Category Archives: dogs and holidays

Dogs celebrate Easter in London

Posted on April 23, 2011 | Leave a comment

We all know that the Royal Wedding is coming up next week.  However, London dogs got a chance to celebrate a week early with their very own Easter party.

8,000 plastic eggs were hidden for dogs to find; each contained a dog treat and a prize ticket.

This event was organised as a fundraiser for National Service Dogs, where there is a two-year waiting list for dogs that help autistic children.

Scroll through the day’s photos here.

Read the full story here.

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand

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Pet friendly holiday homes in New Zealand

Posted on January 7, 2011 | 3 comments

Keeping with the theme of dog-friendly accommodation…  If you are in New Zealand then you should check out the  Pets Can Come Too website.

This website lists holiday homes where pets are allowed.  The search function on the site is easy to use.  You will need to read the fine print, however.  For example, some properties only accept cats and others may require that your dog is crated when indoors.

If you own a holiday home and accept pets, then please do your part to grow this community-of-interest in New Zealand by registering your property.  Heather at Pets Can Come Too says:

We offer all new advertisers six months free advertising after which it costs $95.00 p.a. however there is no obligation to continue advertising with us if you do not wish to do so.
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand

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The Benjamin Hotel, New York City

Posted on January 4, 2011 | Leave a comment

For those of you who have subscribed to my newsletter, you know that I have had an ongoing feature to highlight accommodation options that are dog-friendly.   Here’s my latest find:

The Benjamin Hotel in New York City caters to dogs of all sizes, whereas many dog-friendly hotels set size limits and only cater to the smaller breeds.  So all of you large dog people – this hotel is for you!

The Dream Dog TM package includes a bathrobe for your dog, spa treatments, gourmet food, and even a visit from a pet psychic if you choose.

When booking in to stay with your dog, you get to choose the type of bed they will sleep on.  For small dogs, there is a sofa bed with a removable cushion that doubles as a crate or travel mat.  For medium-sized dogs, there is an orthopedic bed “designed to provide the ultimate in comfort and support – the ideal blend for a perfect night’s sleep.”

And for dogs of any size (small to large),  there is the Luxury Bed which is an “ultra-plump, overstuffed round bed that completely surrounds Fido in down-like fiberfill. Deep and cushiony, with soft rhino suede and luxury gold braid, this bed will make your best friend feel safe and secure.”

The hotel also offers a dog walking service, clean up bags, a list of dog-friendly places to visit, and gourmet cakes and treats for special occasions.

It is great to see a hotel welcoming dogs of all sizes.

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand

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My dog signs my Christmas cards

Posted on December 9, 2010 | Leave a comment

I am here writing my Christmas cards for friends and clients.  Daisy signs all of my cards with her own paw print.

No, I’m not crazy.  In fact, I’m not alone!

According to the American Animal Hospital Association, 70 percent sign their pet’s name on their Christmas card and 58% include their pet in any family portraits that are taken for the holidays.

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand

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Christmas decorations and your dog

Posted on November 29, 2010 | Leave a comment

The Christmas season is now upon us and many of you will be adding a Christmas tree and other decorations to your home.

Here are some tips for decorating your home with the safety of your dog in mind:

a. Place your Christmas tree in a location that minimises the need for electrical cords.  Near an outlet is always best.

b.  If you must use electrical cords, remember that these can pose a major hazard to your dog.   Puppies, in particular, like to chew on things.  This means the risk of electrocution and serious injury (including death).  Hide cords under special covers that you can buy at the hardware store and never leave your dog or puppy in the house unattended with the Christmas lights turned on.

c.  Don’t use ornaments with hooks.  These are sharp objects that can harm your dog if they take an interest in chewing on them.  Use soft string or yarn with a secure knot to hang ornaments.

d.  Substitute ribbon for tinsels and garlands.  Shiny ribbon can catch the light on your tree just as well, but it less attractive to dogs who decide to investigate and chew.    When dogs chew and ingest decorations, they run the risk of an intestinal blockage or, at a minimum, a very upset tummy!

e.  Leave the presents until Christmas Eve.  Your dog will want to investigate things that are left under the tree so remove the temptation.  This reduces the likelihood that they’ll chew on wrapping (again with the risk of ingestion) and damage your gifts.   (Practically speaking, it also keeps your gifts of sight from burglars who like to work in the pre-Christmas period for the sole purpose of stealing new items from underneath Christmas trees.)

By making your home a safe place for your dog to enjoy, you’ll all enjoy the holidays together without any nasty consequences.

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Holiday preparations

Posted on November 18, 2010 | Leave a comment

With the start of the Christmas holiday season, it is important to plan to ensure your dog and guests will be comfortable and happy.

My suggestions for holiday preparations:

1.  Start your housecleaning preparations now.  A room at a time is fine and don’t forget to vacuum along the skirting boards (base boards for those of you in the Northern Hemisphere).  This is where dust and pet hair gather.

2.  Air the house out on a regular basis and avoid using chemical air fresheners.  Your dog has a very sensitive nose and these products are too strong.  Try sprinkling baking soda over your carpet before vacuuming.  This is an excellent way of deodorising carpets.

3.  If you must ‘freshen’ the air with something, try using an aromatherapy burner with only a drop of lavender oil.  Again, it is important not to offend the sensitive nose of your dog.  Don’t forget to watch for your dog’s reactions.  If they get up and leave the room, it is probably too strong a scent for them.

4.  Book your dog in for a grooming now.  It is unfair to expect groomers to fit in dogs at the last minute – and just like your hairdresser – they do book up.

5.  Remind your guests and family that your dog is not a garbage can.  They should not be fed lots of table scraps because this can upset their tummy and lead to smelly problems to pick up later.  Plan to give your dog a maximum of 1-2 treats per day throughout the holiday season.

6.  Some dogs can become overwhelmed with the changes to their home environment with decorations popping up, guests coming and going, and parties that last into the night.  Make a private spot for your dog now such as a spare bedroom or a crate.   If they look stressed, put them in their quiet place with a favourite toy for company.

7.  If you are planning to travel, you should have a kennel booking by now.  Check to ensure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date and if not, make an appointment with your vet without delay.  Like groomers, vets are very busy in the pre-Christmas period and you cannot expect them to have appointments available at short notice.

Christmas is for family and that includes the dog in your life.  With a little preparation now, you will both have a happy and safe holiday season.

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand

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