Irresistible Treats

Start your dog’s stocking off right with a selection of delicious treats. Opt for a mix of flavors and textures, from crunchy biscuits to chew sticks. Look for treats that cater to your dog’s dietary needs and preferences. These treats ensure they get to indulge in a tasty surprise on Christmas morning.

Miniature Toys

Add some excitement to your dog’s stocking with miniature toys that are perfect for playtime. Squeaky toys, plush balls, and small chew toys make excellent stocking fillers. Choose toys that are the right size for your dog’s breed and play style, providing them with entertainment and mental stimulation.

Festive Accessories

Give your dog a touch of holiday flair with festive accessories. Consider adding a Christmas-themed bandana or collar accessory to their stocking. These small additions can turn your dog into a stylish holiday trendsetter during family gatherings or winter walks.

Grooming Products

Keep your pup looking and feeling their best with travel-sized grooming products. Include items like dog-friendly shampoo, paw balm, or grooming wipes in their stocking. These compact essentials are perfect for keeping your dog clean and fresh, especially during the winter season.

Dental Chews

Maintain your dog’s dental health while treating them to something tasty. Dental chews or sticks can be a great addition to their stocking, helping to keep their teeth clean and breath fresh. Look for options that are both enjoyable and beneficial for oral hygiene.

Squeaky Toys

For dogs who love the sound of a good squeak, miniature plush toys are a must. These pint-sized toys provide entertainment and comfort, making them an ideal stocking filler for playful pups.

Training Treats

If you’re working on obedience or teaching new tricks, include some small training treats in your dog’s stocking. These treats are typically low in calories but high in flavour, making them perfect for rewarding good behaviour and reinforcing positive training sessions.

This Christmas, make your dog’s holiday extra special by filling their stocking with a variety of treats and toys that cater to their unique tastes. Whether your pup is a playful adventurer or enjoys cozy nights by the fireplace, these stocking fillers are sure to bring joy and excitement to their festive season. Not only does this benefit your dog, but if you shop at a local small business, it will benefit the local community and keep our retail shops in business. Saving Strays Animal Rescue wishes you the best of luck with your Christmas shopping! For all of our cat lovers, make sure to read next week’s blog where we will be looking at what stocking fillers to get your feline companion (don’t worry we didn’t forget about you).

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1. Start Early: The earlier you begin training your puppy, the better. Puppies are like sponges, soaking up information and experiences from their surroundings. Begin basic commands and socialisation as soon as you bring your puppy home to set the stage for a well-behaved adult dog.

2. Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement to encourage good behaviour. Reward your puppy with treats, praise, or toys when they are well-behaved. Positive reinforcement creates a good association, making your puppy more likely to repeat the behavior.

3. Consistency is Key: Consistency is crucial in puppy training. Use the same commands and rewards consistently, and make sure all family members are on the same page. Dogs thrive on routine, and a consistent training approach helps them understand what is expected.

4. Patience and Understanding: Puppies are learning about the world around them, and they will make mistakes. Patience is key during the training process. Instead of getting frustrated, approach challenges with understanding and use them as opportunities for teaching and bonding.

5. Socialisation: Expose your puppy to a variety of people, places, and experiences to promote positive socialisation. This helps prevent fear and aggression issues in the future. Enroll your puppy in puppy socialisation classes, where they can interact with other dogs in a controlled environment or, if possible, a friend’s or family’s dog as they could become best of friends.

6. Basic Commands: Teach basic commands like sit, stay, come, and down. These commands provide a foundation for effective communication and help keep your puppy safe in various situations. Consistent practice and positive reinforcement will help your puppy master these essential skills.

7. Crate Training: Introduce your puppy to crate training early on. A crate provides a safe and secure space for your puppy and aids in housebreaking. Make the crate a positive environment by associating it with treats and comfort, allowing your puppy to feel at ease.

8. Leash Training: Teach your puppy to walk on a leash without pulling. This skill is essential for both safety and enjoyment during walks. Start with short, positive walks, rewarding your puppy for walking calmly by your side. Gradually increase the duration as your puppy becomes more comfortable.

