Dog Kennel Guide

With the number of families owning a dog rising year on year, combined with a huge increase in the proportion of households where all adult members go out to work, there has been a sharp rise in the number of establishments offering doggy daycare to help fill the gap in the gaps in dogs’ daily care.

Some people simply leave their dog in a large dog cage to allow him to get some exercise in a secure environment while others employ a dog walker who comes around to the house once per day to take their dog for a long walk.  However, if you are looking for more wrap around care for your pet then by far your best option is dog daycare.

A dog day care business will generally be found on the outskirts of towns where there is plenty of space on which to build their facilities.   These usually include a large, secure field in which dogs can run around freely and a building with pens where dogs can be shut in if necessary.  Quite often there will also be a dog kennel or two so that any dogs who are used to sleeping in them will feel quite at home.

The are many great benefits of doggy daycare.  Firstly, you can drop your dog off at the centre on your way to work or, for an extra charge, they will even come and collect him.  You can then be sure that he is getting human contact all day, rather than being left home alone, and lots of time socialising with other dogs.  He will be exercised, either by running around in a field or by being taken for a walk with some of the other dogs, and will be played with and stimulated.

There are also lots of little extras that you may not at first think of, such as that if he falls ill he will be taken straight to the vets.  The owners of the doggy day care will also often take dogs to their annual trips to the vets for their jabs too.  Also, should the weather suddenly turn cold or wet they can bring the dogs inside or put dog jackets on them.  Some establishments will even perform dog care routines such as grooming, nail clipping and bathing for a little extra cost.

If you are suffering from feelings of guilt every morning when you leave your dog whining with a hang dog expression then go on the internet and search out your nearest doggy daycare centre.

Having cats and dogs and other types of domestic pets has been popular with people for thousands of years.  They are known to help you de-stress, are loyal and loving and, if you own a dog, can help to keep you fit.  However, it is only in recent years that they have really started to be considered as one of the family and many have now become little pampered pets whose every need is seen to and whose comfort is considered as highly as the rest of the family.

Spoiling their pets comes in different forms for each family.  For some it involves giving them fresh foodstuffs to eat rather than tinned or dry pet food while others buy clothes such as dog sweaters or dog jackets to keep their pets warm and dry in the winter months.  How you decide to treat your pet is entirely up to you and, luckily, as with all new trends there have been numerous establishments set up on the internet to satisfy your every desire.

By searching out a pampered pets shop you will be able to see all the accessories available to buy.  Often these are designer articles with price labels to match but you shouldn’t be put off as there are also plenty of bargains out there.  The ultimate in pampering for most people is a luxury dog kennel.  These tend to be very large with several rooms, windows, large beds and sometimes even a front porch on which the dog can lie and watch the sun set!  It is even possible to buy a doggie spa pool for next to his kennel where he can soak away the stresses and strains of his day.

For some people it is not just about pampering their pet when they are at home with them, they even want them to be looked after to the highest standards when they leave to go on vacation.  These owners consider a standard cat or dog boarding kennels to be too harsh for their pampered pet and so instead employ the services of a pampered pets hotel.  Though similar in many ways to a normal kennels or cattery the runs are much larger, the animals get a lot more individual human contact and there are regular treats given out during the day.  On top of this you can book extra pampering for your pet such as grooming and clipping, a dip in a hydrotherapy pool or extra individual play time with a member of staff.

So, if you consider your pet’s needs above your own then don’t worry, their every whim can be catered for by looking online.

Now that so many people go out to work during the week there are many dogs who are left out in yards or dog pens during the daytime.  This, of course, is great for reducing boredom and allowing your dog to get some exercise and to play in a large space but it is not so great when he wants to get a bit of sleep.  A dog who is used to sleeping in a basket indoors won’t be completely comfortable just lying on the ground outside.  The answer to this is to buy an outdoor dog bed for him.

These beds are specially designed to be used outside in all weathers and many are not just suitable for dogs who are out during the day but also for those who sleep out in a dog kennel at night.  There are two main types of this sort of bed: waterproof dog beds and raised dog beds.

A waterproof dog bed is one which has a special nylon cover which is totally water resistant.  This means that it doesn’t matter if it gets rained on or if a wet dog lies on it as the water cannot soak through and ruin the cushion inside.  This will save you a lot of money as once the stuffing in a bed gets wet it soon starts to clump together, harden and smell.  You can choose between a simple mattress style or a basket with removable cushion.  The baskets are also covered with the same material and so the whole lot is protected from water.

