Tag: dotsure.co.za

  • HOW TO MAKE LIP-SMACKING HOMEMADE DOG BISCUITS

    HOW TO MAKE LIP-SMACKING HOMEMADE DOG BISCUITS

     

    There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked goodies, especially when they’re for your best furry friend. There’s no need to be a professional baker. These homemade dog biscuits are a walk in the park to whip up.

    PS: We know how to make delicious treats and are also great at tailoring pet insurance! Get a quote online in minutes, and make your fur child and wallet happy.

    Ready to make some tails wag? Let’s bake.

     

    DIY Dog Treat Recipe: Quick, Easy, and Pup-Approved

    What you need:

    • 2 eggs
    • 1 jar (125ml) of carrot baby food
    • 2½ cups of flour (whole wheat flour works well)

    Instructions:

    1. Preheat your oven to 180°C.
    2. In a bowl, mix the eggs, baby food, and flour until a dough forms.
    3. Knead the dough by hand if needed. It should be slightly dry but stick together.
    4. Roll it out on a floured surface to about 0,5 cm thick.
    5. Cut the dough into any shape your doggo desires.
    6. Place on a lined baking tray and bake for ±25 minutes or until golden and firm.
    7. Let the biscuits cool completely before offering your pup a taste.
    8. Store in an airtight container. That’s if they last long enough!

     

    Prefer to follow along visually? Watch our original recipe video here and bake like a pro!

     

    What Baked Goods Are Safe for Dogs?

    These dog biscuits tick all the right boxes: they’re made with natural dog-safe ingredients, are free of xylitol, and contain no added salt or sugar. Always avoid raisins, chocolate, onions, and nutmeg when baking treats for dogs.

    If you’re ever unsure, speak to your vet.

     

    RELATED: HUMAN FOODS CATS CAN AND CAN’T EAT; TOP 15 FOODS DOGS SHOULD NEVER EAT

     

    Want More Pet-Friendly Recipes?

    We’ve got more recipes up our sleeves:

     

    Treat Your Dog and Your Budget

    Whether your pup is snacking on some homemade dog biscuits or playing in the dog park, accidents happen. Protect your dog with pet insurance that covers those unexpected moments so you can focus on the fun stuff.

    Do you need help? Contact us or get a quote online.

     

    Psst!!! We have some more treats to share. PET INSURANCE THAT ADDS VALUE: GIVE YOUR POLICY A TREAT!

  • DOES YOUR PET INSURANCE COVER VACCINATIONS? LET’S BREAK IT DOWN

    DOES YOUR PET INSURANCE COVER VACCINATIONS? LET’S BREAK IT DOWN

    Your furry bestie deserves the best care, including those all-important vaccinations. But here’s the big question: Does pet insurance cover vaccinations, or will you need to budget separately for them? As SA’s #1 pet insurance*, we’ve got all the answers (and the plans) for you.

     

    Are Vaccinations Covered by Pet Insurance?

    Standard pet insurance usually covers unexpected illnesses and accidents; routine care such as vaccination isn’t always included. However, some plans (like some of the dotsure.co.za plans) allow you add wellness benefits that help cover these essential vet visits.

    Are you already part of the dotsure.co.za pet fam? Visit the Manage Portal online or contact us and add the Wellness Benefit today.

    RELATED: DOES YOUR PET INSURANCE COVER SPAYING AND NEUTERING?

     

    What Is the Cost of Pet Vaccinations in South Africa?

    Keeping your pet’s vaccines up to date is crucial, but what’s the price tag?

    Puppy and Kitten First-Year Vaccines

    Young pets need multiple vaccinations in their first year to protect them against deadly diseases such as parvo and rabies. The cost? Around R500 – R1 000 per shot, with multiple rounds needed.

    Annual Boosters

    After their first year, dogs and cats need yearly booster shots to stay protected. These costs are between R400 and R800 per visit.

