Category: General Interest

Visit us in-store!

If you’re in the South-West of the UK, why not visit one of our Ark Pet Centres? We have six large, well-stocked stores across Devon, providing you with the same fantastic range and brilliant service that you’ve come to expect from The Pet Express.

As well as an excellent range of pet supplies, our stores also supply a wide range of small animals, birds, reptiles, fish and insects which are well cared for.  Our staff have expert knowledge of all of our animals and products so, whether you’re looking for that perfect pet or don’t know what dog food to go for, we are more than happy to help. They’re also pet owners themselves, caring for everything from cats and dogs to iguanas, chickens and even a duck!

Most of our Ark Pet Centres also has their own Facebook page, run by the staff in-store.  You’ll find pictures of all of our animals currently at each store, as well as exclusive competitions and events!

Below, I’ll have a closer look at what you can expect from each store, as well as giving you the links to more information about each store and their Facebook pages.

Transit Way, Plymouth – Website Facebook

This is easily the busiest store, with 14 hard-working staff on hand to give you any help or advice you may need. Between them, they have nearly 60 years’ experience working with us!

Western Approach, Plymouth – Website Facebook

Our Western Approach store is laid out across two floors, and its city centre location means that it has plenty of parking available and is incredibly convenient to get to!

Plymstock – Website

Based in Plymstock’s Broadway, this store has five lovely staff who are always happy to help you answer any questions you may have.

Paignton – Website

With 8 staff, this store prides themselves on good customer service and you can always be sure of a warm welcome here.

Exeter – Website Facebook

This store has their own welcoming committee in the form of Peanut, the resident cockatoo! They have a large car park right outside and a passionate team of staff.

Torquay – Website Facebook

Our newest store, and our largest! In fact, it has one of the largest collection of pet products in the UK! This store even has a self-service dog wash and weighing service.

All of our stores offer a free delivery service for orders over £20 on particular days of the week or the staff will be more than happy to help take your purchases to your car; perfect for those big, bulky or heavy items like dog food or rabbit hutches.

All of our stores aim to put pets first, whether that’s the animals we have in each of our Pet Centres or the ones that are staff have at home. You can be sure that you will always get the advice that you need, as well a friendly smile and a helping hand, whenever you shop at an Ark Pet Centre.

Of course, if you’re not local to Devon, don’t forget that The Pet Express delivers across the UK and has absolutely everything you need for cats, dogs, small animals, birds, fish and reptiles!

No Comments by Sarah on May 15, 2012
filed in General Interest, Pet Owner Information
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Pet First Aid – Be prepared!

If your pet has an accident or mishap in front of you, it can be incredibly harrowing, especially if you don’t know what do to. Being prepared for an emergency is incredibly important, and knowing a few simple first aid tips for pets can help immensely should the worst happen. In this blog, I will share a few general first aid tips for any emergency, as well as how to deal with particular incidents.

  • Firstly, ensure that you have an up-to-date telephone number for both your regular vet and an emergency vet. Not all practices are open 24 hours, and your pet may need professional care as soon as possible. Keep these numbers somewhere that’s easy to get to, such as stuck to the fridge. Phone your vet immediately before attempting anything yourself, and they will advise you on what to do. If the accident is severe, your vet may make a home visit.
  • If you own cats or other small animals such as rabbits or ferrets, don’t leave animal carriers stuck in the loft or forgotten in a cupboard. Make sure that they’re easy to get to in case of an emergency, as it’s more than likely that you’ll have to take your pet to the vet’s. You could also leave a few blankets inside the carrier, as you may need them depending on the situation.
  • Finally, remember that should anything happen to your pet, they are likely to be scared, in pain and confused. This may cause even the most docile of pets to lash out, even to people that they know, love and trust. Approach your pet slowly and calmly, and stay away from their mouth if possible. Also, in some situations you should muzzle them, but not if they have any problems with their breathing or if they are vomiting. If you do not have a muzzle at home, you can use a strip of soft cloth or a necktie or nylon stocking. Wrap it around their nose, under their chin and tie it behind their ears. Be careful not to tie it too tightly to allow them to pant and you can use a towel wrapped around the head for small animals.

