More and More owners are turning to home cooking for
their pets. When cooking for your pet on a regular basis it is important to be
aware of how to provide complete nutrition in its more natural and complete
form and ensuring the diet is balanced. It is surprisingly easy to miss
some really important factors without doing some research. This leaflet is
concerning itself regarding home cooking but a raw food diet may be
suitable for your dog also.
Pros
Unlike processed dog food which may have
lost a lot of its nutritional value during the course of processing, home-made
dog food can be much better overall more fresh and wholesome
More control over ingredients and ability to
tailor them to avoid food that which your dog may be allergic to
You can adjust the diet as needed based on
your dog’s weight, lifestyle, activity level, health conditions and other
particular needs
Home cooked dog diets are usually higher in
protein which supports the skin and the immune system and are easier for dogs
to digest. This in turn can improve the health of the digestive system.
Many dogs with health problems such as
allergies, IBF, chronic ear infections, arthritis have seen their symptoms
reduced or eliminated after they began eating a home cooked diet
Cons
Perhaps the most difficult part in making your own your own food is designing a diet that provides all the nutrients needed by your dog. It takes time and commitment
If you are time poor and in a rush, taking shortcuts can result in improper balances in vitamins and minerals. A super premium high-quality dog food such as Rockster will be a perfect stop-gap.
Getting high quality ingredients (especially organic ones) can be more costly depending on nutritional requirements of your dogs.
It is worse to do an unbalanced home diet than some store bought pet food
The Three Essentials
Variety
Home prepared food should include a variety
of ingredients, not just one meat and grain so that over time the diet will be
more balanced
Best to feed as many types of meat as
possible (beef, chicken, pork, lamb, turkey, fish, etc.) as well as including
some % as organs (heart, liver etc.) as well as eggs, cottage cheese and
yoghurt
If fed one source of protein your dog may
start to develop an allergy to the meat. By giving a varied diet it can also help
prevent allergies forming
Balance over time
When you feed a wide variety of foods, there
is less worry to make each meal ‘complete and balanced’. You just have to make
sure that your dog gets everything they needs over a week or two, not at every meal.
Calcium
This is one of the most frequently missed so don’t forget…
When making your own dog food, you MUST add calcium if the dog diet does not include bones (never feed cooked bones)
Adult dogs require approx. 800 to 100mg of calcium per 500g of food fed. Balancing a ratio of 2:1 to 1:1 calcium-phosphorus ratio (Naturally Dogs)
VERY IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Meat given to your dog in the form of boneless muscle (such as minced meat or fillets) increases phosphorus compared to calcium ratio greatly. This means you must in turn increase calcium supplements to ensure the correct ratio.
One of the most popular methods is through adding ground eggshells and other calcium carbonate or calcium citrate supplements.
A product called Meal Mix can also be used as an additive to cover multiple vitamins and calcium
If embarking on a fully home cooked diet, we advise you to consult a pet nutritionist as calcium and other minerals can be under or over supplied which could be dangerous
Key Components in Home Cooked Dog Food
*Go organic as much as you can afford to so
Protein
Protein sources (e.g. meat, eggs, dairy) should make up at least 50% of
their diet, preferably more
Try to choose meats with not more than 10% fat
Meat should include both muscle meat (such as lamb, beef, chicken,
turkey, pork) as well as organ meats (e.g. kidney, liver, heart) Liver should
never be more than 5% of their diet and organs in general should make up around
10%
If feed boneless meet must add calcium source
Canned Fish such as pink salmon, sardines, mackerel occasionally (check
for low salt)
Dairy products such as yogurt, kefir or cottage cheese
Gentle scrambled or hard boil eggs
Grains
Whole grains such as oatmeal, white rice, brown rice, barley, bulgur,
millet, etc. Just as with other foods, feeding a variety of different grains
and carbs is better than always feeding the same kind.
If you opt to include grains, they should not be over 25% of the overall
diet and be varied like the protein sources. Dogs aren’t biologically evolved
to be able to digest grains so limiting their inclusion is important
Whole grains are key – oatmeal, rice, barley, bulgur
If feeding rice it should be slightly overcooked to soft texture so easy
to digest
Vegetables
and Fruits
Vegetables could be beneficial in small amounts
Healthiest are leafy greens but other good options include broccoli,
cauliflower, cabbages, carrots, courgettes
Best to steam them well and blend if possible.
Apples, bananas, berries and melon are good to include in small amounts.
remember NO grapes or raisins as TOXIC to dogs
Supplements
Calcium mentioned above is a component that is easily missed in home cooking
Other supplements required are fish oil (e.g. krill oil), green blend supplements (algae or phytoplankton)
Multi-vitamin supplements are available to cover Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Zinc, Choline, Cooper, B vitamins, Omega 6 and Selenium
Please see our other leaflet regarding specific supplement guide for
further details
How much to feed?
It is dependent on various factors such as age, lifestyle, activity
level and metabolism. We recommend speaking to an expert canine nutritionist.
Similar to humans more sedentary dogs will require less fat so leaner
meats and low-fat dairy as well as reducing starchy carbs as well
If introducing a new food or supplement, make sure you do so
slowly and test a small amount on the first introduction
Add one new item at a time and wait several days to a week or two
before introducing another
Disclaimer
Whilst all attention has been taken to ensure accurate and clear information; please consult expert opinion before starting any major change to your dog’s diet. Each animal has their own independent nutritional and supplemental requirements and the information above is only to be used as a guide only
PetLondon is always on hand to point customers in the right direction for further information and advice
There are many warnings on chemical-based Flea Treatments for your pets. Some of these alarming red warning messages detail instructions such as: ‘keep out of reach from children’ and ‘avoid contact with eyes, skin or clothing’. This surely has to be a warning sign to us pet parents!
