One2One Wye Walkies A bespoke, professional, dog walking service, designed to meet the needs of both you and your

pet. Our aim is to provide owners with peace of mind and dogs with guaranteed fun!

THE NEWS HOUND Newsletter/issue 10/Summer 2019

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One2One Wye Walkies

THE NEWS HOUND

Newsletter/issue 10/Summer 2019

Welcome to the Summer issue of ‘The News Hound’

(One2One Wye Walkies’ quarterly newsletter)

In this issue of ‘The News Hound’ we

are sharing top tips for taking your dog

away on holiday, first aid advice on bee

and wasp stings in dogs, explaining

why it’s so important to keep your

dog’s water bowls clean, details on fun

events taking place across Kent over

the next few months, plus the regular

quiz question. Get out and about this

Summer – have fun, stay safe, and

enjoy spending time with your dogs.

Summer’s here (yes, really!)

and our thoughts go to days out

with your doggie companions in

the countryside, at the seaside

or in the local park. Maybe

you’re planning to take your

dog on a family holiday?

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THE NEWS HOUND

Newsletter/issue 10/Summer 2019

Happy holidays!

Top tips for making sure you and your dog have a brilliant Summer holiday

Preparation is key

Make sure you have as much information as possible on

your holiday destination and surrounding area before

you set off.

Check the holiday venue is suitable for your pet

It goes without saying that you will need to select a dog-

friendly holiday venue (eg a rented house or cottage)

but also check the size of the property and ensure there

is enough outside space for your dog.

It’s worth checking if there are any restrictions, such as

areas that are off-limits for pets (this is particularly

important if the rented property is on a working farm)

or a limit on the numbers, if you have more than one

dog.

Anywhere that boasts cream carpets and white leather

sofas is probably not going to be a suitable choice!

Plan your journey in advance

If you are making a long car journey remember to take a bowl and some water with you and have

plenty of stops (particularly if it is a hot day). Make sure your dog can stretch their legs and get some

fresh air at regular intervals. If your dog is not used to travelling it is a good idea to try them on some

shorter car journeys beforehand.

Make sure your dog is secure in the car (ie use a dog guard, travel crate or seat belt harness) to

ensure they don’t distract you while driving and can’t injure themselves or you in the event of having

to brake hard.

Feed your pet no sooner than two hours before you travel. Your pet will travel better if he/she

doesn’t have a full stomach. If your journey is long enough to cover a period in which your pet would

normally be fed, remember to take your pet’s food with you. Take a break to feed your pet a light

meal and make sure your pet can rest and digest his/her food for two hours before continuing your

journey. If your pet suffers from travel sickness, consult your vet about possible remedies before

travelling.

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THE NEWS HOUND

Newsletter/issue 10/Summer 2019

Don’t run out of supplies

Try and make a checklist of everything your dog might need before you set off and make sure you

have enough food, treats, medication and the all-important poo bags. You’ll also need to take your

dog’s lead and collar which should have a tag containing your contact information. Remember it is

also a legal requirement for your dog to be microchipped.

If you don’t want to take too much stuff with you it’s a good idea to check where you can purchase

dog food locally (particularly if you use specific brands) and what dog-related equipment the venue

might already have available.

Make sure your dog feels at home

Your dog may be unsettled when they first arrive, so it is a good idea to take as many of their things

as possible. Familiar items such as your pet’s own bed, blankets and toys can make a big difference as

the last thing you want is for them to feel worried and upset.

Show them their new surroundings and let them explore (where appropriate) so they start to feel at

home as soon as possible. Dogs tend to be creatures of habit so stick to their routine of feed and walk

times where possible.

Get contact details of a local vet

Hopefully, you won’t need to contact

a vet on holiday but if your pet does

fall ill or get hurt while you are away

it is good to be prepared. Research

some vets that are close to your

holiday destination and keep their

details handy throughout your stay.

It is also worth taking your pet to your

own vet before travelling just to

make sure they have a clean bill of

health and are fully up to date with

vaccinations and other treatments

such as worming.

Plan your trips around your pet

We are sure your holiday will involve getting out and about

so make sure any places you plan to visit are dog friendly.

Many pubs will allow dogs but find out which ones will do this

before your holiday. If you plan to venture out without your

pet, ensure it is OK to leave them alone in the property and

you aren’t gone for too long. If you do plan to be out for the

day you may be able to find a local dog-sitter to help, but

again it is best to organise this before you set off.

Check out the RSPCA’s information

sheets at -

www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/

pets/general/holiday

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THE NEWS HOUND

Newsletter/issue 10/Summer 2019

Keep your dog safe

The last thing you want is for anything to happen to your precious

pet so make sure the property and garden are secure and there

is nowhere for them to escape.

Going for a walk with your dog through beautiful countryside is

just one of the perks of taking them with you but it is important

to be vigilant. If you walk them off lead, make sure there are no

dangers about (eg cliff edges). Make sure you keep your dog on

a lead in any areas where you are walking close to farm livestock,

free roaming grazing animals and wildlife (deer, ground nesting

birds, etc).

Taking your pet abroad

Given the current political uncertainty in the UK, we’d

strongly recommend that you check with your vet

regarding required vaccinations and any other

regulations before travelling abroad with your dog.

Certain vaccinations require a set quarantine period, so

make sure you start planning well in advance of your

trip.

Looking after your dog while you’re away

You may decide that it would be easier and possibly kinder to your dog to leave them at home while

you are away. Whether you choose to book them into boarding kennels, home boarding, use a

professional pet sitter in your own home, or ask a friend/relative to care for your dog, do all the

relevant research and planning well in advance of your holiday. Remember that reputable boarding

kennels, home boarders and pet sitters will get booked up months in advance.

