After months of our lovely customers asking us to set up an off lead play area for their dogs to enjoy instore, we have set up Paws & Play, 900sqft of safe space!
The playground offers various attractions to entertain dogs of all sizes, from toys to giants. With a ball pool pit, see-saw, tunnel, and a mix of toys, every canine visitor is sure to find something engaging. In the summer heat or on wet and dreary days, dogs can enjoy a fun-filled, dry, and comfortable play area, free from the worries of overheating or soggy fur.
Our weekly schedule includes Breed Meets, Puppy Playdates and Open Play which do not require booking. These dates are released in advance via a weekly timetable which can be found on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
The space is also available for private hire, perfect for dogs that may need more privacy or for special occasions such as dog birthday parties. If you would like to book a private session or party then give us a call on 01244 543863 to reserve a time slot.
An example weekly schedule is posted below, along with our price list.
We have had fantastic feedback and incredible turn out in the last 8 week since the park’s soft open. To view our breed meet videos and customer footage, please head over to our Facebook account ‘Pups, Pets & Ponies‘ to see for yourselves!
To ensure an enjoyable and safe experience for all owners and dogs there are of course some rules to be followed. We have attached them here so you can see if the play area would be suitable for a visit.
Did you know that only 2% of pet parents brush their dogs teeth? It can be really easy to forget about your pooch’s pearly whites. But establishing a regular dental care routine should be as much a part of your pets life as it is yours.
Just like us, pets can suffer from a range of dental and gum issues. Infact over 80% of dogs suffer from some kind of gum disease. This February we are celebrating Pet Dental Health Month here at Pups, Pets and Ponies. Creating awareness and helping pet owners improve their pooch’s oral health as a way of keeping our furry friends happy and healthy!
Signs There is a Problem With Your Dogs Teeth
Smelly breath
Difficulty eating
Weight loss
Pain or rubbing mouth
Change in behavior
Redness or bleeding gums
The Best Cure is Prevention!
Being proactive and having a great home care routine, alongside a nutritious balanced diet, can benefit your dogs whole body – not just their oral health!
Brushing your pets teeth regularly lowers risk of developing any mouth related illnesses. Aim for at least 2-4 times a week, or for best results brush everyday to remove plaque and tackle bad breath. If plaque becomes hardened, this can only be removed by a vet. So by taking preventative action, you could be saving yourself money in the long run.
We recommend training your dog from a young age and get them into a routine of cleaning their teeth regularly. Trust us, you will thank us for this!
Alternatives to Brushing
If you have one of those doggos that really isn’t keen on a toothbrush, there are additional products which are formulated to clean your dogs teeth and freshen breath in an alternative way.
Water Additives
Brands such as Tropiclean have brought out a series of easy to use products offering brushing and non-brushing solutions. These include a range of easy to use water additives, which help dogs combat plaque and tartar simply by drinking from their water bowls! This formula contains no added flavouring and is cruelty free, ensuring a tasteless product. Making it easier to incorporate into your dogs routine. With daily use as directed, Tropiclean claim fresher breath in 14 days or less and also promise additional benefits when using their other advanced water additive formulas. These are similar to the original dental additive, however include additional supplements for advanced whitening, digestive support, hip and joint support and skin support.
Dental Gel
Tropiclean’s Clean Teeth Gel, available in puppy and adult, contains enzymes which help to effectively clean teeth. Its tasty mint flavour helps to safely removes plaque and tartar, all while freshening breath! Just simply apply 2 drops of gel to each side of your dogs mouth daily. After application, your dog will begin licking their lips, allowing the gel to coat all surfaces of their teeth and gums. Tip! For maximum effect, withhold food and water for 30 minutes before and after application.
Wanting to try the water additive and dental gel? Tropiclean also have a 2 week trial kit which includes mini versions of both products which we stock instore. Use as a introductory tester when beginning your dental care journey or as a travel set when going away.
Why not try Dental Dry Food?
Alongside brushing, a nutritious balanced diet can help keep your pooch and their pearly whites in tip top shape! There are certain dry dog foods available that have been specifically designed to ensure you dog gets a nutrient dense meal while also helping improve and maintain oral health. Its a win win!
Canagan is a fantastic example of this! Their Dental dry food is grain free and suitable for all lifestages. Made up of 60% nutritious animal ingredients and 40% vegetables and botanicals, all while naturally reducing plaque.
