Our Top Wellness Products For Your Dog

our top wellness products for your dog

April is coming to an end but that doesn’t mean we can’t keep the ethos of Active Dog Month going all year round. We’ve scoured the internet for some creative, techy or just plain useful items to add to your pet shopping list to help you make the most of your time with your furry friends keeping them physically and mentally fit!

From GPS devices to track their location and well-being to slow-feeding bowls that aid digestion and good gut health, read on to find out our favourite items right now…

Look out for some of the brands that are featured on our Pickle Perks platform where, as a policy holder you can get access to a host of pet-friendly offers.

1. Tractive GPS Tracker

Our pets love to go AWOL especially when we’re out and about, running off in giddy excitement. With a Tractive GPS tracker, you can keep track of their location on your next walk! 

But it doesn’t stop there, with a tracker you can also monitor their activity levels and sleep setting goals and notice any patterns in their wellbeing.

Visit Tractive

2. Cooling dog wrap

As April marks the height of Spring, we can’t help but think of Summer on the horizon. 

Whilst we’re excited for all the fun to be had outdoors with our furry friends, we know that it can get pretty warm around here. 

That’s why we recommend these Cooling Dog Wraps, that are designed to mimic your dog’s internal cooling processes and help avoid heat related illnesses. Our friends at FirstVet are fans too*!

Keep them happy and comfortable when you’re out and about this Summer.

*P.S As a policy holder you can access unlimited video calls with vets from FirstVet!

Shop via FirstVet

3. slow feeder dog bowls and toys

If your dogs are anything like ours then they love to speedily tuck into their food, but did you know this can be detrimental to their health?

From digestive issues to choking and bloating (GDV), there are many reasons why it’s advised to encourage your dog to slow down whilst eating. 

Slow-feeding bowls like this one available on Omlet are great for encouraging them to slow down whilst also mentally engaging them.

As a policy holder get 10% off from Omlet!

Visit Omlet

4. Bungee Tug rope

Improve your next game of tug with this tug rope tennis ball combo from Tug-e-nuff! The perfect toy to use for playtime both indoors and out. 

We talked all about the benefits of Tug in our last blog, it’s great for stimulating your dog mentally, encourages them to exert some energy and also boosts your relationship!

Visit Tug-e-nuff

We hope you’ve had a wonderful time this April (Active Dog Month) and that you’ve enjoyed sticking around with us throughout. Make sure to read the rest of our Pet Tips for more advice and stay tuned in to our socials for guest appearances from our friends at FirstVet.

Want to checkout those Pickle Perks we mentioned earlier? Take out a free quote today and get well on your way to joining us 😊

Got any gadgets and toys that you swear by to keep your pets physically and mentally active? We’d love to hear them, share them with our Pickle Pack community over on Facebook!

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.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/4-ways-to-slow-your-dogs-eating/

Keeping Your Dog Active Indoors

keeping your dog active Indoors

Living in the UK we know that the weather isn’t always reliable, nor are our schedules with last-minute changes cropping up. These reasons, along with a whole host of other factors, can make it difficult to go out on a daily walk or for a game of fetch with our dogs. 

That’s why we wanted to share some of our favourite ways to keep your dog active and entertained indoors for Active Dog Month (and beyond)!

Indoor Obstacle course

This may sound daunting, but you’ll only need a few bits you likely already have around the house. Old cardboard boxes become tunnels, shoes become cones to weave around, stairs become a race and cushions become jumping pads. Get creative.

Manoeuvre your dog through the course and add and remove activities based on their abilities.

Doggy Date

Do you know any dog parents in the neighbourhood or in your family? Invite them over for a play date. Emphasis on the play!

Having two or more dogs in the same space, indoors or outdoors, is guaranteed to raise the activity levels. They will likely tire themselves chasing each other around and it’s great mental stimulation too.

Learn new tricks

It’s never too late to teach an old dog new tricks! Learning new tricks engages them mentally; mental health is just as important as physical.

Depending on the trick, this can increase their movement and physical activity. 

Check out our previous article for easy tricks to do at home.

A game of tug-of-war

Warning – this one might get you panting a little too. Only requiring a strong rope and a clear area of space, Tug-of-war is a great indoor play option. 

It is mentally and physically engaging and believed to encourage impulse control and further bonds between you and your dog. 

Make sure it doesn’t go on too long and that you’re able to control the situation and get your dog to stop when required. Read more about Tug from the American Kennel Club.

Mealtimes as active play

Lastly, meals can also have an element of activity. Incorporating slow feeding products, that add an element of a task, to your pets treat and meal times is a fun and easy way to make it stimulating with the added bonus of slowing down their eating.

Try DIY slow feeding games like dry food on a ruffled towel or popping a  tennis ball (make sure its a ball big enough not to ingest) in the middle of their food bowl so they have to move around it.

