As Mr Sunshine continues to shine down on us this year, it becomes ever more concerning for our furry friends who just can’t handle the heat like we can. That’s why its SUPAW Important to make sure you take the right steps for keeping them happy and healthy throughout the Summer.

Here are some of our Top Tips to help you keep them Safe in the Sun!

Stay hydrated

Water is essential for your dog all year round, especially on a hot day. Make sure clean, fresh water is always available. If you’re out and about with your dog, make sure you always have a bottle of water and a bowl for them to drink from – we like the M&MK Pet Dog Water Bottle! 

Stay cool

Try and stick to shaded or grassed areas to avoid burnt paws, if the ground feels too hot for you to touch, the chances are your dog’s thinking the same. Use paddling pools to keep your dog’s paws cool outside, or if they’re not fans of water, you can try cooling mats, coats or even a wet towel to drape over your dog every now and again.

Frozen treats

Make sure you have a stash of dog friendly frozen treats in your freezer to keep your dog refreshed. Check out our Instagram page for free easy frozen treat recipes you can whip up at home. BONUS – they all have super health benefits for you pooch!

Energy burning enrichment

If it’s too warm for a walk, there are other ways to exercise your dog’s brain. Use frozen lick mats and stuffable enrichment toys for mental stimulation to keep your Dog stimulated whilst keeping them cool on hot days – its a WIN WIN situation for everyone! They get to work out, eat their favourite treats and keep cool all at once! If you need some inspiration – check out our socials!

Plan your walks

Avoid walking your dog if the weather is hot! Even a warm day can predispose dogs to overheating, especially if they’re exercising, and this can be fatal. Consider taking your dog for a gentle walk very early or late in the evening when the temperature has significantly reduced or do some stimulating activities at home. Remember – if the pavement feels hot to touch by hand, its going to be too warm for your Dogs Paws!

Check the Temperature

Most Dogs can’t handle the heat even if its above 20°C; make sure if you are taking your Dog out, that he is comfortable with the temperature and won’t overheat. We don’t venture out in anything above 16°C because our Boston Terrier Boys simply aren’t comfortable with it and would prefer to be at home. Certain breeds are more susceptible to overheating (like flat nosed breeds and those with respiratory issues) in hot weather; so please make sure you know your breeds capability.

Air flow

Use fans around the house to keep air flowing. Believe it or not, grooming your dog daily can also help with air flow. Reducing the amount of loose hair, knots and tangles can increase the air flow through your dog’s fur to their skin.

Stay Protected

Unfortunately, bugs thrive in the warm weather. To prevent fleas, ticks and other creepy crawlies pestering your pooch don’t forget to use your all-natural Freedom flea and tick products if you do venture out!

Sun protection

Some dogs with lighter, shorter coats can be in danger of getting sunburn especially areas with less fur like the nose or tummy. It is advised that you use a non-toxic sunscreen to help protect those areas. Head over to our grooming products to grab a Pawtect Sun Balm with SPF20!

No cars!

You should avoid travelling in your car with your dog on a hot day. Leaving a dog alone in a hot car can be fatal – even parked in the shade with the windows open, dogs can become distressed and uncomfortable and develop heat stroke very quickly which can lead to an unnecessary death. Leave the Dogs at home, they will sure thank you for it later!

 

Whatever you decide to do this summer – just make sure you know your Dogs limits before taking them along with you. It really isn’t worth putting them at risk.

If you have any other tips – please let us know!

Tropical Toppl Anyone?

 

Here is a simple stuffing recipe for a West Paw Toppl containing some of our favourite goodies!

This one isn’t frozen but feel free to freeze yours to make the challenge harder! (The new ANCO Pate squishes in nicely so still lasted the boys a good 20 minutes 🥰)

What you will need:

• West Paw Toppl

• Paws in Earnest Stoppl for Toppl & Wobble Stopper

• Supaw Supps Organic Pumpkin Seeds

• Supaw Supps Organic Bee Pollen

• Supaw Supps Dandelion Root

• Denzels Tropical Soft Baked Chews with Coconut, Mango & Whitefish

• Anco Turkey Pate

• Ella’s Kitchen Organic Bananas & Coconuts Puree

Now its time for the fun part…to build your Tasty Toppl! (Be aware…you may have a best friend drooling at your feet the whole time).

