Our top tips to make sure you and your pet have a great 2023!

Our top tips to make sure you and your pet have a great 2023!

With 2023 just around the corner it’s that time of year when we all start choosing our new year resolutions…but has your four-legged friend decided theirs? 

We’ve compiled our top tips to make sure you and your pet can get the new year off to the best start and stay fit and healthy throughout 2023.

1. Keeping Active

 

It’s important to keep our pets fit and active all year round. For dogs this means regular walks and exercise and for cats that means letting them roam and giving them plenty of stimulating toys. 

Keeping your pet’s active can help prevent disease, build muscle, and keep their bones strong.  

A great way of tracking how active your pets are is by using a Tractive GPS wellness device. Simply attach the device to your dog/ cat’s collar and get information on their location, their activity levels and even their sleep at your fingertips, on the app.

 

2. Healthy Treats

A lot of pet treats are full of ‘nasties’, so finding good quality treats can help improve your dog’s health. It’s important to make sure that when giving your pets treats they include healthy ingredients and vitamins. We recommend Sazzy Treats who specialise in natural dog treats and chews with higher nutritional value and without any chemicals or preservatives.

All Pets in a Pickle policy holders get access to our Pickle Perks where there are loads of exclusive, pet-friendly offers. Sazzy Treats is currently offering our policy holders 15% off treats, toys and more. So, get a quote, choose a policy and get access to loads of great discounts today!

3. pet Insurance

No matter how well you take care of your four- legged friends, dogs and cats can get sick just like us and it’s hard to anticipate just how much veterinary treatment can cost. That’s why it’s important to insure your pet to make sure they’re covered all year round, so you can enjoy all the best parts of being a pet parent, knowing that they’re covered. 

Our simple and easy-to-understand policy options make it easy to find the right cover for your pet so get a free quote now. 

Read our blog post about why insuring your pet is so important. 

4. Speak to a vet if you're worried about anything

 

Our pets can get themselves into lots of different pickles, even if you think it’s something minor, it’s often worth checking with a vet just so you can have peace of mind. 

All Pets in a Pickle policy holders get unlimited access to video consultations with experienced, locally registered vets, through FirstVet. So, you can reach a vet from the comfort of your home, whenever your pet is unwell, without it affecting your policy. 

They can help with issues from coughing and sneezing to minor injuries and accidents.

Pets in a Pickle understands how important your pets are, they are part of the family, so should be treated like one, all year round. So get a quote now so you can relax, knowing they’re covered throughout 2023. 

Contact Pets in a Pickle

For more pet information and facts, check out the other news on Pets in a Pickle. To find out more about the range of policies, get in touch with the team today. Call them now on 0800 044 1111, or contact the team online here.

Follow Pets in a Pickle on FacebookInstagram and Twitter.

Keeping Your Pets Healthy This Christmas – Food Guide

Keeping your pets healthy this Christmas - Food Guide

Christmas is the time to have fun, spend quality time with our families and eat our weight in turkey dinner! And since our pets are a big part of our family, they will be wanting to join in on the festive fun too. 

However, the holiday season can present a lot of dangers to our furry friends, especially when it comes to food. So, to make sure your pet stays healthy this Christmas, we have created a guide on what is safe for your fur-baby to eat. 

Although there are lots of things that we are advised not to feed our pets, we have narrowed down the main things at Christmas they can and can’t eat. 

What our pets can’t eat?

Chocolate – The chemical theobromine, which in a way is like caffeine, is found in chocolate and is toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause agitation, hyperexcitability, tremors, convulsions and problems with the heart. The darker the chocolate, the more potent levels of theobromine become – with baker’s chocolate one of the most dangerous.

Nutmeg – Nutmeg is also a very toxic food for dogs, containing a toxin called myristicin which is extremely poisonous.

Grapes and raisins – Grapes and their dried products (currants, sultanas and raisins) are toxic to dogs. Ingestion of even a small quantity can cause severe kidney failure. Don’t forget this will include food items that contain dried fruits such as Christmas pudding and mince pies. Be aware that chocolate-coated raisins run the additional risk of chocolate toxicity.

Macadamia nuts – Macadamia nuts can cause lethargy, increased body temperature, tremor, lameness and stiffness in dogs.

Onions and garlic – Onions, garlic, leeks, shallots and chives all belong to the Allium species of plants and can cause toxicity, whether uncooked or cooked. Initially there can be vomiting and diarrhoea, but the main effect is damage to red blood cells, resulting in anaemia. This may not be apparent for several days after ingestion.

