Bank Holiday BBQ Pet Safety Feat. IAMS*

Many of you will be having BBQ’s this weekend and savouring that last bank holiday before Christmas. I know that every time there is a Bank Holiday I pray for some sun and hope that I can make the most of it with a few drinks and some good food. IAMS have done some research and found that one in five British Bank Holiday BBQ’s are expected to have pets as guests. For me this is certainly true as I own a cat, he is often hovering in the garden when the BBQ gets started. You’ll also find that Bank Holiday BBQ drinking sessions can start early so guests may also bring their dogs with them to save them being at home all day alone.

We decided to have a BBQ, courtesy of some food from M&S, they have a great BBQ range. IAMS survey of 2000 UK pet owners reveals that the smell of sizzling sausages will have 50% of pets licking their lips and 30% of pet owners will give their pets some food from their BBQ. Being a pet owner I know how easy it is to slip them a little treat from the plate however in the long term this can have damaging health implications such as increasing the risk of heart problems. Hearing this made me really think about how I treat my pets.

IAMS survey also revealed that almost a third of pets are given food at a BBQ. According to IAMS Nutrition Expert and Veterinary Training Manager, Kellie Ceccarelli, although our pets love to eat whatever they can get their paws on, we need to be careful to ensure they remain as happy and healthy as possible: “It’s important to understand what your pet needs to be happy and healthy. A diet rich in high quality animal proteins, such as chicken and turkey, will help in maintaining optimal overall health for your pet, supporting a strong immune system, healthy skin and a shiny coat.”

Photo provided by IAMS

Instead of giving your pet a sneaky sausage, why not let them have something that is made for them such as the IAMS Proactive Health. This contains high levels of protein in every bowl keeping them fuller for longer and hopefully away from the BBQ food! Chicken and turkey protein is the number one ingredient in IAMS Proactive Health which give cats 47% more animal proteins and dogs 24% more than the top two leading brands. If you haven’t heard of IAMS before, it is an advanced nutrition pet food brand that uses quality ingredients to provide great food that your dog or cat will love. I can vouch for this, whenever my pets eat IAMS it barely touches the sides!!

Kellie also reveals the top BBQ foods to keep those pets paws away from: (*Information provided by IAMS).

1. Chicken wings and drumsticks
Cats and dogs love the smell of chicken, but anything with bones runs the risk of splintering and causing intestinal obstruction. Look for a pet food that has high quality animal proteins, such as chicken and turkey, as the number one ingredient. IAMS contains 47% more animal proteins for cats and 24% more protein for dogs than the top two leading brands.

2. Hot Dogs
Hot dogs are unhealthy and contain high amounts of preservatives and salt which can cause diarrhoea and digestive problems for pets.

Feed your pet a 100% complete diet to help maintain optimal overall health, supporting a strong immune system, healthy skin and a shiny coat.

3. Corn on the Cob
Whilst this isn’t toxic for pets, the shape alone could cause choking and obstruction so avoid letting your pet sneak a lick of your buttered cob.

4. Onions
Big plate of sliced onions awaiting burgers? Keep them away from the dogs. All close members of the onion family (shallots, onions, garlic, scallions, and the like) contain compounds that can harm your pooch’s red blood cells if sufficiently ingested.

5. Alcohol
Both dogs and cats are uniquely sensitive to alcoholic beverages, but may not shy away from lapping up an abandoned drink. Even just a few ounces of beer or wine can be poisonous to a dog or cat so be careful leaving drinks in pet’s reach.

Will you be having a bank holiday BBQ with your pets? I hope you’ll be bearing in mind this information. To find out more, visit the IAMS website.

*I received some items free of charge in exchange for this blog post. All opinions are my own and I was not influenced in any way. Information retrieved from IAMS.

Pet Cleanliness in the Home feat. BISSELL*

Having previously never had my own house, I never really worried about cleanliness. This was something that was always left to my parents but since moving out and being a pet owner, I have really come to notice how much things really need cleaning. Biscuit is a fluffy cat so I am often left with his fluff and fur all over the carpets, as well as mud and whatever else he brings through his cat-flap. Luckily he does not go to the toilet indoors but he is a messy eater so there is always that to contend with too!

I first noticed what a difference Biscuit made when he moved in. We had gotten away with cleaning less often before he arrived but as soon as he moved in it was apparent that we needed to keep on top of the cleaning more. Some research has been done into the cleaning habits of pet owners and the importance of ensuring a deep clean to keep you and your family members safe. Dr Pixie Mckenna has teamed up with carpet cleaning experts BISSELL and I have been sent the following Q&A which outlines the importance of cleaning up after pets. I thought  it was really interesting and wanted to share it with you all. The Q&A dispels common myths and if you are a pet owner, I definitely recommend giving it a good read!