 

Step 1 – Pop the Stoppl into the front hole of the Toppl and place the Toppl on the Wobble Stopper.

Step 2 – Chop the pate into chunks and squish firmly into the bottom of the Toppl (either with fingers or a spoon depending on how you prefer); when you’re half way up squeeze a layer of Ella’s Kitchen Organic Bananas & Coconuts Puree over the top.

Step 3 – Fill with more pate until you reach the top rim of the Toppl. Take 2 of the Denzel Tropical Soft Chews and break them in half, then push them down into the Toppl, along the back edge (we broke ours in half because we used a small Toppl – if you have a large Toppl you can place them in whole).

Step 4 – Cover the top of the pate in Ella’s Kitchen Organic Bananas & Coconuts Puree.

Step 5 – Sprinkle the Organic Bee Pollen, Pumpkin Seeds and Dandelion Root over the top of the puree.

Step 6 – (optional) Pop in the freezer for at least 2 hours

And Voila – your Tropical Toppl is ready to serve!

It really doesn’t have to be complicated to create enrichment snacks for your best friends, if you’re stuck for ideas – check out our Instagram Page for some inspiration!

 

So I’m guessing you’ve heard the news about Organic Bee Pollen recently, and why so many people are raving about it..no?

Well…let me tell you why this fantastic natural supplement is an absolute game changer for your Dog…

Bee pollen is a mixture of flower pollen, nectar or honey, and bees’ digestive enzymes, and in its natural form comes in small crunchy yellow-orange to dark brown granules like these 👆🏻
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It is rich in vitamins, minerals, trace elements, enzymes, amino acids and anti-oxidants…and is a great natural supplement for Dogs.
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But how does it work? 🤓⁣
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🤧 It reduces symptoms of alleriges – Bee pollen contains Quertin, a natural antihistamine, which can help to reduce allergy symptoms and allergic reactions in dogs when given regularly. By giving your dog a small dose of pollen, it helps to desensitize your dog to certain allergens.⁣
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❤️ It provides an immune boost – Taking Bee Pollen has been shown to strengthen the immune system by increasing cellular immune responses and reducing allergic responses due to a high level of flavonoid compounds and naturally occurring steroids.⁣
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🔥 It has anti-inflamamtory effects – Bee Pollen is high in flavonoids and phenolic acids, fatty acids and phytosterols that have anti-inflammatory effects; these natural compounds support the production of immune factors which are important in maintaining a healthy immune system and reducing inflammation.⁣
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🛡 It contains plenty of antioxidants – Bee pollen is loaded with a wide variety of antioxidants, among them flavonoids, carotenoids, quercetin, kaempferol and glutathione – some studies have shown that bee pollen antioxidants can reduce chronic inflammation & eliminate harmful bacteria as they fight free radicals from the body.⁣
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⛑ It massively improves liver health and function – bee pollen is hepatoprotective; it protects and promotes a healthy liver, and assists in the healing process for any damage.⁣

We LOVE our Organic Bee Pollen, and we use it every day in meals and enrichment activities! All you need is a sprinkle a day to keep ill health at bay!

 

Here are a few more reasons why we love it:

• antimicrobial, antifungal and antiviral properties

• Contain many useful nutrients, so a good dietary supplement

• Reduces stress as it improves blood flow to the nervous system

• Useful in the treatment of prostate cancer

• When applied to the skin can speed healing and help with treatment of acne and eczema

• Improves energy and endurance

• Promotes longevity

• Aids recovery from chronic illness and helps prevent disease

As you can see..it’s a great all rounder and gets a 10/10 from us!

*For most people, bee pollen appears to be a safe dietary supplement, but people who are allergic to pollen and bee or wasp stings should avoid bee pollen products. 

Grain Free Doggy Pancakes Recipe!

It’s only fair that our furry friends get to enjoy pancakes on Pancake Day like we do…so here is a wholesome pancake recipe with only a few ingredients that are suitable for them to enjoy. This recipe is suitable for both raw fed, kibble and home cooked food fed dogs – and can be served cooked or Raw!

For Cooked Pancakes:

Step 1 – Mash the banana with a fork and mix together with the egg to make the batter, when mixed, add a dollop of Nuts for Pets peanut butter*. Mix well.

Step 2 – Heat some coconut oil in a pan over a medium-high heat, when hot add the batter and fry for a few minutes.

Step 3 – Flip the pancake to cook the other side once the underside has browned.