Increasingly we are all keenly aware of the dietary considerations for our dogs, going grain-free or even cooking our own meals for our dogs. Perhaps we are less aware on the harsh chemical treatments we have been accustomed to using.
While chemical based flea treatments may be effective…what is the effect on your pet’s health and your family? PetLondon is now offering safer and effective alternatives using a range of Dr Mercola products which are progressive in changing the ways in which we use flea treatments.
Using the chemical based treatments expose millions of people, including children, to toxic chemicals on a daily basis with some research showing that thousands of pets can be sickened or die each year as a result of chronic, low-dose exposure to insecticides through their flea and tick collars. Especially through organophosphate-based compounds commonly found in flea and tick collars.
THE RANGE
PetLondon is now offering chemical free flea and tick treatments and repellents that are safer to your family, friends and your pets. We stock the Dr Mercola’s range of herbal based deterrents, which includes their repellent collars, spot on treatment and repellent defence spray.
Reports from the American Environmental
Protection Agency reported that Chemical spot on treatments:
The dogs that are most adverse to the nasty
chemicals are those weighing between 4.5kg and 9kg
Reactions were most commonly seen in mixed
breed dogs with the Chihuahua, Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, Pomeranian,
Dachshund, Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Bichon Frise at particular risk)
Products with chemicals cyphenothrin and
permethrin were especially problematic for small breed dogs. Cyphenothrin is
found in spot-on repellents from many companies, sold both over the counter and
through veterinarians.
Most incidents occurred in dogs under three
years old, likely at their first exposure to a spot-on product.
Adverse reactions for both dogs and cats were
primarily skin, GI tract, and nervous system related. Skin reactions included
redness, itching, hair loss, sores, and ulcers.
HERBAL REPELLANT DOG AND CAT COLLAR
Looking
to protect your dog from fleas, ticks and mosquitos, but without the chemicals?
The Herbal repellent dog collar is the answer.
Free from harsh chemicals, the special blend of oils works for up to four months. Unlike other pest repelling collars, the active ingredients are integrated into the collar allowing for a longer diffusing period, creating a more effective treatment cycle. The Herbal Repellent Collar is a safe and convenient option for your dog.
The
active ingredients is Geraniol which is one of the few oils that is safe for
use on dogs and cats. Geraniol’s repelling power is proven to be effective for
fleas, ticks and mosquitoes.. It is a great, long lasting flea repellant option
for your pet.
The two collars can be adjusted up to the maximum of either 21” and 27”.
HERBAL REPELLENT CAT COLLAR
Free from harsh chemicals, the special blend of oils works for up to four months. Unlike other pest repelling collars, the active ingredients are integrated into the collar allowing for a longer diffusing period, creating a more effective treatment cycle.
To be used on cats and kittens aged (4+months) with a maximum neck measurement of 12″ (30cm).
SPOT ON HERBAL FLEA AND TICK REPELLENT
For those
used to the traditional spot on chemical treatment our herbal spot on repellent
would be the best choice. It is a safe and effective spot-on product that
doesn’t contain harmful chemicals. It contains no harsh ingredients and offers
longer term protection. It’s easy to apply and has a fresh minty smell with no
need to reapply after swimming or getting get in the rain.
Applied
via gentle almond and wintergreen oil, the active ingredient is Geraniol from
Geranium Oil proven to be effective for flea and tick repellent.
NATURAL FLEA AND TICK DEFENSE
Natural
chemical free Flea and Tick Defense for your dog in a convenient spray bottle.
The safest and effective method for treatment and can be applied how you wish
and in varied dosages depending on your dog’s environment, age, size and
environment.
This
wholistic approach contains lots of fantastic natural ingredients but the
expert blending and balancing of the oil is what distinguishes this as a
natural and effective product from just a natural ingredient.
The
natural Brazilian oils and ingredients found in Flea & Tick Defense
include:
–
Lemongrass oil –When formulated into a spray for pets, promotes a shiny,
healthy coat, and helps repel fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.
–
Cinnamon oil – A versatile essential oil widely used in the household. It is an
effective environmentally-friendly ingredient that helps deter mosquitoes,
fleas, ticks, and other pests from attacking your dog or cat.
– Sesame
oil – A rich, almost odorless oil derived from tiny sesame seeds. When combined
with other essential oils it helps protect against pests and promotes the
health of your pet’s skin and coat.
– Castor
oil – Castor oil has been used for years by veterinarians. When combined with
other oils, helps to repel a variety of pests.
–
Purified water – Only the purest water is used to help blend and properly
balance the unique formula of essential oils.
PROTECTING YOUR HOME
Alongside
these products there are other methods to help reduce the chances of a flea or
tick infestation. A lot of these pests live not in the animal’s coat but in
their environment.
Some
helpful tips include:
Groom on
a daily basis to deter ticks and fleas using a flea comb, fur brush and a clean
towel to wipe the coat clean with a nightly pet down to feel for critters
Wash your
pet’s bedding regularly in hot water once a week with the added benefit of
keeping your home smelling fresh and clean
There are
dual purpose plants that can make your house look lovely as well as acting as a
repelling barrier in the garden. Some of them include the rosemary bush,
fleabane daisy, mint, lavender, and lemongrass.
We hope you found this article informative. If any of the question about the points raised feel free to get in contact. Either by telephone +44 207 7580 7580 or email office@petlondon.com
PetLondon promotes owners being proactive towards their animals health and has for 2019 has newly launched in the UK the Adored Beast range of nature based animal healthcare products. These products seek to encompass a holistic approach to pet care which address core issues, support healing and aid in preventing re-occurrence.
