Cats and Canines Blog

Coldwetnose Blog - Where's My Muzzle

2012-01-24T11:30:00.000-08:00

Read Beverley Cuddy's sensible article on the BBCs latest documentary.

Amazing Pet and Dog Photography

2012-01-23T11:23:00.000-08:00

I've just been looking at other animal blogs in the UK and came across an amazing pet and dog photography site based in Wales.

The pictures are beautiful and you can really see the dogs happiness and health coming through.

One particular dog featured on the companies blog is a rescued white Husky with one blue eye and one brown and the photo shows how happy she is having been rescued. It really comes through in the photo.

If you live in Cardiff, Newport, Swansea, South Wales or Bristol, Bath and West of England, take a look at the website if you're considering having professional photographs taken of your dog.

Feeding Your Dog Raw Food

2012-01-22T09:36:00.000-08:00

Last year I decided to start feeding my German Shepherd and Collie Cross a raw diet. I purchased two BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) books and did some research. I liked the idea so started my two dogs on raw meaty bones after about 2 weeks.

This was my first mistake. My GSD and Collie were, at that time, 8 and 9 respectively and had been fed on a wheat free processed diet since they were puppies. They were not used to these wonderful, meaty bones (as they saw it) and Sadie my GSD ended up at the vets having thrown up huge shards of sharp raw bone. Cassie, my Collie Cross, is a slow eater and tends to chew her food properly, so she fared better and was only sick a little.

I think they were just not used to it. I, personally, would not put a dog that has been used to processed pet food most of its life, on a raw meaty bones diet. If they are young and are brought up on this diet then excellent but my two senior dogs were just not used to it especially Sadie who is a complete gannet.

I have compromised and both dogs are now on raw, minced meat and bone which they love.

They also have plenty of green leafy vegetables, carrots, sweet potato, peas, white fish, sardines and fish oil.

Their favourite is green tripe (the stinky black/grey looking stuff) or raw liver and kidneys which they have once a week.

They still have a large, raw marrowbone or knucklebone once a month to keep their teeth nice and clean, but it is raw, never give your dog or cat cooked bones.

I currently use Prize Choice which deliver the food frozen and I then defrost. You could also try raw pet food company Natural Instinct who also make a raw food for cats which contains Taurine, essential for cats on a raw meat and bones diet.

If you really want to push the boat out try Honeys Real Dog Food. They supply free range, organic raw pet food with a diet tailor made for your dogs needs.

Pricing:

Prize Choice Frozen 400g blocks from 85p
Natural Instinct Frozen Pure Turkey 1kg £2.40
Natural Instinct Frozen Turkey 1kg with fruit and vegetables £2.85
Natural Instinct Cat Food 450g £2.00
Honeys Real Dog Food price on application (also tailor make cat food)

Pet ID Tags and UK Law

2012-01-16T10:28:00.000-08:00

In the UK its a legal requirement that your dog wears a pet identification tag (Pet ID Tag) and it makes sense anyway to put a pet tag on your dogs collar with your house number, postcode and phone number on, as well as getting them microchipped. That way if your dog does go missing you can be traced easily when they are found.

I have heard some dog trainers say not to put your dogs name on a dog id tag because if someone wanted to steal them they could call their name. However, wouldn't this only apply if they were already up close to the dog to be able to read the engraving in the first place? I think a determind dog thief will make an attempt to steal a dog regardless of his/her name being on the pet tag.

If your dog does go missing or is stolen, Dog Lost is a great resource where you can get help for free.

So now you need to get your dog a pet id tag. There are lots available to buy online but I think the best brand is Red Dingo. Its the quality and choice thats impressive and you get engraving for free.

They are made from stainless steel and are double the thickness of other pet id tags. Pet owners who purchase a Red Dingo pet tag can expect them to last. I should know as my two dogs still have their ones from 3 years ago.

That makes it a great, high quality product and excellent value for money in my view and something I'm proud to put on the website.

Wicker Pet Baskets - All You Need To Know

2012-01-14T10:01:00.000-08:00

There are now many wicker pet baskets for you to purchase online and while they can look similar in design always make sure that the wicker purchased is a good quality, strong looking wicker with a tight weave.

Basket makers dry the wicker/willow that maybe full of sap and then its soaked overnight so that the strands are flexible enough to bend into shape. It really is an enjoyable art and beginners can go on one or two day courses to learn as a hobby. You can train to become a professional basket maker in 12-16 weeks, however, for more intricate designs it can take a year or longer.

Once you have your wicker pet basket the up keep is very easy and looked after it will last for years. Just wash away dirt with a damp cloth and use a vacuum, nozzle attachment to remove dog or cat hair. It really is that simple.

The styles of wicker pet baskets vary and there are traditional wicker dog baskets with step-in fronts, luxury sofa pet beds raised off the ground, igloo cat baskets in a dome shape and wicker pet carriers which are best suited to kittens and cats. You may be able to find some which include cushions that way you won’t have to shop separately for a cushion your pet can lay on.

The good thing about having a wicker dog basket or cat basket is that, if looked after and you buy a good quality one, it should last the lifetime of your pet and all you have to do is buy cushions to suit their life stage. For example, as your dog or cat gets older they may need an orthopaedic cushion or one thats filled with memory foam. That way you can still keep your wicker pet basket - just change the cushion.

Tough Pad Waterproof Dog Beds

2012-01-13T09:29:00.000-08:00

When you're looking for a good quality, British made waterproof dog bed, the Tough Pad could be a perfect choice. Its suitable for both working and non-working dogs and has a strong, nylon cover which is completely waterproof helping to protect the inner cushion from wet, muddy paws and soggy dog fur.

Waterproof dog beds are very easy to keep clean and there are a few ways you can try:

* Get a clean, damp cloth and wipe clean any light mud or dirt

* The Tough Pad waterproof dog beds can be hung on a washing line and hosed down if there are any stubborn muddy marks

* If you prefer the cover can be removed and placed in a washing machine. Then tumble dry on a low heat setting.

