Playful Paws Dog Blog

Hot Dogs

2010-07-03T10:28:00.000-07:00

As I'm sure you're all well aware, we've been experiencing some rather unusually hot weather recently! And as nice as its been to put on our shorts and sandals and take day trips to the beach, for your dog, It's a different story altogether.

It's a widely known fact that dogs, unlike humans, can't sweat. So hot weather can make your dog at risk of heat stroke, or worse, death in situations that usually wouldn't bring harm to them.

Here at playful paws we use some of our own methods to help keep dogs cool in summer, which include water fights with the hose, filling plastic bottles full of cold water and ice for dogs to play with and chew on outside and then there's those trips to the lakes and rivers.

If you'd like more information on how to keep your dog happy in the heat and prevent them from being a hot dog, then you might find the following information useful.

Courtesy of the RSPCA:

Hot Dog Facts!

* A dog’s normal body temperature is around 39°C (102°F). Although the upper lethal body temperature of dogs is approximately 42°C (108°F), brain damage may develop at body temperatures of 41°C (106°F).

Dogs are covered in fur and do not sweat in the same way as humans do. Unlike humans, dogs pant to help keep themselves cool. The effectiveness of panting is reduced at high temperatures and humidities. Cars heat up very rapidly in hot – or even warm – weather. Air-conditioning can disguise the danger that a dog will face once the engine is turned off.

The RSPCA’s top tips to help keep your dog safe in the sun:

1. Your dog should always be able to move into a cooler, ventilated environment if he/she is feeling hot.
2. Never leave your dog alone in a car. If you want to take your dog with you on a car journey, make sure that your destination is dog friendly – you won’t be able to leave your dog in the car and you don’t want your day out to be ruined. If leaving your dog at home is the best option because of the weather, always ensure that his/her needs are properly catered for.
3. If you have to leave your dog outside, you must provide a cool, shady spot where he/she can escape from the sun at all times of the day.
4. Make sure your dog always has a good supply of drinking water, in a weighted bowl that can’t be knocked over. Carry water with you on hot days and give your dog frequent, small amounts.
5. Never leave your dog in a glass conservatory or a caravan. Even if it is cloudy when you leave, the sun may come out later in the day and could become unbearably hot.
6. Groom your dog regularly to get rid of excessive hair. Give long-coated breeds a hair-cut at the start of the summer, and later in the season if necessary.
7. Dogs need exercise, even when it is hot, but walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening. Never allow your dog to exercise excessively in hot weather.
8. Dogs can get sunburned too – particularly those with light-coloured noses or light coloured fur on their ears. Ask your vet for advice on pet-safe sunscreens.

Or you can view the Blue Cross Summer survival guide page by following the link: http://www.allaboutpets.org.uk/features/Summer-Survival-Guide.aspx

We hope you found this helpful, and remember stay cool!

Playful Paws Tea Party for the Blue Cross

2010-04-05T02:53:00.000-07:00

Playful Paws are holding a T-Party in aid of 'The Blue Cross' charity. The Blue Cross provides practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through their network of animal adoption centres they rehome thousands of animals each year. Their hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees:

When: Saturday 8th May at 11am -
Where: Dunston Village Hall

Please bring friends/neighbours and family along with you, ask as many people as you know. We are asking for everyone to donate a small amount towards a cup of tea and a piece of cake. Every penny raised will go towards helping unwanted and needy animals.

If anyone also wants to donate some cakes for the day, please let me know. We would really appreciate your support with this event and hope to raise much needed funds for the Blue Cross.

Thanks, and hope to see you there! :)

Sponsered Dog Walk

2010-02-22T06:32:00.000-08:00

Macmillan Cancer Support are holding a sponsered walk on Sunday 16th May 2010. The walk will take place in Hartsholme park at 11am.

To find out more and to register your dog for a sponsor form call Chris on 07505 540001.
Or Emma on 07506 408606 or at emma.wywda@virgin.net
For more information visit http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Fundraising/Inyourarea/England/Lincolnshire/Local_events/SponsoredDogWalk.aspx

Dogs and Owners taking part:
Emily with Rolo: Tiggeroverton@ntlworld.com
Lynsey with Gypsy: Visit http://www.justgiving.com/Lynsey-Drysdale

Jinny with Brodie
Amy with Blue & Simba: Visit http://www.justgiving.com/Amy-Gregg

If you can't take part in the sponsered walk but would still like to do your bit, please contact any of the above taking part to sponser them!

Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales
(261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604)

Funday 'Hall Play' Back On!

2010-02-11T04:48:00.000-08:00

After months of trying to re-locate our hall based funday Playful Paws has successfully found a suitable new location and we're now pleased to announce that hall play is back on.

The funday will take place at Nocton Village Hall starting on Thursday 4th March. Hall play is £15 (+£7 for pick up and drop off) 10:30am - 1:30pm.

