Having scoured the web for the best toys for your four-legged friend, we have one Christmas List you will definitely not want to miss. Featuring toys from KONG, there specifically designed range of toys are designed for durability, play and to ensure your four-legged friend is occupied for hours and hours of fun. Showcasing some of the best Christmas toys your pooch can get their paws on, here are our top toys that will keep their tails wagging right into the New Year.
KONG Wild Knots Bear
Every single one of us can point to bear that has captured our hearts. For dogs around the world, there is one bear that really is better than the rest. The KONG Wild Knots Bear takes the image of the cute, cuddly teddy bear and turns him into a soft but durable toy that your dog will forever hold close to their heart.
With a knotted skeleton and reinforced plush body, your dog will fall head over paws for this patchwork beauty. Designed to provide extra durability, less stuffing for less mess and an adorable squeaker this toy is pawfect to entice play and cuddle for quieter times when your pooch needs some alone time. When it comes to toys, this is one bear your dog will not forget.
KONG Rewards Ball
As one of KONG’s most popular toys in their range, this fun-filled ball of joy is one that keeps on giving. Highly durable and created to reward on your dog throughout playtime, your pooch will receive an array of benefits from this brilliant bouncing ball.
KONG Rewards randomly dispenses treats or kibble as your dog moves it around. Providing healthy mental stimulation, the unique shape also has an unpredictable bounce that keeps dogs active while they play. The durable material, designed for long-lasting sessions of quiet fun, can also be used for meals to manage weight and can be filled with a range of tasty treats including our healthy bites making a Soopa toy packed with ounces and ounces of fun.
Kong Shaker Honker Large Turkey
We all love a turkey on Christmas Day. Now, your furry friend can get their paws on their own turkey this yuletide. For dogs that prefer a good ole’ game of tug o’ war, KONG Shakers Honkers Turkey is the pawfect toy to satisfy your dog’s need to tug and thrash. With a reinforced neck for chewing fun and long, floppy legs to ease those thrashing urges, this turkey is one your pooch won’t want to get rid of.
So with KONG creating toys to suit all your dog’s needs, invest in some terrific toys today and give your pooch the best Christmas possible.
]]>Here at Soopa, we understand the anxiety that can bring and want to make your cosy evenings as stress-free as pawsible. So with our love for all things plant-based ingrained into all our hearts we want to tell you about one plant-based product that can help your pooch stay as calm and cosy when the fireworks begin.
Love some Lavender
As one of the most fragrant garden plants on our shores, Lavender has long been used for its calming and anxiety-easing properties and can have wondrous effects on your four-legged friend when they need some little extra TLC.
Used hundreds of years ago for its sleep-inducing effects, Lavender’s aroma can have the same calming impact on our dogs when they become anxious or nervous during stressful episodes such as Bonfire Night. Often used in food, treats and supplements, we believe the best way to incorporate some luscious lavender into your dog’s life is through their daily grooming routine. Infused into relaxing sprays after brushing and into shampoos and conditioners, just a little spa day with this pawfect plant can lead to your pooch snoozing their way through an evening of firecrackers in the sky.
Spotting Stress in Dogs
Like us, our dogs can experience stress and anxiety in a number of different ways. With their bodies and brains reacting like ours when they feel threatened, scared or even just nervous, we might often find our dog’s behaviour shows some tell-tale signs that they need a little extra TLC.
During evenings such as New Years Eve, unknown noises that are loud and disturbing can affect our dogs on a more intense level due to their super sensitive hearing. What might seem like a small pop in the sky to us is actually a deafening blow to our furry friends hence the stress-ridden behaviour that often follows. You might witness your dog:
There are all signs and symptoms that your dog is under a deal of stress. Using products such as lavender can help ease the onset of these symptoms in addition to creating a safe space for your dog, playing calming music during the night, giving them their favourite toy or teddy to comfort can all help contribute to a calm pooch that evening.
]]>When it comes to caring for animals across the world, there is really no comparison to the hard work and determination of animal shelters and rescue centres across the globe. Supporting the rehabilitation of pets from every walks of life, millions of animals are saved each year by the work of these amazing charities.
Celebrated in the second week of November, the world comes together to recognise the wonderful work of Rescue and Shelter Centres in every part of the planet. Here, on our British isles, some of our loving four-legged friends would simply not survive if it wasn’t for the help and love that these incredible people do. And for that, we are truly Soopa grateful!