Turkey skin, pork crackling, sausages and fatty meats – Unfortunately, these dog foods can be able to cause inflammation of the pancreas because of their high-fat content.

Alcohol – Dogs can exhibit severe central nervous system symptoms, hypothermia, vomiting, coma, and diarrhea from consuming alcohol or absorbing alcohol through their skin. As even small amounts of alcohol can trigger life threatening levels of toxicity, including a dangerous condition called metabolic acidosis.

 

What your pet can eat?

 Turkey meat (no skin or bones), Salmon (fillets or cooked in spring water are preferable to smoked salmon) and Lamb meat (no bones). 

Scrambled egg – Eggs are a great source of protein, vitamins and minerals and are good for our pet’s health.

Potatoes – A tasty festive treat but make sure you only feed your pet plain mashed or boiled potatoes with nothing else added (e.g. salt, butter). Again, moderation is important. Potatoes, no matter how they are prepared or cooked are very starchy, which pets can struggle to digest.

Vegetables – Take it easy with veggies but you can feed your pet some carrot, parsnip, green beans, courgette, Brussel sprouts, broccoli florets (very small amount only), peas, spinach, cauliflower etc… 

Most green or mixed veg is fine for pets. If you do a mashed carrot and swede with your Christmas dinner your pet is sure to love that but don’t add butter or seasoning to their portion. 

Avoid corn on the cob and bulb vegetables such as onions and leeks.

We hope this helps you keep your fur-babies safe around all the festive food this year. We have loads more tips for keeping your pet safe – read the rest of our pet tips

Why not take out a free quote and find out how we can keep your furry friends safe all year round! ❤️ 

Contact Pets in a Pickle

For more pet information and facts, check out the other news on Pets in a Pickle. To find out more about the range of policies, get in touch with the team today. Call them now on 0800 044 1111, or contact the team online here.

Follow Pets in a Pickle on FacebookInstagram and Twitter.

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Tips For Looking After Your Pets This Christmas

Tips For looking after your Pets This christmas

Now that it’s officially winter, we’re well and truly embracing the festive season at Pets in a Pickle HQ. The Christmas tree is up, the presents are being purr-chased and the Christmas music is on max volume! 

Christmas is all about spending time with those you love, and that includes your furry friends. We want you and your pets to enjoy the good times together – happy and healthy! 

Here are some of our tips for looking after your pets at Christmas time.

Keep Aware Of Hidden Dangers ⚠️

Be aware of hidden dangers for your pets around Christmas. Lilies are poisonous for cats so if you get bought flowers for Christmas, check that bouquet!

Chocolate should also be kept away from dogs and cats as it is toxic if eaten.

Finally, watch your tinsel carefully; it will likely get chewed by your cats and as we know, anything that’s eaten will come out the other end…  

Cosy Sleeping Spot ☁️

Be aware of hidden dangers for your pets around Christmas. Lilies are poisonous for cats so if you get bought flowers for Christmas, check that bouquet!

Chocolate should also be kept away from dogs and cats as it is toxic if eaten.

Finally, watch your tinsel carefully; it will likely get chewed by your cats and as we know, anything that’s eaten will come out the other end…  

Litter Tray Inside For Cats 🐱

Give an option for cats to use the toilet inside, even if they normally go outside. It may be too cold for them, especially if there’s snow on the ground.

Make sure to check catflaps aren’t blocked by snow, so your cat can get out – and back in – freely if they choose to. 

Jackets 🧥

Dogs with short coats like Greyhounds, Dobermans or Chihuahuas struggle to keep warm in the cold weather. 

Get them a cute winter doggy jacket to help keep them warm on walks! 

Wash Dog Paws After Walks 🐾

Trim the hair around your dog’s paws to protect them from lumps of ice (‘ice balls’) forming between the pads and toes of the feet. Salt and grit can also irritate their paws, so make sure you wash your dog’s paws after winter walks. 

Human Food 🍽

It’s not just people who are tempted by Christmas food! Human food can be harmful to your cat or dog’s tummy, so although those pleading eyes might tell you otherwise, try not to feed your pet the remains of your Christmas dinner. 

