Halloween edition Pet's Delight Magazine 2020

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GET 10% OFF AT PET’S DELIGHT

*Valid during the month of November 2020

Acana Indoor Entrée Cat ACANA’s new Indoor Entrée recipe is brimming with free-run chicken and turkey, and tender, delicious rabbit to nourish your cat completely and deliver nutrients naturally. With a savory flavor, ACANA Indoor Entrée has the nutrients your indoor cat needs with a taste that they’ll love.

GET 10% OFF AT PET’S DELIGHT

*Valid during the month of November 2020

Orijen Small Breed ORIJEN Small Breed is made specifically for smaller dogs, with nourishing protein and nutrients packed into a unique kibble shape that is easier for them to eat. Formulated with balanced nutrition to maintain energy, ORIJEN Small Breed has a great taste that dogs crave and ingredients that they need for peak health.

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PET’S DELIGHT HALLOWEEN EDITION 2020 EDITORIAL Farah Al-Khojai Emma Kay-Flowers Lisha D'souza

DESIGN Pee Jay Cunanan

Farah Al-Khojai

ADVERTISING & DISTRIBUTION Increase your customer base by reaching over 20,000 pet owners with the Pet’s Delight magazine. For more information please email emma@petsdelight.com.

ARTICLE & PHOTO SUBMISSIONS If you would like to submit articles or photos, please email submissions to emma@petsdelight.com. Please include the following statement with signature: I grant Pet’s Delight magazine permission to reproduce my photos and content.

CONTACT US Pet’s Delight Magazine P.O. Box 29893, Dubai, UAE T: 800-DELIGHT (3354448) E: info@petsdelight.com W: www.petsdelight.com PetsDelight

PLEASE NOTE Despite the care and attention we devote to the information contained within our magazine, Pet’s Delight cannot guarantee the completeness and accuracy of the content, nor that it is up to date at all times. Pet’s Delight accepts no liability for any direct or indirect damage of any kind that arises from, or is in any way related to, the use of the magazine.

PET’S DELIGHT MAGAZINE.

All rights reserved. Reprinting in whole or in part without written consent from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

OUR GUIDE FOR

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NEW PET PARENTS think it’s fair to say it’s felt like a long summer this year, but finally, the weather has dropped and we’ve got the cooler months in sight. It’s spooky season and we’ve got the perfect DIY recipe for you to celebrate with your pet, check it out on page 13.

We know for a lot of our customers the ‘new normal’ looks quite different. Within the pool of many changes, lots of our customers are new to being pet parents, many others have ventured to get a second pet, and some are considering the same. With this in mind, we’ve created a little bumper pack at the back of this magazine to offer our guidance and advice to bringing a new pet home. Check it out from pages 21-26.

Did you know that cats have evolved to be experts at hiding their pain? We explain why, and the reasons why it makes it difficult to catch a, sadly common, issue in cats: arthritis on page 5.

As always, we’ve answered your nutritional questions on pages 6 and 7. Got a question?

Head to our Instagram @PetsDelight and send us yours for our next issue.

Our new Breaking it Down series (which we originally launched on social media, but was so popular we thought we’d bring it to our magazine) puts our products under the microscope, as we explore their key ingredients and explain who would benefit from them. From dog beds to cat litter, you’re sure to learn something on pages 10-11.

If your cat is struggling with her kibble, we’ve explained why and given our top tips on page 15.

Lastly, as we continue to find our way through these strange and difficult times, we want to remind our customers that we are here to help in any way that we can. As we have done for over seven years, we continue to feed all of the dogs at K9 Friends for free every single day - and urge anyone who can to help shelters that may be buckling under the pressure of the current climate. For those tightening the purse-strings, we’ve added Bargain Buys sections to our website homepage, and if you head to our offers section you can find Deals Under AED 50 and Deals Under AED 80.

PET ’S DELIGHT MAGAZINE

HALLOWEEN EDITION

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ARTHRITIS IN CATS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Cats have been designed through evolution to hide their pain in order to not look weak to predators. As a cat owner it can therefore be incredibly challenging to spot when your kitty is in pain or discomfort. However, keeping an eye on signs of arthritis in your cat becomes more critical as she gets older.

