Year: 2020

Posted on by

How to reduce stress for pets during lockdown

reduce stress for pets during lockdown

It is important to reduce stress for pets during lockdown, as they can become anxious with changes to routines and more people in the home.

Increased stress for your pet can lead to changes in behaviour and can cause worry and stress for owners. There are a number of changes that could affect your pet during this time, which include:

  • Everyone in the family being at home all the time
  • Lots of noise and activity at times when its normally quiet
  • Changes to routines, such as feeding or walks
  • Family members spending more time with pets and interacting with them differently
  • For dogs, especially, reduced exercise, ability to run free off the lead and play with other dogs

Signs that your pet may be anxious could include:

  • Hiding away or not wanting to interact as usual
  • Aggression, barking or snarling at family members
  • Increased vocalising, you dog may bark more
  • They may be less active, not wanting to go on a walk or play
  • Not sleeping at night or maybe sleeping more during the day
  • Changes in appetite, eating less or changes to digestive function

To help reduce stress for pets during lockdown there are some positive things you can do, which include:

Daily routines

Some pets can get anxious due to changes in their normal routines. Try to stick to daily routines with your pets, such as feeding times and exercise. If possible, exercise your pet at the same time every day to help reduce their stress.

Consistency

When interacting with pets make sure all family members react the same way. For example, if they were allowed upstairs before lockdown – but now they aren’t because someone is working from home, this may cause them to become stressed. Be mindful of your pet when adapting to life in lockdown.

Body language

Keep an eye on your pet’s body language – they are usually good at letting us know when they have had enough interaction. Speak to family members and ask them to respect when pets take themselves away for some quiet time.

Access to a safe place

Create a den or safe space to help reduce stress for pets during lockdown. This can be a comfortable resting place where they can hide should they become stressed. Ask other family members not to approach them if they are in their safe place. They are probably enjoying some peace and quiet in an unusually hectic household.

Exercise

If possible, continue to provide the same level of exercise. Try not to increase exercise levels without veterinary advice. Use toys to help keep cats entertained and active in the home. We highlight some ways to exercise dogs in the home here.

Add in quality pet time

Plan your day to include some quiet time for pets, when everyone has settled down. This will be important to your pet as they will be used to having the house to themselves during the day.

Don’t overwhelm your pet

Pets may be used to having the house to themselves most of the day and not used to so much interaction from you or family members. Some pets don’t like too much close contact or interaction. With more people being at home at one time, remember the safety of your pet and family members and don’t let them get into difficult situations that might overwhelm them.

Prepare for back to work life

Your pet may enjoy you being around more, however it’s important that they do not start to rely on your company. Separation anxiety in dogs is common and it’s important to prepare them for when you return to work by building in periods of separation, even by being in different rooms. This could include your normal ‘leaving routine’ before setting down in the home office.

If you notice any unusual behaviour or are worried about your pet, contact your vet who is in the best position to offer advice.

Ask your vet about Nutracalm, which has been specially formulated to naturally calm anxious pets and reduce unwanted or unruly behaviour in dogs and cats.

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on by

Caring for your pets during coronavirus lockdown

As many of us are staying at home to self-isolate or work during the Covid-19 crisis, it’s important to still keep pets healthy and happy.

Keeping your pet happy and active whilst your stuck indoors can be challenging with many pet owners concerned about how they can look after their dog or cat during this time, when outdoor activity is limited.

Current government guidance states that it’s still ok to go outside to exercise and walk your dog but you’re advised to keep your distance and avoid popular parks or open spaces where other dog walkers may gather.

To help pet owners during this time, we offer some tips to keep your pets safe and happy:

Self-isolating

If you’re self-isolating and worried that you’re unable to care for your pets, ask if someone could look after your pet during this time. You could contact your local kennel or cattery or a friend or family member to make sure your pet gets the care they need.

Medication

Be sure to check you have sufficient medications your pet requires. Vet practices will remain open with many offering safe collection of medications or postal services. It’s best to check first before visiting your vets.

Pet supplies

Make sure you have enough pet essentials, such as food or cat litter but do not stockpile as shops will remain open during lockdown.

Keep up-dated with your vet practice

Be sure to keep up to date with information from your veterinary practices, their procedures and opening hours during this time. Check their website and social media pages for any updates in case of an emergency. Contact them either by social media, email or ring ahead, as many practices receptions are working on different hours currently.

Exercise

Make sure your pet is still getting regular exercise. Along with government guidelines, you are ok to walk your dog while respecting social distancing. If you can’t take your dog on a walk, make use of outdoor space such as the garden or follow our tips to exercise your dog in the home here. If your dog seems to be slowing down or stiff when getting up from resting, they may benefit from extra support such as Nutraquin+.

