Dog Grooming tools

There are a number of dog grooming tools on the market today that are specifically designed for de-matting. Different breeds mean different de-matting tools as there is such a variation in coat types and dog sizes. Some are just a basic comb type tool for de-tangling whereas some of the more expensive ones have micro-serrated cutting blades and will do a much more professional job.

The Mikki Matt Master is available either for fine/medium coats or medium/coarse coats and has blades that are shaped for the best cutting effect and with rounded ends for safety.

The Mikki Moult Master is designed to remove dead hair and helps to thin the undercoat whereas the Furminator de-shedding tool has a handy push button which instantly ejects fur from the large de-shedding edge.

Whether it’s just a basic dog brush you want or a special tool to help your dog stand out from the rest, Home Pet Shop has an excellent choice at their online pet shop supermarket.

Terrier Interaction

If you own a terrier, you’ll realize that his idea of fun is tugging and digging games since these types of activities help make his life worthwhile. His thought process doesn't need the thrill of the chase as much as the thrill of the kill. Regardless of how much you may not like his instinctive need to search, dig out, and eliminate the nearby small mammal population, by putting it under your control as well as offering him or her far more socially acceptable outlets for his hard-wired behaviours, you can stop him going self-employed and getting his kicks for real. More often than not this means making them their own digging pit and hiding toys and treats in it so he or she gets to seek out things. There are various rope dog toys that you can buy, some for throwing and tugging and others for chewing. Taking out interesting tug toys, such as Kong dog toys, on walks and taking part in those stalking, hunting, tugging games that make terriers’ eyes illuminate with joy can make their life so satisfying. Some people will tell you not to play tugging games with dogs such as terriers that are predatory but this is denying your dog their character. It is important nevertheless that you teach your dog a trusted and firm ‘leave’ since by doing this not only are you keeping in control of your tugging games (which helps you bond even more) but you are also showing him or her self-control. Tugging toys are also great for distracting your dog from anything he may otherwise be reactive to (such as other dogs, squirrels, cyclists and joggers) since what you are doing will help keep his concentration and is considerably more interesting to him. An active dog is a happy dog so it is very important to share as much of your time as you can with them by stimulating their minds by playing games and giving them lots of walks.

'Tis the Season for Diets!

During the festive period many of us tend to indulge in foods which are higher in calories than the norm and more often than not we spoil our dogs just that bit more. Some dogs, just like humans, put on those extra pounds very easily so it is vitally important that, once the festive period has passed, a low calorie diet and fitness regime is put into action. There are numerous low calorie dog foods and lighter treats on the market that your four legged friend will enjoy just as much and who ultimately will benefit enormously.

Arden Grange Light contains the best ingredients and has properties that can help convert fat into energy leading to a lean body mass. These are naturally hypo-allergenic diets and contain no artificial flavourings or preservatives and exclude preservatives, gluten, wheat, beef and soya products.

A new light kibble from James Wellbeloved has been developed to help reduce weight in obese dogs as it contains high levels of fibre and fewer calories together with Glucosamine for healthy joints and Taurine for the heart. The James Wellbeloved Light kibble is available in either Turkey or Lamb (both with rice) and comes in 1.5kg and 12.5kg bags.

All dogs love a treat and a number of natural treats such as Pet Munchies are naturally low in fat and made from real meat and fish classed as ‘human-grade’. Again, there are no additives or preservatives and these dog treats come in six varieties.

As an extra aid to your dogs weight loss why not tries ‘Slimmin Tonic’ from Pooch & Mutt?  It is designed to be used with a healthy diet and fitness regime and is simply added to your dogs food. Slimmin Tonic helps increase your dog’s metabolic rate and therefore helps burn fat, suppresses the appetite and helps build muscle.

All of the above may be found at the online pet shop supermarket of Home Pet Shop.