A raised dog bed is an aluminium frame with heavy duty waterproof fabric stretched over the top.   This type of outdoor dog bed has several advantages over the former type of bed.  One is that because they allow air to circulate around the whole bed it will dry much more quickly should it get rained on and the other is that, because it is not actually directly on the floor it stops the cold from creeping up into your dog and giving him a chill.

As you can see, both types of bed are very suitable for outdoor use though a raised bed is probably slightly better for a dog pen while a waterproof mattress is ideal for dog who sleep in wooden dog kennels as they are slightly more comfortable for longer periods of rest or sleep.

So, if you are fed up with replacing your dog’s bed because it’s got wet and soggy start looking into outdoor dog beds and all your problems will be solved.

Years ago giving your dog exercise was easy, you either opened your front door so that he could go out for a wander on his own or else you just went out for a walk with him, letting him roam as he wished.  However, with the huge increase in traffic in recent years it has simply become too dangerous, both for the dog and car drivers, to allow your dog out alone or even to let him walk with you but out of your control.  Not only that but if you let him out on his own he is likely to be reported as a stray and picked up to be taken to a dog kennel and then re-homed.  As well as the danger posed by traffic many non dog owners really dislike the idea of dogs who aren’t under the control of their owners as they feel that they pose a risk to their own safety.  Answers to this range from using harnesses to a small dog collar to keep your dog in check whilst out dog walking.

Of course there are dog collars available for all sizes and breeds of dogs but there are certain features of collars for small dogs which need to be considered if you own one of the tiny breeds such as a Terrier or a Chihuahua.

Firstly it is possible for even small dog collars to damage the neck and spine of a small dog if the owner pulls too hard and so the collar needs to be very fine and gentle.  Mostly they are made from nylon or leather as these materials are the least harsh.  The collars often have quick release, plastic fastenings so that if you do accidentally pull too hard the collar will simply come undone rather than cause harm.  Though some people bypass the use of collars altogether by buying puppy clothes with integral harnesses this is not actually necessary as long as you are careful about not pulling too hard on the leash.

One of the nice things is that even if they are very small it is still possible to buy stylish dog collars in tiny sizes.  They are often brightly coloured or have fancy patterns so that your little pet can look cool while out for a walk.

As you can see, buying a small dog collar will stop your dog from getting run over or from running off and getting lost.

In this day and age pets have become big business.  This is because people today tend to view them as an extension of their family and so they get many perks and treats that would never have been dreamt of in past years.  Animals are insured so that, should they become ill, the best health care can be provided.  Special diets are catered for by pet food suppliers so that everything from diabetic to aging animals are receiving only the best food that money can buy.

On top of this the number of pet accessories on the market is just staggering and stores can sell you anything from a luxury dog kennel to a dog life jacket for dogs that spend some of their time on a boat with their owners.   While some accessories are mere fripperies there are others which are extremely useful and one of these is a large dog harness.

If you own a breed of dog known for its large size, such as an Irish Wolfhound or a Great Dane then you may find that taking him or her for a walk can be a bit of a strain.  If your dog doesn’t have the manners to walk peacefully by your side then you probably get dragged along with the dog actually more in control than you are.  However, there is a solution to this problem.  Initially for little dogs such as terriers a small dog harness was designed to protect their backs and fragile neck bones however, someone then had the bright idea to try designing one for larger dogs.

Large dog harnesses give the control back to the owner because the straps fit over your dog’s chest putting you in a position where you can exert enough power to pull even a very large dog back.  This is because the weight of you pulling on the leash is spread over a much larger area of his body.

There are a variety of harnesses to choose from those which your dog stands over and then you lift it and clasp it over his back to a martingale style.  You can also choose between a leather or soft dog harness though leather is recommended for very large dogs as it is much stronger.  You can even get a dog harness for car which is designed to attach to the seat belt to keep your dog safely secured during journeys.

As you can see, a large dog harness is ideal for keeping control of a large dog when out for your daily walk.

For most people these days their pets have become part of the family and one of the side effects of this is that they are willing to spend quite considerable amounts of money to ensure their comfort and well being.  Of course we all know that cats require little in the way of treats and toys so people tend to spend their money on things such as cat kennels or a cat carrier.

