VillagePets

28/11/2023

Shoppers have branded the tree 'cat, kid and puppy proof' while still looking 'fabulous' and 'great for small spaces'

14/11/2023

Video footage of "functionally extinct" Scottish wildcats has been shared by conservationists, who claim that they found a family of the animals roaming an Aberdeenshire forest.

03/11/2023

31/10/2023

Over the next week, there will be fireworks going off all over the UK. We all know about it, same time every year, most of us will have been slowly working with our animals and making preparations for animals living outdoors. If you do need some last minute help, contact me for advice or use this handy link for animals in the home, along with curtains and blinds closed and any walks on lead after dusk, but try and do those late afternoon instead

Original Youtube channel 10HoursOfEverythingSound and music videos for personal growth: https://soundsforhealing.wordpress.com/

31/10/2023

This is something all owners should do for their dogs, all year round.

31/10/2023

Grace is recovering quickly from her lap-spay last week. The collar is now off and she's having more normal (but still calm) walks.
Willows Veterinary Centre LTD did the procedure, which is more expensive but I highly recommend as it at halves recovery time and there are tiny wounds so they also heal quicker.

30/10/2023

Here are some fab, healthy treats you can make at home for you and your pets!

**1. Peanut Butter and Banana Treats:**
🐶 🍌🥜
- Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana
- 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
- 1 cup oat flour (oats ground into a flour)
- Instructions:
1. Mash the banana and mix it with peanut butter.
2. Gradually add oat flour to form a dough.
3. Roll out and cut into shapes.
4. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.

**2. Sweet Potato Chews:**
🐾 🍠
- Ingredients:
- Sweet potatoes
- Instructions:
1. Slice sweet potatoes into thin strips or rounds.
2. Bake at 250°F (120°C) for about 3 hours or until they become chewy.

**3. Chicken and Rice Supplements:**
🍗 🍚
- Ingredients:
- Cooked chicken breast
- Cooked brown rice
- Instructions:
1. Shred the cooked chicken and mix it with cooked brown rice.
2. Serve as a supplement to your dog's regular food.

**4. Carrot Crunchers:**
🥕 🐾
- Ingredients:
- Carrots
- Instructions:
1. Slice carrots into small rounds.
2. Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 3-4 hours until they become crunchy.

**5. Yogurt and Blueberry Bites:**
🥄 💙
- Ingredients:
- Plain yogurt
- Fresh blueberries
- Instructions:
1. Mix yogurt and blueberries.
2. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and freeze.

Remember, while these treats are low in fat and healthy, it's crucial to factor them into your dog's daily food allowance to avoid overfeeding. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily calorie intake, so adjust their regular meals accordingly. Always consult your veterinarian to ensure the treats are suitable for your dog's specific dietary needs. And monitor your dog for any allergies or digestive issues when introducing new treats. 🐕🐾👩‍⚕️

29/10/2023

🐶🌟 **Golden Paste Recipe for You and Your Pup!** 🌟👫

Elevate your health and your furry friend's well-being with this golden paste recipe! 🐕👨‍👩‍👦‍👦

👩‍🍳 **Main Recipe** 👨‍🍳
Ingredients (for both humans and dogs):
- 1/2 cup turmeric powder
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup coconut oil (or use olive or linseed oil)
- 2-3 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

👉 Mix 'em up following the steps below!

**Health Benefits:**
🌼 **Turmeric**: A natural anti-inflammatory that promotes joint health and more.
🖤 **Black Pepper**: Enhances turmeric absorption.
🥥 **Coconut Oil**: Offers a dose of healthy fats.
🤗 Suitable for both humans and canine companions!

👉 Remember: No need for sweeteners! They can provoke inflammation.

Start slowly for both:
🥄 Day 1-4: 1/4 tsp, 2x/day (with food and water)
🥄 Increase gradually for desired effects.

