Pet Bucket Blog

Grooming isn't just about your pooch looking their best, it's also important for their health and wellbeing. The Dos of Dog Grooming Washing your dog often is totally fine, in fact they'll love it. Just like you, feeling clean will make your dog feel good. Always use a dog shampoo as human shampoo can be harsh on your dog's skin and can cause irritation. Brush your pooch's fur, particularly if it is long as it can easily get matted. Remember to also choose your brush carefully, as there are specific brushes made for different types of fur. Brushing your dog helps to get rid of malting fur. Clip your dogs nails. This can be tough, so if using a dog nail clipper is proving to be too difficult most vets will do it for you for a small fee. Light coloured fur will need protection from the sun as dogs with light fur are prone to skin cancer. Simply pat some sunscreen on your dog to make sure they are protected. The Don'ts of Dog Grooming Do not use hand soap or other types of soap for humans on your dog. If you are going to blow dry your dog's fur, ensure the blow dryer is set to the lowest setting so that you do not burn your dog in the process. When clipping nails ensure you do not clip too much as you can cut into the skin and cause bleeding. Do not put human perfume on your dog, this can cause allergies and skin irritation. If painting your dogs nails ensure it is pet friendly as your pooch may end up chewing the polish off and ingesting it.

Ever wondered what it is about mice toys that excites cats so much? It's all quite simple really, it comes down to their primordial instincts to hunt and kill. All cats are born with a hunting and chasing instinct but that doesn't mean they're born hunters that kill for food -killing and eating prey are generally learned behaviors. Kittens are programmed from birth to chase and they develop the coordination and timing needed to capture their prey. Play gives kittens a chance to learn to make judgments by experience.   Indoor cats can sometimes be perceived as living in a sterile environment since they have no prey to hunt, even though the instinct is still a part of their being. This is why mice toys work perfectly to burn their pent up hunting desires, otherwise the result may be your cat thinking your legs, feet or even hands are its prey. So what's the easiest way to help your cat and his or her hunting instincts? Find enticing toys that give your cat the opportunity to hunt, pounce and "kill". There are loads of toys perfect for just this in all pet stores and can be found right here on PetBucket. These toys and games are supposed to simulate moving prey and stimulate your cat's predatory nature.  Feature Image Credit

Each dog is unique and just like us, they have their own individual needs. So it's up to us as their humans to meet them and nurture them. When purchasing a dog gate it's important to take note of your dog's needs, their size and where the gate is to be located. Here's a quick guide to picking the right gate for your pal. Outdoor Gates These types of gates are perfect if you need to keep your dog safely on your patio or fenced into a yard. Choose an outdoor dog gate made of weather-resistant material that won't be damaged by the elements is key. A wood gate should be treated with weather resistant stains. There are plenty of these on the market that can be used to block off stairs and there are even larger versions which can be used as play pens.  Indoor Gates Freestanding pet gates are ideal for indoors as they can be installed without damaging your interiors. They are also great because you can move them around the house to the area that suits you. They are generally light-weight and come in a wide variety of colours, styles and are made in many materials to suit your homes decor. Gates For Extra Large Dogs Not all gates are created equal and if you have a large dog that will become very clear if you have an average sized gate. Luckily there are gates specially designed for larger dogs so they can't just walk or jump over them. Some are freestanding while others can be attached to walls or doorframes and will have a walk through gate so you won't need to pole vault your way over them. Feature Image Credit

If you're a city slicker or just happen to live in an apartment, then the things you will need for your cat can differ quite a bit from what is needed in a large home or for outdoor cats. Here are six must-have items for cats living in apartments. 1. Kitty Litter Sure, kitty litter is a must for those who have an outdoor cat or live in a large house, but it's a key essential for apartment living kitties. When placing kitty litter in your home remember to consider the location of the litter. Most people opt for the laundry or bathroom to keep any unwanted smells away from main living quarters. Further to this, you must choose the right litter for your home. Keep an eye out for litter specifically made for different places around the home. The scent and the type of litter is desgined to suit where you put the litter box, so think about what suits you and your kitty best. 2. Food There are many ranges of cat food at the ready and it can be overwhelming to pick the right one for your puss. However as your cat is living in much smaller quarters, one that is grain and filler-free is ideal as well as one specific for indoor cats so that it is not loaded with empty calories that your kitty will not burn. 3. Bed It is important to make sure your cat has a place in your apartment to call its own. Whether it's a corner in the house, a small cat bed or a particular cosy spot on a couch, your cat will need a place to relax and unwind in his or her own space. While most cats do not like open pet beds, they love igloos or pods to sleep in as they are a tiny cave-like structure that they feel secure in.    4. Scratching Posts It's no secret that apartments aren't exactly the jungle your cat would rather be exploring. Your cat will need a place to climb and scratch in order to file their nails especially if you don't want your furniture to become its next victim. A scratching post for your cat will not only benefit your furniture but your kitty as it will use it to manicure its nails. Introduce it to your cat by putting it in an area that it spends plenty of time in and encourage him or her to use it.   5. Perches There's a reason for the saying, 'curiosity killed the cat'. In order to keep your kitty safe you will need to provide secure perches for him or her to take in their surroundings. Cats love being up high so whether you provide this or not they will find a lofty location to take in their territory. Some scratching posts are stackable while others are tall jungle gyms for your cat to play and also provide a look-out point.   6. Toys Apartments are small spaces and like all living creatures being trapped inside four walls they need entertainment. And toys are fun! From squeaky toys, to balls and even dangle toys for your cat to swat at -whatever your choice be sure to have a range of toys for your cat to play with alone and some that you can use to play together. Remember, it's often the simplest things that will entertain your cat for hours rather than the latest high. Need some of these apartment essentials for your furry friend? Check out our range right here. Feature Image Credit