Hygiene

Although it has been confirmed that you cannot contract Covid-19 from dogs and cats, be sure to wash your hands regularly before and after any contact with your pet. For more information on this visit the PDSA website here.

Stay calm

Despite it being a stressful time – try to stay calm yourself as pets can pick up on your stress and it may cause them to also become anxious. If you’re working from home, make sure your pet has a safe space to take themselves away to if they are feeling anxious. If your pet is anxious ask your vet about Nutracalm – a fast acting support for stress and anxiety.

Read our top tips for keeping pets calm here.

Environment

Respect your pet’s space and needs as they won’t be used to having you at home all the time. Make sure you have enough high spaces for your cat to retreat to if you have more than one pet. If you have a garden, make sure it is secure so they can’t escape.

Stick to routines

If possible, stick to your normal routines with your pets, for example feeding times and dog walks. This will help your pet to get used to you being around the home more and reduce stress for them.

 

 

Posted on by

Exercising your dog during the coronavirus outbreak

Exercising your dog during coronavirus

Despite being told we need to stay home, exercising your dog during the coronavirus lockdown is important to ensure they get daily exercise and keep mobile.

Dogs are intelligent animals and if they get bored this could lead to a frustrated dog which could cause destruction in the home. Exercising your dog during the current coronavirus outbreak will help to keep their joints mobile and maintain their general health.

However, if you’re unable to walk your dog outside, what other way could you ensure they get much needed exercise?

We share some tips on exercising your dog during the coronavirus lockdown:

Use your local park

If you are able to get out of the house for the one hour of government approved exercise, use it to walk your dog. Use your local park or even just walking around the block will give your dog some much needed exercise, as well as allowing yourself to get some fresh air. Be sure to adhere to the guidelines of keeping two metres away from other walkers and only walk your dog locally.

Make your dog work for their treats

Take a few of your dog’s favourite treats and hide them around the house. This will keep your dog busy while he is sniffing out the treats, under furniture and behind doors. Treat dispensing toys can also help to keep them busy while engaging their mind.

Training

Teaching your dog some new tricks or simply refreshing their training is a great way to engage your dog. As well as keeping them physically fit, training can also help to keep their brain active. Use treats to reward good behaviour but remember to keep them as part of their daily meal. Read our top tips on brain training your dog here.

Use the stairs

Make use of any stairs in your home, if your dog is mobile and physically able to – get them running up and down the stairs. Stand at the top of the stairs and throw your dogs favourite toy down to him, get him to pick it up and bring it to you at the top. This is a great way to tire out your pooch.

Create an obstacle course

If your dog is mobile and you have the space in your home, create an obstacle course using furniture for your dog to run around, jumping over and going under tables and chairs. Be careful not to use rooms with wooden floors as this could cause your dog to slip and fall while they are running around. Use treats each time they complete it to keep them entertained and not get bored.

Make use of outdoor space

If you have a garden or yard, make use of the outdoor space to run or walk around with your dog. If the weather is nice, you can power walk around your garden with your pooch – giving yourself some exercise as well as your dog. If your garden is big enough use the space to play fetch with your pup’s favourite toy.

Tug of war

Using rope toys, tug of war with your dog is a great way to tire them out. However, this game could bring out the predator side of your pooch, so be sure to remain in control and take breaks during the game to ensure they don’t get aggressive.

Establish a routine

To help keep your dog calm during this time, be sure to establish a routine with their exercise. If you are doing daily exercise, try and do it at the same time each day. Your dog will get used to their routine and exercising in the morning will help to keep them quiet during the day if you are working from home.

 

Posted on by

Top tips for healthy liver in dogs and cats

Top tips for healthy liver in dogs

Maintaining good liver health is vital for an animal’s general health, we share some top tips for healthy liver in dogs and cats.

The liver plays an important role in the body and has a wide variety of functions, including filtering the blood from the digestive tract before passing it to the rest of the body.

The liver also detoxifies chemicals and metabolises to support itself when processing medication. Other essential functions include:

  • The liver makes nutrients and controls their release into the body
  • It produces plasma proteins and blood clotting factors
  • The liver stores vitamins A, D, K and B12, as well as the minerals iron and copper and releases them when needed.
  • It breaks down medications and exits toxic substances from the body.

We share some top tips for healthy liver in dogs and cats and some positive things you can do, which include:

Diet

Feed your pet a good nutritious diet. Avoid fatty dry foods that are difficult to digest. Your vet may recommend a low-fat, low-protein diet to help maintain your pet’s liver health.

Water

Make sure your pet has plenty of clean, fresh water as they may experience increased thirst.

Exercise

Be sure to keep up your pet’s exercise routine to help maintain your pet’s overall health as well as support a healthy liver.