🌿💪🐾

Give it a try and support the health of your entire family! 😊

29/10/2023

🐾🥣 **Bone Broth Recipe for You and Your Pup!** 🥣🐕

Make your pup's tail wag and promote good health with homemade bone broth! It's so simple, you can set it and forget it. 😌

👨‍🍳 **Main Recipe** 👩‍🍳
Ingredients (for both humans and dogs):
- Bones rich in joints (raw chicken or duck feet are perfect)
- Marrow bone (optional)
- Sauce/gravy-free leftover bones from your meals
- 3 tbsp unpasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

**Step-by-Step Guide:**
1. Fill your slow cooker with bones, ensuring plenty of joints are included.
2. Cover the bones with boiling water, plus an extra inch.
3. Add 3 tbsp of unpasteurized ACV to help create a gelatinous broth.
4. Cook on low for 24-36 hours.
5. Strain out the bones and let the broth cool.
6. Remove any hardened fat from the top.
7. Portion the broth (e.g., in ice cube trays) and freeze for convenience.
8. Serve to your pooch!

**Health Benefits:**
🦴 Joint Support
🩺 Gut Health
🐾 Hydration
🍽️ Improved Appetite
🛡️ Immune Support
🌟 Coat and Skin Health
🍏 Detoxification
🏋️‍♂️ Weight Management

It's a tasty and nutritious treat for dogs of all ages, sizes, and diets. Enjoy the health benefits with your furry companion!

🦴🐩

With Woofs and Wags, 🐾🐾

29/10/2023

🐾📢 **Breaking News: The Pet Obesity Epidemic** 📢🐕🐈

We spoke to 148 veterinary professionals at the London Vet Show in November 2022, and the results are alarming: 77% of vets believe that pet obesity is on the rise. Approximately 50% of dogs and 43% of cats are overweight or obese. The impact on their health is staggering.

🚨 **The Weighty Issue** 🚨
Excess weight in pets leads to a wide array of health problems. Obesity isn't just about appearances; it's a serious health concern.

👀 **The First Step: Awareness** 👀
To prevent obesity or halt those creeping pounds, awareness is key. You should know your pet's ideal weight and monitor any fluctuations. Here's how:
- Look for an hourglass shape.
- Check for a waist.
- Feel the ribs easily.

If it's three "nos," your pet may need to shed some pounds. But how?

🍽️ **The Food Factor** 🍽️
Weight management in pets primarily boils down to two things: food and exercise. For pets, it's about 60-70% diet and 30-40% exercise.

🔍 **Get Specific with Feeding** 🔍
Counting calories is crucial. Pet food package guidelines are often too broad. Consider factors like breed, size, activity level, and spaying/neutering. Calculate daily caloric intake using formulas like RER and MER.

🥦 **Food Quality Matters** 🥦
Opt for lower-carb, whole, fresh food. Many processed pet foods are carb-heavy, while fresh diets offer quality protein, fiber, and moisture.

🍬 **Treats Count, So Count Them** 🍬
Limit treats to 10% of total daily calories. Consider healthy options like fresh veggies and fruits. Quality over quantity!

🏋️‍♂️ **Increase Exercise, Safely** 🏋️‍♂️
Regular exercise is a must. Walking provides mental stimulation and sniffing opportunities. Adjust exercise levels based on breed and health. Consult your vet for activity recommendations.

🩺 **Rule Out Medical Conditions** 🩺
If efforts aren't working, visit the vet to rule out medical issues. Conditions like hypothyroidism and Cushing's Syndrome can contribute to weight gain.

📆 **Long-Term Commitment** 📆
Weight management isn't a sprint; it's a marathon. Consistency and healthy habits are the key to long-term success.

🐕💪 **Your Pet's Health Matters** 💪🐈
Join the battle against pet obesity and keep your furry friend's health in check. Every small decision counts in the journey to a healthier, happier pet. 🐶🐾

🥕🚶‍♀️🍏

29/10/2023

Losing weight is tough, whether you're a two-legged or four-legged friend 🐾. But helping your dog shed those extra pounds can lead to a healthier, happier, and longer life. So, why should your dog lose weight?

