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Top 3 pet-friendly holiday destinations

Pet lovers who are not so keen on leaving their little pal at home whilst heading overseas can look into the idea of pet-friendly holidays. Here are the top three destinations where you can travel with your pooch.

1. New York

As one of the dog capitals of the world, New York is often considered a very pet-friendly place. There are a huge number of amenities across the ‘Big Apple’, which caters for pets and their owners.

Central Park is a dog walker’s heaven and the perfect place to meet fellow dog walkers. Not only are there plenty of dog friendly hotels in the city but there are also a large number of dog salons and boutiques.

2. Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is a dog friendly location, slightly closer to home. However, if you are heading over it’s important to note that dogs are not allowed on some of the islands beaches between 1st May and 30th September. The island is home to some great walks and dog friendly cottages.

The Isle of Wight is a great holiday destination for all with 60 miles of greenery. From historic sites to scenes of natural beauty, there is something for both pet and pet owner to enjoy.

3. France

France is only a stone’s throw away and another hot spot for pets to enjoy. From the Alps to the shores of the Côte d'Azur, there are a number of activities for pets and pet owners to embark on.

If you are camping, it could be worth checking out how many animals you can have per pitch, as there are restrictions in some cases.

If you are heading overseas you might to take a pet passport with you. This records the health and information details of your four-legged friend as well as a UK vets confirmation letter.

If you’re taking your pet on holiday with you, check whether your pet insurance covers you whilst you’re away.

Pet owners fail to grasp the importance of pet insurance

Many UK households see their pet as an extended part of the family. When our cat or dog gets sick, many people will immediately turn to a vet.

However, recent research by the Co-Operative found that up to 29% of pet owners confess that they are reluctant to take their pet to the vet when they are ill due to the cost factor.

In addition, 69% of owners do not have pet insurance for their animals. The same research found that poorly animals could cost their owners as much as £326 per year, if they do not have pet insurance in place.

The study also focussed on the fact that animals in the UK are suffering from a number of animals that we wouldn’t necessarily expect, including back pain, obesity, diabetes, anxiety and depression.

Intriguingly, there are also regional variations on the ailments suffered. London is the most common region for a number of animal illnesses such as headaches, tooth decay, thyroid problems, anxiety and obesity.

One way to ensure that your pet remains as healthy as possible is to regulate their diet and keep them away from food that could have negative long-term effects.

For example, it is very important to keep dogs away from chocolate as it contains caffeine and theobromine. These can have a devastating affect on a canine’s central nervous system.

Devise a strict, calorie controlled diet for your dog to ensure they live a long and healthy life. Once they get used to a regime regarding food it will hopefully lead to all of you seeing the benefits down the line.

Pet insurance could be a wise investment if you wish to cover yourself in the event that your beloved pet does fall ill. Asda Dog Insurance begins from £7.95 a month.

5 famous cartoon cats

How well do you remember your favourite cartoon cats? Here are just a few of the loveable feline figures that have taken the world by storm down the years:

Felix

Felix the cat was created during the black and white silent film era. The black cat with a giant grin and huge white eyes enjoyed massive popularity and success during the 1920s. Featuring in comic strips, animated shorts, postcards, toys and other merchandise, Felix the cat has become an internationally recognised household figure.

Top Cat

Top Cat, otherwise known as TC to his friends, was a classic Hanna-Barbera cartoon TV series which was a huge success for decades. The smooth talking, waistcoat wearing alley cat from Manhattan was loved by many all over the world. Top Cat and his gang were consistently trying to earn some quick cash through a variety of schemes, often finding themselves on the wrong side of the law.

Cat in the hat

No childhood would be complete without an introduction to Dr Seuss’s Cat in the famous children’s book. The tall, mischievous cat who was famous for his long red and white hat has taught generations of children to read since 1957.