Clicker training is an effective way to train your dog. Essentially, clicker training is a science-based way to communicate with your dog. Around since the 1960s, clicker training tells your dog when they've done something correct and is the method favoured by dog trainers.  The clicker is used to reward behaviour. People start out using treats to motivate their dogs, but eventually, the click should become the 'treat'. Clicker training is based on a positive reinforcement reward system and promotes your dog's willingness to please you.  What's great about clicker training is that it's incredibly effective because you're able to reward your dog at the exact moment they do something correct, meaning positve associations and achievements happen quicker! Clicker training promotes dogs to work harder, as they want to please you and it also eliminates the need to implicate force or punishment on your dog (however this is never a good thing to do). To start with, it's recommended you also use treats to provide further incentive for your dog, but eventually you should be able to wean them off the treats and only use the clicker. Reasons why using a clicker is better than treats are: Too many treats lead to obesity. Treats can distract dogs from what they are actually trying to learn. Too many treats can lead to stubbornness where your dog will only perform a task when a treat is produced! Tips for successful clicker training 1. Before you introduce your dog to the clicker, practice alone getting the clicker timing correct. The last thing you want to do is click at the wrong time and confuse your dog. As a rule, clicking whilst your dog is doing the right thing, rather than afterwards is better. 2. Don't worry if your dog becomes startled initially - they will soon become used to the noise. 3. Start your training somewhere your dog feels comfortable and relaxed. 4. To get them viewing the clicker as something positive, click once and then give a treat. Repeat this a few times so your dog learns that the click will lead to a reward. 5. To reduce the amount of food your dog eats, put cut up treats into smaller pieces, or in fact, start training sessions right before meal time, and distribute your dog's meal into small chunks - that way they won't be over eating. 6. If you are teaching a complicated trick, break it down into smaller components and reward them each time they do something correct. And if they do any part of the trick your trying to teach, even incidentally, reward them! This is known as shaping the behaviour. 7. As mentioned, never punish mistakes or bad behaviour, in fact, don't show any emotion during these times. 8. Keep practice sessions short - no more than 15 minutes is adequate. 9. If your dog isn't making progress, it might not be your dog but you clicking at the wrong time. 10. If you notice your dog's becoming frustrated, try adding some games or revert to practicing tricks they already know well. 11. Only ever click once at a time. 12. Always end training sessions on a positive note. 13. When big achievements have been accomplished you can choose to give a large reward (or lots of little ones) to emphasize how well they've done. 14. And always, stay calm and positive. Remember, your dog can be very receptive to your emotions.

Many cat owners don't like the idea of putting their beloved cat into a cage, as they feel they are being cruel and preventing their cat from doing their everyday feline activities. And while, yes, it's cruel to keep your cat in a cage all of the time, there are particular instances where it's perfectly OK - a good idea in fact - to put your kitty behind bars. Here are some of those instances now: Caging kittens and their mothers actually promotes good litter box training. By confining the amount of space they can roam, kittens are left with no choice but to eliminate in the litter box. Keeping the mother in there with them, allows mama cat to lead by example to show her young how it's done. Bear in mind, the cage shouldn't be multi-tiered, so kittens are not exposed to risk of falling from a great height. Cages are great for quarantining new cats in a multi-cat home - particularly if you are unsure whether the new cat has any illnesses.  Cages are so useful if you have more than one cat and are trying to pin-point which one of your cats are ill. Place one cat inside the cage and watch for the symptoms you are suspicious of. Once you are satisfied it's not that particular cat, place your next cat in there until you have found your sick kitty. How hard is it trying to give a cat their medication? So hard! By placing your cat into a cage, it makes the whole squirmy affair so much easier. If you are moving house or introducing your cat to a new environment, a cage can be an invaluable safety net, not just for you but your cat too. Once you have successfully introduced the new place to your cat, leave the cage there with the door open, so if your cat should become spooked they can retreat to somewhere comfortable and safe.  Have you ever considered using a cage as a time-out for naughty cats? If you haven't, you should. If you need to break up a fight, or need to re-train a cat so they can break any bad habits, placing the culprit in a cage for an hour can really enhance your message! If you are someone who breeds cats, or wishes to, placing two potential partners into a cage together can help with the breeding process.  Likewise, a pregnant cat can also benefit from being in a cage from around 2 weeks prior to her due date to keep her safe. Can you think of any other instances where a cage could come in handy? Feature image credit