Most waterproof dog beds can be used outdoors so would be ideal to take on holiday with you or used in the garden but equally are great for utility rooms, conservatories, kitchens, living rooms and even bedrooms if your dogs are allowed upstairs.

Sad Story Of Neglected Dog But With A Happy Ending

2011-12-10T07:51:00.000-08:00

Judith the GSD from America who was rescued after 10 years of being kept outside on a chain. It is difficult to watch but it highlights the plight of many dogs like Judith and the work of their rescuers.

Rescued by Animal Advocates and happily rehomed to a loving family.

Perfect Pet Beds for Your Cats and Dogs

2011-11-13T04:40:00.000-08:00

Its almost Christmas 2011 and here is our top ten guide to the perfect Christmas pet beds for cats and dogs this year.

Order in time for Christmas - our last order date for guaranteed Christmas delivery is Tuesday 20th December 2011.

Brand New Pet Cushions For Our Wicker Sofa Beds

2011-10-30T10:41:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for a bit of luxury for your cats and dogs this season and a pet basket that will last well into the New Year and beyond then our wicker sofa pet beds may be for you.

We have included a Free new style pet cushion to go with it and these new cushions can also be used as a pet bed in their own right. So if you are going away and want to take your dog or cat then the pet cushion can be used as a holiday bed due to it being lightweight but still generously padded for comfort.

Free Replacement Pet Cushion

2011-09-06T11:35:00.000-07:00

We know from our own experience and previous customers comments that wicker pet baskets are one of the most durable, easy to clean and long lasting pet beds on our website at the moment.

We know they last for many years (as long as your dog doesn't chew them) and with our oval wicker dog basket we include a free pet cushion. We wanted to go that little bit further and give pet owners something they cannot get elsewhere - one free replacement inner cushion sent to them every year for the life of the wicker pet basket.

We realise the oval wicker dog basket will outlast the inner cushion so we'll replace the inner cushion for free, once a year.

Google UK Have Gone and Given us Extra Links - Thanks Google!

2011-08-17T12:06:00.000-07:00

We regularly check our website name 'Cats and Canines' on Google UK. This is just so we know that we are showing first for our own website.

When we checked this afternoon we had some nice new detailed links to the other pages in our website.

It all helps, especially being a small business - thanks Google and lets hope it brings in some new customers.

Pet Beds Under £25

2011-08-14T12:45:00.000-07:00

I've been getting some feedback on our range of cat beds and dog beds. The one thing that pet owners kept saying was that they wanted a good pet bed for £25 or less.

So I had a good look at our range and found some pet beds for cats and dogs at £25 or less:

Cat Beds

Paw print donut cat bed £24.99
Cat radiator bed £15.95
Fleece cat bed £10.45
Cat cosy - small size £21.99 and the large size £24.99
Cat blanket £4.99
Pink and Fluffy cat bed £24.99
Flectabed Q cat bed - small size £21.99
Paw print cat bed £13.99

Dog Beds

Bean bag pet bed for dogs - small size £21.99
Flectabed Q dog bed - small size £21.99
Dog blanket £9.95
Vet Bed Gold - two sizes £12.99 and £20.99
Waterproof dog bed £17.50

I thought it was important to show how many pet beds we do have for under £25 as we kept getting told we were expensive from our recent feedback survey.

Some of our products are more than £25, but they are very high quality products being made to a high standard and most of them made here in the UK.

We also have many more pet beds for less than £35 - have a browse and see for yourself. We hope you will be pleasantly surprised :-)

Wicker Pet Baskets from only *15p per day

2011-08-08T11:56:00.000-07:00

I was thinking about our oval wicker dog baskets and how I've had mine for over 5 years now and they still look as good as new.

I decided to calculate what the 85cm dog basket cost was per day for a year. If my maths is correct, it worked out at only 15p per day *approximately (17p with postage & packing).

We couldn't charge by the day for the dog basket but at least you know for a one off price of £53.99 (£60.94 with postage & packing) you are paying just pence in the long run and it will last you and your pet for many years to come.

I think these dog baskets must be one of our best value pet beds.

Vet Bedding for Dogs

2011-07-22T13:49:00.000-07:00

We are now selling the Original Vetbed Gold. Prices start at just £14.99

We were sold some dog beds that were meant to be hypoallergenic, however, they proved anything but so we immediately switched to Vet bed Gold, which is ideal for dogs with skin allergies and is dust mite resistant.

The vet bed can be used on its own or placed in a dog crate, kennel or an existing dog bed.

Cat and Dog Nostalgia

2011-06-17T07:35:00.000-07:00

I love looking at old fashioned photos. I find them really interesting and nostalgic. Thats why I started the new Cats and Canines vintage photo blog which includes old black and white photos of cats and dogs in the past.

Some photos capture that specific moment in time from a pat on the head to a wag of a tail. One of my favourites is this:

Its from the 1960s and you can imagine the family have put the dinner in the oven and this dog has been snapped wagging his tail waiting for his share!

I've included some earlier ones from the 1930s but my aim is to find cat and dog photos from even earlier. As soon as I do they will be placed on our photo blog, so keep checking back.

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Are you someone special for Shadow?

2011-06-07T07:09:00.000-07:00

Update: Shadow has found his new home :-)

I often browse rescue websites looking at all the cats and dogs that need a new home and while they are all deserving of a nice new home some animals just call out to you from the computer screen.

Shadow the Collie Cross did this. He is 10-12 years old (neutered) and is under the care of the Diana Brimblecombe Animal Rescue Centre Near Wokingham in Berkshire.

Smiling Shadow - picture courtesy of www.dbarc.org.uk

Shadow was in a foster home but didn't get anyone showing an interest in him so is back with DBARC where hopefully he can be seen. He thrived in his foster home and got on well with other dogs.

Age doesn't stop Shadow and all he needs now is a forever home. Do you have room in your life for Shadow? If you do contact the rescue direct to enquire about him.

