Calling all cat lovers…

Those of you with cats in your lives know that every day is cat day! It’s not possible for your feline friend to let a day pass without reminding you just how special he or she is – be it by means of a thoughtful ‘present’ waiting on the doorstep, a gentle pat across the cheek in the middle of the night or with the wave of a tail across the screen as you attempt to type around the tangle of paws and fur where your keyboard should be!

But if you need more cause to celebrate the wonder of all things cat, then you’ll be pleased to know that Saturday August 8th 2015 is the International Fund for Animal Welfare’s designated International Cat Day.

Cats certainly are amazing creatures, as we all know. But did you also know that reportedly they:

• Have 24 more bones than us humans?
• Are born with blue eyes, which change colour as they grow?
• Have sharper claws on their front paws than on the back legs?
• Have the largest eyes of any mammal, relative to the size of their bodies?
• Are referred to a ‘clowder’ when in a group, whilst a ‘kindle’ is the term used to describe a group of kittens?
• Sleep for 16 hours a day, on average?
• Have around 12 whiskers on each side of their face?

Check out www.animalplanet.com for more fascinating feline facts.

It’s always nice to surprise your cat with a little gift, or an edible treat and you’ll find plenty of ideas, to meet any budget, in our shop. Here are a few of our favourites:

• How about some jingle balls?
• Or a tasty chewing snack?
• Maybe a fancy new collar, with safety features?
• And if you’re fed up with not being able to get on your favourite chair, how about this wonderful cat-sized chaise longue?!

In the light of recent events in the news, the timing of this year’s International Cat Day is especially pertinent – highlighting the threats posed by our species to the domestic cat’s wild cousins, with the killing of Cecil the lion in Zimbabwe. The Oxford University project studying Cecil and his pride has received in excess of a quarter of a million pounds in public donations since the news broke, allowing its important conservation and education work to continue in his name. You can find out more or make a donation at HERE.

Until next time very best wishes,

Shailen
The Ralph Site, non-profit pet loss support

Please note: The Ralph Site is not affiliated with the third-party organisations in any of the links shared here, and the views, ideas and suggestions expressed in this and other blogs are simply shared with the intention of helping you, our friends, take care of the special animals in your lives.

Losing a friend is a devastating experience to go through, even without the additional burden of having to make practical decisions at a time when you are not functioning normally. Choosing whether to bury or cremate your faithful friend is one of the biggest decisions you will be asked to make at this difficult time, and it is always best to think about the options in advance if at all possible. In this way you can avoid possible regrets in future, resulting from decisions necessarily taken in haste whilst in a fragile emotional state.

There are two main options here, burial and cremation, and we take a look at some practical considerations concerning both.

Burial

• UK law allows pets to be buried either at your own property or at a licensed pet cemetery
• It’s wise to ensure that there is a metre of soil above the grave, in order to prevent wild animals disturbing your pet’s final resting place
• Burying your pet at home brings some comfort in that your pet is close by, in a garden that he or she loved. However, if you subsequently move house it can be distressing to leave your pet behind. If you have young children they might find this particularly upsetting.
• Planting a tree gives a permanent memory of your pet, but again this can be difficult to leave behind if you ever move. Perhaps you might like to consider dedicating a potted shrub to your pet’s memory – this can be taken with you when you move
• If you choose a pet cemetery as your pet’s final resting place, we recommend that you think about:
  • Arrangements for marking the grave – are you able to choose and place your own marker?
  • Opening times – will you be able to visit your pet easily (especially important if you have to travel far)
  • Annual maintenance fees – what is the ongoing charge for upkeep of the plot, and what would happen to your pet’s grave if the business ceased to operate?

Details on locations of pet burial grounds near you can be found by visiting The Ralph Site.

Cremation

Consider whether you would like an individual cremation for your pet, or whether it would be acceptable to opt for a shared cremation. Not everyone wants to have their pet’s ashes returned, and in this case a shared cremation can be a practical consideration.