At Petbucket, like the rest of the Internet, we love cats - especially cute kittens.   Awww! Image credit Sooo cute! Image credit Adorable! Image credit   So if you are lucky enough to be adopting a little feline, you may be wondering about what belongings you'll need to get them for when they first arrive home. It can be extremely overwhelming and all too easy to end up going overboard, buying unnecessary items that your cat will never use, or won't be long-lasting into adulthood. The following items listed are what we think are some some great essentials to have ready for when your cat comes home. Not only are they essential for everyday care but also promote an easy and positive transition for your kitten into everyday life with their new family.  Food and water dishes Litter and litter box Bed Toys Collar Carrier Brush Nail clippers Scratching post Things to do before your kitten comes home Kitten proof your home: for example, make sure electrical cables are away, doors to cupboards, washing machines and toilets are kept shut and that naked flames and chemicals are extinguished and kept out of reach. Check your garden and plants to make sure none of them are toxic for cats. Set up a designated, private room with all your cat's new belongings in there so they can settle in slowly. After a few days, you can slowly start allowing your cat more access around your home. Things to do when they arrive home If possible, continue to feed them the same food they had previously. If you can't or if later on you want to make changes, make sure you introduce new food slowly, to avoid any tummy upsets. In their private sanctuary, make sure your cat's food and water bowls and litter box are kept as far apart as possible. If your kitten has just come from their littermates and mom, you can make the adjustment easier by placing a ticking clock in their bed and/or give them a hot water bottle (not too hot) wrapped in a blanket. If you have other pets or children that you want to introduce your kitten to, make sure it's done slow and steady and at the pace of the animal. Feature image credit

We've previously told you 5 things to consider before buying a dog door, but now we're going to show you how to train your dog to use one! Dog doors are a great addition to any home, particularly when trying to toilet train a puppy - as you can imagine a dog door is a welcome convenience. There are various approaches you can take when it comes to training your dog, so it's up to you to choose the method that will work best for you and your dog. The following is a standard and effective way to get your dog to come through a dog door with total ease. 1. When you start training with a door, be careful to not allow the flap of the door to hit your pooch, as this may cause a negative association, deterring your dog from going near the door again. When starting out, it's a great idea to tape the flap of the door completely open. 2. It's a great idea to have a second person on hand to help with supervision and training. Each person can remain on either side of the door and take turns calling your dog through. It's also helpful if your dog is prone to accidents inside the house... 3. To make success more likely, assess where your dog generally prefers to spend their time - inside or outside. Whatever the preference is, start your dog in the opposite location to make the idea of going through the door even more appealing. 4. Start with the flap up and call your dog through. Make sure your voice sounds positive and enthusiastic! 5. When your dog makes it through the door, be sure to provide plenty of praise, basically a huge fuss, so your dog knows in no uncertain terms that going through the door is the greatest thing to do! 6. When training, short, energetic sessions are preferrable to one long one, so your dog is less likely to burn out. 7. Once your dog is going through the door, lower the flap to halfway. It's important that during this time to keep encouragement flowing, because your dog may be feeling unsure of the flap and become disturbed. 8. After reaching each milestone, continue to lower the flap until your dog has to push through the door on their own. 9. When you have all the pieces of the puzzle together, and your dog is confidently pushing through the door, both ways, you need to train them to come through the door without you calling them. An easy way to achieve this is by standing on the other side of the door to your dog and start doing some activity that will be really enticing to your dog. Extra tips Adding treats to your praise routine, works like a...treat! If you are the owner of a small-medium sized dog and are of a brave disposition, you could adopt a different method where you gently push your dog through the door. If you decide to do this, remember to ALWAYS praise them, ALWAYS be gentle and STOP what you're doing if your dog is stressed or unhappy. If you have a dog in your home that already uses a door, or if you can borrow a dog that can, getting them to lead by example is a great and easy way to train your dog. If you use a crate then use it to your advantage when you start training your dog. Even before buying and installing a dog door, leave the door of the crate open so your dog can get used to the concept of having free access. Feature image credit

