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Health Care Advice For Senior Pets

Some of the common health issues in older pets include

  • kidney , liver and cardiovascular disease
  • prostate disease and testicular cancer
  • diabetes
  • arthritis and degenerative joint disease
  • cognitive problems

Be aware of changes in your pet’s behaviour that could indicate underlying age- related disease. Don’t accept old age as the reason for these changes as they could actually be symptoms of treatable underlying problems.

  • Change in appetite
  • Weight loss or weight gain
  • Excessive thirst and/or urinations
  • Difficulty rising, climbing stairs or getting into the car
  • Loss of housetraining
  • Appearance of lumps or bumps
  • Bad breath, or bleeding gums
  • Diarrhoea or vomiting
  • Change in sleep patterns
  • Confusion or disorientation

Regular health checks. Once your pet is senior, take him/her to the vet for a thorough check up twice a year. Pets can suffer from many of the ailments that affect humans such as cancer, diabetes, dental disease, kidney failure and loss of vision. Early detection is the key and many of these conditions can be treated to help your pet maintain its quality of life.

Diet. An older dog needs a balanced diet that is lower in calories, protein and fat but higher in fibre. Your vet may recommend a prescription diet or suggest dietary supplements.

Watch their weight. Because of decreased activity level, many older dogs will gain weight. Being overweight predisposes pets to heart disease and diabetes and also places unnecessary strain on hips and joints.

Exercise. Older dogs still need the mental stimulation provided by daily walks and although they may not have quite the same spring in their step, they still enjoy the sights and smells of the great outdoors. Short but regular walks are one of the keys for keeping your pooch alert and young.

Degenerative Joint Disease, also called osteoarthritis, is one of the most common progressive conditions in dogs. It can occur as a result of hip dysplasia, joint fractures, and cruciate ligament disease.
There are many treatment options to help to slow down the degenerative changes. Your vet may prescribe anti-inflammatories a to help provide pain relief and there are a range of supplements on the market that may help alleviate pain associated with arthritis.

Grooming  – As older dogs have more delicate skin it is important to be gentle when grooming them. Use a soft brush or grooming mit like the Oakwood Grooming Glove

Use grooming time as an opportunity to feel your pet over for lumps or sores.  Make sure you check inside ears and clean them as necessary.

Finally, Be Considerate. Think of your older pooch as you would an elderly person. Their senses may not be as sharp as they once were, so they may be easily startled.Our senior pets are so special and their twilight years are a time to be treasured.

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About Our Premises Flea Spray

Some key facts to know:

Fleas can cause serious health problems from dogs including itching, lesions, allergies, infections and parasite-born diseases.
Oakwood offers a flea solution for the dog and for ongoing environmental control. Here are some key steps you can take to keep fleas under control on your pet and within your home:

Flea infestations of pets and homes are common.
95% of the flea population is in a form of eggs, larvae or pupae stages, which are not visible to the human eye.
95% of flea’s life is spent off the pet and in the environment.

Elimination of existing flea’s on pets.
Ongoing flea control and continued elimination of fleas on the pet.
Prevention of subsequent re-infestation by treating the environment.

How to use:

Clear the environment of pets and persons.

Wear elbow-length PVC gloves and spray 25mL per m2. 500mL of spray will cover 20m2.
Apply the SPRAY directly onto objects or premises to be treated, holding the container at 20cm from the surface to be sprayed: kennels, pet bedding, chairs, carpet, under the furniture.

PRECAUTIONS: Remove or cover fish tanks before use. DO NOT spray directly on humans, pets, plants, exposed food, food preparation areas or food utensils.
DO NOT spray near naked flames, pilot lights or cigarettes.

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Looking After Your Pet in Winter

Take extra care of very young or elderly pets during the winter months.  The cold can be fatal for young puppies or kittens, particularly during the first few days after birth.  Older pets tend to have more sluggish circulatory systems, which means they are more likely to find it harder to keep warm in the cold weather. Older dogs often suffer from arthritis and this is exasperated by the cold.

If your dog or cat is very short-haired, they will benefit from the added warmth of a jacket when they go outside. There are some great ones available but they need to be functional and waterproof- not just fashionable. Be sure to make sure jackets fit snugly but don’t restrict movement.