Here we will discuss the types and benefits of owning a cat kennel.  Though traditionally people have used cat flaps as a way of ensuring that their beloved pet can escape the cold and wet of the winter months there are quite a few disadvantages to this.  Not the least of these is that they will put muddy footprints all over the floor and furniture.  On top of this a cat flap allows them to bring any mice or other animals that they have caught into your house where they can cause chaos by nibbling things and leaving droppings.

Outdoor cat kennels are designed to be of similar use to a dog kennel.  Giving your cat somewhere safe and quiet to sleep outside.  Of course they are much smaller in size and often have their own cat flap which will help keep out the wind and rain.  These kennels are generally made from plastic allowing them to be cleaned quickly and easily whenever required.  However, some people do use wooden kennels which have been designed for a small breed of dog such as a Chihuahua.

It is a good idea to site the kennel in quite a secluded area of your yard so that your cat can feel like she is slinking off to a secret area to hide.  Anywhere too out in the open and your cat will ignore it feeling that they are exposed to predators and the elements.

Another good use of these kennels is if you are putting your pet into a cat boarding kennels while you are away on vacation as you can take the kennel with you as a little piece of home to help her feel secure.

Though you may worry that it is not worth spending money on an item such as this in case your cat doesn’t use it you can often get cat kennels for sale in your local pet store at the end of each season.

The choice of beds available to buy for your pet is huge and which type you go for is mainly down to taste and personal preference.  Some people are quite happy with the cheap and easy to clean plastic basket style beds which can be found for sale in every pet store and supermarket while others prefer a memory foam dog bed or the style and looks of wicker dog beds.  Here we shall discuss the design and relative merits of the latter style of dog bed.

A lot of people think that wicker is a material when actually it is a type of construction.  Wicker involves having vertical canes which are then interwoven with more cane.  The frame is generally made from a much stronger, stiffer material than the woven parts. Ratten is the most popular type of material but bamboo, reed and even plastic baskets can also be found.  One of the great advantages of this type of dog basket is that the holes between the weave allow hair and dirt to fall through allowing them to be easily wiped up from the floor.

Other advantages of wicker dog beds are that they are bio-degradable, made from renewable resources and can be recycled – unless you get a plastic one of course!  Rattan is also very hardwearing and sturdy and yet also very light making it an ideal material from which to make dog beds.

Though all of the above mentioned features make these beds very desirable, the main reason that most owners buy one for their dogs is for their classy looks.  You don’t need to hide it away when visitors come as it will blend in nicely with your furniture.  Often people who own a very large dog kennel, more like a summer house than a dog home, will put a wicker dog bed in it to complete the luxurious look that they are after.

These beds are made to be resistant to chewing but you should always check carefully to make sure that there are no sharp edges or points sticking out which might hurt your pet.  Normally oval in shape it is easy to find a cushion or mattress that will fit into the basket making it lovely and comfortable for your dog.

So, if you are interested in designer dog beds that will blend in with the classy look of your house then you could do no better than take a look at different wicker dog beds.

If you are the owner of one of the many outsize dog breeds such as an Irish Wolf Hound or a Great Dane you may occasionally despair of the fact that it’s not always easy to find the dog accessories that you require for your pet.  Something as simple as a collar with a large diameter can take weeks of research to find and so something of an even more niche character such as large dog cages can be even harder to find.

They are hard to find because dog cages for big, powerful animals need extra design features that are not required for a standard cage.  For a start they need to have so much extra space to allow your dog the freedom to turn around, lie down at full stretch and stand up in comfort and this requires a lot more metal.  Secondly, that metal needs to be of a strong, reinforced nature as otherwise it runs the risk of being destroyed by any occupant who has the desire to chew on it or batter its sides.

However you don’t need to despair as, though it is more difficult to source this type of dog kennel it isn’t impossible by any means.  The best place to look is the internet as you can simply put in a search something along the lines of Extra Large Dog Cage and it will come up with a whole host of companies producing just what you are looking for.

