the danger of rocksalt and anti-freeze

Now the snow is really here – the gritters are out, anti-freeze in abundance – we need to be vigilant for the sake of our cats and dogs.

As reported by the Daily Mail, dogs and cats are walking through the substances left by gritters trying to clear roads and car drivers defrosting their windscreens and then licking them  off their paws.  Consuming rock salt can cause dehydration, liver failure and pancreatitis, while  anti-freeze contains the chemical ethylene glycol, which can be lethal when ingested …

The article advises that the symptoms of ingesting anti-freeze include vomiting, seizures, appearing  sleepy and a heightened breathing rate – whilst symptoms of consuming rock salt include include burns to the mouth and throat and excessive salivating and drinking.

Read the full article at :  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1341137/Hundreds-dogs-cats-die-rock-salt-scattered-gritters-big-freeze.html

Good advice from the RSPCA Preston is that if you walk your dog on gritted areas make sure their paws are washed either by walking them through a few puddles away from the gritted surfaces or by dipping their feet in fresh water once home.

Contact a vet immediately if you suspect your pet may have been in  contact with these substances, or if you see any warning signs or symptoms.

our facebook page

A few of you have told us that you’ve not been able to find our Facebook page, as it doesn’t always appear in the search results on Facebook.  Having contacted Facebook, we’re told this is a wider issue that they are aware of, and are trying to fix.

We have put a link to the Facebook page at the top of each page of our website (the f in the black box, before the telephone numbers).  This will take you directly to our page, so please take a peek.

If you haven’t yet done so, a Like would be appreciated !

one extremely lucky cat …

As reported by BBC News yesterday :

A cat is recovering after stowing away in an express train and travelling 1,700 miles (2,735km) in two days.

Polly, from Plymouth, climbed into a compartment after she had been injured and ended up travelling between Penzance, Plymouth, Bristol, Swansea, Worcester, Oxford and London in “freezing” conditions.

She is being treated by a vet in Penzance is due to return to her retired train-driving owner in Plymouth via a cat-box soon.

You can read the full story here :  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-21069298

look at this beauty

You’d think butter wouldn’t melt … Here is PB from Rossendale, Lancashire looking gorgeous after a good brushing.  He lost a lot of loose undercoat, and his coat came up so silky.  Camera shy ?  I don’t think so !  Who are you trying to fool, PB ?!!

a lovely warm bath

Here’s Dinky after his warm bath. The brightening shampoo has brought his white fur up a treat.  

today’s babe …

Look who’s looking lovely and enjoying a relaxing nap  after her pampering session.    Short Haired Domestics (SHDs) do also benefit from regular brushing sessions to eliminate hairballs and encourage general wellbeing.  You look so pretty, Princess from Blackburn, Lancashire !

** january special offer **

We welcome in the New Year – by offering a 20% discount off the price of all grooms, for all new customers who book an appointment during the month of January.  See the Pricing page for further details.

christmas wishes

We would like to wish all our customers and friends a wonderfully happy Christmas pertiod !! ….. and a peaceful New Year

kitten covers

How cute are these little chaps … ? !     Check out the whole collection of reinterpreted legendary album covers – Kitten Covers – on the Tumblr website :  http://thekittencovers.tumblr.com/

the purrfect christmas present

Still not found that ideal Christmas gift ?  Why not treat a family member or friend’s cat to a lovely pampering ?  EssentiallyPurrfect Gift Vouchers are available, starting from £20.  A purrfect present for any cat owner !