Why you should adopt a dog

Adopting a dog can be a life changing and very rewarding, especially if they have suffered from a very cruel lifestyle you can really make a difference to their life. But before you go to your local dog adoption centre, there are some important steps you need to take. 

Responsible dog owners

Before visiting your local dog adoption centre it is important to understand why you really want to adopt a dog and do you think you are responsible to handle a rescue dog? The last thing you want is for the dog to be re-homed after a few months because you are unable to handle the dog.

You will also need to see how your family feel about having a dog and what sort of lifestyle you have, if you are quite active and don't spend much time in the house, do you really think it's fair to leave your adopted dog alone all that time?

Should you adopt a puppy, adult or senior dog 

Why you should adopt a puppy, dog
or senior dog

It can be a really tough choice deciding what type of dog you should adopt, puppies may look cute but they still very young and can be quite energetic compared to senior dogs that may start having a few health problems.

Why adopt a puppy

Puppies are full of life, love being playful (and biting everything they see) and are very cute. But puppies are just like babies and need lots of care, attention and training which some people may not have the time/patience for.

Training your adopted puppy is very important, you will need to teach it right from wrong so it may be worth taking your puppy to dog training which will also allow your puppy to socialise with other breeds of dogs. Socialising will also give your puppy more confidence and feel comfortable around other dogs.

Adopting an adult or senior dog

Adopting an adult or senior dog a great option for owners who do not have the time of patience of training, socialising and exercising  a puppy. One benefit from adopting an adult rather than a puppy is you know exactly what you are getting such as the temperament and size.

How do I find my local dog adoption centre?

If you have finally decided you want to adopt a dog you can begin searching for a local dog adoption centre on The Pet Guide's friendly search website www.thepetguide.co.uk and begin the road of dog adoption.

Are you in the process of adopting a dog? perhaps you have already adopted one? We would love to hear your thoughts on dog adoption, the ups and downs. So get social with The Pet Guide and leave a comment or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Google Plus.

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Choosing a boarding cattery

With the summer holidays approaching, choosing a cattery that is perfect for your cat is that last thing you want to thing about. But with many boarding cattery locations in the UK how do you choose the right one?

Choosing a boarding cattery

Before choosing a cattery you firstly need to find out what are the best local boarding catteries about in your area, research and talking to your local cat community is the key to finding the right one. 

You can firstly start off by visiting a boarding cattery finder to find what is near you, then do plenty of research, read reviews and speak to others about their experiences. If you then feel confident you have found the right cattery, the next step is to get in contact with them.

Types of catteries

There are quite a few different types of catteries with different types of cattery accommodation, you will always have your basic accommodation that offers a room, bed for you cat and a few toys. However some catteries offer designer/luxury accommodation  which can offer fancy bedding, web cams to see your cat 24/7 and more.

What to look for in catteries

Most importantly you will want to make sure that your cat will be safe staying in your chosen cattery, here are just a few tips to look out for when visiting:

Up to date cat vaccination

All catteries should ask if your cat is fully vaccinated, if not then walk away as you don't know what kind of cats have entered the cattery with illnesses and diseases.

Friendly, helpful staff

Having friendly staff really goes a long way, most staff should be happy to meet your requirements if your cat has certain regimes, or needs medication at certain times.

Well secured

The last thing you want is to come back from your holiday to find your cat has escaped the cattery, although this rarely happens its always good to assess the premises and make sure you feel happy leaving your cat there.

Does the cattery have an outdoor run?

Having an outdoor run for your cat prevents the spread of bacteria and viruses within the cattery by allowing a better ventilation, and cats love the outdoors!

How much do catteries cost?

Prices of catteries can vary depending on the area and types of accommodation. You will often find that more quiet areas are cheaper (with prices being as low as £4 per day compared to £15 in more busier areas). The type of accommodation can play a big part in price as well with some luxury cat accommodations costing up to £30 a day.

How to choose the right cattery

Choosing the right cattery really comes down to you and your preferences, but to start it is best to see what local catteries are available in your area, then start booking appointments.

Are you trying to find a local cattery? We would love to hear you experiences, leave a comment below or follow The Pet Guide on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.