Before you click ‘BUY’ make sure that you have measured your dog so you know exactly which size you need (the sites will often have a size guide to help you choose the correct one).  Also think carefully about which use you are going to put the cage to as there are a variety of different types.  Some people simply want a cage to put in the car to allow them to transport their dog safely from place to place, while others want one to put in the garden so that their dog has somewhere safe to be while they are out at work.  By and large these cages tend to be bigger as they need to be able to encompass a dog basket and some toys as well as the dog himself.

So, if you are a large dog breed owner don’t despair of ever finding yourself a large dog cage for your pet.  There are plenty out there if you search for them and many companies will even do free delivery.

If your dog spends his nights indoors then you have probably never given a thought to what would happen if you needed to put him outdoors to sleep.  It is not just a simple case of moving the kennel that he has always used in the kitchen out into the garden.  You will need to provide him with an insulated dog house to ensure that he doesn’t get hypothermia in the cold winter weather.

Wooden dog kennels are the most naturally insulated dog kennel as wood is a warm material.  Not only this but it is a simple matter to increase their level of warmth even further.  First tack some insulating felt to the walls and ceiling and then place a layer of chipboard over the top of this, keeping it securely nailed in place.  Some people also add false floors to their dog kennel to give a further layer of warmth beneath the dog as the cold can seep in from the ground below.

If you are building the kennel from scratch then you can make sure that your dog is particularly snug by using insulated dog house plans.  These are easy to find on the internet and are totally free of charge to use.

Though wooden kennels are the most well known type of insulated dog kennels there are also plastic kennels which have been designed specifically with outdoor use in mind.  These are a relatively new idea which is rapidly catching on.  Produced with a raised floor and a layer of insulating foam between the outer and inner shell these features, as well as a cat flap style front door, make them a great contender when considering which kennel to buy.  They also have the added advantages of being easier to clean than wooden dog houses and not needing wood treatment each year to stop them from rotting.

Of course if you live somewhere that the temperature falls drastically at night then you might need more than insulation to keep your pet warm.  Luckily there are quite a few dog accessories on the market to help solve this problem.  Firstly, there are quite a few different items of clothing that can help your dog to maintain his body heat.  These range from pyjamas to dog sweaters and can be bought relatively cheaply online or at your local pet store.  As well as dog clothes there are heated dog beds, which maintain a regular temperature all day long.  The only issue with using one of these is that you will need an electricity supply to plug it into.

So, if your dog is whining and shivering in his dog house during the winter months then consider looking at insulated dog houses as a solution to your problem.

You might think that buying a dog bed is a simple matter of choosing a cushion that fits well into your pet’s basket or dog kennel.  However, with all the different types of bed on offer today you should really do some research into which type would best suit your dog.  If he is the kind of animal that likes to jump in puddles or streams while out on a walk or if you live somewhere with high rainfall then selecting one of the waterproof dog beds available will really save you money in the long run.

Unless you thoroughly towel dry your dog as soon as he returns from a walk or else prevent him from getting into bed then over time you will find that the stuffing in the cushion starts to clump together making the bed uncomfortable.  The warm, wet conditions will also make it a breeding ground for bacteria and may even make the cushion start to go mouldy.  Also, if he sleeps in one of the outdoor wooden dog kennels then you may find that it takes a long time for the bed to dry out and so he could catch a chill if the temperature drops at night.

Waterproof dog beds are specially designed to stop this problem as the cushions have waterproof dog bed covers made from specially coated nylon or polyester material.  These are made to be very hardwearing and durable and are very easy to clean because you can use a damp cloth to wipe off any dirt.  If the bed gets particularly dirty then you can also put it in the washing machine.

Because these beds are particularly designed with outdoor dogs in mind they are made with thermally insulating filling which will help to keep him warm even if he is wet.

The beds come in a variety of different styles from simple flat mattresses to basket style beds where the basket itself is also made from waterproof material with a removable cushion inside.  This way it doesn’t matter if your dog lies up against the side of his bed, it will still not get soggy.

Though these beds can be quite expensive it is possible to find cheap waterproof dog beds in end of season sales or on the internet if you search around.

So, next time you pass your dog’s bed and get a whiff of damp doggy remember that a waterproof dog bed will help to prevent this problem as well as keeping your dog comfortable and dry.

Getting a new dog can be an expensive time, not only will it cost you to buy the dog himself you will also need to buy a whole array of dog accessories so that he has as comfortable and enjoyable a life as possible.  Dog crates and kennels are some of the most expensive of these accessories and there are is a huge array from which you can choose which we will discuss here.