How does it do this you ask? Available in Free Run Turkey, the ProDen PlaqueOff kibble is made from special seaweed, sourced from the North Atlantic Coast. It works through the bloodstream, releasing a natural compound into the saliva which breaks down the bacteria film on the teeth which plaque sticks to. In addition to this, Canagan have created a special kibble shape that is chunkier and extra crunchy to keep those teeth nice and clean.
Dental Chews
When considering dental chews, we advise the more natural the better. I know it is easy to reach for the cheaper brands, not naming any names… However these could be doing your dog more harm than good!
In the UK, pet food manufacturers don’t have to list specific ingredients, which leaves a lot of hidden ingredients. This is very common with cheaper food brands. This allows pet suppliers to change what meat goes into your dogs treats without telling you. One day it may be poultry, the next it may be beef. Studies show that specific brands like these can only guarantee around 4% meat in their dental chews. This meat is made from animal derivatives, meaning anything from claws, heads, organs from many species depending on what is cheapest.
Our Tip! As a healthier alternative, choose a more natural based brand that clearly states their ingredients on their packaging. Whimzee, Forthglade and Carnilove dental treats are are great example of this.
These great tasting chews are scientifically proven to help control plaque and tartar, improve breath odor and decrease gingivitis. Made of only 6 primary ingredients Whimzees are vegetarian, grain free and gluten free (excluding rice bones). They’re fun, effective and also reasonably priced!
Forthglade dental treats come in the form of soft bites and dental sticks. Both are plant based and contain no junk or fillers. When used regularly, they help to support strong teeth and fresh breath and help to maintain a good dental routine when used daily.
100% natural and air dried to preserve as many nutrients as possible. Anco has a vast range of animal based treats which will keep your pet occupied for hours! A longer chew time can help deliver a longer cleaning tie to support improved dental health. Anco is a fantastic option when it comes to long lasting options. Our favourites are bully sticks, braided camel and the pizzle sticks for a more durable treat.
Our Favourite Staff Picks for Teeth Cleaning
Hatwells Dentifresh Toothbrush Starter Kit for Dogs and Cats £5.99 – A perfect introduction to tooth brushing. Contains a soft rubber finger brush and a special meat flavour toothpaste. Also available in kitten and puppy with added calcium to help form strong teeth and bones.
Arm and Hammer 360 degree toothbrush £6.29 – Cleverly designed to clean multiple teeth surfaces all at once. Easy to use and a great time saver!
Tropiclean Enticers Teeth Cleaning Gel and Toothbrush Set £13.99 – The peanut butter and honey flavour will make toothbrush time your dogs favourite time of day. Proven to help eliminate 99.9% of the root causes of plaque and bad breath.
Logic Oral Hygiene gel for Dogs and Cats £17.49 – A highly palatable gel toothpaste containing naturally occurring enzymes which control bacteria responsible for plaque and bad breath. Also comes with a finger brush. However if brushing isn’t possible, can also be applied directly onto the teeth.
If you have any questions or would like any more advice or information on the products mention within this blog – Please pop into store and we will be happy to advise you further and help to get you and your dog set up with your own personalised routine.
This February we are welcoming two new brands to our product selection here at Pups, Pets & Ponies! If you’re in the market for a new eco-friendly horse bedding or you’ve been looking for some new chews to entertain your pooch, we’ve got you covered!
Happy Horse Bedding
Happy Horse Bedding create eco-friendly bedding in the form of dust extracted easy-spread shavings, made from Welsh white wood flakes. Each 20kg bale is packed in easy spread slices, made up of highly absorbent smaller flakes for easier handling and topping up. This saves you time and effort and also allows you to create the ideal base layer so you can create exactly the type of bed your horse prefers.
Happy Horse pride themselves in making a product that is carbon neutral crafted, 100% FSC and helps preserve the planet and forest. Ensuring that the effect on the environment is low as possible.
K2Yak Dog Chews
From Yak chews to dental aids, K2 Yak Chews have a real passion for delivering a treat for your dog that is 100% natural and rich in positive healthy attributes.
Yak Chews
These super long lasting chews are made from 100% Himalayan yaks milk, making them rich in protein and calcium. Whilst also being preservative, gluten and grain free. Their hard texture will keep your dog entertained for longer than normal chews as they have to work on the treat to soften it up before they are rewarded with small pieces to chew off.
Veggie Dental Bones
These dental bones work perfectly as a teeth cleaning treat for dogs over 4 months. The grooves and bumps on both sides of the chew help to clean the upper and lower teeth when biting, preventing plaque and tartar build up. Made primarily from vegetables, these chews are all low in fat and contain vitamins C, B6 and manganese. Available in apple and spinach, sweet potato and blueberry and peanut butter and banana flavours.
