Pet Bucket Blog

Proper oral care is an important part of keeping your dog in tip-top shape.  Just like humans, brushing your dog’s teeth can be an excellent way to keep them gleaming and disease free.   Approximately 85% of dogs over five years of age are afflicted by periodontal disease. This condition develops when food particles and nasties like bacteria accumulate along the gum line and in soft deposits called plaque. With time, plaque transforms into tartar, which is rock hard and difficult to remove. Plaque has the effect of inflaming the gums and causing them to start to separate from the teeth allowing pockets of bacteria to form. Pain and abscesses may result, as well as a bacterial infection able to spread through the body and impact on the health of organs like the liver, heart and brain. Teeth brushing can help prevent issues such as these from developing and the practice should therefore be considered by all dog owners.   Dogs can be uncomfortable with teeth brushing, especially if they haven’t had their mouth handled much by their owners, and must be gradually introduced to the process if they display signs of distress.   At first, simply touching your dog’s mouth with your hands is ideal – lifting his or her gums, opening the jaws and so on. Continue this exercise until your dog expects it as part of everyday life and is quite relaxed with you fiddling around their muzzle.   Next it is time to introduce the brush. A number of different varieties of toothbrush are available, some of which look like human toothbrushes with handles and bristles, while others are fashioned from rubber which fit over the finger like a small glove. Squeeze a small amount of toothpaste on the brush and gently brush a couple of teeth easy to reach such as the canines.   Note: human toothpaste should never be used for brushing dog’s teeth. Instead, especially formulated pastes can be purchased in flavours such as chicken and beef.   If your dog sits quietly praise them and reward with treats or a play session. With time, increase each dental session until your dog happily submits to having all their teeth scrubbed. Performed correctly, brushing will ensure your dog will have a bright, healthy smile for years to come.   Feature image credit

Whilst cats are a thoroughly domesticated species, they still retain the need to express the natural behaviours of their wild ancestors. Climbing, scratching, hiding and perching are all activities owners of indoor cats need to facilitate in order to assure their pet’s physical and mental wellbeing.    Cats are known for their fondness of small, dark spaces. This desire to hide likely stems from old instincts pushing cats to conceal themselves from predators as well as potential prey. Cat furniture with enclosed hiding spaces such as the Midwest Catitude Carnival Play House helps cats to feel secure and relaxed (even if there are no jackals roaming your house to fret about). Studies have shown cats with a hiding place they call their own display markedly lower stress levels than those without.       Opportunities to climb are also important to feline happiness. Climbing and perching are known to help reduce a cat's stress levels. Occupying high spaces are another method wild felines use to avoid predators and furniture that allows this behaviour helps cats to feel cool, calm and collected at home. Vertical play houses like the Kittywalk Cozy Climber are particularly useful for letting indoor cats flex their jumping muscles.       Scratching can be annoying when your cat decides to sharpens their claws on your favourite chair, but the behaviour itself is not to be discouraged. Not only does scratching help maintain healthy claws it also makes cats feel comfortable and in control, as it is primarily a method of territory marking used to claim ownership of the place they call home.       Old-fashioned scratching posts aren't the only option anymore for providing kitty with an outlet to scratch their hearts out. Scratching furniture with moving components like wheels are now popular as well as dual-function items such as those that also act as a cosy hammock. Likewise, cardboard scratchers have the benefit of being easily and cheaply replaced for determined scratchers keen to rip their scratch post to shreds in a matter of weeks.     Remember, every cat is a tiger at heart, and they need to have the chance to act like one.     Feature image credit  

Many dog owners work long hours, meaning they can only exercise their full-of-beans dog when they arrive home at night. Exercise at anytime of the day is great for both dogs and people, though certain safety issues should be considered when venturing out into the dark with your pet.   Make sure you can be seen   The biggest problem with taking your dog out at night-time is visibility. A dog running around in the dark can be invisible to motorists and bike riders, meaning the risk of a collision is far more likely.   Products like the Bright Steps leg bands can be wrapped around your dogs legs allowing them to be spotted from over half a mile away. Collars with LED inserts are also useful so your dog literally glows when running around the neighbourhood.       Your own safety is also important. Matching reflective gear such as a jacket and shoes with a led head light are a great idea so you and your pup can be super protected as well as have fun during your time together.   Keep warm   Depending on where you live, the temperature at night can drop significantly. Despite having a fur coat, dogs can feel the cold significantly especially if they are small. It may be an idea to wrap your dog in a nice warm jacket. Functionality not fashion is key. Choose something cosy and tough – though of course it can be stylish as well!   Beware of night-time wildlife   Remember, some forms of wildlife you don’t see during the day, come out at night. This means your dog might encounter more ferocious critters on their adventures than squirrels and birds – like foxes or racoons or possums. Make sure to keep them close and from ranging out of sight.   Feature image credit  

