Cardiff News Archives - Scamps and Champs

Are You Looking To Adopt, Foster or Rescue?

Once you have made up your mind and you have found a reputable rescue, make a list of priorities of what you are looking for.

Questions To Ask Yourself BEFORE You Approach The Rescue

What do you want from your Rescue, Foster or Adopted Pooch – are you looking for a companion/family dog or a project dog – do you know the difference?

Do you want a specific breed – read up on that breed so you know what to expect. How much time have you got to commit to your new family member?

How will you deal with toilet training, lead training, separation anxiety or fearfulness?

What do you understand about rescue dogs?

Do you have children in the home – how will you introduce them to the new family member?

Most importantly – can you afford a dog?

If you rescue during lockdown – how will you prepare your dog for when you return to work?

Taking on a Foster or Rescue dog is a huge commitment and one that can be hugely rewarding, so it’s very important to find the right dog for you and your family.

What to expect at the rescue

A good Rescue Centre will do all that they can to prepare your dog for adoption. This will include initial and ongoing behavioural assessment, ensuring that fearful or reactive dogs receive as much help as possible.

The Rescue will have the dog health checked by a veterinarian who will provide an initial dental check and identify any ongoing medical issues. The vet will also neuter, microchip and provide first vaccinations.

Dogs arriving from overseas should have been given Rabies injections and have travel documents BEFORE arriving in the UK – this includes dogs travelling from Southern Ireland.

The Rescue should insist on you, your family and any other pets meeting your prospective pooch BEFORE you take them home.

You should be able to walk the dog offsite and see them interact with other dogs and people.

They should also insist on completing a full home check and should provide ongoing support after homing.

So you’ve adopted/fostered – What happens next?

Bringing your new family member home is an exciting time, but please remember that your pet may never have lived in a home before and may be very fearful, they may not be house trained or ever have walked on a lead.

Tips to help your dog settle

ALWAYS Set your new dog up for success – remove anything you don’t want damaged.

If your new dog is going to be left unsupervised for any time – consider a crate or a large pen so that they can’t get into any mischief.

Set your house rules (is the dog allowed on the furniture or beds) and stick to those rules – it’s unfair to keep changing the goalposts.

Set up a designated toilet area and take the dog there immediately on arriving home (it make take a few trips before they get the idea), ALWAYS Reward when the desired behaviour is achieved.

Don’t make commands – just use reward for good behaviours and ignore any mistakes, this will prevent your dog from becoming frustrated when they don’t understand.

NEVER shout at or hit the dog – it will not understand what has gone wrong and this will lead to aggressive behaviours developing.

ALWAYS use reward to introduce any new situation.

NEVER force your dog to do anything – this will create problems.

ALWAYS remember that your dog may never have lived in a home before – it takes time- try to put yourself in their place.

When your dog first comes home, they will need quiet times to prevent them becoming overwhelmed – provide a designated bed/crate and give them a stuffed Kong or suitable chew toys.

Think about any training or enrichment your dog will need and set out to make it a positive experience.

By rewarding your dog’s good or acceptable behaviour from the outset you are introducing positive reinforcement, and this will make all future training a happy and successful time for you both.

Rewards should also reflect your dogs achievements – so grade the treats accordingly.

You can use part of your dogs daily food allowance to prevent too much weight gain, but always enhance this with something of a higher grade depending on the dogs achievements.

Scamps and Champs have qualified and experienced staff on hand and we are here to help you and your new pet through all the stages of settling in and becoming a happy family.

We can provide Home/Pet Visits, Dog Walking, Doggie Day Care, and Dog Boarding. We also provide specialised Puppy/Kitten visits, and care for Birds, Fish, Reptiles.

Scamps and Champs also provide our very own range of Vet Approved Specialised Food and delicious High Grade Treats – with free delivery to your home.

So whether you need extra help whilst you work from home or you want someone to help whilst you are out or away, Call Us Today!

Telephone : 0333 200 5827 – WE REMAIN OPEN THROUGH THE PANDEMIC AND OPERATE ALL SERVICES IN LINE WITH GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES.

We look forward to hearing from you Soon.

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The Cat’s Whiskers – And The Dog’s Too!

Ever wondered why your pet has Whiskers – what they are for and what do they do?

Whiskers are a type of hair found on a number of mammals, they are typically characterised by their length. You will find them on cats, dogs, mice and rats as well as other mammals.

Tactile Vibrissae is another name given to these long hairs which grow around the muzzle, jaws and eyebrows and which are used as tactile organs.

