After a year of scrimping, saving and cutting back on the purse strings there’s no better feeling than pulling out of the driveway and heading off for a week of two of sunshine. Whether you choose to remain within the glorious borders of the United Kingdom or head off towards warmer climates, there’s one particular member of the family who often gets left behind; whether they are left with family members or neighbours, there is no denying that the pets of the United Kingdom often go without.

Thinking of going abroad?

Taking your dog on holiday is now much easier than it was say twenty or thirty years ago; with the development of vaccines and canine medical care, the rules for taking your four-legged friend on holiday has become much more relaxed. To take your dog abroad you will need what is known as a ‘pet passport’. To gain your furball with a pet passport there are a certain few things that need to be done beforehand.

1. Your dog will need to be microchipped before doing anything else in regards to getting your pet a passport.

2. Once your pet has been chipped, it is now just as important to get him or her vaccinated against rabies – this is as much as a necessity as getting them chipped and a dog that has not been vaccinated will not receive a passport. Once the pet is vaccinated, it must not leave the borders of the United Kingdom for another twenty-one days.

3. Your dog is now able to get the passport, though if you are travelling to a non-EU country you will need an official certification from the country that you are travelling to.

4. Before re-entering the country you dog must also have received treatment for tapeworm (a treatment that must therefore be administered before you leave). This must be done by a veterinarian and no less than twenty four hours before you leave.

5. Before you leave you must also make sure that you are travelling with an approved transport company on an authorised route, meaning that whilst travelling to or from a country, your pet does not pass through any country outside of the EU.

If you are planning to take your chap to a non listed country, you will have to arrange a blood test to make sure that the rabies vaccine has taken affect and should be done no later than thirty days after the vaccination.

Where to go in the UK?

Of course, if you are unwilling to go through with all the needles and yelping, there is absolutely no reason that you can’t enjoy taking your dog on holiday within the beautiful boundaries of the United Kingdom. All over the coast and throughout the glades and greens of this country, there are cottages, holiday parks and hotels where you and your dog would be made most welcome.

· The Bideford Bay Holiday Park in Devon is a prime and beautiful example of a holiday park where you are able to take your dog for his or her jollies. Run by Park Resorts, all dogs are welcome in the Bronze Accommodation at the price of £50 a week for your dog.

· If you wish to travel to the northern regions of the United Kingdom however, there are holiday parks like the Pease Bay Leisure Park in Cockburnspath in Scotland where family dogs are welcome to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Scottish coast.

These are just two examples of fantastic holidays that offer pets an opportunity to enjoy the summertime with you. Throughout the width of the country there are many more places where the whole family can enjoy time together and these can be found and reviewed through the simplicity of Google.

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Just like newly born babies, it is imperative that you feed your puppy just the right kind of food that not only fits the needs of the breed of your little friend, but also his age. Due to the fact that puppies grow up to twenty times faster than their adult counterparts, it is very important that they receive the right kind of dog food that caters for this need.

What kind of food does your puppy need?

As the quality of dog food has exploded over the past twenty or so years, you can be assured that there will be a dog brand out there that caters for your pup’s individual needs. For example, there are many foods out there that contain ingredients that are even eligible for human consumption. As puppies burn up to twice as many calories as adults, puppy food is specialised so that it contains more fatty ingredients which are pertinent for the development of your bow-wow. Orijen Puppy food for example contains foods that are biologically designed to appeal to every single of your pup’s needs.

Dry foods are excellent value and one of the best foods that you can feed your youngling as they are less likely to invoke any allergic reactions; this also means that there are many dog foods that are hypoallergenically tailored to suit individual needs; whether it is to aid a sensitive digestive system or refine the fur of a struggling coat. All of these factors need to be thought through to make sure that your dog remains at the best of health; monitoring your fluff-ball throughout this transition period is a good chance to evaluate how your pup responds to differing food types.

Not all dogs take to dry food straight away, like many animals, they are curious about new foods and tend to take their time to adjust to new things. If you find that your pup is having trouble adjusting to his new food, there are various mixtures available which you can pour onto his food which can then be rationed down so that your dog slowly gets used to the change in his diet.

