Easter Bank-Holiday Explorers

April 13, 2017Leave a comment

As we flock from our offices to soak up some mid-day rays, ice lollies back on your weekly shopping list, and BBQ’s covers are dusted off it can only mean one thing…. The Great British Sunshine has arrived.

With the long Easter weekend upon us and sun promised May bank holidays, many dog owners, including us at PetLondon are taking these chances to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life to relax with a mini-weekend staycation. Whether you are tucked up in a tiny beachside cottage in the depths of Dorset, exploring an undiscovered trail through the Sherwood Forest or exploring a city from a converted factory studio from AirBnB; our brand range is perfect for those intrepid explorers out there.

Inspired by the concept of outdoor recreation, the brand new Puppia Life range combines premium quality functionality and hyper-durable textiles with their opulently sharp design to create a truly exclusive outdoor collection for dogs. This seasonal range reflects trends in consumer demands for a robust and practical outdoor wear for their dogs; where design and style is key.

Inspired by nautical influences, the Wilderness jacket is treated with industry standard waterproofing and features fully adjustable toggles on the hood and hem to ensure a great fit and dryness in all weather conditions. With integrated harness, reflective bands and a handy zipped pocket; dogs will be safe and warm whilst finding their sea legs or dashing through puddles.

The Trek Harness range adheres strictly to Puppia Life’s philosophy of safety, style, comfort and functionality with these harnesses being much stronger and more durable than competitors. These veterinarian approved harnesses, are fully waterproof, and are available in a five different shapes, A to E, to suit each dog’s individual requirements. For instance Type E predicates ease of fitting the harness with its doubles buckles on each side, and Type C allows adjustment for a wider chested breeds, which typical vest harnesses lack.

Type A Trek Harness

The colour coordinated Trek Leads provide superior durability as with the rest of the Puppia Life range has three different length settings for varying activities and life stages of your pet. The padded handle offers premium comfort for the owner.

Adjustable Matching Leads

Whatever activity you are doing, enjoy the sunshine (fingers crossed), enjoy the company and make the most of it!

Boredom Busters, Ideas to Try at Home to Keep Your Dog Entertained

March 7, 2017March 25, 2024Leave a comment

Make your pooch’s day by creating a fun doggy scavenger hunt!

We understand that it is sometimes difficult to always keep your dog entertained, especially when living in a city! With Easter just around the corner, what better way to entertain your dog than an indoor scavenger hunt? Dogs are natural scavengers, so this fun game creates a challenge and plays on their instincts, allowing them to exercise their canine hunting skills, even when cooped up indoors!

Warm up by having your dog in sit-stay, and show him/her a healthy treat – our Coconut Chia Treats are full of chia seed goodness and work perfectly. Place the treat behind a chair and say ‘Find the treat’, or something similar and let your dog search for and retrieve their treat. Repeat as many times as necessary until your pooch gets the hang of it.

Once your dog has grasped the game, pretend to hide treats all around the room, but in fact only hide one or two. Keep it simple for the first few times. After a while you can make things more advanced by hiding the treats in empty boxes or wrapping them in a doggy blanket to mask the smell. Empty herbal tea boxes or toilet rolls work well for this. As well as providing entertainment on a rainy day, this indoor scavenger hunt allows you to practice your commands with your furry friend. Add an extra level of fun to the game by incorporating some toys! Filling one of our Mojo Flavoured Treat Balls with a tasty treat and hiding it will create even more of a challenge once your dog sniffs it out! The oblong shape of the toy creates a random and unpredictable bounce that is sure to keep your pooch entertained for hours, with the added bonus of cleaning their teeth and maintaining their dental hygiene!

Simply begin the game with your chosen command and let your dog scour the room for the prizes. Be sure to praise your happy pooch when they find them! Happy scavenging!

Sunglass Style for Dogs

May 30, 2016March 25, 2024Leave a comment

It may seem at first quite amusing, the thought of a dog in sunglasses! However, just as they can help humans there are ways in which they can help dogs….This can be to protect your dogs eyes from wind, sand and the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

Summer in London, well it must be coming soon ?!? Let’s not give up hope.

Older dogs with eye conditions or age-related cataracts will especially benefit from improved vision outdoors on a sunny day if they are wearing sunglasses. Its also something to consider if your dog likes to ride on a bike or with their head out of a vehicle window because it provides some protection against blowing particles.