Bearing these points in mind will go a long way to helping in an emergency. Just be sure to call your vet before attempting anything for yourself, and they will give you the advice that you need. These basic procedures will help in particular situations, and you should familiarise yourself with them should your vet advise that you do them.

  • Bleeding/Bite Wounds

Approach your pet slowly and muzzle them. In the case of bites, check the wound for debris or other contamination. If there is anything like this, wash the wound with a saline or balanced electrolyte solution. If you don’t have any of this, then use plain water. Wrap any large wounds to keep them clean and apply firm, direct pressure until the bleeding stops or at least 10 straight minutes. Ensure that you don’t use a tourniquet or any bandages that could cut off circulation.

  • Burns

This refers to chemical, electrical or heat burns, with symptoms including singed hair, redness, swelling or blistering. You need to flush the area with plenty of cool, running water. However, if there are large amounts of dry chemicals on the skin, be sure to brush these off first as the water may activate them. Then, apply an ice pack for 15-20 minutes. You can use frozen food, but any ice pack must be wrapped in a clean, dry blanket or towel first.

  • Choking

If your pet is choking, they will have difficulty breathing, may be pawing at their mouth and may have blue lips and tongue. More than likely, this will make your pet frantic so be careful not to let them bite you. If they can still partially breathe, the best thing to do is get them straight to a vet’s. If not, look into the animal’s mouth to see if you can see the blockage. If possible, use pliers or tweezers to remove it, but you must be really careful not to push it further in. If the object is too deep or your pet collapses, then put your hands on both sides of your pet’s rib cage and apply firm, quick pressure. Alternatively, you can lay your pet on their side and strike the side of their rib cage firmly with the flat of your hand three or four times. You should continue doing this until the object is removed or you arrive at the vet’s.

  • Fractures

Your pet may have a fractured limb if they are in pain, are refusing to use that limb or if it is at an odd angle. Firstly, muzzle your pet and look for bleeding. If you can stop this without causing more damage, then do so. In case of a fracture, keeping the limb supported is the most important factor. Don’t try to set the fracture by tugging or pulling on it, just get your pet to the vet’s.

  • Poisoning

Symptoms of poisoning include sickness, diarrhoea, convulsions, weakness, salivation or depression. If you know what your pet has ingested, record what it is and how much. If possible, retain the packaging and phone your vet immediately. If your pet has something on their skin, such as paint or insecticides, ask your vet whether to wash it off and how to do so. Ensure that you do not induce vomiting, as this may do more harm than good.

  • Seizures

Symptoms of seizures include salivation, loss of bowel control, muscle twitches or falling unconscious. Move your pet away from anything that might hurt them, using a blanket for padding or protection. However, do not restrain your pet as this will put you at risk. Time the seizure, they should only last 2 or 3 minutes, and then keep your pet calm and quiet and phone your vet.

  • Vomiting and/or Diarrhoea

In both cases, withhold food for 12 – 24 hours. If they’ve been vomiting, wait for two hours after the vomiting stops and then give your pet ice cubes. Then, you can slowly increase food and water over the next 12 to 24 hours. In the case of diarrhoea, make sure that water is readily available. Phone your vet for more advice, and don’t try any at-home remedies without knowing the exact cause.

  • Heatstroke

We have gone into heatstroke in much more detail in a previous blog, but you should look out for difficulty breathing or rapid breathing, vomiting, collapsing and a high body temperature. Cool your pet by placing them in a bath of cool (not cold) water, gently soaking them with a garden hose or wrapping them in a cool, wet towel.  Be careful not to overcool them, and phone your vet.

While these first aid tips may help in an emergency, your priority in any situation should be to get your pet to a professional. Phone your vet immediately should anything happen, and do as they say as it may be dangerous to move your pet. While no one ever wants their pet to fall ill or get hurt, being well prepared and ready to act quickly and calmly will make a whole world of difference should the worst happen.

No Comments by Sarah on May 10, 2012
filed in Birds, Cats, Chinchillas, Dogs, Ferrets, Fish, General Interest, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, Pet Owner Information, Rabbits, Rats and Mice, Small Animals
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Animal cruelty convictions rise

With RSPCA Week starting on the 30th April to raise awareness and funds (See our previous blog), the charity has released details of the number of convictions for animal cruelty over the past year.