Here’s what you need to know…

Causes of arthritis in felines Arthritis happens when cartilage in a joint break down which leads to abnormal rubbing within the joint, inflammation, and pain. It can be caused by a number of different factors including trauma, developmental disorders, and increased

wear and tear from obesity or advanced age – hence why looking out for it gets more important as time goes on.

Signs and what to look out for Cats tend to display subtle signs including: • • • • • • • •

Sleeping more and playing less Jumping less often or not as high Reluctance to go up or down stairs Irritability Excessively grooming painful areas Litter box problems, such as urinating outside the litter box Hiding more frequently Increased aggression with other cats

Treatment Unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease, therefore treatment is aimed at disease management. Weight is an important factor to keep in check, overweight cats experience the pain worse.

Pain management may be required, along with joint supplements that support joint health – fish oil is a good option.

Speak to your veterinarian if you are concerned about feline arthritis.

PET ’S DELIGHT MAGAZINE

HALLOWEEN EDITION

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LET'S TALK NUTRITION...

Advice from Pet's Delight

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Question from @kazimaaejaz2019 on Instagram

Question from @golden_simbas on Instagram

Can my cat who is 1-year-old drink cow’s milk because whenever she does she gets diarrhea.

Is it better to give my dog raw food?

Answer:

Answer:

Your cat’s reaction to cow’s milk is not uncommon. Most cats are actually lactose intolerant, therefore, giving them cow’s milk can causes health issues. Upset stomachs are one side effect that your cat can experience if she’s lactose intolerant and given cow’s milk.

Her digestive system simply can’t process dairy foods.

Over the last couple of years there has been an increase in the number of pet parents choosing to feed their pets a raw food diet.

Some of the advantages of doing so are: a shinier coat, healthy skin, clean teeth, high energy levels, small stools, if done properly you can create a tailored diet for your pet (i.e. if he’s allergic to beef you can avoid it altogether). However, there are many disadvantages of feeding raw that you might want to be aware of:

It’s a misconception that cat’s need cow’s milk, we would suggest avoiding feeding it to her in the future.

•

2 Question from @criselle.veronica on Instagram

My dog is almost 8 years now. Since he’s a senior, how much protein should he be getting?

Answer: When it comes to senior dogs, it’s best to feed them a diet rich in protein. This is because it promotes lean muscle mass, but has limited calories to help maintain a healthy weight.

Orijen has a Senior dog food which is created with this in mind. It contains 38% protein and has limited lowglycemic carbohydrates of 19%.

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•

• • •

A study in the Netherlands published in journal Veterinary Record, analysed 35 commercial frozen foods from eight popular brands and found that E. Coli was present in eight of them, listeria species were found in 15, and Salmonella species were discovered in seven. Although things like Salmonella won’t harm your pet, it can pose a risk to humans who come into contact with it, or surfaces it has touched if thorough cleaning is not undertaken. Public Health England has found these risks to be a threat to human health following an investigation.

If the raw food is not prepared correctly, your pet could be fed an unbalanced diet that can damage his or her health if fed long-term.

Handling raw meat on a daily basis is something many pet parents find challenging.

Raw vegetables are often poorly digested by dogs.

It tends to be expensive to feed a raw diet.

Due to the above we often recommend a high-protein kibble as a safe alternative. Ziwi Peak is a popular alternative as it contains 96% fresh meat, organs, bone, and seafood, with no grains.

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4 Question from @mini.idli on Instagram

How can I make bath time more calming for my 4-month-old puppy?

Question from @mufasa.the.mischievous.mau on Instagram I have 2 cats and I recently rescued one more. The eldest cat is territorial and I’m not sure how to make them get along. He keeps chasing the youngest cat away

Answer: Washing your puppy at home can be a great bonding experience, however, it can also be a mess if he or she doesn’t enjoy the bath or gets over-excited. We recommend the following to try and make the experience smoother: •

•

•

Have everything you need in arms reach (shampoo, a grooming brush, a washcloth, a towel, a friend in case you need an extra pair of hands).