Garfield

Garfield is arguably the most famous cat on the planet. This ginger cat carries attitude with him wherever he goes. The hugely popular cartoon strip comic from Jim Davis is internationally recognised and was first published in 1978. It has even held a Guinness World Record for being the world’s most widely distributed comic strip.

The furry, food loving character has two animated TV shows, two feature length live action films and three CGI animated productions under his belt.

Tom

Another one of the world’s most famous cats was part of the loveable duo, Tom and Jerry. The television series is based around the never-ending efforts made by Tom (the cat) to catch Jerry (the mouse). The fun-loving rivalry between cat and mouse often involves comic slapstick violence directed at each other. However, occasionally they are forced to team up against their common enemy, Spike the dog.

Pet insurance could provide peace of mind and help to cover costs for your beloved cat.

By royal appointment – UK pet owners take inspiration from the nation’s most famous family

Prince and Duke are among the most popular pet names which reflect our ‘royal’ regard!

The entire British nation will join together this June in order to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s 60 years as reigning British monarch. It is a great chance for the nation to show their patriotic side and, according to the latest research from Asda Finance, when it comes to naming our pets it seems that patriotism plays a key role.

Research from The Pet Name Analysis Report, conducted for Asda Financial Services by the Callcredit Information Group as part of their pet insurance plan, suggests that Princess is comfortably the most popular patriotic pet name for cats within the UK.

This is closely followed by Duke, Prince and Duchess, all of which emphasise the link between our affection for the Royal family and our very own felines.

The fact that Prince Harry, Elizabeth, Prince and Jubilee are all prominent within the top ten royal names for household cats and dogs tells us that Brits love nothing more than giving their pet a moniker which reflects their love of UK royalty.

The most popular name in the UK for both dogs and cats is Charlie, suggesting that many of us have a special affection for ‘the man who would be King’. Alfie is another hugely popular name for both cats and dogs across the UK.

When it comes to naming our canines, Duke is undoubtedly the top dog! Philip, Charles, Prince and Queenie are among the other popular dog names that help Brits feel closer to royalty.

The strength of the link between naming our pets in honour of notable ‘Royals’ should come as little surprise considering the British nation’s collective love of all things regal. For centuries we have been captivated by the trials and tribulations of the nation’s number one family. This latest research simply serves to cement the fascination we have in this area.

If current trends are anything to go by, it won’t be long before Pippa begins to creep up the list of popular royal pet names. Although only a ‘royal-in-law’ technically speaking, the younger Middleton sister has certainly earned herself a special place in the affections of the British nation.

Whether your pet has a patriotic name or not, you may wish to consider taking out Pet Insurance.

Vets: What every pet owner needs to know

A valued member of our families, caring for our pets is always a priority. For most pet owners this means taking regular trips to the vets – but what exactly do you need to know before you set foot in the door?

The first thing to remember is that a veterinary clinic is your animal’s equivalent of a doctor’s surgery. This means that cleanliness and level of service offered should always be at the forefront of your mind, forming the basis of your main consideration.

Once you have registered with a particular vet you will need to ensure your animal undergoes regular check-ups. Many animals, such as dogs and cats, need regular vaccinations during their early years and vets are responsible for administering these important inoculations.

Vets are also responsible for advising you on how to maintain your animal’s health and, therefore, a number of considerations you need to make.

A recent report in The Guardian detailing how smoking in your home could affect the health of your pet, whilst BBC News revealed how a family pet could boost the immune system of young children.

The health issues of our pets are, therefore, heavily connected with our own and that makes choosing the best veterinary service vital.

According to a report on the BBC, an undercover investigation into veterinary practices by Panorama revealed that some places were guilty of administering questionable bills whilst others allowed junior members of staff to conduct medical procedures.

For many pet owners, this has thrown doubt over the service offered by veterinary services, but it is important to remember that all clinics are controlled by strict guidelines.

To make sure you invest in the best service you, therefore, need to consider the qualifications and reputation of the service you select.