If it is important to you that your pet receives an individual cremation (so that you can be certain that the ashes returned to you are those of your beloved animal) then we recommend you ensure that the crematorium you choose is a member of the Association of Private Pet Cemeteries & Crematoria, where this is standard practice.

Talk to the crematorium staff about your wishes – it may be possible to view the procedure if you would like to do so

A wide choice of urns and caskets are available (including those in our own shop). You may wish to provide your own container for your pet’s ashes, and your chosen crematorium can advise you on the specific requirements here.

Details on the locations of pet crematoria in the UK can be found by visiting The Ralph Site.

When considering this upsetting subject, you might also find it useful to speak with family and friends about their experiences and choices – they will undoubtedly have a wealth of advice they would be only too happy to share.

To read a bit more about pet aftercare options, please visit The Ralph Site HERE.

Until next time very best wishes,

Shailen
The Ralph Site, non-profit pet loss support

Please note: The Ralph Site is not affiliated with the third-party organisations in any of the links shared here, and the views, ideas and suggestions expressed in this and other blogs are simply shared with the intention of helping you, our friends, take care of the special animals in your lives.

It’s surprising what dogs can be drawn to nibble on, and whilst finding a hole in the exact Sunday supplement you were about to settle down with is certainly irritating, at least it is unlikely to cause any serious issues for your pet. Cats are more fastidious eaters, and therefore it is less common for them to eat things that they shouldn’t – but it definitely does happen!

Unfortunately many common plants and flowers are toxic to cats and dogs, and so it is always wise to prevent your furry companions from eating anything other than grass (which is hard to avoid!) when you are out and about. Of course many berries and fungi found in the wild can be poisonous too.

We have put together the following list of common offenders that you might want to avoid having in your home and garden. Fortunately many of these leaves and flowers do not taste good, and therefore it is unlikely that your pet will ingest sufficient quantities to cause serious harm – but why take the risk?!

Also you will potentially find conflicting information about many of these plants and flowers in terms of whether they are harmful to animals, if so to which animals, how harmful they are, etc. Our view is very much ‘better safe than sorry’ and we hope that seems reasonable?

Lilies are especially dangerous for cats with the potential to cause kidney failure – AVOID!!!

• Amaryllis bulbs
• Asparagus fern
• Azalea
• Chrysanthemum
• Cyclamen
• Daffodil bulbs
• Delphiniums
• Dieffenbachia / Dumb cane
• Foxgloves
• Hemlock
• Hyacinth
• Hydrangea
• Ivy
• Laburnum
• Lilies. Extremely toxic to cats, causing potentially fatal kidney failure
• Lupin
• Mistletoe
• Morning glory
• Nightshade
• Oleander
• Poinsettia
• Rhododendron
• Rhubarb leaves
• Sweet pea
• Tulip bulbs
• Umbrella plant
• Wisteria
• Yew

The list given here features some of the most common problem plants, but it is by no means exhaustive.

More detailed lists of poisonous plants can be found at www.dogstrust.org.uk and www.icatcare.org.
A comprehensive list of plants to avoid feeding your rabbit can be found HERE.

The signs of poisoning can range from a mild bout of diarrhoea to lethargy, vomiting, fitting and even death in the most serious cases. Therefore if you suspect that your pet has ingested anything unusual, please seek advice from your vet immediately.

It is usually the berries, fruit and pollen of such plants that are most toxic, although exposure to the sap can also cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. This is actually the most likely outcome of contact with problem plants, as fortunately cases of plant poisoning are relatively rare in the UK. Symptoms here can include sneezing, wheezing, rashes, blistering, itching and hypersensitivity to sunlight. Once again, it’s advisable to speak to your vet if you suspect that your pet is suffering with any of these.

AND please rememvber that although fruits not plants/flowers, grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas can cause kidney failure in some dogs and we recommend avoiding all forms of these fruits (cooked, uncooked, organic, inorganic, etc.) in all dogs.