Wondrous Work
Saving the lives of thousands of dogs across both the UK and Ireland, Dogs Trust is a charity dedicated to ensuring that each and every furry being gets the love and support they so desperately need and deserve.
Often providing life saving care for animals that have been abused, neglected and left in the harshest of conditions, charities such as Dogs Trust work relentlessly to ensure that no matter how hard the work might be, they will do whatever they can to provide loving support for all animals that enter their care.
Depending on donations given by individuals and businesses to help them run their daily support, it is charities such as these that we need to give a little extra love to this autumn. Without your help and support, Dogs Trust would be unable to do the wonderful work they do and dogs, great and small, would be left in conditions that we can even barely imagine.
Our Soopa Support
Here at Soopa, we understand the importance of animal shelters and rescue centres such as Dogs Trust. Each and every month, we work alongside Dogs Trust to showcase what beautiful, brave and brilliant dogs they have within their care. Available to view via our social media pages, who knows who you might fall in love with in just a simple scroll.
It is awareness like this, that helps Dogs Trust find loving and supportive families for the furry friends in their care. Just simply follow @soopapets and see what amazing and adorable four-legged friends you may come across this autumn.
How you can help
For some of us, the thought of bringing home a rescue/shelter dog may seem like an unnerving task. However, it is often said that dogs from shelters and rescues can be more affectionate and loving than dogs which we raise from pups therefore if a new furry friend is what you might be after before the big celebrations this December - consider giving a little love to an animal in need this year.
In addition to animal rehoming, charities such as Dogs Trust allow you to adopt animals and give donations to see your furry friends progress throughout their life. Just some small change each month can help dramatically save the life of a dog and provide a pooch with all the love and care it needs to live a long and happy life - much better use of that change than a Pumpkin Spice Latte!
So with Animal Shelter and Rescue Centre Appreciated Week fast approaching, look at all the things you can do to help a furry friend in need this November.
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Ingredients:
1 ½ cups brown rice flour
3 tablespoons good quality almond or peanut butter
3 organic eggs
1 tablespoons flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water
½ cup coconut oil
1 cup sweet potato or butternut squash puree
3 tablespoons of powdered organic egg shell (this is a fantastic way to make a natural calcium supplement for your dog. Simply place empty egg shells in boiling water to clean and allow to dry over night then place in processor and blend into fine power, simple!)
Method:
Preheat oven to 180°c
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl eventually forming a dough
Take some of the dough and roll between two sheets of parchment paper
Gently use your cookie cutter to shape and cut out your treats (I find using a larger shape and less intricate cutter works best)
Place the dough shapes onto a lined backing tray and cook for 15-18 minutes in batches
Let cool completely before serving to tail wagging poochie!
]]>From carrots to sweet potatoes, pumpkins to butternut squash, here at Soopa, we understand just how vital these veggies can be in both our diets and the diets of our four-legged friends. Pawviding a whole heap of benefits to their minds and bodies, here why we love our root vegetables and why our scrumptious snacks are loaded with them in heaps and heaps.
Epic for Eyes
We have all heard the phrase “carrots can help you see in the dark”. Although they won’t give your dog’s superhero eye sight, adding a few of these orange characters to your dog’s daily diet can have a significant impact on their eyes later in life. Packed with Vitamin A, this vital veggie can help keep your dog’s eye health in tip top shape ensuring their pawfect peepers are fit and healthy.
Ignite their Immunity
Helping to keep infections and illness at bay, root vegetables are loaded with magical minerals and vitamins to ensure your dog’s immune system is in tip top shape. Exposed to bacteria on a daily basis when rolling and running around in the great outdoors, our dogs are vulnerable to all sorts of germs and bugs. Supplementing your dog’s diet with anti-oxidant laden foods such as root vegetables in particular carrots, pumpkins and sweet potatoes can help keep illness at bay and help you to maintain your dog’s overall health and wellbeing.
Filling Power
If there is one diet we stand firmly behind – it is a grain-free one. With the likes of complex carbohydrates such as white potato, rice and barley causing skin and coat problems in our furry friends, more and more of us are looking for alternative diets for our dogs. Packed with heaps and heaps of filling power, we are proud to be one of the many retailers to be choosing to substitute harsh grains with root vegetables to give your pooch a tasty and filling treat without any of the nasty consequences. Providing your pooch with fuller and healthier meals and treats ensures weight is managed and less likelihood of overeating leading to obesity and cardiovascular problems.