Always ask procedures to be explained to you in full and never be frightened to ask to see qualifications if you are in doubt.

When it comes to the bill, many people see the cost of these services as alarmingly high. Ask for a breakdown of costs if you are concerned about the money you may have to pay and always enquire about the pricing system before registering.

Remember that you could get help with these costs by investing in pet insurance beforehand.

Why do I need cat insurance?

Pets are often considered as members of our extended family and this means we should take every effort to protect them. Insurance policies are one that may assist in doing this – but just why do you need cat insurance?

Our feline friends can encounter a number of risks when out and about. Unlike their canine rivals, cats spend a large amount of their time outside of the family home and this means they are more vulnerable to certain risks.

Eating poisonous substances and getting hit by vehicles are unfortunate, but common, occurrences for these animals and necessary precautions need to be taken to keep them as well protected as possible.

Pet insurance is one way to do this with The Independent claiming that it ‘makes sense’ for pet owners to invest in these policies. The main reason for this is that it gives peace of mind to owners who may be facing financial difficulties.

Pet insurance policies are designed to provide financial security in the event that your pet needs emergency medical treatment. This can often be expensive, giving pet owners a difficult decision to make during a time which is already traumatic.

In fact, according to The Daily Telegraph, vet bills are rising at a rate of approximately 12% a year. This means the costs incurred for treating our beloved animals can be exceptionally steep. Those who are not prepared for this cost may find themselves with an agonising decision to make and this is why insuring your cat is vital.

A recent report in The Guardian revealed that dogs and cats are the easiest pets to obtain insurance for and this means that protecting your faithful companion does not have to be a complicated process.

When it comes to protecting your cat, obtaining an insurance policy can help you to keep them safe at all times – even when they are not in your home.

Cat insurance policies will offer payments to assist with many medical treatments or procedures that may be required and cover most breeds. This gives you and your feline friend more time in one another’s company, whilst removing the possible financial burden associated with maintaining their well-being.

The 3 most effective methods for training your dog

Training your dog can take time and patience. Each dog responds to new training methods differently and will react in different ways, so it is important that pet owners find the most effective method that works for them.

Here are three of the most effective methods for dog training:

1. Positive training

Positive dog training is simple and effective. It does not use any training methods that might hurt or scare dogs. Positive training is done without reinforcement by punishment and this means not pulling on the collar and shouting at the animal. Whilst it has not been shown that this method alone works entirely, it will certainly help to build the bond between you and your pet, as well as helping them to become more obedient.

2. Reliable recall

Dogs are easily distracted and the world is often their playground, whether this involves chasing squirrels or seeing another dog down the street. In some cases, this could seriously put your dog’s life at risk and so it is important to be able to effectively recall your dog. One way to do this would be to teach them different words, for example, ‘come’ could be used as a special word for emergency recall. When training your dog, you could use food rewards if you wish.

3. Your actions

Just as you are watching your dog to see what their response may be to certain actions, they will be watching you. It would be important to remember your facial expressions, body language, tone of voice and the language you use when training your dog. There are many ways that dogs and humans can misunderstand each other, so it could be advisable to keep consistency to help them learn.

Devoting so much time and love into training your dog can be extremely rewarding, however, you never know what is going to happen to them in the future. It could be worth taking out pet insurance.

Top tips for taking your pet on holiday

Leaving your pet at home in your neighbour’s care whilst jetting off for a week or two is not always an option. Whether you need to take your pet on holiday or enjoy taking your pet away with you, there are a number of things you may wish to consider.

Here are some useful tips for your pet holiday checklist;

1. Choose a suitable destination

One of the first things that pet owners should consider when looking for a pet holiday is that the destination is pet friendly.

Check to see if the facilities will accommodate your loveable little creature before booking. It would be advisable to speak to the hotel or accommodation provider to ensure your room is suitable for pets.