We're hoping to take lots of pictures for new blogs of all the dogs having fun with their friends. So for any further information please get in touch via our website and check back for further updates!

Hope to see all those waggy tails very soon! :)

All About Blue

2010-01-26T02:15:00.000-08:00

If you regularly view our Facebook and Blog pages you might be wondering more about the huge German Shepherd thats seen around with the Day Stay & Petsitting dogs. So, meet Blue, a 6 and half year old long haired German Shepherd. He weighs in at just under 49kg (7.5 stone!) so he's definitely a big fur ball!

In summer 2008 we found Blue at the RSPCA shelter in Radcliffe, Nottingham. It was love at first sight and before we knew it he was traveling back to Lincoln with us to start his new life in our home. Large breeds like Blue usually require a strong and experienced handler. It is for this reason that many larger breeds find it more difficult to find a permanent new home. Many families rule them out straight away purely because of their size. I beg people to reconsider!

Blue's age and breed might have prevented some families from giving him a chance, but for me his personality shined through. His beautiful temperament, gentle nature and playful side ticked all the boxes and we almost couldn't believe how easily we had found the perfect dog for us.

In Blue's year and half in Lincoln he's achieved an awful lot. He's captured the hearts of everyone around him and we even had to make him his own facebook page so my mother could keep up to date with his photos!

Being in Kennels caused Blue to suffer from separation anxiety when left in a room on his own, with time and patience Blue has managed to put this behind him and although he still has the occasional whine here and there, he is now much calmer.

Now, Blue has happily welcomed other dogs into his home, he shares his toys, his bed and his treats!

He's also helped in the socialisation of puppies and dogs on Day Stay and has formed some strong bonds with them. He's learnt how to play fight and tug with the other dogs and taught some of the dogs a few things about retrieving, which is his favourite game.

He even caught the eye of Gok Wan whilst he was filming for 'fashion fix' in lincoln...

Gok Wan approached Blue and requested his photo be taken with such a beautiful dog!

Blue also helped band 'Deaf Havana' record their music video "friends like these" and had a brilliant day playing in the sea! Watch Blue in action below, but turn your volume down if rock music isn't to your taste! In the video Blue can be seen sitting on the stage, running into the sea and playing on the beach!

So, if your thinking of sending your dog on Day Stay or for In Home Petsitting, your dog will get to interact and play with Blue.

If you're unsure about anything we're always happy to arrange a walk to meet Blue on neutral territory, as an open & spacious environment is always a good place for dogs to first meet. We're always happy to welcome new comers to our Day Stay team so please get in touch if you're interested!

Snow Days

2010-01-25T05:57:00.000-08:00

Over Christmas and the New Year the snowy weather stopped alot of people getting from a to b. Playful Paws however, embraced the freezing cold weather and we continued to walk and play with our dogs. Strong winds and heavy snow didn't prevent us from having our usual amount of fun!

Below are pictures from a Day Stay walk on an enclosed field off Canwick Road.

Eddie, Dexter and Blue waiting for the ball to be thrown

Eddie trying to bite the ball

Dexter in the snow

Eddie jumping for the ball

We are now all looking forward to spring and summer!

Online Shop

2009-12-02T09:56:00.000-08:00

Playful Paws has been working very hard to bring you the basics of our new online shop.

The shop can be found on our website navigation menu and currently offers a small range of toys and accessories. Please bare with us as we plan on making our shop page much more interactive in that not to distant future.

Soon, we hope to stock a range of quirky and individual products from small home made and family run businesses. The first of which are our hand made dog units, perfect for your hallway or utility to give a stylish solution to storing your dogs leads, poo bags and much more!

Please get in touch if there is anything you'd like to see available from our shop, we'd love to hear from you!

Cody

2009-09-21T06:35:00.000-07:00

Playful Paws first ever customer, Cody, a Black Cockapoo, has spent a weekend being petsitted away from his family home in Nettleham, Lincoln.

As you can see below, Cody was made to feel welcome by all members of the household and recieved plenty of fuss and cuddles whilst giving back the occassional lick of appreciation...

Cody is an absolute joy to have in home, his playful and soft nature has made him very popular amungst people and other dogs. Cody and Blue have gotten along famously and Cody has even taught Blue a thing or two about play fighting and wrestling with the toys.

The pair enjoyed their long walks together over the course of the weekend, above they are running around on Lincolns South Common off Carholme Road. If you look closely you can just make out the Cathedral in the background.

On Sunday afternoon after our walk, the boys were treated to pedigree jumbone each. They sat and waited whilst I struggled to open the packet and then both exchanged a shake of a paw for the long awaited treat!

On Monday, Cody couldn't believe his luck when his friend Eddie arrived for Day Stay. The three went hyper running around the garden before being whisked away in the car to Washingborough for a long walk down the riverside path.