In fact, convictions for cruelty and neglect rose by 24%, cruelty to dogs by 22%, and a disqualifications on keeping animals rose by 21%. On one hand you could argue that cruelty itself is rising, but as calls to the RSPCA’s control room rose by 13%, it would appear that as a country we’re becoming less tolerant of animal cruelty.

Unfortunately, this has led to the RSPCA becoming “stretched to breaking point”, making next week’s fundraising efforts even more important. You can check out last week’s blog for all the details. With your help, the RSPCA can keep improving the welfare of animals throughout England and Wales.

Of course, if you do see an animal in distress, or one that’s being mistreated, neglected or is injured, you should call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999. It’s open 24 hours a day, but you should be aware of a number of things that they will ask for. For example, your name and address as well as that of anyone involved or any witnesses, the date, time and place of the offense, as well as the registration and description of any vehicles involved. Finally, they will ask about the animal’s environment and condition.

The RSPCA completely relies on the help of the British public to carry on their fantastic work, so between the 30th April and the 6th May, give what you can.

by Sarah on April 24, 2012
filed in General Interest, Pet Owner Information
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Be Lungworm Aware!

A recent campaign has started to raise awareness among dog owners of the deadly parasite lungworm.

Lungworm is a parasite that is carried by common garden slugs or snails, which dogs can accidentally or purposefully eat. When the parasite infects dogs it lives in the heart and the major blood vessels that supply the lungs. If this isn’t treated, it can cause many problems and can be fatal. The parasite can also be passed on to other dogs through faeces.

There are four main symptoms of lungworm to watch out for:

Breathing problems: Such as your dog is coughing or getting out of breath quickly.

Poor blood clotting: Such as bleeding from the nose and eyes, excessively bleeding from small cuts or anaemia, which is indicated by pale gums.

General sickness: Such as diarrhoea, vomiting, loss of appetite or weight loss.

Changes in behaviour: Such as depression, tiring easily or having fits.

However, if you think that your dog may have already become infected, the key is to get him to a vet’s as soon as possible. Treatment for lungworm is easily administered, but infected dogs can deteriorate incredibly quickly. If you own multiple dogs and one becomes infected, or you see your dog eat a snail or slug, take them to see your vet as a precautionary measure.

While lungworm isn’t prevented or treated by usual worming tablets, your vet can prescribe a spot-on treatment that is applied to the back of your dog’s neck every month. The importance of this treatment should not be overlooked, especially as the small size of slugs and snails make them easy for dogs to accidentally eat. They may happen when playing with a toy or rummaging through undergrowth.

For more information on lungworm, head over to the Be Lungworm Aware campaign page, and be sure to pass this information on to your friends and family; it may just save your dog’s life!

1 Comment by Sarah on April 19, 2012
filed in Dogs, General Interest, Pet Owner Information

RSPCA Week: 30th April – 6th May

From the 30th April to the 6th May is the annual RSPCA Week. This is a week organised to help the RSPCA raise funds for and awareness about their immensely important work helping animals across the UK.

The RSPCA was founded in 1824 by Richard Martin, William Wilberforce and Reverend Arthur Broome. You may know William Wilberforce as the leader of the movement to abolish the slave trade.  As the first animal charity in the world, Queen Victoria gave it its royal status in 1840 and since then it has created, lobbied for and enforced many pieces of animal welfare legislation. The most recent of these was the Animal Welfare Act which was passed in 2006 and replaces the RSPCA’s own Protection of Animals Act 1911.

Nowadays, the RSPCA’s mission statement is:

“The RSPCA as a charity will, by all lawful means, prevent cruelty, promote kindness to and alleviate suffering of all animals.”

They care for domestic pets, farm animals and wild animals through their hospitals and centres across the UK. They provide treatments for pets whose owners cannot afford it, as well as rehome and care for sick, injured or abandoned pets and wild animals.

Due to their status as a charity, the RSPCA receives no funding from the state or lottery and relies entirely on voluntary donations. With RSPCA Week just around the corner, there is no better time to get involved with this wonderful charity and do your bit to help them continue their work.