9. Address Undesirable Behaviours Promptly: If you notice undesirable behaviours such as chewing, digging, or excessive barking, address them promptly. Redirect your puppy to an appropriate behaviour and provide positive reinforcement when they comply. Consistency in addressing unwanted behaviours helps shape a well-mannered adult dog.

10. Professional Training Assistance: Consider seeking professional training assistance if you encounter challenges that you find difficult to address on your own. Professional trainers can provide guidance, tips, and personalized advice to address specific issues and ensure a positive training experience for both you and your puppy. There are several professionals in the local area, BarkBusters home dog training in Bolton and Wigan is just one example of a local professional company, choosing a trainer such as this also benefits the community.

Puppy training is an investment in the future well-being and happiness of your canine companion. By starting early, using positive reinforcement, and maintaining consistency, you can lay the groundwork for a well-trained and well-adjusted adult dog. Remember, the key to successful puppy training lies in patience, understanding, and the establishment of a strong bond built on trust and positive experiences.

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Dress For The Weather

Just like you, your dog needs protection from the cold. Invest in a dog jacket or sweater to keep them warm. Depending on your dog’s breed and size, they might be more sensitive to low temperatures. Additionally, wear suitable clothing yourself – layer up, wear gloves, a hat, and warm, waterproof footwear to protect yourself from the cold and potential frostbite.

Know Your Dogs Limits
In severe weather conditions like snowstorms or extremely low temperatures, limit the length of walks. Shorten the time outside and consider indoor play or mental stimulation activities to make up for the reduced exercise.

Paw Protection

Paw care is crucial. Dog boots or paw wax can protect your dog’s paws from cold surfaces, ice, salt, and chemicals used for de-icing. After the walk, wipe your dog’s paws to remove any harmful substances.

Be Cautious of Your Environment

Opt for well-cleared and safe paths. Avoid areas with icy patches or where snow has built up, as these can be slippery and potentially dangerous for both you and your dog.

Road Safety

Shorter days mean more walks in the dark. Make yourself and your dog visible by using reflective gear and a light source. This helps drivers and other walkers see you, reducing the risk of accidents.

Lots of Water
Cold weather can be dehydrating. Ensure your dog stays hydrated and maintain their regular diet to keep them energized and warm.

Warning Signs of Discomfort

Watch your dog for signs of discomfort, such as shivering, lifting paws, or wanting to head home. These signs indicate that they might be too cold and need to warm up.

As a responsible dog walker, your priority is to ensure the well-being and safety of your furry companion during the winter season. By following these cold weather tips, you can ensure enjoyable and safe walks while protecting your dog from the harsh elements. Remember, each dog is different, so be attentive to their individual needs and adjust your routine accordingly. With these precautions in place, you and your dog can continue to enjoy the great outdoors, even in the coldest of weather.

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Teddy Bear

If you go down to the woods today, you’re sure of a big surprise… Teddy bear dogs! Dogs are one of the cutest animals in the world, how could they become even cuter? by dressing them up as lovable teddy bears. This costume is sure to double the cuteness this Halloween.

Spider

This costume is a classic Halloween outfit, after all, what’s scarier than a dog-sized spider? Watch your loved one scurry around your house (note: please do not squish this insect, they are friendlier than your common household spider).

Where’s Wally

Dress your dog up as the lovable children’s character, Wally (or the American version, Waldo). You could dress up as the wizard and match your dog for the ultimate couples costume. Just make sure not to lose them as they are difficult to spot.

Ghostbusters!

When there’s something strange in your neighborhood, who you gonna call? Your dog! Help your dog fight off the evil spirits this Halloween with the Ghostbusting kit, they are sure to look like an action star in this outfit, and you and your family could get a matching costume to fight the ghosts together and cosplay as the famous group.

Hopefully, you canine lovers now have some inspiration for some creativity this year, please do not leave your dog out of this fun holiday. The costumes shown in this article can be found linked below, please reach out to us on our social media to show us your canine companions’ costumes or if you have any other ideas this Halloween. Saving Strays Animal Rescue would also like to reiterate that you should not force your dog to wear an outfit, if they seem distressed and uncomfortable, please take the costume off as this would be an unnecessary distress for your animal. We would also like to wish you a spooktacular time!

