Why should you insure your pet?

Why should you insure your pet?

Our pets are a big part of our families, there through the good… and the bad. They make us laugh getting themselves in various pickles – but they always keep us smiling! 

Whether you are picking up a new playful pooch or adopting a curious cat, it’s crucial that you take out a pet insurance policy to protect your four-legged friends should anything go wrong.

Is a Pet Insurance Policy Worth It?

When you welcome an animal into your home, they become your responsibility. Not only do you need to shower them with love and affection, but you also need to be prepared for those unexpected, pricey healthcare bills and vet fees (the not so fun part)!

We understand that it can be tempting to try and reduce your monthly spending and forgo insurance for your pets, but the saving made on a potential vet visit eight months down the line, for example, with a policy as opposed to one big cost might be beneficial in the long run. 

Protect your wonderfully quirky pets with a simple, fuss-free policy from us. Straightforward, and with all the quality you’d expect, with Pets in a Pickle, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your furry friends are covered.

 You can view our simple and easy to understand policy options online today.

What Veterinary Bills Does Pet Insurance Cover?

No matter how well we look out for our cats and dogs, they still get themselves into little pickles. Whether they managed to sneak into the snack cupboard and nibble on something they shouldn’t have, or simply caught a virus, vomiting and diarrhoea, the unexpected can happen at a moment’s notice.

Sometimes our mischievous pets can get into accidents, from minor injuries such as a torn nail or a broken bone, to more serious cases such as being hit by a car. Cats and dogs can also develop chronic illnesses such as diabetes or cancer. This means that they will require medication and regular visits to the vets for the rest of their lives.

Each of these unexpected injuries can cost thousands of pounds in vet bills, but with cover from Pets in a Pickle you can rest easy, knowing that you can afford to provide them with surgery or treatment, offering them the care and attention they really need.

Cover The Costs If Your Pet Goes Missing!

The thought of your cat or dog going missing is hard to process, however it can and does happen. 

Did you know that your pet insurance policy can cover you for advertising and reward costs in case your furry friend disappears? Depending on the level of cover, your pets really can be protected from an incredible range of circumstances, so insuring your animals really offers much more than just covering unexpected vet bills.

Start Your Pet Insurance Quote Today!

If you have a cat or dog that you would like to protect, find out why Pets In A Pickle are the purrfect pet insurance provider.

With simple and easy to understand policy options, you’ll be able to focus on enjoying time with your pet, whilst we handle the serious stuff. Start your quote now.

If you would like to find out more about any pet insurance policy, pick up the dog and bone! 

Call now on 0800 044 1111.

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 Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

5 ways to look after your pets during Fireworks

5 ways to look after your pets during Fireworks

Fireworks are used for many a celebration from Bonfire Night to New Year’s Eve, and whilst we may love their bright lights showering across the sky our furry friends aren’t always so pleased!

To help keep your pets safe and well during the festivities, we’ve compiled five tips to prepare them before and during fireworks shows.

1. Create a cosy haven or hiding place

A cosy, quiet space full of all your pets’ favourite toys, blankets, bedding, and chews (especially long-lasting to see them through the night) or a nook for them to hide in make great places for them to seek refuge and feel safe in during Fireworks shows.

Moving them into this space in the evenings leading up to the fireworks puts them in a routine and trains them to associate the space with positive feelings and experiences so they can seek it out when stressed.

2. Exercise In The Morning​

If you can, move your daily walk to during the day before it gets dark. This way they can be tucked up in their blankets by the time the fireworks start.

Avoid letting cats out during the evening by closing cat flaps and escape-proof your garden in case they get out somehow by ensuring holes in fences, or broken gate locks are fixed.

3. Cover & Distract

In the evening make sure to close all windows and put up your thickest curtains to muffle the loud sounds and hide the flashing lights. This will reduce the severity of their triggers.

Following this, distract their attention from the sounds outside with a pet-friendly playlist, soft music, radio or TV (make sure it’s nothing too frightening). 

We especially recommend Classic FM’s Pet Classics playlist, research has suggested that Classical music is especially soothing for pets.

4. Remain calm

Try and remain calm and as unbothered by the fireworks as possible. Talk to and interact with your pets normally as though it’s just another day. This will help reduce their anxiety.

We know it’s tempting but try not to smother them and give them too much attention. Do allow them to feel your presence and know you are there if needed.

5. Consult a vet and try medications

In extreme cases, it may be time to contact a vet for medication and treatments to help with your pet’s anxiety.