If you’d like to get involved, there are a number of ways you can do this:

  • On the RSPCA’s website you can request a fundraising guide. Why not try hosting a bake sale or sponsored dog walk?
  • If you have some spare time on your hands, volunteer at your local RSPCA centre. Most of these centres are run by volunteers, and you’d be amazed just how much difference one afternoon of your time can make.
  • Throughout the week, the RSPCA are hosting events all across the country, from pet welfare days to dog shows and auctions. The handy calendar on their Events Page will show you all the events in your area.
  • Finally, if you can’t make it to an event or shelter, you can contribute simply by heading to the RSPCA’s donation page.

The RSPCA rely completely on your donations, so help them to help the UK’s animals by getting involved with RSPCA Week! Let us know in the comments below what you plan on doing, or head over to our Facebook page and share your ideas!

by Sarah on April 17, 2012
filed in General Interest, Pet Owner Information

NEWS – Puppy contract to help new buyers choose the right pet for them.

On Wednesday 11th April, the RSPCA and the BVA Animal Welfare Association teamed up to launch a new puppy contract and Puppy Information Pack (PIP).

This pack provides prospective puppy owners with all the information and guidance that they need in order to find the puppy that’s fit and healthy as well as well-socialised. It also benefits good breeders in that it’s a way for them to show the good care and attention that they give to all of their dogs. The RSPCA is hoping that this pack will become the industry standard.

The way the pack works is that the breeder will fill it in before the puppy is sold. It’s full of information about the puppy’s health such as vaccinations and worming, who the puppy has been socialised with, whether it’s toilet trained, as well as the puppy’s parentage, pedigree and possible inherited conditions. This isn’t exhaustive; the pack really does cover every aspect of the puppy’s health and wellbeing.

The contract, on the other hand, is signed by both the breeder and the buyer, and both parties keep a copy as well as a copy of the PIP. Any puppy sold in England and Wales is sold under contract whether one has been written or not, but this one ensures a clear, consistent standard. The contract requires the breeder to confirm that all information given in the PIP is accurate, and because the PIP is referenced there can be legal consequences if it is not. The buyers are required by the contract to meet all of the puppy’s future health needs.

The PIP and the contract ensure that owners know exactly what health problems that their puppy may experience in the future and that their puppy has been well looked after. The RSPCA and BVA Animal Welfare Association are hoping that this will help to reduce the number of new owners who have been misled over the health of their puppy and have had to pay hundreds of pounds in vet bills. It should also lead to an improvement in the conditions that puppies are kept in before they’re sold, as new owners now have the power to easily find out just how well the puppy has been cared for and socialised. As mentioned above, it will also help good breeders get the recognition that they deserve.

Despite the PIP and the contract being a fantastic step forward for puppy welfare and empowering potential owners to find reputable breeders, it requires the participation and co-operation of breeders and owners. If you’re thinking of buying a puppy, ask the breeder to provide you with a PIP and a puppy contract. If they haven’t heard of it, show them the link and ask them to fill one out. If a breeder really cares for their puppies and treats them well, they will be more than happy to do this for you. As a breeder, you can fill out PIPs for all of your puppies and give them to any potential owners who come to visit; it may even help to encourage them to buy their puppy from you and you know that your puppy will be looked after when they go to their new home.

Breeder or buyer, everyone should take the time to read through the PIP, the contract and the guidance notes. It truly is a fantastic scheme, and one that The Pet Express wholeheartedly supports!

Puppy Contract website – Print your PIP and contract from here, as well as more information and useful links.

by Sarah on April 12, 2012
filed in Dogs, General Interest, Pet Owner Information
tagged , , , ,

Choosing the right Arden Grange dry food for your dog.

Arden Grange is one of the best suppliers of dry dog food, and here at The Pet Express we stock a wide range of their food. Arden Grange understands just how important the right nutrition is for your dog, and so have created a variety of dry food that is tailored for a range of different breeds.