Wooden dog kennels – These are for use outdoors and are well insulated against the cold.  They are also the most aesthetically pleasing type of kennel as well as being the most environmentally friendly, as long as they are made from a renewable wood source.

Soft dog crates – These crates can fold up when not in use and so are great for space saving.  The nylon cover can also be removed and washed and so is easy to keep clean.  They are mainly used when transporting dogs or as a temporary home when visiting friends or relatives.

Plastic dog kennel – These are easy to clean, lightweight and colourful.  You can buy one to fit in with the decor of any room but the light weight ensures that it can be easily moved if necessary.  Mass production ensures that these are cheap dog crates which can be afforded by anyone.

Life stages dog crate – These are metal crates which can be used for house training, transporting your pet or confining him when necessary.  The reason that they use the term life stages is that there is a divider which can be removed as your dog grows so it is suitable for both puppies and full grown dogs.

No matter what type of dog crates and kennels you decide to opt for you will be able to use them to improve the comfort of your pet.  They provide a safe, warm environment in which he can sleep without risk of being disturbed.  You can put in a nice, soft cushion to make a bed plus some fun toys for him to play with while he’s in there.  Not only this but a dog kennel can be used to house train your pet.  This works because a dog will not soil his own bed and so, if you keep him in there, he will wait until you take him out into the garden before he does his business.

As you can see, dog crates and kennels are invaluable to both owners and their pets.

Most people, until the buy their first dog, are blissfully unaware of the huge variety of collars available to buy for their dog.  Not only are there lots of different styles but there are also different materials from which they can be made.  No matter which type you choose you will want something a bit stylish and unusual to make your dog stand out from the crowd.

Designer dog collars are made specifically to be practical so that you can train, show or just go for a walk with your pet but also with design in mind.  When looking to buy a collar start by going to your high street pet store and looking in the dog accessories department.  This will give you an idea of the types of collars available and the range of prices for them.  Once you’ve done this go online and have a look at the choices available there too.

Though in the past people used chain slip collars for training which tightened on the dogs throat when they pulled both these and electronic dog collars, or no bark dog collars, have had a bad press in recent years and trainers have started to use head collars instead.  These look a bit like muzzles but are designed so that when a dog pulls, his head is pulled sideways making it uncomfortable for him and gradually discouraging him from pulling.

Because some smaller dogs can damage their necks or backs by their owner pulling on their lead many people have started to use harnesses instead.  These strap around the chest area and so spread out the force.  For winter weather it is even possible to buy dog sweaters with inbuilt harnesses that will keep your dog warm and safe.

Designer dog collars and leashes can come in pretty much any colour with a huge range of patterns.  Though nylon is very popular as it is relatively cheap and yet still strong the best material is actually leather as it is less likely to cause rubbing.  You can even get stylish Harley Davidson dog collars made from leather with metal studs all over them!

Clasps for the collars tend to be either a buckle or quick release fastenings.  If you have a strong dog or one who tends to pull then you will be better off with a buckle as quick release fastenings can undo if put under too much pressure.

As you can see, there is no need for your dog to be embarrassed to come out of his dog kennel to go for a walk.  Designer dog collars are easily available and needn’t cost you the earth.

As we all know, dogs come in all shapes and sizes and, depending on the breed have many different types of fur.  Some dogs have long, fine hair while others have short, wiry curls.  If you live somewhere in the world where the temperature drops for at least part of the year then you need to be aware that dogs with short or fine coats will almost certainly benefit from wearing dog sweaters and coats.

A dog sweater will act in exactly the same manner as a human one, holding in body heat and helping to keep core temperature up.  The severity of the cold and the degree to which your dog suffers from low temperatures will dictate the type of sweater required.  Large, chunky sweaters are great for extreme cold but will make your dog sweat unbearably should the temperature rise.  However, if it does get really cold then a sweater with a hood or pieces which cover the top part of the legs as well will ensure that your dog remains snug and warm.

These items of clothing are easily found in the dog accessories section of most pet stores but if you have an exceptionally outsized pet you may need to look on one of the many websites dedicated to dog clothing for particularly large dog sweaters.  Due to lower overheads these online stores can cater for more niche markets and so are more likely to be able to fulfil your needs.