With a ravishing range of root vegetable based treats to choose from such as our Carrot & Pumpkin Healthy Bites and Chews and our Cranberry & Sweet Potato chews and bites, when it comes to natural ingredients, we love using exactly what Mother Nature intended.
]]>But like the age old saying “puppies aren’t just for Christmas”, understanding the responsibility of owning one of these animals can lead many to reconsider their decision. From toilet training to managing behaviour, a puppy can be a tiresome task but one that is heavily and lovingly rewarding. Our adoration for those four paws is the backbone of our business so we’ve created some handy hints about what to expect when you're expecting...a puppy.
Ease the Anxiety
Often separated from their mothers and siblings at 12 weeks old, puppies often struggle with the change of environment and rightly so. You may hear your puppy cry at night and display challenging behaviour almost like a toddler. This is completely normal as your pup is adjusting to such a vast change in their life. It is important during this time to be patient and loving with your puppy as using affection in times of high anxiety can actually help strengthen the bond between you and your new dog.
We also recommend asking the breeder or adoption centre if your new puppy had a favourite toy or blanket you can take with them that still smells like their mother and siblings. This can ultimately help ease the transition until your puppy is well adjusted and finds your new smells as comforting as their previous.
Invest in Training Pads
It goes without saying that the first few weeks of your puppy’s arrival will be the most challenging and testing. From the first few months, puppies are beginning to understand boundaries and commands so this is the perfect time to train your puppy where to use the toilet. There will be mishaps and mess but this is all part of the puppy process, breathe, invest in antibacterial wipes and a handful of treats for your puppy to reward when they wee and poop outdoors - we promise it will be a proud moment in your life.
For when accidents do occur inside, we advise investing in Training Pads that can be purchased from any supermarket or pet retail store. These pads soak up any messes and can be disposed of in your regular bin. Place pads in the corner, next to doors and in places where your puppy has had an accident before. Do not rely on these pads, it is essential that after food and water, you do encourage your puppy outside and reward them when they have been as this will embed that the training pads are just temporary and not where your puppy goes to the loo.
Invest in Treats
The first stages of your dog’s development are the most vital in their understanding of positive and negative behaviours. Investing in some tasty treats can help you train your puppy to avoid chewing, support lead training and have positive reinforcement when they have been good during times of socialisation with humans and even other dogs.
Puppy treats are often low in fat and contain a whole heap of benefits to supplement their daily dinners. Our NEW puppy dental sticks are ideal for your puppy and contain nothing more than healthy and wholesome ingredients that are pawfect for your new four-legged friend.
So if you soon to have a new set of paws at home, follow our handy hints to make your new life with your pawfect pup as playful and positive as ever.
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Vous connaissez déjà mon obsession pour l’hygiène bucco-dentaire de Queeny, et mon intérêt pour les dispositifs permettant de prendre soin des dents de ma boule de poils, à titre préventif, on est affublé d’un véritable arsenal … Et c’est tant mieux, la véto me signale à chaque visite que ses dents sont impeccables ! Voilà, voilà, lorsqu’il fait chaud, parfois MIMILE, il sent de la « gouille », alors, on fait quoi??? On lui propose un KissCool ? Non…… MIMILE ne peut pas manger les KISSCOOl, par contre, on a déniché quelque chose, qui produit l’effet cool et favorise le Kiss d’une haleine fraîche, et d’une dentition entretenue…
Pour retrouver les autres articles sur la thématique bucco-dentaire CLIC et ReCLIC
Queeny ce qu’elle préfère, ce sont les dispositifs bucco-dentaires qui se mangent … On ne va pas se mentir, entre se faire brosser les dents et dévorer un snack, évidemment, elle prend le snack… D’autant que bien souvent ce sont les snacks inadaptés qui favorisent l’accumulation de la plaque dentaire, responsable du tartre ou de la mauvaise haleine…