Happy Halloween!

Teddy bear

Spider

Where’s Wally

Ghostbusters

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These puppies will soon be ready for adoption! They are little bundles of excitement and joy and are a perfect addition for someone looking to bring a new life into their house, they are obsessed with playing all day and will overfill your heart with cuteness. They are all unique in their own ways with different colour fur and come in all shapes and sizes (although they are all so small!). The mother of this litter is a purebred French Bulldog and the father is a mystery as far as we are aware.

They are currently 7 weeks old and will be ready to be rehomed from 8 – 10 weeks. We will be prioritising those that have previously adopted from us but we will be considering applications made by the general public shortly after we have prioritised previous adoptees. All puppies will be neutured and micro-chipped, unfortunately we cannot rehome any of the puppies with those that have children under 5 years old.

For more information about how to adopt one of these bundles of cuteness please check out our Dog Adoption Application Form and please visit our Pets for Adoption to check out our other animals that need rescuing.

The post Looking for a New Puppy? – Adopt From Saving Strays Animal Rescue appeared first on Saving Strays Animal Rescue.

House Training

House training is the first behaviour new owners must tackle. Puppies have small bladders and limited control over them, so accidents are bound to happen. To sort out house training early take your puppy outside at regular intervals, such as after eating, drinking, or waking up from a nap. This helps them associate outdoor time with bathroom breaks. When your puppy successfully does their business outside, offer praise and treats immediately to reinforce the positive behaviour.

Biting

Puppies explore their world through their mouths, which can result in nipping and biting. While it’s a natural behaviour, it’s crucial to teach them not to bite early on. Whenever your puppy bites too hard during play, let out a yelp or say ouch loudly to startle them. This teaches your puppy to be more gentle as they learn the consequences of biting.

Chewing Furniture

Chewing is another normal behavior in puppies, but when they target your furniture or belongings, it can become a problem. To prevent destructive chewing puppy-proof your home, remove or secure items that could be tempting for your puppy to chew on. You could also offer a variety of chew toys to keep your puppy engaged and satisfied, visit one of our previous blogs to get an idea of the type of toy that would be ideal for your puppy.

Excessive Barking

Puppies may bark for various reasons, including attention, boredom, or anxiety. Addressing excessive barking early on is essential. Determine what causes your puppy to bark excessively and address the underlying issue. You should also expose your puppy to different people, animals, and environments to reduce anxiety-related barking.

Jumping

Many puppies like to greet people by jumping up, but this can be problematic, especially as they grow. To curb this behavior ignore the jumping and turn away from your puppy and avoid eye contact or verbal interaction until they stop jumping. When your puppy keeps all four paws on the ground, reward them with attention and praise to show them that staying calm is the best reaction.

Raising a well-behaved puppy requires early intervention and consistent training. By addressing behaviours such as house training, biting, chewing, excessive barking, and jumping, you’ll set a solid foundation for your puppy’s future behaviour and create a loving, well-adjusted companion. Remember, patience, positive reinforcement, and consistency are the keys to success in training your furry friend. Puppy training classes such as Take My Lead are a super useful tool for puppy owners as professional experience and guidance can lead to an extremely well-behaved dog.

The post Five Puppy Behaviours to Address Early for a Well-Behaved Dog appeared first on Saving Strays Animal Rescue.

Kong Classic Rubber Dog Toy: Made from durable, non-toxic rubber, this toy can withstand the most aggressive chewers. The hollow center is perfect for stuffing with treats, providing hours of entertainment for your dog.  

Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Toy  This interactive plush toy comes with a tree trunk and squeaky squirrels that can be hidden inside. Watch as your pup’s instincts kick in, and they joyfully pull out the squirrels one by one. It’s a great way to stimulate their problem-solving skills and satisfy their natural hunting instincts. 

Chuckit! Ultra Ball:These high-bouncing, durable rubber balls are perfect for outdoor playtime. The bright colors make them easy to spot, and the textured surface ensures a secure grip for both you and your dog. Whether you’re playing at the park or in the backyard, this ball will keep your pup running, jumping, and burning off energy.

