Pet Bucket Blog

How exciting is bringing a new puppy home? I mean, just look:   Image credit and look:   Image credit PUPPIES!!!! Image credit However, bringing a new four-legged forever friend home isn't all about cuddles and playtime, it also takes a lot of work and responsibility, not to mention how prepared you should be even prior to picking up your mini dog and taking them home. As an expectant parent, it can be overwhelming to figure out what exactly your little one will need when they first arrive at your home. The following list is some essentials to get things off to a good start. You may have some other suggestions, which we'd love to hear about! It's important to remember that your puppy won't need much initially, apart from your love and attention. Many other items won't be needed until your dog is an adult - so don't panic if you don't have everything right at the start! Here is our essential puppy home-coming products: Name tag A name tag is incredibly important for identifying your puppy in case they should go missing. On the name tage make sure all your contact information, including phone numbers, are clearly written. Your puppy should also be microchipped, so even in a worst case scenario they can be returned to you. Collar and leash When choosing a collar and leash, always choose function over appearance. You should also consider what style of training you're likely to give your pet. Bed A cozy bed will be a great addition to your pup's first few days at home. It will bring a great deal of warmth and comfort and you'll probably be taking loads of photos of them all snuggled up! Food and water dishes A separate bowl for food and water is essential. Make sure you choose a style of bowl that is compatible with your breed and size of dog. You can find out what bowl is suitable for your dog here. Grooming tools Regular grooming is essential for healthy coats and skin, so make sure you have a good brush, shampoo and nail clippers in your possession. Not only is grooming great for health and appearance, it also asserts you as the pack leader. Dog crate Dog crates are incredibly handy and can serve many different purposes, such as helping with house training and just generally keeping your puppy safe- which can be especially reassuring when you can't supervise your pooch constantly. Chew toys Like human babies, puppies go through teething and that can be an incredibly testing time for all involved. Having some chew toys on stand by will help them channel their chewing urges into their toys rather than into your furniture. Toys are also great for soothing boredom and, especially if toys are interactive are great for mental stimulation. Treats Everybody needs treats in their life - even little puppies! Treats are a great way to provide incentive to your puppy when you are trying to train them, which is important for their development, confidence and well-roundness as they enter adulthood.  

Never to be underestimated, choosing the right house for your dog is incredibly important. A good dog house will provide comfort and shelter as well as being a retreat for your dog. And if your pooch is strictly an outdoor dog- then getting their house right is even more important because your dog will need to be protected in extreme weather conditions. All dogs should have a place to call their own, but if your dog is an outdoor only pooch, then a house really is an absolute must. If you choose wisely, a dog house should last for many, many, many years - so getting it right in the first place will really pay off for you in the long run. A good dog house will be safe, quiet and small. Yes, small. When it comes to dog houses, bigger is definitely not better as smaller houses offer the most protection and keeps heat in. To make sure you buy the correct size, here is how you measure up. Measure from the ground to the top of your dog's back. The entrance should be slightly larger than their back.  When inside their house, your dog should be able to turn around completely. To achieve this, measure from your dog's chest to the back of their behind. The house should be 25% bigger than this measurement. Next, measure from the ground to the top of your dog's head. The highest point of the house should be no more than 25% taller. What you are trying to achieve is for your dog to be able to stand up and turn around completely inside their home, but stoop on their way in and out. Before committing to a purchase, you could make a mock up version out of cardboard and see if your proposed measurements are going to be the right ones for your dog. Things to consider: If your dog's home is too big, too much body heat will escape. If your dog's home is too small, it just won't be comfortable. Despite being a sturdy structure, raising your dog's home off the ground will add further protection from rain, moisture, snow and insects. This in turn, also adds to the longevity of the home. Plastic and wood are the two most common materials used for dog homes. These are some points to consider before choosing what material you want to buy: Plastic: Lighter Less expensive Easy to transport Easy to clean Wood: Usually available in more design options Better protection from the elements Better insulation When choosing a dog home, always consider your lifestyle and how and when your dog will use their home.