GSD Time Lapse Puppy goes Viral

2011-05-26T10:54:00.000-07:00

A German Shepherd Dog named Dunder has received almost 1.8 million views on You Tube.

His owner made a montage of his cute dog from 8 weeks to a year old in 40 seconds.

Dunder has his own channel on You Tube which you can subscribe to and get updates on his antics and adventures.

No wonder its such a popular video, Dunder looks much loved and cared for and its nice to have feel good news written about for a change.

New Selection Of Pet ID Tags For Cats and Dogs

2011-05-24T08:19:00.000-07:00

Cats and Canines have teamed up with a new pet ID tag supplier and we are really pleased with the new selection.

We currently have two types of these new pet tags; Glitter pet id tags and Designer pet id tags both being suitable for cats and dogs of all sizes.

All pet tags include free engraving and uses the lastest laser technology to prevent fading.

We have many colours and designs for you to choose from so we hope you will find an ideal pet identification tag for your cats and dogs.

Our Latest Best Seller

2011-05-04T13:36:00.000-07:00

Our traditional style pet id tags for cats and dogs are proving to be our new best seller.

They are made from a choice of quality stainless steel or brass and have a high shine which helps the engraving stand out nicely.

These pet id tags can be engraved for free with your choice of words on both sides. We particularly like the 'I'm Rescued' engraving which a recent customer selected to have for her 2 rescue dogs. A great idea. Another option would be to have 'I'm Microchipped' so if your cat or dog does get lost anyone who finds them knows they are microchipped and they can be tracked back to you.

Latest News On Patrick the abused Pit Bill Cross

2011-04-19T12:54:00.000-07:00

Patrick is recovering from surgery after having the foreign object removed from his stomach. It turned out to be a mass of hair.

Patrick was also neutered and had his teeth cleaned - a full MOT. He is recovering at the GSVS Hospital after his surgery.

Lets hope he continues to improve and finds a loving home as soon as he is able to.

Cat and Dolphins Playing Together

2011-04-13T04:06:00.000-07:00

I was sent this video this morning by email and thought its worth sharing. Enjoy!

Update on Patrick the abused Pitbull Cross

2011-04-04T12:33:00.000-07:00

Patrick is slowly recovering and doing well, although a foreign body was found in his intestines. He needs to be alot stronger before he can have any surgery.

He is getting all the fuss and attention he deserves at the Garden State Veterinary Centre in NJ, USA and he has received lots of parcels full of toys and blankets.

We have removed the photos of Patrick due to copyright laws, however, there are lots of photos here: http://www.facebook.com/GSVSPetHospital

Keep getting better Patrick.

Bless Little Patrick

2011-04-01T05:49:00.000-07:00

During my lunch break I walked the dogs and before getting back to work I was browsing the Dog Rescue Pages website and found a post titled 'Woman charged over starving her pit bull'.

When I clicked on the link I saw a horrific picture of a one year old Pit Bull cross so emaciated that it broke your heart. I had never seen anything like that before so felt compelled to write about this brave little dog.

He has been named Patrick by his rescuers (Please note the link is very shocking but Patrick survived and is now being well looked after).

Patrick was left tied to railings and when this woman returned weeks later, she put him in a plastic bag and threw him down the rubbish chute. Thankfully the bag was seen moving by the refuse collector and he called the Associated Humane Societies.

He is currently in the care of GVS Animal Hospital NJ, USA.

Here is a video of Patrick having breakfast!

Lupine pet collars and leads at 25% off

2011-02-16T09:27:00.000-08:00

Cats and Canines are offering our selection of Lupine pet collars and leads at 25% discount.

They come in pink or blue paw print, blue argyle and for larger dogs we have the pink camouflage, green paws or paws and crossbones.

For cats the Lupine cat collars have a safety buckle so that in the event your cat gets caught on a branch or tries to get out of the collar and gets its legs stuck the Lupine cat collar will release to free your cat.

The collars for cats also come in pink paws or blue paws and also a noble beast pattern which is blue with gold crowns.

Order today to get your pet collar and lead with our 25% discount.

Waterproof dog bed

2011-02-01T10:25:00.000-08:00

Waterproof dog beds are very practical and have a tough nylon cover which is ideal if you have wet, muddy dogs. When your dog comes back from their walk they can lay down on their dog bed without the worry of the filling getting wet.

A waterproof dog bed can be placed anywhere in the home; utility room, kitchen, conservatory, living room and bedroom. It can also be placed in the car and let the dogs just pile in without your boot getting covered in mud.

Waterproof dog beds are so easy to keep clean. You can wipe it clean with a damp cloth, remove the cover and put it in the washing machine or hang it on the washing line and spray it with a hose.

This washable dog bed comes in three sizes. Medium, Large and Maxi which makes it suitable for Cocker Spaniel size dogs to a Great Dane.

Sarah

Win a cat bed or dog bed

2011-01-28T10:07:00.000-08:00

Our latest competition is for the chance to win a cat bed or a dog bed.

We will have two winners - the winning cat owner will receive one of our fleece cat beds and the dog owner will receive a waterproof dog bed.

All you have to do is answer a simple question, complete the online form and wait until 1st March to see if your pet has won a pet bed.

Do you have room on your sofa for Kane?

2011-01-22T09:03:00.001-08:00

This link for Kane has been removed from the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home website so hopefully this means Kane has found his forever home.

Kane is an adult German Shepherd dog who is currently at Battersea Dogs & Cats home.

I don't know much about him, only from what I've read on the link above, but it looks as though he is a very friendly lad.

They say he needs some training but going to training classes can be very fun and rewarding for both dog and owner.

German Shepherds are very loyal and loving dogs and in the right home will make a faithful forever friend.

Win one of our smart pet collars for your cat or dog

2011-01-15T13:53:00.001-08:00

If you want the chance of winning a free cat collar or dog collar with matching lead for your pets then enter our Facebook competition.

Our pet collars and leads are made by Lupine and come with a lifetime guarantee. They are made from quality materials and are available in some cute designs such as the pink paw print or little skull and crossbones!