What germs, bacteria and other nasties do dogs and cats most commonly bring in to the home?
Not all germs carried by household pets can impact humans however, there are a number that do. These can be transmitted through a bite, scratch or more commonly though contact with a pet’s saliva, dander (dead skin cells) or waste. For instance, bacterial infections like Campylobacter can be spread through animal faeces and can cause stomach pain and upset, Toxoplasmosis a parasitic infection that is often hosted in cat litter and can cause symptoms from fevers to a sore throat and rash, or the fungal skin infection ringworm which manifests as a red, ring shaped rash.
It’s really shocking to hear that recent research by BISSELL* revealed that a fifth of pet owners don’t wash their carpets especially as 25% admitted to regularly having to clean up urine, vomit and faeces. We’re a nation of animals lovers and enjoy having our pets around the home, however it’s crucial that if our pets make a mess we clean it thoroughly to avoid making family members poorly, especially small children who use the floor as their playground.

How are these germs, bacteria and other nasties transferred to humans? Are these things harmful to humans and our furry friends? 

Just as it is with humans, any form of animal contact such as scratches, licks, kisses and even cuddles can result in the spread of infection. Whilst most such as ringworm are mild,  in both humans and pets they can prove very serious in certain circumstances. 

The parasite Toxocara, for example, is commonly found in the intestines of kittens and puppies and can be spread through animal faeces. Although symptoms such as stomach pain and upset tend to be mild, it can lead to pneumonia and liver problems with blindness occurring in very severe cases – something many of us are warned about when young.

What sort of bacteria and nasties can live in pet mess, saliva etc, and what sort of health issues can humans suffer from if they come in to contact with it/ingest it? 

There are numerous infections ranging from bacterial to fungal and parasitic infections. These include Campylobacter, Salmonella, Giardiasis, Cryptosporidium, Toxoplasmosis, Toxocariasis and Ringworm. Symptoms can include flu like symptoms, skin rashes, badly behaving bowels and general malaise.

How should the cleaning routine of pet owners vs non-pet owners differ, in terms of what is cleaned, how frequently and how deeply? 

You can never be too clean but pet owners need to go above and beyond to ensure that soft furnishings as well as the floors don’t just look clean but actually are. Recent research by BISSELL revealed that one in ten pet owning Brits* never wash their sofa covers whilst one fifth never wash their carpets. With these being two of the most popular places for pets and family to relax, it’s important they aren’t forgotten during the weekly clean as it will help to tackle unsightly stains, offensive smells and at worst, eliminate the chance of ill health.

How can pet owners ensure nothing nasty is left behind when cleaning up pet mess like urine, vomit and faeces? 

Although an area may look clean it doesn’t mean that nasty bacteria aren’t lurking beneath the surface. It's not good enough to simply remove the sight and smell of a pet accident. To ensure bacteria and germs are removed you need to carry out a deep clean with a specialist product if you want to avoid the risk of you and your family becoming ill. If you have small children playing on the floor, parasites that live in pet faeces can come into contact with hands, mouths and eyes leading to nasty health implications for your little ones.

What sort of bacteria can lurk in the carpets/beds that pets regularly sleep on and what are the implications for humans if we come in to contact/ingest? 

We call the infections animals spread to humans Zoonosis. This may surprise you but bedding down with your four legged friend can cause infections as serious as the bubonic plague – but don’t panic, it's incredibly rare! MRSA, worms, bacteria which cause tummy bugs, viruses which can affect everything from your eye sight to your liver...the list is endless. So although you love your pet and want to spend time with them you really shouldn’t let them in your bed.

What has been your biggest ever pet disaster and what did you do?
My dog once weed all over a brand new pair of shoes whilst I was sat having lunch in a restaurant! I was absolutely mortified and had to sit through the rest of lunch with a pair of very soggy shoes!

How have your personal experiences of owning a dog affected the wellbeing of and the way that you look after your family? 
I caught a Gastro bug early on in my puppy career and since then I have become hugely mindful of safeguarding my family against cross infection. Our dog isn’t allowed upstairs and I am constantly on poo watch! I paid the price early on with contaminated sofas so she now has certain ‘no go’ zones in our home. I love my dog and she has a hugely positive influence on our family but I’m also aware that sometimes, they can carry infections which they can pass on to us so I take practical measures to safeguard my family against ill health.

What would you say to pet owners who might not think their pets could bring ‘nasties’ into their home or happily kiss and share their bed with them?

Pets shouldn’t be allowed in their owner’s bed and instead should have a comfy place of their own to sleep. Just as we humans carry germs, pets can too and inviting them to share your bed can put you at risk of anything from a bacteria or parasitic infection to a virus. If you suffer from allergies these too can be triggered or worsened by contact not just with pet hair but also with their saliva and waste. Of course as a nation of pet lovers many will happily share their bed and enjoy being greeted by a slobbery kiss. However, with that territory should come a realisation that pets are not sterile, and as cute as they are, they can be the potential source of ill health. So we should take as many precautions as necessary to maintain a deep and meaningful relationship with our pets without challenging our health.