Whilst Active Dog Month aims to get us outside and celebrating the new season, we know that’s easier said than done. We hope these five tips help keep you and your pet active indoors, bridging the gap for when going out just isn’t possible. Have a read of our previous post for Active Dog Month – Why it matters and Vet approved tips.

Have other ideas? Let us know over on our socials, and whilst you’re there check out our videos with special guest Pandora from Heart ❤️

Happy Active Dog Month to all the doggos and owners ! Want the ultimate protection for your pets health? Take out a free pet insurance quote with us today with just a few clicks.

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://iheartdogs.com/does-your-dog-eat-too-fast-here-are-7-ways-to-slow-them-down/

https://petcube.com/blog/indoor-dog-exercise/

Vet Approved Tips For Active Dog Month

Vet approved tips for active dog month

We’re getting into the April groove, and continuing the Active Dog Month celebrations! Not sure what Active Dog Month is? Check out our previous article.

This week our resident vet Rachel, from FirstVet, shared some tips with us for walks and playtime with our doggos. From avoiding sticks to hydrotherapy pools…read on to find out how to make the most of this month and more moving forward.

Use A Dog Walking Service

Try as we might to keep to a schedule or plan but sometimes things just don’t go as we imagined. Can’t make your daily walk? Ask another family member or a neighbour or try a local dog walking service!

When Playing Fetch Opt For A Ball Not A Stick

We typically tend to play fetch with our dogs using sticks, however, it might be safer to opt for dog toys and balls instead as large sticks run the risk of splintering and lodging in our pets’ throats.

Opt For Low Impact

If your dog has any injuries or joint issues opt for low-impact surfaces for your walks. For example grass over concrete. Look out for any potential dangers in the grass and steer your dogs clear.

After an even more joint-friendly exercise option? Try finding a dog-friendly hydrotherapy pool near you.

Suncream On Pink Areas

It might sound odd to stress the importance of suncream in early Spring but the sun can be stronger than you expect. If there are areas on your furry friends that aren’t well…so furry we recommend applying a dog-friendly suncream before stepping out.

How are you and your dog celebrating Active Dog Month? Let us know. Follow along with us on our socials to hear from our special guest Heart Radio’s own Pandora, and stay tuned to our blog for weekly pet tips throughout the rest of April.

P.S. Have you entered our Active Dog Month Giveaway yet? Track your daily dog walks together with this wonderful prize – Enter here, to be in a chance to WIN a FitBit Luxe for you plus a Tractive GPS, including a 1-year FREE premium subscription, for your dog!

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.

Why Keeping Your Dog Active Matters

Why Keeping your dog Active matters

Every April we celebrate Active Dog Month, an initiative created to encourage dog parents to keep their furry friends active and moving to reduce their risk of illness.

We love celebrating here at Pets in a Pickle, taking our dogs on lunchtime walks and savouring the start of Spring.

Haven’t heard of Active Dog month? Not sure why it’s such a big deal? Our partners over at FirstVet have shared some insider knowledge as to why it matters so much, read on to find out more.

Make sure you check out our competition where you could be in with the chance to WIN a fitness bundle for you and your dog to help you celebrate Active Dog Month. 

Better Health and fewer illnesses

Regular exercise helps our dogs combat obesity and obesity-related illnesses ranging from long-term health problems like Arthritis to life-threatening ones like Diabetes and Cancer. 

A dog is classed as overweight when their weight is 10-20% above their ideal weight. Body Condition Scoring is a handy way to track this.

This involves four main assessment areas:

  • Ribs – Can these be felt with a light touch? They also shouldn’t be visible as they may then be underweight.
  • Waist – Is their waist visible when you view them from above? 
  • Abdominal line – This should be raised slightly when looking at your dog from the side
  • Vertebrae – Can you feel their vertebrae at the base of the tail?

Read more about Body Condition Scoring on the FirstVet website.

improved Mental health

Not only does keeping active look after your pet’s physical health it also has a big effect on their mental health.

Staying indoors for the majority of the chilly winter can be boring for our pets (just like us). Incorporating daily activity, be it walks outdoors or a game of tug in the living room, creates routine and provides mental stimulation which keeps our dogs not only healthy but happy too!

cements lasting bonds

Last, but not least, Active Dog Month is the perfect excuse to spend more time with our four-legged family members.

Spending more time together doesn’t only benefit them but it has also been found to help improve our well-being too! When we’re out walking with them we’re improving our own health and developing closer relationships with them at the same time.

Paw-esome news all around!

We hope you found this article useful and are excited to get moving with your doggos this month. Follow us here and on our socials, @petsinapickle, for more doggy tips and tricks throughout April. 

Why not get a free quote today to make sure your dog is covered for those little things that are just outside our control!

Special thanks to our friends at FirstVet for sharing their advice for this article!

With a policy from us you can get access to unlimited video calls with vets through FirstVet. 

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.