2. Travelling

If you are panning a trip outside of the UK, it would be advisable to check with the embassy of your chosen destination when the laws are on taking pets in and out of the country. You could use the UK government’s Defera website to find out more.

Once you and your pet are on the move, make sure you have plenty of water for your four-legged friend. Travelling can be stressful for animals, which will cause them to dehydrate faster, particularly whilst flying.

3. Food

Try and avoid feeding your pet at least two hours before travelling, as this will help to prevent sickness and unwanted toilet accidents on the journey.

4. Comfort

Whilst your animal is travelling, they may feel disorientated and distressed. All the new sights, sounds and smells could potentially over-excite or intimidate your pet. One way of calming down the animal would be to keep something with your scent on it close to your pet. A shirt or a toy would work fine as this helps to comfort them and stay calm, knowing that they can sense you nearby.

One final check on your list should be to review your pet insurance policy to see if you are covered whilst your pet is overseas or on holiday.

One man and his dog – Fenton the YouTube sensation

When a video of a man chasing his dog was unleashed on the internet at the end of last year, Fenton (the dog) became an overnight star.

People around the world marvelled at the pure helplessness of it all: a man desperately chasing his dog as it chases a herd of deer.

Pretty much everyone who saw this video was rolling around in laughter, not least because of the incredibly British accent of the dog’s owner.

The video starring Fenton the dog and his hapless owner has now been watched almost five million times on YouTube.

While everyone enjoyed the funny side of the video, it did raise some important points about animal control when out and about.

The incident took place in Richmond Park in South West London, and shows that any dog owner can lose control of his pet. And once that control has been lost, there can be little you can do about it.

Richmond Borough Council says on its website that owners are allowed to exercise their dog without restriction, but that it should be kept under proper control.

This is for a number of reasons, from dog fouling (which can be harmful if left on the ground) to losing your dog when it runs too far away.

It is important to consider these things when walking your dog, as you could be liable for anything your dog does if you’ve failed to control it.

Natural England, a public body responsible for England’s natural environment, urges dog walkers to err on the side of caution when walking their dog.

It says that while dogs are allowed off the lead on public footpaths, you should not let it off the lead if you can’t rely on its guaranteed obedience.

Dogs should also be kept on their lead if you’re walking near livestock or wildlife, as your dog is likely to be less obedient around other animals.

The case of Fenton the dog was certainly an unusual one, but it highlighted an important issue of animal control.

If you have a dog, think about taking out dog insurance to avoid expensive medical bills.

Most common pet health problems

Any pet owner will tell you that health problems are the biggest fear when it comes to caring for their domestic companions. Like humans, animals can suffer from a range of disorders that affect both their physical and mental health – but what are the most common of these?

Dental health

Oral disease and dental issues are an unfortunately common calamity for pets, with 80% of dogs and 70% of cats showing signs of oral disease by the age of three years – as reported on Hills Pet Nutrition.

Periodontal diseases – infections of the gum or tooth root – are also common with both dogs and cats and can lead to further problems, such as tooth loss. Broken teeth are a common dental health risk for all animals and can be made more likely if dental hygiene is not maintained.

Physical health

Physical ailments for animals can cover a wide range of afflictions and Dogster.com reported that the most common of these for dogs in 2008 were ear infections and skin allergies.

Alongside skin complaints and other physical ailments, dogs and other pets often suffer from health problems relating to their weight. Obesity, in particular, has become a major concern recently and can be caused by numerous factors.

Over-feeding and a lack of exercise are the two main causes and it is important that pet owners are aware of the risks associated with this sort of ailment. Overweight animals can suffer from increased wear and tear on their joints as well as other health conditions, such as heart problems.

Mental health

As with humans, not all health problems experienced in animals are physical and mental health issues also exist. Depression is common, especially in dogs, and can be caused by chemical imbalances, grief or simply a change in location.

Other mental health issues can have more physical causes, with epilepsy being just one example. Again, this is especially common in dogs (with certain breeds being more susceptible to it than others) as well as in other animals.