How much should I feed my puppy?

Not only is the quality of the food that you feed your dog crucial to his health, but also the quantity that he receives during each meal time can affect his health. Just like us humans, if we eat too much food without regular exercise we can store up fatty deposits around our body which are can then lead to harmful side effects.

Usually a cup of dog food will be enough to keep your greedius happy throughout the day. At the age of around two months, it is time to start giving your pup proper dog food and should receive around 4-6 meals a day. As they get older, the amount that your dog receives should lessen with each month until they get to the age of around over six months where they can receive the normal amount of two meals a day. The amount you then feed your still growing pup depends totally upon his size and breed, not instead upon his appetite.

· A dog the size of say, a Chihuahua should receive around ¼ of cup of food per serving.

· A dog the size of a Cocker Spaniel perhaps, should receive 1 to 2 cups of food per serving

· Dogs that are around 30 kilograms and over, such as Great Danes or Mastiffs should receive about 2 to 4 cups of food per serving.

If you’re ever unsure about the amount to feed your dog, it is always a good idea to ask your local vet to make sure that you are not over feeding your pup.

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en to prolong the need of care homes. That’s why it is imperative that we look after our faithful pets throughout their long and happy lives. Whether your hound is in the spring of his youth or finds himself within the sunny years of old age, it is important to get just the right dog food for him or her.

Three to four weeks of age

If for example, your young pup is around three to four weeks of age, it is time to start feeding solid dog food to your pet, though it is best at first to mix it with water or puppy replacement milk so that it is easier for your pup to digest. Not only this but the food should also cater for his age group that provides all the required nutrients, vitamins and protein.

As puppies are naturally carnivorous, it is important that they are given meats to supplement this need.  Foods with well sourced, natural chicken are vitally important to your young dog as the protein levels within the food provide strong tissue, organ and muscle development which is imperative for any growing animal. Of course, every owner wants a spritely, intelligent and responsive dog; that is why the addition of vitamin E is vitally important for your dog to develop his brain and develop his natural mental ability. If you want your dog to help around the house or on the farm during his adult years, a strong supply of vitamin E throughout his youth is imperative for mental growth.

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Often considered one of the greatest advances in human history, the domestication of man’s best friend was a significant turning point for civilisation and helped us understand and learn how to look after and farm the wildlife around us. With the first domestication occurring approximately 30,00 years ago, the relationship between us and our four legged friends has hugely evolved. To celebrate 30,000 years of domestication, here are a 5 interesting facts that you may not have known about the domesticated household dog.

1. The tallest dog ever recorded currently resides in Tuscon, Arizona. Also known as ‘Giant George’, the Great Dane measures a staggering forty-three inches in height and weighs around 111 kg. Since his birth in 2005, he has appeared on several television programmes including the Operah Winfrey Show and was even given his own row of seats on a plane in order to attend the filming. After releasing his own biography in 2011, Giant George has led a life of comfort and can often be seen riding around his neighbourhood in a golf cart (though only as a passenger). Google ‘Giant George’ in order to take in the full magnitude of this beautiful dog.
2. Adversely the world’s smallest working dog also resides in the United States. Coming in at just 5.7 inches tall and weighing a minute 1.3 kg, Lucy the micro Yorkshire Terrier was given her Guinness World Record certificate in 2011. Weighing less than twelve sausages, Lucy helps old and disabled people all across New Jersey, working as a therapy dog. Saved by her owner from the dog shelter, Lucy was an unhealthy pup who is now striving to help those in need by simply being herself.
3. Although it is a relatively well-known fact that the first living entity to orbit the earth was a dog named Laika, it is hugely significant that the first living thing to breach the Earth’s atmosphere was not actually a human. With speculation of simple celled organisms coming into existence around 3.8 billion years ago, it is an awe inspiring thing to find that it was mans best friend (otherwise known as Canis lupus familiaris) who first took to the heavens on November 2^nd 1957. Amazingly it would take mankind another three years to reach space in 1961, when Russian astronaut, Yuri Gagarin, took to orbit.
4. Keeping on the trend of Russian dogs, one of the most famous and important dogs currently in existence is Koni, the black Labrador of President Vladimir Putin. Given to Putin as a gift in 2000, the dog has often come under the Russian limelight and even gets to meet foreign diplomats. In fact, whilst meeting President Bush in 2007, Putin is said to have stated openly that his Koni is far superior to Bush’s Scottish Terrier. Although it is not known what Mr. Bush’s reaction was to this, it is claimed that this was said in good humour in effort for the two men to form a bond of friendship over their dogs. Koni also regularly attends diplomatic meetings that feature President Putin, though it has been advised on several occasions that it is best not to feed the president’s dog during these times.
5. Currently, the world’s oldest pooch is Max from Louisiana. Born on the 9^th of August 1983, the Terrier is close to pushing past the big 30. Suffering only from mild arthritis in his joints, the canine has been seeing the same vet since his birth and his favourite hobby primarily consists of sleeping.

