What causes joint problems?

Arthritis is caused by the deterioration of the bone in the joint resulting in pain, swelling and stiffness.

The end of each bone is protected by a layer of cartilage which acts as a cushion between the bones of a joint; it also provides a smooth lubricated surface allowing adjoining bones to move easily and smoothly over one another.

When cartilage is eroded from the bone, bone thickening and roughness can occur which means the joint will not work so well, and will become stiff and painful.

This can occur in any joint in the body, but most commonly in the hips, knees and shoulders.

Certain breeds are predisposed to joint problems: for example Maine Coons, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Miniature Dachshunds and some terriers. However, we must also remember that ALL animals’ joints suffer wear and tear over time and can become a problem in later life, so preventative care is recommended for all dogs and cats.

Contributing factors

• Pets carrying excess weight – this puts extra strain on joints; keeping dogs and cats at their optimum weight is one of the major contributors to joint health.
• Lack of exercise – keeping mobile is essential for a healthy animal. Regular exercise helps strengthen muscle and stabilize the joints. However, don’t overdo it! If the pet isn’t used to vigorous exercise it is better to build up gradually; short, frequent walks are best.
• Poor diet – fulfilling nutritional needs is essential for healthy bone and tissue formation. Good nutrition is extremely important for growing puppies and kittens.
• Trauma to bone, muscle, cartilage or ligaments – For example, over- exercising large breed puppies; regularly running up and down stairs; sudden physical exertion that the pet is unused to; falls; jumping up on the sofa etc.
• Inherited conditions – research before buying! If purchasing a breed that is predisposed to joint problems always buy from a reputable breeder, and preferably request hip scores with breeds where hip dysplasia is a problem.
• Ageing – wear and tear over the years, sadly none of us can escape this factor!

Possible symptoms of joint problems

Reduced activity, weight gain, reluctance to stand or walk, joints hot to the touch, behavioural changes, lameness, instability, vocalizing pain, poor grooming habits, reduced agility, increased sleeping time.

Some pets might not show you any signs of joint problems until it’s too late. However just by watching their movements and activities, you may be lucky enough to pick up on some clues.

How can we help?

The key to joint care is PREVENTION. Many pet owners wait until they see signs of pain or limited movement before actively providing joint care. The earlier that thought and treatment is given, the better the chances of limiting cartilage damage.

DO

• Give large breed dogs raised food bowls.
• Ensure the use of an appropriate bed – Teflon Mattresses and G&S Oval mattresses are ideal as they protect the joints from the floor, but are not too deep or padded.
• Keep the pet out of draughts.
• Keep pets mobile and fit – use catnip toys to encourage inactive cats to play.
• Feed a super-premium food such as Symply, it contains high levels of joint care (approx. ten times the industry standard). This is particularly important for large breed and senior pets. Pets with existing problems can be given supplements in addition to the food.
• Where possible keep pets with joint problems from jumping. Provide ramps for cars etc.
• Keep pets at their optimum weight – we have scales in store which are open to public use, we also run a ‘Health Club’ scheme in store where we can help you cut down the weight and keep a watchful eye on it.

Treatments

There are many treatments, treats and complete foods which contain joint care supplements. Many people use only one, or a combination, of the following components at differing levels. By reading the packaging and the levels the products contain you can find ones which are suitable to your needs.

By asking a member of staff they can point you in the right direction of which foods contain joint supplements and which products work well with them.

Glucosamine

• Stimulates cell regeneration in the cartilage, aiding formation and repair.
• Aids repair of tendons and ligaments.
• Found naturally in cartilage of other animals, and easily extracted from shells of crustaceans.

Chondroitin

• Main role is to protect joint cartilage by acting as a shock absorber – like a car bumper!
• Provides elasticity and absorbs impacts suffered by the joints.
• Inhibits the effects of cartilage destroying enzymes.
• Found naturally in the cartilage of various animals – fish, shellfish, pigs and fowl.

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)

• May help reduce pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints.
• May help reduce muscle pain, promotes elasticity and helps to keep joints flexible.

GLM (Green Lipped Mussel extract (a mussel native to New Zealand)

• Anti-inflammatory properties (reduces swelling).
• Helps lubricate joints and promotes healthy cartilage.

Others – Vitamin C, Omega 3, Manganese. All are thought to be beneficial in keeping joints healthy.

