Pets

With 12.5 million dogs now living in the UK, many hotels, holiday lets, restaurants and attractions are choosing to welcome both two and four-legged guests through their doors. Dr Jayne Laycock, resident vet at YuMOVE, outlines five considerations to bear in mind:

Ensure the property can cater to your dog’s individual needs. This might include: • Non-slip mats or flooring – to prevent slips and sliding which can be tough on dog’s joints • Doggie steps or ramps to provide easy access. This is particularly important for breeds such as Dachshunds to support their back, as well as older dogs • Raised food and water bowls, which reduces strain on joints and promotes better digestion • Stair gate – speak to the hotelier or property owner in advance to see if this can be accommodated

2. Ensure your pet is safe while travelling: Rule

57 of the Highway Code states: "When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves.” If you’re heading out on a long journey, make sure you plan in plenty of pit stops where you and your dog can stretch your legs and get some water before you get back out on the road again. This will keep them from getting irritable and restless while travelling. Take things to keep them comfortable, such as bedding and toys. 3. Check the weather: On warm days, ground surfaces such as paving and sand can become very hot, which can burn your dog’s paws and make them sore. The easiest thing to do is a quick temperature check – step out with no shoes on and see how it feels for you. If it’s too hot for you to stand on for more than a few seconds, chances are it’ll also be too hot for your dog’s paws as well. Always make sure you take plenty of water out with you on daily activities and excursions for you and your dog. If you’re planning on exploring, you’ll all need to stay hydrated or you and your pet could run the risk of developing heatstroke.

In celebration of World Cat Day on 8th August, PerfectPets Books looks at seven ways to love your cat. 1. Provide a safe home: When they feel safe and loved a cat will want to stay close to their owners. If your cat is an outdoor cat microchipping and spaying (if female) and neutering (if male) is a necessity. 2. Give them tasty treats: The way to a cat’s heart is definitely through its taste buds. Treats with tuna, salmon and small pieces of cooked chicken can be a gourmet heaven for your cat. 3. Spend quality time together: We often quickly assume that cats have a solitary nature and are happy being left alone. The truth is they are independent animals, more so than dogs, but they do enjoy bonding with their owners and want your undevoted attention when they so desire. Have conversations and engage regularly and in return they will give you a lifetime of loyalty. 4. Play games: Introduce a variety of toys to your cat to encourage them to express their natural instincts. Playtime is important for keeping your cat stimulated and healthy. 5. Brush your cat regularly: Brushing your cat regularly will help foster trust and bonding. Cats are great at keeping up their own hygiene but laying in their owner’s lap and being groomed is not something they will run away from. 38 Life in... BROMLEY August 2022

4. Be mindful of other dogs: It’s important to ask

yourself – how sociable is your pet around other dogs? You should consider their behaviour toward other pets and people before you travel to ensure they won’t be put into a situation where they feel anxious and threatened. If you do have a pooch that’s a little nervous around other dogs, it might be worth looking at a location that’s a little more isolated than a resort or hotel.

5. Dogs get home sick too: Our furry friends are

creatures of routine and habit. Disrupting their routine might have some adverse results in their behaviour. They also tend to get used to the smells, sounds and visuals around them, so one of the easiest ways of curbing home sickness is to surround them with the sights and smells of home. Take things like their favourite blankets and toys on holiday with you, as this will instantly put them at ease and make their new environment feel more familiar.

Do you live in our Bromley area (BR1 - 4 or SE20, SE23 & SE26) and would like some help to get your cat neutered? We are offering you the chance to have your cat neutered for just £5.

For more information please contact Bromley Cats Protection on :

Reg Charity 203644 (England and Wales) SC037711 (Scotland) NEU_2343

This is Misty, my 14-year old cuddle cat. He's a huge softy who loves belly rubs and scratches the scratching post only for treats. He's the best company and meows silently. Karen Brockwell

Our beautiful 8mth fur babies. Mo Reene

Here is Rosie! She’s 3 years old and is a mixture of everything (no, not a designer mix!), she likes to go on 5k jogs, she’s feisty and thinks she’s bigger than she is (she’s tiny weighing 4.5kg) Laura Graham Before Bonnie is such a lovely gentle cat. Jane Askew

Our gorgeous rescue cat Oscar is nearly 10 and is a loyal friend, totally unlike any cat I've had before! We wouldn't have got through lockdown without him. He's a total therapy cat who instinctively knows when you need company. He has sat through a number of home school lessons keeping company for my daughters, especially when they were having a tough day. We're blessed to have him. Suzanna Argenio-Haimes

Here’s our rescue dog Nelly from Macedonia who loves everyone and loves to be cuddled Sarah Coleman Ruby Tuesday Piglet Parker is 13 and the bestest big sister ever. She’s also my best friend in the whole wide world. We always say stick together - always squad goals! Gemma Parker

This is Karakan, my rescue dog from Hungary. Ellen Murphy

After

This is my cat Milo who was 6 in June. He is an indoor cat who loves spending time on the balcony in the sunshine catching bugs! He was very poorly with a blocked bladder a few years ago which was touch and go, but thanks to the Ceila Hammond Charity, he pulled through. He’s a happy, affectionate cat with a big personality. Everyone who meets him says he is more like a dog as he's so vocal and even plays fetch Adele Barber Here's loveable Maggie Vicki Novell Suri is a Persian Himalayan. She’s an absolute diva and everything is on her terms. Jin Nailedit

This is Rocco. He sleeps and snores a lot of the time, but can run like a greyhound if he can be bothered! Michelle McColloch