🐶 **Health Risks**: Just a few extra pounds can put your dog at risk for serious conditions like diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and more. The excess weight isn't a matter of "if" your dog will develop a condition, but "when" and "how severe."

🐾 **Shorter Lives**: Overweight and obese dogs tend to have shorter lives, less energy, and interact less with their families. Dogs at a healthy weight live significantly longer and enjoy a better quality of life.

Ready to start a weight loss journey for your furry friend? 🐕 Here's how:

🏥 **Consult Your Vet**: Never put your dog on a diet without your vet's guidance. Underlying medical conditions could be contributing to the excess weight, and these need to be addressed first.

🍽️ **Ideal Weight**: Calculate your dog's ideal weight based on breed and size. Your vet may recommend a target weight slightly higher than ideal to start. Aim for a safe weight loss of 3-5% of body weight per month.

🍏 **Caloric Intake**: Use the following chart to estimate daily calorie requirements based on your dog's ideal weight:

| Ideal Weight (lbs) | Calories (kcal) |
|-------------------|---------------|
| 10 | 210 |
| 15 | 270 |
| 20 | 340 |
| 25 | 410 |
| 30 | 480 |
| 35 | 550 |
| 40 | 615 |
| 45 | 680 |
| 50 | 750 |

Remember, this is a general guideline. Your vet will provide specific recommendations.

📝 **Specialized Diets**: Consider veterinary weight loss diets. They are tailored to your dog's unique needs, whether it's high protein, low carb, high fiber, or metabolism-boosting.

🚶‍♂️ **Exercise**: Increase daily walks to a brisk 30 minutes. Dogs need more than a stroll for weight loss. Play games and engage in activities to burn calories. Make it fun!

📊 **Progress Check**: Weigh your dog regularly. If there's no significant weight loss within a month, make adjustments. Your vet can help tailor the program to your dog's needs.

🥢 **Meal Management**: Feed specific diet food in several small meals per day. Measure calories carefully to avoid overfeeding or malnutrition.

🙏 **No More Begging**: Don't give in to those pleading eyes! Avoid self-feeders, use timers, pet your dog, and go for a walk instead of feeding when your dog begs.

🐶 **Multi-Dog Households**: Feed dogs separately, and remove uneaten food after a specific time.

🗓️ **Duration**: Most dogs achieve their ideal weight in 6-8 months. Healthy weight loss is gradual, and the key is a dedicated and concerned family working with their vet. 💪

🐕💪❤️

29/10/2023

So, this fall season, why not embrace the pumpkin-loving trend and treat your dog with one of these homemade pumpkin dog treats!

14/10/2023

🐶🎆✨ Hey dog lovers! As we approach the festive season, let's make sure our furry friends stay calm and safe during fireworks. Here are some top tips to help your dogs through the noise and lights:

🔵 Have a Plan: Be prepared for any anxious moments.
🔵 Create a Comfort Zone: Make a cozy space with favorite toys.
🔵 Prep Calming Snacks: Offer enrichment activities.
🔵 Stay Calm and Confident: Your positive energy matters.
🔵 Secure and Stay With Your Dogs: Keep them indoors.
🔵 Check ID and Microchips: Ensure proper identification.

Let's keep our pups happy and stress-free! 🐾❤️🐕

12/10/2023

I have one of these and it's the best lead I've had!

Supergrip leads on our website, on sale!

Also have now added the option for "paypal pay later" so you can split the cost across 3 payment if you wish this is for all products.

04/10/2023

I think it's strange that dogs get called naughty, bad or blamed for their natural behaviour.

It's even odder to me that dogs are usually the last one in the household to be considered.

They are just expected to fit in and have no opinions.

Then when they cry out for their needs to be met in one way or another, a trainer is fetched in.

Then the dog becomes the sentient victim of the vast uneducated dog trainer lottery.