We hope you will find our facebook page interesting and like us!

This competition has now ended, sorry - please view our facebook page to see the winners. Thank you to all those that entered the pet collar competition and remember to look out for further competitions.

Tasty treats for Sadies Birthday

2011-01-11T09:27:00.000-08:00

Sadie is my German Shepherd.

She is 8 on 12th January and I don't normally buy her birthday presents but as she has a wheat allergy (brings her out in nasty red, scaby blotches) I thought I would make her some wheat free dog treats.

They are experimental but I've decided on 1 can of sardines in olive oil or natural juice, 1 cup of oatbran and 1 egg. Mix together and bake for 15-20 minutes at 170C.

I'll post the results here tomorrow and if they are a success, they will be placed on our recipes page of the Cats and Canines website.

Update: The treats were enjoyed by both of my dogs and I would say they were a success. Just one thing though, if the mixture is a little dry before baking, then add a little water and the oil or natural juice from the sardine tin. Grated carrots or courgettes could also be added.

Happy New Year 2011

2011-01-04T07:51:00.000-08:00

Hope you and your pets had a Happy Christmas.

We have a pet supplies sale on at the moment where you can get ex.stock at up to 40-60% off.

Our best buys are:

gift box for dogs (great present for Christmas 2011 or a special dogs Birthday). This is only a fiver!

ping pong ball toys for cats at only 89 pence for two

cute cat bed in a cat character fabric for only £12.99

Get yours while our stocks last as once they are gone we are not reordering anymore of this particular stock.

Happy New Year for 2011.

DogLost.co.uk: Lost: BLACK Collie Cross Male In Central (SY8)

2010-12-17T13:42:00.000-08:00

DogLost.co.uk: Lost: BLACK Collie Cross Male In Central (SY8)

Any of our readers in Ludlow? Have you seen this dog.

He is 19 years old and was lost at Temeside Gardens, Ludlow, Shropshire (around 5pm Sunday evening). More details are on the link above.

A pet for Christmas?

2010-12-12T10:44:00.000-08:00

The thought of getting a kitten or puppy as a present for Christmas can be exciting, but pets are a serious commitment and the well known phrase 'a dog (and cat) is for life not just for Christmas' is very true.

Christmas day can be a very busy time in the house and with a puppy it has to be let out to relieve itself about every 2-3 hours.

Just one example of the attention a puppy needs, your having the big Christmas dinner and the puppy has just had an accident on your new carpet (which is expected at that age and cannot be helped). You can't leave it there as Granny might step in it, so your dinner gets cold while you're clearing it up.

Pets are very rewarding and a wonderful addition to the family, so why not wait until after Christmas and visit your local rescue centre. If you have your heart set on a kitten or puppy still visit a rescue centre as they sometimes have pups and kittens looking for their forever homes.

Do not get offended if a rescue refuses to rehome to you during the Christmas period. I'm sure they would be happy to see you after Christmas.

Perhaps you could give the gift of sponsoring a cat or dog at Christmas. Some rescues offer this and you pay from £1 per week, receive updates about your sponsor dog and you may even be able to visit them. Google 'sponsoring a dog' or 'sponsoring a cat'.

How to care for your dog if it suffers from hip dysplasia

2010-12-09T08:34:00.000-08:00

Hip dysplasia is hereditary and dogs who have it will walk with a slight waddle and bunny hop when they run. You may also hear a clicking sound when your dog walks. If you suspect your dog has hip dysplasia seek veterinary advice to get a diagnosis.

Once diagnosed, your dogs weight will need to be controlled to help ease pressure on painful joints. A low calorie, low calcium and low protein diet is best for pets with hip dysplasia. My dog is currently on hills prescription j/d diet which we have to soak as she doesn't like dry food. So its soaked and then mashed.

To ease any pain the vet prescribed metacam, an anti-inflammatory or NSAIDs (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). However, I found that after long term use it can cause stomach problems in pets, so I have switched to a more natural product called Devils Claw or No Bute which is given with food whenever there are signs of pain along with Synoquin which is a supplement containing glucosamine and chondroitin which maintains healthy cartilage around your dogs hip joints.

With regards to exercise I tend to let my dog tell me when shes had enough, although the vet advised 2-3 small walks a day each about 10-15 minutes.

Swimming pool hydrotherapy has become very popular with pet owners as a low impact exercise that will build muscles. Not all pets enjoy it and whether your pet will take to it depends on each individual animal.

Comfortable bedding is also a good idea for painful joints and my dog has a memory foam pet bed which helps relieve pressure points when shes sleeping or resting.

Sarah (Customer Services)

Free delivery for Christmas

2010-12-06T13:09:00.001-08:00

We are offering cat and dog owners free delivery over the Christmas shopping season. Simply enter the code and when you view your cart we will remove the delivery cost.

This offer will run from 6th December until 14th December 2010.

Free delivery code: ccblog10

Your pets very own settee

2010-12-03T13:41:00.000-08:00

While some dogs and cats prefer to sleep on your settee (if you let them), why not treat them to their very own pet settee this Christmas.

Its made from a soft, yet sturdy foam fabric which does not lose its shape and has a fleece paw print fabric cover. The cover, instead of a zipper, has an elastic edging so you can simply remove it from the foam inner and place in the washing machine.

I have one for my own dogs and they love it. They look really cute when they fall asleep resting their head on the arm of the pet settee!

Sarah (Customer Services)

Keep your dogs safe in the snow

2010-12-02T07:15:00.000-08:00

While the snow can be great fun for your dogs, please remember not to let them play on frozen lakes and ponds.

RSPCA

Seasonal advice for Winter

Last Chance Animal Rescue film

2010-11-30T02:12:00.000-08:00

Go on - give a dog (or a cat) a home (but you will have to be homechecked by Last Chance Animal Rescue) :-)

Red carpet canine stars at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home Ball - Telegraph

2010-11-29T13:49:00.000-08:00

Red carpet canine stars at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home Ball - Telegraph

150 dogs and their handlers formed a canine Guard of Honour on the red carpet for Collars & Coats, the 150th anniversary ball for the world-famous Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in London last night.

