Wednesday 23 November 2011

I'm coming home...

Once there is a dog in the family holidays and trips away from home need a little more planning. Is the dog going with you? Will it be boarded for the duration? Perhaps it will go live with a family member or perhaps there will be a house sitter?

Then there is the added research of whether the place you are visiting is dog friendly whether it be family, a hotel or a holiday cottage? At present I am visiting deepest East Sussex and enjoying a weeks stay in a beautiful barn conversion in Broad Oak near Brede. Along with three friend I am working on my latest novel and enjoying the winter sun. Last year we were snowed in at Whitstable but that's another story.

I have two elderly dogs so what was I to do about them. My husband works full time and is away from home too many hours to leave them alone. It would not be fair on them to spend eight hours alone - it wouldn't be fair on my floors or their bladders either. They like to know we are close by even if they sleep many of the daylight hours.

They have their routine:
Doggy biscuits upon waking, cod liver oil pills straight afterwards. Sharing a biscuit with my elevenses and having their main meal mid afternoon. Then there is our walk around the garden at set times of the day - they are creatures of habit and I have to drop everything to go walk with them and watch as they sniff the grass, look to see if Mr Fox is around. Chase him off if he is spotted (there is no chance they will ever catch him but they enjoy the thrill of the chase)  then come indoors for a drink from their bowl of fresh water - woe betide anyone no to have topped up the bowl at this important time. They know when my husband is due home just as they know that they are allowed some gravy on a handful of kibble as we eat our meal. Any deviation from their routine and we are in trouble. There will be a look, a sigh or they simply turn their backs on us and ignore us completely.

So what to do for the week I was to be away from home? It was simple, my husband took the week off to dog sit. Armed with a list detailing the oldies' routine (just in case he forgot an important time when a biscuit was due) I set off to write my latest tome.

With Internet contact I am able to catch up on what they've eaten, what has come out of the other end and how they've slept. I know their blankets have been laundered and they've shared their Dad's dinner on a few occasions. The one thing that has confused them is that Mum is missing and they go to the door waiting for my return. No doubt when I arrive with my book written and a suitcase full of dirty clothes they will give me the silent treatment for abandoning them for the week - after eating their biccy presents that is!

Friday 4 November 2011

Whizz Bang Pop!

It's Friday evening, the night before Guy Fawkes night and already there is smoke in the air and the sound of rockets popping overhead. In years past I would have been worrying about my dogs and trying to take their attention away from the scary noises. This year with just Buster and Squidgey with us I realise that the dogs who hated the noise the most are now at Rainbow Bridge and safe from the stress.

What tips can I give you at this time of year?

1. Stay home with your dogs. Don't go out and leave them as fear can not only make them ill but you could come home to a lot of mess! In fact for a week either side of 5th November we never leave the dogs alone after dark.

2. Change their feeding routine and feed them later in the day. A dog with a full tummy sleeps.

3. Turn the TV a little louder and leave a radio on in each room. Close the curtains as dusk approaches and shut out the outside world.

4. Dogs will need to go out to relieve themselves. Encourage your dog to go into the garden as much as possible during the day and on their walk. Then later in the evening after the children have had their firework parties and before the pubs kick out for the next round of noise.

5. Go into the garden with your dog if they need to relieve themselves during the evening. Have a patio light turned on as your dog will be able to see his surrounding. It will make him feel safe.

6. A cuddle and a lot of fuss goes a long way to keeping your dog calm.

7. Try not to resort to sedatives as drugs could make your dog very unhappy.

8. If this is your first November 5th with your dog and it becomes obvious you have a problem plan ahead for next year. For example:

Have your dog get used to loud noises. There are CDs on the market that can be left on a low setting all day which will help your dog get used to the sudden bangs of the fireworks. I have found these very helpful but not when you have several dogs. One nervous dog can set the other off. You do need to have the CD for several months before the noisy night but start now and you will be ready for the New Year celebrations.

http://www.petvetcare.co.uk/cgi-bin/sh000001.pl?REFPAGE=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2epetvetcare%2eco%2euk%2facatalog%2fOther_Training_Aids_Includeing_Sound_Therapy_CD_s_%2ehtml&WD=cd%20noise&PN=Other_Training_Aids_Includeing_Sound_Therapy_CD_s_%2ehtml%23a1_21422#a1_21422

Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) Diffusers are plug in units that release calms the dog by flooding the room with calming pheromones. Creating a safe atmosphere for the dog. Available from all good pet stores or online:

http://www.vetuk.co.uk/dog-behaviour-dog-appeasing-pheromone-adaptil-c-837_2/dog-appeasing-pheromone-adaptil-dap-diffuser-p-6

Herbal products can be very helpful and Dorwest are one of the best companies to visit:

http://www.dorwest.com/Catalogue/Fireworks/Firework-Product-Pack-LARGE-FWPK-LRG

With lots of praise and no scolding you and your dog will survive firework night!