Don’t Leave Pets Unattended Outside 👀

In the cold and wet weather, it’s important to make sure your cats and dogs can get back inside freely if they’ve been out. If they’re in the garden and you don’t have a cat flap or doggy door, make sure you are always aware of when they want to come in and warm up. Cold pets are susceptible to hypothermia, so make sure this isn’t a risk by not leaving them outside unattended. 

Make sure They're chipped 📍

If left alone outside, cats or dogs are likely to wander off in search of a warm place. Keep them microchipped so they can be traced back to you. 

 

Give Them Lots Of Love… And Space ❤️

Pets are loads of fun to have around at Christmas and often get involved with family festivities. 

Whilst it can be fun to play with your cat or dog, remember that new visitors, flashing lights, tinsel and decorations can be a tiring sensory experience for them to endure. 

Allow them to balance this out with a nap or a solitary snooze… if they’re asleep, try not to wake them and give them space for some alone time if they need it.

They’ll come and see you when they’re ready! 

Hopefully you’ve enjoyed our top tips for safe and happy pets at Christmas. Let the festivities begin! 

For more news, blogs and top tips, check out the Pets in a Pickle pet tips page. 

Want extra security this winter? Why not take out a policy with us and we’ll look after their health so you can focus on the fun stuff. 

Contact Pets in a Pickle

For more pet information and facts, check out the other news on Pets in a Pickle. To find out more about the range of policies, get in touch with the team today. Call them now on 0800 044 1111, or contact the team online here.

Follow Pets in a Pickle on FacebookInstagram and Twitter.

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5 Activities For You And Your Pet To Enjoy This Christmas

activities for you and your pet to enjoy this Christmas

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…

One of the best things about Christmas is being able to take part in festive activities with our loved ones, and it’s even better when we can get our fur family involved too! 

Here are our top 5 activities for you and your pet to share in the run-up to Christmas 🎄: 

1. Winter Walk

As the weather gets colder and we move closer to the big day, all of us at Pets in a Pickle are hoping for a White Christmas! Even if we don’t get snow this year, taking a wintery walk with your best fur friend in the crisp air and winter sun can still be a great way to feel festive. 

Make sure both you and your pet wrap up warm as you take a walk through your local park or across country fields and take in the great scenery!  

Check out our top Winter Tips to help keep your pet safe during the colder months. 

2.  Pet friendly treats

A tasty Christmas tradition for many families is baking lots of Christmas cookies and treats that can be devoured on cosy winter evenings. Usually known for stealing food, why not get your pets involved this time with the prep!

Battersea has shared this great recipe on how to make some festive Peanut Butter and Banana treats for your dog to eat this year!  

It’s a great way to get your pooch involved with the festive fun while also keeping them safe from any harmful food they shouldn’t eat.  

For more information, make sure to read our article on keeping your pets healthy at Christmas which outlines our top food dos and don’ts for your pet. Want extra protection? Take out a policy with us and get access to unlimited video consultations with FirstVet 🐾 

3. Christmas carols

Having a singsong at Christmas is an old tradition but it’s one we love, so why not get your pets involved?

If your dog is one to howl at the radio or sing along with Happy Birthday, we think having them take part in some carolling is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit.  

From ‘Jingle Bells’ to ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’, we can guarantee that when we are hitting those high notes our dogs are quick to join in! 

4.  Christmas presents

Christmas is the season of giving and when it comes to that joy of finding and wrapping the perfect gift or the exciting moment when the recipient opens their special present – we couldn’t deny our pets the fun! 

Our furry family members can get involved by helping to wrap gifts but we’re not sure how useful they’ll be!  

They may be better at unwrapping a gift…so why not treat them to something too. Check out our gift guide for dogs and cats. 

5. Festive movie nights

With so many great festive movies to watch over the holiday season, we couldn’t miss an opportunity to cuddle up in the evening with our fur-babies to watch a Christmas film.  

Our festive favourites include:  

  • The Grinch of course our most-loved character is Max the dog.  
  • A Gift From Bob which stars the gorgeous, ginger tabby, Bob. 
  • Gremlins, although we’re sorry to say we won’t be extending our insurance policies to include Mogwai. 
     

What did you think of our top 5 activities for you and your pet this Christmas? Let us know on our socials which ones you will be part-taking in.  

Or why not share any other activity suggestions you have? We’d love to hear them!  

Contact Pets in a Pickle

For more pet information and facts, check out the other news on Pets in a Pickle. To find out more about the range of policies, get in touch with the team today. Call them now on 0800 044 1111, or contact the team online here.