Appropriately, the event was staged in a vast marquee at Battersea Power Station, with views of the landmark four white towers illuminated against the sky.

Homemade recipes for cats and dogs

2010-11-26T07:59:00.000-08:00

White Fish and Parsley Cakes for Cats

250g of boiled potatoes
250g of white fish (ie. coley or haddock)
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1/2 teaspoon of dried parsley or fresh if you prefer

Boil the potatoes until soft for about 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile put the fish in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to the boil and then turn off the heat and allow to poach for 5 minutes. Flake the fish, remove any skin and don't forget to make sure all bones are removed.

Mash the boiled potates, add the parsley and flaked fish. Mix together and form into fish cakes (whatever shape and size you want).

Heat the olive oil in a frying pan and cook the cakes for about 4 minutes each side and golden brown. Place onto kitchen paper to drain and serve to your cat once cooled.

Savoury Trifle for Dogs

150g of boiled brown rice
250g of turkey mince
1 large carrot
100g of peas
2 tablespoons of olive oil
Dried parsley for decoration
Dog gravy designed for pets (do not use human gravy ie. oxo etc as its too high in salt). Dog gravy can be found at some supermarkets in the dog food section.

Bring a saucepan of water to the boil and then add the rice, turn the heat down and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile blend the peas and carrots together until just blended or chop finely.

Heat the olive oil in a frying pan and add the turkey mince. Cook over a medium heat and once the mince is almost cooked, turn the heat down to low and add the dog gravy and then the pea and carrot mix. Cook for a further 5 minutes or until the mince has cooked through. Do not allow to boil at this stage.

Once everything is cooked get a casserole dish and ladle the turkey mince mix into the bottom. Add the rice on top and finish with a sprinkle of parsley. Serve when cool.

Please note that these pet treat recipes are just that and should only be given every now and then or for a special occasion such as a Christmas or Birthday treat. If your pet has any dietary problems consult your vet before feeding these recipes.

A dog called Boris

2010-11-23T06:35:00.001-08:00

After all that I hope he got a new pet bed to call his own!

Rescue centres at Christmas

2010-11-22T08:01:00.000-08:00

Each year, especially at Christmas, rescue centres are full with unwanted cats and dogs and some rescues can struggle to cope.

A local rescue that covers South East London and North West Kent, Anim-Mates Animal Rescue and Care Group, keep the animals they rescue in foster homes until they can be found a home for life.

Anim-Mates relies entirely on donations and volunteers.

Why not search for a rescue centre in your area and see how you can help

Cassie's favourite dog toy

2010-11-22T07:58:00.000-08:00

My dog Cassie loves her new dog toy which has become her firm favourite.

Pet id tags for cats and dogs this Christmas

2010-11-15T04:26:00.000-08:00

We have a good selection of dog id tags and cat tags for pets - and for Christmas there is the snowflake pet id tag and stars pet id tag.

All of our pet id tags are made by quality pet tag manufacturer Red Dingo and we offer free engraving of your choice with all pet tags.

Cat beds for Christmas

2010-11-12T06:28:00.000-08:00

I've been talking about dog beds for Christmas and I must not forget about the cats. So I've put together just a few of the cat beds that are currently on our website.

Paw print donut cat bed: This cat bed is made in the UK from a soft fleece fabric and has a comfortable inner bed with a generous bolster surround. Ideal for cats that like to snuggle.

Igloo cat bed: For cats that like a bit of privacy and security the igloo cat bed provides a cosy little den. It comes in a camel colour with a cute cartoon design of cats and hearts.

Cushy cat bed: This cat bed is very versatile. It can be placed on the floor and even put on a sofa or chair to protect your furniture from cat hairs.

Wicker igloo cat basket: An igloo cat bed made from traditional wicker which is very easy to keep clean - simply vacuum up any loose dirt and cat hair. Wicker pet baskets are great value for money too as they tend to last for several years.

Dog beds for Christmas

2010-11-08T08:17:00.000-08:00

If you want to treat your dog to a new dog bed this Christmas, we're just reminding you of what style of dog beds we have to offer.

Waterproof dog bed: Comes in 3 sizes being suitable for small, medium and large dogs. Its ideal for dogs who come back from their walks muddy and wet. It can be wiped clean with a damp cloth or remove the cover, hang on the line and spray clean with a hose. Of course if you prefer you can always just put the cover in the washing machine.

Faux leather dog bed: A luxurious leather look dog bed at a reasonable price. The small size is £39.99 and the large is £55.99

Paw print donut dog bed: Something for the smaller dogs we have a donut style pet bed in a soft, fleece fabric with cute paw prints.

Pet blanket: The fleece pet blanket is a very large 59" length x 39" width. You can fold it up and place the blanket in an existing dog bed or you can place on a sofa to protect from pet hairs.

Memory foam pet beds: If you have a dog with arthritis, an elderly dog or a dog with hip dysplasia then it maybe worth purchasing one of our memory foam pet beds. They cushion pressure points and are also available with a waterproof inner liner for incontinent dogs.

Wicker sofa pet bed: A wicker pet bed that comes in 4 sizes and has four intricately woven legs to give a touch of elegance.

Oval wicker pet bed: This must be one of our most traditional looking wicker dog beds. It has the classic cut-out front (like pet beds used to be in the 40s, 50s and beyond) making it easy for pets to get in and out and dogs seem to love the reassuring creaking sound the wicker basket makes as your dog gets comfy. Also comes with a free dog cushion.

Firework Night 5th November

2010-11-04T02:59:00.001-07:00

Well, its here again, Firework Night, Guy Fawkes Night (whatever you want to call it) 5th of November.