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With the recent release of the film The Artist, and the critical attention it has spawned from the overwhelming amount of awards it has won, consideration has been summoned on a usually evaded area of the industry; the role the working animal.

Uggie the dog

Since its release in 2011, The Artist has been celebrated for its dazzling direction, unique cinematography and colourful musical score, but to add to this, the spotlight has also found itself on a rather unusual member of the cast; Uggie the dog.

From humble beginnings as a rejected pet of two homes, Uggie started life from the wrong side of the tracks and was about to be sent to the dog pound when dog trainer, Omar Van Muller, rescued him from his fate and took Uggie into his own home. Ten years later, after an amusing Facebook campaign for him to win an honorary Oscar, Uggie now lives in a retired life of luxury. Respected by the film industry and idolised by his fans, Uggie, although probably the most famous dog in the world today, is not the first celebrity dog to find himself in the eye of the camera.

Making Oscar history

In fact, Uggie is not even the first dog to be considered for Oscar nomination. In 1929, there was a popular rumour that working dog Rin Tin Tin had won the most votes for Best Actor at the first Academy Awards ceremony. Discovered on a French battlefield during World War I, Rin Tin Tin was brought back to the United States in 1919 and was entered into a dog show in Los Angeles the very same year. After the success of the show, Rin Tin Tin went on to secure a tiny part in the film, The Man from Hell’s River. In 1927 Rin Tin Tin, starred in four films from which he was considered for the Oscar nomination. Unfortunately, due to the Awards Ceremony wishing to maintain a sense of seriousness, Emil Jannings went on to win the award (Jannings later went on to star in a series of propaganda films for the Third Reich).

Since the rise of Rin Tin Tin, Hollywood dogs have appeared sporadically throughout the decades and have often been applauded by audiences and critics alike. One such popular fictional dog (portrayed be a string of actors) is the dog known as Lassie. With no less than twelve films and a series of television programmes Lassie has been at the forefront of canine film and television for seven decades.

Classic Animal Films

Dogs have played a starring row in many family favorites but they aren’t the only animals to star in flicks. Take a look at some of the below for an enjoyable animal film that can be appreciated by anyone, no matter what your age.

• Bolt (2008)
• Lassie (2005)
• Babe (1995)
• Beethoven (1992)
• K-9 (1989)
• All Dogs Go to Heaven (1989)

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Originating in South Australasia, Parrots are some of the most amazing and beautiful creatures on the planet. With around 372 species from 86 genera, they are naturally found in tropical and subtropical regions of their world. By far the most interesting thing about the bird, besides its beauty, is the intelligence in which it exhibits. Many captive species of Parrot are able to mimic the human voice, but it is the African Grey Parrot

Dark in colour, the African Grey Parrot can be found in the rainforests of West and Central Africa. With a diet of primarily compromising of nuts, seeds and small fruits, the animal is considered the most intelligent creatures on the planet. Whereas most Parrots simply mimic the human voice, the African Grey Parrot has shown that it can actually associate words with objects, meanings and concepts. One lost African Grey parrot was even able to find its way home in the suburbs of Tokyo after repeating its name and address to police officers. Scientists believe that the African Grey has the equivalent cognitive ability of a six-year-old child along with dolphins and chimpanzees.t that finds itself at the top of the bill.

