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.

The Ralph Site provides non-profit pet loss support. Comfort and understanding from like-minded pet lovers who have the same bond with their furry/winged/scaley…family members. They all ‘get it’, they all know why pet loss hurts so much.

One of the ways in which The Ralph Site does this is through its busy and highly interactive private Facebook group where members can share how they feel in a secure environment and support each other through their grief. Many people have told me over the years that this support from others is the main thing that has made a difference to help them cope with the grief of pet loss.

Recently I asked members of the Ralph Site’s private Facebook group to share how they feel about their departed pets in 1-2 sentences. There were lots of responses, too many to share them all so I have picked a selection at random.

CLICK THE PICTURE above if you would like to join our pet loss group.

“If I could move heaven and earth to get you back safe in my arms I would. Love you more than words can say xx” (Julie)

“My beautiful Suki one of a kind … Think of you every day RIP my dear sweet fury friend until we meet again xxx” (Rachel)

“My sweet Enzo, you have taught me how to love perfectly, and how to hurt endlessly” (Debbie)

“My girl Tilly, my baby, my friend, my soulmate. Came into my life when I needed her and left when her work was done – Love of my life.” (Lynn)

“Privileged to have known you, sad because you have gone.” (Amanda)

“When my Ruper died part of my heart and soul went with him. I loved him so much and still miss him daily.” (Ginger)

“An amazing, beautiful soul” (Sunni)

“I’m still looking for her in all her favorite spots,I can’t get used to being without my lovely Miss Kitty girl” (Lynne)

“Feel like I have lost a child, loved my Marvin as I love my kids. I had him for over 21 years and he was my baby and my best friend.” (Lori)

Does this sound familiar to you?

If it does, please feel free to join The Ralph Site’s Facebook group, as well as follow the Facebook page and have a look at the resources on the main website.

Until next time do take care,

Shailen

Losing a pet is hard enough for us adults, but for a child, losing their best friend, confidante and partner in crime can feel devastating. Parents already coming to terms with their own loss are called upon to comfort, advise and encourage their children through the healing process, and this can add extra stresses at an impossibly difficult time. Equally, the very process of sharing your feelings and talking about positive steps forward, as you help your child come to terms with his or her grief, can be beneficial for you too.

Clearly everybody’s reaction to the loss of a pet is different, depending both on the circumstances of the loss as well as on the personality, age and situation of the carer. Yet at their varying stages of development and maturity, helping children deal with grief will require a
particular, and more predictable, approach, according to their age.

Losing a pet is hard enough for us adults, but for a child, losing their best friend, confidante and partner in crime can feel devastating.

The following guidelines are from the Association of Pet Loss and Bereavement:

Toddlers:

At this age children should be told the pet has died and will not return. It is important to reassure them that they did not do or say anything to cause the death. It is good to cry and show your own feelings of grief, but these must be controlled and perceived as a normal response to the loss of a loved one. Extra reassurance, as well as maintaining usual routines will help. Any new pet will usually be accepted very easily.

4-6 year olds:

There is now some understanding of death, but the permanence of it may not be grasped. Manifestations of grief may include bowel or bladder disturbances as well as a change in playing, eating and sleeping habits. Through ‘little and often’ discussions, allow the child to express feelings and concerns. Give extra reassurance. Drawing pictures and writing stories about their loss may be helpful, and it’s recommended that you include the child in any funeral arrangements.

7-9 year olds:

Children in this age group know that death is irreversible. They do not normally think this might happen to them, but they may be concerned about the death of their parents. They are very curious and may ask questions that appear morbid – this is natural and is best approached frankly and honestly. Grief may manifest as problems at school, anti-social behaviour, aggression, withdrawal and clingy behaviour – once again, it’s important to reassure the child that the death was not their fault.

10-11 year olds:

Now children are usually able to understand that death is natural, inevitable and happens to all living things. They often react in a manner very similar to adults, using their parent’s attitude as their model. A pet’s death can trigger memories of previous losses of any kind, and this should always be open for discussion.

Adolescents:

Whilst teenagers react similarly to adults, the typical adolescent span of expression can range from apparent total lack of concern to hyper-emotional. Peer approval is very important – if friends are supportive, it is much easier for them to deal with a loss.

Young adults:

The loss of a family pet at this age can be particularly hard. There may be feelings of guilt for abandoning the pet when leaving home for college, work or marriage, especially where there has been a very close relationship since early childhood. Distance may also make returning home difficult, which can add an extra sense of guilt.

Many books have been written to help children come to terms with the loss of their pet, and you may find it useful to read these together with young children.
You can find a list of our suggestions on our main site at THIS LINK.

There are more resources for parents 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.

Now that the weather is starting to warm up (no, honestly, it is. Possibly. Any time soon), it’s important to be on the look out for the signs of Flystrike (also known as Myiasis) in your rabbits.

As you are probably aware, Flystrike is a nasty condition, which can be extremely serious if not caught early. Flies will quickly target a healthy animal who may have loose stools, and whose fur may therefore not be as well groomed as usual. The flies lay their eggs in the fur around the bottom, so the maggots that hatch out have a ready, and rabbit-shaped, source of food. The growing maggots then burrow into the skin, causing pain, shock and subsequent infection, which can often be fatal.

Flystrike can be fatal for bunnies – beware!

Fortunately, with regular checks and good basic hygiene it is possible to prevent the condition occurring, or at least to catch it in the very early stages when effective action can be taken to rapidly return your pet to full health. The following checklist is provided by saveafluff and details steps which should be followed all year round, but which are particularly effective in combating Flystrike:

• In order to keep your rabbit’s stools firm and healthy, ensure that he or she is eating a healthy diet, made up of at least 80% fresh hay
• Remove any soiled bedding every day; clean out and disinfect the entire hutch weekly
• Check your rabbit at least twice a day for any signs of infestation
• Remember that house rabbits can also be at risk
• Add fly-screens to your rabbit’s hutches and runs
• Ask your vet about specific preventative measures: ‘Rearguard’ liquid is applied by sponge to the rabbit and guards against flystrike for up to ten weeks by preventing any maggots maturing to a stage where they become dangerous.
• Hang fly killers such as sticky fly paper (available from DIY stores and garden centres) in the home or in your rabbit’s living quarters
• Some plants and herbs repel flies, so place these in pots on top of the hutch: Dried pyrethrum flowers, Pennyroyal (has a strong peppermint scent), Nigella (Love in a Mist), balm, chamomile, hemp, agrimony, lavender, mugwort, rosemary, rue, peppermint, santalina (Cotton Lavender), basil, shofly, green oregano. Make sure that they are well out of reach of your rabbit though!

If you spot any signs of possible problems on your rabbit, call your vet immediately. It may seem extreme, but Flystrike is a genuine emergency and waiting until morning to seek help may be too late. Get your rabbit to the vet as soon as possible. Don’t attempt to wash your rabbit as this can spread any infection further, and make it more difficult for the vet to remove fur from the affected area before treatment.

It’s a great idea to get into the habit of grooming your bunny every day – it’s a fantastic bonding experience that your rabbit will really enjoy, as well as keeping the flies at bay. Our shop stocks a wide range of rabbit care items.

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.