With all these ailments, seeking medical attention is essential but veterinary bills can be expensive and whilst no pet owners want their animal to suffer, finding a way to afford these costs can be difficult.

Investing in pet insurance can help owners to protect their pets in the best way possible.

Five ways to battle pet obesity

In Britain, we are a nation of pet lovers. Whether you are a dog person, a cat person, or even a bird person, no one loves their pets quite like we do here in the UK.

But the love and affection we all show to our pets is not always a good thing for them. Pet obesity is a growing problem in the UK, and can affect pretty much any animal.

So how can you combat obesity in your pet? There are a number of easy steps to ensure you keep your pet fit and healthy.

Don’t overfeed

Dogs and cats – the most popular pets in the UK – are the most likely to gain weight as a result of overfeeding.

It is easy to give your pet large bowls of food for dinner, as their appetites can seem insatiable. But be careful to only feed your pet the recommended daily amount.

Avoid treats

Using treats is a great way to reward your pet for doing something good, which is especially useful when training them.

But try to avoid making treats a regular occurrence. The whole point is that they are a rarity, so don’t let your pet get used to them.

Choose a calorie-controlled diet

There is an awful lot of pet food on the market to choose from, so it can be hard to know where to start. But take notice of the calories in each one, and consult your vet as to what type of diet would be best.

Don’t give them leftovers

Your dog, or even your cat, may hang around the dining table every night hoping for some leftovers at the end of the meal, but try to avoid giving in.
Pets will stay healthy by only eating at specific mealtimes, so even if it seems like a waste to throw food away, don’t give it to your pet.

Regular exercise

This applies more to dogs than any other animal, as they need to regular exercise to stay healthy. Remember to walk them at least twice a day, to ensure they keep their weight down.

If you are concerned about expensive veterinary bills, consider taking out pet insurance.

Winter safety for pets: a brief guide

We all know how dangerous winter conditions can be for our own health and safety, but what about that of our pets? With the cold weather settling in and celebrations likely to take up most of our time, it is important that we don’t forget to look after our pets as well.

Staying safe outside of the home

Poor weather does not just affect us humans, but animals can also come a cropper on icy paths as well. For dog owners, make sure you walk your dog somewhere where there is sufficient grip on the ground as this will reduce the chance of you, or them, from slipping. For smaller animals or those with thin coats, consider investing in a suitable jacket to help keep some of the winter chill out.

Treats and gifts

Of course, protecting your pets shouldn’t simply be confined to the outside world and once you are back indoors you will still need to spare a thought for their safety. With everyone in the party mood, there are likely to be lots of treats left lying around and the temptation to overindulge your pet could prove difficult to resist.

Make the effort and make sure your pet only eats food which is good for him/her. There is nothing wrong with a few seasonal treats, but make sure they are manufactured specifically for pets as some human foods, such as chocolate, are actually poisonous to animals.

Health and fitness

Especially with older animals, the winter season can lead to a number health related issues and problems. Make sure you spare a thought for your pet’s health by keeping a close eye on them and visiting a licensed vet if you have any concerns.

According to a report in The Guardian, the recession has meant a number of pet-owners are struggling with many of these costs. However, this is no excuse for neglecting your animals. Investing in a pet insurance policy could help you cope with these expensive costs if they arise, helping you to protect your pet and your wallet.

UK’s 5 most popular pets

The UK is a nation of pet lovers, but are you more of a dog person or a cat person? Perhaps you’re fascinated by fish or hopping mad about rabbits. Below we take a look at some of the UKs most popular pets;

Dog

A man’s best friend is undoubtedly one of the most popular domestic pets in the country. However, despite the typical view of the UK being a dog-loving nation, according to figures from the British Federation of Herpetologists (BFH) there are more reptile pets than dogs in the UK. In 2008, there were 8 million reptiles and amphibians being kept as pets in the UK, compared to an estimated 6.5 million dogs.