Most humans love it but most pets don't. While I wouldn't want to be a kill joy and knock peoples fun, it does tend to go on for approximately 2 weeks in the area where I live. Anyway, here are a couple of links with advice on how to help keep your pets safe and calm.

Pet Firework Fear

Firework Night - Cats and Dogs

Sarah (Customer Services)

Vintage look dog bed

2010-08-07T14:17:00.000-07:00

Our new dog bed is the Ruffy which is made from a vintage style, faux leather material.

It features a non slip base which is ideal for wooden or tiled floors and would suit medium size dogs such as Springer Spaniels or Border Collies as an example.

If you're looking for a brand new pet bed for your dog that is a little different, then the Ruffy could be for you.

English style wicker dog baskets

2010-08-05T13:13:00.000-07:00

Our tradtional, English style wicker pet baskets are available for medium to large dogs with a quality pet cushion in red tartan.

Our wicker pet baskets are designed to look like the pet baskets people used to have in the forties and fifties. They have a reassuring creaking sound that most dogs seem to love.

The wicker is easy to clean too. You simply wipe away any dirt with a damp cloth and vacuum up any debris and pet hair.

We would say that this is just one of our excellent value for money dog beds as they can last for many, many years.

Keep your dog cool this Summer

2010-06-25T10:42:00.000-07:00

With the weather warming up we are still offering dog owners the Canine Cooler to keep their pets cool for Summer 2010.

We have been selling this dog bed for 4 years now and its proven to be a favourite with dogs and their owners every Summer.

New look website

2010-06-24T11:24:00.000-07:00

Hello,

So sorry for being away. However, my first post in a long time is about our new look website.

We've had a redesign to make it more user friendly and added a few more brand new dog beds, cat tags and dog id tags.

We have also improved our delivery time to 2-3 days (apart from the pet id tags which have to be sent away to be engraved, they are normally delivered in about 5-7 days).

We hope you will visit our Cats & Canines website and find your pet something nice this Summer.

No blogging for ages

2010-01-27T12:28:00.000-08:00

Well I haven't been able to update the blog for a while due to unforseen personal circumstances, however, things will be back to normal very soon. So watch out for new blogs all about cats, dogs and our range of pet products.

Sarah (Customer Services)

Red Dingo Pet ID Tags and Lupine Pet Collars

2009-06-25T06:34:00.000-07:00

Interior designers have, what they call, mood boards when helping people decide how to decorate their homes, so it got me thinking about our Red Dingo dog id tags and cat tags and how they could go together with our range of new Lupine Dog Collars, Dog Leads and Cat Collars.

If I was purchasing for my dogs what colour combinations and style would I choose? I came up with this.

I think they go together quite well.

Sarah (Customer Services)

Last Chance Animal Rescue Centre

2009-06-15T07:18:00.000-07:00

I have just returned from a visit to Last Chance Animal Rescue Centre in Edenbridge, Kent. I was donating some old stock of dog collars and pet beds and was kindly allowed to look around at the cats and dogs waiting for their new home.

Can you spare a place in your home for a cat or dog? While there were many animals looking for their forever home, here are just a few that are in the kennels and cattery at the moment:

Semi long coated German Shepherd named Sadie aged 2-3 years old.

Noodles is a male Rottweiler aged 4-5 years. He did bark when I stood at his kennel to say hello, but I would have something to say if someone started staring at me through my window at home! Best as only pet so he can get all the attention he needs.

Hattie is 3 years old and a sweet girl who will need training.

Cinders and Oscar are mother and son cats whose owners moved abroad. They are 15 and 16 years old and would be better as only pets. Must be rehomed together.

These are just a few of the animals in the care of Last Chance and you can call them on 01732 865530 or visit their website www.lastchanceanimalrescue.co.uk

Sarah (Cats & Canines Customer Services)

Lupine comes to Cats & Canines

2009-05-26T06:14:00.001-07:00

We are now stocking Lupines range of dog collars, dog leads and cat collars.

We decided on the Lupine brand because we had purchased them for our own dogs in the past and they have lasted for almost 2 years. We were so impressed with the quality of these collars and leads that there was no question when we were approached by the UK distributor asking if we wanted to stock their range.

We can also pass on a lifetime guarantee which Lupine offer with all their pet collars and leads against any chewing or damage.

Here at Cats & Canines we are really excited about this new range and have chosen colours and designs that we trust you and your pets will love.

Faux Leather Dog Beds

2009-05-12T04:01:00.001-07:00

Our faux (fake) leather dog beds are designed in the 'box' style of pet bed and being a whopping 5 inches high makes for a very comfortable bed indeed.

They do have a removable cover to air the inner, but to clean the actual cover just simply wipe down with a clean, damp cloth.

They are especially good on hard floors as they have a non slip base which will help prevent movement when your dog decides its time for a nap.

Sizes available are medium (35" L x 25" W) suitable for Border Collies, Springer Spaniel sized dogs and the large (43" L x 31" W) suitable for German Shepherds, Labradors and Doberman sized dogs.

Free Dog Leads

2009-04-21T03:52:00.000-07:00

Here at Cats & Canines we are offering 20 free dog leads in a variety of colours for your dogs.

Claim yours today as once they have all gone, thats it, we have no more.

Cat Sanctuary helping cats in need

2009-04-17T05:30:00.000-07:00

Kingsdown Cat Sanctuary have been helping cats since 1993. They are based in Deal, Kent and give rescue places to cats that have been abandoned, given up to them or the owner has died.

They then try to rehome the cats to new loving owners. Since starting the sanctuary they have helped over 3,000 cats find new homes.

There are lots of cats looking for their forever home on the sanctuary's website. So if you live in Kent and are looking for a cat why not consider a rescue?

Do not disturb - I'm trying to watch my favourite program

2009-04-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

This adorable little cat was happily watching its favourite tv program only to be disturbed by its owner.

What a shame this was deleted or removed! It wasn't cruel or anything. Just a cute kitten with a look of 'how dare you' on its face when it turned around from the tv to find its owner filming him/her!