These hairs are different to other hairs on your pets body because they are thicker and stiffer and more deeply implanted. The follicles at the base of these hairs are packed with blood and nerve rich endings which allow the vibrissae to work like antennas that are hugely sensitive.

Dogs and Cats don’t need to make full contact with surfaces to know that they are there. The vibrissae are also an early warning system that allows your pet to navigate, especially at night.

They provide an awareness of both size and shape that prevents your pet from colliding with objects that may damage it’s eyes or face, because vibrations travel down the hair follicle and send messages to the sensory parts of the brain.

The Whiskers also make your pet aware of blind spots and changes happening around them, as they can pick up slight differences in air currents which can alert them to any coming dangers. In cats, the whiskers also detect movement even when they are in hot pursuit which makes them such amazing hunters.

Cats also have special sensory organs at the ends of their whiskers that give them information about their own body and limbs and this, along with their vision, helps them make such death defying leaps from one place to another. If you trim a cat’s whiskers, they often will become disoriented and have trouble moving around.

Cutting a cat’s whiskers is like cutting off the ends of our fingers, and even though the whiskers will often grow back, they should never be cut.

Your Pets Are Just Amazing And Deserve The Very Best Of Care!!

Scamps and Champs offer a range of pet care services which are designed to support you and your pet.

Whether you need dog walking, pet visits, day care or home boarding we are here for you, and we work around your shift patterns, shopping days or get togethers. Discounts and packages available.

We also offer a fabulous range of Vet approved and Specialised Pet Food.

Call now on 0333 200 5827

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How Do I Stop My Dog Chasing Other Animals?

Before dogs became domesticated they were wild and lived by preying on other animals big and small. Their predatory drive was a mechanism that ensured their very survival as a species and was hard wired into their brain. The predation sequence in such dogs was “see-chase-grab-kill”.

In domesticating the dog some of this sequence has become weaker though it has never been totally removed, and all domestic dogs exhibit instinctive predatory behaviours to a certain extent, with some breeds of dog being more prone to this type of nature than others.

As humans we have, over time, also been responsible for breeding some dogs specifically in order to take advantage of that instinct, such as Herding breeds, Sporting breeds, Hounds, Terriers, Northern breeds and Wolf hybrids. . we often use and work many of these dogs.

Through years of genetic selection and training we have produced these working dogs that are very good at chasing and moving livestock but without the “bite-hold-kill” sequence thrown in.

Predatory Aggression, is a term often used to describe the behaviour of domestic dogs who target another dog, cat, sheep or indeed any other animal, then move with sudden impulsive action, silently and rapidly to bring that target down and then attack the vital organs of that creature in order to kill it. The main difference between an attack of this nature and standard aggression is that the dog fully intends to kill either by shaking the prey violently or choking it.

This behaviour is due to the retained instinctive desire to chase things that resemble prey; and because predation is instinctive, it is not based on the dog being hungry. Moreover, it is a behaviour that is marked by the absence of anger, neither is it based on self protection or competition for resources.

Dogs who exhibit predatory behaviour usually do not advertise their intent prior to attack which can make it all the more shocking.

Movement of the “prey” will always be the trigger that starts the sequence, so by allowing your dog to chase down small creatures will only serve to strengthen this instinctive drive. The behaviour is particularly dangerous because it cannot be fully trained or conditioned out of the dog, neither will medication be of any help because the instinct is hard wired into the dogs mind.

Just because the behaviour is inherited and instinctive doesn’t mean that it is either desirable or acceptable and it can be downright dangerous.

Such a dog living in a home with an infant child is also very risky because children under three years of age move quickly and often make high pitched noises that can make such a dog believe they are prey, whereas very tiny babies may resemble injured prey to the dog who may then pounce.

However, we can manage predatory behaviours by managing the environment – a suitably trained behaviourist will help you to assess how strong your dogs prey drive is. Once you know this you can then manage the environment by:

Ensuring that your dog can’t get out of your garden or get loose without you

When out walking, always ensure that your dog is kept on a leash, no matter what time of day it is.

If necessary, use a muzzle on your dog. This may seem cruel but preventing the behaviour is better than having your dog removed and destroyed because it has attacked and killed

Get the help of a professional trainer to develop exercises that will re direct and address the challenges of the prey drive, and find an appropriate outlet for him

Ensure that your dog gets sufficient exercise in general, but keep him out of situations that arouse his predatory instincts and never leave him alone with a child, even if he has never shown a desire to attack a child before.

Dogs are amazing creatures, and a delight to be with – Stay Safe, Stay Informed and Stay Happy with your best friend.

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How Do I Clean My Dogs Teeth?