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Promote your pet business online free

Starting your first pet business can be difficult to begin with, but their are ways of cutting down the spending and finding free ways to advertise your pet business.

Promote your pet business with The Pet Guide

The pet guide offer a range of services to help new and experienced pet businesses target pet owners throughout the UK with the most popular way of promoting their business is through their online pet business / service search. 

Find UK pet businesses and services easily

Finding your local pet business couldn't be easier with www.thepetguide.co.uk, the simply search menu allows quick and easy searching through a range of categories such as cats, dogs, horses, small animals, vets and more with even more pet specific categories like catteries, dog kennels, pet shops, local veterinaries and more.

Promote your pet business free

With The Pet Guide you can submit a basic listing free on the pet service finder www.thepetguide.co.uk. You can also enhance your listing to reach a wider audience as well as other advertising options such as banner adverts, blogs posts, tweets and more. 

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Should you buy a rabbit?

Rabbits can be found in almost every pet shop, they are soft, cuddly and playful but should you really buy a rabbit?

Why buy a rabbit

Why buy a house rabbit

Rabbits can make excellent house pets, and like cats they can be house trained by using a litter box. Rabbits usually interact well with humans and can become quite affectionate but their are some things you should consider before taking the big step in buying a rabbit.

Rabbits need time, commitment and fresh food

Like all house pets, rabbits will need daily attention and feeding fresh food daily. Because rabbits are herbivores they will also need fresh hay and pellets unlike dogs who tend to eat your leftover scraps of food. 

You will also need to give your rabbit plenty of space and exercise, they love to run, jump and like to have their odd twists when jumping in the air. It can also be quite funny and amusing watching it have its mad 5 minute moment dashing round the house/garden without a care in the world.

Some rabbits can be destructive

Rabbits love chomping and chewing on all kinds of things, and because they don't know right from wrong you will need to be careful and keep close eye contact on them when wondering the house, the last thing you want is it getting shocked from chewing through and electrical cable!

In addition to being destructive, some rabbits can take a bit more time than other animals to be comfortable round people which is why it may not be a great idea having a rabbit as your first pet.

What health problems do rabbits have?

Rabbits tend to have problems with overgrown teeth if not checked up by a vet regularly. Other problems rabbits may have are foot problems, digestive issues and respiratory problems. But this should not put you off having one, as properly cared for rabbits can live a long and happy life and make great house hold pets.

Rabbits can make excellent and rewarding pets

Despite being pretty quite animals they do make great pets and can communicate very well such as stamping their paws when angry and grinding their teeth when being fussed and played with. They enjoy playing with other rabbits, toys and shredding the local newspaper and (depending on the type of rabbit) can be very affectionate wanting attention and fuss.

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Dogs Unleashed 2013, Derbyshire's family fun pet show

With Derbyshire's Dogs Unleashed 2013 family pet show fast approaching, what can we expect for this years dog show?

Pet competitions and dog shows

Dogs Unleashed 2013, Bakewell
Showground, Derbyshire.

This years dogs unleashed 2013 promises to bring some great pet competitions and dog shows to The Bakewell Showground in Derbyshire such as most handsome dog, 'pup idol' (the most prettiest looking puppy), the judges favourite top dog and more.

You can also enter your dog in the flyball competition. For those of you who don't know what flyball is, flyball is a race in which a team of dogs that race against each other over some hurdles to a box of tennis balls that only releases when the dog hits the pad, followed by running back to their owners whilst carrying the ball.

Dog supplies trade stalls

If you dont fancy your chances at flyball, you can always search round nearly 20 trade stands that offer all your favourite pet supplies, doggy portraites, handmade dog treats and even some human pet stalls that offer sweets, ice cream and burgers.

About dogs unleashed 2013

This years dogs unleashed falls on the 22 and 23rd of June at the Bakewell Showground, just 2 minutes walk from Bakewell town in Derbyshire and will run from 10am till 5pm on both days.

Parking is also available at a low cost of £2 per vehicle for the full day 

Unlike other pet events in the UK, Dogs Unleashed 2013 ticket prices remain the same prices as last year with adults costing £5, children £3.50, family of 4 £15 and of course dogs go free.

