There are no guarantees that any kennel will be up to standard, so make some enquiries before you commit to a reservation. Begin with:

1. Personal recommendation: ask you dog-owning friends where they send their dogs.
2. Notice boards at your veterinary surgery, pet shop or grooming parlour.
3. Local Press.
4. Telephone directories.
5. Library.
6. Internet.

Check Points

Once you’ve drawn up a shortlist of kennels, arrange to visit them all. Cross any off your list that do not welcome your visits and/or will not allow you access to the entire facility.

First Impressions: Is it clean and tidy? Are there gaps between kennels to prevent the transmission of disease?

Licence: Most local authorities will issue a certificate and this should be on display.

Vaccinations: Avoid any kennel that will take pets without seeing up-to–date certificates.

Kennels: Are they draught free? Is there heating at night? Do they look clean?

Exercise: Are the dogs taken out for walks, alone or in a group? Do they have access to a run? If so, how often?

Cost: Ask for the day rate. Does heating, special food or administering medications cost extra?

Illness: What is the kennel’s policy if your dog is taken ill while you are away?

Insurance: What cost does the kennel owner have if your dog gets lost, injured or, worst of all, dies while in their care?

Canine Hotels

There are some doggy hotels that offer such home comforts as armchairs, music, central heating, home-cooked cuisine and even supervised access to a heated doggy swimming pool. While these establishments cost more, you may decide that knowing your pet is living in the lap of luxury while you are away warrants the extra cost.

Day Care

It is recommended that dogs are not left alone for longer than four hours or they can develop behavioural and psychological problems. Some kennels take dogs as day boarders, which is ideal for owners who work long hours and can’t get home during the day. Simply drop off your dog in the morning and pick him again after work, knowing he’s had regular food and exercise.

Moving In

Whatever the facilities at the kennels you choose, to help him settle in more quickly, it is a good idea to pack your dog’s favourite blankets, bed, toys and treats to take with him for his stay.

Most aging pets suffer from at least some wear and tear on their joints. Your pet’s activity level, breed, size and conformation all affect the severity of wear.  Some young pets may also show signs of arthritis. Even some young pets, especially those that have experienced trauma or were born with a congenital defect like hip dysplasia, can experience arthritis pain.

Below are some signs of arthritis in dogs, cats and horses to keep an eye out for:

1) An obvious limp
2) A slightly shortened stride when moving
3) Reluctance to jump
4) Hesitancy about going up or down stairs
5) Stiffness when first getting up
6) A reduction in activity
7) Showing pain when an area is touched or groomed
8 ) A change in temperament
9) Abnormal wear on nails or hooves
10) Obvious muscle atrophy from “protecting” painful joints

If you notice your pet is experiencing any of the above symptoms, contact your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. A pet experiencing minor joint pain may benefit from a joint supplement like GlycoFlex, whereas an animal in the more advanced stages of arthritis will probably be prescribed a pet medication to control pain.

Why are fleas making life hell for my pet and how long are they here for?

To put it bluntly, fleas have no desire to make life harder for your cat or dog. It is simply in their nature to latch on to the nearest pet and feed by sucking their blood. It doesn’t matter how big or small, clean or dirty, nor old or young your pet, when fleas spot the next available cat or dog, they aren’t too fussy. Contrary to popular belief, no matter how much your cat or dog bites them, fleas do not simply ‘go away’ unless an effective treatment is applied.

It could be so easy for a new cat or dog owner to cross their fingers and hope to never come across an infestation problem, and deal with the problem when and if it arises. However, it’s much more simple and effective solution is to apply safe and harmless monthly flea treatments during bath times to ensure minimal infestation.

Recommended and trusted treatments from Frontline for Dogs and Furminator are excellent choices to ensure your pet is kept safe and sound from flea infestations. By simply applying the pipettes to the surface of the skin, the treatment is spread throughout the coat over a course of 24 hours, ensuring fleas are kept out of sight. Applying the pipettes once per month will ensure a thick coat and healthy flea-free skin.

Atopic dermatitis or even atopy is a type of cause of hypersensitive skin condition and itching as well as scratching within the dog. Itchy dog with hypersensitive skin disease tend to be irritating. The condition is actually recurrent and normal trips to the vet are required.

Atopic dermatitis is generally treated with corticosteroids such as prednisolone. Immunosuppressive doses are frequently necessary to sufficiently lessen the defense reaction to the allergen to stop the actual itching as well as itching. 1mg/Kg is often the beginning dose with regard to prednisolone that is decreased in dose as well as rate of recurrence. This particular decreasing dosage is important to reduce dependance and side effects. Cyclosporine that is sold because “Atopica” is another common medication employed for dealing with hypersensitive skin disease.

This is an immunosuppressive medication. This drug does not have exactly the same unwanted effects as corticosteroids. Cyclosporine does however trigger diarrhea, nausea or vomiting as well as throwing up. Some dogs are extremely sensitive to this indeed. The dose is 5mg/Kg however, many dogs will go down to Two.5mg/Kg. This really is useful because cyclosporine is extremely expensive. It is sometimes beyond the budget of many dog proprietors.

The expense associated with constant veterinary appointments and also the unwanted effects of those medicines has observed people switching more a in order to organic treatment.

Having bought a new puppy, the first thing was to sort out was insurance. I believe my puppy needs more than just love and affection. Moreover, after investing so much in my pet, getting insurance is not a bad idea. Pets are as vulnerable to illness as humans are and I didn’t want to be in a bad situation when my puppy wants me the most. Rather than spend hours trudging around town trying to find the best pet insurance plan, I decided to search the Internet to see what I could find.

I came across a number of websites, but every website seemed to be promoting the plan it provided. It was making things all the more confusing, until I stumbled upon Money.co.uk. It is a virtuoso for all those who want to check the various pet plans available in the market. It provides remarkable information on pet insurance. The best part is that the site allows you to compare the various plans in terms of the veterinarian fees, the different insurance covers available, etc. Besides, the comparison feature, the site gives information on the related topics like the pet insurance companies, pet insurance news, etc. The site also provides the facility of comparing the plans in a tabular form. Not only you can compare the plans, you can get a detailed quote right away for the plan that is best for you. Once you have decided on the best pet insurance plan, you can make the payment online using credit cards also. So, avail the great features of the site and get a hassle free insurance for you beloved pet.

Don’t wait, invest in a low cost pet insurance plan and be prepared for the unseen incidents.