Cat, Dog, dog park, Paws for thought, small animals, Wildlife
Beat the January Blues 🌧️
Blue Monday is well known for being the ‘saddest day of the year’, with the post Christmas blues kicking in and the cold weather having an affect on our moods.
We all have our good days and our bad days, and those aren’t for the calendar to decide. Petplace is here with plenty of tips on how you and your pet can beat the January blues and make the most of the month.
Vitamin D is important ☀️
It is recommended that human beings consume 10-30 minutes of sunlight several times a week to gain the correct amount of vitamin D that the body requires. This can be hard with the winter months giving us longer and darker days.
However, going for a walk before work or on your lunch break with your pet is a healthy and productive way to feel better in yourself while also getting some well-needed vitamin D. Dogs need vitamin D because it’s vital for their skeletal health. It’s also known to boost their immunity, protecting against certain diseases.
Visit the Dog Parks 🐾
If the weather is wet and windy, why not seek shelter at your local petplace with your companion for a coffee and a chat whilst your dog can run around and play with others. Not only will your dog have a wonderful time meeting and socialising with other dogs, but you will too, well with their owners! Petplace even have specific breed playtimes so that certain breeds get to meet and play with others of their kind and owners can socialize and bond over their chosen breed.
Petplace pride themselves on providing a dog park that is a safe space and is an area that has a real sense of community. Indoor playtime at petplace allows your pet the opportunity to interact safely with their furry friends. Additionally, dog socialization is crucial for teaching your dog how to act around others, reducing anxiety, building confidence and eliminating destructive behaviour.
Homemade bakes 🍰
Another fun and innovative activity to do with your pets this winter is to make homemade pet-friendly treats. Homemade treats are easy and inexpensive to make. Pet treats are a great way to bond with your pet and are key when training young puppies or kittens. You can create these treats alone or make it a family activity, whether that includes 2-legged family or 4-legged one! After creating your homemade treats you can even hide them around your house or garden so that your cat or dog will have to go out and hunt for them. By offering cats and dogs the opportunity to work for their food, they get an outlet for their natural hunting instinct and chewing habits, using up mental energy. Click on the link below to explore petplace’s range of bake-at-home dog treats.
King Catnip Bubbles 🫧
Bubbles are top of the list for hours of play for you and your feline friend. One of the most significant benefits of catnip bubbles is their ability to stimulate a cat’s natural instincts. Cats are inherently wired to chase, pounce, and play. The floating bubbles provide an irresistible moving target, making them perfect for initiating a fun and engaging exercise session, not only this but the bubbles are brilliant for mental stimulation.
Playing with cat bubbles isn’t just good for your cats; it’s great for you too! This interactive activity offers a unique opportunity for pet owners to bond with their cats. The shared moments of fun create positive associations and strengthen the relationship between the cat and the owner, enriching the overall pet ownership experience.
Pets and mental health 🐱🧠
A pet can be a great source of comfort and motivation. In many ways, pets can help us to live mentally healthier lives. Caring for a pet can help our mental health in many ways, including increasing our physical activity. It is recommended that dog owners take their pets for a walk every day. This is a way to fit exercise into your routine whilst being provided with companionship.
Additionally, pets can give you a sense of security and someone to share the day with. This can be especially valuable for older people or those who live alone. The companionship of a pet can help to ease your anxiety and boost self-confidence. This is because pets can be great listeners, offer unconditional love and won’t criticise you. This can help your self-confidence, especially if you feel isolated or misunderstood
Pets also encourage you to meet new people. Dog owners often stop and chat with each other on walks and regularly meet up in dog-specific parks. But other pets can be a way to meet people too: in pet shops, training classes or online groups, for example, adding structure to your day. Feeding, exercising and caring for a pet can help you keep to a daily routine, which can help you feel more grounded and focused. It can give your day purpose and a sense of achievement.
Pay it forward/ Random acts of kindness 👏🏼
There are many reasons why acts of kindness are good for the giver and the receiver, including mental health benefits. Research finds that performing acts of kindness may help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Additionally, research has also found that kindness can increase happiness and self-esteem, while decreasing stress and emotional reactivity.
We’ve provided our top tips for animal lovers to enjoy showing kindness to animals which include doing something different with your pet. This could be taking them on a different route than usual when out for a walk, buying them a treat they wouldn’t normally have, or even taking them to socialise with other pets. You could buy your pet a new toy, like our tough twist rope toys, brilliant for a quick game of tug of war.
Supporting the local wildlife is another way to get out and make a difference this January. Supporting could look like, making a donation or taking part in a litter pick around your local green space.
Check our our range of rope dog toys here https://www.farmandpetplace.co.uk/shop/products/pet/dog/dog-toys/rope-dog-toys/page-1.html
Another way to spread some kindness and beat the blues this January is to volunteer some of your time at a local animal shelter or take in some homemade pet treats.
You can make small differences by switching to sustainable equipment for your pet, from food and litter to toys and beds. Additionally, you can help the wildlife in your garden by placing bird feeders and hedgehog food in and around your garden.
Everyday simple acts of kindness can contribute to boosting your mood, reducing stress, and possibly alleviating symptoms of depression or anxiety. In addition, what might seem like a small kind gesture could have a greater impact than you might think.
Read our previous blog below for more tips on caring for winter wildlife.
Related posts
Cat, Dog, Farm, Just for Fun, North Wales, Paws for thought
Prep your garden for Spring 🪴🦋
Spring is traditionally when many new flowers and bulbs emerge from the slightly warmed up earth, but can seem a little cold for some gardeners to really get their hands dirty. Prepping your garden for spring as early as possible will mean you can reap the rewards later on.
Getting your garden ready for spring should be a pleasure rather than a chore, so these pointers and tips should help you to get your outside space in top shape.
Dog, North Wales, Paws for thought, Product Features, travel
Pet ID Tags
In the world of pet care, one simple accessory can make a significant difference in your pet’s safety – pet ID tags. These small, durable tags can be a lifesaver. They aid to ensure your beloved pet remains safe and is likely to be returned home if they ever get lost.
Dog, dog park, North Wales, Paws for thought
First Aid Training For Pets ⛑️
Recently, our dog park team in Llangefni & Abergele undertook a pet first aid course to ensure the safety of all the dogs that head through petplace doors, and to give customers that extra peace of mind that their furbabies are in good hands. Read on to see how our dog park staff members found the experience.
Dog, Just for Fun, North Wales, Paws for thought, travel
Petplace loves Walkies Edition 🦮
North Wales is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with its stunning landscapes, picturesque mountains, and serene trails. If you’re a dog owner looking to embark on an adventure with your furry friend this Easter, you’re in luck! In this blog, we’ll unveil the top trails in North Wales that are perfect for enjoying nature and bonding with your canine companion. Lace-up your boots, put on your dog’s leash, and get ready for some memorable hikes!
Just for Fun, North Wales, rabbit, small animals, Small Pet
The Garden Burrow 🐰🪴
During Easter, there can be a lot of myths about rabbit welfare… Owning rabbits is a great blessing but must be done right to ensure the rabbit’s happiness. Read on to see what our guest blogger ‘The garden burrow’ has to say about safely owning rabbits and how to properly care for them.