Let's not beat around the bush; cats can be real fusspots! But that makes up a large reason why they are so intriguing and entertaining to their owners. Introducing a cat to a new bed can prove to be a real task that can leave some poor owners tearing their hair out in frustration, wondering why the fresh, plush bed they've purchased is not appealing to their cat. But don't worry, there are some simple, subtle changes you can make that will see your cat change from total dissatisfaction to complete, cozy, bedded bliss! And remember, no matter whether you're introducing a kitten to a bed for the very first time or are trying to change where your adult cat sleeps (in your bed, in the fresh pile of laundry...) the following solutions should work out for you, and your cat. Firstly, please note that most beds will suit most cats, so there's no point constantly returning beds to their point of purchase, hoping that the next bed will do the trick. The reality is, it's unlikely to be the bed's fault! However your cat's mind can always be changed using sublte, subtle persuasion. If your cat's bed is currently being rejected, try and do some detective work to figure out why they may be choosing to sleep where they sleep. It's pretty much guaranteed to be all about location. What is it about their chosen locations that are so desirable? Use their choices as inspiration as to where to place the bed - bearing in mind to carefully consider your cat's own personality, because what's attractive to one cat may not be to another. In saying that, there are some general hot spots that you could pick. Always pick a low traffic area and one that can offer some concealment. So, the middle of the room is definitely out, but on a windowsill, behind a curtain will be a cat's paradise! Next you need to consider the bed's smell. When bringing a new bed into the home for your cat, bear in mind it's absolutely covered in smells your cat won't be used to or like. In order to improve its attractiveness, try covering the bed in an item of your clothing or place some of your kitty's toys inside the bed. This will help make the bed more appealing and familiar. Remember, it may take around 24 hours for your cat to consider sleeping there. If up until this point, neither changing location or smell of the bed has worked then you will have to also instigate a formal introduction. To do this, you will need to make the most of any passing opportunity... When your cat happens to be passing their bed, start making a fuss over and around the bed, even rearranging any of the toys inside it. Hopefully your cat will interested enough to come over and investigate. If they are not interested in the slightest, you will need to then try and call them over. Once your cat has come over, watch to see if they interact at all with the bed. If they do praise them (but don't be too over-the-top about it) and if they show no interest, it's important that you refrain from reacting. Keep trying to formally introduce your cat to their bed, until some positive associations have been made. When you get to the point that your cat is happy to use their bed, you will then be free to move the bed to other places in the home, but remember to always choose cat-approved locations! Feature image credit  

Cats are intelligent, curious creatures that require stimulation in order to be happy. As a result, your cat's quality of life will suffer if boredom sets in. While it's hard to know for sure whether your cat is bored, some of the more common signs include restlessness, vocalization and a tendency to destroy household items. In the first instance, it's important to rule out medical causes for restlessness and increased meowing, but if your vet has given your pet a clean bill of health then there is a chance that boredom is the key issue. If you have an indoor cat, the good news is that (contrary to popular belief) you don't necessarily have to let your pet go outside in order to improve daily life. Here are some creative and effective things that you can do to keep your cat excited and stimulated. 1. Engage in interactive play Ideally, you should provide your cat with at least two twenty-minute play sessions each day. Other commitments may prevent you from doing this quite as much as you would like, but do try to set aside a decent amount of time for interactive play. This process can involve dangling toys that hang from sticks, using a laser pointer to create moving light spots for the cat to chase, and throwing toys if your cat likes to retrieve them. 2. Get a cat scratching post or activity center There are all kinds of cat activity centers available, so there is something to suit every budget. The goal is simply to get something that captures the cat's interest and allows your furry friend to jump, climb, explore or mark territory (using their claws). 3. Provide window views Most cats love to look out of the window, especially if they have a chance to see birds and other types of wildlife, so try to provide some space for your cat to sit and look out. You can even look into window beds that conveniently sit where your cat will be able to see your garden or a view of the street. 4. Don't throw all your boxes in the trash Almost all cats adore boxes and can turn them into playthings as well as sleeping locations. In fact, many owners express exasperation at the fact that their cats prefer the cheap cardboard box to the expensive, luxurious item they bought them! 5. Try a wide range of cat toys Not all cats like to play with the same types of toys, and you want to make sure that your pet has plenty of ways to play when you don't have time to take part. Try catnip scented objects, rattling balls, squeaking mouse toys and anything else that might capture your cat's imagination. 6. Offer puzzles Some particularly inquisitive and bright cats will enjoy playing with puzzles that offer a treat as a reward when solved. In addition, many owners find success with mazes that require the cat to use a paw to hit a ball.