There are tour main areas in which the Adored Beast range are arranged: Gut and Digestive Health, Skin and Joints, Kits and Overall Health. Each mini description will give you a link to the product for further information.
Our bestsellers can be found in more detail below!
Gut and Digestive Health
Love Bugs – A mix of pre and pro-biotics to promote gut health and support digestive issues.
Healthy Gut – might be the best pre and pro-biotic mix to use if your dog is eating a kibble, canned, dehydrated or cooked diet.
Gut Soothe – This blend of pre and pro-biotic focuses on inflammation especially in the intestines or urinary tract.
Fido’s Flora – To potentially use your dog has more significant health or digestive issues such as allergies, cancer, organ or digestive disease as Fido Flora will do a more precise job in restoring friendly bacteria communities.
Phyto-Synergy Anti-oxidant – A super anti-oxidant made from marine phyto-plankton to support overall health.
Liver Tonic – This tonic detoxifies the liver and helps cells regeneration and aids in proper function of allergy response, inflammation and digestive products.
Skin and Joint Health
Yeasty Beast III – Soothing spray to help soothe spots of topical yeast infection (red rashes on skin).
Owies and Oopsies – A soothing spray perfect for healing and soothing insect bites, hot spots, burns and bites
Jump for Joynts – Joint support spray to help with stiffness or limping. Can be used post-surgery or accident to aid recovery or used preventatively
Kits
Leaky Gut Protocol – Designed to completely ‘re-set’ your dog’s intestinal system by removing toxins from vaccines and cleansing the liver, calms and soothes the stomach and the correct gut flora environment and tries to seal a ‘leaky gut’
Yeasty Beast Protocol – This complete protocol is the intelligent way to help rid your dog of yeast infection without dangerous yeast die-off.
Easy Peeler Protocol – To help support the removal of Urinary Tract Crystals and it support bladder health.
Overall Health
Anti-Vaccinosis – Bestselling product – This homeopathic product assists in the removal of associated vaccine side effects without removing any vaccine benefits.
We detail below more information on each of the products, giving a clear and concise summary of what each of them do and how they can help your pet.
Healthy Gut
Did you know that the gut is responsible for more than 80% of the immune system? This means that a healthy stomach is essential for the overall wellbeing of your pooch.
If your dog suffers from any of these ailments then The Love Bug Healthy gut prebiotic supplement could help. To explain in layman’s terms….prebiotics are the “fertiliser” that are needed to set up the colony of ‘good bacteria’ in the stomach. These good bacteria combat bad bacteria.
The good bacteria act as the gate keeper to stop intruders and keep the stomach lining healthy so digestion is aided. Prebiotic (which this supplement is made up of, help probiotics (the good bacteria) reproduce and flourish.
Fido’s Flora
Fido’s Flora is the first and only probiotics designed specifically for your dog. Scientists have identified and cultivated two uniquely canine species of probiotics (good bacteria) that are beneficial to the micro-biome in your dog’s gut.
We don’t know all that much about all the trillions of bugs that live in the gut so the best way to restore gut health is to find the probiotics that are already living in healthy dogs. So if your dog has more significant health or digestive issues, Fido’s Flora will do a more precise job of restoring some of the friendly bacteria communities.
Fido’s Flora is a unique probiotic that should be given to dogs that have some health challenges such as allergies, cancer, organ or digestive disease
Anti-Vaccinosis
Vaccinations in many places of the world are required by law, especially rabies jabs for international travel, as well as routine vaccinations for domestic boarding and training centres. We do this as they are required.
The anti-Vaccinosis treatment is best done within a 24-48hr window of your dog receiving a vaccination but can be administered retroactively. Anti-Vaccinosis from Adored Beast can assist in removing associated vaccine side effects without removing any vaccine benefits.
The most common chronic symptoms from vaccinations can include irritable bowel syndrome, liver and kidney problems, glandular changes, ear infections, parasite infestation, skin problems, tumours at the vaccination site, allergies and cancer.
Leaky Gut Protocol
The Leaky Gut Protocol provides simple steps to aid in healing at the root cause of a Leaky Gut. The phenomenon known as ‘Leaky Gut’ has many and wide ranging symptoms and conditions are caused by the immune system reacting to germs, toxins and other substances that have been absorbed into the bloodstream via a porous “leaky” bowel.
Imbalances can cause issues around skin disease, compromised immune system, food allergies, digestive problems, ear infections or any common healthy condition that derives from an inflammatory disorder.
The Pack contains five different products, that are used in a 4-step treatment method designed to give your dog the chance to heal.
Pre Step – Getting Ready – Anti-Vaccinosis
The Anti-Vaccinosis is an intial 2 day regime that assists in the removal of associated vaccine side effects without removing any vaccine benefits. This needs to be completed before moving on Step 1.
ONCE the Pre-step has been completed…. begin Steps 1 through 4 at the same time. This can be given in food together as directed. N.B. If you dog has asensitive stomach is it recommended that Healthy Gut is given at 1/2 recommended dose, working up to a full dose over 1-2weeks.
STEP 1: REMOVE – LIVER TONIC
This detoxifies the liver and helps regenerate healthy liver cells and boost’s organ ability to filter toxins from the blood. Aids in proper function of histamine (associated with allergies), protein synthesis and biochemical production for digestion.
STEP 2: RESTORE – HEALTHY GUT
The Healthy Gut powder helps rebalance and cultivate proper growing conditions for friendly digestive flora destroyed through antibiotics and toxins. Aids in the digestion of food and supports a healthy immune system.