Step 4 – Remove from the heat and transfer to a dog friendly plate, then add your tasty toppings! We went for dried organic strawberries*, raspberries* & blueberries*, Organic honey and natural yoghurt and a chocolate coconut drizzle*.

Step 5 – Serve…but be careful as you may experience extreme happiness from your Dog!

*Items from our Doggy Pancakes Tasty Toppings Kit!

Check out our video tutorial here!

For Raw Pancakes check out our video tutorial!

 

A loved dog is a happy dog, so show them you love them by:

Time is love

Give them your undivided attention! Spending quality focussed time with your dog is the best way to reinforce your emotional bond. Play more, affectionately pet them, and be fully present on your walks! 

Don’t be embarrassed to use your ‘dog voice’

Studies show that our dogs understand human language better that previously thought. They like to hear words relating to them: walkies, treat, good.  They also like you to use the high-pitched tone aka ‘baby talk’. It has even been scientifically proven by research at York University which concluded that ‘adult dogs were more likely to want to interact and spend time with the speaker that used dog-directed speech (high pitched rhythmic speaking) with dog-related content, than they did those that used adult-directed speech with no dog-related content.’

So, holding that one-way conversation with you pooch isn’t as crazy as you thought….it is building a deeper bond.

‘Walkies’

Dogs thrive on routine and schedule. Daily walks and training will help your dog understand how much you love and care for them. These shared experiences and training sessions help with communication and build trust. Also remember to allow them to have play time, plenty of sniffing and to express ‘normal’ canine behaviour.

The food of love

There are hundreds of dog foods to choose from.  Educate yourself so that you can pick one that is nutritionally optimal and species appropriate. Giving your dog the best diet will keep them fit and healthy and they will love you for it! Spoil them with natural treats. Here at Pawfect Nature we have a large online selection available. Look out for our new and inspiring enrichment toy with fillings and toppers combinations, the Mindful Mutts Club.  

Share a long, lingering gaze 

Staring down in a forceful manner can be a signal of aggression to some dogs. However, as the dog-owner relationship grows so does the amount of eye contact. Research has shown that when you and your dog share a long, lingering gaze, the oxytocin levels go up in both human and canine. Oxytocin is the ’love hormone’ which improves the friendship and leads to a stronger connection.

Be a good listener

You should watch and read your dogs’ body language. They are continuously communicating if you know what to look for. A wagging tail, eye contact and a raised eyebrow is good. Warning signs of an anxious dog include lip smacking, tucked tail and popping-out or averted eyes.

The touch of love

Just touching your dog has been shown to release oxytocin in you and your dog. A soothing massage, gentle grooming session or extended stroking and petting time will tell your dog in no uncertain terms how much you love them. The ears are packed with feeling receptors, so a good place to start.

Cuddles and naps

Like humans, dogs thrive on physical contact. Even if you don’t let your dog sleep on your bed with you, an afternoon nap on the couch together will deepen your connection.

Just a note about human signals of affection that may make no sense to your dog (depending upon its nature), so watch for their reaction.  Some dogs feel trapped or pinned down when you hug them! A quick kiss on the head may be misread as a nip or gesture of domination! 

…….and 8 ways they love you back:

Warm welcome

Does your dog go crazy when you come home? Does he eagerly greet you with a toy in his mouth, with lots of wagging, jumping and joyful squeaking? He is showing his excitement to see you in any way he can.

Leaning

If your dog leans their weight against your legs in a relaxed and calm way, they’re showing that they trust you implicitly. It is their way of giving a full body hug. They may show other signs of relaxation, a slightly open mouth, soft eyes and a gently wagging tail. You can mimic and reciprocate this, so lean to show a little love back.

Eye contact

Eye contact for a dog is an intimate act, usually a display of trust and affection. If your dog can maintain prolonged eye contact with you they are showing a high degree of attachment.

Nose nudging

If your dog gives you a nose nudge, especially if followed by a soulful stare and/or full body contact, it is their way of showing affection.

Sighing

Soft vocalisations, like sighs or low groans are signs of contentment in dogs. When your dog snuggles up next to you and sighs, it means they feel safe and comfortable.

Licking

Dogs instinctively lick and groom themselves and each other. Some dogs feel the need to lick their favourite person in the world. Maybe it’s a sign of respect and love for you….or that there are crumbs left over from lunch!