Your dog’s teeth are used for more than just eating, they also use their teeth during play and to learn about their surroundings.

And just like us, dogs can get dental problems If their teeth are not cared for. Your dog can suffer serious health issues including gingivitis that can lead to gum disease and tooth loss. Bad teeth can also affect dogs that have heart problems by allowing infections to travel through the bloodstream.

If your dog has bad breath (thats not caused by any underlying illness) and a yellow/brown hard coating of plaque building up over their teeth, it’s time to do something about it.

It’s always best to start from an early age – but you can still get them comfortable with teeth cleaning, whatever their age.

Use a time when your dog is relaxed and keep the training sessions short, don’t force the issue or your dog will never want you near their mouth.

Start by getting them used to having your hand near their mouth – this can be done by gently stroking your dog’s face and cheek very gently – stop if your dog gets upset – do this over a period of several days so that your dog knows you are not going to hurt them.

The next stage is to put dog toothpaste (never use human toothpaste) onto your finger and allow them to lick it off – again do this for a few days.

Once your dog is happy with this, you can start with the tricky stuff

– using the toothpaste, run your finger along the inside of their mouth very gently. After a few days you can move on to the next stage.

Buy a suitable dog toothbrush and introduce this with the toothpaste on and just let them lick it off the brush.

Do this over a few days until your dog is happy with it and then slowly introduce the toothbrush inside their mouth, using gentle round motions, just do the front teeth first always let them lick the brush in between. Do this for a few days.

Slowly but surely move to the back teeth – do it ever so gently, stop if they get distressed and always praise them and let them have the toothbrush to lick so this becomes the reward.

After several weeks you should be able to clean their teeth without too many problems – always try to clean where the teeth meet the gum margin but always be gentle.

You can use vet approved dental chews and treatments that can be added to their water bowl that will help to maintain their oral hygiene between brushing.

If your dog’s teeth are very bad or have a large build up of tartar then speak to your vet who will arrange for the teeth to be specially cleaned.

Don’t worry if it takes longer for your dog to get used to having their teeth cleaned, just keep praising them and take it very gently one step at a time.

Take A Look At Scamps And Champs Very Own Range Of natural And Specialised Foods, And Chews. To Discuss Our Range Call Us On : Tel 0333 200 5827. 10% discount for new customers using code SCAMPSNEW at checkout.

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Autumn Hazards For Dogs

Keeping your pet safe – Hazards to look out for during Autumn

The leaves are starting to change colour and fall, conkers and acorns can be found aplenty on the ground, bushes and trees are full of luscious berries, It’s a sure sign that autumn is finally here.

However, the autumn also brings some hazards for your pet that you need to be aware of.

Seasonal Canine Illness

Seasonal Canine Illness (SCI) has been under investigation since September 2010. It’s a mystery illness generally seen between the months of August and November which can affect dogs of any size, shape or sex, it can cause dogs to become very ill. The condition appears very quickly after the dog has been walked in woodland.

The most common clinical signs are :

Sickness
Diarrhoea
Lethargy

These signs are typically experienced within 72 hours of walking in woodland.

If you suspect your dog is showing signs of SCI then contact your vet immediately.

Leaves and leaf mould

Piles of leaves can develop bacteria and mould. If your dog ingests these it can lead to gastrointestinal upsets.

Contact your vet if you think your pet has ingested leaf mould.

Conkers

It can be rare for a dog to be poisoned by the Conker, however, ingestion can cause gastrointestinal problems, signs to look out for

are:

Drooling
Retching
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Abdominal pain

The conker can also cause intestinal blockages, and though dogs normally vomit any ingested conkers quite quickly, you should always seek help from your vet.

Acorns

Exposure to acorns is common in the autumn and winter. Acorns have a toxic ingredient thought to be tannic acid, which can cause damage to the liver and kidneys.

Signs of ingestion include:

Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Abdominal pain and lethargy
Ingested acorns can also cause an intestinal blockage

Berries

Both elderberries and holly berries can cause stomach upsets in dogs.

But the most dangerous berry-bearing plants are deadly nightshade with its shiny black berries; cuckoo pint, aka lords-and-ladies (which produces spikes of orange-red berries), and mistletoe. All are typically found in woodland.

Many popular ivy plants, including English ivy and Devil’s ivy/Golden Pothos, have moderate toxicity to pets.

Signs of ingestion include:

Mouth and stomach irritation
Excessive drooling
Foaming at the mouth
Swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips
Vomiting
Diarrhoea

If your pet has eaten berries, take them to the vet for treatment – always try to take a sample of the berry for the vet to identify.