According to more recent figures from the Pet Food Manufactures Association though, dogs take the number one spot as Britain’s most popular pet.

Cat

Loveable four-legged feline friends are the UK’s second favourite animal with almost 20% of homes owning a domestic cat. Love them or hate them, cats make ideal pets with an estimated 8 million of them currently gracing UK homes. In 2008, 92% of UK based cats were non- pedigree.

Fish

Thanks to the recession, fish are fast becoming one of the UK’s most popular low-cost pets. The ‘budget buddy’ has overtaken other more expensive pets to take the third spot on the pet parade, according to the research. There are an estimated 12 million fish kept indoors while a further 18 million reside in garden ponds.

Rabbit

The research shows that there are an estimated 1 million rabbits in the UK, although they only account for 2.7% of all UK households which own pets.

Hamster

Whilst many would be quick to think hamsters are in the top five popular household pets, the research found that for 2011 indoor birds and guinea pigs are in actual fact more popular.

Whichever pet you prefer the most, you may wish to care for them in the event of sickness or an accident. Pet insurance could help you reduce any emergency vet bills.

Is your pet destroying your relationship?

Dealing with dog or cat dilemmas as a couple is quite common, but if things go too far the relationship could potentially be damaged. For example, pets being allowed in the bedroom could be a frequent cause of arguments between couples.

Training animals can take a lot of time and so if you end up spending more time with your pet than your partner, you might end up having some problems. You might not even realise it but your pet could ruin your relationship.

Household pets can easily become jealous when your attention is no longer focused on them. Many of them do not like to share their food, their home or their human companion. If there is a new addition to the family or if you start seeing someone, your pet’s behaviour might change.

How to deal with a jealous pet

- Figure out the reason for their jealousy. Give your pet plenty of time to adjust to any changes.

- Try to stick to your previous regular routine as much as possible to minimize the changes around it. Try to keep activities such as feeding or walks to a usual schedule as pets tend to get stressed if there’s a break in their routine.

- Give your four legged friend lots of love and attention. He or she needs to know they are not being replaced and that the new partner in your life is not a threat to your relationship with them.

- Encourage your pet and partner to bond over time. The animal might feel threatened at first and will come round in his or her own time.

Whilst your pets may cause you problems, you would not want anything unfortunate to happen to them.

It could be advisable to take out pet insurance to ensure you are financially protected. If nothing else, it could save you a future argument over vet bills with your spouse!

How often should you walk a dog?

One of the many duties and responsibilities a dog owner has is taking your pet out for a walk. But do you know how often and for how long you should walk your dog for?

According to dogtime.com most dogs need 30-60 minutes of exercise a day. A brisk 10 minute stroll will not do the job.

There are also other factors to consider when walking your four-legged friend. The amount of exercise your dog needs depends on the age, breed and health of your dog.

A 10 month old puppy will need more time to run around than a five-year-old dog. Sporting breeds such as a sight hound, for example, will need short bursts of exercise whereas guarding dogs will not need as much as overall sporting breeds who like to hunt all day. Whilst some smaller dogs can get exercise running around the home, small breeds like Pugs, need more exercise than usual because they are prone to obesity.

Active breeds need a minimum of 30 minutes of hard exercise every day.

Dog walking habits

Research from PetPlan has found that 80% of dogs have a regular walk everyday without fail. The majority of dog owners are aware of the importance of regular exercise.

A study from a Polish university found that the sex of the dog owner has a significant impact on the dog’s behaviour during a walk. Dogs walked by men are four times more likely to bite or threaten other dogs.

The research, which is to be published in the Applied Animal Behaviour Science Journal, also found that dogs on a leash are more likely to act aggressively than dogs off the leash.

Dogs need regular exercise to keep them in good health, whilst you may not be able to prevent any accidents or nasty surprises from occurring you can consider taking out pet insurance.