Un peu d’histoire: Derrière la marque Soopa se cache une ancienne toiletteuse, qui fut choquée de constater le nombre de poils atteint de problèmes tels que : obésité, diabète, démangeaisons chroniques et allergies cutanées; principalement liés à l’alimentation trop riche, trop grasse, etc. Elle-même propriétaire d’une boule de poils nommée Lily, elle a décidé de se lancer dans l’aventure, en proposant des friandises saines, naturelles, faible en calories. Forte de ses connaissances, et notamment, de l’attrait des chiens pour les fruits frais, elle s’est lancée dans la confection de produits aux ingrédients d’origine 100% naturels, hypoallergénique, et depuis, 2013 Soopa régale les poilus en proposant des friandises Vegan… et oui, aucunes matières premières dans la composition n’est d’origine animale…
J’en vois d’ici qui vont me dire, le chien c’est un carnivore, il n’est pas Vegan… On est bien d’accord, dans la gamelle, il faut de la barbaque; Queeny ne peut pas voir un canard sans l’envisager en magret, alors, oui, je comprends bien, ce que vous voulez dire… Cela étant, je ne suis pas herbivore, cependant, en été, j’apprécie les salades, ça rafraîchit, c’est léger, idem pour les glaces… Pour poilu c’est pareil, jadis, lorsqu’il avait encore la moitié du cerveau identique à celui du loup, et qu’il vivait comme Moogly, évidemment, vous lui tendiez des fruits rouges, il vous aurait bouffé la main… mais VOTRE poilu, celui qui se prélasse pattes en l’air dans le canapé, il apprécie aussi son entrée dans le 21e siècle et la découverte de nouvelles saveurs, les arbres à bâtonnets bucco-dentaire étaient très peu répandus dans les forêts Moyenâgeuse, et vous me direz, ça ne peut être pire que le morceau de fromage que votre beau-père à glisser sous la table à noël dernier… SI Si, je vous assure, le félon a osé … Bref, les friandises vegan, juste pour le plaisir, pas forcément pour se nourrir… Why not?
La marque propose donc des petites friandises naturelles, des tranches de fruits et légumes tels que : noix de coco, papaye, patate douce; et bien évidemment, des sticks dentaires..
Nous avons testé les sticks dentaires…
Saveurs banane et beurre de cacahuète, noix de coco et graines de chia;
Les avantages de ces bâtonnets à mâcher, outre le fait qu’ils favorisent une bonne hygiène bucco-dentaire, résident dans le fait qu’ils soient hypoallergéniques et sans céréales, 100% à base d’ingrédients naturels. Il incarne donc l’alternative idéale au Dentastix dont la compo est … (tousse) comment vous dire?! Vraiment pas naturelle…
Leur atout : Leur forme permet un frottement sur les dents qui aide à réduire la formation du tartre, ce qui permet à poilu de garder des dents saines et des gencives fortes.
Gros plus : Haute teneur en vitamines et minéraux, et surtout, sans blé, maïs, soja, arômes ou colorants artificiels.
Les ingrédients, alors ? Tout d’abord la noix de coco, c’est un extrait gras à haute teneur en acides saturés, vitamines E et K, et quelques minéraux parmi lesquels on retrouve le fer. Plébiscité pour son effet sur la peau et le poil, mais elle contribue aussi, à l’entretien des dents, comme pour les dentifrices humains…
Les graines de chia contiennent des acides gras oméga 3, excellent complément pour la santé de poilu, notamment le cœur, riches en calcium, magnésium, phosphore (tient comme dans nos dentifrices), potassium, et d’autres compléments, qui sont entre autres, antioxydants. Les bananes, véritable probiotique naturel, elle est riche en potassium qui contribue à renforcer les os et permet une meilleure absorption du calcium. Elle renforce également les vaisseaux sanguins et tonifie les muscles. On peut aussi y trouver de la vitamine C pour le système immunitaire, qui stabilise églament la tension artérielle, et B6 connue pour sa fonction anti-inflammatoire qui favorise la prévention des maladies cardiovasculaires, mais qui peut aussi réguler le fonctionnement des globules rouges.
Beurre de cacahuète, l’humaine aussi, adore ça… Les cacahuètes sont riches en acides gras naturels et en antioxydants, comme les oméga 3 et les oméga 9, qui aident à prévenir les dommages cellulaires et les problèmes cardiovasculaires. Elles contiennent aussi des vitamines E, B, de l’acide folique, des minéraux des nutriments essentiels pour renforcer le système immunitaire, et la musculature.