STEP 3: REPLENISH – GUT SOOTHE
A proprietary blend of herbs and pre & probiotics that soothe and replenish the lining of the bowel, fight yeast and combat unhealthy bacteria. The Gut Soothe have prebiotics are the “fertiliser” that are needed to set up the colony of ‘good bacteria’, known as probiotics in the stomach. This blend has a wide ranging mix of 30 billion cfu.
STEP 4: RESTORE – GUT SEAL
A homeopathic remedy that helps restore, strengthen and tighten the separated“leaky” junctions of the gastrointestinal lining.
Phytoplankton is the photosynthesising parts of microscopic marine plants. It truly is the king of antioxidants and quite possibly the “king of all supplements.” It can help with a multitude of compliments.
Does your dog suffer from? – Skin issues – Mobility and joint issues – Inflammation – Digestion issues – Decreased energy – Increased hyperactivity – Anxiety – Excess shedding
Incorporating Phytoplankton into your animal’s daily food diet ensures you are promoting your pet’s overall wellbeing and longevity and can help with the ailments above.
The Photo-Synergy Super-Antioxidant blend of marine phytoplankton can simply be sprinkled onto food. It contains trace minerals, chlorophyll, essential amino acids, DHA, EPA, protein, carotenoids, antioxidants and vitamins.
Plankton has been foundational source of nutrients for marine life since the beginning of the time, with the rich nutritional content in its purest and most original form (single celled organisms). For example the fatty acids found in fish (e.g. Salmon) gain their source of Omega-3 from Phytoplankton.
The single cell organism is absorbed via the mucus membrane, as it is so tiny. Therefore ensuring complete absorption into the bloodstream before it reaches the gut, ensuring if your pet has stomach issues that they are benefitting from the effects.
Made from environmentally, ethically and fully sustainable plankton which is grown on land with filtered Atlantic ocean water with no heavy metals. The Phyto-Synergy blend contains extraordinary amounts of Super Oxide Dismutase molecule called the “king of the antioxidants” and the “molecule of life”.
Liver Detoxification
This Liver Tonic supports and detoxifies the liver, the organ that removes toxins from the body. This tonic helps regenerate cells in the liver and boosts the organ’s productivity in filtering toxins from the blood.
The liver aids in proper histamine function which aid in allergies, chronic inflammation protein synthesis and biochemical production for digestion.
The ingredients in the liver tonic are all herbal and originate from plant or herb extracts. Below is a list of ingredients and the various properties each ingredients has:
Taraxacum Officinalis (Dandelion Root) – supports liver, gallbladder – stimulates bile production – anti inflammatory properties – strong but safe diuretic – supports heart, bladder, digestive system
Chelidonium majus (Greater Celendine) – detoxifying herb – supports liver health – helps with indigestion, jaundice and sluggish liver – stimulates bile and pancreatic enzymes
Cardus Marianus (Milk Thistle) – powerful herbal restorative – protective effects on the liver – helps with liver inflammation
Berberis Vulgaris (Barberry) – powerful herbal restorative – protective effects on the liver – helps with liver inflammation
Flexible and Supple Joints
Does you dog hobble around the house or having reduced mobility in their old age? Perhaps they are recovering from surgery or have been diagnosed with arthritis…
Jump for Joynts is a topical spray that supports 4-way mobility without worrying about the harmful side effects of NSAIDs and traditional pain killers. Jump for Joynts can support common joint issues such as ACL injuries, arthritis, degenerative, bone and muscle injuries.
Skin Conditions
Does your dog suffer from yeast infections on their skin or folds?
The combination of Apple Cider Vinegar and soothing herbs are designed to prevent infections arising through the skin and to soothe itches. Particular breeds will also benefit from regular cleaning of this products in their skin folds.
Please remember that this topical spray is not meant to “cure” the yeast that breeds deep in the digestive tract, and that systemic needs to be addressed at the Root Cause. Do not use on open or raw wounds.
For use on topical yeast areas. Use this product on skin folds, feet and other itchy areas and black, thickened skin. Can be used for ears, but do not pour in – spray onto a cotton pad and wipe affected areas. Do not spray directly in eyes or mouth. Can soothe itch and promote healthy skin.
The main ingredients are all natural which collectively help soothe the irritated skin include:
– Herbal Marigold known as the greatest healing agent a first aid go to for abrasions, injuries speeds recovery. High in Vitamin E & Vitamin A.
– Green Tea rich in antioxidants, Polyphenols, which are a class of bioflavinoids, have been shown to have antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Catechins, which are antioxidants by nature, have also been shown to function as anti-inflammatory and anticancer agents.
– Herbal GoldenSeal deals with local inflammation treats skin conditions such as eczema, ringworm and used on wounds and sores as an antibacterial
– Herbal St Johns Wort which improves tissue regeneration in wounds and used to tone and restore the health of the nerves
– Herbal Horsetail commonly used on burns, wounds and sores, anti-inflammatory and stabilizes scar tissue
– Witch Hazel that naturally reduces acne, insect bites and blisters. Used for inflammation, antioxidant and astringent
In summary, we have detailed four natural medicines to help with a range of range of issues or complaints your dog might have. Preventative medicine can help increase the longevity and happiness without expensive vet trips.
If you ever have any questions about the products we offer, please give us a call on 0207 580 7580. Look out for more healthy products on our site, which include a Meal Mix supplement for those of you cooking homemade meals for your dogs and might not realise you are missing out key components of a canine diet.
If you have any concerns or your pet has chronic medical issues please consult your vet before use.
Overwhelmed on where to start with taking care of your pets dental health?
We have put together a complete guide with the intention of demystifying this topic. After reading this article you should know which of the various brushes and gels which is best suited for your pet.
Like with anything in life, the introduction, persistence and repetition of dental brushing from a young age forms good habits with the benefits reaching later into life. Our parents always supervised the brushing of our teeth during childhood to ensure no emergency trips to the dentist were needed.
