Dog Dentistry (Part One)

Did you know that brushing your dogs teeth is really important?

It’s something that is often overlooked by pet owners, however is a massive factor in your dog’s health. It’s estimated that 85% of dogs over the age of 4 have some form of dental disease, but you can do quite a bit to help prevent this happening through dental care and regular veterinary examinations.

Don’t wait until it’s too late; just as you’d check your own teeth, check your dogs. Set an alarm on your phone…anything to remind you. Dogs generally don’t show signs of distress when they have decaying teeth, so be extra careful to look out for these tell-tale signs showing there may be a loose tooth or infection:

• Bad breath – this occurs due to infection and is often the first sign pet owners notice
• Repeated rubbing of face – your dog will often rub his face (usually on one side)
• Drooling excessive amounts; even when you don’t have a tasty dinner on your lap.

If these signs do continue, book an appointment at the vets to ensure the symptoms do not worsen. Often, tooth treatment isn't covered by pet insurance, so it is important to check with your pet insurance provider before purchasing your policy.

National Black Cat Appreciation Day

August 17th marks National Black Cat Appreciation Day, all about showing some love for our feline friends. Sadly, reports show that black cats are often last to be adopted at animal shelters and we just can’t understand why!

Here’s our Top 5 reasons detailing why a black cat is the perfect companion for you:

1. How could you not fall in love with those eyes?

Image: kingstonah.com

2. They’re actually considered pretty lucky in Asia.

Image: frabz.com

3. Salem from Sabrina is amongst their ranks and who doesn’t love Salem?!

Image: lovesalem.tumblr.com

4. Black cat auditions in 1961 has thousands of cats in search of stardom; maybe your pet is related to a star!

Image: www.thefrisky.com

5. …and if they weren’t a star already, they’re pretty fame hungry.

Image: www.dailymail.co.uk

If you’ve been looking for a rescue cat, consider a black cat. If you already own a black cat, Black Cat Appreciation Day is the perfect time to send in some great snaps of your pet to share and spread awareness of the day. Like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter. We’d love to see your feline friends!

10 Cat Myths that don’t ring true

Whether it's advice from a friend, or just something that you've heard on the grapevine, there's so many myths about cats that could give you the wrong information. Here's 10 of our top cat myths debunked:

1. All Cats Hate Water:
Not true. Not true at all. Polly loves water; in fact, she would spend all of her time in the sink if allowed. Most cats are really curious about running water and will often approach it. Maybe swimming is a step too far, however.

2. Cats always use cat flaps
Not all cats require a cat flap. After always having one installed and both of my cats preferring to use the door like real humans, I can categorically confirm that not all cats require a cat flap. Needless to say, install one just in case!

3. Cats aren’t as attentive as dogs
Cats are inherently loving, however comparing them to dogs is irresponsible. Aside from having four legs and a tail, they are very different animals. Dogs and puppies are natural pack animals, whilst kittens are more independent, however that’s not to say that they don’t love a cuddle. 

4. Cats that live indoors never get sick
Living indoors is obviously safer than the big, bad world out there for your feline friend, however, keeping cats indoors is said to induce stress due to the mundane every day for your cat and often lead to inactivity. Giving them high surfaces to climb and wheels to have fun on can help (Twiglet certainly agrees!)

5. Flicking her tail means she’s happy
Not necessarily. Try harder. Typically, cats and kittens actually flick their tail when they are upset or quizzical. 

6. Exercise my cat? Doesn’t need it.
ALL cats need mental stimulation and physical exertion to thrive. There are plenty of games you can play with your feline friend to keep them active and at a stable and healthy weight.

7. My leftovers are fine for my kitty
Ever given your cat cheese? You’ve basically given them three chocolate bars. This doesn’t equate to a healthy nutritional substitute for food and can actually be very dangerous.

8. Cats always land on their feet
Cats do have excellent balance and rival many of the great acrobats, however that’s not to say that when falling they don’t do themselves harm. Depsite their body correcting their land so that by the time they arrive on ground, their feed are in a position to land first, many cat’s require a trip to the vets to treat broken bones which can often be expensive without pet insurance. 

9. Declawing cats is basically the same as a human manicure
Not quite. Declawing requires surgery to remove the first joint of each toe of the cat; have you got insurance to cover the costs?

10. Cats have nine lives.
Just please do not test this theory. 

The One Where We Compare Pet Love to Friends Love

The internet has gone officially MAD at the news that Matt LeBlanc and Matthew Perry aka Joey and Chandler from Friends weren’t invited to co-star Jennifer Aniston’s wedding to Justin Theroux (BTW, we’re still wondering where our invite was Jen An).

The un-friending left us wondering if our pets will follow suit; after all they have quite a lot in common with these iconic characters…

1. Ross and Rachel Finally Date vs. Kids Finally Surprised with Dog

“You were worth the wait”

“My dreams have come true”

2. Joey doesn’t share food vs. Chow Puppy Won’t Share Food:

“It’s not about a few fries, it’s about what the fries represent... ALL FOOD.”