Please follow the links for a full range of online dog and cat medicines, if you would prefer to speak to a member of staff, visit our store finder page by clicking here.

Catching fleas and ticks is easy. This can occur whenever your pet goes out into the garden or for walks. It only takes a matter of seconds for the flea to hatch and jump on board. Around 24 hours later the fleas begin laying eggs that infest your home.

Fleas affect almost every dog and cat at some point in their lives; this is why we promote flea PREVENTION, as it’s easier, kinder and cheaper than treating an infestation.

How to be rid of Fleas

Step 1 – Treat the house – Household Flea Spray with IGR (Insect Growth Regulator).

• Fleas in the home make up 95% of the flea total: if the house isn’t treated, the fleas won’t be eradicated!
• Every room needs to be sprayed even if the pet has no access, as eggs can be transferred.
• The house may need to be sprayed more than once as most sprays don’t affect the pupae, first they have to hatch. Vacuuming regularly encourages hatching and helps eradicate eggs. Bedding must also be washed regularly at 60 degrees or higher.

Step 2 – Treat the Pet – Just because a flea hasn’t been seen, doesn’t mean there aren’t any!

Signs of fleas can include – Itching/Scratching/Excessive grooming/Brown flea dirt, especially around the neck and tail areas/Humans being bitten/Visible adult fleas (brown insect approx. 2.5mm long).

Flea treatments range from garlic based supplements to ‘Spot-Ons’, and as there is a huge difference in effectiveness, it is a good idea to know what you’re shopping for.
Pets Corner staff are trained to be able to help you through a step by step guide to treating your pet.

Some of our stores sell Frontline, however, the person who has had the necessary course completion can only serve you and give you advise on the product when he or she is present. Other members a staff will give you advise on our full range when Frontline is not an option.

Handy tips to buying flea products:

• What species is the treatment for? Dog/Cat (some treatments are lethal to cats!)
• Does your pet currently have fleas? Some treatments kill fleas, some don’t!
• How old is your pet? Most treatments have a minimum age.
• How much does your pet weigh? Most treatments have a minimum weight.
• Are there any other pets in the household? All dogs and cats in the house need to be treated.
• When was the last time a flea treatment was used? A treatment maybe applied over and over to the pet, thinking that it’s not working when it is the house that needs to be treated. Overdosing can be lethal.

Bathing the pet in a flea shampoo before applying a treatment can be beneficial as the process will help remove fleas and eggs from the coat. The coat must be completely dry before treatment is applied.

Step 3 – Worm your Pet

Fleas can carry tapeworm: when the pet grooms it ingests the fleas and contracts the worms. So it is extremely important to worm your pet when purchasing flea products.

Skin irritation

Many pets suffer from skin irritation when they have fleas: we sell lots of effective skin soothing creams, if you’re concerned ask a member of staff about creams that can help alongside your flea treatment.

Some pets are allergic to flea bites/saliva; this is known as FAD (Flea Allergic Dermatitis) and is extremely uncomfortable. If the pet is suffering from flea related hair loss, inflamed skin or appears to be in any discomfort then veterinary advice should be sought.

Ticks

Ticks cause irritation, inflammation and infection where they attach, and are second only to mosquitoes in transmitting infectious disease to humans and animals.

It is important to remove a tick within 48 hours to avoid disease transmission. Ticks can be removed with tick tweezers, Tick freeze spray and Tick lassoes; you must ensure that you remove the entire tick, if the head piece is left inside it can become infected.

All stores will sell and be able to give advise on products which help with ticks, again some stores sell Frontline.

Worms

The two most common worms to affect dogs and cats are Roundworms and Tapeworms.

Roundworms can be passed through the umbilical cord (puppies only); through the mother’s milk (Kittens and Puppies); contact with other animal’s faeces, or by eating prey contaminated with worms – usually rodents: large infestations in young animals can cause anemia and can even be fatal.

Tapeworms are most commonly contracted by ingesting fleas, or by eating contaminated prey. Both worms can be passed to humans, and are particularly dangerous for children.

How often should pets be wormed?
Worming treatments are not preventative (they only kill worms in the body at the time) and do not remain in the body for very long: for this reason, routine worming is essential at all ages.