    RELATED: CANINE PARVOVIRUS: SYMPTOMS, TREATMENT AND PREVENTION

     

    Do We Cover Vaccinations?

    Yes, with the right plan or extension! While vaccinations aren’t covered under standard accident and illness plans, our Wellness Benefit options helps with routine care costs. Here’s how they work:

    • Included in our Ultimate Plan
    • Available as an add-on for Elite, Vital and Deluxe Plans

    Helps cover the costs of vaccinations, deworming, tick and flea prevention, and more!

     

    Is Pet Insurance Worth It for Vaccinations Alone?

    Pet insurance is primarily designed for unexpected vet bills, but with the Wellness Benefit, you can get help with preventative care such as vaccines. That means less stress for you and better protection for your pet, which is a win-win!

     

    Ready to Protect Your Pet? Get a Quote Today!

    Keeping your pet happy and healthy is easier (and more affordable) with dotsure.co.za. Whether you need cover for surprise vet visits or routine care such as vaccinations, we have a plan for you!

    Get a quote today at dotsure.co.za.

    *Voted South Africa’s Best Pet Insurance 2023/2024 by readers of various media publications.

  • VET ADVICE: SPOTTING THYROID ISSUES IN PETS

    VET ADVICE: SPOTTING THYROID ISSUES IN PETS

     

    Meet Dr Ashley Heymans

    We spoke to Dr Ashley Heymans from Manorswood Veterinary Clinic in Sandton about pet thyroid-related health issues, their signs and symptoms, and ways to manage them.

    Tell us a little more about you and what you do.

    “I am originally from Zimbabwe, where I grew up on a farm. I knew from about age five that I wanted to be a vet. I moved to South Africa in 2016 and qualified from Onderstepoort in 2021.”

    When did you decide to become a vet?

    “My career started in rural Limpopo, where I worked with a welfare organisation. It was there that I encountered and took home my two second-hand dogs, Frieda and Ellie. Frieda is a mixed breed that came in as a stray with horrible mange, and Ellie is a border collie that a breeder surrendered due to a large venereal tumour. Both dogs came with me when I moved to Johannesburg at the beginning of 2024 and are healthy and happy “Joburg girls” now. The dogs share their home with two rescue cats, Toast and Pepper.”

    Understanding Thyroid Issues in Pets

    What are the most common thyroid-related health issues found in pets?

    “The thyroid is a gland located in the neck that releases hormones. Thyroid hormones have many purposes but are primarily involved in controlling the metabolism. Dogs and cats can both be affected by problems in their thyroid glands. Most commonly, dogs can develop hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland), and cats can develop hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland).”

    How do hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism differ?

    Hyperthyroidism is often seen in cats and rarely diagnosed in dogs. Cats with hyperthyroidism are usually older than 8 years old and their symptoms stem from too much thyroid hormones in the body, causing what is essentially an increased metabolism.

    Hypothyroidism is most often diagnosed in middle-aged dogs (2 to 9 years old) and very rarely in cats. Certain breeds, including Boxers, Dachshunds and Dobermans, are more commonly affected, but hypothyroidism can happen to any breed.”

    What are the main signs and symptoms?

    Cats with hyperthyroidism may show:

    • Weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite
    • Hyperactivity
    • Increased drinking and urination
    • An unkempt coat

    Dogs with hypothyroidism may show:

    • Lethargy
    • Weight gain
    • Hair loss over the body and tail

    What are the treatment options available?

    “We can test thyroid hormone 4 (T4) levels by taking a blood sample from the cat. If the cat has elevated T4 levels, we can begin treatment for hyperthyroidism. There are several options to treat this condition. Most commonly vets recommend an anti-thyroid medication (a tablet given once a day) to reduce the activity of the thyroid. We can alternatively change to an iodine-restricted diet to reduce the thyroid hormone levels (Hills y/d Cat Food is one of these diets). However, only cats can eat this food, which can be difficult for homes with multiple animals. Some cases are suitable for a surgery called a thyroidectomy, where the thyroid gland is removed surgically.