Glow sticks

If you or your children like to use/play with glow sticks around the bonfire, please ensure that your pet can’t get hold of them

The chemical mixture inside of both luminous jewellery and glow sticks can cause irritation to your pets gums, it can also cause:

Dribbling
Frothing and foaming at the mouth
Vomiting and stomach pain

Thankfully, although the signs can look dramatic, ingestion is unlikely to cause significant problems – however, you should always seek professional help and advice from your vet.

For Something Nutritious And Delicious That Your Dog/Cat Can Eat All Year Round, Take A Look At Our pet food webpage and See Our Excellent Range Of Pet Food, Tooth Chews And Treats. All of our recipes are made here in the UK with ethically sourced ingredients.

To Discuss Our Pet Food Please Call Us On 0333 200 5827.

autumn doghealth Dogs

A Few Tips On Raising Your Puppy

It’s a fact that during the lockdown period 1000’s of new puppies were welcomed into homes up and down the country. So here at Cardiff Scamps and Champs we’ve put together a few tips to help get your pup off to a flying start.

Vets

As you will no doubt be aware, there have been restrictions on vets during the pandemic, meaning that by law they have only been able to deal with emergencies. However, things are slowly returning to normal and hopefully they will be back to doing all the ordinary things as well as the emergency stuff. If you have not already done so, it is imperative that you get your puppy registered, health checked and all vaccines sorted. Give your vet a ring today and get them booked in. Your vet will give you good advice on worming, de-fleeing and lots of other issues.

Food

Puppies have specific nutritional needs in order to fuel good growth and development, and this means they require a good balanced diet. Puppies generally come in a great variety of sizes from the teeny tiny to the “looks full grown” variety, so be sure to thoroughly check all the ingredients on the various ranges of puppy foods on the market, and make sure your pup is eating a food designed for their body size and shape and the body size and shape they will quickly grow into – if in doubt, your vet may be able to give you some information.

Toys & teething

If you have been on the receiving end, you will realise your puppy has needle-sharp little teeth, but these will soon be replaced by adult teeth that can shred your best shoes or furniture in seconds. When teething, pups will chew just about anything so it may just save you a small fortune if you think ahead and get them some well made chew toys or appropriate chewing treats. Now will also be a good time to think of their oral hygiene, as tooth decay and gum disease can cause serious health issues, especially if your pup has heart problems, and may leave you with a hefty vet bill. So talk to your vet about getting a suitable toothpaste and brush and get your little one used to a daily brushing routine.

Socialisation

Everyone panics about getting their puppy socialised but unless your pup has had all of its full range of vaccinations, it will need to be kept separate from other dogs to prevent serious diseases from being picked up. Once vaccinations are completed, start getting your pup out to meet others, whether at a puppy party or just meeting other peoples pups – always be aware that your pup is still a baby and though they jump and bounce about in a cute way, this may not always be appreciated by other dogs, so make sure your pups meetings are always safe. Dogs are pack animals and they will love making friends, but they may not yet have learned the variety of signs, signals and social behaviour necessary, so never let them to run up to other dogs, and always be able to get them out of harms way if necessary.

Training

There is no time like the present to start with the “not on the couch” and “bedtime” commands, and then progress slowly to more complicated stuff like “sit”, “stay” and the recall routine. Take your time, remember that all pups will learn at different rates just like we do. Always be kind and gentle and always reward your pup when it completes the desired behaviour. You could join a puppy training class as this will also aid with your pup’s socialisation skills. When your pup has learned the good behaviour and acquired new skills, keep that going, because they’ll soon be teenagers and will behave like it – and that’s a whole other experience!

Separation

If your puppy arrived during lockdown they’ll think that you being at home all day is how the world is. So, you going back to work will not only disrupt their regular routine but could create separation anxiety. If you’re in work all day and are not lucky enough to have a job where you can nip back home, then give serious consideration to getting someone in to break the day up for your pup. It will allow them to get a much needed drink and something to eat and continue with their toilet routine. It will also provide a chance to stretch their little legs with a short walk or some good quality playtime. It is imperative that you do not leave your pup alone for long hours, as this will lead to unavoidable soiling and cause serious issues with ongoing training leading to stress and potential behavioural problems that may take a long time to settle.

Here at Scamps and Champs Cardiff, we know the importance of raising and training your puppy to become a happy and well balanced adult.

We offer specialised puppy packages, puppy visits and puppy day care to help you return to work with confidence in the knowledge that your pup is being cared for, and receiving ongoing training and enrichment in a safe environment.