We have tried and tested many different models on our own office CEO, Poppy the Morkie. A frequent traveller to Florida and also a senior girl, makes her an excellent candidate for benefiting from some eye protection. She really seems to enjoy wearing them when its sunny, we think she can feel the effects. Poppy certainly seems to tolerate wearing them very well and there is a noticeable difference when she goes indoors that she knows it is time for them to come off.

Ever the Fashionista, Poppy co-ordinates hers with a hot pink, crystal embellished hair bow

The current model that we carry is available in pink and smoke We have found this model to be the best on the market. The design has really improved in the past few years from some of the original models and its now both very lightweight and very easy to fit. These dog sunglasses are designed especially for the shape of a dogs face to have a comfortable fit. They have a wider nose bridge, offer 100% UV protection and shatterproof polycarbonate lenses. An adjustable strap goes underneath the dogs chin and around the back of their head. We *love* the added touch of the bone on each corner that acts as an adjustable touch and the pink shades have a tiny crystal heart in the corner as an added design detail.

An Added Bonus… you can take some SERIOUSLY CUTE Selfies!

Most dogs take very well to getting used to their sunglasses. They tend to appreciate the experience more when they can actually feel the benefit so use them for the first time outdoors when its actually sunny. It may feel a little weird for them the first couple of times but build up their usage gradually over time.

Other tips for safety in the sun include;

-Keep pets inside during the hottest part of the day, from 12-2pm

-Ensure they have access to a shaded area when outdoors

-Always have cool, fresh drinking water available

-If you are going to be in the sun for extended periods, think about a pet sunscreen for you dogs delicate areas like nose and ears. Even a dog with a dark black nose, can experience long term sun damage and loss of pigment on their nose through extended exposure.

Pet Friendly Florida

January 23, 2016March 25, 2024Leave a comment

More and More pets now than ever are now joining their parents on family vacations these days. Travel to and from the UK is not easy but if you have a small dog and are willing to travel via France then getting to America with your animal in the cabin with you is possible.

Poppy our founding dog and mascot in the PetLondon logo is fortunate to have spent much time in Florida where her Daddy is from and would like to share with you some of her top tips for vacationing with your pet in this sunny paradise. Here are a selection of her top five favourite things about spending time in the Sunshine State.

Dog Strollers are the Norm and Dogs are Welcome to Shop

Chances are you will want to partake in some retail therapy during your trip. Our top recommendation is the Town Centre Mall in Boca Raton. Its never too crowded and has a good selection of shops. One thing you will quickly notice if you visit any mall in Florida is that if you take a second look at all those strollers rolling past you, probably about 75% of them will contain not the usual two-legged infants but some very adorable four-legged friends. It seems the general policy is that so long as the pet is being carried or is in a stroller then they are very welcome in the shops.

Over the years, Poppy has owned a selection of strollers and here she is in her three-wheeler. The nice thing for Poppy is she can see where she is going, interact with people and then when she has had enough, there is plenty of room to curl up and go to sleep in peace and in her own private space. Its also got a handy storage space underneath to hold all the shopping and even a cup holder for your cappuccino!

Whilst strollers can of course be used in any country, if you have ever used one in the UK you are probably used to a lot of looks of surprise and shock. In the USA you will fit right in and be amongst many others using the same mode of transport for indoor shopping!

Here are a selection we saw on one shopping trip to Town Centre; A West Highland Terrier, A Cavalier King Charles and Maltese, all enjoying a day of shopping with their pet parents.

Another really useful item for shopping malls is a pet sling. If you are just quickly nipping in then this is fast and easy to use. We spotted this really cute little guy in Shaper Image. He seemed to be really chilled and is just “Hanging Out”!

2. Dog Beaches are a blast

One of Poppy’s true zen moments in life occur when she is on the beach. There is something about the feel of sand underneath her paws and the smell of the fresh ocean breeze that seems such a far cry from pounding the urban pavements of Marylebone. Poppy who is not much of an athlete usually, will happily run and frolic in the sand for hours or enjoys just digging in and inhaling the ocean breeze.

Dogs are not allowed on all beaches in Florida so you will need to do some research but most areas have a designated patch of beach that you can use at certain times of day. Be aware of one important thing though, you may need to purchase day permit to use the beach for a day or a weekend which can normally be done at an office right next to the space.

