Out & About Autumn 2021

Out&About lifestyle

PET TALK Dog wellbeing during ‘pingdemic’

M ore than six million dogs in the UK have been severely affected by owners forced into self- isolation, according to new research. Fifty-one per cent of dogs in the UK have been affected by the pandemic and isolated with their owners prior and during the ‘pingdemic’, according to research by dog supplement brand YuMOVE, which polled 2,000 dog owners across the UK. Forty-eight per cent of dog owners have been creating at-home dog workouts during isolation, including online exercise videos, obstacle courses and even dog yoga. There’s a number of exercises every dog owner can do at home that your dog will enjoy. A s we head towards the last quarter of the year, the start of Christmas planning will be on some people’s minds and many pet owners like to give festive treats to their four-legged friends. From advent calendars to complete Christmas dinners, Lily’s Kitchen range will keep cats and dogs feeling festive throughout the Christmas period. Fill a pet stocking with an array of festive treats for them to get their paws on – such as the Three Bird Feast for dogs or Turkey and Ham Paté for cats. The treats are all made with natural ingredients, so that pet parents know their furry friends are getting the best treats on Christmas Day and all year Pet presents

house basic tricks like give a paw, spin left and right or weave between your legs. Also, as a separate exercise and part of your dog’s education, teaching them how to relax when in the house is vital. Taking them to a safe place like their crate or an area they see as their own may help them to become calmer. You can also help your dogs with separation anxiety as things get back to normal. Have the dog in a different room or in a different area so that they have time away from you. Then move on to leaving the dog when you go out for short periods of time. Even leaving your dog in the kitchen while you go upstairs to take a shower is a good rehearsal exercise.

The most popular include basic recall, sit and stay, hide and seek, hunt and search for food or toys or sending the dog to a relaxing area or a bed. If you don’t easily have access to outdoor space then try these in- Taking your pet to Europe

T he rules and regulations for EU travel changed on January 1, meaning the UK blue Pet Passports are no longer valid. With lockdown lifting and restrictions easing, now is the time to plan ahead if you’re dreaming of sunnier climates with your pet pooch in tow. In order to get the travel certificate needed to take your pet abroad (The AHC – Animal Health Certificate) your pets need a microchip placed or read before any rabies vaccination and a valid rabies vaccination at least 21 days before certification and when the pet was at least 12 weeks of age. Your pet’s animal health certificate will be valid after the date of issue for 10 days for entry into the EU or

Northern Ireland, four months for onward travel within the EU and four months for re-entry to Great Britain. Your pet will need a new animal health certificate for each trip to an EU country or Northern Ireland from Great Britain. More information can also be found at on the gov.uk website. Not all vets are able to complete the certificates, they must be an official Government veterinarian. The best thing to do is be prepared. Speak to the vet practice you are registered at and they will guide you through the process. Happy travels!

round. All the festive recipes are available from September 1 from lilyskitchen. co.uk, Pets at Home, independent pet stores and online retailers.

Lucy Mapplebeck, Donnington Grove Vets

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O&A AUTUMN 2021