Vous l’aurez compris, le bâtonnet dentaire Vegan, il n’est pas mal composé du tout, aussi bien pour les dents que pour la bonne santé générale de nos boules de poils…
Mon avis? Découverte génial, ça permet de compléter les dispositifs « SOS.MIMILE » que nous avions déjà à la maison, la miss adore ces friandises, et je les trouve parfaitement adaptées à l’entretien de ses petites quenottes … Gros plus, la possibilité de lui fournir des compléments alimentaires dans une friandise, de varier les saveurs, de proposer du naturel pour nettoyer et entretenir les gencives et les dents, j’adhère vraiment au concept VEGANDental …
Où acheter ? Les bâtonnets sont vendus en boîte de 4 sticks dentaires, 5.95 euros sur la boutique officielle Inooko; Vous pourrez choisir votre saveur parmi les suivantes: Noix de coco et graine de chia, banane et beurre de cacahuète, carotte et citrouille, chou kale et pomme, cranberry et patate douce; Vous pourrez également tester les petites friandises qui sont proposées dans les mêmes saveurs que les sticks dentaires, et les tranches de fruits et légumes… Sur la boutique d’Inooko, on trouve absolument tout !!
https://mydogisaqueen.com/2020/03/20/soopa/
]]>This is a favourite with just two ingredients and no prep time, it’s real a winner!We usually make extra and freeze it so we always have healthy treats to hand.
Simple, delicious, nutritious and best of all dogs love it!
Method
Heat oven to 160 °C.
Peel sweet potato and cook in sauce pan of water until soft and tender.
Mash cooked sweet potato and mix well with turkey mince in large bowl.
Line baking tray with parchment paper.
Transfer mixture into a large zip -top plastic bag
With a scissors carefully cut one bottom corner of the bag about 3/8 inches from the tip.
Twist the top of bag and pipe 4/5 inch strips of jerky mixture.
Bake in an oven for 2 hours and place a wooden spoon between the oven door to keep a jar.
Remove from oven and allow to cool.
Store in refrigerator for 1 week or freeze up to one month.
Enjoy!
]]>Check out the image below, and a BIG thanks to Star Paws for the kind words!
]]>Ingredients:
• 500g minced chicken
• 1 cup porridge oats
• 1 cup grated carrot (or preferred veggie)
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• Coconut oil for greasing
Directions
⛄ Preheat oven to 180°c (fan 160°c)
⛄ Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl
⛄ Either fill small muffin cases with a teaspoon of the mixture or grease a 12-hole muffin tin with the coconut oil and with a desert spoon fill each hole.
⛄Leave to bake for 15/20 minutes until the tops of the muffins turn a golden brown and muffin easily pops out.
⛄ Once cooled slice muffins into portions or remove from paper chasing.
Place in a storage container and keep for up to one week or freeze for up to two months.
Pumpkin seeds are known as ‘Power Seeds’ as they are excellent for skin, coat, soothing digestion and may even help protect your dog against intestinal parasites and worms. A delicious healthy treat your dog will LOVE!
Ingredients:
1 cup porridge oats
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
1 teaspoon coconut oil
1 dessert spoon desiccated coconut
Method:
In a bowl cover the porridge oats with boiling hot water and leave to soak for 10 minutes.
Next place the pumpkin seeds in a food processor and blend for one minute until crushed.
Add the blended pumpkin seeds and coconut oil to the porridge oats once they have cooled and mix well.
Place the desiccated coconut onto a chopping board and roll the mixture into small balls and place into a fridge for one hour or so until set and then store in fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze for up to 2 months.
]]>The winning charity for July was the amazing Barking Mad Dog Rescue.
After being notified of their win, we recieved this kind message:
"That is absolutely fantastic news, and couldn't have come at a more desperate time. We have 80 dogs and pups in the local public shelter that we are struggling to know how to help on top of the 400+ we already look after."
If you'd like to donate to Barking Mad Dog Rescue please vist thier Facebook page.
We'll be continuing with Real Heroes this coming August, so if your charity didn't win, there's still another chance.
Don't forget to keep an eye on our social media for how you can enter.
Superfoods are what Soopa is all about! Soopa food provides a high value food often best given in a raw or lightly cooked state to grab all of the wonderful enzymes and phytonutrients these wonderful foods offer.
We decided to make a list of the top 7 superfoods you can safely feed your pet at home.One of nature’s superfoods, sweet potato contains good bacterium that helps to regulate the digestive tract and help animals with sensitive stomachs. Naturally rich in vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants with their rich orange color indicating that they are high in carotenoids such as beta carotene and other carotenoids supporting immunity. Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet-tasting but their natural sugars are slowly released into the bloodstream, helping to ensure a balanced and regular source of energy.