Poppy’s favourite spot is the Dog Beach in Boca Raton (Spanish River Park 3001 North Ocean Blvd., Between Lifeguard Towers 18 and 20). It is not as busy as you would expect and we practically had the place to ourselves on her last visit. The one thing you do need to be aware of though is that at certain times of year there can be jellyfish right by the waters edge. This is the last thing you want your dog to step on or touch, so check carefully before letting them off lead. The beach is very wide so you can easily stay above the tidal line if needed.

If your dog is the type that will enjoy a swim then stay safe and make sure you bring a dog life jacket with you too.

3. Dog Parks are a lot of fun

Florida is very pet friendly with special dog parks in most areas. A quick google search will help you to find your closest one. Normally there are separate areas for small dogs and larger breeds so that you can safely let them off the lead to interact with some new friends as long as they are well socialised.

Our recommendation is the Joseph Scavo Park in Hallandale. It has recently been renovated. Its a nice place to enjoy the fabulous Florida weather and there are lots of activities to do including a fitness path and equipment for adults and a children’s playground.

There are always plenty of dogs around, especially at sunset and a very freindly community feel. Don’t forget your pick up bags, a water bowl (it can get very hot and you need to make sure your pet stays hydrated) and make sure your dog is up-to-date on all vaccinations before letting them interact with others.

4. Dog Menus are available

Another great thing about Florida is that the weather is so warm that you can dine outside at most places with your dog. Some restaurants even offer dog menus. Max’s Grill in Mizner Park is one of these places. You can select from a huge choice of dishes breakfast to dinner and a great brunch on Sundays.

Enter a caption

Your dog can choose from the Mizner Bark Menu, which ranges from a simple snack of some biscuits to a 8oz Filet Mignon.

When you are travelling its not always easy to prepare food for you dog, so this can come in especially handy.

You can also help your pup cool off on a hot day with a frozen peanut butter pupcake.

Poppy’s favourite is the “Chasing Chicken”.

Max’s Grill is located in Mizner Park, which is a nice place to stroll around for a few hours with shops, restaurants and a very luxurious movie theatre. It is always full of dogs so there will be plenty of new friends to meet.

5. Pet Products are everywhere

There are loads of pet product shops in Florida. You cannot drive more than a few blocks without coming across one. Whether its the mass chains like Pet Supermarket, grooming salons, dog health food shops or independent boutiques, you will find a great selection of items that are not available in the UK. Our top recommendation is the Dog Bar in South Beach.

Finally, we want to leave you with a serious HEALTH TIP! Florida struggles with Heartworms, something that is not commonly a problem or treated for in the UK. Any dog owner planning a vacation or trip to Florida with their pet should discuss Heatworm prevention with their veterinarian before the trip. Its very easy to handle with the correct preventative drops or tablets during your trip but something you need to be aware of.

Pets Alone

December 15, 2015December 15, 20151 Comment

Three of our talented models recently took part in creating a viral video for Frontline. The brief was to recreate a scene from Home Alone but with a dog as the one left at home alone and a couple of “cat” burglars trying to break in over Christmas.

The casting process was tough and several animals were considered for the positions. In the end the lucky dog selected was Lottie, a crossbreed from Essex who has an impressive list of special skills.

PetLondon Model Lottie

Cast alongside Lottie were siblings Birman Foxy and Maine CoonWolfie, two felines from Southend-on-Sea. This lovely duo often work together on set as they are both very talented and photogenic.

PetLondon Models Foxie & Wolfie

The filming took place over a day and Lottie (aka “Kevin”) had to do some special practise rehearsals at home to get used to the actions required.

We were very excited to see the final video as the script sounded like a really fun storyboard and we are delighted to be able to share with you the results on here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAfxHOSARzA

To Brush or Not To Brush?

December 5, 2015March 25, 2024Leave a comment

Yes, I know, in today’s busy world you probably barely have time to brush your own teeth so the thought of having to do your pets too might sound like a lot of work but seriously when you think about it….. It is just about 180 seconds of your day that could make a huge difference to the health and life span of your furry friend.

Try to get into a routine where you brush your animals teeth in the evening after they have finished eating for the day. It’s a good idea to do it around the same time as you do your own nightly brush. That way you are more likely to remember. Keep your pets toothbrush in your bathroom where you will be likely to see it each night as a reminder.