If using a pet sitter or asking a friend/relative to care for your dog, give them your holiday contact

details, details for your vet, your dog’s microchip number, contact details for the microchip data

company and contact details for the local dog warden. In the unfortunate instance that you dog gets

lost while in the care of these people, it is essential that they contact the local dog warden and your

microchip data company immediately to report your dog missing, in order to help in the process of

recovering them swiftly and safely.

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THE NEWS HOUND

Newsletter/issue 10/Summer 2019

Summer fun for you and your dog

There are all kinds of events taking place in Kent over the Summer which you

can enjoy with your dog. Here are details on a selection:

Paws Around the Park 2019 (organised by

Guide Dogs Ashford)

Charity Dog Walk and Fun Dog Show

Sunday 14 July 2019 (10.00am - 2.30pm)

Godmersham Park, Ashford, CT4 7DT

Registration details available on -

www.guidedogsashford.com/copy-of-paws-

around-the-park-1

Chilham International Horse Trials & Kent

Greyhound Rescue Dog Show

Sunday 28 July 2019 (10.00am – 4.00pm)

Chilham Park, Canterbury, CT4 8DB

More details available on -

www.kentgreyhoundrescue.com/news-

and-events/events

The Kent Festivals of Dogs

Quex Park, Birchington, CT7 OBH

Sunday 25 & Monday 26 August 2019

More details available on -

www.festivalsofdogs.co.uk/

Dog’s Trust Canterbury Fun Day

Sunday 14 July (11.30am onwards)

Faversham Showground, Staplestreet, Faversham, ME13 9HY Further details available on – www.dogstrust.org.uk/ourcentres/ canterbury/

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Newsletter/issue 10/Summer 2019

Companion Dog Show 2019 (organised by Guide Dogs

Ashford)

Monday 26 August 2019

Registration from 10.00am / Judging from 11.00am

Willesborough Windmill, Cornes Close, Ashford

Further details available on -

www.guidedogsashford.com/events-1

Hypo Hounds Fun Day

Saturday 31 August 2019 (11.00am-5.00pm)

Burnt House Farm Business Park, Bedlam Lane,

Smarden, TN27 8PG

Food, stalls, crafts, activities, fun dog games and

much more. Free entry. Dogs welcome on leads.

Paws in the Park

Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 September

Kent Show Ground, Detling, Maidstone, ME14 3JF

Full details available on - www.pawsinthepark.net/

For details on attractions and places of interest in Kent

which allow you to bring your dog, check out the

following websites:

www.canwetakethedog.com/places/tourist-

attractions/kent-tourist-attractions/

www.visitkent.co.uk/visit-kent-blog/dog-friendly-

attractions/

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THE NEWS HOUND

Newsletter/issue 10/Summer 2019

Seasonal tips

Bees and Wasps

Dogs love to chase buzzing insects but getting too close can

be dangerous. It’s better to get your dog to leave bees and

wasps alone as stings can cause allergic reactions. Teaching

a solid recall or ‘leave’ will help to protect your dog.

Most insect stings will simply be painful or irritating for

your dog but being stung multiple times can be fatal.

Many dogs are stung on the paws, face or mouth, as they

go to investigate the insect using this part of their bodies.

When dogs snap at bees and wasps, they are more likely

to be stung in the mouth or throat. Stings in these areas,

particularly inside the mouth, are hazardous because any

swelling can block your pet’s airway. If your dog is stung in

the mouth, contact your vet quickly for further advice.

Signs that your dog has been stung

• Whining

• Holding up a paw (if stung on the paw)

• Biting or nibbling at the site of the sting

• Drooling

• Pawing at the face or mouth

• Swelling

• Hives

Signs that your dog is having an allergic reaction to a bee

or wasp sting

• Difficulty breathing

• Swelling of the mouth and/or throat

• Collapse

• If you notice one or more of these signs when your

dog has been stung, take them to the vet immediately

for treatment.

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THE NEWS HOUND

Newsletter/issue 10/Summer 2019

What to do if your dog has been stung

• Remain calm

• Pull out, or better still, scrape out the sting using a credit card or similar below the poison sac,

then bathe the area in water. Don’t try to squeeze the sting as this could force more of the poison

into your dog’s body

• Applying ice will help to soothe the sting

• If the sting is in the mouth or throat, contact the vet as it may swell and interfere with breathing

• If your dog shows any signs of allergic reaction or anaphylactic shock, contact your vet

immediately as this is a medical emergency.

Can I give my dog antihistamines?

Many websites recommend giving dogs antihistamines from your own medicine cabinet to treat a

bee or wasp sting. Some human antihistamines are ok for dogs but others can make them seriously

ill and can even be fatal, so please don’t give this to your dog without first speaking to your vet to

check the specific drug is safe for your dog, and that the quantity is ok for the size and weight of

your pet.

The above information was obtained from the following Blue Cross web page -

www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/what-do-if-your-dog-stung-bee-or-wasp?

Quiz question

Which breed of dog was used to train the first official guide dogs for blind

people in the UK? Was it:

• Labrador Retriever

• Golden Retriever

• Poodle

• German Shepherd Dog

(You’ll find the answer on page 10)

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THE NEWS HOUND

Newsletter/issue 10/Summer 2019

Answer to quiz question

Did you know why it’s important to keep water bowls clean?

Remember to bring your

dog’s outdoor water bowl

indoors at night to avoid

contamination from slugs

and snails, reducing the

risk of lungworm infection

for your dog.

German Shepherd Dog

Check out www.guidedogs.org.uk/about-us/what-

we-do/the-history-of-guide-dogs/ for a fascinating

history of those early years of training dogs to fulfil

such a unique and iconic role.