The case is the same for dogs and cats. The benefits of good dental health are manifold both for animals. Studies show 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have periodontal disease by the age of three. This is a serious infection that damages the gum and can erode the jawline. Diseases and infections can enter directly into the bloodstream via the gums. Good hygiene, using high quality products and regular check ups at the vets can minimise these risks.
To help with the vast amount of options available to pet parents, we would like to showcase the premium pet dental range we have on offer from Bogadent, a leading pet care company from Switzerland. Recommended use of the various products differs depending on the various ailments and dental condition of your pet. Please do consult your veterinarian if you are concerned with your pet’s health.
It is much easier to start from puppy age or if this isn’t possible to start as early as possible. Introducing oral inspections from an young age in a playful manner with patience and short sequences with lots of rewards is the key to success. It will promote familiarity with the routine. This process can start as early 10 weeks of age.
Even though dogs start losing their milk teeth from 4 to 6 months, getting the dog used to dental care regime is extremely important. We suggest the puppy is introduced to soft gum massages, first with a moistened finger, then with a little amount of toothpaste, followed by the Bogadent Anti-Plaque finger which is an ideal tool to begin with.
Smaller breeds and brachiocephalic (squashed face) breeds are particularly susceptible to teeth problems and we would like to stress the importance of dental care for them.
What kind of toothbrush should I use?
There are three key types to consider:
Silicone Finger Brush: This brush is placed on the finger tip for plenty of control. This is a good introductory brush for puppies as the soft bristles won’t irritate gums. Simply rub around inside their mouth to remove plaque from teeth. It is ideal for smaller tea cup breeds with not much space for brushing. This helps prevent plaque mineralising into tartar and causing long term damage to teeth health. The finger removes the plaque and is ideally used with the dental crème or if needs be the lipo-gel.
Ergo-Dual Toothbrush: This dual ended brush is perfect for day to day use stopping plaque build up around the molars, it has been ergonomically designed for teeth to be cleaned simply and effectively. The larger head can be used for cleaning the outside of the teeth, whilst the smaller head is used for cleaning on the inside of the teeth. For smaller dogs the smaller head may be more suitable for cleaning both the outside and inside edges.
Anti-Plaque Dental Finger Brush: This brush helps prevent the build up of plaque and tartar with the antibacterial effect from the silver ions. They inhibit microorganisms growing on the surface of the tooth. The brush is placed over the finger and affords greater control applying various amounts of pressure and angles for cleaning. It is useful as preventative measure or in conjunction with the lipo-gel to reduce existing tartar formation.
This helps prevent plaque mineralising into tartar and causing long term damage to teeth health. The finger removes the plaque and is ideally used with the dental crème or lipo-gel.
What kind of toothpaste should I use?
In the Bogadent range, there are four options to consider. We outline the key differences below to help you make an informed choice which option might be best for your pet.
Complete Crème
Sensitive Crème
Lipo-Gel
Hydro-Gel
Regular Teeth
X
Sensitive Teeth
X
Light plaque and tartar formation
X
Gum Irritation
X
Lipo-Gel: This gel is covered with oils and soft abrasive particles. This is to used with teeth that have plaque and light tartar formation. If used on a regular basis, in combination with the Anti-plaque finger it can help reduce existing light tartar formation.
Dental Crème Complete: This toothpaste with complex enzyme for normal teeth to prevent plaque formation.
Dental Crème Sensitive: This toothpaste with complex enzymes with added synthetic tooth enamel. For teeth with exposed tooth near the gumline to prevent plaque formation, it seals the tooth enamel and reduce sensitivity of the teeth.
Hydro-Gel: The tooth supports gum health. It moistens and soothes the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, as well preventing plaque formation and bad breath controlling the bacterial colonisation. The intended use is not as a cleaning-gel, but use as a LEAVE-ON Gel. It is a useful product for dogs who have tended to have irritated gums.
Using the Ergo-Dual brush in combination with the dental crème is perfect for brushing with normal teeth. As mentioned above, any. The anti-plaque finger is ideal for beginners, smaller breeds as it has a good abrasive effect with plenty of control.
We also have available a range of dental treats to help supplement brushing and cleaning. Coated in teeth cleaning enzymes and baked in shapes to aid teeth cleaning by chewing. The range includes:
There is no minimum age to start brushing for cats. Just like dogs, introducing dental brushing from a young age with help your cat get accustomed to the process, all in the comfort of your own home. First try with some cat toothpaste on your finger, advancing onto the anti-plaque finger in time. Plenty of treats and rewards are key to success for fickle felines.
The video depicts a customer brushing the kitty’s teeth with the antiplaque finer brush.
Antiplaque finger brush: The innovative microfibre brush helps to prevent the build up of plaque and tartar. Consisting of 20,000 high-quality microfibres, coasted with patented silver-ions, allows for a sustained release of the antibacterial treatment. The brush adjusts to all finger sizes and is easy to clean. Apply a little bit of Lipo-Gel on the finger and clean the outer and inner areas of the canine and molar teeth with small circular motions.
Lipo Gel: This tooth cleaning gel is made from an innovative formula including almond and safflower oil to prevent the build up of tartar and bad breath. The collection of gentle cleaning agents clean teeth effectively, forming a protective film on the teeth and gums. It is most effectively used with the Bogadent Anti-plaque finger or the silicone finger. The tooth gel is harmless if swallowed.
To supplement brushing, we also offer feline Dental Enzyme Chips made from 92% fish and chicken supplemented with natural enzymes. They combine a daily dental care routine with a reward treat through its specific texture and consistency. Suitable for cats aged 7 months and above who can chew bite and grind their food properly.