Mr Snugs Animal Houses

Wooden houses for pets have been around for a long time but the British climate is not so ideal when it comes to keeping wood outside whatever treatment it has undergone.
The 'MR SNUGS' collection of dog kennels, cat houses and rabbit hutches are made to a high quality and, due to the type of material used, will last for many years if treated properly as, compared with its wood made alternatives, these products will not decay, give splinters, leak or break apart on the seams, and coupled with all the different colours available, just what adoring pet owner wouldn't wish to own one!

Every one of Mr Snugs pet homes are available in Blue, Light Blue, Green, Light Green, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, Sandstone and Yellow.

The Snugs range of pet homes is constructed from high quality rotationally moulded plastic that is incredibly tough, durable and watertight. In contrast to wooden homes there aren't any joints to allow water ingress or let in drafts, no painting or preserving to prevent rotting, no unpleasant odours and absolutely no hiding places for micro-organisms and parasites. The Mr Snugs animal shelters have a super smooth surface making them easy to just wipe clean or hose down, and they all come with a inbuilt drain hole.

The Mr Snugs Rabbit and Guinea Pig Hutch incorporates a detachable door along with treated steel mesh bite surface areas
The complete range of Mr Snugs houses and shelters includes.
Mr Snugs Cat Shelter,Cat Palace, Mr Snugs Dog Kennels, (small and large)  and Mr Snugs Rabbit Hutches and all can be bought from the online pet shop supermarket of Home Pet Shop.

Dog Cages

Home Pet Shop offers an excellent range of dog cages and crates for dogs that are the perfect solution for both helping keep your pet safe when you are otherwise occupied or for protecting your house either indoors or outside in the garden. Most dog cages come complete with an easy-to-clean tray or mat that fits neatly in the base and will accommodate a wide variety of soft dog beds.

There is quite a choice when it comes to size with a cage being available to suit the large majority of breeds from the petite to the huge and all have at least one door with most having two or more.

Of course dog cages are only a short term fix and should not be used as a place to leave your pet unattended for hours on end and a bowl of fresh water should always be provided no matter how long they are left for.

Most are finished in a stainless colour although there is also a new range of dog crates with a choice of either black or fashionable pink.

Weatherproof Dog Trouser Suits

Keeping your dog clean, warm and dry when out walking in the winter months is not always easy and, contrary to many beliefs, most ‘house’ dogs are not particularly fond of going out for a walk during rain and snow and having to endure a wet coat. There is a great choice of trouser suits for dogs on the market today with many, together with other Dog Clothing and Accessories, at the online pet superstore of Home Pet Shop.

Showerproof dog trouser suits from Alex Griffiths Cosipet help keep your dog cleaner and dryer during wet weather. These great overalls for dogs are made exclusively in the UK from a shower proof nylon fabric. A zip along the back of the Cosipet Dog Coat makes it easy to put on and take off and elasticated cuffs ensure a snug fit. There are a number of great styles including the Tartan Trouser Suit with Velcro fastening collar.

The Hurtta Pro Outdoor Overall is another excellent quality waterproof dog coat made from breathable Houndtex® material. Complete with reflective print, this dog overall is available in Red or Black and comes in a good range of sizes.

Mr Snugs Dog Kennel

Owning a dog is not always easy as they can be a tie and many dog owners make a lot of sacrifices and compromises to make their pooch happy. Of course it’s not just about making them happy as many of us worry about leaving them alone for any kind of prolonged period and, in truth, they should not be left for longer than 2 or 3 hours at any one time. The more you do compromise your life by either taking your dog with you or by staying at home rather than popping to the shops, then the more your dog will ‘complain’ when you do leave him or her at home.

Assuming your dog is not a persistent barker (especially if you have neighbours nearby) having a kennel for dogs outside will help whilst you are away from home as they’re happy to be able to have the freedom to relax in the garden and you’re happy that they’re not cooped up inside the house.

A range of Mr Snugs plastic dog kennels is available to buy from the online pet shop supermarket of Home Pet Shop.  They come in two sizes (large and small) and are manufactured from rotationally moulded plastic (no joins) which, unlike wooden dog kennels, will not let in water, don’t need painting, do not rot, and, being made of a durable plastic, are very  easy to keep clean therefore preventing  micro-organisms to hide or parasite infestation such as fleas . Each has a long roof overhang and recessed entry to ensure that the interior remains dry and there is a drain hole for draining after cleaning.