Kittens and Puppies

• Every 2 weeks until 3 months of age (acceptable to treat only for Roundworm at this age)
• Every 4 weeks between 3 – 6 months

6 Months Old +

• At least every 3 months for the lifespan of the animal

Not all wormers treat both Roundworm AND Tapeworm – please ask a member of staff if you’re concerned with which product to choose. Some of our stores do sell Drontal so long as the right member of staff is there to help you.

Please follow the links for a full range of online dog and cat medicines, if you would prefer to speak to a member of staff, visit our store finder page by clicking here.

If you’re concerned about your furry friends and wondering if you’re doing enough, we are here to give you some tips about how to keep them warm during this cold spell.

Mammals and birds can only be housed outdoors between the 1st of May and the middle to end of October (depending when the frost starts) so they can get acclimatised to the colder weather.

You shouldn’t put animals outside between the months of November to April as animals that have been kept indoors would not have the right fur or feather density to protect them, so it could be fatal if they are exposured to the cold.

Once they are outdoors they can then stay outside all year round as long as the hutch or aviary is in a sheltered place with a separate hideaway sleeping or resting area.

Should I bring my Small Animals indoors when it’s cold?

If you bring a pet indoors (other than for short periods of exercise) they must stay indoors for the entire winter. Animals build up a winter coat; if they are brought inside for the night and put out again during the day, they may start to moult their thick coat – causing stress, and making them vulnerable to the cold. Remember, the temperature of a house can differ by as much as 20 degrees, this extreme temperature difference will make the pet feel freezing when put back outside.

If you don’t want to keep the pet in all winter, it is best to leave them outside and take measures to ensure the pet doesn’t get too cold. If an animal is very young, elderly or ill, it may be best to house them indoors for the whole winter.

Shed or Garage

It is not ideal to keep animals that live on their own in the shed or garage unless the weather is extreme. There is nothing in a shed or garage that will stimulate an animal so this can be cruel, unless kept with a companion or other animals that are living in the shed as well.

Out of sight, out of mind – if you can’t see them you may forget to feed and water them. Animals are best kept in the garden near the house so they can be seen from a window or door. Sheds are not ideal as they are usually at the bottom of the garden with only a small window and no ventilation.

If the animals are very young, old or unwell they may well have to be brought indoors for the whole winter. There are cages available like the Ferplast Rabbit 100.

Shed or Garage ‘Must’ and ‘Must Nots’:

• They must have ample daylight
• They must be well ventilated and be draught and damp free
• They must not be used to store paint or chemicals, as they fumes could be harmful
• You must not put pets in a garage if you park a car in it – the fumes could damage them or even be fatal

Birds in Aviaries
All birds kept outdoors should have an enclosed compartment that they can retreat into, which should be heated and the entrance shouldn’t be facing in the direction of the wind and rain.

Keep pets busy!
If the opportunity for pets to exercise out of their hutch is decreased in the winter (they should still be exercising indoors at least once per week) compensate by providing more toys, hiding food, treat balls, stuffing hay into wicker balls etc. Be creative – being stuck in a hutch is no fun!

Small Animal winter check list:

• Mammals must have a separate sleeping compartment out of draughts and the rain
• If it is snowing the hutch should be facing south or west and in normal cold and rainy weather it should face north or east. This is so the rain and wind doesn’t blow in through the front of the hutch, and the same for the snow and the northern winds
• The hutch should be near the house so you can keep an eye on them through the window. If they are put at the bottom of the garden it is more likely predators will gain access
• If you do not have a hutch cover, buy some tarpaulin from a garden centre or B&Q. A blanket or piece of carpet can then be put underneath the tarpaulin for extra warmth, although don’t cover over the front of the hutch all day as they will be in the dark
• You could line the hutch sleeping section with thick brown cardboard for extra insulation
• The hutch should be raised off the ground to help prevent the cold, the damp and rodents
• Bed down the floor of the hutch with a thick layer of shavings, and pack the bed area with straw. Straw is hollow so it is a fantastic insulator. Hay should be given to rabbits and guinea pigs to eat. Both hay and straw should be topped up daily

Water
As water freezes outside very quickly the bottle should be protected with an insulation sleeve. If you are having problems with freezing water try the insulated bottle that we stock, it stops the freeze in the winter yet cools down the water in the summer. Dehydration can be fatal to animals even in cold weather.

The other option is to always have two water bottles. 1. They can crack if they freeze and 2. So you can swap the frozen one for a freshly filled up bottle throughout the day. Don’t give animal’s de-frosted water as it could cause digestive upsets.