Peanut Butter Snaps!
The Peanut Butter Snaps are fantastic to use as a training treat. Treat your dog to a whole bar or snap off a piece to reward for good behaviour. Mostly made from sweet potatoes, these chews are high in dietary fibre making them great for digestive health. They are also grain free, rawhide free, meat free and sugar free.
By popular demand, our breed meets will be returning this January with a new time and a new name! Our Breed Brunch‘s will now be held from 11am-12 noon in our coffee shop on the selected dates below. There is no charge and no need to book, just come along on the date suitable. We cant wait to see you there!
* Receive a FREE Pupaccino for your pooch with every £5 spent in the coffee shop (during breed meets only) * Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times * Not suitable for nervous or reactive dogs
Leading up to New Year season, preparation is key! It can really help to get your pet used to sounds they may experience. Playing Firework noises over a speaker is a great way to slowly introduce our furry friends to all the strange sounds they may hear over the season. Smart devices, YouTube and some rescue organisations have firework sounds readily available just for this purpose.
Start small and gradually increase the volume so your pet becomes used to the sounds in a calm environment.
Communicating With Neighbours
Finding out if and when there are any large displays planned near you will help you to prepare for or avoid them if possible.
Liaising with neighbours so you know if anyone is planning on having their own at home display or explaining the effect of fireworks on your livestock is a great way to find a good compromise or syncing your schedules.
Routine
Like us, many animals benefit from a daily routine! Preparing your pet in advance for an early walk or bringing inside will allow them to adjust to the new routine in advance and accept the change in a relaxed manner.
On The Night
Early Doors
As all the noises begin after dark, It helps to do all your outdoor activities before sunset!
Try to take your dogs out for their evening walkies a little early.
Call cats into the house or keep them in if that is your preference.
Ensure horses are settled where they will be spending the night, be stabled or turned out.
Bring small animals inside if possible.
Drowning out noise
Having some calming music playing to drown out firework sounds or leaving the television or radio on can make the sudden noises less surprising for our furry friends.
Classic FM dedicate a pet friendly evening of calming music on New Years Eve which you can play on most devices.
Safe space
Providing a safe haven is a great way to give our pets comfort. A blanket covered crate can make a great hideaway to benefit our indoor pets, leaving the door open to allow them to come and go as they wish.
Reducing Run Offs!
Once the New Year celebrations are in full swing, its great to get those evening walks finished, furry friends indoors and horses where they will be staying the night before the sun sets. This allows your pets to be settled and calm before any noises begin.
If you need to take your pet outside to do their business, keep them on a lead to avoid the chance of running off if startled. Make sure your microchip is up to date and your pet has their tag on their collar with your contact details on just in case!
Calming Activities
Sniffing, licking and chewing helps to reduce cortisol levels and increases dopamine and opioid neurochemical. In short these following activities can help to calm your dog and offer them mental stimulation. Dogs should always be supervised when using the following products.
Licki Mat : Smearing products such as doggy safe peanut butter or soaked biscuits onto Licki Mats is a great way to make your dogs dinner into a fun and calming activity.
Kong: The famous Kong is a fabulous way to turn your dogs treats into a tasty mind game. Top tip! Freezing the Kong with tasty treats inside will make it last twice as long!
Natural Chews : There is a variety of natural treats available for all ages! Anco do a full range of tasty treats such as Bully Sticks or Pizzles. Yakkers, Antlers, Roots and Buffalo horns are all top selling natural chews!
Snuffle Mats : Perfect to get the nose working, the Snuffle Mat is made of a variety of fleece strips to hide your dog or cats favourite treats! Using their nose to seek out the treats is great mental stimulation for a variety of animals!
Brain Games : Entertain and distract your pet by hiding tasty snacks inside a maze or treat dispensing toy and watch them figure out how to retrieve it. Puzzle games, Treat balls or Wobblers for larger dogs.
Training tricks : If your looking for something you can simply do without having any extra equipment, teaching your pet a new trick is a great way to get them thinking and distracted! Positive reinforcement and shape training can be great fun for our furry friends and we only need some training treats or a reward i.e. ball!
Ponies & Horses : Not forgetting our stabled friends, mental stimulation and foraging behaviours are great for calming and distracting them. Boredom breakers such as Likits, Swingers, Forage Blocks or Treat Balls can keep them entertained for hours!