The Mr Snugs Dog Kennel come in ten different colours and can be lined with one of a number of different soft dog beds. They are also the perfect dog house for use inside the home as a place where your pet dog can sleep or rest in peace.

Buster Dog Coats

Buster Dog Coats

With the dark winter months not too far away most of us just want to curl up in front of the TV. However dog owners still have other duties come rain or shine and dog walking is one of them. Domestic dogs enjoy their warmth and most do not like being taken out in foul weather so a good dog coat is important. At first dogs may be a little reluctant and appear to be uncomfortable in a dog coat but they soon come to appreciate being kept warm and dry. Home Pet Shop has a great choice of dog coats available to buy from their online pet shop supermarket and one particular brand, the Buster Dog Coats, is selling like hot cakes!

The Buster Raincoat is made from a high performance fabric which is both water and
windproof, breathable and very hardwearing. When it is wet outside,
the Buster Rain Coat gives your dog great protection from wet, windy and
dirty conditions. Your dog will be clean, dry and comfy.  The contemporary design of the Buster Rain Coat makes it easy to get on and off your pet. The unisex design and adjustable neck ensures a proper fit for the varying sizes that dogs come in.
The sleeveless cut offers your dog lots of space to move freely when either running or playing.
Dog leads are easily fitted with the jackets specially designed twin zip, even
when your dog is wearing a harness or dog collar.

Busy Buddy Dog Toys

Following on from our post earlier this month headed ‘New Range of Interactive Dog Toys’

there were a couple of the Busy Buddy Dog Toys omitted and which we would like to add here.

The Twist ‘n Treat™ is the first and only 2-piece adjustable rubber treat dispensing toy. The adjustable opening allows the Twist ‘n Treat to be filled with a variety of treats and can be twisted wider for easier access to treats or tighter for longer playtime and to suit the interest and ability of the dog. It is made of natural rubber.

The Tug-a-Jug™ provides a multi-sensory appeal to keep your dog engaged and motivated to play. Its unique design allows dogs to see, smell and hear the treats as they roll around in the jug. The Tug-a-Jug not only dispenses treats, it can also be used for obedience training and feeding meals. Treats and dry food dispense as the toy is tipped, tugged and rolled.

The Busy Buddy  Squirrel Dude’s extreme durability holds up well under the toughest chewers and its unpredictable bounce will have pets playing for hours.  The Treat Meter randomly dispenses dry food and treats as your dog plays.  Again, made of natural rubber and ideal for strong chewers.

The Busy Buddy Kibble Nibble™ appeals to a dog’s natural instincts by enticing him to actively engage in mealtimes. Two Treat Meters™ randomly dispense dry food and treats as the ball tumbles around. Features rubber bumpers to minimize noise and marks on walls and floors. Each toy is appropriately sized to hold a dog’s entire meal and unscrews for easy loading and quick clean-up.

The Chuckle™ is a funky noise-maker that’s sure to perk up playtime! Two Treat Meters™ - one at either end of the Chuckle allows the toy to be stuffed with dry food or treats which will be randomly dispensed, rewarding your dog as he plays. It is made of natural rubber and is ideal for strong chewers.

The Busy Buddy Biscuit Bouncers are durable balls that feature the Treat Trapper™ which firmly holds a variety of treats, gradually releasing them as dogs chew. They are compatible with dog biscuits, cheese sticks and jerky.