Key nutrients

Silybin is a bioavailable form of Milk Thistle Extract, which has proven bioactive properties. SAMe has been shown to help healthy liver function. Turmeric is a highly bioavailable antioxidant that helps to reduce free radicals.

Remove toxins

Remove toxins from your pet’s environment. Look at taking a more holistic approach to their diet and healthcare and ditch conventional care that can lead to the build-up of toxins.

Be wary on dog walks

Keep an eye on your dog whilst on walks to reduce them eating poisonous plants or insects.

Medications

Your pet may need medication to support their liver health or you may need to change other medications to reduce toxins in their liver.

Visit your vet

Take your pet to the vet for regular health checks and vaccinations to help maintain a healthy liver.

Follow your vet’s advice

Be sure to take on board and follow any advice from your vet. They are best placed to monitor your pet’s health and ensure they receive the best possible care.

If you are worried about your pet, speak to your vet who is best placed to offer advice with regards to your pet’s health needs. Ask your vet for more information on how Nutramarin+ can help. Nutramarin+ is a triple action support for healthy liver function, which helps to naturally cleanse the liver.

 

 

 

 

Posted on by

Nutravet launch new SAMe liver product for pets

Nutravet has launched a revolutionary NEW liver health supplement for cats and dogs.

Nutramarin has been developed to provide a fast-acting triple action formula to naturally support and maintain healthy liver function in pets.

The unique formulation of SAMe, Silybin and Turmeric extract (Curcumin) combine to naturally support and maintain healthy liver function in pets Nutramarin is used for when additional support is needed to naturally cleanse the liver, such as when processing medication.

Maintaining good liver health is vital for an animal’s general health and recovery. The liver plays an important role in the body and has a wide variety of functions, including filtering the blood from digestive tract, before passing it to the rest of the body.

The enteric coated tablets can be used in both short and long-term cases and is especially useful when there is an accumulation of toxins that need to be naturally eliminated by the liver.

Nutramarin has been developed using high quality natural ingredients:

–       Supports optimal liver health

–       Potent triple action antioxidant

–       Helps to naturally cleanse the liver

–       Supports the liver when it’s processing medication

–       Fast acting and palatable

–       High quality – lower cost

The tablets are enteric coated to allow their transit through the stomach to the small intestine before being released where they can be absorbed and have the most positive effect.

Commenting on the new product, Matthew Shaw, Managing Director for Nutravet said: “We’re excited to launch this new innovative product, which is 100% exclusive to vet practices and an affordable liver product for pet owners with the unique inclusion of Turmeric extract (Curcumin). Cost has always been an issue with products containing SAMe, however we are pleased to have developed a cost-effective product for pet owners, with an innovative formulation.”

Nutramarin will be available to buy exclusively through authorised veterinary practices.

All Nutravet products are manufactured with minimal environmental impact and sustainability in mind and is sold in packaging made from 100% recycled materials.

 

Posted on by

A great first year at Crufts

Nutravet exhibited at Crufts for the first time earlier this month (March) and enjoyed a fantastic four days at the World’s greatest dog show.

It was fabulous to see so many existing customers visit the stand and hear their feedback as to how Nutravet products are helping their pets. 

The Nutravet team were on hand to answer any questions about our veterinary exclusive, natural animal health range and meet some of our four-legged fans, including Brodick (pictured) who belongs to one of our authorised stockists practice manager (Vets4Pets Paisley Phoenix).

During the event, we helped many new customers locate their nearest authorised nutravet stockist to enable them to purchase products for their pets, so they can see the benefits too.

Magician, Nick Barnes was on hand to entertain visitors to our stand, which provided some light-hearted fun.

Despite turnout being lower this year due to coronavirus worries, we were delighted with how our first year went and we look forward to seeing everyone again next year.

Posted on by

Nutravet is exhibiting at Crufts in March 2020

Nutravet will be exhibiting for the first time at the World’s Greatest Dog Show – Crufts in March 2020.

The ultimate dog show will take place between 5 – 8th March at the NEC, Birmingham and attracts more than 150,000 people and over 27,000 dogs each year. It’s also broadcast to an international television audience.

Crufts boasts a diverse programme of dog competitions in different categories and levels and culminates with the Best in Show finale on Sunday evening.

Visitors to the four-day event can also enjoy the ultimate shopping experience with over 400 stands selling all sorts of doggy delights, including food, toys and beds, as well as outdoor clothing equipment.

Nutravet is delighted to be exhibiting among the trade stands this year, showcasing their full range of natural animal health products.

Come and see the team on stand – 181a – located in Hall 5 and enter our free prize draw for a chance to win a year’s supply of a product of their choice.

More information about Crufts including how you can purchase tickets can be found here www.crufts.org.uk.