We hope this helps and this guide has empowered you to start on a sustainable and long lasting dental adventure. You can find all the dog products mentioned our Bath Time section of our website, and the cat products in this section here.
Whether writing Christmas cards in front of the fire with jingle bells playing in the background, or a family member popping round for a cup of tea and a mince pie; the festive season is always a family and friends filled time of the year. Even with all the merriment, it’s important to remember that they are numerous pets friendly and focused activities to enjoy. Don’t forget they enjoy getting into the seasonal spirit just as much as we do!
Crinkle Stocking 4-Piece Gift Set
Our pets are part of our family, and we want include them in as many of our holiday traditions as possible. In fact, a recent study by PR Newswire found that 96 percent of the people they surveyed would rather spend Christmas with their dogs than with their in-laws. So this guide aims to give you some ideas of how to bond with your pet and make the most of this special time of year.
#1: Christmas Jumper Shopping
Nothing screams ‘CHRISTMAS’ than festive jumpers and seeing people wearing them sure does brightens up everybody’s day. It’s commonplace to see them worn into work, but lest we forget our four legged companions need them too. Believe me, there isn’t anything cuter than your dog in a knitted jumper.
We are proud to announce that PetLondon has the most exhaustive list of pet Christmas jumpers in the UK; with a range to rival that of any high street shop. Most of the jumpers size from XS to XXL, and we have something for everyone. Pet’s need to keep warm too!
The stylist apparel is sure to delight visiting family and friends, why not use your beloved dressed up pooch as the mascot for some Christmas carolling. Whether it be a dancing penguin jumper, or a holiday themed costume is bound to add extra sparkle and cheer with a special canine courier service for those local neighbourhood Christmas cards deliveries.
#2: Writing Christmas Cards
In recent years the fashion, just like our cousins over the water is to include a Christmas family photo as the front of tens of cards sent to distance relatives and friends across the globe. The classic ‘family’ look has to include a mantle piece with holly, a Christmas tree with your choice for decorating the top and of course matching outfits.
We have listened to our customers, and found a couple of adorable dress up costumes for your pooch. Our fun and fabulous 3D Santa and 3D Elf costume are perfect to get everybody involved into the holiday humour. By placing the front legs and securing the upper half of the costume, your pet transforms into a real life walking character, perfect for a photo or a video to place on an e-greetings message.
3D Elf Costume
3D Santa Costume
3D Santa Costume
3D Elf Costume
#3: Exercising & Entertainment
As the nights turn colder and darker and tasty treats tempt us at every corner, it comes as to no surprise sweatpants become the clothing of choice. To help yourself keep the pounds off, we suggest some playtime with your pet. The combined mental and physical stimulation will create fond memories as you see your pets’ delight, as you play together with our uniquely designed and festively themed toys.
For those who don’t feel guilty and want to snuggle on the sofa watching Elf, Home Alone or the Secret Life of Pets. Why not indulge your pet in some Stripy Christmas PJs, They are made from a warm and thick plush type material for the ultimate in warmth and comfort. The ribbed sleeves provide a cozy fit.
It has been specifically designed to incorporate a range of toss, tug and fetch games. The head is a bumpy rubberised ball with high quality squeaker, with body being a super stretchy stuffing-less covered in a soft material for a unique shape.
These toys combines the best of stuffingless and squeaker toys. The toy body itself is a super durable thick plastic squeaker, with the added benefit of being robust. The cutest designs are very eye-catching either in a circle head show or a bone shaped themed designs
These large wacky textured play balls are made from tough rubber with a bumpy surfaced texture and covered in a high quality PLUSH material and a satisfying squeel. Available in two differing designs: Simon the Snowman with crinkly brim hat or Rita the Reindeer with heart shaped nose, soft red antlers and crinkly ears.
#4: Arts & Craft
Wish your pet a Merry Christmas with our festive and fun Christmas stocking. Handmade personalised gifts are always a lovely touch at this time of the year. Our bright red fleece style stocking with green stitching along the edges makes for an opportunity to customise your stocking alongside the bones and paws decorations and stuff inside their favourite toys and treats. There are all sorts you can do, from customising a bed or blanket. Just make sure it’s dog safe first!
#5 Bake your heart out
From our friends at Pretty Fluffy, have put together this amazing gingerbread biscuit for dogs using the finest ingredients. They can be bundled together as a gift, put on the Christmas tree or just given for being a good boy! They make about 20 medium gingerbread.
YOU’LL NEED
1 and 1/4 Cups Water
1/4 Cup Olive Oil
1/2 Cup Molasses
2 Tablespoons Honey
3 Cups Organic Whole Wheat Flour
1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cloves
1 Tablespoon finely chopped Fresh Ginger
—
2 Large Bowls
Mixing and measuring utensils
Rolling Pin
Gingerbread Cookie Cutter
TO MAKE
1. Get two large bowls. In one bowl combine the water, olive oil, molasses and honey. In the second bowl combine the flour, cinnamon, cloves and finely chopped ginger.
2. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet. Mix until all are combined.
3. Divide the dough into two, wrap and refrigerate for minimum 3.5 hours.
4. Once chilled, remove dough from fridge and roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness (less than a centimetre).
5. Pre-heat oven to 180 C (350 F).
6. Use your Gingerbread Cookie Cutter to cut out the biscuits. Place on baking tray. Bake for 10-15 minutes.
We hope this inspired you to bond with your dog this Christmas. Please let us know if you have any ideas of your own!
Dental hygiene for your pet is as important as your own. Unlike us, animals have trouble brushing their own teeth. Don’t worry.. we are here to help and there are a multitude of product with many fantastic benefits to help.