Follow Pets in a Pickle on FacebookInstagram and Twitter.

Great Presents For Your Pets This Christmas

Great Presents For Your Pets This Christmas

Our furry friends may get a lot of enjoyment from burying themselves in our wrapping paper, but we think it’s nice to add a treat for them under the tree too this Christmas!

 Unfortunately, they haven’t yet mastered the ability to tell us what they want but we’ve got their back with our list of paw-some stocking fillers and gifts for your four-legged family members.

1. Their Own Stocking

We love hanging up our stockings on Christmas Eve, hoping they’ll be full of presents the next morning and with everyone in the family getting their own stocking, why should our pets be left out?

This paw-shaped stocking from Paperchase is just too cute.

2. Treats

While you’re digging into your mince pies, you can’t leave your pets out. Although they’d much rather a chew or some biscuits. 

Sazzy Treats’ range of all delicious, natural chews is our pick, and as a gift to you as a policy holder, you can enjoy 15% off with our Pickle Perks!

Don’t forget to treat your cats too, this tasty mix of Christmas dreamies is sure to be a hit.

3. Toys

Save the toy train, barbie doll and new PS5, for the humans in your life, your fur babies would much rather have a bouncy new ball or a cat-nip plushie. 

These Christmassy cat-nip balls from Pet Plant are the cutest cat toys we’ve seen and are sure to catch your cat’s eye, while these bouncy balls are likely to have your dog running around for hours. 

4. Clothes

As the cold nights draw in, many pet owners are upgrading their pets’ winter wardrobes to keep them warm and safe. Getting a luminescent coat for your dog is a great way to keep them safe while on walks now nights are darker. 

If you’re sorted for practical clothing, how about something more fun..say matching pyjamas for the Christmas family photo? My Christmas Pyjamas offer the comfiest range of  pyjamas for every member of the family, even the furry ones! P.S If you’re a policy holder you can claim and exclusive 10% off all items on the site.

 

5. Accessories

Once you’ve got the outfit, why not get some more pet accessories? From bandanas to bowties, there’s lots you can add to your pets’ collars and spice up their looks during the holiday season… though you may want to take the bells off during the night! 

Are you a fan of sprouts? They may not be the tastiest of vegetables, but Top Dog Collar’s sprout bandana is a super cute accessory for your dog or cat’s collar.  

If you’re looking for something a little sweeter, why not try this ‘Ye Old sweet shop’ bow tie from Salt Dog Studios? 

6. Cosy Blankets And Bedding

Snuggling up indoors on a wintery morning is our favourite way to spend the season. Keep your furry friends warm and cosy this season with this festive sherpa fleece from Smart Pet Shop (bonus point they might just let you share it with them!)

Upgrade their sleeping arrangements too, ahead of the new year, with luxurious and pet-friendly cat and dog beds from Omlet. Their Typology dog bed and Maya doughnut cat bed feature removable machine washable toppers and are customisable to fit in beautifully with your home.

7. Something Strange?

They say a dog is a man’s best friend, but how can your canine be your best mate if you can’t even drink a good pint with them? Imagine sitting at the bar, man and dog drinking beer while watching the footie, sorry, the frisbee.

Well, your dreams are coming true: there is now a non-alcoholic beer that is made exclusively for dogs… and fries to go with it. Check it out here.  

If that’s not your style how about cologne…Christmas Cookies cologne that is! A pet-friendly spray designed to make your pets like freshly baked cookies. A win for everyone.


Which gifts are on your list for your four legged friend?

Make sure to send us a picture at @petsinapickle of them enjoying their prezzies, let us know if you find any other cool Christmas gifts too.

Want access to our Pickle Perks offers? Get a free quote today and join the family!

Contact Pets in a Pickle

For more pet information and facts, check out the other news on Pets in a Pickle. To find out more about the range of policies, get in touch with the team today. Call them now on 0800 044 1111, or contact the team online here.

Follow Pets in a Pickle on FacebookInstagram and Twitter.

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Does The Age Of My Cat Or Dog Affect Insurance Premiums?

Does the age of my cat or dog affect insurance premiums?

Your pet is full of unconditional love for you, no matter how old they are. It is important that you care for your cat or dog by protecting them against any mishaps or illnesses that they might suffer from. 