Make sure they have a warm place to sleep at night, away from any draughts and if your dog is an outdoor dog, be sure that his/her kennel is waterproof. Older animals should sleep on a cushioned bed that is elevated off the ground.

Remember exercise is important in winter too.  It can be very tempting to stay by the fire on winter days, or avoid a walk around the block after a long day in the office but it is important your pet maintains a regular exercise routine throughout winter. This is good for their fitness and will prevent boredom. Dry your dog thoroughly if they have become wet from walking and if it’s muddy outside, regularly check between paws to make sure they haven’t collected balls of mud.

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Expert Cat & Dog Grooming Tips

FOR DOGS

Ears – The ear canal of a dog is shaped in such a way that it is easy for dirt and debris to build up inside. This is especially a problem for dogs with pendulous ears like Cocker Spaniels because the ear flap hangs down and helps to create a warm, moist environment inside the ear canal, which is the perfect condition for bacteria to thrive. Ears should be checked weekly at grooming and any dirt removed by using cotton wool pad. You can buy ear cleaning products from your vet or pet store. It is important never to stick cotton wool buds in your dog’s ear as you can easily damage the ear drum.

Nails- Many people assume that their dog’s toenails are naturally worn down by day to day activities but this is usually only the case for dogs that do a lot of outdoor activity on hard surfaces. Many indoor dogs have overgrown nails and these can easily break resulting in pain and infection. Overgrown nails are also uncomfortable for dogs to walk on.

Teaching adult dogs to have their nails trimmed can be a little tricky and this is a task that is much easier taught to a puppy.  The key is to teach your puppy (or dog) to associate nail clipping with something positive, such as being rewarded with treats.

Start by rewarding your dog with a treat, just for letting you touch their paws and feet. After a few days of getting your dog used to having their feet touched all over, start touching the nails in return for a treat. Then, touch the clippers to the nail an reward with treats, Once your dog is happily accepting treat and comfortable around the clippers, clip just one nail and give a treat. Clip another nail and give another treat. Just do a couple of nails at a time, until you are confident your pet is relaxed.. Always end with a treat and a game.

There is a blood vessel that grows within the nail called the quick and this can easily be seen in dogs with pink nails. You must trim the nail on the other side of the quick to avoid pain and bleeding. Some pets have black toenails making it hard to see the quick, so just trim the very tip off or consult with your vet or groomer about how far to clip. Cut the nail no closer than 2mm from the quick.

FOR CATS

Ears – check that the ear flap is clean and has no signs of redness soreness. Then, gently fold back the ear and look into the ear canal.  There should be no odour and minimal ear wax. If you see a build up of wax or debris, then best to get a vet check.

Nails- The best way to raise a cat that is comfortable having their claws clipped is to get them used to having their feet handled as a kitten.  Each night, when your kitten is relaxed, gently touch the feet and legs all over and massage the paws. Once they are comfortable with having their feet touched, gentle press the toe pad to extend the nail. You can then clip the end of the claw.

As with dogs, you must avoid cutting the pink part of the nail where the nerves and blood vessels run (the quick). Trim only the white tip of the claw and err on the side of caution.

Regular grooming helps keep your pet in tip top condition and this time spent together can also wonderful bonding time for you both.

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Expert Leather Boot Care Tips

Quick and Easy, Cleaning System:

Even though the term ‘spring clean’ denotes cleaning during springtime, it should be done as regularly as possible; in fact, whenever to keep your leather from becoming dry and brittle we recommend cleaning and conditioning every 2 -3 months, This may vary depending on how often you wear them.

To start with, clean off any excess grime from the leather. If your boots are really dirty, it’s worth washing them and allowing them to dry before you start.
Next, restore your leather (black) with our renovating polish with nourishing dyes to provide superior scuff coverage. For in-between cleans and instant shine use our Instant Shine Wipes which will shine and protect your leather boots. Lastly, maintain your leather boots with our premium Dubbin, which contains a rich blend of waxes and oils that nourish and preserve, while also providing water repellent protection.

TIP: Nourish your leather with our Hydrating Leather Conditioner that penetrates leather to moisturise.