Nylabone Dental Chew Toy: Dental health is crucial for dogs; this toy is designed to promote good oral hygiene while satisfying your dog’s natural urge to chew. Made from tough, long-lasting nylon, this toy helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup, keeping your pup’s teeth clean and healthy.  

• Snuffle Mat: These mats consist of fleece strips or fabric pieces tied onto a base, creating a soft, grass-like surface. To play, you scatter treats or kibble among the strands, and your dog will have a blast using their nose to find the hidden goodies. Snuffle mats are excellent for slowing down fast eaters, providing mental stimulation, and encouraging natural foraging behaviors. 

All these toys are great as they help entertain your dog but also help provide multiple health benefits and healthy enrichment. Let us know if there are any contenders for this list and tell us your top five on our social media pages. We hope you have a fun summer with your dog and that they not only entertain them but you as well.  

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A parked car can quickly transform into a furnace on a warm day, even with the windows cracked open. Dogs lack efficient natural cooling methods, making them highly susceptible to heatstroke. Heatstroke can lead to severe organ damage, seizures, and in the worst cases, death. It’s crucial to understand that even if the outside temperature appears moderate, the temperature inside the car can become deadly quickly; here are the following issues that can occur. 

• Inadequate Air Circulation 

The air circulation inside a parked car is minimal, leading to suffocating conditions for your pet. Panting is a dog’s primary method of cooling down, but in such stifling conditions, it becomes ineffective, placing immense strain on their breathing. 

• Dehydration and Organ Failure 

Extreme heat can quickly cause dehydration in dogs, leading to a series of severe health problems. When dehydrated, a dog’s vital organs, including the heart and kidneys, begin to struggle, and if left untreated, organ failure can occur. Our canine companions cannot communicate this to you easily so it is important that you avoid it in the first place. 

• Panic and Distress

Dogs are highly social animals and thrive on companionship. Leaving them alone in a hot car causes immense stress, fear, and anxiety. Your pet may panic, resulting in erratic behavior and attempts to escape which could cause injury and further risk of heatstroke.  

alternative options for leaving your dog in the car: 

• Plan Dog-Friendly Outings: Look for places and activities where you can take your dog along. Dog parks, pet-friendly restaurants, or outdoor trails are great options to enjoy quality time together. 
• Leave Your Pet at Home: If you need to run errands or visit places that are not dog-friendly, it’s best to leave your dog in a safe, cool, and comfortable environment at home. 
• Travel with Company: If traveling with your dog is necessary, ensure that someone remains in the car with them at all times to provide proper care and attention. 

Leaving a dog in a hot car is a grave mistake that can have devastating consequences. As responsible and compassionate pet owners, it is your duty to prioritise your dogs’ safety and well-being above all else. The risks of heatstroke, dehydration, and distress are simply too great to ignore. By spreading awareness about this critical issue, we can collectively work towards creating a safer and more caring environment for our beloved canine companions. Saving Strays Animal Rescue is committed to aiding the welfare of all animals so strongly recommends this action be avoided at all costs. For more information on how to keep your animal safe please read our blogs about advice for Pet Owners.

The post Why You Shouldn’t Leave Your Dog In The Car This Summer appeared first on Saving Strays Animal Rescue.

The virus is predominantly passed through canine excrement so be sure to keep your animal away from any foreign faeces. If there is any contact keep a close eye on your dog in case they have contracted the virus.  

Symptoms:  

• Severe diarrhea 
• Vomiting 
• Loss of appetite 
• Unusual tiredness and lack of energy
• A Fever 
• Rapid weight loss

It is important to keep an eye out for symptoms as, if caught early, is far easier to treat. Keeping an eye on what symptoms also helps inform you of how minimal or severe the issue is. 

Treatment: 

• Intravenous fluid therapy 
• Antibiotics 
• Antiemetics 
• Nutritional support 

Treatment is vital and should be sought out as soon as possible as if left too late can cause serious harm for your furry friend. If you believe your dog has Parvovirus, please contact your veterinarian immediately.