Heat Pads
We stock Snugglesafe Microwavable Heat Pads; they can be used in the hutch to help keep pets warm. Once you start using a heat pad you really need to use it all the time through the cold weather. Once heated, the pad can stay warm for around 10-12 hours; it must be placed right underneath the bedding with its cover on, as the pad gets extremely hot at first and you don’t want the animals to be able to touch it.

Food
Feed the animals as normal – twice per day, this also enables you to check them twice. Rabbits and Guinea pigs need to be fed plenty of hay. Be creative and encourage foraging for stimulation.

Exercise
Animals still need exercise in the winter months, so they will need to be exercised in a safe place indoors at the very least once a week. G&S Indoor Play Pens are ideal.

If you would like any more advise on your pets keeping warm or general information on keeping animals please visit one of our stores and chat to a member of staff.

You can look for your nearest store by clicking here.

The Pets Corner Difference is all about making you, the customer, as happy as we can possibly make you. This includes giving you the best possible customer service by training our staff to listen and share their experiences, may I also include that our staff are trained to the higest standards so they can give you top quality advise.

It’s also about helping your pocket and by that we mean selling you products that are made to last and backing that theory up with our 100% satisfaction guarantee!

This blog post can you give you a quick update about what exactly we are upto in Pets Corner headquarters!

Sharing our Experience

We opened our first small pet shop in 1968 at the peak of the flower power movement. We’re still run by the same family and our founding principles of providing pets with the best quality nutrition, care and toys, and offering qualified advice to customers still stand strong.

Since we opened we have learned what our customers want and need from a local pet store. We are still learning today and have built a strong team of experts in animal care, nutrition and husbandry.

We train our staff to the highest possible standard so that they can give you the advice that you need on a range of topics from animal nutrition, skin and coat problems, behavioural issues and more. So if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask, they love to impart their knowledge!

We’re Green!

For years we have done our best to reduce waste, the amount of energy we use and increase the amount we recycle.

• We buy our electricity from renewable resources and only use low energy lighting solutions.
• We only use environmentally friendly cleaning products, apart from the small amount of animal safe disinfectant used in our animal units.
• We have introduced an Eco-bag for only £1.39, all of the proceeds of which go to our supported charity, Canine Partners.
• We recycle over 75% of our rubbish and the remaining waste is mainly biodegradble.

Better Value Through Quality

We believe that spending a little more on better quality products that are made well and last longer provides you with better value in the long run.

That’s why our rubber balls are stronger and bouncier, our chews are tougher and our knots are 100% cotton. These better quality products may cost a little more, but they last much longer and save you money!

Innovation

We have always been at the forefront of innovation in the pet industry in the UK, and we instigated many industry firsts including sealed livestock units, animal birth certificates, a dedicated training program for staff and services such as in-store nutritionists, animal behaviourists, pet microchipping and our 100% satisfaction guarantee. We strive to be with new innovation and customer services and will continue to offer our customers the ultimate pet shopping experience.

The secret of innovation is being open to ideas, and our customers continue to inspire our efforts. So please, if you have any suggestions for how we can improve our service please contact us.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Last but not least. We are so proud of our staff training and knowledge, quality products and animal welfare that we offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee across our stores!

We want you to be totally satisfied with your purchase. So if you get home and the new pet bed doesn’t match the wallpaper or Billy the Budgie doesn’t like his cage we will refund you in full, no problem. We cannot issue a refund without proof of purchase so please keep hold of your till receipt.

It could be related to the food that they are eating. If your house is flea empty and you have tried every potion there is going perhaps it is time to give their food a new approach. A lot of foods can set off allergies in your cat and dogs which causes itching and scratching. You can read more about this in our blog post ‘The truth about cat and dog food’ just click here.

Proudly made in the UK, Symply uses 100% natural, healthy ingredients with no artificial colourings, flavours or preservatives. Also containing a high level of Omega 3 for a healthy skin and coat, Symply has a high meat content for a greater taste that your fluffy friend wont be able to resist!

The Symply team really do know their stuff. With over 40 years combined experience in filling the bowls of loved and pampered four-legged friends all over the country, they have now achieved their ultimate goal – creating their very own ‘perfect’ range of dog food and cat food. Using only the best possible natural ingredients, Symply will help your dog or cat grow into a healthy, happy life-long companion.