As much as cats enjoy sleeping, there is such a thing as too much sleep. Wild cats require a great amount of sleep in order to hunt for food and travel long distances. Domestic cats aren’t doing either of these things, so it’s up to the owner to create a stimulating environment. Otherwise, your cat could become bored which can lead to them sleeping more than they should. Besides lethargy, a cat that lacks enrichment may be aggressive in play, try to play at inappropriate hours of the day or night, destroy furniture, or become reclusive. An unenriched cat isn’t a happy one, but thankfully there are a plethora of interactive toys to catch your cat’s interest and keep them occupied and entertained.   1. The Cat Charmer One of the most popular and basic interactive toys for your cat is the Cat Charmer. Just wave this wand around and you’ll have your cat bouncing around in no time.         2. FroliCat Bolt Interactive Toy Cats love lasers, and this toy produces exciting laser patterns for your cat to pounce and chase.           3. Play-N-Squeak Batting Practice With an electronic mouse suspended in the air, your cat will be swatting at it all day.       4.  Blinking Buddy   This toy is perfect for the cat who tries to play middle of the night. With it’s blinking lights, your cat will remain intrigued without disturbing your sleep.       5. FroliCat Pounce Interactive Toy    With a mouse that moves unpredictably, occasionally stopping to hide, your cat will be on its toes and waiting to pounce!     Remember, it’s important to play with your cat daily. Not only is it a good time for you to bond together, but it also helps maintain your cat’s healthy weight and relieve stress and boredom!   Which toy do you think your cat would like best? Why not check out some more fun and interactive toys here. Feature image credit

If you're considering purchasing an exercise pen, check out the following questions and answers to determine whether or not a pen is suitable for you and your dog.  1. What are exercise pens used for? Exercise pens are the perfect way for you to keep your dog safe while allowing them the room to play, no matter if it’s indoors or outdoors. It gives your dog an area of their own to burn off energy while keeping them safe, and protecting your household items.  Additionally, exercise pens can be a great way to introduce new dogs while keeping the stress levels of both dogs at a minimum. They're typically made of metal or plastic, and are easily stored, movable, and perfect for a variety of settings. Remember: these pens are not made for your dog to be left unsupervised in. 2. Which breeds of dogs are they good for? Exercise pens are great for many breeds of dogs, especially for those with an active disposition. Puppies in particular are great candidates for pens, allowing you to contain them and monitor their play. Unfortunately, larger breeds may be able to knock them over, defeating the entire purpose of the pen. 3. What are the disadvantages of exercise pens? While exercise pens are strong, they have some limitations: they should not be used with a multitude of dogs or larger dogs that can knock them over. Also, it's important to keep in mind that exercise pens are not a substitute for actual exercise that your dog needs to stay healthy and happy.  4. What should I look for when purchasing an exercise pen? The pen should be taller than your dog while it’s standing on its hind legs to insure they cannot jump out. Furthermore, the pen should be sturdy enough to hold up to lively playing and should be escape-proof. 5. What's the best way to set up the pen? The pens should be kept on an even surface so your dog cannot easily knock it over; thankfully these pens are able to be configured in a variety of shapes so they can fit in an assortment of areas around your house where your dog will be safe. Because the pens are adjustable in shape, you may be able to adjust the panels to allow your dog access to their crate if they are tired of playing.