When you bring a new puppy home, a crucial part of integrating them into your home and preparing them to be a mature adult is to toilet train them. Depending on your preferences, there are a variety of approaches you could adopt to ensure successful and efficient results. The following tips are the basics that will garantee the results you want. This is based on reward-based positive reinforcement training. Provide plenty of opportunities to go outside.  Allow your dog the opportunity to go first thing in the morning, last thing at night,10-30 minutes after waking from a nap or eating and every two-three hours after that. Yep, toilet training is a massive commitment! Choose a designated spot outside and always take your pup to that spot. Everytime they eliminate where you would like them to, remember to praise them. Be sure to do this immediately after a successful trip to the toilet so your dog can quickly associate going to the toilet with a reward. Whilst toilet training, you will need to provide constant supervision. This may mean taking time from work, which can be inconvenient, but it will certainly fast-track successful toilet training! If you're going to be out or asleep for more than 2-3 hours then place your pup in their crate (if crate trained) or in a secure room with papers down to control where elimination occurs. Remember to NEVER punish your dog for incorrect emlimination. Puppies are unable to hold onto their bladder like adults can, so sometimes it's simply impossible for them to hold until you take them. If you feel you could benefit with some extra equipment to help with the training process, we have a variety of sprays and training pads (plus more) that can help your puppy, or even older dogs on their way to toilet training success in no time at all!  

Kitty litter. URGH! One of the least appealing aspects of pet care has to be cleaning up after them, right? Right. If you have an indoor cat you will be all too familiar with the joys of the litter box and all the perils that come along with using them - but there are ways to make your life easier which will in fact lessen the amount of time you have to spend scooping poop. If you are struggling against the smell that is omitted from your cat's litter box then there is one simple, inexpensive, yet very effective solution out there: odor eliminators. Odor eliminators are great because they disguise and eliminate unwanted smells and work to break down residue which is the main cause of smelly odors. Best of all, it activates every time your cat uses the litter box so they are a great tool to be relied on. If you really can't stand cleaning up your cat's litter box, or perhaps you work long hours and don't like returning home to a smelly place that's been closed up for long periods of time, then maybe it's time you considered treating you and your cat to a SELF-SCOOPING LITTER BOX. It sounds like a dream doesn't it? A self-scooping litter box may not be a dream, but it sure is a dream to use- it's so easy to use and maintain. A sensor triggers when a cleaning cycle needs to begin and best news of all, it's compatible with any clumping litter, so you don't need to shop for any special varieties. If you're of a queasy disposition then coming face to face with your cat's droppings is probably not a match made in heaven. If that's not the case then perhaps you just don't like the idea of your cat's waste being out on display for all to see (and we suspect your cat is maybe feeling the same thing!) So why not try out a litter box cover. Litter box covers are available in many materials and can match with a variety of stylish furnishings. They don't absorb any fluids, are sturdy and can be easily cleaned. You'll be glad to hide away kitty's waste and they'll appreciate the privacy! For a quick and easy way to remove waste, why not consider buying a Scoop-N-Sift. A very handy weapon in the fight against kitty litter, a Scoop-N-Sift reduces the amount of waste that kitty litters can provide. To be used with clumping litter, these great little devices allows you to sift the clumps of waste from the remaining litter, making the overall process much, much easier.  

One of the most common stereotypes dog owners are accustomed to is the puppy that chews on shoes. When a dog is portrayed in movies and TV shows, almost every troublesome little puppy is found chewing on an owner's shoe at some point. This behavior, although often stereotyped in popular culture, is a very real occurrence that owners have to deal with on a regular basis.   All puppies have a natural instinct to chew on things, and shoes serves as a great target for that desire to chew and bite because of their location. Unlike remotes, clothes, and other items around the house that might be stored out of reach, your shoes are often left out on the rug. This puts your shoes on your puppy's level, turning them into an easy target. So, how can you stop this behavior in your pup?   Stay calm First and foremost, the worst thing you can do is fly off the handle and get angry with your dog. In the case of puppies, chewing on anything (including shoes) is a result of teething. Your puppy goes through teething at around 11 months, and anything that allows it to relieve the pain in its gums is likely to get chewed on. When you catch your pup chewing on a shoe, take a deep breath and correct the behavior calmly.   Correct your pup with a stern "no," but don't yell at the dog. Remove the shoe from its vision and present it with an acceptable chew toy. Reinforce the idea that the toy is good, and the shoe is bad, by praising it for chewing on the toy.   Correcting the behavior When you go to remove the shoe from your dog, don't simply snatch the shoe from its mouth. If you quickly move to grab the shoe, your puppy might think the shoe is a new toy and that you are looking to play. Instead, use a gentle, yet stern touch on your dog's hindquarters or neck to redirect its focus. With its focus redirected, remove the shoe and introduce the chew toy instead.   Claim your shoes Dogs claim toys and objects around the house. You need to do the same with items that are yours to help teach your dog which items are yours and should not be touched. By remaining calm and using positive energy and body language, you can send a message to your dog that your shoes are strictly yours. Think of it as creating an invisible barrier around objects such as your shoes that tells your puppy "this is mine."   Prevent the problem The best thing you can do to help your dog is to set it up for success, not failure. It can be difficult to establish dominance and ownership of items in the house. These endeavors take time to complete and instill positive behaviors in your dog. While you work on those, take some time to follow extra steps that will help set your dog up for success. Close the door to your bedroom and keep shoes in common areas inside of closets where you dog cannot access them. Make sure to leave plenty of acceptable chew toys out for your dog. This will prevent it from chewing shoes, and reinforce the positive behavior of using chew toys. Feature image credit