Rolling

If your dog rolls onto its back and their overall body language looks loose and relaxed, they are probably asking for a belly rub.  Much like the lean, it is showing a high degree of trust and relaxation.

The look of love

You will know that our dogs are sensitive to our emotional states. Did you know that scientific studies have shown that dogs can see, hear and even smell our emotions? They can read human emotions through our facial expressions.

Yawning is contagious between humans and is said to demonstrate empathy. Did you know that dogs may experience the same sensation? It is difficult to measure empathy in dogs but it is thought that yawning symbolises a bond to their human. Yawn and see if your dog copies! 

Happy Valentines Day Everyone!

Did you know……an acrostic is a poem or other composition in which the first letter of each line  spells out a word.

Here is an acrostic for Pawfect Nature…because everyone needs a bit of light reading for a Saturday afternoon!

 

P is for PATE. JR pure pates are 100% meat. They come in 3 sizes (80g, 200g and 400g), and 7 flavours (beef, chicken, duck, lamb, rabbit, salmon and turkey). They can be used as a complete  food or a treat. You can slice it, dice it, cube it, cut it, stuff it or spread it!!!!

A is for ALOE VERA. We use the leaf juice of Aloe Barbadensis in our products: Sensitive Soul Organic Dog Shampoo Bar, Dog Ruff Organic Dog Conditioner Bar, Mud Monster organic Dog Shampoo Bar, Pawfect Puppy Organic All-in-One Balm and Pawtect Sun Organic SPF20 Sunscreen for dogs. Aloe vera conditions the coat and is anti-inflammatory and promotes healing. It soothes dry, sensitive and itchy skin and can be used on ‘hot spots’, burns and insect bites. 

W is for WHIMZEES. These are daily dental treats made with only 6 primary ingredients. These fun, effective treats help to remove plaque and tartar and reduce the bacteria that causes bad breath. The rigid vegetable based texture with knobbly bits, hollows and grooves help to remove plaque and tartar as the dog chews.

F is for ‘FOR FOX SAKE’. This is an Organic Shampoo Bar specially formulated for dogs who love a good roll around in poop. With added activated charcoal powder, this earthy shampoo bar gently exfoliates to remove stubborn poop from the coat and skin, topped off with an earthy black pepper and basil aroma from organic essential oils to eliminate unwanted odours…… and it works!!!

E is for ECO-FRIENDLY. Eco-friendly literally means earth-friendly or NOT harmful to the environment. It is about being more conscious of how you use resources. We use only organic ingredients in our holistic health care products and package them with sustainable materials. Our treats are 100% natural and come delivered to you in 100% recycled and recyclable packaging. No plastic! We recycle and reuse wherever we can.

C is for CHICKEN. Our chicken treats are 100% chicken, so high in protein, with no additives and are grain and gluten free. Choose from chicken feet (try the ‘puffed’ version), hearts, jerky, necks, meat coins or pate.

T is for TRIPE. Tripe is a natural treat made from the stomach lining. It is air dried to produce a natural treat which satisfies the dogs natural instinct to chew and the abrasive action helps to keep the teeth clean. You can pick from beef, lamb, goat, camel or buffalo, or try a mixture.

 

N is for NATURAL INGREDIENTS.  Our essential oils and other ingredients are certified organic by the Soil Association, which means they contain higher levels of antioxidants and are free from chemicals, parabens and artificial colours, dyes and fragrances. By choosing organic we ensure our products are transparently manufactured from sustainably sourced materials to provide care for you and your dog, whilst protecting wildlife, biodiversity and the environment.

A is for ADIOS COMPOSTABLE POOP BAGS. These eco-friendly poop bags are 100% plastic free! They are thick, strong, completely compostable and biodegradable and will naturally breakdown in 3-6 months. They are the most earth friendly way to pick up your four legged friends poop…and they help keep our oceans clean with their donations to charity!

T is for TREES. We donate to onetreeplanted.org which is a non-profit environmental charity who plant trees to help with reforestation across the globe. Each donation helps to prepare the ground, grow the baby trees, plant them in the forest and maintain and monitor them as they grow. We plant one tree with every eco-refill bottle we sell, as well as making a monthly donation. You can add a charity donation with your Pawfect Nature order online.