Pheromone plug-in diffusers, which create a sense of calm in pets, are also available in speciality pet stores and online*.

*This is not guaranteed health advice.

 

If you have an anxious pet, we hope you find something helpful in these tips to help ease their fear around this time. 

Happy Howlidays to you and your four-legged friends, we hope you can both enjoy the celebrations safe and happy.

Have some more tips of your own? Comment them below!

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 Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Additional Sources:

https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/general/fireworks

https://www.battersea.org.uk/pet-advice/dog-care-advice/%E2%80%8Bdogs-and-fireworks

https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/all-pets/pets-and-fireworks

Assistance Dogs Awareness

Celebrating Assistance Dogs

As passionate dog owners we know the love, care, and dedication we put into looking after our pooches; we feed, walk, play, and give dogs a home where they can be loved and cherished for their whole life. Most of the time we forget how much our dogs also return the favour, filling our lives with love, joy and companionship – they really are man’s best friend!

But there are some dogs that go above and beyond when caring for their owners and we want to celebrate them. Assistance Dog Week takes place every year from 7th to the 13th August to recognise all the great work Assistance and Service dogs do when helping their owners with illnesses and disabilities

Types of Assistance Dogs

Guide Dogs – One of the most used and well-known type of assistance dog is a guide dog, which aim to help lead those that are visually impaired or blind.

Seizure Alert & Response Dogs – Commonly owned by people with epilepsy, seizure alert dogs are specifically trained to provide comfort, prevent injury and alert a designated person that their owner is having a seizure.

Diabetic Alert Dogs – Trained to identify when levels of blood sugar have risen or dropped in humans, diabetic alert dogs are able to let their owner know when their has been a dangerous change in their blood glucose levels.

Hearing Dogs – Owned by those that are hard-of-hearing or deaf, these type of assistance dogs can alert you to important sounds such as a phone-ringing, smoke alarm or doorbell.

Psychiatric Assistance Dogs – Supporting those with mental health disorders, such as Anxiety and PTSD in an emotional context. These dogs can offer a soothing presence or be trained to ensure spaces are safe for their owners to enter.

Mobility Assistance Dogs – These dogs are trained to support those with mobility impairments by bringing them objects, and opening doors, among other things. Offering their owners independence.

Assistance Dogs Out & About

On any normal day we would be all for petting and having a chat with  a cute lil pup out and about, however, when it comes to an assistance dog please fight the urge! 

Just like we perform best without distractions so do these hard workers, and we can all agree they’re doing great work. 

Recommended don’ts  –

  • Don’t pet or distract them
  • Don’t attempt to feed them/give them treats
  • Don’t give them commands or try and steer them
  • Don’t allow your dogs to challenge them when they’re out 
  • Don’t feel sorry for them, they are loved and appreciated by their owners as well as being fulfilled

Generally, avoid disturbing them when they’re on the job.

Some do’s – 

  • Do engage with their handler/owner first, and ask their permission before your interact with them, giving their owner respect and autonomy
  • Do give assistance dogs the right of way
  • Do ask for permission to pet them from their handlers, and do accept their answer if they say ‘no’
  • If you see an assisstant dog by themselves, they be trained to find help if their owner is in distress. Try and locate the owner and follow the dog if it urges you to.

Charities You can Support

We love assistance dogs and are so inspired by the work they do and the difference they make in peoples lives.

If you want to support these amazing canines, have a look at some of the charities working to support all types of assistance dogs here in the UK:

Guide Dogs for the Blind

Assistance Dogs UK

Dogs for Good

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People

Psychiatric Assistance Dogs Foundation

Dog A.I.D

Helpful Hounds

Veterans with Dogs

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 Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Additional Sources:

www.guidedog.org/PuppyRaising/PuppyRaiserManual/Resources/Assistance_Dog_Etiquette.aspx

www.dogster.com/lifestyle/10-types-of-service-dogs-and-what-they-do

www.purina.co.uk/find-a-pet/articles/dog-types/breed-guides/service-dogs

www.labradortraininghq.com/labrador-training/service-dog-etiquette/

Insuring Your Pedigree Breed

Insuring Your Pedigree Breed

For many pet owners, insurance can be a grey area, especially when it comes to choosing the right policy for their pedigree pet. A pedigree cat or dog is born from parents who are the same breed, for example, a Labrador or Bengal Cat.