Choosing the perfect Cat Bed

2009-03-30T07:25:00.000-07:00

There are many different styles of cat bed available and all cats like different pet beds.

Some cats like to feel secure in a cosy den and for those felines we have the cosibed or the faux suede cat igloo. Both these beds give a sense of security.

There are also novelty style cat beds on the market which while being cute or funny to look at for us humans, do provide a practical bed for cats. The lilac cat slipper has high sides and a space at the front where your cat can snuggle down. There is also the cosipet mouse bed which also has high sides to keep your cat feeling surrounded and secure but in the form of a mouse character.

If those have too much of the 'novelty factor' then you could go for the cats own chair. Its a solid moulded foam inner which is made to look like a mini chair and has a removable cover in either fleece paw print of faux suede chocolate fabric.

A tried and tested style of cat bed is the cat radiator bed known as the kumfy kradle. It comes flat packed but has full instructions on how to easily assemble. It comes in two different sizes, depending on what sort of radiator you have - double or single radiators. The assembled cat radiator bed hangs over this and your cat sleeps peacefully in the hammock part of the bed.

Some cats suffer from joint problems and the memory foam pet bed is an ideal bed for this. It relieves arthritic, rheumatic, hip, joint and muscular pain. The memory foam cat bed is also ideal for incontinent cats as it is available with a waterproof inner liner.

Friends of the Animals auction

2009-03-07T08:33:00.000-08:00

Friends of the Animals rescue and rehoming organisation are running an auction to help raise funds for the cats and dogs in their care.

There are many pet product items you can bid on and Cats & Canines has donated a pet bed for small dogs filled with lots of products for your little dog.

Visit their website for the auction which starts on 27th March 2009.

German Shepherd Rescue

2009-01-22T06:17:00.000-08:00

German Shepherd Dog Rescue is run by a dedicated group of volunteers who help abused, abandoned and unwanted german shepherds find new and loving homes.

The rescue also takes in dogs from pounds, who have a limited amount of time until they are put to sleep. These dogs are placed in foster homes until they can be found a home of their own or the rescue pays for kennel fees in order to keep them alive.

All this costs money and the rescue has some German Shepherd merchandise for sale to help raise much needed funds.

Please note that some areas of the site have images of dogs that have been put to sleep. A horrible fact of some dog pounds, but there are also lovely photos of happy dogs that have been rehomed and dogs waiting for a new home.

This website is quite an eye opener and I think worth a visit if you love any dog and particularly German Shepherds.

Pet supplies donation to animal rescue charity

2009-01-16T03:25:00.000-08:00

Here at Cats & Canines we have chosen to donate some ex. stock of dog collars, leads and harnesses to the Ruffdog forums in their appeal to help raise funds for two rescue dogs, Holly who is a Chinese Crested golden oldie who is currently in foster care and JJ a little cross puppy who is staying with 4 Paws & More Rescue. Both need expensive medical treatment.

Ruffdogs are running an auction on their forums to help these two little dogs so visit their website above for a pet supplies bargain for your own pets!

Not only will you get a bargain but you will also be helping these rescue dogs.

HOLLY

JJ

British made Pet Beds come to Cats & Canines

2009-01-14T04:54:00.000-08:00

Its a New Year and we have some brand new, high quality pet beds available on our website from British company Pets & Leisure.

The range includes the heavy duty waterproof pet beds in either oval shape or rectangular and are suited to dogs that love to go out walking and arrive back very muddy. As these beds can be easily kept clean, its not a problem anymore.

For cats there is the lilac cat slipper bed

This cosy cat bed is made in the South West of England and has high sides and the front is ideal for cats to curl up in.

For more of our pet bed range that is made in Britain see our 'Best of British' category.

Cats & Canines Christmas Photo Competition

2008-12-02T06:35:00.000-08:00

We picked the winner and two runners up for our Your Pets photo competition who each received their prizes in time for Christmas.

We got over 100 entrants who all sent in photos of their cats and dogs for the chance to win one of our exclusive pet goody hampers and two pet gift packs for the runners up.

The closing date for the competition was 30th November but it was so difficult to judge it took us two days to make a decision.

In the end the winner was a lovely 15 year old cross dog called Bonnie and the two runners up were an all white cat called Mr Bojangles and an English Bull Terrier dog named Molly.

It was nice to see the nations happy pets and thank you to all our visitors who sent in pictures of their much loved pets.

Snow Dogs

2008-11-26T06:34:00.000-08:00

Happy dog enjoying the snow.

5 Extravagant Pet Beds

2008-10-20T04:29:00.000-07:00

While we have some high quality, practical and good priced cat beds and dog beds on our website I thought I'd show you some of the most extravagant beds for pets we found on the internet:

Priced at $249 (about £145)

Priced at $5247 (about £3020)

Priced at $187 (about £110)

Priced at $200 (about £116)

Priced at $30,000 (about £18,000) image supplied by Beyond the Crate

Are you a cat or dog owner who lives in Kent?

2008-10-20T04:12:00.001-07:00

If you live in Kent and have a cat or a dog you don't have to pay to have your pet bed delivered.

We are based near the historic city of Rochester and any pet owner who lives in the Medway area, will get cashback to the value of the delivery cost.

So if you are looking for a pet bed and live in the Medway area of Kent give us a try.

Your pets gallery

2008-07-29T03:22:00.000-07:00

We give away a pet hamper every year at Christmas, but this year we thought of having our usual competition of sending in your details and then picking a winner in the form of a prize draw. Then we thought again and came up with the 'Your Pets' page on our website (sorry no link to this as the feature ended sometime ago now and a different feature has replaced it).

Cat and dog owners send in photos of their beloved pets and then in December we will pick the best photo (well, what we think anyway) plus two runners up and the winners pet will receive one of our exclusive pet goody hampers (only being available once a year) and the two runners up will each receive a pet gift pack.

So get snapping and we look forward to seeing your pets.

Microchip Cat Flaps

2008-07-12T06:11:00.000-07:00

We wanted to feature this on our blog as its sounds like such a good product - a cat flap that opens when it reads your cats existing microchip.