Quick and easy DIY boot deodorizer:

Mix together 1 tablespoon each of arrowroot powder, bicarbonate of soda and whole cloves. Divide in two. Cut a large piece of natural fabric (cotton, linen or silk) into 2 x 15cm squares. Separate the squares and pour a mound of the clove mixture onto the centre of each square. Wrap up the fabric from the sides and tie the ends together with string. You will have two sachets of boot deodorizer ready to store in your winter boots.

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Ten Tips to Keep Pets Cool This Summer

TIP# 1 – Fresh water daily- Always have fresh water available for your pets. Make sure you use heavy bowls so they can’t be knocked over easy. Consider having two bowls in case one is emptied and ensure they’re in the shade – you don’t like to drink hot water and neither will your pet. ​

TIP# 2 – Shade – Make sure your pet has access to a cool, shady space at all times of the day. Tip: The sun moves throughout the day, so an area that’s shady in the morning might not be shady in the afternoon.

TIP# 3 – Washing and grooming – By washing and grooming your pet thoroughly will help strip out any excess fur to keep them cooler.

TIP# 4 – Summer itches – With seeding grasses, warm temperatures and high UV, skin irritations are far more likely to occur during summer.Make sure you keep hair around ears and paws short to minimize the rick of seeds sticking and burrowing into the skin. Inspect your dog after walking and remove any seeds.Fleas are much more prevalent in the hot months. Wash your pet with a medicated shampoo such as our Oakwood Medicated Flea Shampoo to help sooth-irritated skin and treat fleas. Consult your veterinarian if fleas and itchy problems persist.

TIP# 5 – Sunburn – Dogs and cats can be susceptible to sunburn during the hotter months. This is more likely with animals that have white fur and pink skin on their noses and ears. To prevent sunburn, keep dogs and cats indoors away from harsh sunlight. You can also try applying sunscreen to sensitive pink noses and ear tips.

TIP # 6 – Never leave your dog in a car – Cars can become extremely hot very quickly in summer. Even with the windows down the temperature can rapidly rise to deadly levels within minutes.  Likewise don’t lock your dog in a small or poorly ventilated space such as a garden shed.

TIP# 7 – Walk early or late – Dogs can suffer from heat stroke when exercised during extreme heat. Walk at the coolest times of the day in the early morning and late evening. Keep in mind pavements and roads can become extremely hot and can burn the pads on your dog’s paws. Also, never tie your dog up in the sun, even when you’re just making a quick dash into a shop.

TIP# 8 – Paralysis ticks – in the Southern areas of Australia they are found during the warmer months of the year.  If you live in or are travelling to an area where ticks may be present, here are some tips to help. Check pet fur on a regular basis especially around head, ears and under collars. If you remove a tick after your dog has started showing some signs, you should seek veterinary attention. Tick collars can provide protection for up to 3 months. Ensure you oral chew treatment is up to date and there are spot on treatments that both repel and kill ticks when applied every 14days.

TIP# 9 – Swimming pools – Many dogs love to swim and it’s a great way to cool down with your pet, but pools can also be a hazard for pets. Most dogs are able to swim, but not all dogs can find their way out of a pool and can drown. Puppies exhaust themselves very quickly. Don’t leave a dog or puppy unsupervised near water.

TIP# 10 –Scary summer storms – Thunderstorms can be a terrifying experience for both dogs and cats. Ideally your pet should be indoors with human company during thunderstorms.  Close curtains and blinds; turn on lights and the stereo or radio for background noise.  If you pet has to remain outside ensure the yard is secure and your pet is identifiable.

Your pet relies on your for care and protection. With a little thought and planning you can ensure their comfort and wellbeing throughout the hot Australian summer.

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8 Tips To Reducing Your Electricity Bill

Simple tricks

  • You might remember your mother telling you to put an extra layer on, or get your bed ready with a hot water bottle and an extra blanket. These are simple tricks that cost nothing but make a significant difference to how much energy you use to keep your house warm. Consider investing in some winter staples for your family; a few good woollen jumpers and socks, some warm woolly boots and a hand-knitted water bottle cover for cooler nights.

Zone your home

  • Most of us use only a few rooms in our house most of the time. Section off areas that you are not using  (such as bathrooms, kitchens and spare bedrooms) to generate heat and maximise energy efficiency in the other rooms.