Pets in a Pickle offer comprehensive, quality insurance for your four-legged friend. Some cat and dog owners think that because their pet is entering their golden years it will leave them out of pocket when it comes to taking out a policy. Whatever the age of the animal, it is important that they are covered in case they get themselves into a pickle!

pexels-photo-416160

Lifetime pet insurance

If you’ve adopted or bought a kitten or puppy at a young age then one of the first things you should do is choose an insurance policy that works for you, and for them. Lifetime Insurance from Pets in a Pickle offers cover for your feline friend and canine companion over the course of their life.

New accidents and illnesses (conditions) are covered up to the specified financial limit in each policy term. If the limit is reached during the policy term, the cover stops until the policy is renewed. At the renewal date, the limit is fully reinstated, and the condition(s) will continue to be covered. 

🐾 This is subject to the insurer inviting the policy renewal and payment of premiums by the due date. No further cover will be provided beyond the cancellation or expiry date of the policy. Please be aware that you need to renew your policy each year for cover to remain in force. 

Naturally, over the years your furry friend is going to visit the vet more often. They may require treatments and medication as they are more likely to develop a health condition. 

The premium may increase each year due to rating factors such as age and claims made. If your pet suffers an illness during the policy term you may find it difficult obtaining cover for these conditions from other providers.

When you start your free quote with Pets in a Pickle, they ask for different information so that the team can provide you with the best insurance possible for you and your pet. 

This includes: 

  • the age of your cat or dog
  • the breed
  • whether it has been neutered/spayed 
  • if it has been chipped. 

Many factors go into calculating the cost of insurance, so don’t let your pet’s age put you off!

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Contact Pets in a Pickle

For more pet information and facts, check out the other news on Pets in a Pickle. To find out more about the range of policies, get in touch with the team today. Call them now on 0800 044 1111, or contact the team online here.

Follow Pets in a Pickle on FacebookInstagram and Twitter.

Cat Body Language And Sounds: What Is Your Cat Trying To Tell You?

Cat Body Language And Sounds: What Is Your Cat Trying To Tell You?

Types Of Cat Body Language And Sounds

We know our pets are very smart animals, cats more so than dogs (so say the cat people, we’re neutral of course!) ?. When it comes to communicating, cats are normally pretty good at letting us know what they want and when – especially when it comes to food! But what about the times when we can’t understand them? Well we’ve got your cat body language translator right here…

1) Meow

Strangely, meowing isn’t something most feral cats do. Despite most people’s assumptions, meows are normally only used in the presence of humans. Kittens are the most vocal – they use it as a form of communication with their mother. However, domestic adult cats tend to stop meowing at each other and only use a meow to communicate with their owner, usually because they want something. Most owners can tell that not all meows are the same. Depending on the situation and the way they meow, you may already know what your cat wants.

2) Purr

There is common speculation that your cat purrs when they’re happy – this isn’t the case. Purring can have many different meanings and cats can change the frequency and speed of their purr depending on how they’re feeling. For example, when cats are hungry their purr is louder, faster and deeper compared to when they’re happy and their purr is soft and soothing. Other feelings communicated by purrs include fear, pain and remorse.

3) Chirp

Often sounding like birds, mother cats usually use this more explanative meow to tell their kittens to pay attention. Likewise, if your cat ‘chirps’ at you, they want your attention! Chirrups and other small squeaks can also occur when your cat is happy and excited. You may also notice cat body language like a raised tail, slightly curled at the end, which means your cat is feeling happy and friendly.

4) Chatter

Has something out the window caught your cat’s attention? You might notice they’ve seen a bird, mouse or insect and start making a stuttering sound. This is known as a ‘chatter’ and it’s a sign of excitement / frustration when your cat has seen prey they want to hunt. Many people claim their cats are talking to the birds……in fact, it might just mean they’re trying to eat them ?.

5) Hisses, Growls And Snarls

These are common sounds of distress and often accompanied by some very distinctive body language. The hiss is used as a warning sign for anything the cat feels threatened by. Growls are also used as warnings but when used with a high-pitched wailing sound, snarls and hisses, your cat could feel scared, territorial or angry and will fight.

Contact Pets in a Pickle

For more pet information and facts, check out the other news on Pets in a Pickle. To find out more about the range of policies, get in touch with the team today. Call them now on 0800 044 1111, or contact the team online here.

Follow Pets in a Pickle on FacebookInstagram and Twitter.

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Credit: Cover photo of Maxine and Ragnor – provided by Jennifer on Facebook.

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