Garden Wildlife in Winter

As we sit comfortably indoors this winter, it’s well worth sparing a thought for our garden birds. Extreme winters, as recently experienced in the UK, can be quite a real test of survival abilities for many of our more common bird types such as blackbirds, tits, robins and sparrows. On a single frosty winters night, birds may use up an amazing 10% of their total bodyweight just trying to keep warm. Because of this they have to feed properly every day just to replace their reserves for the wintry night ahead. Prolonged frosty periods may result in a high death rate in birds.With some water, wildbird food and protection, gardens can become a haven for birds and other wild animals. Make sure a supply of fresh water is made available every day and, should the temperature be particularly low, use warm water. Throughout the cold winter weather birds require high energy (fatty) foods to maintain their fat reserves in order to survive the frosty nights so a bird table filled with a high nutrient seed mix will be very welcome indeed. In addition a variety of household leftovers such as cooked potato, pastry and bread crumbs, cheese and soft fruit will also be much appreciated as will suspended bird feeders containing sunflower rich blends or nuts without salt.
Bird tables and bird feeders need to be placed where birds are at ease and able to feed undisturbed and well away from fencing and walls where cats could easily catch them unaware as they feed.

'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 Outdoor Cat Kennel

Made from durable plastic, and in a variety of contemporary colours, the Mr Snugs Outdoor Cat Kennel is a ‘must have’ for all cat owners.  Cats are usually very independent animals and many spend a lot of time outside so having a nice waterproof house somewhere in the garden is a great idea. Mr Snugs Cat Shelter comes ready assembled, have a recessed door, overhanging roof, have no joints for draughts or water to get through and, being made from one piece of moulded plastic, do not rot or attract parasites. The slightly smaller Mr Snugs Cat Palace is also the perfect home for cats and is made exactly the same as the Mr Snugs Shelter for cats. It also comes in a similar choice of 10 colours and can be bought at the online pet supermarket of Home Pet Shop. Another added benefit of these cat houses is that each has a drain hole for ease of cleaning and they also make a great indoor cat house.

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.