Sweaters aren’t just useful for when you take your pet for a walk.  If your dog spends his nights in a dog kennel then the extra layer of warmth that they give is invaluable in preventing your dog from getting too cold in bed.  Another occasion where your pet might be exposed to the elements is if one of your hobbies is boating and you like to take him with you.  High winds can cut through a dog’s fur coat and really make him chilled but a sweater will prevent this.  However, you will need to make sure that his dog life jacket will still fit safely over the top of the sweater.

Just like the human versions, they can be made from wool, nylon or cotton and each type has its own benefits and disadvantages though the main decision tends to be based more on the style and look of the sweater than anything else.

So, if your dog gets cold easily due to his short coat or lack of body fat then a sweater is almost certainly the answer.  Little dogs are especially prone to the cold but there are plenty of small dog sweaters available to keep him toasty and warm.

Dogs, just like people, benefit greatly from a good night’s sleep.  It helps to keep them healthy, alert and stress free.  Of course the quality of the bed itself is important and if you are willing to spend the money then a memory foam dog bed will give considerable comfort to your pet.

However, it is not only the bed that is important, where it is situated is also vital.  Somewhere that is relatively peaceful and free from drafts is ideal and many people opt to buy a plastic dog kennel to help achieve this.  The kennel ensures that no drafts can get to your dog, even if the actual position is drafty.

Before dogs became domesticated, when they ran wild, they lived in packs and slept in dens.  The dens made them feel secure because the dogs knew that, even while they slept, nothing could creep up and attack them.  With only once entrance they could take turns in guarding the den, keeping the whole pack safe.  Plastic kennels help to recreate this environment and so ensure that your dog feels safe while he sleeps.

Plastic dog kennels also have several important advantages over other types of kennel.  Firstly, they are very light and so can be easily moved around your house as and when you have the need.  They are also easily cleaned and don’t retain that doggy smell which wooden kennels can sometimes start to have.  Being easy to mass produce they are also the cheapest type of dog home on the market and come in every size, shape and colour.

Of course not all kennels are for use just within the home.   If you need to transport your dog somewhere then one with a mesh door to prevent escape is perfect.  For maximum transporting potential you should consider a Vari Kennel as these are airline approved and so you can even take your dog on board a plane, as well as in your car.

Some people may say why on earth would you want a ‘plastic dog kennel’ when you can have a much classier wooden kennel but you should point out that wooden kennels need annual wood treatment to stop them rotting, are much more difficult to clean and are way too heavy to move around with any ease.

So, if you want to give your beloved pet the best night’s sleep he’s ever had then install one of these dog houses in your home or garden.  He will appreciate the warmth, comfort and security that it provides.

We all know that dogs make fantastic pets.  They are faithful, devoted and loving companions who give years of pleasure to millions of owners throughout the world.  However, one thing they aren’t is particularly clean.  Unless they have very short fur then they tend to shed wherever they go and they carry bits of mud and dirt into your house or car or anywhere else they go.  There are all different dog accessories that can be bought to help deal with this problem and one solution, for your car at least, is to buy a dog hammock car seat cover.

A dog car hammock is a clever invention that prevents dirt and hair from getting onto your car floor and seats.  Basically it is a large piece of heavy duty, puncture proof fabric which has loops to hook over both the front and rear headrests, forming a hammock in between over the rear seats.  The fabric is water resistant so it won’t matter if your dog is a little damp after jumping into a puddle or stream.  It is also machine washable and so once there is a build up of dirt you can simply pop it in to wash.

A better quality dog car seat hammock will also have holes for seat belts to fit through so that you can still attach your dog to a seat belt to keep him safe in case of an accident.  If you are someone who likes to ensure their dog’s safety by putting him into a dog car cage in the boot then you can fit a dog hammock within the cage quite easily so that your boot space is protected from build ups of dirt.

The fabric of these covers is breathable so you can be sure that your dog won’t end up sweating away on the back seat, smelling your car out!

Though most hammocks advertised are for cars, you can also get dog bed hammocks which can be used in the house, a dog pen or even a dog kennel.  These are made from a low metal frame, which can be taken apart for ease of transportation, with a strong nylon top.  These are ideal when visiting as they take up very little space when taken apart and yet give your dog a far more comfortable place to sleep than simply lying on the floor.  They also keep him up out of the way of floor level drafts and stop the cold from the floor making him feel chilled.