“Oh My God”

3. Ross Ruins Couch vs. Puppy Ruins Couch

“This couch is cut in half. I would like to exchange it for one that isn’t cut in half”

“The Couch Eater”

4. Friends Dress Up vs. Cat Dress Up

“Remember the Russian satellite Sputnik...?”

“Dressing up the cats, they’re gonna get married!”

5. Ross Finds Out vs. Cat Finds Out

“That’s my sister!”

“Shocked Cat”

World Cat Day – Our Top 5 Celebrity Cats

Hurrah! Saturday marks World Cat Day – time for feline lovers to unite and bask in the most fabulous day of the year. In celebration of this momentous occasion, we’ve composed a list of our Top 5 Celebrity Cats whose parents just ADORE them – and how can we blame them when their kitty’s are just so cute!

1. Graham Sheeran has his own twitter account with over 84.9 thousand followers. Self-confessed selfie lover, Graham has been known to take on the role of ‘Agony Uncle’ in popular magazines, although we can’t imagine he has many woes himself with a dad this cool. 

Image: Instagram

2. Meredith Swift would probably have some serious Bad Blood with us if she didn’t make this list! Her Twitter bio describes her as being “Happy. Furry. Confused. Hungry. All at the same time.” She has, however, failed to mention to her 12 thousand followers that her mum is Queen of Pop, Taylor Swift!

Image: justrandomthings.com

3. Ricky Gervais cat, Ollie, was named after his owner’s hero from Laurel and Hardy. The star claims that his cat is “just like him” in cat form; fickle, bossy and a control freak. Is it just us, or do they look fairly similar too…?

Source: twilightgusiali.ning.com

4. Actress and cat lover, Meryl Streep has previously confessed to learning script lines with her tabby, claiming that when she was practising her lines, her cat would wrap himself around her feet and would leave the room when less interesting parts of the script would unfold. Tough crowd, eh?

Image: yourcatwasdelicious.tumblr.com

5. Rita Ora is perhaps the proudest cat mum, EVER. Bruno has his own Instagram accounts full of pictures of, well, himself. We don’t want to start rumours, but Rita herself has confessed to having a soft spot for Bruno Mars… perhaps that’s who her cute feline friend was named after?

Image: Instagram

Are you as proud of your cats and kittens as these celebs? We’d love to see some pictures of them. Follow us on Twitter, or give us a like on Facebook to share your pet pics! 

Great British Bake-Off: 10 Amazing Animal Cakes

As our eyes were glued to the BBC’s Great British Bake-Off & our taste-buds teased with images of sponge & gateau, we couldn't help but think that they could have given the people what they wanted by making animal shaped cakes; now that truly would be a challenge!

It may not happen this series, so here we pay homage to some of the best animal shaped cakes out there. 

Now, where’s the teabags..?

1. Like owner like cupcake?!

Source: tumblr.com

2. Hello Kitty. Hello Cake!

Source: debbiedoescakes.net

3. We can hear the "Postman Pat & his black 'n' white cat" theme tune, but we have changed the words to, “Piece of cake… piece of cake…”

Source: tumblr.com

4. We love Nyan Cat... we love this rainbow Nyan cat cake EVEN more! 

Source: weheartit.com

5. It has a tiger… so we’ll class this as an animal cake. Too pretty on the outside to cut though.

Source: cakesbybeth.co.uk

6. One hundred thousand calories… Hakuna Matata.

Source: pinterest.com

7. Master craftsmanship here! I’m late, I’m late, for a very important date… Tea & cake date, that is!

Source: pinterest.com

8. Truly fantastical… erm, how did this get into our list? Oh, I’m informed it’s a VERY tasty recipe from Betty Crocker herself.

Source: bettycrocker.com

9. We looked twice too! Wonder if it's orange flavour sponge…

Source: buburuza.net

10. Patience & a delicate hand makes Grumpy Cat a very tasty looking treat. Bravo!

Source: huffingtonpost.com

Want to share your favourite animal cake? Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter - we'd love to see them!

Roo: The Incredible Story of the 3-Legged Dog

Last night, we watched The Dog Rescuers on Channel 5, a programme about dogs and their incredible stories. It is a heart-felt programme that really open eyes to some of the poor conditions and circumstances dogs go through.

Source: Pinterest.com 

We were particular touched by the incredible story of Roo, a one year old whippet/border collie, with only her two back legs. Found of the streets of Romania, the dog rescuers were uncertain whether Roo had been born this way. Though, new life in England certainly has Roo’s tail wagging!

It was highlighted that because of Roo’s youthful age, she would adapt to having two legs. Her spine may see early arthritis and her back legs are working hard to keep her upright. To alleviate this, several fundraisers came together to provide Roo with the front support she needs; a unique, custom built wheel system. It is thanks to these generous donations, Roo has this.

Source: Channel5.com

Roo will still need support from her adoptive family; regular visits to the vet for check-ups and for advice on what is suitable for Roo. Pet insurance means Roo’s family will have financial support to help with the unique condition Roo has.

We wish Roo and her family the best of luck and are pleased that with the help of pet insurance, fundraisers and donations, Roo is able to live a happy, healthy life in England.