For example, their Light dog food has fewer calories than their regular food. This makes it ideal for older dogs who are not as active, or those that are overweight. For dogs with delicate digestion or sensitive skin, their Sensitive dry food is made with white fish and potato to help with these ailments. On the other hand, for more active dogs, Arden Grange’s Performance food has all the nutrients and energy that a working or very active dog needs. Similarly, their Prestige food is also suitable for these dogs, as well as pregnant bitches due to its high protein and fat content.

For puppies, Arden Grange supplements its regular dry puppy food with food suitable for puppies that are being weaned. It’s easily digestible and is full of all the nutrients and minerals that puppies need to grow.

As well as these, there are also dry foods available for large and small breeds, as well as large and small puppies. These foods have smaller or larger sized kibbles, which are just right for your dog!

Whatever your dog’s specific needs, Arden Grange is sure to have a dry dog food that’s just right. All varieties are made from only the finest quality ingredients and free from wheat-gluten, dairy products, beef and soya as well as artificial colourings, flavourings and preservatives. This reduces the risk of food intolerances, which can be to blame for many health conditions in dogs.

Simply head over to Arden Grange’s product page to find the perfect food for your canine friend!

Arden Grange Dry Dog Food at The Pet Express.

by Sarah on April 10, 2012
filed in Dogs, General Interest, Pet Owner Information
tagged , ,

Beat the fleas with The Pet Express

As hard as we try, owning three cats makes it a bit of a nightmare to keep them completely flea-free at all times! The warm, wet weather makes things even worse, with spring often being called “flea season”.

While flea drops and tablets have done a great job of killing of the fleas on our cats (We’ve tried collars, but they never seem to stay on our cats for more than a day or two!), we still needed to make sure that our house was de-flead too. If you ever find that your animals have fleas, getting rid of any in your house is just as crucial.

First off, wash all of your pet’s bedding in hot water, or get rid of it entirely. If your pets are ever allowed in bedrooms, you need to do the same for your bed linen. Next, you need to vacuum every surface that fleas could live in. In my home, we vacuumed, then used a flea spray for carpets, and then vacuumed again. However, salt sprinkled on carpets also seems to work. Just make sure that you vacuum any furniture that could harbour fleas too.

The Pet Express has everything you need to kill fleas on your pet, from drops and collars, to sprays and tablets. Then, ensure that you vacuum regularly, keep up with any anti-flea medication and you should be able to beat the fleas this spring!

The Pet Express Anti-flea Products

by Sarah on April 6, 2012
filed in Cats, Dogs, General Interest, Pet Owner Information
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Keeping your pets happy and healthy over the hot summer months.

Here at The pet Express, we’re always devastated to hear of animals (especially dogs) becoming incredibly ill and even passing away because they’re not given the proper care and attention on hot days. This week’s bumper blog post is all about how you can keep your pets safe, healthy and comfortable over the summer.

  • Dogs

It seems a summer doesn’t go by without a news story about dogs dying in hot cars. Did you know that when it’s just 22°C outside, the temperature inside a car can rise to 47°C within just 60 minutes? Even leaving a window rolled down or a sunshield on your windscreen isn’t enough; dogs should never be left alone in a car on a warm day. In fact, if you see a dog left in a car, call the police on 999, as owners have a legal duty to care for their animals under the Animal Welfare Act.

When at home, ensure that your dog always has access to a cool, shady spot or a well-ventilated room as well as plenty of fresh drinking water in a heavy bowl that can’t be knocked over. Also, don’t leave your dog in a conservatory, as these are prone to getting exceedingly hot just like cars.

If your dog has long hair, be sure to brush them regularly and give them a haircut at the beginning of the summer. Regular baths will help with skin irritation caused by the heat, as well as helping your dog to cool off. Just be sure to use cool water, not cold.

When out and about, ensure that you have water with you and give your dog small amounts throughout the day. Dogs still need exercise when it’s warm, so avoid the hottest parts of the day and take them for a walk in the early morning or evening. Finally, be aware that dogs can get sunburned too, especially on light-coloured noses and ears. Your vet can advise you about suitable sun creams.

  • Cats

Much like dogs, cats need to have somewhere shady, cool and ventilated to move to when they get too hot. It is also recommended that cats are kept indoors during the middle of the day, when temperatures are at their highest.  If this isn’t possible, then a cat kennel or covered area outdoors will suffice.