Until next time very best wishes,

Shailen
The Ralph Site, non-profit pet loss support

Please note: The Ralph Site is not affiliated with the third-party organisations in any of the links shared here, and the views, ideas and suggestions expressed in this and other blogs are simply shared with the intention of helping you, our friends, take care of the special animals in your lives.

With the school holidays already underway for many, families up and down the country will be packing their cases for the annual escape to the sun. (Of course, if you haven’t got school age children, there is no way you will be panning to travel now, when all the tickets and hotel rooms have doubled in price!)

If you are travelling to Europe and are planning to take your dog, cat or ferret with you, you are probably already aware of the requirement for a ‘pet passport’. Interestingly there are no restrictions on bringing pet rodents, rabbits, birds, ornamental fish, invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles to the UK from other EU countries.

If your pet is going to be joining you on your European holidays, here’s a quick reminder about the legal stuff:

• It’s always advisable to check the specific entry requirements of the country you are travelling to
• The UK’s entry requirements (thus taking effect when you return to the UK) are currently as follows. Your pet must have a:
  • Microchip (implanted before the rabies vaccination is given)
  • Rabies vaccination (pets must be at least 12 weeks old and the injection must be give at least 21 days before travel)
  • Pet passport, issued by a qualified vet not more than five days before you left the UK
  • Tapeworm treatment (dogs only, and given between 1 and 5 days before your return date. This is not required for trips to Finland, Ireland, Malta or Norway)
  • No more than five pets can travel

The rules for assistance dogs are the same, although these special animals are permitted to travel in the cabin of an aircraft with their owner
Failure to meet these conditions will result in your pet being placed in quarantine, the costs of which will fall to you

It’s best to check for any changes to advice or updates from the government before you travel; CLICK HERE for all the latest information on travelling abroad with your pets. You can also contact the Pet Travel Scheme helpline on:

• pettravel@ahvla.gsi.gov.uk
• Telephone: 0370 241 1710 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, closed on bank holidays)

Especially where cats are concerned, it can be good to get your cat accustomed to their carrier over a period of days (or weeks) beforehand so it is a familiar and comfortable environment for them during travel. For example, keep the carrier out around the home, encourage them to go in while you pet and play with them, offer rewards in the carrier, and so on.

On the day of travel itself, remember to take plenty of water for your pet, and make frequent stops so that dogs and ferrets can exercise on a lead and take toilet breaks. Pets should always be safely restrained in your vehicle whilst on the move – pets distracting the driver can easily cause accidents, and in the event of any such accident, not only can the animal him/herself be hurt, but also the impact of any collision could throw your pet into the other occupants of the car.

You might find the following products useful when travelling with pets:

Car restraint, £1.99
Foldable water bowl, £2.00
Feliway calming spray, £14.99

Finally, in order to minimise any upset stomachs whilst your pet is away, we recommend taking plenty of your pet’s usual food with you. Suddenly switching to a different product is never ideal, least of all in strange surroundings and in (hopefully) hotter temperatures.

Happy holidays!

Until next time very best wishes,

Shailen
The Ralph Site, non-profit pet loss support

Please note: The Ralph Site is not affiliated with the third-party organisations in any of the links shared here, and the views, ideas and suggestions expressed in this and other blogs are simply shared with the intention of helping you, our friends, take care of the special animals in your lives.

Now that we’re well and truly into summer, it seems like a good time to share some advice to see your pets safely through the coming weeks.

Heatstroke

We all know that dogs can die when left alone in hot cars, and yet recent weeks have seen a spate of such cases. PLEASE do not leave your pet alone in a vehicle, no matter how quick you think you are going to be.
If you do see a dog in distress in a parked car, the RSPCA’s advice is to call the Police on 999 (it is a genuine emergency). If the Police are unable to attend, you should call the RSPCA’s 24-hour cruelty line, 0300 1234 999, and make a personal decision about taking responsibility for breaking into the vehicle which is currently not legal in the UK.
There is plenty more detailed information regarding other practical steps you can take to help.