U is for UPLIFT. Spiritually connect with your senses with Uplift from our recently released  Human range. Chosen for mood boosting qualities, the blend of Organic Tea Tree & Juniper Berry offer a luxury spa experience. Try Uplift Moisturising Bath Salts to exfoliate and hydrate and Uplift  Moisturising Bath Oil to stimulate the senses and leave your skin feeling soft and moisturised.

R is for RABBIT. Our rabbit treats are exactly that…100% rabbit. They have no artificial colours flavours, preservatives or additives. Choose from hide strips and rolls, hairy skin, ears and feet, puffed ears, meat coins and pate. The ‘hairy’ versions have the added value of being a natural dewormer.

E is for ENRICHMENT TOYS. We stock a range of  toys to provide enrichment for your dog at meal times or as mental exercise. Simply fill or cover the toy (whichever is appropriate) with food, pate pooch butter, training treats and sprinkles and let your dog do the work. Try LickiMats to entertain and reduce stress and boredom, Sodapup chew toy and treat dispenser, West Paw Toppl and Qwizl and Snuffle mats. 

Pictured: The beautiful Betsy enjoying a West Paw Toppl stuffed with tasty goodness!

To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders 💙

One of the hardest things we face in our relationships with our furries is that when something is bothering them, they cannot tell us. Most of us know our dogs pretty well, and so will notice when sometimes behaviours change that can indicate that something is wrong, but anxiety is one of those things that can manifest in various different ways which can not always be obvious to us that this is the issue. 

As dog lovers and owners, we all wish for our dogs to be happy and healthy, and to enjoy their time with us as much as they possibly can, and so today we wanted to share with you some of the common and most subtle signs that your dog may be suffering with anxiety, so that you can help them through their difficult time.

There are different types of anxiety, such as separation anxiety – the fear of being left alone, fear of loud noises, changes in environments – such as going in the car, to the vet or simple things like a change in working hours for the hoomans.

The most common signs of anxiety tend to be:

• barking or howling, especially when owners are not home
• panting
• pacing
• shivering
• cowering
• digging
• excessive licking
• being off food
• destructive behaviour
• aggression
• drooling
• restlessness
• repetitive or compulsive behaviour

But the more subtle signs include:

• lip licking
• showing the paw
• looking away
• showing the whites of the eyes
• urinating or defecating in the house

Lots of these behaviours can sometimes lead us to think our dogs are being naughty, when really they’re just anxious, and it’s simply that we just misunderstand their communication. That’s why it’s so important to be able to recognise when you’re dog needs your help to give them the support they need to feel at ease, so that you can be prepared for them and for you too.

If you think your dog may be suffering from anxiety, there are lots of steps you can take to help them. The first thing would be to speak to your vet to firstly determine the seriousness of the anxiety; if the anxiety is a minor reaction to a certain situation it can be most effectively dealt with at home with little intrusion. If the anxiety gets worse or continues over a long period of time, that’s when a more serious intervention may be needed to help your furry friend feel settled once again.

A few methods available for helping with anxiety in dogs are:

• Training and counter conditioning
• Desensitisation training
• Canine Behaviourists
• Holistic Therapy
• Medication
• CBD Oil

The best way to threat any anxiety that may be in your four legged friend is to use a combination of techniques, and to first identify what might be the causes and triggers of the behaviour.

One thing that is for certain is that the problem won’t go away over night, it takes time, patience, perseverance and consistency.

Along with the methods used to help treat anxiety in dogs, there are also essential steps you can take to try and prevent anxiety from arising in the first place:

• Make sure they receive regular exercise and good nutrition – this will help them feel health and stay stimulated
• Obedience training – making sure you and your dog have a trusting relationship is key to preventing anxiety
• Socialisation – socialising with other dogs helps your dog adjust easily to new situations
• Learning how to read your dogs body language – being able to recognise when your dog may be feeling anxious allows you to intervene and turn negative situations into positive ones
• Avoiding situations where your dog usually becomes anxious – if you know when your dog is likely to become anxious, avoiding certain situations can help to keep them calm.

Anxiety is something all of us and our dogs will feel at some point in life, and by learning how to spot when your dog is feeling anxious, and knowing what to change or integrate into their routine can seriously help prevent your dog from developing an anxiety disorder that has a huge impact on their life.

If you think your dog may be suffering from anxiety, act now. Our fur babies are only with us for so long and it is our responsibility to provide them with the life they deserve.