Some people are quite against the idea of installing a containment system for their cat. And that's OK. But it must be said, they can provide lasting solutions for a multitude of problems. And, more often than not cats react positively to them whilst achieving peace of mind for owners. First, you need to be clear about your motivation - why do you need to put a containment system in place? If you are clear about your goal, you are bound to choose the right containment system for you and your cat and will achieve your desired outcome. Note, before buying a containment system, always do your research and always have your cat's temperament in mind. In-ground fences How they work: In ground fencing systems work by installing a boundary wire either in-ground or fixed to an object, encompassing the boundary you want to set. Radio signals from a transmitter communicate with the wire, while your cat wears a collar that has contact points. When in use, your cat will receive a warning beep as they near the boundary. If they enter the boundary zone a static correction signal is sent to your cat who should be immediately deterred. Once your cat has learned where the boundary is (ordinarily it doesn't take that long) they then no longer need to wear the collar. Bear in mind, it can take a couple of weeks of daily training to get your cat used to this, but for many owners the outcomes are well worth the effort. Once trained, your cat should be quite happy with the redefined territory, however always take your cat's personality into consideration and if you notice any negative behaviour, stop using the system immediately. Who is it useful for? If your cat gets in to fights, is out all night or has had near misses with dogs, foxes or cars you are probably already feeling anxious about your cat being outside unsupervised, so a system like this can still allow your cat freedom to be outside but protected from dangerous situations.   Spray deterrents   How they work: Essentially, the device is able to detect when a pet is approaching the no-go zone and a harmless spray and/or alarm is released, startling your pet and causing them to turn away. It bears no ill effect on your pets, yourself or the environment. There are also outdoor repellants which can help keep cats out of your garden. Rather than a spray, it produces a high-decibel sound that sends cats running. Who is it useful for? Many cat owners dislike their cats jumping up on counters and food preparation surfaces - so this is a perfect solution for keeping them out of certain areas of your home. It's also great for parents of newborns, who want to keep their cat still accustomed to indoor life, but away from the baby's nursery. Just remember to keep any fragile items out of the spray zone because you can expect your cat to have all limbs akimbo! Be prepared, that you may need to retrain your pet every so often if certain areas become too irresistible again. Cages   How they work: Well, a cage is a cage - so you can imagine how it works! The beauty of using a cage as a containment system is that it doesn't take long to set up and there's no real need to provide any training! Who is it useful for? There are a number of reasons why a cage would be useful. These include: if you are introducing a new cat to the household or existing cats aren't getting along then this is a great way to isolate them (but make sure to swap who has to spend time in the cage as this helps break the cycle of aggression.) If you are travelling with your cat, you can keep them in the cage at your destination or at pit stops so they can still enjoy the benefits of being outside while removing the possibility of them running away. It's also a great way to give owners peace of mind because they can place their cats in the cage, knowing they are safe. Crates are big enough to keep all your cat's essentials in there with them, and once used to the idea of the cage, they quite often regard them as a safe zone and a retreat.   Feature image credit