If your pup isn’t a fan of getting in (and staying in) the bath, try adding a little pet-friendly peanut butter to the side of the bath to keep them busy. (Ensure you are choosing a peanut butter that is safe for consumption by your dog).

Try adding a non-slip bath mat to the bottom of the bath – your puppy’s paws aren’t good at gripping the bath which can make it an uncomfortable experience for them.

5 Question from @mr.kiwi.furball on Instagram How to keep your dog active especially small breeds?

Answer: Aside from the usual taking walks every day and letting your dog have fun in the garden (if safe to do so), there are many ways you can keep your dog moving indoors. Creating an obstacle course with a tunnel or even household items like cushions and blankets will keep him occupied and moving, playing tug of war is easy if you’re in an apartment without much running space, if you own a treadmill your dog can make use of it too, just ensure you start off slow. Finally, and maybe the most popular, a scavenging hunt will be sure to be a winner with your dog. Hide treats in various places and wait for him to find them.

Answer: We wrote a whole article about this in our last magazine, as it’s a question we get asked so often. We also uploaded it to our blog www.petsdelight.com/blog, if you’d like some more in-depth info.

Know that you aren’t alone and this is not only common, but fixable.

It’s important to keep the cats apart for a little while and introduce them slowly, share scents for a few days and let them see each other with a door only an inch or two apart – so they can’t touch straight away. Then slowly let them spend short amounts of time together with your supervision. If one cat continues to be territorial, split them up again and start the steps from the beginning. It can take some time, but eventually your cats should be able to live in harmony.

Have a pet nutrition question?

Pop us an email at info@petsdelight.com, and we'll do our best to help.

PET ’S DELIGHT MAGAZINE

HALLOWEEN EDITION

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flexi leashes – the ideal bond between you and your dog Dogs are more than just pets. They are family members, loyal companions, playmates and guardians. They bring us joy, compassion and happiness and sometimes even our slippers. They make us feel wanted and they miss us the very moment we walk out the door, even if we are only gone for a moment. They give so much and demand so little in return.

Dogs need exercise. They have so much energy that needs to be spent outside. So lace up your shoes, open the door and get moving. You’ll both feel better for it. flexi is the ideal bond between you and your four-legged friend. It not only makes your walk that little bit more comfortable it will give your dog more freedom to enjoy his walk as a dog should do. That is the least you can do in return for his unconditional companionship, love and friendship.

Turning promise into action flexi leashes are small wonders in their own right – packed with innovative ideas, patented technology and handcrafted details. Each flexi leash is produced at the German headquarters in Bargteheide by hand and using the highest quality materials and leaves nothing to be desired in terms of quality, safety and wearing comfort.

„A flexi leash lasts a dog‘s whole life“, says flexi founder Manfred Bogdahn. „Our unconditional will and dedication to quality and function has always guided us in all our company decisions“.

For further information about our leashes or our company please visit www.flexi.de/en or Instagram @flexi_theoriginal 12

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R E T R A C TA B L E L E A S H E S

MADE IN GERMANY

NEW

NEON Walk with the Best www.petsdelight.com – come to visit us to discover the new flexi collections

GET 10% OFF on the flexi New Neon range during the month of November/20 PET ’S DELIGHT MAGAZINE

SPECIAL EDITION

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BREAKING IT DOWN: WE PUT THE MICROSCOPE ON SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE PRODUCTS

Ziwi Peak Mackerel & Lamb Air Dried pet food

Cat’s Best Organic Cat Litter

What makes it different?

Key ingredients:

• • • • •

• • • • • •

Clumping, functional cat litter Made from 100% natural wood fibres Low in dust & gentle on the paws 100% compostable and biodegradable Economical (a while tray lasts up to 5-7 weeks)

Who is it suitable for?

• •

Why is good for your pet?