Click here for Soopa's Sweet Potato products
Coconut is the latest superfood craze and we too at Soopa are crazy about coconut! Coconut meat contains medium chained triglycerides, metabolized in a different manner to other triglycerides. This fat is used as a source of energy transported directly to the liver rather than being stored as fat. 50% of the special saturated fat in coconut is Laurin. Laurin is converted in the body to Monolaurin that holds great antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties.
Click here for Soopa's Coconut products
Papaya the king of digestion contains ‘papain’ a digestive enzyme known for aiding digestion of proteins. It definitely helps break down obnoxious gases and funny smells. It also helps to soothe the stomach if upset and a nice hypoallergenic treat for those sensitive dogs. Chewy, juicy and bursting with Vitamin C, this is a definite superfood.
The grandaddy of the superfoods movement, this lovely little fruit packs a powerful nutritional punch with fibre, manganese and other antioxidants (notably anthocyanins). Valued for its high levels of antioxidants.
Are loaded with Vitamin C and antioxidants called phenols. The combination of these antioxidants, along with its high vitamin C, folate, and potassium content push it to the top of the list of antioxidant providers among fruit.
Broccoli and its cruciferous family (say hi to cousin kale) are among the most powerful weapons in our dietary arsenal against cancer, which is why broccoli is a SuperFood. Broccoli also boosts the immune system offering an incredibly high level of nutrition at a very low caloric price, broccoli is one of the most nutrient-dense foods known.
Ground, flaxseed is a sensational superfood for dogs. It is a rich source of minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, phytoestrogens (lignans), and soluble and insoluble fiber. Abundant evidence supports the value of flaxseed in preventing illnesses such as heart disease and cancer as well and digestive problems.
Soopa Pet Chews are a fantastic and safe treat to give to your pet as they are pure, raw, dehydrated and unadulterated veg and fruit chews chosen for their particular healing powers in nature. The only treat that will add health benefits into your pet’s diet…
Have a Soopa day!
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In this post, we reveal some dog behaviors that you always misread, until now.
Bringing You a ToyMost people think that their dogs bring them items such as stuffed toys and chew toys is because they want to play fetch. As it turned out, that’s not why they do it. One of the most common theories why dogs exhibit this behavior is showing gratitude and love. They bestow this toy offering to please you because they consider you to be the alpha of the household. That means if you throw it away, you actually end up hurting its feelings. Don’t get us wrong, there are times when dogs do want you to throw their toys, especially if the toy is a bouncy ball. However, most of the time they just want to say, “I love you.”
Head Tilting
The head tilt is probably the single most cute doggie gesture, at least till the time you know what it actually means. In most cases, head tilt is in response to familiar words of sounds. Some experts believe the tilt is to adjust their ears in a way to figure out the source of the sound. For example, if your dog knows the word “outside” and gets excited every time it hears it, then it may tilt its head if hears a familiar sound. Once it confirms that it is, in fact, the actual word “outside” and it’s coming from it’s human, the head tilting stops immediately. It’s usually replaced by joyous celebration; you know how that looks like.
If your dog is tilting its head frequently, this may be a sign of an ear infection. Seek out help from a vet immediately.
Chasing their Tails
This canine behavior is pretty common and noticed in breeds of all sizes and temperaments. If your dog chases its tail once in a while, then it’s probably just doing it out of boredom or just for the sake of having fun. However, that’s not the only reasons why dogs might chase their tails. Some pets do that in response to itchiness, infection, or a cut on their tails. If your dog chases its tail and then bites and nibbles it for an extended period of time, then there is cause for concern. Take your pet to the vet for a closer inspection.
Pets can have OCD and some dogs keep on repeating this activity because they are obsessed. The activity produces rewarding hormones such as endorphins and they continue doing it throughout the day to get a hit. Most of the times, obsessive tail chasing can be corrected by seeking help from an animal behaviorist.
Ignoring Your Calls
There are times when dogs would completely ignore your calls. It’s a behavior mostly seen in senior dogs. They show reluctance to respond to known commands and are not as happy to see you when your return from the office. This is a behavior that is often misdiagnosed as disobedience.
You should never try to scold or punish the dog for snubbing you. Mainly because it might be a medical problem. According to experts, this may be a sign of canine cognitive dysfunction. Similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans, this can affect your dog’s awareness, memory, and responses to commands and other stimuli. Once diagnosed, vets can recommend supplements and pet medications to slow down the degenerative effect and help your pet recover.