Pedigree breeds are more expensive to insure

Some pedigree breeds are more likely to develop hereditary conditions than mixed-breed pets (mongrels/moggies), so naturally owners sometimes assume that they will be paying more to insure their pedigree pup or kitten, as they are at an increased likelihood of making a claim.

 Pets in a Pickle take into consideration more than just the lineage of your furry friend. 

Premiums are calculated with other factors than just breeds, things such as the age of your pet at the start of the policy and where you live can also affect it.

Which Pedigree Breeds have the Most Claims?

Below are the most claimed for pedigree breeds, from Pets in a Pickle claims settled between Jan- Dec 2021:

  • French Bulldog
  • Jack Russell Terrier
  • Yorkshire Terrier
  • Bengal
  • Ragdoll
  • British Shorthair
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What cover is best for your pet?

Pets in a Pickle can insure your cat or dog from as young as eight weeks. Once you have found the perfect pet for you, it is a good idea to research any hereditary or congenital conditions that might occur in its life to decide what level of cover limit would suit you.

Pets in a Pickle have simple and easy to understand policy options so you can find the perfect cover for your furry-friend. 

Are you welcoming a furry new addition to your family soon? Make sure that your pet is insured as soon as possible, so you can relax knowing they are protected so you can focus on enjoying time with your pets, whilst we handle the serious stuff. Get a free online quote with Pets in a Pickle today!

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 Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

How To Welcome A Rescue Dog Into Your Home

How to welcome a rescue dog into your home

So, you have made the decision to adopt a rescue dog. It’s an amazingly rewarding decision but can also be nerve-racking. Below are a few tips on how to make your new furry friend feel welcome in your home!

It’s important to remember that your new companion is stepping into a whole new world. It is crucial that you ensure the first few weeks of living with your rescue dog go as smoothly as possible to make the transition as easy as possible for them. Here’s some top tips on how to prepare.

Preparation prior to bringing your rescue dog home

Prior to bringing your dog home, make some time to plan. It is a good idea to allocate designated areas within your home for your new pet to eat, drink and sleep so that they have their own safe space.

Make sure you purchase the necessities needed for owning a dog, such as:

• Lead and collar with a tag including relevant contact details
• Bed and blankets
• Food and treats
• Grooming products
• Training equipment (including toilet training)
• Doggy bags

 
Next, safeguard your home to prepare for your new arrival. This includes tasks such as removing any potentially hazardous or valuable items that your dog could easily chew through.

Day one

It’s an exciting day when you get to bring your new rescue dog home. It’s important not to overwhelm the new arrival, so bring your dog straight home with no detours and let them become familiar with their new surroundings. Give your dog plenty of time to freely sniff each area of your home and introduce them to their toilet area as soon as you can. If they use the area correctly, reward them with treats or extended playtime to help build on positive behaviour.


If you are introducing your dog to children, ensure that your children have been instructed on how to approach your pet. Do not introduce your dog to any cats until you are 100% confident that the interaction will go positively.

The next few weeks

Within a few weeks, hopefully your dog will begin to settle in and your routines will have started to become familiar. Each dog will take a
different amount of time to become acclimatised to their new surroundings, so the most vital thing is that you remain patient and
understanding with your new pet!

Regardless of the amount of time it takes them to settle in, regular routines, love and playtime will make sure the pup feels like a member
of the family.

If you’re looking for pet insurance for your new rescue dog, Pets in a Pickle can help. Browse our simple and easy to understand policy options to make sure your canine companion is protected.

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 Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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 Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

5 Interesting Facts About Dogs

5 Interesting facts about dogs

Who doesn’t love dogs? They make the perfect pets as they are full of affection for their owners. From Labradors to German Shepherds, Poodles to Bulldogs, there isn’t a breed on the planet that isn’t adorable. When it comes to your canine companion, how much do you really know? Here’s 5 interesting facts about dogs:

1) Dogs sweat through their paws

Did you know that the only sweat glands dogs have are in their paws? That’s why on a hot day your dog will start panting in order to circulate cool air around their bodies. If it’s particularly warm outside, then it is important to keep your pet safe in the heat.

2) Puppies mature quickly

Whilst many people think that one year of a dog’s life equates to seven years of a human’s, this is actually not the case. For many breeds, your puppy will physically mature to the equivalent of a fifteen-year-old human. The rate at which your dog ages after their first year depends on how big it is, for example a Great Dane will reach maturity quicker than a Jack Russel Terrier.