    The individual cat, the feasibility of giving medication or changing diet, and the veterinarian’s available options all influence the decision about which method to use to manage the thyroid. Cats with hyperthyroidism risk developing other diseases, such as kidney disease and high blood pressure. So, regular checkups with the vet are strongly recommended to keep your cat healthy and happy.

    Diagnosing hypothyroidism is slightly more complicated than diagnosing hyperthyroidism, as we must test the thyroid hormone (T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels to check if the brain is trying to tell the thyroid to produce hormones. If there is high TSH and low T4, we can assume that the thyroid gland is underactive and begin treatment for hypothyroidism. We treat an underactive thyroid gland by supplementing thyroid hormones with oral medication. Treatment is lifelong.”

    What advice do you give pet parents to ensure early detection and effective management?

    “Early detection and starting treatment early in the course of the disease is essential for both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Your GP vet can most often do a diagnosis of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. If you see signs in your cat or dog that are unusual or suspicious of these conditions, you should visit the vet and describe them. When the veterinarian recommends blood tests, owners are often reluctant to go through with them due to cost constraints. Blood tests are not cheap. However, the peace of mind that doing full diagnostics brings is more than worth the cost of the tests.

    Starting your cat or dog on treatment for these conditions vastly improves their quality of life and will give you more time with them. Medical treatment for thyroid conditions is lifelong, and we must stick to the treatment plan provided by the vet to ensure your pet remains healthy. Often, when we have had our cat or dog on medication for a month or two, they start to look better, and we stop their medication, only for them to get worse again. Try to give medications exactly as instructed and collect your pets’ chronic medications in time to prevent them from deteriorating. Giving a tablet daily might be a schlep, but if it improves your pet’s quality of life and extends their lifespan it is worth it!”

    Manage Thyroid Issues (and More) with Pet Insurance

    Thyroid problems can be tricky to manage, but with early detection, proper care and Pet Insurance from dotsure.co.za, you can help your furry friend lead a healthier, happier life.

    Get cover today! We take the bite out of vet bills, putting you and your pet’s well-being first!

    Are you looking for more vet advice? Check out our VET ADVICE ON PROPER NUTRITION FOR YOUR PET.

  • HERE’S WHAT OUR CLIENTS REALLY THINK ABOUT US!

    HERE’S WHAT OUR CLIENTS REALLY THINK ABOUT US!

    It was Bill Gates who famously said that your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning. We take our customer feedback very seriously and we crave your feedback. At dotsure.co.za our products and services are truly centred on real customer value, as such we are fanatical about learning what customers want.

    Don’t take our word for it though, here’s what some of you had to say.

     

    Lynda

    Outstanding assistance from dotsure.co.za’s Client Care Consultant

    Registered online over the weekend – easiest process ever. Requested an amendment on Monday morning before 8. Taahirah contacted me just past 8, friendly, most accommodating, even ensured that I was well informed about other options. I was really impressed by her professionalism and friendliness.”

     

    Faren

    Exceptional client service

    “I would just like to give a special commendation to Chadwick who helped me get some insurance for my precious fur child. He was very polite, accommodating and had a good sense of humour. Thank you for your help!”

     

    Kaila

    Excellent service

    “Thank you dotsure.co.za for excellent service. Your consultant that helped me was very friendly, kind and helpful. I highly recommend dotsure.co.za to anyone looking for pet insurance. They have a wide variety of plans to fit anyone’s budget. And again, thank you dotsure.co.za for wonderful service.

     

    Lili

    dotsure.co.za rocks!!!

    “This review is just to make sure that everybody knows just how amazing it is to deal with dotsure.co.za insurance, I have had the most amazing service with one specific lady by the name of Sarah-Joy.  She was quick, professional and efficient and with no time wasted she had me totally sorted… thank you so much Sarah for making my journey with dotsure.co.za such a pleasure!”

