Wednesday, November 5th, 2008
Today is the 5th November and here in the UK we all know what that means… fireworks, bonfires etc.
Lots of loud bangs, noises, flashes and screeches throughout the night into the early hours. It might be enjoyable for some of us humans, but for the dogs and animals it is sheer terror. I have a friend who’s dog is that frightened of the bangs it has to have a sedative from the vet, poor thing.
It might be my imagination but I’m sure the supermarkets started selling goodies for tonight many months ago. The reason why I think this is because when I’ve been walking my little Westie in the evening all of a sudden a loud bang or flash appears from behind a house or building. Unfortunately these bangs went off yesterday evening and our Westie dog Mitzi stopped dead in her tracks and froze. I tried to coax her along but she wasn’t having any of it. I ended up carrying her home! That’s right, carrying her! The bang made me jump, so I don’t know how it must of affected our Westies ears.
So tonight of all nights in the UK, please oh please ensure that your dogs, cats and pets are kept indoors at all times. If you are going out to a party, try leaving the radio or TV on as to blank out the noise outside so it won’t affect your pet.
Posted in Advice, Dog, West Highland Terrier, Westie | No Comments »
Thursday, August 28th, 2008
As you can see by the photograph above of Mitzi the West Highland Terrier dog she certainly looks comfortable. This photograph was taken just as I woke her up. I thought she had gone to her own bed downstairs in the house because she was extremely quiet. I was wrong… she was nice and cosy on my bed!
When it comes to Mitzi going to her own bed she is usually 90% well behaved, however there are occasions like this when she does prefer another bed instead!
If you get a West Highland Terrier as a puppy then try to get your little dog into a routine as soon as possible. Westies can be very stubborn at times so the sooner they learn the better.
When Mitzi is nice and comfortable on someones bed and you ask her to move or get down, she does like to express herself with a growl or a grunt! It’s as if to say “hey, I’m nice and comfy here go and find another bed and leave me alone!”
Posted in Photographs, Westie | No Comments »
Monday, August 25th, 2008
When traveling with animals in a car you must always ensure that the animal is not left to it’s own devices.
If you have a dog it should always be held in using either a harness, dog cage (or similar). In Mitzi’s case we have a harness which attached around her body. This harness clips in and around the seat belt in the car so it restrains her from jumping around the car or at the driver. However do make sure that your dog is able to move (do not tie it too tight so it restricts all movement, the dog still has to move!).
If you are planning a long journey with your dog in the car, make sure you take your pet for a good long walk before it enters the car and have plenty of breaks throughout your journey so the dog can relieve itself if needed. Make sure you have the dogs drinking bowl and a good supply of fresh water for it too.
One problem which the RSPCA encounters too often is dogs left alone in cars on hot sunny days with the windows closed. Please read the following advice from the RSPCA regarding this important matter.
- In warm sunny weather cars become ovens, with temperatures soaring to 120°F/49°C or even higher. Because of this, the RSPCA advises that animals are never left inside cars.
- If an animal left in a car is panting for breath it may be starting to suffer from heatstroke, which can kill an animal very quickly.
- Leaving windows open or putting a bowl of water in the car does not help.
- Owners who put an animal at risk by leaving it inside a locked car could face prosecution.
- Please help us get this message across this summer. It will save more dogs from suffering and avoid the need for us to prosecute owners. Dogs can die from heatstroke in a minimum of 20 minutes. If you see a dog left inside a parked car on a warm day, please contact the Police on 999 for assistance. In the event of the police being unable to attend, please contact our 24-hour Cruelty and Advice telephone line 0300 1234 999.
We are pleased to say that our little West Highland Terrier dog Mitzi is NEVER left in the car alone no matter what.
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