All life stages and breeds Cats who are sensitive to dust

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100% free-range lamb Mackerel New Zealand green mussel Lecithin Inulin from Chicory Dried kelp

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• • • • •

Protein rich Slow and gently air dried to lock in goodness Free from antibiotics or growth promoters Doesn’t contain grains, sugars, or glycerin Packed with whole, wild-caught blue mackerel – a natural powerhouse source of Omega-3

Who is it suitable for?

Fill the tray with Cat‘s Best cat litter up to a height of 7-5 cm.

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The weekly cleaning of the cat litter tray is a thing of the past. A complete change of Cat’s Best cat litter lasts for up to seven weeks.

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Remove clumps and solid excretions regularly. The Cat’s Best cat litter shovel is designed especially for the easy removal of clumps.

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Clumps* and solid excretions should be removed and disposed of in the domestic refuse, organic waste, compost or toilet.

• • •

Ideal for all breeds and life stages A good palatable choice for picky eaters Pets that suffer from allergies and food sensitivities.

Vitalin Dog Sensitive Lamb & Rice

Fish4Dogs Salmon Oil

Key ingredients: • •

Finest Norwegian Salmon Rosemary and Tocopherol rich extracts

Why is it good for your pet?

• • • • •

Contains high levels of natural Omega 3 Known to hydrate dry, itchy skin Aids joint mobility Helps maintain a glossy coat High levels of EPA and DHA present to promote brain development

Key ingredients: • • •

26% British Lamb Contains prebiotics and botanicals Added glucosamine and MSM to aid joint health

Who is it suitable for?

• • •

Suitable for all adult dogs Dogs with sensitive tummies Dogs with allergies

What makes it different?

• Helps aid the palatability of your pet’s existing food • Can help reduce inflammation in the body • Can be used in addition to normal food, drizzled over the top or mixed in as per your pet’s liking.

Orijen Fit & Trim for cats

Scruffs Chateau Orthopaedic Dog Bed What makes it different?

• • •

It’s filled with crumb memory foam that contains dense particles which mold to your dogs shape It provides the ultimate level of support Designed with an inner water resistant liner

Who is it suitable for?

• • •

Senior dogs Large breeds Dogs who need extra support for their joints, back, or body

Key ingredients: • • •

85% poultry, fish, egg 15% vegetable, fruit, botanical Essential zinc, copper, and choline

Why is it different?

Orijen Fit & Trim for cats is a calorie controlled dry cat food which is unmatched by any other pet food on the market Who is it suitable for?

Adult cats who need help with weight management

PET ’S DELIGHT MAGAZINE

HALLOWEEN EDITION

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BOO BERRY BONES Ingredients: • • •

1 cup blueberries

1 cup fresh / canned pumpkin (only pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling)

½ cup peanut butter (ensure that it does not contain xylitol)

Kitchenware: •

Bone shaped cookie cutter

•

Mixing bowl

• • • •

Measuring cup Mixing spoon Spatula

Wax paper

Step 1

Step 2

Step 4

Step 5

Pour the pumpkin and peanut butter in the mixing bowl.

Freeze for 3-4 hours.

Fold the blueberries in carefully with a Spatula.

Step 3

Place the cookie cutter on the wax paper and start filling it in.

Enjoy this delicious Howl-o-ween treat.

Preparation time: 15 Minutes

Freezing time: 3 Hours

Disclaimer: This recipe is reviewed by a veterinarian. It is intended as a treat or snack. If your pet has any health issues, or if you have any concerns, consult your pet’s veterinarian before offering this food item. Make sure that the peanut butter you use is free of artificial sweeteners (Xylitol) as it can be dangerous for your pup.

PET ’S DELIGHT MAGAZINE SPECIAL EDITION 07 05

TRANSITIONING TO ACANA The first time you transition your dog or cat to ACANA, we recommend selecting a recipe with a meat-type that matches the food you are currently feeding. This will help allow for the easiest transition and also minimize the risk of gastrointestinal upset. For example, if your dog is currently on a poultry-based diet, you may want to try the ACANA Prairie Poultry or Wild Prairie.

NEW

Available in November 2020 14

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WHY SMALLER KIBBLE MIGHT BE THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOUR CAT

for adults, the kibbles are still packed with protein and nutrientdense but are a more comfortable size for your cat or kitten to gobble up.