    May I also take this opportunity to thank Jason on his service and professionalism… dotsure.co.za can be so proud to have such amazing people like Jason and Sarah on their team… in fact I’m convinced the entire dotsure.co.za team are all simply the BEST !!!”

     

    Lynette

    Super amazing service!

    “Bianca is absolutely amazing and definitely has the right kind of attitude for the job. She is super friendly and definitely goes the extra mile to assist, if you ever want to take out pet insurance do not hesitate to ask for Bianca, the company should be proud on staff members like her, you definitely go above and beyond Bianca”.

     

    Fiona

    Thank you!

    “Hi dotsure.co.za, I normally dread dealing with new businesses (to me) and pushy sales persons. However, your service approach is perfect, and I am really impressed with how quickly and efficiently you understood my needs.  In addition, Taylor, sound like a very nice person. Thank you for your excellent service and caring attitude. I experienced the following:

    • Prompt call back
    • No pressurization to take out insurance (very important to me)
    • My requirements taken into full consideration
    • Option I can afford suggested and all details of the plan clearly explained
    • Documents and policy sent to me very timeously
    • Pet details recorded correctly in policy”

     

    Lee-Anne

    Super impressed!

    “Super impressed with dotsure.co.za. I took my babies for their vaccinations, submitted the claims the previous day and had my money in my account the next day”.

    We’d love to hear from you. Rate our service, let us know what you like, what you don’t and most importantly, what you need.

     

  • WINE AND WORKOUTS: YES/NO?

    WINE AND WORKOUTS: YES/NO?

    When your office gang says “it’s wine o’ clock” they usually mean they’re going to indulge in a tall glass of Shiraz to celebrate the end of another working day. A glass of grape nectar after a long day sounds extremely refreshing, but what about the spinning class you’ve booked for tonight? Would it cancel each other out or is a workout after a glass of adult juice bad for your bod?

    Let’s do some investigating! We’ll have to see what the experts say, before we order our next pre/after workout.

    Here are the health benefits of drinking wine:

    3 Health Benefits of wine

    Good for the ticker- People that drink a moderate amount of wine regularly, particularly with food, have a 30% lower risk of heart diseases.

    1. Endorphin boost- Chemically speaking, alcohol stimulates your feel-good hormones. It releases serotonin, dopamine and opioid peptides into your brain, which makes you feel lekker.
    2. Reduces risk of Diabetes – The VU University Medical Centre in Amsterdam did research on 639 862 people over a 12-year period. They found that moderate wine drinkers have a 30% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes than non-drinkers.

    Remember all of the above health benefits only apply if you stick to a glass (maybe two) daily. Overindulging can have the opposite effect on your health (and weight). Pouring fermented grape juice down your throat like it’s a jug of fresh aqua might be delicious, but it can be destructive.

    Okay, so in general moderate amounts of wine is good for you, but what about a glass before or after you hit the gym?

    Before the gym…

    According to Irene Lewis –  McCormack, an exercise physiologist and international fitness educator, booze affects your performance (exercise wise- get your head out of the gutter!) . Your body uses glucose for fuel and that fuel gets stored in your liver. Alcohol, incidentally, also gets metabolized in the liver, which means that alcohol affects your ability to use your glucose. As a result, you’re not going to get the energy you need, and you simply just won’t function on an optimal level.

    In addition to the lack of energy, you’ll also dehydrate fast, because alcohol makes you lose water and exercise makes you sweat like a dunk convict stuck in a roadblock… in Kazakhstan.

    After the gym…

    “Red red wine, you make me feel so fine”. Researchers have found that wine releases endorphins into our brains that we use to reward motivation for working out. If we consume a glass of wine straight after a sweat session, our body remembers and wants to replicate the action again and again. This means, we, subconsciously encourage ourselves to hit the gym the next day in order to have a bevvy again following the workout.