We are Fully Insured, Police Cleared and Licensed. We are also open 7 days per week – 10% discounts and other benefits available as a welcome to our services.

SCAMPS AND CHAMPS ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE ARE NOW OFFERING A FULL RANGE OF ORGANIC AND SPECIALISED DRY AND SEMI MOIST FOODS FOR PUPS/KITTENS THROUGH TO ADULTS – please enquire at: Tel: 0333 200 5827 Email : cardiff@scampsandchamps.co.uk

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Are Mixed Breed Dogs (Mutts) Healthier Than Purebreed Dogs

Are mixed mutts healthier than pure breeds

When it comes to choosing the right pup for you and your family, there are many things to think about. One consideration is what type of dog is the right fit for your lifestyle as a family. Are you the outdoorsy types or do you like a more laid back lifestyle? You will want a dog that fits in and doesn’t have the type of behavioural problems that will upset the status quo. Another consideration may be whether to get a mixed breed (mutt) or a purebred dog.

There are pros and cons as well as some misconceptions and inaccuracies about both, so it’s important to always do your research long before you go out to find your forever companion and not just go along with what happens to be the fashion of the moment.

Scamps and Champs Cardiff, have provided some information to help you get a better idea of which may be the right choice for you.

MUTTS

The general consensus among many veterinary professionals is that mixed breeds dogs, in general, tend to be hardier and more resilient to genetic disease, they also are known to have greater longevity than purebred dogs.

Vets will also tell you that many mutts have a lower rate of

problematic health conditions throughout their lives, such as hip dysplasia, spinal diseases, and knee problems, they also develop less cancers and heart problems than their purebred counterparts. This results in less specialised care and lower veterinary costs throughout their lifetime.

Due to their mixed genes, mutts are less likely to have received a high dose of any particular breed’s genes. Because of this, Mutts are generally sturdier than their purebred counterparts., and these mixed genetics often create an increase in the effectiveness of their immune system, making them better able to overcome various infectious diseases. Mutts also tend to be very laid back in temperament, they can be much easier to train, and of course they are much more adaptable to their owners lifestyle and activity levels.

PUREBREDS

The drawback to inbreeding related animals in order to select and reproduce certain desired aspects, such as specific colour, physical or behavioural traits ,or breeding for certain tasks such as hunting, herding or guarding, is that there is a risk of reproducing genetically linked unwanted effects as well. Although there are no hard and fast statistics on the subject, it goes without saying that breeding animals that share similar genetics is going to increase the likelihood of passing on diseases or other conditions.

Minor mutations can exist through generations and can cluster in some breeds without too many problems, but continual inbreeding to improve certain traits in the dog may be sufficient to cause these mutations to become prolific, and can lead to the inherited and unwanted traits spreading through the breed and becoming more dominant.

Hence, medical problems such as inherited blindness, brain disorders, and certain cancers can create a cluster effect in certain breeds.

Inbreeding can also affect behavioural characteristics of dogs if taken too far, creating neurotic or maladjusted dogs, as can be seen in the Jekyll & Hyde Syndrome which can affect certain breeds.

So unless you have a specific requirement for the assets of a particular breed you need to be aware that some of these traits can become problematic over time and can cost a small fortune in vets bills.

When it comes to considering inherited health issues, it’s important to remember that all dogs carry the risk of susceptibility to disease, both genetic and infectious. That said, research is showing that good breeding practices and early disease screening could reduce the number of overall health issues.

So once you have decided that you want a purebred pet it is of paramount importance that you find a good, reliable breeder.

Unfortunately, there are some bad, “backyard” breeders out there that you need to be aware of; but the good news is that there are many great breeders out there as well, and there are great online resources available so it’s easy to do some research on particular breeders and check credentials.

Always ask the breeder as many questions as you can and always insist on seeing the parents with the pups, and see them as many times as you can before you take them home.

A good breeder will have screened the dam and sire for specific conditions and should also have included a puppy package as part of the deal – this means that your pup should have had at least its first injections before you get it. As a result, you can expect to pay more for a pure bred dog than a mutt.

Whatever dog you have or decide to have in your life, Scamps and Champs Cardiff provides a range of services to help when you can’t be there or when you’re taking a much needed break. From a one off pet visit to holiday boarding and doggie day care and dog walks. We also cover care for puppies/kittens onto adult and elderly dogs/cats, Rabbits and all creatures furry, fishy or feathered, we have a service tailored just for you.

WE ARE ALSO PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE ARE NOW STOCKING A FABULOUS RANGE OF ORGANIC AND SPECIALISED PET FOODS.

Call us to discuss how we can help you and your best friend either with services or pet foods.