Cats may be shy and skittish for a variety of reasons. For example, if you chose to adopt an adult cat from a rescue shelter, it may have experienced some harsh treatment in its younger years. In other cases, a cat may have not been exposed to many other people or animals during kittenhood, and this lack of familiarity may have bred feelings of fear. However, other cats simply have more cautious and reserved personalities. Whatever the cause of your cat's anxious nature, here are some thoughtful things that you can do to help. Keep guests informed When you invite people to your home, make sure that they know you have a scaredy cat living under your roof and ask them to behave accordingly. In particular, new people should not approach your cat, but rather allow the pet to approach them. If your cat is generally receptive to new people but tends to be cautious upon first meeting, suggest that visitors get down to the cat's level in order to look less imposing. It may also be worth letting them know that cats typically don't like direct eye contact and that actively avoiding eye contact will help the animal feel more confident. Finally, consider bribery! Cats might respond more positively to guests if you provide treats for new people to give to your pet (or encourage coaxing your pet out with a new toy). Allow your cat to escape from people If you have an indoor cat, it's possible that your pet will feel trapped when there are frightening new people in the house. In fact, a very shy cat may even feel uncomfortable if it seems that there is nowhere to escape you or other family members. It's a good idea to allow your cat to reach quiet, safe rooms and to provide lots of hiding places for sleep and rest. If you know that your cat feels terrified when guests come to your house, consider shutting your cat in a room far from the noise and bustle. However, make sure you provide food and stimulation (such as favorite toys), and keep the room at a comfortable temperature. Be sensitive to your pet's needs It's very important for your scaredy cat to know that you are not threatening and that you won't try to force any unwanted interactions (except in necessary situations, such as when you have to visit the vet). Let your cat come to you rather than scooping the animal into your arms, never chase your pet if you notice the cat seems shy or anxious, and don't shout or scold if the cat does something that displeases you. All of these friendly, reassuring behaviors let your pet know that you are trustworthy and kind, and in some cases forming a close bond with just one person will open the door for closer relationships with other humans. Feature image credit

Warning: what you're about to read may be distressing for some cat owners... Cats have a reputation for being solitary creatures that don't enjoy socializing with other animals and sometimes, even their owners! It's no secret that it's difficult to get inside the head of any animal, (if only they could talk!) however, animal behavior specialists will say that it is possible to get a general idea of a cat's mood based upon behavior, but will this reveal if your cat actually dislikes you?   To some, the idea alone is completely preposterous while for others, they may be genuinely worried that their feline friend doesn't want to be their friend at all! Now, animal behavior specialists believe that it is possible for cats to dislike their owners.   Voice recognition with indifference A study published in the Animal Cognition Journal in July 2013 found that cats can in fact recognize their owner's voice. On top of that, cats showed an ability to differentiate their owner's voice from that of a stranger. You may think that surely your cat loves you if it can recognize your voice, right? Unfortunately, the vast majority of cats actually ignore the call of their owners because they simply are indifferent to their owner's very existence!   The study followed 20 domesticated house cats for eight months. During this time, the researchers found that roughly 70% of the cats in the study acknowledged the sound of their owner's voice. However, just 10% responded to their owner's call. Even then, the only recognition owners got was a meow or tail wag.   Rubbing and grooming For those who believe their cat loves them because it rubs up against them and loves to cuddle, it might be time to rethink that. Cats who rub up against their owner are not seeking affection or showing love, but rather, are staking their claim in the house. When your cat rubs up against you, it is telling everyone else in the room that it owns you.   And what about cuddling? Researchers at the University of Lincoln in the United Kingdom have found that petting can actually lead to stress in some cats. The study found that a cat living in a home with other cats was more likely to remain calm because the stress of petting and cuddling was spread out over all pets in the home, allowing it to avoid many interactions. On top of that, have you ever noticed your cat grooming itself after cuddling with you? That is your cat cleaning its body and getting the "human smell" off its body.   Your cat hates you Daniel Mills, a professor of veterinary behavior medicine in the United Kingdom, has found that many cats simply do not like their owners. Mills found that most cats have an anxious avoidance style of attachment. Whereas dogs and children have "love" for their owners/parents and feel better when they're around, most cats do not feel that same attachment.   Many cats couldn't care less if their owners are in the room or not. In fact, cats with anxious avoidance feel more stress when you are around than they do when they are alone in the home. The presence of an owner does not help promote emotional stability or provide a soothing presence in their life. We're not entirely convinced by these findings - because we know some cats that are incredibly loving and seem to find a lot of happiness in human company. Or they're very good actors... What do you think? Feature image credit