Comforting Your Pet
Some pets are still unsettled, try to set a good example. Stay calm, don’t panic, speak in a low calm voice and give them some calm fuss if they want some company. Reassuring your furry friend that everything is okay will help them see you are not afraid and feed off your calm atmosphere. “Safety in numbers” is a phrase very true for many animals. Horses especially are herd animals and feel much safer when they can see or touch other animals they know.
Pheromones and Herbal Calmers
There are many products available on the market to help our pets keep calm and deal with the firework season.
Pheromone products such as Adaptil plug ins or Feliway plug ins send odourless, comforting messages released into the air from a plug in diffuser. These messages mimic a mothers pheromones and provide a strong signal of security and comfort for your pet.
YuMove Calming Care contains natural scientifically proven ingredients to help your dog cope better with stress. Containing lemon balm, L-theanine, B vitamins and blend of natural fish protein hydroysates, all to support your dogs ability to deal with stress.
Dorwest Scullcap & Valerian Tablets naturally relax your pet, reducing their stress, anxiety and excitability. Scullcap & Valerian tablets are non drowsy and can be given daily to dogs or cats for the duration of firework season. Dorwest also make Valerian Compound, a quick acting liquid which helps to reduce stress and anxiety in as little as 20 minutes.
Pet Remedy produce a variety of products clinically proven to help calm and sooth stressed pets. Suitable for a wide variety of animals from horses to hamsters and even our feathered friends! Pet Remedy contains a special blend of essential oils which work alongside the brains natural “Messengers” called neurotransmitters, to send calming signals signals and reduce stress. Available as a plug in, spray or calming wipes you can apply directly to your pet.
Has your dog been a good little pup and deserves a treat this Christmas? Are you a last minute shopper or struggling to come up with gift ideas this year? With only a couple of days to go we have come up with a gift guide full of products to spoil your pooch, without breaking the bank!
1. Fish4Dogs Advent Calendar £9.50
Let your dog join in the fun of counting down until Christmas. With a full sized treat behind every window, this calendar offers a variety of Fish4Dogs most popular treats, including their Sea Jerky squares and Mackerel Morsels. These fish treats are low calorie, meat free and grain free. A perfect choice for those extra sensitive doggos and even the pickiest of eaters!
2. Antler Dog Chews £5.49
These naturally shed antlers make the perfect long lasting chew for dogs of all shapes and sizes. Containing a number of beneficial minerals, this hypoallergenic treat will keep your dog entertained for hours! Starting at £5.49, these antlers are now available in new Christmas packaging – ideal for gifts this festive season!
3. Kong Knot Bear £9.99
These toys may look cuddly and soft on the outside, but they contain a knotted skeleton that is durable and strong on the inside. Also made from reinforced plush material and less stuffing for less mess. These toys are a firm favourite for any dog parent and their pooch. Now available in four new Christmassy designs in store.
4. Cupid & Comet Festive Treats £3.50-£4
Treat your pooch to their own Christmas dinner this year with some of Cupid & Comets treat range. Now your dog can also enjoy pigs in blankets, sweet potato roasties and turkey wrapped carrots as part of the family. Ranging between £3.50-£4 these treats are not only affordarble and beautifully packaged, but also grain free and low in fat.
5. Eqwax Paw and Nose Balm £10
Eqwax prides themselves on being a natural and eco friendly UK based company. The Paw and Nose Balm would make the perfect present this winter to help soothe, condition and protect dog paws. This lick-safe balm helps form a defensive barrier from excessively hot or cold conditions and against ice, salt and grit. Available in two christmassy scents, Sweet Orange and Peppermint.
6. Cupid & Comet Luxury Dog Stocking £10
Why not treat your four legged friend with this exciting festive pack of 4 full sized bags of treats. This stocking including beef tenders, chicken tenders, chicken meatballs and duck fillets – all which are grain free and low fat.
7. CatwalkDog Christmas Card Toy £6.99
Christmas is a time to send your loved ones a Christmas card and let the know you are thinking of them. So why not get one for your dog too! The CatwalkDog Chritmas card crackle toy is the perfect way to wish your dog a Merry Woofmas this year!
8. Kong Classic £7.99
A Kong classic is the perfect gift for dogs of all sizes and ages, all year round! Fill with their favourite treats to keep them occupied for hours!
Here’s a Christmas tip! Once you’re finished with your turkey dinner, boil the carcass to create a broth and pour the liquid into a kong. Pop in the freezer for a tasty festive treat that your pooch will go crazy for!