New Range of Interactive Dog Toys

Dogs, just like people, can get very bored with routine and just a small variation in their day can make a big difference. Home Pet Shop is pleased to offer their customers a new range of treat dispensing and holding dog toys by the Busy Buddy Brand and you can order them all from their online Petshop supermarket.
Dogs will have hours of enjoyment with these Play & Challenge Toys though that’s not all. They will benefit in several ways once they play with this collection of toys, whether it’s improving their health or keeping them watchful and active. They’ll even be rewarded with delicious snacks dispensed as they play.
Busy Buddy toys are designed for longer enduring playtime! Each one is made with an alternative and different chewing experience in mind so helping redirect potentially destructive gnawing behaviour into positive playtime.
Stimulate your dog using the interactive Bouncy Bone™ toys. The design of the tough nylon bone & rubber ball provide dogs with a prolonged chewing experience as the Gnawhide® treats last longer than giving treats alone & dogs are stimulated to chew the toy some time after the tempting treats are gone. The toy unscrews to load treats and clean. Supplied with three sets of Gnawhide treat rings. Additional Gnawhide treat rings sold separately.

The Waggle’s™ super flexible middle allows the toy to be playfully “wagged” and shaken. Dry food and treats are randomly dispensed from the Treat Meter™. Manufactured from natural rubber and perfect for powerful chewers.

The Busy Buddy Bristle Bone is the dental toy dogs love to chew! The durable nylon bristles and rubber nubs of the Bristle Bone provide a unique chewing experience. The irresistible, replaceable Gnawhide treat rings guarantee long-lasting enjoyment and are easy to replace. The design of the Bristle Bone makes it impossible for dogs to stuff themselves on snacks. The toy unscrews to load treats and clean. Supplied with two sets of Gnawhide treat rings.

Pet Bedding

Dogs and cats spend a good deal of their lives sleeping. With regard to older dogs and cats, sleep becomes the main “activity”, with a lot of elderly family pets doing not much more than consuming food and snoozing as they head towards their later years. One of the easiest ways to improve the quality of a pet’s life is to give them the very best possible pet bed though many owners barely take into account this particular and very important aspect of their pets’ lives.
Most cats tend to find their own comfy area, choosing to curl up at the end of their owners’ duvets, on a sofa or in a warm quiet corner spot on the carpet. Their decision is generally logical and simple, they like warmth, softness and quietness.

It tends to make good sense to provide a safe, soft, warm bed in a relaxing spot for your cat. A wide selection of cat beds and bedding is readily available from Home Pet Shop at their online pet shop supermarket. Choose a spot that’s accessible to your cat but away from the active places in your house, and you’ll discover that it soon turns into a favourite sleeping spot.

Dogs can be similarly fussy regarding their choice of sleeping quarters. There are lots of people who’ve gone to the trouble of providing comfy and cosy, bedding for their dog, simply to discover it thrown out of the way, with the dog choosing to sleep on bare floorboards or linoleum instead. It’s a case of experimenting to work out precisely what your dog wants, but the very same rules of warmth and softness generally do work.

Dogs are inclined to be muckier animals compared to cats, and if you’re not mindful, a dog’s bedding can turn into a strong-smelling area of dog hair thus a frequent freshening in the washing machine is a good idea. This is a factor why it’s well worth deciding on a dog’s bedding with some thought. A normal dog cushion finishes up becoming uneven and lumpy after several washes but if you carry out your research properly, you’ll find that superior quality dog bedding is obtainable that’s designed to repel body oil and hair, and to preserve its original properties following weekly washes for some time to come.

Dogs and food

You would like your dog to live a long and wholesome life then one of the best ways to ensure this is to feed him a diet that meets all of his nutritional needs. While many individuals will just go to the supermarket and select a few popular foods, you really need to do a little bit of research first, in order to find out precisely what the best food to give your dog is.
Essentially, you want to feed your pet a diet which is loaded in high quality protein, although protein is in no way the only type of food your dog should be eating. About half of your dog’s diet should consist of meat and approximately 25% should be grains with the remaining 25% being vegetables and fruits.