A large statment bench soon became a climbing frame as the boys chased eachother around it!

Attempting to teach them about the history of the canal...

All three were very content after their walk...

The afternoon soon livened up again with Dexter arriving at lunchtime and off on another walk we went, all very well behaved! Cody had fun rolling in the grass. He also stole the ball off Blue and Eddie and all three ran around after eachother.

Holly and Ella

2009-09-02T03:11:00.000-07:00

Holly and Ella, two gorgeous Springer Spaniels spent a weekend with Playful Paws using our 'live in' petsitting service.

They made lots of new friends (both k9 and human!) and were the centre of attention wherever they went!They both have bags of energy but have very different personalities. On arriving they were able to meet Blue the German Sheperd and were taken on a walk to Lincolns 'Cow Paddle' Common opposite the South Common. They were very excited to be in a new place and explored throughly before settling down.

On Sunday the girls were taken on a walk of Lincolns River banks to the Boultham Park area and then up onto joining streams to the Triton Road area and back into Lincoln. The walk took around two hours, there was plenty to sniff and lots of other dogs to meet!

Paw = Gravy bone!

Two very sleepy dogs after their walk!

Holly making herself quite comfortable on the sofa!

Edd the Reindeer took quite a thrashing during a game of tug of war!

A satisfied customer...

Items for Sale!

2009-09-01T12:09:00.000-07:00

Check out these pooch related items for sale
contact Lynsey by email (lynseyhalliday@yahoo.com) for more information on any of the below items...

Oster Golden a5 2 speed clippers with 10, 7 & 5 blades. Including also: Oster Hair Trimmer, thinning scissors, undercoat rake, bamboo nail clippers, magic comb large sprung teeth, 5" metal comb, short pin univeral slicker, Dog slicker brush with flea and fine combs, thinning scissors and metal scissors

Dog Artwork - £10 each
White Maytag Tumble Dryer - £150

1ph, 18lbs Dry Weight capacity, manual operation, natural gas, electronic ignition

Good working order, few scratches on top
Selection of plastic dog beds in a variety of colours (used) - ranging from 26" to 36" - Contact for prices
Plastic Dog Kennels - £25 used but good condition

Milo

2009-08-27T07:47:00.000-07:00

Playful Paws team member Helen recently had a new addition to her household, a Springer called Milo.

Here's Milo's story...

"We had been thinking for over a year whether to rescue and we decided now was the right time. We were looking to re-home primarily for Bubbles, our four year old German shepherd. We knew from walks and other dogs staying in our home that she is a sociable dog who loves to play, and knew it would be great company for her, inevitably making her a happier dog. I have a lot of experience with Springer spaniels and have grown up with them and knew this was the breed we were ideally after. We registered with Jerry Green Rescue and they were willing to call us if one came in. Our luck must have been in as two weeks later we got the call; they had Milo, a 13month old Springer spaniel that had been put up for rescue due just to the owners ill-health. We were extremely excited to meet him and slightly anxious to see if bubbles would take to him. But when they first met we knew Milo was the right companion for her! The first day he came home with us they were playing in the garden within minutes and are now inseparable. Milo absolutely adores his new big sister Bubbles!"

Check back with us for Milo's progress and updates on his training!

Playful Paws Now on Facebook!

2009-08-18T04:10:00.000-07:00

Its a work in progress but Playful Paws is currently developing its own page on Facebook! We hope to upload photos and provide more up to date information on services, news and lots more. There will also be discussion boards on services you'd like us to include.

If your an existing customer with a Facebook profile please become a fan of our page and help spread the word to other dog owners! We'll be featuring new customers dogs as well as our regular and occasional customers!

Playful Paws Pet Services on Facebook

Playful Paws Funday in the Lincolnshire Echo!

2009-08-07T02:35:00.000-07:00

We were all very excited last Thursday at our funday taking place at Redwood Drive Community Centre in Waddington, as Lincolnshire Echo photographer Chris Vaughan was on his way to see what we were up to.

As with anyone who enters the hall half way through the day, our dogs greeted him very loudly and very excitably. At first Chris must have thought the hall was chaotic, as he tried to explain over the barking and through all the dogs running to greet him, that he was actually allergic to dogs! Regardless of this, he snapped away with his camera and got to grips a little more with what Playful Paws fundays are all about. Above you can see a couple of the dogs sitting and recieving treats. Dogs from left to right: Ruby, Cody, Ruby, Murphy and Charlie. Below is Helen with Charlie. Charlie often tries to collect 2 or 3 toys in his mouth at the same time, which is very amusing to watch! This is the photo that appeared in the Lincolnshire Echo's 'Grapevine' section on Thursday the 6th of August, page 21.

Please visit www.playfulpaws.co.uk if you'd like to know more about our fundays!