We're better off accepting the fact that dogs bark - and there's nothing you, I or anyone else can do about it. Dogs bark for a huge variety of reasons and while it can be annoying to us, it's pretty important they do it. Reasons dogs bark include: Communicating with other dogs and animals. To warn others of dangers. To express excitement or fear. Joining in on occasions of high emotion. Trying to prompt a reaction. An expression of insecurity. The above reasons are all completely valid and really, shouldn't be discouraged. As owners, it's important to be aware of situations when our dogs are trying to tell us something, but sometimes dogs just love to bark for absolutely no reason at all! And that is annoying. Not just to us, but our family, visitors and in some cases the rest of your neighbourhood. In situations like these, using a bark control system can be an incredibly effective tool in discouraging your dog from barking at inappropriate times. Bark controllers are available in a variety of options. Let's take a look at these varieties now: Spray bark control Spray bark control systems mostly use citronella to deter dogs from barking which helps to distract dogs mid act. It's completely harmless and over time your dog will learn that refraining from barking will prevent that citronella spray spraying in their direction.     Static bark control Static bark control systems react to a vibration that comes from a dog's throat when they bark. This vibration triggers a sensor to send a static pulse to your dog to put them off barking. Generally, you can control the level of the intensity of the pulse depending on how dedicated your pooch is to barking. Again, your dog will (hopefully) learn that by not barking - they won't be sent those pulses.     Ultrasonic bark control Ultrasonic bark control systems are available as a collar or as a stand alone object. Collared version will work by sending out ultrasonic vibrations when barking is detected, while stand alone systems can work on a timer where a microphone picks up on barking and then omits a high pitched sound (don't worry you won't hear it) ceasing the dog to stop.   Dogs are very clever and you should find that even after a short while of using a bark control system, they will quickly stop their excessive barking habit. If you find that is not the case, then you may need to increase the intensity or choose a different type of barking system. Like people, some dogs can be more stubborn. You might find that once you stop using the barking system, they resume their old habits - at least this way you know your barking system is working! Our advice is, like mentioned at the start of this article, a dog's barking is completely natural and generally shouldn't be discouraged, so to get the most out of your barking control system, you will need to target particular times or instances where you feel your dog's barking is unnecessary - for example, barking late at night, or obsessively barking at the neighbour's cat. Choose set times that you want barking to stop between and everyday activate your barking system. You must be consistent and practice this everyday. After doing this for a month, you should notice a change in your dog's behaviour and you can remove the barking system. If the excessive barking returns, then start again with your previous system except for a much longer period, around three months to make sure your dog has learnt the correct and desired behaviour. You'll have to be aware that some dog owners of very, very stubborn pooches will have their barking system in place permanently and will simply become a way of life. Conclusion: Barking is a normal and natural thing for a dog to do and in many instances is an important communication skill that you should tap into. Identify times or triggers that cause your dog to excessively or inappropriately bark and use barking control systems at these times to prevent barking. Not all dogs will respond positively to particular types of bark control systems so you may need to either up the intensity or choose a different method. Implement your bark control systems at the same time every day for a month. If no luck, try again for three months and be aware that some dogs will require to use bark control systems for the rest of their life.   Did you find this article useful? Shop for bark control systems here! Feature image credit

As the nights become cooler, you're no doubt hunting out sweaters and blankets to keep yourself toasty and warm. You may even be putting an electric blanket on your bed to give you a comfortable nights sleep - but what about your feline companion? Cats respond really positively to warmth - no doubt you've witnessed your kitty acting like a sun dial, taking naps in only sunny places throughout the day - so of course they want to be kept as warm as possible all year round, if not definitely during fall and winter! So what about a heated bed? A heated bed is the perfect solution to keep your cat cozy. And believe us, they will love it. If you have a multi-cat household, watch them fight over who gets to have a rest in the bed first - they can be that enticing!   There are two main types of heated beds, thermo heated and self warming. Both are designed to provide ultimate comfort and warmth to your furry friend. Let's take a look at them now... Thermo heated cat beds Thermo heated cat beds are designed to match your cat's body temperature - roughly 10-15 degrees above ambient air temperature, so while some owners may think the bed's not warm enough - it really is. And how to do you know it's working? Just witness the queue of cats waiting (impatiently) for their turn! They are really safe to use and can remain plugged in all of the time - and the best news of all is that it doesn't impose on your electricity bills all that much.     Self warming cat beds Self warming beds like this one are super cute because they look like cat sized sleeping bags! The beauty of these types of beds is that cats can really crawl up and snuggle down- which they love doing. The self warming action is all thanks to the material which self-insulates, radiating their heat back into themselves.   Reasons why you should consider a heated bed for your cat Perfect for older cats who are more susceptible to the cold. Cats who have joint pain or arthritis, can be greatly soothed by the warmth. Is an attractive alternative for cats who like to sleep in bed with their owners (and for owners who would now like some peace and quiet). Are extremely popular with cats - some people in multi-cat homes have to buy more than one to keep up with demand! You are bound to get your money's worth as they are rarely empty and will be well used. If you think it's time to get your cat a heated bed why not check out the enitre range here.  