Another way to encourage your cat to eat her kibble is to add a little water, a topper soup (Applaws has some great options), or a little wet food. The moisture will soften the kibble which might be what’s bothering your kitty.

If your cat is refusing or struggling with her kibble, you are not alone. There are a handful of reasons why she might be turning her nose up at it, and one of the less obvious ones that you may not have thought of, is that the kibble size might not be correct for her mouth. If your cat doesn’t have all of her teeth, this could also pose a challenge.

For kitty’s with narrow mouths, less teeth, or those that are a little older – small kibble is more comfortable than some of the standard sizes you can get in most pet stores. The good news is, that there are easy ways around it.

Made in the UK, Little Big Paw offers kibbles for cats that are smaller.

Coming in Chicken flavour for both kittens and adults, and Salmon

If you need help with choosing the right food for your cat, get in touch with our team via Instagram or Facebook @PetsDelight, or via email info@petsdelight.com.

PET ’S PET DELIGHT ’S DELIGHT MAGAZINE MAGAZINEHALLOWEEN SPECIAL EDITION EDITION

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Try Ziwi for less, get 20% off small bags (20% off dog 1kg and cat 400g) Air-dried, single protein, 100% natural pet food.

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The secret to every great recipe is the ingredients.

Farmed without growth promotants or hormones, our free-range, grass-fed meats and local poultry are ethically raised under New Zealand’s Freedom Principles, while our seafood comes from the world’s top-ranked fisheries.

FREE RANGE, YEAR ROUND New Zealand’s mild climate means that animals are raised with plenty of room to roam, 365 days a year.

GRASS-FED, GRASS-FINISHED Raised on rolling pastures of grass, clover, and native grasses. Never finished in feedlots.

WILD-CAUGHT, SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD New Zealand is isolated and remote, which means our wild-caught and sustainable seafood comes from clean, pristine waters.

CAGE-FREE, LOCAL POULTRY In most parts of the world, poultry is raised in tight spaces. Our poultry has plenty of room to roam around and spread their wings.

NO GROWTH HORMONES. ANTIBIOTIC FREE. Our farmers have a passion for doing things naturally. Our ingredients are raised without growth hormones and are antibiotic free.

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10

10

%

OFF

%

OFF

Canagan

District70

Dry Cat Foods & Dog Wet Foods

Cat Scratchers

Valid from

1st Oct. 2020 - 31st Oct. 2020

Valid from 1st Oct. 2020 - 31st Oct. 2020

10

Online, In-store & on our App

T&C's Apply.

%

OFF

Little Big Paw All Cat dry foods

Valid from

1st Oct. 2020 - 31st Oct. 2020

T&C's Apply.

Online, In-store & on our App

10

%

OFF

Green Fields

Vitalin

%

OFF

Shampoos, Training and Cleaning Solutions

Valid from

1st Oct. 2020 - 31st Oct. 2020

Valid from 1st Oct. 2020 - 31st Oct. 2020

Online, In-store & on our App

20

10

Back in stock

All Cat dry foods & selected dog dry foods

T&C's Apply.

Online, In-store & on our App

T&C's Apply.

%

OFF

Ziwi Peak

Cat dry food 400g & Dog dry food 1kg

Valid from

1st Oct. 2020 - 31st Dec. 2020

T&C's Apply.

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Online, In-store & on our App

T&C's Apply.

Online, In-store & on our App

10

10

%

OFF

Beco Dog and Cat products

%

OFF

Little Big Paw

Dog Can Multi Pack & Dog Wet Food Chicken with Spinach 390g

Valid from

Valid from

1st Nov. 2020 - 30th Nov. 2020

1st Nov. 2020 - 30th Nov. 2020

Online, In-store & on our App

10

T&C's Apply.

%

OFF

Canagan

Dog Dry Foods

Valid from

1st Nov. 2020 - 30th Nov. 2020

T&C's Apply.

Online, In-store & on our App

10

Online, In-store & on our App

T&C's Apply.