Symply have an in-depth understanding of the common problems dogs may suffer (for example, itchy skin and dull coat, intolerances to certain foods leading to tummy upsets, extreme hyperactivity and associated misbehaviour) these problems have influenced the choice of every ingredient in a bowl of Symply dog food. All of these conditions (and many more, besides) can be prevented with a diet of natural and healthy foods.

All the ingredients found in the Symply range of both natural dog food and cat food have been carefully chosen for their health benefits – like their salmon which is sourced from the Highlands of Scotland, rich in Linoleic Acid (Omega-6). Linoleic acid is an ‘Essential Fatty Acid’ that has many important roles in the body including the maintenance of healthy skin and coat, ensuring normal growth in kittens and puppies.

Symply use Great British meadow-raised lamb, a meat more gentle on the stomach for dogs who suffer from upset tummies. Each and every ingredient carries out an important task and is the healthiest possible option for that specific job.

Why use Symply?

• All Symply dog foods are made in the UK
• All Symply dog foods are free from artificial colourings, flavourings and preservatives
• They use the highest quality ingredients which are gentler on the stomach and more easily digested
• Higher levels of Omega-6. Linoleic acid is an ‘Essential Fatty Acid’ that has many important roles in the body including the maintenance of healthy skin and coat, ensuring normal growth in kittens and puppies. Omega-6 helps maintain a healthy skin and a shiny coat
• High meat content provides all the protein for healthy and strong muscles
• Their dog foods are free of ‘wheat gluten’, a well known cause of allergies in dogs
• The Salmon is sourced from the Highlands of Scotland
• Symply’s lambs are meadow raised in the UK
• None of the turkeys in the foods are caged or battery farmed
• Quality ingredients mean more goodness per crunch – feed less and save money
• Symply do not participate in any animal testing and do not use any artificial colours, flavours or growth hormones.

Want extra joint care?

If your dog has weak joints or is now in their senior years you will be happy to know that amongst Symply’s top ingredients is a very generous helping of 3 types of great joint care: Glucosamine, Chrondroitin and MSM.

• Glucosamine assists the creation of new cartilage
• Chondroitin reduces enzymes which damage cartilage in joints
• MSM helps reduce joint inflammation and is known for its pain reducing properties

If you are looking for a new natural dog food or perhaps your pet suffers from itching, scratching, intolerances or other similar conditions, switch to Symply – they absolutely guarantee results. Pets Corner will happily give you your money back if you are not 100% satisfied with this product.

My dog has suffered from a skin condition most of his life. I have spent hundreds of pounds on him at the vets for injections and on foods that didnt change his coat condition in the slightest. When I heard of Symply – I was reluctant to try it. It was very lucky that I did. Sam’s coat is in a wonderful condition, people even comment on his coat now. Not only that he seems happier in himself, he can now climb the dreaded stairs and has a new appetite for life. Extremely happy with this choice in food!
- Mrs Bishop, Hertfordshire.

If you would like to see our full range of Symply, please click here. Or you can visit their website. Otherwise please do not hesitiate to visit one of our stores for more information. You can find your nearest store by clicking here.

Other products that help with skin and coat conditions are:

Cod Liver Oil
Exmarid
Evening Primrose
Fish4Dogs

If this phobia is left unaddressed, mild firework fears can often progress into a more serious noise phobia. An animal with a noise phobia will start to panic at the slightest noise and the reaction is always a sudden, extreme and excessive response. Together with behavioural advice, many mild firework fears can be successfully managed with Adaptil for dogs and Feliway for cats.

Adaptil and Feliway are both scientifically proven to reduce or prevent stress related behaviour in your cats and dogs in many different circumstances including the events on Bonfire Night. They are widely trusted and have been used by behavourists, veterinary experts and charities for over 10 years. As they are non-sedative Feliway and Adaptil can be used alongside medication and due to them being odourless they do not affect humans or other pets (species specific).

Adaptil For Dogs

Adaptil is a synthetic copy of the natural appeasing pheromone the mother dog produces to comfort and reassure her puppies which has a positive, relaxing and comforting influence on puppies and adult dogs.

Adaptil helps you to give your dog the reassurance and comfort needed to reduce or stop undesirable actions such as noisy, irritable or destructive behaviour caused by stress.