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The most important thing, regardless of the actual destination, is that your pet has a microchip that can be used for identification purposes, as well as a collar with a tag that contains all of the necessary contact information.
A temporary travel tag can also be attached to the collar, containing your destination address and mobile number.
A safe plane travel with adequate preparation
The decision to travel by plane depends on the size of your pet. For example, a small-sized dog might be allowed to stay under your seat while a larger one will require special accommodations.
If you do have to travel by plane, here are several suggestions to make the whole journey more comfortable.
Take your pet to the vet for a pre-travel consultation:
The trip to the vet is necessary in order to ensure that your pet has all the vaccinations necessary for the trip, as well as the best possible state of health for such travels (a health certificate will be issued by the vet).
Ensure a comfortable crate for your pet's flight:
There are standard shipping crates that can be purchased, these being large enough for your pet to stand and move around. Ensure proper bedding to avoid accidents and check the lock on the crate, making sure that it locks adequately. The crate should be marked with the inscription "live animal", as well as contain your contact info.
Direct flights are recommended:
A direct flight will ensure the least amount of stress for your pet, reducing the risk of them becoming anxious. Keep in mind that, upon changing flights, there are risks related to your pet being mis-handled or even lost. If you do have to change flights, make sure to ask the airport personnel about your pet.
Travelling by car requires some adaptations as well:
If you have decided to take a road trip with your pet, you have to do some preparations ahead. For example, you can teach your dog basic commands, as these will ensure a stress-free journey and the adequate obedience during the entire period you are on the road.
Accustom your pet to car travels:
You can begin by taking a short drive every day, accustoming your pet to being in the car. Increase the amount of the drive gradually, until you see that your pet has accommodated to the whole experience.
Opt for a special transportation crate/carrier:
As with the one recommended for air travels, you should opt for a crate in which your pet can stand and turn around. There are special transportation crates or carriers that can be used in cars, ensuring a safe travel.
Pack your pet's travel necessities:
In organising the travel kit for your pet, don't forget to include dried food and water, his/her bowl, a scoop and plastic bags for waste, as well medication and a first aid kit. You can also pack a favourite toy and, of course, the necessary travel documents.
Note: pets should never be left alone in a vehicle, with the windows closed, especially during the summer! (risk of death)
A train travel with your pet can be wonderful:
For those of you looking to travel by train, accompanied by their pets, the first thing to consider is finding a pet-friendly train. Pets and service animals have different permissions, so do not confuse these two categories.
These are some of the requirements for train travels with pets:
In conclusion, these are some of the tips that you can follow when travelling with pets. Always remember that your pet's safety and comfort are primary objectives, and you must take all of the necessary measures to ensure them throughout the entire journey.
This article originally appeard on
www.herepup.com/airplane-tips-for-people-travelling-with-pets/
via
Teach your dog basic commands
https://simplyfordogs.com/teach-dog/12-commands-to-teach-every-dog/
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You may not have heard of DOTS (Dogs on the Streets), so let us tell you more about the amazing work they do.
DOTS is a UK Non-profit organisation that heads out into the streets in all weathers to help improve the well being of dogs within the homeless community. It’s an aspect of the homeless crisis that isn't much discussed, and goes largely ignored.
For those that are homeless, a dog can be their only companion through tough times.
The DOTS outreach programme was launched back in 2016 by animal lover Michelle Clark, but an encounter Michelle had with a homeless man and his dog a few years earlier would be the beginning of her journey to help dogs of the homeless community.
Michelle recalls seeing the homeless man with his dog "I went to a market and asked a stall holder if I could have one of those cardboard boxes that mushrooms come in. I then bought some treats, toys and a blanket from a pet store.(1)”
Michelle returned to where the homeless man was and offered him the dog treats she had just bought.
"I was so naive about homelessness. But I had to do something to help. The man was so grateful, he couldn’t stop thanking me as his dog nuzzled the box and wolfed down the snacks. I decided to start doing everything I could to help street dogs"(1)
It was after this encounter that Michelle set out on her own free time traveling around London to help those she could - this time spent helping others made Michelle realise how much support was really needed.
The genesis for DOTS would just be around the corner...