Draught proof

  • Cold air travels through wall cracks, glass panels and under doorways and air vents in your home. It is worth investing in a few fuzzy door snakes to block floor draughts and seal gaps and cracks on walls, floors and ceilings throughout the house. Also consider checking fans, vents and other outlets as possible outlets for wind and draughts throughout the home.

Get cosy

  • Warmth can be generated in any interior environment with the right furnishings intact – keep soft, woollen rugs on the floor, opt for wall hangings – bookshelves, mirrors or even a hung piece of fabric or tapestry and it will provide an extra layer of insulation to your room.

Heat with the sun

  • Sunny days are a great opportunity to let sunlight and radiant heat pass through your windows. North-facing windows in particular will be a great source of sunlight and warmth, so try to keep them uncovered during the peak periods of the day, and close them again at night.

Place a timer on your heating system

  • Try to choose a heating system that is as energy efficient as possible. If you are using plug-in heaters, make sure that they are appropriate for the area that they are heating.
  • The key aspect of home heating systems is that you maximise their heating output by retaining the heat that they produce within your home, and turn them off or down when they are not needed. Many heaters come with an automatic timer that can be used to switch off, or reduce the heat overnight. For stand-up, plug-in heaters, you can also purchase a simple timer from a hardware store, which will attach to the power outlet.

Use less hot water

  • Hot water use can account for up to 18 per cent of the energy consumed in your home.  You can cut back on hot water use by opting for shorter showers, washing clothes on a cold cycle and installing an energy efficient showerhead. A cheap and cheerful shower timer has worked wonders in our household.

Check your home appliances

  • Wherever possible, try to choose energy efficient appliances for your home and make sure that you are using them effectively.  Appliance use can account for up to 30 per cent of home energy use, so it is worth checking that they are being sourced and used correctly.
  • Energy wastage often occurs when appliances are left on standby, or are used at a higher velocity than necessary. Try making it a habit to always turn them off at the switch and check that they are being used for maximum energy efficiency.

Keep your blinds drawn

  • Up to 40 per cent of the heat escaping from your home is from uncovered glass windows. Opt for heavy blinds and curtains (or a combination of both) which can extend fully over the window frame.
  • South-facing windows, and those that are single-glazed, can be particularly frosty. Try to keep blinds and shutters drawn as frequently as possible during wintertime, and always remember to close blinds at sunset throughout the house.
  • Check that your home is well insulated
  • Winter is an excellent time to check that your home is properly insulated. A well-insulated house can use as much as 45 per cent less energy for heating and cooling throughout the year! Check that your home is properly insulated and consider installing or updating batts in your roof and flooring.
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How to Have a Sustainable Christmas

Indulge in all things home-made

There is nothing more treasured that homemade gifts. Get your children together to make their own Christmas decorations, drawings and gift boxes. In our household, the home-made Christmas cards are a family tradition. We also indulge in home-made chocolates, biscuits and gift-boxes.

Wrap with love

Rubbish volumes increase by up to 30% during the festive season. But it’s easy to reduce waste volume by re-using old wrapping paper or opting for recycled newspaper, magazines, or even some drawings from your children.

Also consider the traditional Japanese method of fabric-wrapping. This is where you wrap gifts in fabric and tie it with string and then pass it on to the next person to re-use.

Give mindfully

Christmas is a time of abundance, so try to think carefully about the gifts that you buy, with an emphasis toward locally-sourced, quality goods. Most people tend to overspend during the final days of retail sales. But if you plan in advance, you can purchase gifts from local Australian companies, which will also benefit our local economy.

Make sustainable food choices

It’s easy to get carried away with the traditional turkey and ham at Christmas lunch. Just be aware that unless you are buying your food from local, free-range farms, it can carry a hefty carbon footprint. A cheaper, and more sustainable option would be to look for local produce that is in abundance during this time of year. A roast chook or pork belly is often cheaper and more sustainable than the traditional cuts, as they are less popular during the festive season. Also make sure that you make use of the leftovers and prepare your meal so that nothing is wasted.

Decorate with nature

Christmas tables are often decorated with an abundance of tinsel and colour. But this year, in a view to creating a sustainable table, consider sourcing your decorations with local found objects; some pinecones from a local park, leaves that your kids have collected from your back garden or an assortment of wild flowers that you can pick from your neighbourhood. This will not only add a touch of colour to your table, but it will reflect the beauty and identity of your local area.