    Please note: Moderation is still key here. A hangover the next morning can keep you away from the weights.

    The verdict

    One glass of wine before or after a workout won’t kill you, but it’s better to avoid the combo. Your heart and liver will thank you for it. Make a choice between a glass of ruby delight or a date with the bar (not the alcoholic kind). Choose wisely!

    “Everything in moderation, including moderation.” -Oscar Wilde

     

  • 5 BEST TIPS FOR TINDER TO TRY TODAY!

    5 BEST TIPS FOR TINDER TO TRY TODAY!

    So, you’re on Tinder to find love or something a little more than friendship? Still, you often end up without a match, third-wheeling with couples or eating microwaved dinners for one. Hate to break it to you, but you need some TLC (Tinder Loving Care).

     

    We have some brilliant tips to get those Tinder matches multiplying. No need to uninstall the dating app just yet.

    After reading this, you’ll be the kings and queens of online dating.

     

    The basics – how to Tinder

    • Download Tinder for Android or Apple
    • Open the dating app and register.
    • Add a great photo of yourself.
    • Tweak your settings – location, notifications, match range, etc.
    • Write a short and sweet bio about yourself. Add more photos.
    • Start looking at others’ profiles. Swipe right if you’re interested.
    • Wait for a match (when they swipe right on YOU) and start chatting…
    • Go on a coffee date in a safe, public place.
    • Viola! Love is blooming.

     

     

    Try these 5 Tinder Tips!

     

    1. Firstly, get a bio, bro!

     

    A Tinder profile without a bio is like a book without ink. It’s useless and unappealing. You need to approach your Tinder bio like you do your profile picture. Always look your best and take time to get it right. Write about the things you’re passionate about and express your personality. It might not seem sincere on a screen, but you stand a chance of meeting your match.

     

    Tinder bio no-no’s

    • Always be respectful. Sure, they’re strangers, but it’s a small world…
    • Be yourself but represent yourself, too. You are looking for romance, after all.
    • Writing a long bio is a definite fail. Keep it short and sweet. Imagine it’s a tweet.
    • Don’t make spelling and grammar errors. It’ll make you seem less intelligent or attentive than you are.

       2.Flaunt your face

     

    Your face is your trademark. Nobody wants to date Casper the friendly ghost. You need a picture of your face and at least two other shots to get someone to swipe right. Keep the photos friendly and cut back on the filters. Narcissistic nitwits expose themselves in other ways, too; not so nice when we haven’t even met. Keep things sassy but classy.

    Please note: Blurry and poorly-cropped images will kill your Tinder performance. Keep them fresh and in focus. If you feel awkward in front of the camera, take a selfie with your pup or kit cat – it’ll feel more natural and make you smile for real. You might even score some Superlikes.

     

    Tinder Win

     

    1. Make the settings work for you

     

    Okay, you’ve got the bio and pics right. What about your profile settings? Make sure the settings and notifications are on point, otherwise you’ll be wasting precious dating time.

    To change your notifications, tap the profile icon at the top of the main screen, go to Settings and then to Notifications. To edit other settings, head into the Settings menu to choose your preferences. Select your gender, proximity to potential matches and partner’s preferred age range. You’ll need to allow the app to see your phone’s location.

    From there you can pick which gender you’re after. You can even choose both if you feel like it.

    Hint: If you want more setting options – download Tinder Gold for about R50 per month. You can control who sees you and undo swipes.

     

    1. Learn to speak the language of LOVE

    Even if you’ve got an awesome bio on the chat app and your pics are good enough to feature on the cover of a magazine, if you suck at communicating, you might as well let the Tinder flame die.

    Your chats need to spell LOVE.

    L – Legit

    You need to seem legit. That’s why the over-filtered pics and scripted bios are a no-go. Your messages need to flow freely and you want to express your personality accurately.  Would you (really) say something like, “Yass, you’re giving me the feels, but soz I need to bounce”?