You may well find some family and friends almost impossible to buy presents for.  Either they are one of those people who has everything or else there is very little that they want.  However, if they own a cat then there are all sorts of cat gifts that can be bought for them.

Until you start researching cat gift ideas on the internet you will be completely unaware of the sheer range of things out there to buy.  The gifts can be subdivided into two main groups – those for the cat herself and items with a cat theme for the owner.

If you want to buy something for your friend’s cat then something that will make your friend’s life easier is always a good option.  Water and food bowls are a relatively cheap option while if you want to spend a little more then something like a fancy bed or a cat carrier for taking their cat on journeys will be most appreciated.  Cat gift baskets are also a nice idea as they include little treats and toys for the cat in a nicely presented basket.

If you want something with a cat theme for your friend then look on the internet for unique cat gifts so that you can be sure that they don’t already have one.  Many items can be bought with pictures of cats printed on them but if you’re not careful then they can look rather tacky.  One fun idea would be to take a photograph of their cat and have this printed onto something like a mug or a mouse mat.  If they also have a dog then getting a cushion with a picture of the cat printed on it to put in the dog kennel is sure to make them laugh.

If you want something with cat pictures on it that won’t be considered a bit gauche then try something like cat print socks or an umbrella or glasses case with little cats printed onto them.  Of course some people like nothing more than little cat figurines or prints in which case there are simply thousands of items to choose from.

So, before you rush out and buy something for your friend, first think about what type of item would be most appreciated.  If their cat spends the holidays in a cat boarding kennel then something like a carrier might be best but if you know that they already have lots of cat paraphernalia then something else might well be appreciated.

Cats are well known to be home bodies who rarely enjoy being taken anywhere else.  However, there are certain situations where she simply has to be popped into her cat carrier and taken elsewhere – usually the vets or a cat boarding kennels.  There are several different styles of carrier available and so you will need to do a bit of research before you take the plunge and buy one.

If you are environmentally minded then you should consider one made either from re-cycled cardboard or else a natural wicker design.  These materials are great for keeping your cat warm as they are well insulated and can easily be broken down once they are no longer required and so don’t end up filling landfill sites.

Travelling abroad on a plane with your pet will require a special airline cat carrier as the airlines have specific requirements for carrying animals.  These carriers are particularly well ventilated, have a very closely meshed door so that paws can’t fit through and are made from toughened plastic so as not to be easily damaged in transit.  They can also be bought with extra features such as wheels for ease of movement and a water bowl that can be fixed to the door so that it doesn’t get spilt.  Sometimes people will actually use a small dog kennel for this purpose as they are easier to get hold of and also tend to be cheaper!

Before taking your cat on a trip out it is a good idea to get her accustomised to it by leaving it out in the house with the door open and a comfortable or well liked cushion inside it.  This way she will be able to go in of her own accord and so will not feel threatened by it.  You never know, she may like it so much that it becomes an everyday cat kennel!

One of the newest styles is a soft cat carrier made in the style of a bag.  These are made from reinforced nylon with handles on the top for ease of carrying.  The advantage of this type of carrier is that it is easy to compact and store when not in use and the market leader in this area is the Sherpa cat carrier.

As you can see there are plenty of different styles of cat carriers and so it will be easy to find one that will suit your purposes.

With so many pets these days commanding almost equal standing in a family as everyone else there has been an explosion in the number of shops (both online and on the high street) providing services and products designed specifically for dogs.  The upper end of this market is mostly supplied by upmarket dog boutiques who sell ranges of designer dog clothing and accessories.

If you want to be able to buy an item for your dog which you know is of high quality, stylish and made from superior materials then a designer dog boutique should be the first place that you look.  These places have a huge variety of accessories and so take away all the hard work of researching different, good quality shops for different things.  They sell everything from designer dog jackets to plush beds and, if you become a loyal customer, will sometimes even source more unusual items especially for you.

Buying from a dog boutique will help to ensure that the accessory that you buy is comfortable, well made and, very importantly, chic.  By purchasing from them you will pretty much be getting everything that you look for in a good fashion or furniture shop when buying items for yourself.  You don’t even need to worry that your dog is too large for accessories sold in most pet stores as you can shop in a specialist big dog boutique who understand what owners of larger breeds such as Great Danes and Wolf Hounds need and want for their pets.