Then if they are unlucky the poor dog is exposed to one of those 'broken people dog trainers' who focus only on results so work through threats and force.

In barely no time at all, a desperate animal who has been asking for help in the only way he knows how, is put into the hands of a disconnected brute of a human with a prong collar and a big scary voice.

The dog learns that when they ask for help they are threatened.

They learn that pain is the response to them trying to stay safe.

That dog learns when they are scared, they just have to push it all back inside because of the brute standing over them, or the metal spikes around their neck.

This is not good enough!

We have the capacity to be so much better than this!

We have enough access to education to know that bullying isn't teaching!

We have known for decades that dogs are emotional and sentient animals.

We have intuition and instinct to know that it's wrong to push a vulnerable animal around.

WE know that it's wrong.

YOU know in your heart that it's wrong.

So why the hell are you still doing it?

(Note from the writer - well I escalated quickly 😅)

03/10/2023

Did you know that all Warwickshire Search and Rescue members volunteer at many local events to raise funds?

We Marshalled last weekends triathlon held in and also and throughout the year.

If you have an event and are in need of Marshalls in return for donations, get in touch.

03/10/2023

27/09/2023

As many of you know, I am a volunteer with Warwickshire Search and Rescue

Did you know that when a person is reported missing, the emergency services will deploy the area search and rescue team?

In Warwickshire and West Midlands, that is us.

We have just been part of a huge 2 day excercise with all emergency services to ensure that of a terrible event was to happen, we could all work together seamlessly to find and help those missing on land and in the water.

Warwickshire Search and Rescue are a charity and we rely on fundraising and helping communities to keep this amazing team AMAZING.

If you are looking to sponsor or gift an organisation, most search and rescue teams are ALL volunteers, so it's a great way to give back x

22/09/2023

Mikey Kennedy for Grace and Saint?

6 of these are available

16-22"
Multicam
Poppy embroidery
Handle
Green cobra buckle

They will be going on the website

20/09/2023

These are amazing, especially after wet walkies! Ans a bargain price too! Mikey Kennedy Francesca Burton

17/09/2023

🐾 Hey everyone! Let's chat about muzzle training for a moment. Muzzles aren't a sign of a "bad" dog but rather a responsible owner ensuring safety for all. There are a lot of situations where a dog might wear a muzzle while out in public or in a higher stress situation. 🐕‍🦺

In light of the current UK discussions around XL Bullies and the potential breed ban, it's essential that dog owners understand the value of muzzle training. Not just for the dogs and owners facing these challenges, but for everyone. 👥

Muzzles can be a positive tool when introduced correctly, ensuring comfort and safety. 🌟 So, whether you're needing a muzzle for a specific training focus (prevention of eating inappropriate items, cooperative care at the vet or groomer, regulations, etc) or you want to be proactive ahead of any changes in the future, now's a great time to introduce this useful skill. 💪

Let's break the stigma and prioritize understanding and education over fear. Check out our infographic on breaking the stigma behind having your dog wear a muzzle in public! More free muzzle training resources will be coming out over the coming weeks so stay tuned 📊❤️

17/09/2023

If anyone would like help muzzle training their Bully....... or any other breed, I am happy to help 🐾 🐾

16/09/2023

We have a selection of obedience balls back in stock starting from £9ea

Fitted with our own rope so no worry of the stitching failing.

06/09/2023

If it’s too hot for your hands or bare feet, then it’s too hot for their paw pads! 🐾🌡️

If you’re unsure whether it’s okay to let your pet go for a walk on pavements, a simple way to test the temperature is by holding your bare skin on the tarmac for 5 seconds ✋⏱️ If you find it painful, then your pet will find it painful to walk on!

To protect your pet, it’s best to avoid walks during the hottest part of the day, which is usually between 8am - 6pm. Remember, if you can't safely exercise your dog, missing a day won't hurt 🐶

If you’re concerned, here’s what to do if your pet gets burnt: http://pdsa.me/DbSl