    O – Ongoing

    Active users communicate daily. Conversations build trust. Try to think differently here. Opening with a winking face is out, and asking, “how are you?” is boring. If you want to open a chat with a question, rather go with something that’s buzzing on social media.

    V – Vigilant

    Watch out for fakes. You might be chatting to a catfish. Facebook-stalk your matches if you must. Look at their friends, location and recent posts. Real people, real possibility of a great date. Having fewer than 50 friends on Facebook isn’t normal. #justsaying

    E – Entertaining

    Use humour, GIFs and images when you exchange messages. Remember that there are hundreds of people on Tinder. You need to stand out from the hormonal mass.

     

    1. Your date awaits!

     

    If you’ve mastered the art of the 4 points above, you’re on your way to a romantic dinner with a stranger. Although it’s not technically a blind date, it can be rather awkward since you’ve probably never met the person before. Relax, be yourself, and if all else fails, there’s always a new smile waiting for a right-swipe.

     

     

    Your future husband/wife/life partner might be just a tap or two away. Go work your magic, Cupido!

     

     

     

  • SOS: WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CAR HITS A POOCH

    SOS: WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CAR HITS A POOCH

    You’re driving home after a long day at the office and suddenly you and a furry-friend cross paths and you slam on the breaks. In the blink of an eye you find yourself shivering with shock. The dog is lying on the side of the road in distress as you realise that you hit the poor pooch. What now?

     

    Before you panic, act. The injured dog needs attention, and her humans need to know, too; your next steps make all the difference in this dreaded situation.  Follow these guidelines from dotsure.co.za and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA):

     

    1. Try to stay calm

     

    • We’re talking actual calm. Take a few deep breaths and have a sip of water (you keep fresh water in the car, right?).
    • Once you’re more relaxed, you’ll think more clearly and be less likely to make mistakes that could end a helpless dog’s life.

     

    1. Call the DOG-ter
    • Before calling, check if the injured animal is still breathing. The chest should expand between 12 and 24 times per minute (count the number of breaths in 10 seconds and multiply it by 6 to get a per-minute estimate).
    • Don’t assume the dog is dead if you can’t see obvious signs of life – that’s a job for a medical professional and that’s where you have to go. Now.
    • You’ve got a local vet’s 24-hour emergency number on speed dial, right?
    • Give the vet a call ASAP. Warn them that you’re on your way with the injured animal. This way, they will be able to assist you immediately on arrival.
    • Tell the vet what’s wrong with the pet, for example a broken leg or a bleeding nose etc. If you can tell that the dog is still breathing, and its breathing rate (see above), tell the vet.

     

    AND

     

    Call the owner

    • If it’s not your fur-ball that’s injured, check the dog’s name tag for a number.
    • Call the owner to inform them of the accident and ask them to meet you at the vet.
    • No number? Ask the residents of the nearest house, if there is one within yelling distance. Leave the vet’s number with someone if you can.
    • Don’t wait around for the hound’s mom or dad to arrive at the scene of the accident. Death doesn’t come at convenient times, so hurry!

     

    1. TLC the pet
    • The wounded one might be in pain and shock. Watch out for aggressive behaviour.
    • Make sure you handle the dog gently.
    • Wrap a blanket or car seat cover around the pooch, and keep her mouth and nose exposed.
    • If a wound is bleeding, apply pressure to it and try to bandage it with a sock or piece of clothing. Nothing in the car? Use something you’re wearing.
    • Try to keep the dog as still as possible. Severe movement could cause more damage to limbs or internal organs.
    • Don’t give the doggo any medication, food or liquids (not even water). Giving it to them here could complicate life-saving treatment at the vet.
    • If the dog is having trouble breathing, remove her collar, open her mouth and check her airway for any obstructions. Just be careful of bites.