The calibre of the meat, grains and vegetables you feed your dog is important. After all, he’s a member of your family so you want to be sure to supply him top quality food just like any other family member. This implies paying attention to the dog food you buy together with staying away from the cheaper brands simply because these are normally loaded with fillers which possess very little or no nutritional value.
When shopping for dog food, you want to search ones that are natural or organic having no preservatives or chemicals. The additional thing to look out for is the ingredients - you want to be certain that chicken, beef or lamb is stated as the first component and avoid foods that list meat by-products as the main ingredients. You also want the food to contain a small amount of fibre as well as a little fat. Brands such as Hilife Nature’s and Arden Grange adult dog food are available, amongst others, from the online pet supermarket of Home Pet Shop. A high meat content can be found in Naturediet which is also wheat gluten-free.

Dogs are able to eat the same proteins that we do - beef, chicken, lamb, and maybe fish are excellent protein sources for your dog. There is a small amount of conflict among experts as to whether you should feed dogs raw or cooked meat (after all, dogs ate raw meat prior to them becoming domesticated) but if you cook the meat, you can certainly ensure that you are destroying harmful bacteria so cooking it is a good idea.

As you need to feed your dog a balanced diet, giving him just meat is not really a good idea so add to it some grains like oats, barley or pasta and some veggies like carrots, green beans, peas or green leaf and you’ll be assured that you’ll be feeding your dog the finest diet possible.

Consider your Pets!

The British summer is here and we have been reminded that a few years ago in April, many areas of the UK had only just emerged from a frosty spell which kept us snow covered, but the temperature fluctuates from year to year so remember to look out for your dogs and cats
The normal advice is applicable and most people nowadays know this, but just by way of a reminder ensure your pet is kept inside in a cool place during the hottest part of the day which is typically 11 ‘til 3; has access to large bowl of water and is never ever left in a hot vehicle, or conservatory as that cool wind that might be blowing outside will not be blowing inside so what feels like 50 degrees to you is actually 100 degrees behind glass.

As the temperatures rise, most of us also like to go for extended walks and remain out and about in the sun for longer periods. Cooling coats are a good idea and do help a hot dog but this extra activity and being exposed to sun and heat can turn out to be fatal for your dogs so even if you feel good, don’t forget to consider your dog and how he or she feels.

Excercising your dog

As all owners know, their dog must have lots of exercise, and some dog breeds require more than others. A nearby recreation area is the perfect location to take them so that you can both allow them a walk or run, allow them to look around and find lots to discover, in addition to providing them with a social experience where they are able to meet up with other dogs and people. In addition, you will profit yourself from the extra activity you will certainly get.
Make sure that you get a good quality dog lead and, if you're able to, try to allow your dog off their leash and allow them to run free. Dogs appreciate running more than almost every other activity, and you will probably see just how satisfied they are should they be able to run around wherever they want. Running will ensure your dog is in good condition, and is also an all-round body exercise, not only maintaining their muscles but additionally benefitting their heart. Try taking a dog toy such as a ball and thrower to help your dog engage in running.
Of course, if your dog shows aggressive behaviour towards people or dogs, then you certainly should be watchful when you allow them off their lead, if at all. For peace of mind and for your dog’s safety it would probably be best to keep it on an extendable lead so that you are always in control of his actions. Similarly, you should also make sure that no youngsters are enjoying ball games in the area if you think your dog may cause them trouble and attempt to participate in or interrupt their play. If in doubt you could always try using a dog muzzle.

On the other side of the coin, should your dog be especially nervous around company, then you ought to be mindful to not scare them by allowing other dogs to get too boisterous or energetic when their attention is not wanted. You could cause long-term damage to a stressed dog if he is pushed into a situation which he doesn't want to be in.
Besides is the park being a place where your dog can explore and have fun, the trip back and forth from the park is also a large part of the experience. If your park is within walking range, then it’s useful in terms of exercising, but when your home is further away and you have to drive there, the car journey is one that your dog will additionally appreciate. All accessories mentioned are available from the online pet supermarket at Home Pet Shop.

Dog travel accessories

Dog Travel Supplies such as travel food dishes and bowls, pet car seat protectors and dog harnesses along with some other dog travel accessories are available here at Home Pet Shop.

 We are offering a substantial selection of pet travel merchandise that are made specifically for dogs that are constantly on the move! With these pet travel supplies there’s no more reason for anyone to abandon your dog in the home whilst either you go on holiday or on a day out again!