9. JR Pate Selection Box £8.49
These hypoallergenic selection Christmas crackers means even the most sensitive pup gets their crackers this Christmas! Each gift box contains 3 x 80g Pure Paté wrapped up in their own festive cracker. Choose from either Rabbit, Lamb and Salmon or Turkey, Chicken and Duck.
Slice it – Dice it – Cube it – Cut it – Stuff it – Mash it – Grate it – Blend it – Freeze it – The possibilities are endless!
10. Fish4Dogs Cracker £3.50
The Fish4Dogs Festive Treat Cracker is a more affordable gift filled with deliciously crunchy Salmon Bites. Small, natural treats that are designed to be a rewarding treat that’s also fantastic for training. Inside the cracker is a 50g bag of these delicious, healthy treats, that dogs will love. Suitable for adult dogs and puppies over 12 weeks.
Worried that your pet will destroy your decorations?
Want tips on how to deal with your pets anxiety around the party season?
Well! Now that December is finally here, and the ‘C’ word is no longer forbidden…We have created a guide to help make sure that the most wonderful time of the year is also a pet friendly one! So take a look below at some of the things to look out for this Christmas.
Tis The (Party) Season To Be Jolly
With the hustle and bustle of Christmas, the household can get hectic at times. Make sure that you create a safe space for your pet in a separate room. Allowing your dog to retreat to somewhere quiet where they can feel safe and relaxed. Adding blankets and their favourite toys allows them to snuggle up if they need a bit of down time. The radio can also help to muffle the noise of your extra Christmas guests.
Whilst you’re entertaining, we recommend using a boredom buster to keep your pooch occupied and their anxiety at bay. Licki Mats or Kong toys will work brilliantly and distract your pet for hours. A little tip! Put your treat filled toy in the freezer beforehand to keep your pet occupied for even longer!
Keeping up with their routine is also a great way to keep this time of year as less stressful as possible. Why not take your pet for a walk before welcoming your guests. This will exercise their mind and body to help calm your pet and tire them out.
Don’t forget to prepare in advance for any loud noises that may trigger your pets this festive season. Fireworks, pulling crackers and party poppers can be terrifying for a lot of animals. If you need help to naturally dial down your pets fireworks fear, in store and online you will find our Dorwest, Adaptiland Pet Remedy ranges to help restore calm to your four-legged friend.
O Christmas Tree
Whether you have a real or artificial tree, your pet may see it as their new favourite toy/activity. Avoid any “cat-astrophes” by making sure your tree is well anchored down. Don’t forget to keep tree decorations out of paws reach or opt for ones that can’t be broken by your curious canine.
Lastly, make sure to hoover up any loose pine needles to prevent them getting stuck in any paws. Chewed or ingested, pine needles can also disrupt your pets digestive system or cause irritation to the mouth and throat.
Eat, Drink and Be Merry
Christmas is usually an indulgent time in regard to food and drink. So when it comes to our furry friends, we have to be extra careful. Chocolate, raisins, nuts, fruit cake and mince pies are all toxic for pets. Rich foods can also cause serious upset, especially if you have a sensitive doggo. Instead, offer a meaty treat or try carob as an alternative to chocolate.
Christmas presents under the tree can also be too tempting for our four-legged friends, especially if the gift is edible! So it’s best to keep these safely out of reach. Also, consider avoiding any edible treats like chocolate or candy canes on the tree – Or at least hang them high up away from curious snouts.
When it comes to buying treat gifts for your pooch, cheap isn’t always cheerful. Products such has rawhide can be a choking hazard and may cause intestinal blockages as they aren’t fully digestible. At Pups, Pets and Ponies we are big advocates of all natural treats and chews. Our favourite being our huge Anco range which are 100% natural and contain no artificial nasties. Trust us, our dogs can’t get enough!
Also, if you have a sensitive pooch, why not pop into store where we can tailor gifts to your pets own specific dietary needs! We are also on hand to answer any other worries or queries you have about the festive season.
We can’t wait to see you over the Christmas period!
Santa paws is coming to town and this year he has a brand new grotto! Join us on 9th, 10th, 11th and 16th, 17th, 18th December at Pups, Pets and Ponies, between 10am and 4pm. There is no need to book, just come along during these times and we will give you a ticket. For £7.50, each good little pup gets a goody bag and their photo taken with Santa himself. While 10% of your purchase will be donated to Happy Paws Puppy Charity.
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