The great thing about agility training is that there are so many benefits for both owner and dog and best of all, any dog can learn it and excel at it! Agility training is a form of canine sport where the handler uses only hand and voice signals to direct their dog through obstacles. A quick pace and accuracy are the aims of the sport and competitions can be highly competitive. And while near enough any dog can enter these competitions, this isn't the only motivation as to why your dog should learn these skills. In fact, entering competitions shouldn't be the main reason why a dog takes up agility sports because these are activities that can be taught, practiced and enjoyed at home. Yes, at home! You and your dog can become agility superstars of your backyard - or even your neighbourhood!   Benefits of agility training:   There are so many benefits to agility training you'll be hard pressed to come up with a reason not to learn. Here are ten now: 1. A great way for dog and owner to bond. Agility courses cannot be done without both dog and owner working together. 2. Builds trust between dog and owner. 3. A way for your dog to use their natural hunting and chasing instincts. 4. Helps to get rid of excess energy. 5. A great form of exercise for your dog; it strengthens muscles, improves coordination and increases stamina and endurance. 6. Improves unruly behaviour. 7. Improves confidence. 8. Improves obedience. 9. Sharpens your dog's mind. 10. Improves communication skills. And there are benefits for you too: It also keeps you in shape, providing a great cardio workout. Improves your flexibility. Increases your perseverance. Plus, agility is just plain fun! Things to consider: Before you start learning agility with your dog, have them checked over by your vet to make sure they are physically capable and are not secretly suffering from any conditions that could be further impacted from such physical activity. If your breed of dog is prone to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and eye impairments, special attention should be given. How is your dog's mental health? Agility training is a great way to build confidence, however if your dog is quite shy and nervous already it may not be a great idea to get them into agility. Dogs under eighteen months of age should be checked over to make sure they have finished growing before starting any agility training to avoid any chronic injuries.   Feature image credit

It's not nice to think of something terrible happening to your dog, but the best thing you can do is to be prepared and know what to do in various medical emergencies - it may just save your dog's life. A great idea is to put together a first aid kit, filled with essentials to help soothe and aid various injuries. Consider the following in your kit: 3% hydrogen peroxide Adhesive tape Blankets/towels Bottled water Clean cloths Cotton batting Diphenhydramine Gauze bandages and pads Hydrocortisone cream Leash Muzzle    Nylon rope (to restrain) Pliers Safety pins Saline Scissors Thermometer Tweezers Wire cutters Wooden ruler (for tourniquet) Sometimes it can be hard to know when your dog would need immediate emergency care. The following signs are sure-fire symptoms of a medical emergency. Change in body temperature Difficulty standing Excessive bleeding Loss of consciousness Pale gums Paralysis Rapid breathing Seizures Weak or rapid pulse Another quick way to decipher the severity of your dog's situation is to remember your ABC's... A = Airways - are their airways free from blockages? B = Breathing - are they breathing normally and clearly? C = Circulation - are you able to feel a pulse or the heart beating? If you answer no to any of these then you need to get your dog to the vet immediately. What to do when your dog is: Excessively bleeding Elevate the area and apply pressure to the wound. Make sure you clean it out with saline to get rid of any dirt and debris and then apply a firm bandage. Choking Use your fingers to remove the obstruction. If this doesn't work you can try the Heimlich manoeuvre to try help dislodge it. Burnt Keep the affected area under running cool water for a LEAST 10 minutes. Poisoned Get in touch with your vet or a poison control centre. Your dog's age, general health, and what has poisoned them will all be evaluated to help give you a good recommendation. Depending on what they say, you may have to induce vomiting in your dog. Having a seizure Use a calm voice to comfort your pet but never try and stop the seizure - just make sure your pet is not able to hurt themselves. Seizures that last longer than five minutes will need medical attention and advice from your vet. Giving CPR to your dog CPR may be necessary in instances such as your dog has choked on something, the object has been removed but they are still unconscious. Check they are breathing If not, move them onto their side and extent their head and neck back. Holding their jaw closed blow into their nostrils once every three seconds - be careful to not allow air to escape between your mouth and the dog's nose. If there is no heartbeat you will have to perform a cardiac massage at the same time. You'll need to give three quick but firm chest compressions for every artificial respiration you give. Do this until your dog is again breathing on their own. REMEMBER Dogs who are hurt and are severely injured can act out aggressively, even at their owners, so you will need to do everything you can to protect yourself from injury. Always approach slowly and calmly. Kneel down to them and say their name. If there is any displays of aggression go get some help. If they are not aggressive you may approach with caution. Always be extra careful, especially around their neck incase of spinal injuries. Whatever the situation, make sure your vet gets to see your dog ASAP and if you are ever unsure about the severity of your dog's injuries - get in touch with your vet because it's always better to be safe than sorry. Feature image credit