Introducing a new pet into your family is always a step that should be carefully considered. A new pet can certainly enhance your home, but it can also wreak havoc. Potential difficult situations can be avoided by keeping the following tips in mind. Remember, a multi-dog home can be a delightful one, but be sure to take your time and consider the following before inviting a new dog into your home.   1. Research the breed Some dog breeds are known for their ability to easily mix with other breeds. Of course, there's no guarantee that any one dog or two will take kindly to a third. However, by choosing breeds that are known for their easy-going demeanor, you can avoid aggression among the dogs and, ideally, enjoy a more peaceful home.   2. Consider the expense If you have two dogs, you'll already know that costs for vet care, food, and grooming are double the price. Three dogs will ramp up your costs considerably. If you can afford an extra mouth to feed, then you probably won't mind the added expense when caring for a thrid dog- however remember that some breeds can be more expensive than others for a variety of reasons, from healthcare, food and grooming.   3. Positive introductions When you bring a new dog home, you'll want to try your best to conceal any fearful or worried emotions you might have as dogs are able to pick up on these negative emotions. Remember to stay in command of the situation- but you can expect the dogs to sniff each other and investigate. You'll also want to be sure all introductions stay positive. If you are at all concerned about your dogs and their particular breed, consider inviting a trainer over to coach you during the encounter.   4. Stay present For an initial period of time, you may not want to leave the dogs alone together. Supervise their meetings around the home and try to give them time to get to know each other. You don't need to step in unless one of the dogs begins to show signs of aggression. Once you're comfortable that they won't fight, you can leave them together in the yard to see how things progress.   5. Separate food bowls and stations Meal times can be tricky, especially if one of the dogs is aggressive and decides that its food portion isn't enough. By feeding dogs separately and with their own bowls, you can ensure that they get the nourishment they need and, hopefully, avoid any conflicts between the dogs.   6. Be fair It's important to be fair with the dogs, particularly when it comes to your attention. Be sure to spend time interacting with each dog so that they all feel secure in your affections. Also, be sure each dog has their own treats and toys. While they may wind up sharing, it's always a good idea to make sure that each has something to play with or gnaw in order to avoid any trouble.   Going from two dogs to three is an exciting experience as it can bring great joy to your home. By following the above tips, and excersing care and attention introducing a third dog is bound to be a great success! We'd love to hear about your experiences when you've introduced a third (or more) dog into your home!