10

%

OFF

%

OFF

Pooch & Mutt Back in stock

Acana

Indoor cat

Valid from

1st Nov. 2020 - 30th Nov. 2020

Valid from T&C's Apply.

1st Nov. 2020 - 30th Nov. 2020

Online, In-store & on our App

10

%

OFF

Orijen

Small Breed

Valid from

1st Nov. 2020 - 30th Nov. 2020

T&C's Apply.

Online, In-store & on our App

Online, In-store & on our App

T&C's Apply.

PET ’S DELIGHT MAGAZINE

HALLOWEEN EDITION

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What is a rotational diet?

After initially transitioning to ORIJEN, what many Pet Lovers do is a method of feeding known as Rotational Feeding. Rotating between ORIJEN formulas prevents your dog or cat from getting tired of eating the same thing day in and day out, while offering them a great variety of proteins and fats. A good place to start is rotating by the bag – when you have finished one formula, your next bag will be a different recipe. The first time you introduce a new food for rotation, mix the food 50/50 just to make sure your pet transitions well to the new ORIJEN food. However, if your dog or cat is more diet-sensitive, do a full transition when introducing a new ORIJEN food – after that you can change at will.

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NEW

Available in November 2020

INTRODUCING

THE NEW PET PARENT BUMPER PACK

PET ’S DELIGHT MAGAZINE

HALLOWEEN EDITION

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OUR ADVICE TO NEW PET PARENTS Who we are K9 friends is a dog shelter in Dubai with 120 dogs available for adoption. Since 1989 we have helped over 7000 abandoned dogs in the UAE find loving homes.

Things to consider Bringing a dog into the family can be a very rewarding and enjoyable experience for everyone, but there are some important things to consider when deciding if it is the right time to get a dog. Dogs can live for 10 to 15 years, so getting one is a big commitment. It is essential to research all the costs involved such as food, annual vaccinations, boarding, registration and relocation.

Being a responsible dog owner means feeding the dog the correct diet, always having water available for the dog, vaccinating and registering the dog, getting vet care for the dog when required, providing the dog with a safe indoor place to live and giving them the right amount of physical and mental exercise.

Try it out by fostering At K9 Friends we also offer the option to foster. This gives families a chance to see what it’s like to take care of a dog for a couple of weeks. We will always take a foster dog back on a pre-arranged date. This is great for people who are new to dogs, or for families with other pets so that they can see if they will get on. It is a great way to see what is involved in looking after a dog and to help you decide if you are ready to adopt before making the commitment.

Before bringing the dog home Once you decide to adopt, here are some things to do before getting the dog home: • Dog proof the house, store away dangerous, precious and breakable items, install any baby gates. Decide on a quiet area where the dog will sleep.

• Decide on where the dog will go to the toilet.

• Make sure any children in the home know how to behave around dogs.

• As a family, come up with a training plan that everyone can follow. Decide on the words you will use and the places the dog can and can’t go (for example, if one person allows the dog on the sofa and others don’t, or one person uses sit and another down, you will have a very confused dog!)

• Have the details of a good vet in case of any emergencies.

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Shopping list: A good quality dog food

Water and food bowls

Collar, leash, ID tag

Dog bed or blanket

Toys

Brush or comb

Poop bags

Adopt don’t shop Due to the number of unwanted dogs available in Dubai there is no need to purchase one. Adoption is important because it is the only chance a rescued dog has of getting the home it deserves. It is also a very rewarding option. Not only do you get a wonderful pet but you free up a space in the shelter so the next abandoned dog can be rescued. Adopting a dog from K9 Friends has many benefits. All our dogs undergo a health assessment and are vaccinated, microchipped and neutered (if old enough). Our dogs are well socialised with other dogs and with people. Thanks to our volunteers, dog walkers and fosterers, we have lots of information about the personality of each dog, which helps us match them to the right family.

Choosing the right dog Your family should decide on the sort of dog you are looking for.

As well as deciding between a puppy or an adult dog, you should consider the size of dog (and the size a puppy will grow to), long or short haired, high energy and playful or low energy and lazy.