If you suffer with pet allergies, how can you help reduce allergy symptoms? 

If you suffer from allergies it is essential to deep clean carpets, drapes, soft furnishings, and bedding unless you want to worsen your sneezing, wheezing or skin condition. This should be a regular household job. Pet hair, dust and dirt can all trigger reactions so it is essential to do this regularly. Remember, it's the stuff you can't see that gives rise to symptoms so looking clean just simply is not enough.

BISSELL are experts in floor care and have the products to solve your pet mess and stain disasters – small or large, smelly or unsightly, wet or dry. So, whether you need to clean up pet hair, a little accident or spilt food and drink, BISSELL has the answers. 

I hope you have found this Q&A as interesting as I did. If you can relate to any of the points outlined above, I would recommend checking out BISSELL for yourselves.

Healthy Dog Food - Tails.com*

Last month I was given the chance to try out some dog food from Tails.com. When I say try out, I mean give to my dog – not me! After featuring my cat in a few posts recently I thought it was only fair I featured one of my dogs too. I decided to choose Ruby as the test subject as she is the most fussy of my two dogs so I wanted to see if this was something she would like.

The website was fun and easy to use. It was very interactive and asked me about Ruby’s health, skin condition, age, weight and taste preferences. This took about 2 minutes to fill out. This then calculated that Ruby was allowed 35g of dry food a day. Tails.com delivers tailor-made food which is blended to each dogs nutritional and dietary needs as every dog is different. It enables you to change the way your dog is fed for the better. For example, if your dog is older their metabolism will be slower and the amount of food they need will vary so that they don’t gain weight. 

Tails.com offers exceptional quality at competitive prices. You can set up a direct debit so that new food is delivered exactly when you need it. Each bag of food comes with a really handy scoop which measures out the exact amount your dog needs each day. I thought this was a great idea and meant that I could be consistent with the portion sizes. The website also follows a sophisticated algorithm which accounts for each dog’s specific life-stage and every blend evolves over time to provide the optimum nutrition at every life-stage – meaning that as a dog changes, their food does too. This is something so unique and a brilliant idea to keep your dog happy and healthy throughout their entire lifespan.

Ruby was 14 years old this year and is a cross between a Jack Russell and a West Highland Terrier. We also have a 15 year old dog called Buster and as they are both considered elderly it’s nice to know we can give them the best foods towards the end of their lives and keep them healthy. Ruby doesn’t have long left unfortunately so we want to make her as happy as possible and the food from tails.com certainly did this. Ruby really enjoyed her blended sample and wouldn’t even let Buster near it! The scoop provided the optimum amount and Ruby wasn’t left hungry at the end of her meal. If even fussy Ruby likes the food then it must be good! Unfortunately the food cannot cure cancer which will get Ruby in the end, but I do feel as though it has made a difference in the short time we trialled the food. Ruby’s coat was shinier and healthier and she generally seemed to have a bit more energy which is good going for an old dog!

I would definitely recommend Tails.com if you are looking for a custom created dog food that you know is full of healthy ingredients for your dog. The food contains 38% meat content, 3.4% fibre and 22.5% protein. It made Ruby a happy little dog and I would love to see all dogs as happy as she was.

If you would like a free trial of some custom made food for your dog, head over to Tails.com and enter the code: TAILS_RUBY. What have you got to lose?

*I received this sample free of charge in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not influenced in any way. Please see my disclaimer for more information.

National Pet Month - Spoling my Cat*

Many of us have pets and if you’re like me then you like to spoil them every now and again. It can often be hard to put aside some money to treat your pets with all the other financial commitments you may have. I am currently house hunting so all of my extra pennies are going towards saving to move at the moment. I was challenged to take part in a campaign by Ocean Loans to celebrate National Pet Month and to treat my pet without worrying about my finances. I think it is fantastic to know if I ever need money in the future then I can turn to Ocean Loans to borrow some much needed cash.

National Pet Month runs from 1st April until 2nd May 2016 and I couldn’t wait to treat Biscuit my cat to some well-deserved goodies! One thing I have always wanted to get Biscuit is a cat bed. He either sleeps on a chair or on my bed but I would love him to have his own dedicated sleeping space, especially when we move out. I ordered a bed from Amazon for £11.50 + p+p in the colour grey which will go with our décor when we move. Biscuit has never had a bed before so I was unsure on how he would take to it but he seems to love it! It’s so soft and the sides fold down easily which allows chubby Biscuit to sit in it however he likes. I did have to encourage him to use it with a bit of Catnip Spray which cost £4.11 + p+p.