Will you be attending this years dogs unleashed event at The Bakewell Showground in Derbyshire? Get social and leave us a comment below or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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Do you need pet insurance and is it worth it?

With pet insurance costing anywhere from £10 to £80 (for premium pet insurance) is it really worth paying for pet insurance?

Do you need pet insurance?

Why have pet insurance? 

Pet insurance gives you peace of mind for when your pet becomes ill, because treatments and surgeries can cost hundreds, even thousands if your pet becomes seriously ill and needs an operation. 

Do I need pet insurance?

Did you know the average pet insurance claim is around £420 for dogs and £470 for cats? and that is not counting if your pet has developed an on going condition. So you really you need to think can you afford vet bills if this happens or should you purchase pet insurance.

Most insurances will not pay for basic treatments such annual jabs and minor injuries, and some insurances will only cover your pet if they have had their annual jabs so make sure you always read the policy before signing it.

Get the right pet insurance cover

With pet insurance you only get what you pay for, and with so many options available its always vital that you look for the best policy and not always the cheapest pet insurance. Remember to also decide whether it is worth getting pet insurance when your pet is younger rather than older as it is more expensive (even more so if your pet has an exisiting medical condition).

Types of pet insurance

There 3 main types of pet insurance 

Capped pet insurance

This type of insurance will be a cap on the amount you can claim on your pet each year but you can continue to claim on the life of the policy. This type of pet insurance is good for pets with no or short term illnesses.

Limited cover pet insurance 

The limited cover pet insurance offers a limit paid and the duration of time your pet will be covered. This type of cover is good for puppies and and animal with short term illnesses.

Lifelong pet insurance cover

This type of pet insurance cover is great but if often the most expensive type of cover. Unlike limited and capped pet insurance cover, with lifelong pet insurance cover you can claim on each instance throughout the life of the cover of the policy and whats best is their is not usually a limit on what you can spend and when.

Are you contemplating getting pet insurance? share your stories with The Pet Guide by leaving a comment below or following us on Facebook, Twitter and Google +. 

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Save on Purina Pro Plan dog food, James Wellbeloved and Royal Canin dog food bags

Saving on the best dog food can be difficult especially with the major branded dog food manufacturers Purina pro plan, James Wellbeloved and Royal Canin dog food bags.

The best dog food at cheaper prices

Save on quality dog food

Our aim at The Pet Guide is to find everything pet related at great prices, so we are always on the lookout for the best deals for all pets from dogs to horses, cats to rabbits and todays deal comes from an online pet supplies company PetMeds.

Save on Purina Pro Plan dog food

Purina Pro Plan dog food is available in a variety of flavours such as salmon, chicken and rice, lamb and more, it is also available for dogs and puppies of all ages. PetMeds are currently offering the following on special offer:

• Pro Plan Adult Dog - available in several flavours
• Veterinary Diet Plan
• Pro Plan Puppy

The deal offers up to 13% off all Purina Pro Plan dog foods mentioned in this post and can be found by visiting the Purina Pro Plan dog food section on PetMeds.

Save on James Wellbeloved dog food pouches 

James Wellbeloved dog food is renowened for its high quality dog food using wholesome ingredients and using no wheat or gluten wheat, James Wellbeloved offers all natural, wholesome dog food. 

The following offer is a saving of £3.50 off the James Wellbeloved adult and puppy pouches and can be found by visiting the James Wellbeloved dog food section at PetMeds.

Save on Royal Canin dog food 

Royal Canin dog food is a perfect choice to help maintain your dogs natural defences and also offers a balanced intake of dietary fibre. You can now save £6 on all kinds of Royal Canin dog food for all ages of dogs when your purchase 2 x 15kg dog food bags with PetMeds. 

Treating your dog to the best dog foods such as Royal Canin, Purina Pro Plan and James Wellbeloved doesn't have to be expensive providing you purchase in advanced and find the best local deals. To view these current deals visit PetMeds today and save on your monthly dog food bill.

Here at The Pet Guide we love to hear our users feedback, has this post been useful? have you saved on your dog food bill? leave a comment below or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Google Plus.

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