Cats also need access to fresh water at all times. If they are to be kept outside, ensure that the water is kept in a heavy bowl, or one with an ‘unspillable’ design. Keep the bowl in the covered area to stop the water evaporating, and check it regularly to refill it.

Cats with light fur are also susceptible to sunburn on their ears and noses, just like dogs. Again, speak to your vet for advice on the best pet-safe sun cream to use. If your cat has particularly long fur, be sure to brush them regularly and give them a haircut if needed.

  • Caged Animals, Birds, Reptiles & Fish

The biggest danger with any pet kept in a tank, vivarium, aquarium, hutch or cage is that they’re limited to where they can move to in order to escape the sun. Take the time to move your animal’s enclosure to somewhere that is out of direct sunlight, cool and well ventilated. If the hutch has an attached run, make sure that there is a cooler, shady area available at all times throughout the day.

Regularly check your animal’s enclosure to ensure that they always have plenty of fresh drinking water available. It may also be worth investing in an extra water bowl or bottle, depending on how often you may be able to check these.

In the case of fish and aquariums, their water needs to be kept clean, well oxygenated and algae free. If your aquarium or tank has a filter, check to make sure that this is working at all times.

As with dogs and cats, long-haired rabbits and guinea pigs will need regular brushing, and possibly a haircut to keep them cool.

  • Heatstroke

By following all of this advice, you will greatly reduce the chances of your pet becoming ill over the summer. However, be aware that it could still be possible for your pet to develop heat stroke and that this can be fatal, so it’s very important that you know the signs as well as what to do. Especially susceptible are dogs with short muzzles, long coats, or overweight, old or young dogs.

Symptoms to look out for include: excessive panting, heavy salivation, rapid pulse, very red gums or tongue, lethargy (tiredness), lack of co-ordination, being unable to get up after collapsing, vomiting and diarrhoea. Your pet may even lose consciousness in extreme situations.

If you suspect that your pet has heatstroke, quickly move them to a cool and shady area. You need to lower their temperature gradually, so as not to send them in to shock. Do this by spraying or dousing them with cool water, not cold. You could use a shower or a spray bottle, and try to get them near a fan. Let them drink small amounts of cool water, and call your vet immediately. As soon as your pet is cooled down, you will need to take them to your veterinary surgery as they may need further treatment.

The summer is a fantastic time for enjoying the sunshine with your pet, whether it’s in the garden or at the beach or park. These simple, easy-to-follow steps will ensure that you and your pets can make the most of the next few months, while remaining happy, healthy and safe!

For more information, visit the RSPCA’s fantastic FAQ pages, and for all your pet’s summer needs, visit the Pet Express!

by Sarah on April 3, 2012
filed in Birds, Cats, Chinchillas, Dogs, Ferrets, Fish, General Interest, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, Pet Owner Information, Rabbits, Rats and Mice, Reptiles, Small Animals
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Funky and fun hamster cages

Hamsters make fantastic pets for children, and I’m sure that kids will love to see their special pet entertained and amused by our fantastic range of hamster cages. Packed full of tunnels and tubes, these cages create the perfect environment for your hamster.

Image of Rotastak Pink Fun Palace

Rotastak Pink Fun Palace

I’m yet to find a little girl who wouldn’t want this gorgeous cage for her furry friend. The looping tubes provide exercise and fun, while the extra rooms provide more space for your hamster without taking up more of your bedroom.

Image of Rotastak Mission Pod Home

Rotastak Mission Pod Home

Boys, on the other hand, will love the futuristic look of this cage. The tubing and pods are great fun, and give your hamster loads of room. A mezzanine level in the main cage adds even more space.

Image of Circus Fun Hamster Cage

Circus Fun Hamster Cage

Of course, if neon pink or green plastic isn’t your taste, but still want a hamster cage that’s unique, you can’t get more so than this fantastic circus cage. The whole design is made to look like a big top, right down to the tiny flags on the roof!

As well as having brilliant design, these cages provide all that your hamster needs to be happy, healthy and safe.

by Sarah on April 1, 2012
filed in General Interest, Hamsters, Product News, Small Animals
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