big and very bouncy. One likes to sniff and shuffle. One loves his chicken treats. The other has special lamb ones. This is why I do solo walks. So I can adapt everything individually to each dog's likes and needs.

05/07/2024

July 5 is Pet Remembrance Day. Dogs have always been the Number 1 pet in my life and so it's good to know there's a special day to remember those that have gone over the rainbow bridge.

04/07/2024

Mine work it too 😂🐶💜

28/06/2024

💜🐾💜 Jun 28 is a special day originally founded by Archie Brindleton - a loving dog and his adoring owners. I adore all the dogs I walk, but it was a special treat this week to catch up again with Darcy and play in the shade of her garden. Next week's weather is looking much better (ie cooler) for normal regular walkies *phew*.

25/06/2024

With the temperatures rising, our pets rely on their owners to keep them safe and healthy. Remember a few good tips to keep your pets safe and cool!👇

How do YOU keep your pets safe in the hot summer? Share your tips with us.

Pets As Therapy always put the welfare of PAT Pets first. We advise our PAT Volunteers to cancel and/or reschedule their visits if they are concerned about their pet's health during the hot days.

25/06/2024

https://youtu.be/VoA-oP9RwlE

Summer has arrived, yet the hot weather, grass seeds, heatstroke, blue-green algae, and bee stings can all prevent you and your dog from enjoying it.

Find out more about keeping your dog safe this summer at thekennelclub.org.uk/summerdangers

23/06/2024

The weather forecast for this week falls within the Dog First Aid SM 'extreme caution' zone, so I'm cancelling some walkies this week and swapping to doggy drop-ins and quick let outs for other clients this week. Take care, folks! 🥵🥵🥵

23/06/2024

🥵HEATSTROKE SYMPTOMS🥵

Dogs suffering from heatstroke urgently need to have their body temperature lowered gradually for the best chance of survival.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:
🔹Move the dog to a shaded and cool area. (Tiled floors not in direct sunlight are great)
🔹Immediately pour cool water over the dog. Tap water (15-16°C) has been found to be the most effective at cooling dogs with heat-related illnesses. (In a true emergency, any water is better than nothing.)
🔹Create a breeze, use a fan or aircon
Wet towels placed over the dog can worsen the condition, trapping heat. In mild cases towels can be placed under the dog, but NEVER OVER!
🔹Allow the dog to drink small amounts of cool water
🔹Continue to pour cool water over the dog until their breathing starts to settle, but not too much that they start shivering
🔹Dogs that have lost consciousness will stop panting, despite still having a very high temperature, these dogs require urgent aggressive cooling as a priority.
🔹Throughout the treatment of heatstroke try to avoid pouring water on your dog’s head, as there is a risk of them inhaling the water which could lead to drowning, especially for flat-faced and unconscious dogs. The back of the neck, onto the tummy or the dogs back are recommended.
🔹Once the dog is cool, take them to the nearest vet as a matter of urgency.

Heatstroke can affect any breed of dog. However some types of dogs are more prone to heatstroke, like very old or young dogs, dogs with thick, heavy coats or dogs with very short flat faces like pugs and bulldog types. Dogs with certain diseases or on some types of medication are also more at risk.