 

Arabella Forge – Brand Ambassador & Household Expert

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Jake Hunter in Europe

It has been a busy start to the year at team Duffy Sport Horses. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to start the year of with 2 weeks training in Germany with the Australian national coach Gilbert Bockmann. Straight on return from Germany we went to Milstreet Spring Tour CSI 2* with 18 horses. Had some good placings and wins on all the horses and am very excited about the year ahead with ‘Volcanicity’ a 10yo gelding by Volcan. He is an exciting horse for me. Also recently my own horse ‘Val De Weiser’ has arrived safely in Knockmore and is ready for work. He has been ridden at home by my brother Cade and local dressage rider Grace Kay. They have done a brilliant job on him so far and am looking forward to his bright future.

The next big thing for me is the Mullingar CSI 2* show in June and then onto Dublin CSI 5* with ‘Knightfiled Ella’ a 7yo mare by ‘Luidam’, who has qualified for the 6-7yo young rider class there.

I would like to thank Oakwood Products for their ongoing support, and keeping all of our leather products looking in top shape and order.

I am now back off to Germany again on Tuesday to train with Alex Duffy in Düsseldorf for a week and will keep you up to date on return.

Jake Hunter

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5 Easy Craft Activities For Kids This Easter

1 – Real Deal Easter eggs

Easter eggs don’t have to be all about chocolate! Making your own eggs and decorating them yourself can be equally as fun. This is a great activity to do in the lead-up to the Easter long weekend. Set yourself up with a few basic craft supplies and a bundle of fresh eggs and your kids will love the experience of it.

Here’s what you will need:

  • 4-5 fresh eggs (keep in mind, you may lose a fewJ) 
  • Large sewing needle
  • Thin straw or plastic syringe
  • Craft supplies for decoration: paint, glue, sparkles etc
  • Note: if you are making a large quantity of home-made eggs, it might be worth investing in a professional egg-blower. This can be purchased for roughly $20.00 on ebay.com

Directions:

Start by piercing two holes – one at the top, the other at the bottom of the egg – using the large sewing needle. Dip the needle into the egg to break up the yolk, then place the straw through one end and blow out the contents. You can also use a syringe or a professional egg-blower to save time. Follow by adding water and rinsing out any remaining contents.

Next, decorate your eggs! Use a combination of paint, glue and sparkles to make any assortment of beautifully crafted home-made designs.

2- An Easter Nest

With all these beautiful eggs, you will need a place to store them. A nest is a great project for young kids – it can be collated from various objects you find in your backgarden or local park. Start by using a plain cardboard or plastic box (this can be an old cereal packet, a yoghurt container or even the flat top of an egg carton), then collect together some twigs, leaves, feathers and craft glue. Stick the twigs onto the box using glue, then add the feathers and leaves on top. This is a beautiful way to present home-made eggs as a gift.

3 – Stained-Glass windows in the spirit of Easter

Easter stories and traditions can be told through pictures as well as books. Try making your own stain-glass windows using cellophane and cardboard, the end result can be quite spectacular… even if you are using basic shapes and colours with younger children.  

 

What you will need:

  • Cardboard
  • Cellophane
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • String

Directions:

Start by cutting out shapes in the cardboard – it can be any type of geometric pattern; eggs, bunnies, or even some basic squares and triangles. Stick the cellophane on the back of the cardboard using scissors and glue, then hang the cardboard from the top of a light-facing window.

 

4. An Easter-tree

Easter trees are a beautiful way to display your eggs and Easter cards from the holiday season. Collect some large branches from your back garden or local park and place them in a large and sturdy vase.

Use some brightly-coloured wool or thick string or twine to join together the branches and keep it firmly grounded in the vase.

From the tree you can hang your eggs, cards and any other decorations that you have collected over the Easter holidays.

5. An Easter treasure hunt

One of the best ways to create excitement over the Easter long weekend is a traditional Easter hunt. But instead of chocolate and treats, try to focus on old-fashioned clues, tips, maps and some tiny, non-edible treats. Use your Easter-tree as a starting point, then layer clues around the house. The kids will love the problem-solving nature of the hunt, and it can be a talking point for weeks to come.