For many dog owners, just mentioning giving their dog a bath can raise stress levels quite considerably. Bath time sounds like fun, but it rarely is when you are stuggling to contain your dog, get them clean and trying to not get the whole house dripping wet and covered in soggy fur. But it doesn't have to be the dreaded nightmare it often is. With some choice grooming products, bath time can be enjoyable for everyone, yes everyone involved. 1. Booster steps If your dog has trouble negotiating the bath tub alone, whether because of their size, medical condition, or just general aching bones and joints - having some booster steps to hand can make the whole operation streamlined. What's most excellent about them is that they are durable, non-slip and can be used in other areas of the home or car. 2. Portable bath tub Doesn't this sound like a dream come true? A portable bath tub, means you can successfully give your dog their much needed bath, but can save the interior of your home from becoming soaked! What's great about a portable tub, is that it can obviously be moved around to where ever your need it to be and it's collapsible so storage and transportation of it is a breeze. 3. K9 shower Have you ever taken your dog on a walk and its become completely covered in mud, dirt or even sand and then you've had to take them home in this condition in your car? And let's face it - a towel is not much help! Well, why not give them a K9 shower before making your journey home. Hanging from your car window, the K9 shower allows you to rinse off all the dirt and muck your dog has picked up on your adventure. Simply fill it up with warm water before your set off and you're good to go. 4. Miracle De-Shedder Paws up if you have a problem with shedding. Well, if your dog has a problem with shedding! A common gripe amongst pet owners is trying to stay on top of all that fur that dog's malt. It can be hard work! However products like the Miracle De-Shedder are fortunately on the market to make life much, much easier. Use it alone or attach to a vacuum whilst you easily remove fur from your dog's undercoat. 5. ZoomGroom For a great all-rounder grooming brush, look no further than the ZoomGroom. From the makers of Kong, the ZoomGroom works like a magnet to remove excess fur, as well as stimulate healthy oils in the skin and capillaries so your dogs coat can look its best. 6. QuickFinder Clipper Cutting your dog's nails can be a nerve-racking experience, especially if you accidently cut too far (ouch!) Genius products like the QuickFinder Clipper means you never have to be fearful again. Sensor technology detects where exactly it is safe for you to trim your dog's nails using a traffic light system, making nail trimming quick and seamless. 7. Shampoo A good bath isn't a good bath without shampoo. Designed to remove dirt and grime as well as keeping coats shiny and healthy, this range of shampoo comes in a variety of scents and treatments, so you can choose the right one for your dog and their fur. 8. Skin and coat care Just like us, using intensive treatments can add further vitality and assisted health to your dog's fur. From de-tangling, to conditioning - even deodorising, it is worthwhile considering adding some extra products to your dog's grooming regime. 9. Grooming table If you spend a lot of time grooming your pet, or if you have an intricate grooming routine, then a grooming table could be the perfect purchase for you. Its non-slip table and ability to keep your dog in once place means you can quickly get through your gooming regime, causing little stress to you or your dog! Feature image credit  

Many people mistakenly assume that cats and dogs will never mix. In fact, lots of cats and dogs are happy to coexist in a peaceful, calm manner, and some even become the best of friends. Unfortunately, cats can sometimes be found behaving in a hostile or aggressive way towards dogs. Here's what you need to know about the origins of this behavior and what you can do to promote harmony in your household. Possible causes Pre-emptive strikes: If your cat has just met your dog fairly recently, the aggression that you see may represent your cat's attempt to assert dominance before the dog has a chance to be the instigator of aggression. Medical problems: When a previously affable cat suddenly starts behaving aggressively towards your dog, it's worth considering medical causes. For example, dementia in older cats may prompt angry or fearful behavior, as can other neurological problems. Sometimes, it can be as simple as diminished vision. If your cat can no longer see very well, you may see lashing out behavior due to feelings of vulnerability. Stress: Your cat might feel like it is impossible to feel relaxed or safe around your dog, and the aggression may be a sign that the cat just wants the dog to remove itself from the environment (whether by choice or by force). Communication differences: It's important to note that cats and dogs communicate in very different ways. Dogs typically bound up to potential new friends and show overt interest, but cats often find this behavior threatening. However, if a cat tries to escape from this scenario, the dog might interpret this movement as an attempt to play, prompting an aggressive response. Possible solutions Make sure the cat has safe places to go: Your cat may stop being overtly aggressive to your dog if the feelings of being threatened are eliminated. One way to help is to offer places like cat trees, where the cat can seek refuge from the dog without being followed. Check out medical causes: In case there is an underlying medical cause, it is always wise to check out behavioral problems with your vet. As a bonus, your vet might have some tips and tricks about cat socialization. Offer constant supervision: Since aggression can lead to serious physical fights between a cat and dog, you will need to police their interactions as long as the tension is present. You can also help to soothe the intimidated party and stop the pets from approaching each other in a negative way. Make sure the dog knows that the cat's aggression is not acceptable: Your cat's aggression could lead your dog to become anxious or aggressive as well. It helps dogs to see their pack leader (i.e. you) verbally scold the cat for being aggressive, as this will promote feelings of safety in the dog. However, be kind to your cat as well, as aggression typically comes from some type of distress.