Got a chimp?

One notable African Grey named N’Kisi, was able to memorise over 950 words and even use them in context. After seeing a photograph of renowned primatologist, Jane Goodall, stood with a chimpanzee, it is said upon meeting her, N’Kisi asked the question ‘Got a chimp?’ in relation to the photograph. Another notable African Grey was the parrot simply known as ‘Alex’. Before his sudden death in 2007, it is said that Alex was able to identify up to 50 objects, count up to six, distinguish between shapes as well as understanding the variable concepts within words. He was even able to distinguish between colours, and after one day asking what colour he himself was, he learnt that he was grey.

The future of the Parrot

Unfortunately in 2007, the African Grey was to a species that is Near Threatened by the IUCN. Bird International suggested that 21% of African Greys are taken from the wild each year. With some of this coming from the pet trade, much of the damage is done by deforestation with the rainforests of West and Central Africa being used for lumber.

Sadly, the case of the African Grey is not isolated with 149 other species finding themselves near threatened or worse since the extinction of 19 species of parrot since 1600. In 1989 the World Parrot Trust was set up at Paradise Park in Cornwall with the objective of highlighting the plight of the bird and ensuring the survival of all bird breeds across the world. Since 1989, the trust has raised over £2.5million and has set up conservation projects in over twenty countries for more than forty species of parrot.

Parrots and their habitats

Some Parrots are even able to live outside their natural habitat after escaping from their enclosures or cages. In North America, flocks of feral parrots are often found living in populated cities around California, Texas and Florida. A documentary was made in 2005 named The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill, chronicling the relationship between an unemployed musician and a flock of feral parrots. The film went on to win many awards including the 2005 Satellite Award for Outstanding Documentary.

As a pet

When buying parrots for the use of pets, it is important to make sure that the birds have been bred in captivity and have not been taken from the wild. Buying from trusted pet shops and online stores is recommended, as you can buy with the clarity that the bird has been treated well and is in the country legally. Once you’ve got your special friend, don’t forget to feed him or her with our fantastic range of parrot food

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If you are concerned about the appearance of your home, there are many designer dog beds available. These are able to reflect your home furnishing tastes, as well as your dog’s personality. The dog bed will also stop your bed from becoming covered in shed dog hair and maintain an overall level of household hygiene.

In past decades, outdoor dog houses were preferred over dog beds, but the increase in the popularity of dogs has led many to believe that leaving your dog outside is cruel.  As a result, most people nowadays would prefer to keep their dogs indoors at night. Having your dog inside adds a level of security to your home, knowing that your pooch is never far away when you need him.

If you are often on the go with your dog, you will be glad to hear that there are also dog beds intended for travel available. These either inflate or simply roll out to provide a comfortable resting spot for your beloved dog.

If you have a shy dog, or your dog is a toy breed, you may want to consider investing in a covered dog bed. Dogs love having a little home of their own. This also provides your dog with privacy, in case they are easily scared or disturbed. These typically look like a small house or tent and are made of fabric.

For the ultimate luxury, you can opt for a raised dog bed. These look like the beds you are used to seeing at human furniture stores with four legs and a raised mattress. You can even get special four poster dog beds, if you really want to spoil your dog.

For older and frail dogs, you could invest in a soft nesting bed and a self heating thermal cushion. Nesting beds are usually made of plush material and feature a small raised “wall” on the rim for your dog to snuggle up against.

If you have a very active dog, or if you live in a warm climate, you can also getting cooling dog beds. As the name suggests, this a type of bed that will help your dog cool down, if they have a thick coat of hair or simply have trouble cooling down in the hot weather.

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s to really heat up in the beginning of June and lasts until the end of September. In recent years, however, there have been exceptions to this. The summer of 2011 was notorious for its constant downpours and cold weather. This came as a shock to many people, as the previous year had seen a nationwide heat wave during the summer.