Adaptil can be used to help:

• During fireworks or storms.
• When travelling by car, boat or plane.
• When dogs are left alone (including puppies overnight).
• When dogs go somewhere stressful, like kennels, the vets or grooming parlour.
• When dogs experience change, such as meeting new people, moving house, the arrival of a new baby or new pet.

Adaptil comes in three different forms:

Adaptil Diffuser – Plug the diffuser into the room where your dog spends most of its time. Lasts up to 4 weeks.

Adaptil Spray – Spray onto your dog’s bedding, in its crate or the car. Convenient formulation for intermittent use.

Adaptil Collar – Available in 2 sizes: small and large. Fitted snugly around your dog’s neck, this collar will ensure the appeasing pheromone is with your dog wherever he goes. Lasts for 4 weeks.

Feliway For Cats

When a cat feels safe, it rubs its head against prominent objects, leaving behind facial pheromones. These facial pheromones convey a message of security and reassurance.
Feliway is a synthetic copy of these pheromones.

Feliway can be used to reduce stress and its consequences, such as loss of appetite, reduced playfulness and lack of interaction. Feliway is also clinically proven to help problem behaviour in Cats such as indoor urine marking, destructive scratching and fear of travel.

Feliway can be used to help:

• Fireworks and storms.
• When a new Cat, or another pet is introduced to the home.
• When Cats with different personalities have to share the same home.
• When Cats go somewhere stressful, like the Cattery or vets.
• When travelling by car, boat or plane.
• When the home is more busy or noisy than the Cat can cope with e.g. Christmas, during family visits etc.

Feliway comes in two different forms:

Feliway Diffuser – Plug the diffuser into the room where your cat spends most of its time. Lasts up to 4 weeks.

Feliway Spray – Apply daily to areas that your cat scratches or sprays, or to new items of furniture in your house. Or to cages that are used for travelling.

Three top tips for Fireworks

1. Provide a den or a covered area where your pet can feel safe.

2. Increase the feeling of security by plugging in an Adaptil or a Feliway Diffuser as close to the den or hiding place as possible.

3. Ignore fearful behaviour, such as panting, shaking and whining. Dogs may pick up on their owners’ anxiety which could make the problem worse.

Further Advice

• In the run up to fireworks night walk your dog when it is still light outside. This reduces the possibility of fireworks being let off and your dog becoming worried.
• Make sure all windows, doors and cat flaps are securely closed during fireworks night. This will reduce the chances of your pets escaping.
• Provide extra litter trays for cats. Litter Trays will be used more as your cat is confined to the house.
• Provide distractions, in the form of new toys and chews, during periods when fireworks are occuring. Draw curtains and put the TV on to mask the noise of fireworks being let off.
• DO NOT punish your pet! This will only make your pet more distressed.
• Try not to leave your pets alone when fireworks are going off. Your pet may hurt themselves during this time.

Other products that may help include:

Thundershirt
Herbal and Health
M&C Serene-Um Tablets

Since 1990 the charity has built up to a stage where it now occupies its own training centre in West Sussex. Their facilities lead the way in accessibility for disabled people.

With over 1 million people using wheelchairs in the UK, they are working hard to make life easier for those who need a helping hand, or in this case a paw.

Their next step is to open a second training centre in the Midlands, with the help of your small change we can move them closer to this goal.

Who do they help?

At Canine Partners, they are determinded to make life better with the help from dogs, for people with physical disabilities, most of whom use wheelchairs.

The partners who benefit are ones whom have a variety of different conditions. Some have lived their entire lives with their condition whilst others have aquired a new way of living along the way.

Every partner has a different story to tell, has different levels of ability, different needs, different things that are preventing them from getting the most out of life. They tailor-make each dog for each individual, to make the maximum impact.

Bethan & Canine Partner “Jumble”

Bethan was diagnosed at birth with muscular atrophy. After a succesful application with Canine Partners she was matched with a good looking retriever named “Jumble”.

Since having Jumble, Bethan now spends a lot more time outside than she could before. Because of Bethan’s bad circulation she needs to put her feet up at any oppurtunity, so Jumble always puts her feet up on a stool whenever she’s watching television.

He helps pick up dropped items from the floor, takes off her socks, opens doors and even has his own security pass at Bethan’s work so he can go in and out.

Jumble also offers Bethan companionship which no one else can offer. Bethan can give kindness back to jumble unlike any other carer before, making it a true partnership between the pair.

If you would like to read more stories like Bethans please click here.