“Via Michelle’s extensive work in this area, the true inspiration for DOTS came in the waggy tailed shape of a very special street dog called Poppy who changed Michelle’s life forever. Poppy’s homeless dad was taken very ill and having heard about Michelle’s work made contact to see if she could help with Poppy’s welfare while he moved into accommodation to try and better his health. Michelle took Poppy on, welcoming her into her family (including numerous other furbabies!) like one of her own. And it was this bond that was formed with Poppy that sparked the desire in Michelle to do even more than she was for the homeless doggy owning community, to provide a more permanent and regular service.”(2)
DOTS now operates weekly in London and has other services around the UK. Head over to their website to learn more about this truly amazing group of people, the work they do, and how you can help.
It has been a cray cray week in our Soopa world. After many months of negotiations, Soopa is now on the shelves of two SuperValu Supermarkets in Dublin. SuperValu Churchtown & SuperValu Deansgrange.
We are Soopa excited about this next step in our mission to bring the best quality dog treats to you.
We are now up there with the Top Dogs. Here's to the future, and thank you all for your love and support.
If you would like to see Soopa in your local SuperValu store, the next time you go for a shop, please ask one of the friendly SuperValu staff if they would be willing to stock Soopa.
Have a Soopa Day!
- Barbara & Lily
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Step 1: Go to the Soopa Online Shop. Click HERE
Step 2: Choose your favourite Soopa Treats
Step 3: Select the "Subscribe & Save (5%)" Option and "Add to Cart"
Step 4: Fill in your details and watch those tails wag 5% faster!!
- Have a Soopa Day
Barbara & Lily
]]>Soopa Treats have teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs. Click HERE to see all of their profiles.
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PATS WE LOVE YOU
We are beyond excited to confirm Soopa’s NEW Nutritional Topping have only gone on to win an award!!!
Our delicious and super nutritious food toppings caught the attention of the PATS UK judges and won ‘Best New Dog Food Product’ 2018!!!
Founder Barbara spent two years developing the product after being inspired by so many dog’s bored with their daily food looking for a tasty topping. Our doggie customers LOVE the natural yumminess of our new toppings made with 100% pumpkin, spinach and carrots. It’s super simple to use. Just squeeze onto kibble or raw/cooked meat and let the tail wagging and chop licking commence!
And if you have not heard about us yet here’s why you should check us out. Soopa the new kid on the block for dog treats and supplements!
Soopa are the only treats on the market that actually offer genuine health-promoting benefits being pure state vegetable and fruit.
1. 100% natural ingredients
2. Low in fat
3. Hypoallergenic
4. Full of enzymes that clean teeth, help digestion and support health
5. Suitable for obesity, diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney and liver disease and immunity.
Giving Back 2017!
February 2017
Soopa kicked started the year giving back to donating a Soopa starter pack of chews to SouthPaws Agility.
March 2017
We had a busy month of love and giving sending some yummy Soopa chews three fundraisers for Labradors In Need, PDSA, Greyhound Rescue Northeast
April 2017
Springtime saw more chews make their way to the Pets Corner BrainTree Funday.
May 2017
May 2017 will live long in our memories and hearts. After our recent launch of our new Soopa range The Hairy Project, by Animal Advocacy, was the first fundraiser to enjoy our PAWsome Carrot & Pumpkin Dental Sticks & Healthy Bites! Loved being involved with this Irish Cause.
June 2017
Veterans With Dogs is an AMAZING charity. We are Soopa proud that we had a small part in helping Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions, cope better with their symptoms and enabling them to lead more independent lives. This charity is really showing why canines are Man’s Best Friend.
July 2017
Summer fun with Staffie Smiles fundraiser and the Wags N Woofs Charity Dog Show. Some YUMMY bites, chews, and dentals sticks were on the menu.
September 2017
After a busy summer Dogs Trust were next on the Soopa rader. All who attended the Dog’s Tales book launch went home with a smile and Kale & Apple bites www.dogstrust.ie/whats-happening/news/dog-tales-the-book
October 2017
Feeling autumnal Soopa provided some much-needed nutrients for the Westmeath SPCA Sponsored Walk. Making sure every tail was wagging. https://www.facebook.com/events/117842225549218/
For the second time in 2017 we helped out The Hairy Project https://twitter.com/TheHairyProject/status/917839331905155074
November 2017
Nowzad Sponsored Walk was a great evening raising over £1700.00, which is fantastic for such a small charity event. Big woofs to you all!!
Christmas 2017
Dogs trust - every PAWsome pup in the care of Dogs Trust Ireland was treated this year. Barbar put on the Santa outfit and delivered treats to each dog wishing for a FOREVER home in 2018.
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