Items sold can be divided into several categories:

Furniture – This includes things such as a dog kennel and dog beds.

Clothing – Including practical day wear, evening wear and fancy dress outfits.

Feeding – Not only food and water bowls but feeding mats as well.

Toys – Not just your standard balls and chewy toys but more interactive and unusual toys also.

Walking Accessories – As well as your usual collars and leads you can get harnesses and dog carriers.

Grooming – Brushes, combs, clippers and all the shampoo and body wash you could want.

On top of this some boutiques also sell doggy treats, ID tags and spa treatments.

You may feel that you would prefer a shop that you can visit when buying some of these items but dog boutiques online have very good returns policies if you find that you don’t like something when it arrives or it doesn’t fit your pet.

One market that has expanded almost beyond recognition in the last ten to fifteen years is the market for dog accessories and clothing.  This is partly due to people having larger disposable incomes, which they enjoy spending on their loving, loyal friend. It is also partly due to the fact that most people in first world countries now have access to the internet and so can shop from the comfort of their armchair in stores located far away for their own position.  Though things such as a dog bed or dog kennel are favourite accessories, the most popular single item of clothing always has been and remains, dog jackets.

There are several different types of dog jacket available depending on your need:

Dog Coats – These are designed primarily to keep a dog warm on cold winter walks.  Though most dogs have nice, thick coats that will keep them warm in most situations there are also a lot of dogs with fine or very short fur designed for warmer climes than that in which they live.  Very young, elderly or unwell dogs will also suffer from the cold more than a mature, healthy dog does.  They are made from snug fabrics such as wool or fleece and can cover just the body or also include legs and a hood.

Dog Life Jacket – Though not something that you would instantly think of when contemplating dog jackets a life jacket is an essential piece of clothing if you ever take your dog on board a boat.  Dogs may swim very well but, like humans, if thrown overboard into cold, rough water are unlikely to survive for long without a swimming aid.

Raincoats – Differing from the traditional coat in that its main aim is to keep the dog dry, rather than warm, raincoats are very popular in countries with high rainfall.  Many dogs are not too keen on going for a well needed walk if they know that they are going to get drenched and soggy doggies tend to smell the house out on their return.  A waterproof coat, with or without a fleecy lining depending on the temperature, will protect most of your pet from getting wet.

No matter what your need there will be a variety of dog jackets suitable for your pet.  You needn’t even worry about size as you can get everything from very small to large dog coats and so it won’t be necessary to put your little dog into his dog carrier when you go out in cold weather or to get rid of your big dog’s bed after he has lain in it all wet and muddy.

If you are the owner of a large breed of dog such as an Irish Wolfhound or a Red Setter then you will be aware that simply leaving your pet to roam out in the garden is not always a viable option.  Not only is it possible that he could simply leap over the fence and escape to get lost or hurt on the roads, he is capable of causing untold damage by digging up flower beds or chewing on garden furniture should he start to get bored.  If you try to tie him to his dog kennel to restrict his movement he may well get tangled up or be strong enough to simply drag his kennel around the garden with him! By far the best solution to these problems will be found by looking at a range of large pet pens.

Pens for large dogs come in two main forms: chain link and modular.  How you use the pet play pen should help you decide which would best suit you.  Chain link pens are very easy to construct, light in weight and cheaper to buy.  However, they don’t have the longevity of modular pens, which are often powder coated, and are not quite so strong.  Having a galvanised dog run like this will ensure that it doesn’t rust.  If your dog is a bit of an escape artist then a modular version is pretty much guaranteed to keep him enclosed.  However, they are more expensive, more difficult to construct and, once built, are pretty much permanent structures.

Remember that for a dog to be happy in an enclosed space like this it will need to be large enough for your pet to be able to gather some speed while running and to play with his toys freely.  Don’t forget that if you are going to have a large dog kennel in one corner then the space will be quite reduced and so you may even need to look at an extra large pet pen.  As you see, you will need to have quite a large garden to start with before you even think about this purchase.

Of course not everyone is looking for outdoor pet playpens.  It may be that you need one for in the house to prevent your dog from chewing on the furniture while you are away from home.  As an indoor pet pen can often also double as a room divider or a gate for a doorway they are very versatile in their use.