3) Dogs have heightened senses

It is common knowledge that dogs like bloodhounds and springer spaniels have a great sense of smell. Anyone who has accidentally knocked their dog’s food bowl and had their pet come running in from a distance will also know that canines are great at hearing! However, did you know that a dog can hear up to four times as far as a human? If you think that’s impressive, get this…their sense of smell can be well over one thousand times better than ours! No wonder they come running as soon as you open the fridge…

4) Your pet can sense your feelings

Has your dog ever comforted you when you’ve felt down? Celebrated with you when you were excited? Your furry friend can pick up on changes in your scent that are associated with different emotions. It’s this same amazing sense of smell that allows some dogs to detect pregnancies, diseases and seizures.

5) Dogs are more intelligent than you think!

Scientifically speaking, a fully matured dog is just as smart as a two-year old toddler! Both can understand over two hundred gestures and words. Your pup also picks up on routines, so they know around what time they’re going to be fed, when they’re going for a walk and when it’s time for bed.

Want to know more facts about dogs?

Take a look at other articles on our Pet Tips page to see further information and facts about pets. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more canine related content!

 

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 Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

9 Beautiful Parks In London To Walk Your Dog

9 Beautiful Parks In London To Walk Your Dog

Get Some Fresh Air With Your Pooch In These Beautiful London Parks

It may be a busy concrete jungle, but London has plenty of green spaces for you and your dog to explore together. Both on and off lead exercise are super important for the health of your pup, so why not check out nine picturesque London parks you can visit with your pet…

1) Alexandra Palace And Park

Alexandra Palace and Park in North London is made up of 196 acres of Grade II listed English Heritage parkland. The views from this park are truly picturesque; it’s the perfect place to see London’s skyline from Canary Wharf to St Paul’s Cathedral and the Shard. If you’re after a dog-walk with a view, this is the perfect place to take your pup. There’s also some bonus activities here if you’re after a family day out, including a farmers market, café, bar and boating lake.

Nearest Station: Alexandra Palace (National Rail)
Car Parking: Yes

Alexandra palace and park

2) Battersea Park

 

On the south bank of the River Thames adjacent to Chelsea, Battersea park spans 200 acres of lakes, woodland areas, designated nature spots and open space. If you and your pup are looking for somewhere to relax after your walk, look no further than the Pear Tree Café, who provide a water bowl for your furry friend and may even have the odd treat available for purchase.

Nearest Station: Battersea Park (National Rail)
Car Parking: Yes

Battersea Park

3) Chiswick House And Gardens

These excellently restored gardens from the 18th Century feature sweeping green spaces, gardens, waterfalls, lakes and woodland areas. Chiswick House and Gardens has a few modest no-go areas for dogs, but there’s plenty of spaces for them to explore. There’s even a special dog-dedicated part of the lake for your pooch to swim in.

Nearest Station: Chiswick
Car Parking: Yes

Chiswick House & Gardens

4) Finsbury Park

Finsbury Park was one of the first London parks and has been around since the Victorian era. It is still extremely popular – and you can see why! Finsbury park is famous for the Parkland Walk, a disused railway line which has been made into a nature reserve and footpath to link Finsbury Park to Crouch Hill Park and Highgate Woods. The rest of the park is a gorgeous green mix of open space, a lake, arranged gardens and more leafy tree pathways.

Nearest station: Manor House or Finsbury Park.
Car Parking: No

Finsbury Park

5) Crystal Palace Park

On the opposite side of town in South East London, Crystal Palace Park is best known for it’s ‘Dinosaur Court’, an amazing collection of Grade 1 listed dinosaur statues built in 1850. The dinos are open every day and free to view. Looking for a dog friendly café after your walk? Try Brown and Green.

Nearest Station: Crystal Palace (National Rail, Overground)
Car Parking: Yes

Crystal Palace Park

6) Greenwich Park

One of London’s more famous parks, Greenwich park is home to the Royal Observatory. This World Heritage Site is also home to the National Maritime Museum and Old Naval College. It’s not all history related – the park also features vast green spaces and floral gardens, an amazing view of London’s skyline and a small herd of fallow and red deer. The animals are kept in a separated enclosed area to limit the danger to both deer and dogs.

Nearest Station: Cutty Sark (DLR)
Car Parking: Yes, but limited

Greenwich Park

7) Hampstead Heath

Home of Parliament Hill and spanning a massive 790 acres, Hampstead Heath is one of the biggest London parks. It features woodlands, vast heaths, a lido and swimming ponds – including one dedicated to dogs!