The puppies at Canine Partners are trained to do a very wide variety of helpful tasks including:

• Operating a pedestrian crossing or lift button
• Loading and unloading washing machines/tumble driers
• Retrieving a wide variety of items as required, for example keys, an inhaler, crutches or a phone
• Picking chosen items off supermarket shelves
• Handing over a purse and items at the checkout
• Assisting with dressing and undressing
• Carrying out a range of emergency response procedures

“Becoming disabled is a life changing experience. I get periods of great pain, particularly late at night. Daxi helps me through this by getting up and comforting me by sitting at my feet. I am never alone, even if he is not doing a specific task. Daxi is a loyal and trusted friend.”

- A quote from Arthur and Canine Partner “Daxi”

If you would like to know more about this wonderful charity or if you would like to donate a sum of money or even look into having a canine partner for yourself or loved one, please visit their website by clicking here.

Canine Partners is an incredible charity that has helped countless people over the years despite limited public exposure. We at Pets Corner serve over 2 million customers each year through our 50+ stores, and we hope to raise awareness and a considerable amount of money for this worthy cause. I have agreed to donate all Pets Corner’s charitable income to Canine Partners and also to donate 10p from the sale of every Eco-bag we sell in store.

I hope that through the income we will generate and the awareness we create, Canine Partners can grow and provide more assistance dogs for those who need them.

Dean Richmond
Managing Director, Pets Corner UK Ltd

Thank You for helping us help them, from all at Pets Corner.

For humans a variety of food is a luxury, we bore easily on a day to day basis and can have that want for our naughty delights.
Cats and dogs have very different digestive systems to our own. They need a constant source of meat protein, carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins to prevent dietary disfunction.

Both animals are carnivores but to different degrees. Dogs can digest and get nutrition from plant matter but meat should be the main ingredient, whereas cats’ digestive systems can only process meat, so cereal rich cat foods can literally go in one end and out the other.

Tinned food and pouches are often bought for cats and dogs in the fear that they might get bored without variety every day or that it’s cruel to give ourselves diversity and not our beloved pets. In fact in the wild they would have a very simple diet, and not only do tinned and pouched foods often have inconstant quality ingredients they can be 2 or 3 times more expensive than more nutritious foods!

The 3 Main types of pet food:

Wet Food:
Tins and pouches – usually low quality meat products and cereals, with a very high water content. However, there are a few high quality foods that come in the form of a tin and or a pouch, they contain real meat – although are more expensive than their equivalent dry food.

Cereal based dry food:
Can be low in real meat content with low quality cereals which can contribute to obesity.

Super Premium:
Rich in real meat, cereal content is from consistent sources. Generally easier to digest and more nutritious.

The problem with some foods

- Gravy and jelly might sound delicious to your pet and he may lick the bowl dry but that is usually because it can be quite high in salt and sugar – which means it tastes scrummy but isn’t very healthy and can also rot their teeth, just like junk food.

- If the tins and pouches state that it uses ‘meat and animal derivatives’ this means the food COULD contain feet, feather, fins or other bulking and non-nutritious bits. The food isn’t consistent either, so each pack you buy could contain different ingredients.

- 85% Thats how much water can be inside the tin or pouch. The product ends up costing you almost as much as mineral water! Why not put some tap water in a bowl instead?

- Cheaper dry foods have a high cereal content which our carnivorous friends cant digest, so it ends up as squishy poo on your lawn. Your pet can digest more of a Super Premium food leading to fewer, firmer stools.

- Foods that have a household name means it has the biggest advertising budget! There are many famous brands of human food, but that doesn’t mean it’s good for you. Not to mention the shiny packaging which is very bad for the planet.

“A good quality pet food should consist of high quality easily digestible ingredients. Some foods are better at providing this than others.”

Why recommend Super Premium foods?

Just take a look at the first ingredients. You can tell if a food is Super Premium:

Meat meal, drained or dehydrated meat (usually named, eg. chicken, lamb or fish)
This is just real quality meat that has had its water removed, no nasty bits here so it’s kind on little stomachs.

If the cereal source is named (eg. rice) this means it is from a higher quality and is consistent and healthy. When it reads ‘cereals‘ the food can include husks and other low grade plant matter, which can be difficult to digest.

You feed less!