Tel: 0333 200 5827

email : cardiff@scampsandchamps.co.uk

How Does Your Dog See The World?

By 28 days of life your pup has a working visual system. It’s eyes are adapted to operate in a similar fashion to that of humans but because of the positioning of their eyes, which, depending upon the breed, can be set at a 20 degree angle; they have a much greater field of vision.

Whilst due to their large pupils, they can often detect movement behind them which can be a great survival advantage, so whilst a human field of vision only stretches to 180 degrees, a dog’s field of vision will stretch to an amazing 240 degrees. This field of vision also overlaps at the front providing a greater depth of vision when the dog looks straight ahead. This Binocular vision helps when the dog is jumping and catching. Dogs with shorter muzzles will have greater binocular vision.

However, whilst humans can see reasonably well at around 75ft away, a dog will struggle from around 20ft away, so if you are standing still across the the field don’t expect your dog to recognise you immediately from this distance. He will be able to pick you up however, once you start moving as due to having a larger amount of rods in the retina, dogs see moving objects much more than they see standing objects at a distance.

This motion sensitivity is a critical aspect of canine vision and this needs to be taken into account when training your dog – particularly if you want him/her to perform certain actions from a distance based on a silent cue. Your dog also has an astounding sense of smell and will be able to “scent” you from a long way away.

The dogs eye retina is made up of rods an cones, the cones handle the vision by day and colour, whereas the rods deal with nighttime vision.

Dogs can see colour, but only have dichromatic vision as opposed to humans trichromatic vision. This lack of a third colour receptor means they don’t have the ability to distinguish red and green in a similar way to a red/green colour blind human, so a red ball on green grass may be very difficult for your dog to see..

Dogs have adapted to see in much lower light as their ancestors often

hunted at dawn and dusk giving them a much superior and precise

ability to see in various shades of grey than humans.

SO HOW DOES A DOG COPE IF IT IS BORN BLIND OR GOES BLIND ?

If a dog is born blind or loses its sight , its not as devastating as you may think. This is because the dog has other senses that will help it to navigate, such as its amazing sense of smell that can actually deliver a multi dimensional picture to the dogs brain. These dogs can and do survive and still make wonderful pets.

Your Dog is simply amazing !!

When You’ve Got To Go, You’ve Got To Go – Toilet Training For Your Pup

Unless you are very lucky, it is unlikely that your pup is fully toilet trained when you first get him/her home, so setting up a good regime from the outset will pay dividends.

If you have another dog at home to show your pup the ropes, then toilet training will happen much quicker as the new pup will soon find the area that has been established by the other dog and will quickly follow the toilet signposts.

If you don’t have another doggie at home to help out then the aim will be; not so much as to forbid the use of one area but to encourage the use of another more appropriate area. Here are a few tips that may help.

DO THIS:

Firstly, decide on an area where you want your pup to toilet Set up a regime where you take your pup out to this chosen place; First thing In The Morning, After Feeding, After Naps, In between Meals and Last Thing At Night – always use this area so that they can recognise their own scent.

Make sure that you keep to regular feeding times to get your pup into a routine As soon as your pup has eaten it will need to toilet shortly afterwards, so carry it outside and get it to sit in the “chosen” area

– don’t worry if your pup doesn’t “get it” right away. It’s ok if your pup plays about at first, it will soon do it’s duty so be patient.

The moment your pup starts to go, start praising by making lots of “Good Dog/ Good Baby” type comments in an excited and slightly high tone, this is the signal that tells your pup he/she is doing the right thing.

Reinforce these desired actions each time because your pup may occasionally forget – it’s an exciting world with lots to learn!

Limit your pups access to just one or two areas where you can keep an eye on them Crate your pup when you can’t give them supervision – they are less likely to toilet in an area where they sleep or feed.

Ensure you take your pup out regularly

Stay consistent

If your pup has an “accident” indoors always use a specialised cleaning product to clean the area thoroughly as any lingering smell may draw your pup back time and again.

DON’T DO THIS:

Never rub your pup’s nose in any mess – it’s unlikely that your pup will connect the crime with the punishment and instead your pup will become frightened – this will then lead to serious toilet training problems.

Never Ever shout at or punish your pup if it has had an accident. If you discover a mess it is too late to rectify the situation so say nothing – it may make you feel better to get the frustration out of your system but it will only serve to confuse and frighten the pup and set up problems with toilet training.

Don’t wait for your pup to signal that he/she needs the toilet, most pups don’t learn to signal in this way until they learn to “hold” – much like you when you went from nappies to potty to using the big toilet.