Nearest Stations: Golders Green (Northern Line), Hampstead (National Rail), Kentish Town (Northern Line), Hampstead Heath (Overground) or Gospel Oak (Overground).
Car Parking: Yes, several.

Hampstead Heath

8) Hyde Park

At London’s most well-known park, dogs are very welcome. Hyde Park is busy, but serves as a huge green haven in Central London. It’s home to many landmarks, including the Serpentine Lake and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain.

Nearest Stations: Queensway (Central London), Lancaster Gate (Central Line), Marble Arch (Central Line), Knightsbridge (Piccadilly line), Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly line)
Parking: yes, but very limited

Hyde Park

9) Richmond Park

Richmond Park is the largest enclosed space in London and a National Nature Reserve, so it’s not surprising there’s plenty of places to explore with your dog. It’s home to massive green spaces, woodlands and ponds, as well as the Isabella Plantation – a Victorian Plantation that dates back to the 1830s. Dogs are welcome and can roam free in other parts of the park, but must be kept on leads in the Isabella Plantation. Dog owners are also advised to avoid the park during deer rutting and birthing seasons, which are from September to October and between May and July.

Nearest Station: Richmond (National Rail, District Line)
Car Parking: Yes, several.

Richmond Park

Now There’s No Excuse! ?

…That’s it! Time to enjoy some fresh air and exercise with your pooch in these gorgeous London parks. For more doggy-related inspiration, check out other Pet Tips on Pets in a Pickle.

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 Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

How to keep your pet safe in the summer heat

How to keep your pet safe in the summer heat

Summer is here! And the heatwave seems to have arrived early, so it is important to learn how to keep your pet safe in the summer heat. Here are some top tips for keeping your pets safe through heatwaves and sunny days.

1) Make Sure They Have Plenty Of Water

Make sure to keep your pet’s water bowl is full of fresh, clean and cool water. If you take your pet out, bring plenty of water with you wherever you go, even if you don’t think you’ll be out for too long. If you do go out, take a large water bottle and small bowl with you so that your pup can take a sip whenever they need to. Splashing water on their paws can also help clean their sweat glands and cool them down.

2) Don’t Leave Them Outside For Too Long

Hot pavements and roads can seriously affect your cat or dog, so don’t expose them to the heat for too long. If you’re taking your dog on a walk, make sure to do it in the early morning or late evening, or even wait for a cooler day.  Stick to grassy areas when you’re out and make sure there are shady areas to cool down for a while.

3) Never Keep A Pet In A Hot Car

The number one rule when summer arrives is to never leave your pet in a hot car! It may seem obvious, but the temperature inside your vehicle can get much warmer than it is outside, and without a proper airflow it gets stuffy and your cat or dog will find it difficult to cope. 

According to research done by PETA, even when a car isn’t in direct sunlight, a dog can succumb to heatstroke within minutes. If you’re travelling with a dog or cat in the car, ensure it is well ventilated.

4) Keep an eye on High Risk Breeds

Dogs and cats with flat faces such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, British Shorthairs and Persians are more likely to suffer as they are unable to pant as effectively as other cats and dogs.

Other dogs and cats with thick, long fur like Huskys, Sheepdogs and long-haired cats will also struggle with the heat more due to their long  coats. Help them out by brushing out any shedding fur, or take them to the groomers who can remove winter coats and cut down long fur so your pet is cooler.

5) Look out for Signs of Heatstroke

When a dog or cat does end up developing heatstroke it can cause very serious damage and, in some cases, it can be fatal. That is why it is important to familiarise yourself with the symptoms. If your four-legged friend begins to show any signs of the below symptoms or even collapses, ensure you cool them down and take them to a vet as soon as possible.

Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs:

  • Dribbling
  • Extreme panting
  • Collapse
  • Excessive thirst
  • Increased heartbeat
  • Dark-coloured gums

Signs of Heatstroke in Cats:

  • Drooling, salivating.
  • Agitation, restlessness (cats may pace)
  • Bright red tongue.
  • Very red or pale gums.
  • Increased heart rate.
  • Panting and breathing distress.

How Can Pets In A Pickle Help?

By insuring your cat or dog with Pets in a Pickle, you can relax knowing that you’re protected should something happen to your pet this summer. Vet bills can be expensive and with many people going on holiday with their pets, it is important to ensure that you and your pet are covered in case something should happen.

Take a look at our simple and easy to understand policies here.

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 Facebook, Instagram 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.

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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.

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Additional Sources:

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

moderncat.com 
mnn.com