Choosing the right personality to match your family life is crucial for a successful adoption. Many of our dogs have already experienced life in a home and, once in a routine, will require little training. For our younger dogs everything will be new and they may require more training, but seeing a dog learn and develop is extremely rewarding so don’t let this put you off. If you are new to dogs we can offer advice and recommend dog trainers to help you settle your new dog.

Make an appointment At K9 Friends we have dogs of all ages, sizes and personalities and are sure to have one to suit your family.

Once you have decided to adopt a dog the next step is to call the K9 Friends office to make an appointment to come and meet the dogs. You will meet with one of our homing volunteers and they will introduce you to the suitable puppies and dogs. Please bring everyone who lives in your house including other dogs, as it’s important everyone gets along with your new family member.

We would be extremely grateful for your support.

PROUD SPONSOR WITH

For more information please call 04 887 8739 or email info@k9friends.com Opening hours are Saturday – Thursday 9am – 1pm

PET ’S DELIGHT MAGAZINE

HALLOWEEN EDITION

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HOW TO LITTER TRAIN YOUR CAT Toilet training can be a challenge for a lot of pet parents, but it’s one of the most important tasks you will need to tackle with your new cat.

Accidents are inevitable at the beginning, but if you make your new kitty feel comfortable and safe, it won’t be long until she’s trained.

1. Start with the right supplies You need to set up a potty-training station for your cat before she comes home. You’ll need a litter tray or litter box, litter bags, cat litter (obviously), and a scoop.

One of the questions we get asked a lot at Pet’s Delight is what the best type of cat litter is. But it completely depends on yours and your cats preferences.

Traditional clay-based litter will clump well and is therefore easy to scoop, but some new pet parents opt for natural and biodegradable options, like those made from cedar or other woods, which can cut down on the amount of dust and debris your cat will walk around the house.

If you’re still unsure about the type of litter that might be best for you or your cat, speak to our shop staff or email us on nutrition@ petsdelight.com for tailored advice.

Other accessories you might want to pick up include a cat litter box mat, so that your furbaby has a clearly defined bathroom (and it’ll help catch spills), and air fresheners and deodorants.

2. Keep a positive mind Cats will never respond well to punishment, so don’t shout or get openly angry if they make a mistake during the litter training process. Cats respond way better to positive reinforcement, and in fact negative reinforcement is likely to make them become scared and avoid you altogether.

Give her a treat when she uses the litter box correctly, and she’ll soon be fully trained.

3. Be a good motivator Unsurprisingly, cats are motivated most by food. That’s why rewarding your cat with treats when she uses the litter box properly is the best way to encourage and motivate.

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4. Make sure you cut back on the treats in the right way Obviously, you can’t keep giving your cat treats every time she uses the litter box for her whole life (too many treats results in a fat and unhealthy cat), but you need to make sure you stop in the right way.

Once your cat has mastered litter training, you’ll need to wean her off the treats. Start changing treats for emotional motivation and praise e.g. “Good kitty”, by giving cuddles, or by presenting her favourite cat toys.

5. Cat not using the litter box? You need to rule out other issues If your cat isn’t going in the box, there could be underlying issues.

If your cat is constantly grooming her genitals, she could have a urinary tract infection (UTI) or other medical condition. If you think this might be the case, take your cat to your vet to rule out any potential illnesses.

If your cat is struggling to go and nothing is coming out at all, call an emergency vet. A urethral blockage is an emergency that can result in death if not treated straight away.

If illness has been ruled out, some of the other potential problems could be: • • • •

The box isn’t being cleaned regularly enough She doesn’t like where you have placed her toilet area – cats like privacy and quiet spaces She’s not a fan of the litter you’ve chosen She might associate the litter box with a punishment.

All of the above aren’t too tricky to address. Something as simple as moving your cat’s litter box or cleaning it more often might just do the trick.

BRING YOUR NEW PET HOME Moving house is a stressful process for your pet. New sights and smells can be overwhelming, never mind the new humans or other pet siblings he or she will need to get used to.

If your pet is acting a little strange at first, don’t worry. Particularly with pets from a shelter, they need time to let their personality shine through.