Don’t put papers down in the hope that your pup will use these instead of your floors – this will only send the message to your pup that its ok to do it on the papers, and may make it impossible to break the association.

Don’t leave your pup for hours on end and then blame it if it makes a mess.

Don’t use bleach to clean up after your pup – it’s always best to use specialised cleaning products available at your local pet store.

ALWAYS REMEMBER YOUR PUP IS A BABY – HANDLE WITH CARE AND LOVE, THERE IS NO PLACE FOR ANYTHING LESS!!

Don’t forget, Scamps & Champs can help with puppy visits to assist with toilet training when you go back to work. We come in, let the pup into the garden, feed the pup, clean up any accidents, refresh water and have some play/training/cuddle time before we leave. Contact your local branch for details.

Puppy Visits toilet training

What does your dog’s poo colour mean?

Does your dog’s poop look funky? Here’s the scoop on doggie-doo of every color and how to tell normal dog poop from problem poop:

Normal Dog Poop

It varies from dog to dog, breed to breed and can change depending on the type of dog food being eaten. In general, color should be medium brown and neither too soft and liquidy (diarrhea) or too hard to pass comfortably (constipation). Pay attention to your dog’s “healthy”

poops (color, consistency and frequency) so you can recognize when there’s a problem.

Black Dog Poop Or Very Dark Dog Poop

Black stool in dogs may have a “tarry” or “sticky” consistency, which may be a sign of a gastrointestinal ulcer or a stomach ulcer. Many human medications can cause stomach ulcers in dogs, especially aspirin. Never give human meds without consulting your vet.

Red Dog Poop Or Streaks Of Blood In Stool

This can indicate bleeding in the GI tract. Streaks of blood in your dog’s poop may be colitis (inflammation of the colon), a rectal injury, an anal gland infection or possibly a tumor.

Pink Or Purple Dog Poop

Anything that resembles raspberry jam (sorry to ruin your toast) could indicate hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE). A large number of dogs die each year from HGE but most will recover with prompt treatment. Seek emergency medical attention.

Grey Or Greasy-Looking Poop

Doggy-doo that appears fatty, glistens or comes out in large, soft amounts could indicate Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI).

Commonly referred to as maldigestion, EPI is a disease in which the pancreas does not produce the necessary enzymes to digest fat. EPI is treatable, so see your vet.

Green Dog Poop

Dog green poop can be common if your dog eats large amounts of grass.

However, it can also be a parasite, rat bait poisoning or other internal issues. If your dog has green poop, see your vet to be safe.

Orange Dog Poop

It could indicate a liver issue or biliary disease, or it could just mean that your dog’s food moved too quickly through the GI tract to pick up the bile. Bile is what changes poop to the normal brown color we expect. If your dog has orange diarrhea, contact your vet.

Yellow Dog Poop

Yellow mucus usually indicates a food intolerance, especially if you’ve recently changed your dog’s diet. Take a look at what your pet’s been eating and try to rule out any new ingredients that could be causing stomach upset and mustard-yellow dog poop.

White Specks In Poop

Worms often look like white grains of rice in your pup’s stool. This is treatable, so see your vet.

WHAT IS COPROPHAGIA?

Coprophagia is the scientific name given to poop eating (sorry if you’ve just eaten); although coprophagia is upsetting and revolting to us; it is a common problem in dogs and puppies and there can be any number of causes:

If your dog is eating poop, it is always a good idea to have him/her seen by a veterinarian. Your vet will help determine if there are any medical conditions or behavioural issues causing your dog to be excessively hungry. A Complete Blood Count can also help determine if the dog is anaemic or has a bacterial infection.

The vet may also recommend a urinalysis, or faecal fat test (measures fat in the stool sample), and a faecal exam (checks for parasites).

These diagnostic tests can help narrow down the cause and may reveal underlying health issues.

Dogs that are anemic may need B-12 injections.

Intestinal parasites – The parasites are feeding on the dog’s nutrients causing him/her to be super hungry. Parasites should be treated with a de-wormer and your dog’s bedding, toys, and bowls will need to be washed in hot water. Flooring should be cleaned and disinfected to help eliminate any remaining eggs. Dogs should be regularly wormed.

Endocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) – this Is a disorder where the pancreas is not producing digestive enzymes; the food being ingested is not broken down nor are the nutrients being absorbed (the dog is starving) – Treatment of Coprophagia in Dogs with Endocrine pancreatic insufficiency is usually treated by replacing digestive enzymes using freeze dried pancreas extracts from pigs and cattle. The extracts are sprinkled on the dog’s food usually 30 minutes before feeding. The dog will also be placed on dietary supplements and vitamins.