You can use a special pet toothbrush. There are lots of different kinds available to suit different types of dog or cat. The main choices are; finger toothbrush, tiny toothbrush or a dual headed brush that covers both at once. Then you need to select a pet toothpaste. Make sure you check the scent of this, meat flavoured ones might not lead to very pleasant breath! Its best to look for one that is minty or vanilla for sweeter puppy kisses.

triple-pro

Brush your pets teeth just as you would your own. They don’t need to rinse . However make sure you carefully rinse out their brush under water each time you use it to avoid it getting stiff and also to keep it clean.

In an ideal world you would brush your pets teeth EVERY day but if you can manage even 3-4 times a week then you are doing better than most. For those of you who want another option, on nights when you cannot manage a full brush you can use a pet tooth wipe which is a 20 second quick solution that is better than doing nothing at all.

Once you start teeth brushing into your dog or cats routine you should notice a number of key benefits. Your dog or cat will have cleaner teeth and plaque will build up less quickly. This should mean better breath and less visits to the veterinarian for teeth cleaning over their lifetime. The teeth and gumline affect the whole health of your pet and most people are unaware that bad teeth can cause pain (which your pet cannot tell you about) and lead to other dangerous conditions such as heart problems.

Do your pet a favour and try to start today!

November Spotlight | Polaris Hoodie

November 26, 2015December 1, 2015Leave a comment

An opportunity to put some of PetLondon’s bestselling products under the spotlight and examine what makes them so special. This series will highlight one product each month.

New for Autumn/Winter 2015, the Polaris Hoodie is already becoming a firm favourite with our customers. Available in a dusky pink or a soft oatmeal and brown, the Polaris is made of a very simple herringbone patterned material. Each hoodie has a small and understated fleecy star on the back- which is how it earned its magical name! A single button can be fastened around the neck for a chic look, or left undone to give your dog a little more room.

Polaris 2

The same super soft cotton fleece used for the star has also been incorporated into the lining, hood and sleeves. This gives the hoodie long-lasting softness and a touch of stretch. Designed with premium comfort in mind, the cotton fleece is extremely high quality which is guaranteed to make your dog even more cuddly than normal! Another cosy design feature in the Polaris is the ribbed bottom. This little touch is found across the Puppia range, and helps make sure the sweater has a snug and secure fit.

As well as being soft, elegant and comfortable, the Polaris is functional. It is one of a few Puppia items that come with a leash hole. Nestled at the top of the jumper- just under the hood- the leash hole means you can easily slip it on over the top of a harness and clip your lead through the hole. This makes it the perfect everyday choice for walks outside, especially as the weather gets colder.

To complete the look, Puppia have also released two matching harnesses this season. The Witta Harness A follows their internationally loved Harness design- easy to pull over the head, the Witta puts no strain on your dog’s neck and has a comfortable and supportive fit. Available in the same neutral pink and brown colours as the Polaris hoodie, the Witta is made of a similar herringbone patterned material. Perfect for the cold London weather, the harness is edged with luxurious cotton fleece material which helps keep in the warmth.

Witta_A_Front

Also available is the Witta Jacket Harness. The Jacket is made of the same elegant fabric and soft, cotton fleece trim. Popular with broad chested dogs, the Jacket does not need to be pulled over the head and is easy to step into and adjust.

Witta_B_Brown_Pink

Whichever style your pet prefers, the Witta looks very chic and smart paired with the cosy Polaris Hoodie- and of course there is a matching lead!

Witta_Lead_Both

The Polaris range is available to buy online or in store today.

Brand Focus: LouisDog

November 24, 2015February 6, 2016Leave a comment

In addition to our own products, PetLondon work with a select few other brands. We only work with the very best, and look for quality products from caring companies. Brand Focus is an opportunity for us to share the brands we stock with you, give you a little information about what makes them tick and pick out our favourite items from them. First up the most premium- super luxury brand LouisDog..

louisdog-86138146

Describing itself as ‘one of the finest lines of apparel and accessories for all dogs and their owners’ LouisDog is the brand you go to when you want something extra special. Since they started in 2001 the company has become internationally loved for its elegant designs, exclusive fabrics and beautiful craftsmanship.

Distributed exclusively in the UK by PetLondon, LouisDog is stocked in the very best boutiques and department stores in the country including Selfridges Pet Department.