It’s been proven in scientific studies that dental disease increases the chances of damage to the heart, kidneys and liver which filter the bloods, as bacteria and toxins can be absorbed into the blood stream via a pet’s mouth. Proper dental care at an early age can help prolong a healthy life throughout adulthood.
First and foremost, a pet with healthy teeth equals a pet with better breath! Even though, we love our canine companions to bits, no one likes smelly breath. Our highly sought after Fresh Breath drops keep your pets’ mouth healthy and their breath fresh. Made from natural ingredients, it’s an essential part of daily oral care. Just add three drops to a bowl of fresh water each day.
Providing suitable chew toys aids is essential for a puppy first as not to destroy slippers or sofa cushions but also for their health. Puppies can only wiggle their teeth by chewing not like us humans who can use our hands. Not all of the baby teeth might come out easily and this can lead to gum irritation.
Importantly, our Tropiclean Puppy Oral Care Kit is designed to get you and your puppy started on the road to oral health. It will help address plaque and tartar before it begins, whilst soothing minor gum irritation and freshening breath. Suitable for puppies sixteen weeks and up.
Dogs & cats are very adapt at hiding pain, owners need to be aware you may not now your pet has a serious dental issue until its very advanced. It’s yet another reason for regular dental checkups, just as we do.
As devoted owners, tooth brushing is essential part of dog grooming, and to ensure maximum effectiveness it should be done every 24-48 hours. This brushing should be conducted from as early as possible as a puppy so they can get used the routine and the feeling of having his / her teeth brushed. Puppies have 28 baby teeth that typically fall out by about six months of age. By this time, the routine should be in place.
Our finger brush are made with soft flex latex that conforms to your finger for a comfortable, secure fit. The softer bristles provide improved gentle massaging action. Very easy to use and are perfect to use with small dogs and puppies. For adult dogs those doggy toothbrushes which have at 45-degree angle are best, to ensure effective cleaning of both the tooth and gum line. The two different bristle sizes on each end allow to clean efficiently the large tooth surface; whilst the smaller bristled end cleans away bacteria that can form against the gum line in those hard to reach places. The best product around for the job is the Doubled-Head Dog Toothbrush.
Just like with any child, turning things like brushing teeth into a game is key to ensuring continued and sustained results. Our range of classic rope toys, and characters such as Marvin the Monkey, Pandora the Panda & Roary the Lion, are made from 100% premium quality cotton. They are dyed using natural colours and can be frozen for a cool ice treat in summer or to soothe gums. Our rope ring toys have been cleverly designed to clean and floss your dog’s teeth while you play. They unravel over time, and as they get ‘loved to bits’. The double benefit of being as premium quality traditional dog toy whilst also providing unobtrusive flossing has solidified them as one of PetLondon’s bestselling toys.
If there is one thing we know about dogs, its that they love to get messy. Constant exposure to the elements however can leave a build up of dirt on your beloved canine. Here at PetLondon HQ, we have some great tips on how to keep your pooch clean and healthy, even if they insist on playing in dirt every day!
It is important to wash your dog regularly! Ideally, introduce your dog to bathing from as early an age as possible. We suggest that you bathe your pooch at least once a month using a specialized dog shampoo. If you wish to clean your dog more often than this its recommended that you just use water, as using dog shampoo too often might irritate your dogs skin. To make bath-time less of an ordeal for you and your furry friend, its worth trying to make a positive association for your dog. For example, make sure that bath-time involves lots of their favorite treats and affection. A great tip is to practice letting your dog sit in the empty bathtub for a while, giving them a treat so that they associate being in the tub with treat time! You can then gradually add lukewarm water to ensure it is less of a shock to the system! When bathing your pooch, be sure to keep the ears, eyes and mouth dry, therefore its best to wash from the neck downwards. Ideally, a little cotton wool over the ear canal is perfect for keeping water out, but we understand some pooches absolutely won’t stand for that!
Here at PetLondon HQ we have some great recommendations for safe and effective dog shampoos. For example, one of our personal favorites is the Soothing Oatmeal Shampoo, available on our PetLondon website! Oatmeal based pet products are great for sensitive skin, and help to keep your pooch’s coat lovely and soft. When rinsing the dog shampoo or dog soap out, make sure that all of the product has been washed out. For a pooch with longer hair, perhaps opt for the Detangling Apricot Spray, a perfect product for helping to prevent matting of the hair after bath-time. This spray is great as you need only spray it directly on the knot, and then brush it through. It’s a good idea to also brush through your dog’s long hair before the bath to minimize the tangles.
The location of pooch bath-time is completely up to you. Small breeds can be bathed in sinks or purpose bought tubs, whereas larger breeds can be bathed, weather permitting, outdoors or in the bath. Its always good to use as many towels as you can spare when drying off your soggy hound, preferably one for the floor, one for your dog’s body and another to ensure the face and ears are bone dry. Pay special attention to drying your dog’s feet and paws so avoid any slips! After drying is the time to completely brush through your dog’s hair to avoid tangling, this grooming will also help you to bond with your pooch as it shows how much you care! When drying and grooming your pooch after bath-time, be sure to look out for any ticks or fleas.
Don’t forget the paws! Your pooch’s precious paws need taking care of too! Bath-time can be a great opportunity to carefully clip your dog’s nails. Guillotine clippers tend to work best.
When it comes to pooch hygiene, its not just all about the exterior! Your dog’s dental hygiene needs taking care of too! That’s where we, as devoted owners, have to help our furry friends out! The most important way of looking after your dog’s dental hygiene is to brush their teeth. The ideal doggy toothbrushes are those at a 45-degree angle, and with bristles on both sides to brush smaller and larger tooth surfaces, like our Double-Headed Dog Toothbrush.