Underfed – Not feeding the dog the right amount of food or giving a poor quality diet – Dogs diagnosed with deficient diets will need to be fed a better quality commercial food. It is recommended that you read the ingredient label; the first ingredient should be a protein not a “by-product”. Dietary supplements and vitamins may also be prescribed if the food source does not contain them.

Malnourished Taste – Cat faeces may actually taste good to a dog

If you have a new mum and pups in your home you may notice that the Dam (mother) will often eat their puppies poop – this is done to clean the den; this is a normal behavior in dogs and should stop once the pups are weaned and more self sufficient.

Prescription medications can also make a dog very hungry – this needs to be discussed with your vet.

Behavioural reasons for coprophagia in dogs: include abused dog that was not being fed – these dogs may get used to eating their own poop in order to obtain some form of nourishment – Puppy mill puppies that were neglected and overcrowded causing anxiety issues will often eat their own poop and this then becomes a habit that is hard to break.

Seeking owner’s attention or just boredom (no activities or playtime) this is often seen in Kennelled/isolated dogs where isolation is extended for a long time. Your vet may suggest more playtime and walks, and less alone time. Dogs that are exercised and played with tend to be more content. If your dog persists in eating faeces the veterinarian may recommend a dog behaviourist to help stop the behaviour.

Recovery of Coprophagia in Dogs that were diagnosed with a medical condition will need follow-up visits to monitor their progress. Dogs that were diagnosed with a behavioural problem will need their owner to have patience and breaking the habit will require consistency.

Dogs are pack animals and do not do well being isolated or confined.

They require love, activities and attention.

In addition, it is important to ensure that you pick up faeces from the yard as soon as you can and regularly clean your cats the litter box if this is a source of poop eating. Providing toys as well as teaching your dog the command “leave it” may also help him to stop eating faeces.

There are also deterrent soft chews made of natural ingredients which may help the dog not to eat his own faeces.

WHY IS IT NECESSARY TO PICK UP AFTER YOUR PET?

Do you walk through the park or woodland and get fed up of seeing dog poop everywhere? It’s not the dog’s fault, it’s the fault of those who will find any and every excuse under the sun not to pick up their dog’s poop – Here are just two excuses people use for not picking up.

Excuse No.1

It Is A Natural Fertiliser – This Is NOT True,

Because Not All Poop Is Created Equal as we shall see. If it was, then we wouldn’t have to invest so much time and money in the sewage treatment of our own waste.

Other types of manure such as cow or horse has a very different make up from dog waste because their digestive systems and diets are very different.

For example, Cows are herbivores whereas dogs are omnivores and their diets are very high in proteins. Though dogs waste is high in nitrogen and phosphorous it can have the opposite effect of fertiliser and can actually burn your lawn if you don’t pick it up. Worse still, it can cause all sorts of issues for local watersheds, because once it gets into the water it can cause all kinds of sickness both for other animals and humans too.

Excuse No.2

It Will Wash Away In The Rain – Again NOT True!

This is not the case with dog poop – the fact is that dog waste can

take over a year to break down naturally. And the other down side is

that bacteria in the poop and any parasites it contains will linger in

the soil for several years after the poop has finally dissolved. (Dog

waste is even more full of disease causing bacteria and parasites than

other types of waste).

These bacteria and parasites are harmful to humans and spread disease

to other dogs. Dog waste is full of E. coli, salmonella and is a

common carrier of the following: Worms (several types), Parvovirus,

Coronavirus (NOT COVID 19), Giardiasis, Salmonellosis,

Cryptosporidiosis, and Campylobacteriosis. These bacteria and

parasites can actually linger in the soil for years after the dog

waste has disappeared.

IF YOU DON’T PICK UP AFTER YOUR DOG, YOU ARE PUTTING OTHER PEOPLE AND

OTHER DOGS AT RISK OF GETTING SICK – BE A RESPONSIBLE CITIZEN – BAG IT

AND BIN IT !!!

NB – Canine coronavirus (CCoV) is not the same virus as SARS-CoV-2

that causes the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). CCoV does not affect

people. CCoV causes gastrointestinal problems in dogs, as opposed to

respiratory disease, it is spread by dogs eating poop or coming into

contact with another (infected) dogs poop.

Don’t forget Scamps & Champs offer a dog poo pick up service. Contact cardiff@scampsandchamps.co.uk. View our dog poo pick up prices here https://scampsandchamps.co.uk/services/dog-animal-poo-pick-up/dog-animal-poo-pickup-prices/

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