Each season LouisDog surprises and delights its customers with carefully designed pieces that are perfect for spoiling your loved one! We have picked out a few of our favourite pieces from their latest collections, all are stylish, comfortable and designed to improve the life of your best friend.

As the weather gets colder, this luxurious Tweed Jacket has been a popular choice. Elegant and sophisticated, the jacket uses LouisDog exclusive ‘thinsulate’ technology to keep in warmth without making it too heavy. You have to feel it to believe it, and customers are always impressed with how lightweight the coat is compared to how snuggly and warm it keeps their dogs! Snap buttons make it easy to pop on or off, it is a perfect wearable coat for the winter.

Another favourite around the PetLondon Penthouse (especially with Poppy) is the Peekaboo House. A new update on the Peekaboo range from LouisDog, the Peekaboo bedroom is a light and cosy haven for your dog. The canopy is made from high quality linen, and the four pillars are covered with 100% organic cotton curtains. It is important to have somewhere in your home for your dog to escape to, a little hideaway for them to get some privacy and alone time. Great for puppies or adult dogs alike, the Peekaboo House will let them draw the curtains on the outside world!

A final pick we had to share with you is the Cardigan Warmer. Available in grey and pink, this is a great option to give your dog a little more warmth for walks underneath their coat or for around the house. The snuggly scarf makes it look ridiculously cute and chic, and the velcro fastening makes it super easy to slip on and off.

We love Louisdog, and we sure you will too!

HELLO, WE’RE PETLONDON

PetLondon Models Q&A

November 3, 2015March 25, 2024Leave a comment

Dancing ponies, entrepreneurial meerkats and screaming goats; animal modelling is a booming business. PetLondon models is a leading UK animal modelling agency, and we have seen it all. We are inundated with queries and concerns from pet owners across the country who want their cat to be the next Tony Tiger. So, this week we took to Twitter to ask you for some of your burning questions for us to answer!

Has my ‘baby’ got what it takes to be a model?

The top priority for any animal looking to break into the world of modelling is temperament. Is your dog/cat/rabbit…. going to enjoy it? They need to enjoy attention, and be comfortable around people. If your puppy is scared of men for example, they’re not going to cope on a shoot where there could be a men all over the place.

Once you’re sure your pet will enjoy modelling, you can think about skills. Unless they are under 5 months they are going to need to have the basics down. For a dog, they should be able to sit, stay, stand and lay down. Other animals might not be as advanced, but should still be able to stay and have a level of control.

How can I fit my career around my pet’s stardom?

Your pet’s modelling career is unlikely to become a full time thing, but when opportunities do pop up, they tend to be mid-week and last minute. So unless you’re able to drop everything and tootle off with your pet to a shoot in the middle of the afternoon, pet modelling is not for you. When you get to the shoot it’s not a matter of dropping of Fido and cracking on with your day, you will need to be on hand on set for as long as your animal is there.

I want to give up my job and live a life of luxury, how much will my animal earn as a model?

Modelling is a nice additional income, and will help cover the costs of a few treats here and there, but it is probably not enough to live off! As with all modelling, the work is not always constant. Rates vary but are typically 30 an hour. However it’s a really fun thing to do with your pet, and you’ll get some amazing memories, photos and footage of your pet.

How do I land my first modelling shoot?

If you’re sure you and your animal have got what it takes, you need to be signed by a pet modelling agency, pop over to our website now to sign up! As soon as you’re registered clients can see you and we can put you forward for jobs. You will need a couple of photos and some details about your animal to fill in your portfolio.

How do I get a portfolio of images of my pet?

Paying to get a professional in is not necessary. Once you’re signed up with PetLondon, we will give you a super detailed explanation of how to take professional looking shots of your animal. You do need to put some effort into these, as we have a lot of animals on our books for clients to go through- you want to make sure you stand out! Try to take photos inside and outside, making them bright and clear. Natural lighting is always better, and make sure you get a mix of full body and close ups. Videos are also amazing if you want to showcase any tricks.

Cat or dog?

Either! It’s a well known fact cats own the internet, but clients love dogs too. From bunnies to bearded dragons, all animals are welcome.

Head over to the PetLondon Models website now to learn more about what we do, and good luck!

The PetLondon Penthouse

Thoughts, ideas and inspiration from the hub of PetLondon

Category: Uncategorized