Prevention: 

• Vaccination 
• Isolation 
• Avoid high-risk environments 

Vaccination is ultimately the best form of prevention for this virus, the vaccine is not common so is not applied in your animal’s general group of vaccinations, be sure to ask your veterinarian directly for this vaccine. If your dog does contract the virus be sure to avoid any contact with other dogs to help lower case numbers and keep other dogs healthy.  

Canine parvovirus is a serious health concern for dogs, especially puppies. Recognizing the symptoms, seeking immediate veterinary care, and following preventive measures are crucial steps in protecting your pet. Saving Strays Animal Rescue aims to not only keep all animals safe but also protect the local community, which is why this virus is important to understand due to the increase in cases in the local area. It is a very severe virus; however, it is treatable and manageable if spotted early as well as understood by the community and you. By staying vigilant and informed, we can help create a safer environment for dogs and reduce the incidence of canine parvovirus.  

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By adopting an animal from Saving Strays Animal Rescue, you provide a loving and secure home to an animal that is in desperate need of shelter and a family. You offer them a fresh start and the opportunity to experience love and care. Adopting helps combat the issue of pet overpopulation and reduces the strain on overcrowded facilities such as SSAR. By choosing adoption, you actively contribute to breaking this cycle of overpopulation and make a positive impact on animal welfare. Adopting animals from shelters is a responsible and ethical choice as it promotes responsible pet ownership and supports the invaluable work of animal rescue organisations. By choosing adoption, you become an advocate for animal welfare and inspire others to follow suit, creating a more compassionate and caring society.

We need your help

Saving Strays Animal Rescue is currently facing an urgent need for people to adopt the animals in their care. The rescue is reaching full capacity and new animals are constantly in need of help, leaving limited space for the fluffy companions. By adopting from SSAR, you can directly save a life and create room for another animal in need. The dedicated staff, volunteers, and fosterers are doing everything they can to provide love and care, but they need your help. Every adoption makes a huge difference, giving these animals a chance at a better life filled with love and happiness. Please adopt from the rescue and be a hero to an animal in desperate need of a loving home.

Who you will be saving

We have many pets in urgent need of your care, for example, the dynamic duo Pinto and Maestro. These beautiful boys are good pals who love playing and chasing each other before cuddling up to sleep. They are gentle and good-natured and talk to each other making the most charming purring noises. They have not been adopted yet and are in desperate need of a loving, caring family, brothers such as Pinto and Maestro are prime examples of why adoption is such a necessary and beneficial cause.

Left to Right: Pinto and Maestro

How to adopt 

1. Online form 

To start your process of adopting your new family member a short form must first be filled out, this includes general details such as your name and address. Please use the following links to find the right form for you.

Cat adoption form: https://bit.ly/3MRtVJq

Dog adoption form: https://bit.ly/45oUGw4

Rabbit adoption form: https://bit.ly/3Mu4Q62

2. House check

At Saving Strays Animal Rescue, the welfare of animals is of the utmost importance, this means that when an animal is adopted, we make certain that they are given a loving, caring home. House checks are required to make sure the environment is safe for the animals. For example, it is important that the cats that are taken in do not live near a main road for the safety of the animal. 

Due to these safety concerns, there are some restrictions on who can adopt based on age and location but many of these can be determined on a case-by-case basis, for more information on restrictions please visit the adoption process.

3. Adoption fees 

A fee is required for adoption, however, compared to other organisations such as puppy farms, it still works out cheaper as the fee includes: 

• 1st and 2nd vaccinations
• Microchipping to the new owner
• Neutering
• Flea treatment for 1 month and worm treatment for 3 months
•  Free pet insurance for 5 weeks

These features are necessary for the health of your animal and can save you more money in the long run. For more information on fees please refer to the adoption application forms linked previously. 

A big thank you from Saving Strays Animal Rescue!

By adopting, you are benefiting numerous animals such as Pinto and Maestro who desperately need your help. From all of us at Saving Strays Animal Rescue, thank you to our heroes who rescue our pets in need. And to those who are considering adoption, please don’t hesitate to contact us to ask our wonderful volunteers any questions; for more information visit our adoption process, and to start your journey of finding your new family member visit pets for adoption. Don’t forget to share this blog with your friends and loved ones so that we can find our animals in need their forever homes.

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