There are several types of cat flaps on the market such as the magnetic, standard (swing door) and infrared. They all require your cat to wear a collar with the exception of the standard type which does not lock and allows other cats to enter your property.

If you prefer your cat not to wear a collar and want a cat flap then this could be perfect for you.

The website has a wealth of information so why not take a look at Microchip Cat Flap.

They also have a forum where you can ask questions and get opinions from other microchip cat flap users.

Cats & Canines is in no way affiliated with this product and takes no responsibility for it.

Is the Summer here at last?

2008-07-01T04:43:00.000-07:00

Lets hope so.

Its the first day of July and its 27 degrees C and sunny in Kent at the moment. Sadly most of us are stuck in the office but looking forward to a long lunch.

Just before I go on my lunch break I wanted to tell you about the Canine Cooler which is a must have for dogs in the Summer.

The Canine Cooler creates a cool space for your dogs on hot days.

Summer can be an uncomfortable time for pets with all that fur and most dogs (or cats) lay on the nearest floor tile. This is the cooling effect that the Canine Cooler gives and it doubles as a pet bed too.

Sarah (Customer Services at Cats & Canines)

Cassie and Sadie at Helsbury Park

2008-06-26T07:19:00.000-07:00

Christmas 2007 we took our two dogs to Helsbury Park. This place was a doggy heaven and our two loved it.

Helsbury Park is in North Cornwall near Camelford and has many dog friendly beaches in the surrounding area. The ones we liked were Harlyn Bay and Polzeath. Polzeath beach had lots of other dogs roaming off lead so if your dog doesn't like strange dogs running up to them then Polzeath may not be for you. Harlyn Bay though had less dogs and was near Padstow so you can pick up some fish and chips on the way home like we did. We went to Rick Steins as a treat and as well as the usual cod we had some lovely deep fried scallops in batter. It cost £23 for cod and chips 3 times and 2 orders of scallops but it tasted really lovely.

On the St. Kew Highway there is a nice farm shop which, at that time of year, sold homemade mince pies and lots of other fresh food goodies.

Back to Helsbury Park.

The accomodation was clean and tidy and had everything you could need. The owners had installed a new wet room which was great for the dogs after a few hours at the beach.

You have use of the owners wood and the dogs really loved the stream (although it was deep and fast flowing in places so if you take your pets please be aware of this). Sadie our German Shepherd found this out as she dropped her favourite ball in the waters and jumped in to get it and was swept away with the current. It wasn't as dramatic as it sounds because she (thankfully) was taken to a shallow part and managed to get out herself, although she did lose her ball.

The owners had made us very welcome and we had a Christmas tree in the living room, mulled wine and crackers for us and a Christmas dog stocking for Cassie and Sadie.

Overall the holiday was one of the best we have had with the dogs and I would recommend it to dog owners. As with most holidays book early as it can get booked up.

Sarah (Customer Services at Cats & Canines)

We must have gone mad!

2008-06-20T02:24:00.000-07:00

I don't know if its the funny weather we have been having lately (one minute warm and then cool and raining), but here at Cats & Canines I made the decision to offer all our customers a 5% discount off their order.

I was going to offer 10% but as I wanted to be able to give a discount that would last (hopefully) until Christmas 2008 at least. If I did give 10% off to cat and dog owners for this long, I would have been in trouble with the owner of Cats & Canines.

The 5% discount is automatically taken off the goods value and you can use it as many times as you like. No limitations, no first time order only and a great bargain to be had by all pet owners.

Supporting rescue centres

2008-06-20T02:11:00.001-07:00

Having a rescue dog myself (office dog Cassie) I like to support rescue centres where I can and running a wicker pet basket and pet bed online store comes in very handy when it comes to offering a donation.

Cats & Canines have done just that and donated two large boxes of pet cushions to Last Chance Animal Rescue Centre and another box of pet cushions was sent to Sighthounds Online who kindly helped us with the delivery cost (it was a very large box and is now on its way to Europe).

We also donated one of our corner wicker pet beds to the DogPages auction last year and we plan to offer Sighthounds Online one of these pet baskets for their fundraising auction also.

We hope these charities and organisations can gain from these donations and we will always be willing to help by means of pet product donations.

Igloo Pet Beds made from Traditional Wicker

2008-06-06T05:35:00.000-07:00

Wicker is a very hardy material to use for a pet bed and is very easy to keep clean. You simply vacuum up any loose hair and if it gets dirty or muddy get a clean damp cloth and wipe away. Its as quick and easy as that.

Our wicker igloos are handmade from a thick quality wicker and have a luxurious looking tight weave.

The wicker igloo can be placed anywhere in the home and gives a traditional, classic feel to your decor. They are also very hardy and our own dogs have the oval wicker pet bed which they love and have lasted for nearly 4 years.

Our new wicker igloo pet beds are now available to purchase from our website

Pet Beds for the Summer Season

2008-05-15T04:35:00.000-07:00

Summer is almost here and we have some pet beds that are ideal for this season.

We have the practical Canine Cooler which is designed to make your dog feel cool in the Summer sun and the Easy Care dog bed which is so durable it can be placed outdoors as well as indoors and all the covers can be removed for easy washing.

For cats there is the Classic Cat Chair with its faux suede fabric in a choice of four colours of camel, burgundy, grey or green.

We also have many wicker pet baskets to choose from and they are the perfect material for Summer as well as the colder months.

Welcome to the new Cats & Canines blog

2008-05-13T03:40:00.000-07:00

Cats & Canines welcomes you to our new blog and hope you can bear with us as we are pretty new to the world of blogs.

My name is Sarah and I run the Cats & Canines online pet bed store which is based near the historic city of Rochester in Kent. From here we sell traditional wicker pet baskets and a range of quality dog beds and cat beds to pet owners all over the UK and locally.

Thanks for reading our first post on the new Cats & Canines blog and hope you will return soon.