Journeying with your pet dog helps develop a better relationship with him . However, travelling with your pet can also be stressful should you be unprepared prepared so it’s important that your dog is comfortable for the benefit of him and you and especially in the course of lengthy trips.

Travelling together with your dog is a plus fun, and with these tremendous travel dog accessories from Home Pet Shop it really is,easy too. The RAC universal boot protector is a great travel accessory which prevents your dog from scratching your car bumper. The Dog Flask, Portable Dog Water Bottle and the Foldable Dog Bowl, are all great for dining on the move. There's a great range of dog Blankets from Arelle Product as well as Dog Towels and the Dry Dog Bag which are all great for drying your dog and for helping keep your car clean.

The Options range of collapsible wire dog cages and carriers are perfect for dogs travelling in the rear, but if that's not a choice then the choice of Car travel dog harnesses that clip to the seatbelt, make sure your dog is safe. Made from a hardwearing, robust water resistant material, the Danish Design rear Car Seat Cover is universal fitting with snap to, adjustable headrest ties. It also includes access points for seat belt anchor points and is available in Dark Navy and Charcoal Grey, with the Danish Design Paw Print woven badge, this is the perfect product to safeguard your car seating.

For hot weather, their is a choice of Window Vents where the window may be open but there's no possibility that your dog can climb out.

Making sure your dog is travelling safely is not only of importance to your pet dog, but for the driver and other passengers, too.

Dog supervision

Keeping your dog supervised and safe outside is not always easy. For this reason there are a number of ways to keep your dog secure whilst still giving it the freedom to roam around. Dog tethers come in a variety of types such as the spiral tie out stake. These just screw into the ground and you then simply attach the dogs lead to it. Tie out cables and tie out chains that are made from tangle-free chain link are well worth considering and attach to the spiral dog anchor. They come in a variety of lengths up to 30 feet max depending on either how much garden you have or how much freedom you want to give your dog. Tie out chains can also be attached to a dogs kennel or garden post. Some of the cables come complete with a shock absorbing spring and a weatherproof coating.

Home Pet Shop has a variety of dog tethers available to order from their online pet supermarket.

Dog Leads

Considering that most dog leads at this time are made of man-made materials, natural leather dog leads continue to be found in a variety of colours and sizes. Ancol leather dog leads are made from quality bridle leather and there is a unique range known as Pets Luv 2 Wear. Another new design range is the Ancol crocodile embossed range available in either orange or pink along with available matching collars! Especially manufactured leather leads designed for Bull Terriers from classic heavy bridle suede backed leather adorned with solid brass motifs and fittings are also available. Top quality cushioned leather leads can be bought in an array of colours and lengths.

Nylon & Hi-Viz dog leads are widely used because they are strong and durable as well as relatively cheap. Pets luv 2 wear dog leads have a tremendous variety of nylon leads in a choice of plain or printed patterns. Most of the dog leads made from nylon comes with an easy release zinc die cast trigger hook. The Wag “n” Walk label is a really good and extensive collection from Rosewood Pet Products who additionally make excellent reflective soft protection nylon cushioned lead in several colours and lengths. The Danish Design Nylon Range is quite extensive in many colours and sizes and is produced from top quality materials. Other dog lead brands to choose from are Dogit, Dog and Co, Hem and Boo, and Rogz dog leads.

Rope dog leads can be found in many different sizes and colours. Gun dog rope slip leads and whistle lanyards are great for the outdoor sporty individual and his retriever whereas adjustable braid leads with clip and ring are ideal for using roadside as the ring in the handle is used for halving the length of the lead. If you have more than one dog then the rope lead coupler is perfect as the grip end is 25 inches long which then branches into 2 17” leads with a coupling hook on each. Standard and slip leads in lifestyle and practical colours are also a great dog accessory and come available in lengths up to 64 inches. Home Pet Shop offers a fantastic choice of dog leads at their online pet supermarket.