In addition to brushing regularly, there are a range of products that can be utilized to maintain great canine dental hygiene. For example, Fresh Breath Drops, available on our website, are a wonderful way to keep your pooch’s breath consistently fresh. Suitable for dogs and cats, simply add three drops to your pet‘s water bowl, they’re also made with natural ingredients!
Keeping your pooch clean is all about ensuring that doggy hygiene is part of your routine. Factor in even just an hour a week to give your dog a good pamper session! Bath-time for your pooch may seem like a recipe for disaster, but if you start early and get them used to it, your squeaky clean pooch will thank you in the long run!
Chia seeds have risen to prominence in the health and fitness community, becoming one of the most sought after superfoods for its numerous nutritional benefits. They have been linked to improved digestion, lowering blood pressure and have recently been discovered to aid in treating and preventing diabetes.
Luckily, chia seeds can also have massive benefits to doggie health too. Packed full of nutrients, the seeds are safe for your dog to eat, either raw or baked into meals or treats. They are also gluten free, meaning even dogs with gluten allergies and intolerances can enjoy the benefits too. Although small in size, chia seeds are jam packed with nutrients, making them a fantastic ingredient to add into your pup’s diet: one ounce of chia seeds contains 12 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of protein and 5 grams of Omega-3 fatty acids. To put that into context, that is 3 times the Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon, which are essential for balancing out Omega-6 fatty acids, and also aids in helping maintain healthy joints, brain development and strengthening the immune system, in addition to a wide range of other things that keeps your pup healthy.
If that wasn’t great enough, chia seeds also contain around 5 times the calcium of whole milk, 2 times the potassium of bananas, 3 times more iron than spinach and more magnesium than broccoli, showing the benefits on chia seeds in comparison to other foods. It is clear to see why they have become such a staple in the health community, offering huge benefits for both you and your dog to enjoy!
Here at PetLondon we have the easy and tasty solution to all your chia seed needs! We have recently began stocking a range of treats by Einstein Pets, made in the USA, which are infused with the wondrous chia seed, meaning you can rest easy knowing your pups are experiencing all the benefits chia has to offer. The treats contain only natural and organic ingredients, and contain no chemicals, artificial flavours or preservatives, and if that wasn’t great enough, they are only one calorie per treat! We currently stock four flavours, which are Peanut Butter, Pumpkin & Cinnamon, Coconut & Apple and Carrots & Tumeric, so even the pickiest pups can enjoy the treats.
Our range of Einstein Pet treats, infused with chia seed, are available on our website
You can also add chia seeds to regular doggie meals, either by sprinkling the seeds over the food raw to act as an extra supplement, or soaking the seeds in water to create a gel that can be mixed into food. This is especially useful for overweight pups, as when soaked, chia seeds are able to absorb up to 12 times their weight in water. These then expand in the stomach to create a feeling of fullness, which means dogs who love to eat feel full despite consuming less calories.
Feeding your pup is a meaty affair. Supermarket aisles are chockablock with dog food and treats, claiming to do everything from cleaning your pups teeth to teaching an old dog new tricks. A lot of what is on offer is heavily processed, and not as natural or healthy as the packaging would have you believe! A quick Google of dog food ingredients is enough to put you off the tinned stuff for life.
Every dog is different, and there is no perfect answer, but one of the easiest ways to know what your dog is eating is to put it together yourself. If the idea of cooking for your canine gets you into a cold sweat, don’t fear! PetLondon are here to give you a helping hand. It is not as tedious and messy as you might think, so put your nicest pinny on and rustle up a little gourmet feast for your pup tonight.
(Just a quick reminder before we get into the good stuff, PetLondon wouldn’t recommend overhauling your dogs diet overnight, any big changes can make their tummies funny. Take the time to slowly tweak their diet)
Choosing the ingredients for your dogs meal is as easy as 1, 2, 3. You need the energy, the greens and the protein. We’ve jotted down Poppy’s favourites to give you an idea:
The Energy: Brown Rice or Sweet Potato
The Greens (and the orange): Poppy loves kale, green beans, brocolli and spinach. Feel free to pick and mix your veg of choice, just avoid garlic and onions. If in doubt- Google! There are lots of lists of dog friendly fruit and veg, and we’ve got a couple saved to our Pinterest page.
The Protein: Turkey, beef or chicken.
The Extras: Poppy gets an adult multi-vitamin, and Pro-fibre (available from all good veterinarians).
You can rustle up a batch of your energy on a Sunday afternoon, if you have a spare thirty minutes pop a big pot of rice on the stove or throw a couple of sweet potatoes in the oven to bake. Once cooked, let it cool down before storing in your fridge.
Poppy has all her veg steamed, but choose whatever method works for you. You want it soft enough to dice up with the rest of the dinner, whether that means boiling your carrots or sautéing your spinach, do what works for you!
You can cook up your protein in advance too, Sunday afternoons are the perfect time to get busy in the kitchen and will make it easier for the rest of the week. If you’re making a Sunday roast for yourself, cook a little extra meat and put it aside for your pup. (Do make sure you don’t put any seasoning or sauce over the meat you’ll feed your pup though!) Meat won’t last the whole week, but you can prep enough for a couple of days.
Each evening muddle together your energy, greens and protein. Mix it together in the same way you would for a small child, and your pup will never notice they’re chomping down on kale.
Poppy also has an adult dog vitamin and Pro-fibre with her meal, they both go down easily by smashing the vitamin into a fine powder and stirring them both through her dinner.
Have fun getting creative in the kitchen, and if you do decide to cook for your pup take a photo and tag us @PetLondon– Poppy would love to see your doggy dinners!
The PetLondon Penthouse 