Below are some pointers on how to build trust with your pet right from the beginning, so that they settle in as quickly as possible.

Dogs Building trust with a dog requires a firm approach. As they learn from rewards, you need to be careful not to pander to them too often.

Particularly with a new pet, it can be really difficult not to get overexcited and feed them lots of treats. But if you give your dog a treat at an inappropriate moment it can having a lasting impact on their behaviour. Giving them a treat when they are cowering away from people, for example, will lead them to assume that this is a desired behaviour, and they’ll do it more often.

You also need to show your new pup that you’re in charge.

Dogs have an ability to sense when someone is scared or unsure, and if you show this behaviour then your dog will think he needs to take on a leadership role himself, which can lead to a number of unwanted behaviours.

A professional dog trainer can help you learn how to do this in a calm and non-threatening way.

A big way to build trust with your new companion is to being fully prepared for his arrival, so that he feels as comfortable as possible from the beginning. A comfy bed, a dog bowl, and some fun toys will help him feel right at home.

Cats Unsurprisingly, cats are quite different to dogs. If your cat is scared or concerned, give her some space.

Unless you already have other pets, you can give her a good level of freedom to explore and get on with your usual business. This way she’ll likely fit into your existing routine and understand the lay of the land.

If you have another pet, you’ll want to wait a few days before you introduce them, just so she has the initial moving stress out of her system and doesn’t get more frightened – overwhelming her at the beginning won’t make her trust you. In the meantime, it’s more comfortable to keep her in a quiet room with her own litter box, food, and water.

Making her feel like she has a space in your home is the best way to build up trust with your new kitty. Cat trees and snuggly cat beds are some of the easiest ways for her to find her own little safe haven.

PET ’S DELIGHT MAGAZINE

HALLOWEEN EDITION

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WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU GET A NEW PUPPY

A new puppy is a great addition to any family. If this is the first cuddly addition to yours, congratulations! Life with a new puppy is a rewarding and exciting experience. But alongside that excitement comes some serious responsibilities.

The food they consume must be nutrientdense and optimally balance a combination of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Water is also essential to a new puppy as their body consists of over 80% water.

It’s important to note that not all dog food is created equal.

Choosing the right puppy food When it comes to commercial pet food brands, pet owners are spoiled for choice.

Whether it’s wet or dry puppy food, when choosing a commercial pet food brand, look for one that is grain-free, wheat-free, and preservative-free.

Try to pick a commercial pet food brand that mimics a dog’s natural biological diet.

This means your puppy food should be rich in meats and proteins as well as formulated with the essential vitamins and minerals your puppy needs to grow.

For puppies with special dietary needs, there are specific dog foods available such as sensitive digestion dog food to ensure optimal nutrition.

Preparing for a New Puppy Proper nutrition is important, but it can’t be done without the right planning. Before we touch on the subject of proper nutrition, let’s look at what you need to prepare in advance to make the transition to their forever home that much easier.

The dog accessories you should buy before your puppy arrives at their forever home include: • • • • • • • • •

Food and water bowls, preferably non-tip stainless steel Identification tags Collar and leash (a four- to six-foot leash) Brushes and combs suited for your puppy’s breed Toys, particularly chew toys to ease teething Stain and odor removers Pet travel carrier Doggy bed Grooming supplies

The Importance of Investing in Proper Nutrition Like any baby, puppies demand a lot from their food.

Nutrition, particularly during a puppy’s first two years, determines wellness and behaviour.

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Always aim to buy premium puppy food as its ingredient profile has higher nutritional density. To get tailored advice about the right food for your pet, give our customer service team a call.

Foods to avoid Avoid feeding your puppy a raw diet as this can increase the risk of foodborne illnesses in your household. While dogs are immune to Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes, two types of bacteria present in raw meat, humans are not.

Eating raw meat can make your puppy a carrier of these disease-causing bacteria, which can be easily transferred to other dogs or humans it comes in contact with.

A raw meat diet may also not contain all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients your puppy needs, such as calcium and Vitamin D.

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