     

    1. Get to a vet
    • Don’t drive irresponsibly on your way to the vet. You could add to the injury if her body is moved by the motion of the car.
    • Put your hazard lights on to indicate an emergency; considerate drivers will give way to you.
    • Once you’ve arrived safely at the vet, keep reassuring the dog in low tones, even if you don’t know the gal.
    • Stay with her for as long as possible. She and her human will appreciate it.

     

    1. Make a claim – you’ve got this!
    • Vet bills can be costly. If it’s your own dog you hit by accident, and she’s already covered by dotsure.co.za, you can claim on her medical expenses for the incident.
    • If you’re not the owner of the injured pet, we hope you can find the legal guardianThey might have pet insurance.
    • Insurance terms can be confusing, so just to be clear, our liability cover is for incidents caused by your insured

     

     

    Click here to find out how to claim:

    Guard the hearts of man’s best friend!

     

     

  • 10 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR PUP FROM FREEZING THIS WINTER

    10 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR PUP FROM FREEZING THIS WINTER

    Temperatures are dropping and coffee is overflowing. You’re switching from tank tops to sweaters and your pooches are tempted to dive into the blankets with you. Winter isn’t coming, it has already arrived! Are you prepared for the shivers and teeth chattering chills?

    You might be ready to kick the cold to the curb, but what about your fur-kids? Sure, they’ve got coats to protect them from the cold, but they still need a little extra TLC.

    Here are 10 ways you can help your barking bud beat the cold this winter season:

     

    1. Limit outdoor playtime

    Make sure that you limit playtime to 30 minutes at a time. This will ensure that your dog doesn’t spend too much time out in the cold.

     

    1. Go on shorter walks

    Make sure your pooch gets enough exercise, but limit walks to 15 minutes each. Rather walk with your pup twice a day (mornings and early evenings).

     

    1. Keep an eye on your doggo.

    If your dog is showing signs of shivering, whining or trembling, heat them up with a fuzzy blanky or jersey.

     

    1. Don’t shave your dog!

    Your hound is lucky enough to have a natural permanent jersey to keep him/her warm during icy days. Don’t remove their natural fur for aesthetic reasons.

     

    1. Wipe their paws

    The freezing weather outside can make your pup’s paws wet and cold. Wipe Bailey’s paws with a dry towel before he enters the house. It’s won’t only help your pooch out, but also your floors and fancy furniture. Muddy dog paws can ruin your stylish beige sofa.

     

    1. Keep their tummies full

    Dogs burn more calories during chilly days. Make sure they are well fed this winter.

     

    1. Let sleeping dogs lie

    If your four-legged friend wants to snooze more, don’t force him to stand up. The winter weather steals energy and makes your poor bud feel tired. Don’t be jelly because your fur-friend gets to sleep in and you don’t. Let him drift off to dreamland.

     

    1. Grab an extra blanky

    Grab a warm fuzzy blanket and put it in your dog’s bed. Make sure there is also a warm blanky on his favourite spot on the floor. Tiles and wooden floors can be chilly.

     

    1. Keep a first aid kit handy

    Pets can injure themselves on wet surfaces. Keep bandages, antibiotic ointment and medication for accidents in a safe place in your home.

    Also, keep the following in your first aid kit:

    -Earbuds

    -Non-alcoholic ear cleanser

    -Vitamin supplements (especially vitamin C to fight flu)

    -Aloe Vera cream for bruises

    – Hydrogen Peroxide (For toxic indigestion)

    – Gauze, Scissors, Tape, Rubber Gloves

    – Vaccination & Medical Records

     

    1. Buy a comfy jersey

    If your dog’s fur isn’t thick enough, make sure you give him a comfy jersey. Make sure that the jersey isn’t too tight (especially around the neck, legs tummy) or too loose.

    Use the above tips and heat up winter with a little extra love and attention. Your pup will thank you for it by giving you endless snuggles and face-licks.

    Share your warmth this winter!