Wed. Dec 4th, 2024

petshow The National Pet Show 

The National Pet Show returns to ExCeL London on 7-8 May 2016; an unmissable event for pet lovers, owners and families nationwide Get up-close and personal to hundreds of different animals. Receive top tips and free pet care advice from a host of leading experts including trusted vets, nurses, trainers, behaviourists, breeders, animal associations and charities. Whether you own a pet already, or are deciding which one would best fit in with your lifestyle, find out all you need to know about your favourite animal and learn about each type of pet. – www.thenationalpetshow.com

dogfest DogFest

DogFest returns to Arley Hall, Cheshire on 18-19 June and takes place at the prestigious Windsor Great Park, Berkshire for the very first time on 25-26 June, promising to be even bigger and better.

Hosted by Channel 4’s Supervet, Professor Noel Fitzpatrick, DogFest offers dogs and their owners the ultimate fun-filled weekend. With even more have-a-go activities for your dog to take part in, this year’s action-packed line-up includes Flyball, agility sessions, dog diving and training, plus grooming sessions for pampered pooches and gifts and treats galore; with highlights including Hill’s School for Dogs, The Great Dog Walk and the Eukanuba Supervet Live Tour.  www.dog-fest.co.uk

Pet_Comfort_Advice Pet Comfort Advice: Taking your pet on the open road

Award-winning campervan, caravan and motorhome insurance provider,  comfort-insurance.co.uk, has teamed up with Pet Expert and Pet Behaviour Counsellor Kris Glover of Pets in Practise, to offer sound advice for taking your loved family member on the great open road.

Firstly, it is essential the dog has an opportunity to go to the toilet prior to the journey. A good long walk will not only provide lots of opportunities for this but will also tire the dog out which means they are more likely to sleep in the vehicle.

Secondly, dogs like comfort. So moving their bed from the house into the vehicle will allow them to feel as comfy as possible, and therefore as relaxed as possible.

Thirdly, a dog is much more likely to settle if they are prevented from seeing exciting things outside (e.g. a dog walking past). So try to situate the dog’s bed in a location where your dog can’t see out of any windows. Please note there will be some dogs who are more settled if they can see outside, so if your dog ticks that box, please position their bed so they can see through the window.

Fourthly, give them something to do. A food toy or a long lasting chew will give them a focus during the journey, which will help them to remain settled. Use a working refrigerator if one is available in the motorhome, caravan or campervan to store stuffed food toys, allowing your pet to be provided with plenty during a long journey. Chewing provides a good exercise workout for dogs and also releases endorphins from a dog’s brain which are known as the “feel good” chemicals.

Finally, and most importantly make sure the dog has access to water (anti-spill water bowls are ideal for vehicle travel) if the inside temperature of the motorhome or vehicle is overly warm. Also, make sure the dog has an opportunity every two to three hours for a leg stretch and toilet break.

When holidaying always consider whether the vehicle insurance includes the relevant cover.  For more information visit: comfort-insurance.co.uk

 

equifleece The Forecast’s Rosy with Equafleece

Equafleece’s new ‘Soft Fuschia’ pink fleece wear offers a rosier forecast this Spring for discerning dog owners, not to be caught out by an ‘shower.

One hundred per cent ‘rain-proof’, Equafleece is British designed and made from Polartec™ fleece.  Lightweight and super soft, it’s ideal for a walk in the park, a run in the fields or simply to pop on post swim. Perfect for elderly or arthritic dogs whose condition worsens in damp weather, Equafleece also gives an extra layer to single coated breeds, often reluctant to walking in the rain. Available in over 32 sizes, in 12 stylish colour ways Equafleece retails from £20.00. For more information visit: www.equafleece.co.uk

 

doghotel This is Certainly No Ordinary city Hotel.

The Rosebery Hotel is a beautifully quirky fantasia of design and upcycling – created to offer all manner of guests an extremely comfortable stay, as well as a visual experience like no other. Fabulous French vintage beds, huge gilt mirrors and shimmering chandeliers grace most bedrooms, along with glorious hand-made curtains, marble dressing tables and massive, free-standing roll-top baths in spacious ensuites with mirrored tile walls.

Not only does the Rosebery offer soft beds for dogs inside antique suitcases (nothing is quite as it seems here) but the hotel is conveniently located close to Jesmond Dene, Newcastle, three kilometres of woodland, riverbank walks and wildlife. Doggie Heaven in the middle of town.

With mid-week prices ranging from just £40 per person per night (dogs are £10 per night), and a range of rooms on offer sleeping from one to five people, it is not an expensive place to stay.  For those who dislike the breakfast buffet scrum the Rosebery offers delicious, in-room continental breakfasts to be taken at leisure, in privacy and peace. Rosebery Hotel visit www.roseberyhotel.com

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By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.

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