Heatstroke can be very rapidly fatal for pets, and you can help avoid it by following the advice below:

• Always ensure that your dogs can move to a cooler, ventilated environment if you are leaving them at home.
• Never leave dogs alone in cars, glass conservatories or caravans, even if it’s cloudy.
• Always provide good supplies of drinking water, in a weighted bowl that can’t be knocked over.
• Carry water with you on hot days.
• Groom dogs regularly to get rid of excess hair. Give long-coated breeds a haircut at the start of summer.
• Never allow dogs to exercise excessively in hot weather – walk dogs in the morning or evening – before 8am and after 5pm is best. Not only will this prevent them overheating in the daytime sun, but road surfaces, pavements and sand can burn paws when hot.
• Dogs can get sunburned – particularly those with light-coloured noses and fur. Ask your vet for pet-safe sunscreen.
• If you have a small furry pet, such as a hamster or gerbil, put a nearly full plastic bottle of water into your freezer and, when frozen, wrap it in a towel and place by the side of the cage, next to the sleeping area, to keep it cool. It’s not a good idea to put the bottle in the cage as it can cause leaks and make the pet too cold. Putting two in the freezer means you’ll always have one available.
• Provide plenty of shade whilst rabbits and guinea pigs are in their runs. A covered enclosure is ideal.
• Fishponds and aquaria can get very hot in the summer – check regularly and make sure the pond has a shaded area where fish can shelter

Dogs are particularly susceptible to heatstroke; longhaired breeds, brachycephalic breeds, old and young animals are most at risk.

The signs can include any or all of the following:

• Heavy panting
• Profuse salivation
• Rapid pulse
• Very red gums and tongue
• Lethargy
• Lack of coordination
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Loss of consciousness

If your pet does become affected, it’s important to act quickly in order to lower the body temperature gradually, before taking him / her to see a vet:

• Douse with cool (not cold) water – you could use a shower, or gentle hose spray and place your pet in the breeze of a fan.
• Offer small amounts of cool water to drink if conscious enough to drink – but do not force this!

Heat stroke can be rapidly fatal – PLEASE do not risk it!

Grass seeds

These irritants are very sharp at one end, which means that they can easily become embedded in your pet’s skin or ears, causing significant damage. Always remember to check your dog’s paws and ears after summer walks.

Harvest mites

The larvae of these mites are tiny (just 0.2mm long) yet these orange/yellow insects can trigger allergies and skin disease in susceptible animals. Contact your vet for further advice if you think your pet is affected.

Bites and stings

Inquisitive dogs and cats can easily get more than they bargained for when chasing insects or sniffing in undergrowth, and a sting on the nose is very painful! As you probably know, if a bee stings your pet, the barbed sting will remain in your pet’s skin and must be removed. The best way to do this is by gently scraping it with a flat object such as a bank card (tweezers may squeeze additional venom out of the stinger). Bathe the affected area with a mix of water and bicarbonate of soda and apply an ice pack if your pet will stay still long enough!

Wasp stings are not left behind, and because they are alkaline, the area affected should be bathed with vinegar or lemon juice to neutralise the sting, with an ice pack then applied to the area.

Snake bites. The adder is the only venomous snake found in the UK – adults are around 60cm long and have brown-black zigzag patterns along their backs, with a V shape on their heads. If you suspect that a snake has bitten your pet, contact your vet immediately.

Until next time very best wishes,

Shailen
The Ralph Site, non-profit pet loss support

Please note: The Ralph Site is not affiliated with the third-party organisations in any of the links shared here, and the views, ideas and suggestions expressed in this and other blogs are simply shared with the intention of helping you, our friends, take care of the special animals in your lives.