To look at, Super Premium dry foods might seem more expensive, but as they are more nutritious and easily digestible your pet gets more nutritents out of much smaller amounts so it works out much cheaper in the long run.

As a pet owner I worry about all kinds of future issues that may arise in them.
We specialise in Super Premium foods and stock many different varieties that are good for teeth and bones and help prevent skin problems, joint problems and weight gain. You will be amazed at the difference a change in diet can bring to your pet’s health and appearance.

Obesity, loose stools, smelly breath, tooth decay and bad skin health are all symptoms of low quality tinned or dry foods that can cost up to three times as much as most Super Premium foods.

Super Premium foods such as More, Symply and Royal Canin have high quality digestible ingredients and are always cheaper than feeding tinned foods.
You must wean your pet onto Super Premium dry food gradually to be sure of no upsets…this could be a tricky situation as your pet may be used to the flavour of its current diet, so try mixing to start with and be patient. It will be worth your pets health in the long run!
We understand not all pets like what we recommend and thats why we offer a 100% money back guarantee on all Super Premium foods, so if they don’t like one, you can try another!

Not interested in dry food on its own? If they are a little fussy we can recommend some wet foods to go with the dry – such as Applaws (although not complete), Lily’s Kitchen, Nature’s Menu and Naturediet – all of these ones contain real meat!

Our staff are all fully trained in animal nutrition and are eager to share their knowledge with you so ask a member of staff for help!

To buy online and see a full range of our Foods please Click Here.

Are you left longing for that perfect garden but Poncho the Pooch keeps you held back?

Dog Rocks can help!

This proven and 100% natural product from Australia helps prevent those nasty burns that dogs can leave behind when they pee.

With absolutely no effect on your dogs health.

Leaving you a patch free and glorious green grass lawn once again!

About Dog Rocks

• The Rocks are completely safe for your dog.
• No effect on the PH balance in the their urine.
• 100% Natural.
• Stops nasty brown patches on the lawn!
• Lasts two months.

Dog Rocks are an all natural product, made from naturally occuring paramagnetic igneous rock, which when placed in your dogs water bowl they can help stop those nasty burn patches on your lovely lawn.

Dog Rocks filter out impurities from water such as Tin, ammonia and nitrates. These impurities are usually passed out through urine, and when your grass comes in contact with these elements it is burned, resulting in a dead, yellow patch on your lawn.

How do you use them?

Every pack comes with an instruction leaflet and diary reminder stickers, as the rocks must be changed every two months.

To remove any dust, wash the rocks thoroughly under running water.

Place your entire pack of Dog Rocks in your dog’s water bowl, if you have more than one water bowl, you will need another whole pack of Dog Rocks. Each water supply should have one entire pack of Dog Rocks in it.

Replace your Dog Rocks every 2 months and for best results, refresh the water every 2 to 3 days and top up at night in between.

Dog Rocks are not uniform size and differ from pack to pack in content because they are entirely natural. The weight of each pack is however the same and therefore the efficacy is consistent.

Dog Rocks will not bring dead lawns back to life but you will see changes within 5 weeks.

If you think the dog might eat the rocks, put them in a jug and fill up the water bowl from this!

Easy!

To buy Dog Rocks onlline click here or visit your nearest Pets Corner Store.

This includes dry, insects and frozen. We also sell bedding, bulbs and at some stores vivariums. We can order all this and more especially for you and your reptiles.

Very recently Pets Corner took the reptile world a step further and started selling reptiles straight from our Thatcham store.

The reptiles that are now sold there include: Leopard Geckos, Crested Geckos, Horsefield Tortoises, Corn Snakes (Amelanistic and Carolina) and Bearded Dragons. They really are such big charaters!

Yoda, the Bearded Dragon, is a very feisty young man. He has learnt that the sound of the vivarium keys means food and starts to dance around in excitement when he hears that jingle jangle.

The tortoises have their breakfast, yummy pansies, they then begin to charge around, climbing up their huts and tumbling back down again.

The Leopard Geckos are nocturnal so are mainly seen when it’s food time, but when they come out for that highly anticipated occasion they wiggle their tails and then delicately pick up their food and munch it down.

We have so many interesting and charming reptiles in their temporary quaters at Thatcham waiting for that loving customer to give them a new home.

The staff there can help you on so many aspects in keeping and caring for your new chum, have a visit and chat with a member of staff on the fun of keeping reptiles.

For a list of online reptile food and other stock, click here.