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For female dog names, the names Marilyn, Rita, Liza have increased in popularity; especially Marilyn which has become common after the release of My Week with Marilyn. Molly and Lucy are also two very popular names. In recent years, films such and Wendy and Lucy have helped propel the popularity of this name. A fun fact to know is that the dog Lucy in the movie is also called Lucy in real life, and has starred in all of Kelly Reichardt’s films.

Another new entry on the list of popular dog names is Marley, after the titular canine star of Marley and Me. The film is one of the highest grossing movies in recent history. Therefore, it is not surprising that many have been inspired to name their new puppies after the mischievous but lovable pup.

The Twilight saga is also inescapable and has left its mark firmly on pet culture. Bella is now the third most popular name out of all registered female dog names. Justin Timberlake most recently named his Yorkshire Terrier Bella. Edward and Jacob are also, just like in the novels, vying for the top spot on the list of popular male dog names.

An interesting development is also the rise in popularity of unisex dog names. Over the last couple of years, the name Casey has skyrocketed in popularity, and is the fastest rising new name for dogs. This can be attributed it the fact that it was the most popular name for both boys and girls in America in the late 80’s. Many parents will name their dogs after their children once their children have move out of the family home. Casey actually originates from Ireland and denotes a warm and friendly personality.

This all leads us to the question -what about future trends for dog names? It is probably fair to say that with the release of Hunger Games, many will opt to name their female pups Katniss, after the tough heroine in the movie. The novels have proven extremely popular, so the film is bound to only further the franchise’s hold on the public’s attention. Additionally, using names that were popular in the early 20^th century, such as Beatrice, are also likely to start creeping into the naming of dogs as  there is a rising interest in this period at the moment, which can be clearly seen through  the success of Downton Abbey and Boardwalk Empire.

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Carp fishing baits

Carps are some of the largest fish in the sea. Fishing for carp can therefore be a very profitable business.  Carp fishing baits come in many different forms. Most anglers will choose boilies as bait, such as dynamite high attractant shelf life boilie. As the name suggests, boilies are a mixture of various different feeds that are bonded together during a boiling process. The good thing about boilies is that they are easy to prepare and last a good while in the water. Additionally, there is less risk of the bait falling off the hook. Boilies can be purchased off the shelf, frozen or homemade. As they are so accessible, boilies are the most popular form of carp fishing baits, and are ideal for both beginners and experienced fishers.

Sea fishing baits

When sea fishing, it is best to use baits such as crabs, ragworm, mackerel or squid. These are versatile baits that will attract many different species of fish. It is always a good idea to tip off worm baits with another form of bait. Squid is good for this purpose, as it can be cut into strips and the meat is tough and will remain on the hook. If fishing for bass, the head of a mackerel is good for attracting large specimens. This will also enable you to use other parts of the fish as bait for other purposes. You can use a mackerel fillet to attract not only bass, but also various types of rays.

Coarse fishing baits

Coarse fishing will present you with a variety of alternative types of fishing baits. Alongside bloodworms, boilies, groundbait and lobworms, you can use everyday items like cheese or even bread. If using bread as bait, it is very important to tip off the hook to ensure that the bait does not come off in the water. Bread can also be scattered on the water surface to attract fish to an area. Even if you decide not to use bread as hooked bait, it works well as a compliment to whatever other type of bait you are using. As mentioned, cheese is another good form of bait for attracting a variety of fish; Carps and Barbels are known to respond well to cheeses like cheddar and stilton.

Of course, you can also choose to stick with the more traditional types of bait. A good tip is to start off with groundbait, which will attract fish into your stream and then combine this with other types of bait. For carp fishing, boilies are once again the ideal form of bait and work well across the season. Another trick is to use lures and spinners, designed to mimic live bait. These come in many different shapes and bright colours, designed to attract fish in the water. Lures and spinners are a vital tool when fishing for coarse fish, and add a different level of excitement to your fishing experience.

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