I also picked up some treats. Biscuit isn’t fussy and doesn’t mind if he eats supermarket branded treats or well-known brands. I got a selection from Wilko and so far Biscuit has enjoyed everything he has tried!

The final item I got Biscuit was a subscription box from the company Purrfect Box. It’s essentially a Glossybox for cats! Each month you receive a box packed with treats and toys for your cat. It was a complete surprise what was in the box and it was almost like Christmas opening it! It costs £19.90 per month but you can get a cheaper subscription if you commit to a few months upfront. The box contained over £35 worth of items so was definitely worth it. We received some cat treats, sticks, a toy snake, some toy mice, a catnip cushion and a food/water dispenser.. phew! We will definitely get full use out of all this! If you’d like to sign up to Purrfect Box – use code spnkfv6g for £5 off!

Biscuit has well and truly been spoiled all in aid of National Pet Month! So thank you Ocean Loans for allowing me to treat him without worrying about the costs!

*Written in collaboration with Ocean Loans All opinions are my own.

Healthy Happy Pets - Feat. Petshop.co.uk*

For those of us that have a furry friend in our lives, you will know how important it is to look after them and you’ll want to provide them with the best care that you can. I have a few furry friends that I am going to introduce you to in this post and I was very kindly sent some food for them from Petshop.co.uk.

Petshop.co.uk is a nationwide home delivery subscription service for pet food. All of the staff are pet owners so really understand the needs of us per parents. Their website stocks over 10000 products and all major brands of pet food and supplies. They offer a service called ‘Bottomless Bowl’ to ensure you never run out of pet food. This is a service that auto-reorders your pet food as often as you choose and enables you to pick a schedule that suits your pet.

The first item I was sent was the Huntland Adult Grazing British Lamb Grain Free Dog Food which I tried with my dogs Buster and Ruby. Buster is a small black cross breed between a Scottie dog, Lhasa Apso and a Yorkshire Terrier – a right mix! Ruby is a cross between a West Highland Terrier and a Jack Russell. The Huntland Grain Free Dog Food is 100% natural and contains 50% meat or fish, 50% vegetables, fruits and herbs. I received the lamb flavour which contains 50% lamb. The food is made in the UK using freshly prepared lamb, dried lamb and lamb stock from sustainable sources. This food is the perfect complete and balanced diet for all adult dogs and has even been tested on fussy dogs who loved it! Buster will eat anything but Ruby is known to be fussy with her foods so I was interested in trying this out with her. After following the packaging feeding guidelines, I served this up to both of my dogs who ate it all up. The dry food is made into small round and when the dog bites and chews to eat; the biscuits help to clean the teeth and remove tartar! Great news for my smelly-breathed mutts! Overall I think they really enjoyed eating this and eagerly awaited their next meal. It’s good to know they are getting wholesome, healthy foods too.

The next item I received was the Canagan Scottish Salmon Dry Cat Food  for Biscuit, my fluffy ginger cat. Biscuit is very spoiled and usually only likes the best, most expensive food which is typical really. He is on the other hand very open to trying new foods so when I popped some of the food into his bowl, his head was straight in there. This Canagan dry cat food is a grain-free, all-natural food, made with fresh meat and vegetables, which benefit your cat in every way.  The smell was very fishy and I knew Biscuit would love this as he is always under my feet when I open a can of tuna. The high quality ingredients mean this food is easily digestible and boosts your cats immune system. I can’t believe it contains over 75% fish! Biscuit loved his Canagan cat food, I’m tempted to set him up for the bottomless bowl subscription when I move out and take him with me.

The final pet food item I got was the Burgess Excel Small Animal Chamomile Herbage for Mr. Bunny the rabbit. He is also fussy and mainly eats nuggets. He doesn’t like muesli or anything with bits. This product is made from Timothy Hay and contains chamomile, and is something Mr Bunny has never tried before. Timothy Hay is an excellent source of fibre and helps maintain dental health and chamomile is known for its calming properties. This product was brilliant in getting Mr Bunny back in his hutch. He usually requires a carrot to get him inside every night and won’t accept anything less but this herbage seemed to have done the trick. He is one happy bunny!

Overall, I have 4 very happy and spoiled pets getting to try out a new range of food. I received an excellent service from petshop.co.uk and urge you to check them out if you have pets and regularly buy food. Delivery is free on all orders over £19.99 and the food is delivered straight to your door. Prices are very competitive and petshop.co.uk always offer the lowest prices possible. Visit petshop.co.uk today and stock up on food for your fur babies for great prices.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about my pets! Let me know what pets you have in the comments.

*I received these pet food goodies from petshop.co.uk free of charge in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not influenced in any way.