I always take advantage of money-off codes and anything that gives me a discount, or, as you’ll see in my Cash, Freebies & Product Testing category, how I’ve earned a few hundred pounds or rewards in exchange for pet food.
Product testing
Sometimes, companies send Poppy’s Pets products to be tested, or I come across companies inviting people to test them. You can read more about this in my article Freebies & Cash Incentives: How I do it?
ItchPet ‘Best in Show‘ is available for cats and dogs. The benefit for Tabitha is keeping her poo firm instead of runny.
Huskaloo coconut coir fibre is a sustainable cat litter and easy to store, and you can read more about giving feedback in extra for 4 bricks
HWL Supplies sent Poppy’s Pets an easy-to-use liquid to help reduce plaque and tartar, and Maisie, the rescue dog, is now testing this. You might be interested in my article Essential Dog Dental Care because it’s important to know you cannot rely on one product, and a combination is required.
Watch the Video: coming soon
Hills Urinary Care wet and dry food I was sent free as a product to test. Read more about Home Testers in my article Freebies, Cash Incentives and Product Testing
Table of Contents:
1 – Pet Insurance – Free access to training, behaviourist, veterinary, money off for pet foods and products, and for you.
2 – Indoor Dog Camera – Furbo has saved the lives of over 30,000 dogs, and seen Police arrests of intruders.
3 – TabCat – The tracker does not link to a satellite and can find a cat within 1″ of its whereabouts, even if trapped in a shed. It operates with a handset.
4 – Simple low-cost home security that can act as a deterrent, but the alarm must be around 110 to 130 dBs to be effective.
5 – Wildlife Food – quality wildlife food is better than cheap bulked with sawdust.
Various products are available for attracting wildlife into your garden, or in outdoor spaces – wild birds, hedgehogs, swans, ducks and squirrels. If you are unsure about the type of food to attract birds into your garden, read the handy guides by Garden Wildlife Direct. Their range extends to deterrents, accessories and garden ornaments.
7 – Equestrian & Farrier Supplies
VioVet, a trusted online store once owned by a vet, has a selection of equine supplies including horse wear and rugs, care and grooming, stable and yard, wormers, horse supplements, clothing and accessories and prescription medication. This section includes professional farrier equipment – horseshoes, nails, hoof care and other tools.
We now have a new category listed on the Menu: Equine & Exotic
8 – Dog-Friendly Holidays – We use Holiday Cottages and visit North Yorkshire with our dog Teddy.Alternatively, if you love camping and looking for anything budget-related from advice, products tested and dog-friendly tips, visit my sister’s website pitchup-outdoors.com.
9 – Cat & Dog Subscription Foods – based on subscriptions I’ve tried and my YouTube channel has corresponding videos.
10 – Wellness: Sleep and Relaxation
Multi-vitamins, and valerian to wind down stress and create a calm ambience. Heated beds for post-op care and senior pets needing extra warmth for an old body or joints during the colder months.
11 – Mobility – Elevated food and water bowls are necessary when your pet has arthritis
As dogs and cats get older, some require support to reduce strain and pressure on the joints, and if arthritis is severe, restriction climbing the staircase may be your objective. Supportive beds, water and food bowls on legs and even dog stair stoppers become a consideration.
12 – Pet Health and Preventative Care
13 – Outdoor Dog Clothing
I’m featuring brands that do not appear on other websites. Weatherbeeta is one such high-quality dog coat I bought for Teddy and he loves wearing it.
15 – Pet Supplies
When buying online, always look for the best deal from shops selling a vast range of pet products; subscribing to a newsletter sometimes gets money off products.
Pet Insurance
1 – Fluffy Pet Insurance with discounts on everyday goods
“Each insurance policy comes with a free subscription to the Fluffy app that has 24/7 vet, dog training support and more. Take the right care of your pet using the app and get rewarded with discounts on pet food, treats and more.”
Fluffy
Fluffy Pet Insurance – Key features:
If like me, you check finance companies out, you’ll find Strelka Limited on the Financial Conduct Authority website. Strelka Limited is the registered name, and Fluffy is the ‘trading as’ name. You can download the app even if you do not take out insurance but it costs £8 to £12. By paying that, you might as well put towards insurance cover.
- App-based
- Earn points
- Exchange points for treats, food and toys
- 100 free dog training courses
- Free 24/7 vet and behaviourist training
- Free personalised diet plan
- Symptom checker and treatment plans
- Wellness
Points can be used against the following:
- 150 points – up to 50% off pet food subscription
- 140 points – up to 30% off pet hygiene products
- 110 points – up to 30% off dog toys
- 120 points – up 20% off dog treats
- 200 points – up to 60% off meal subscription
- 120 points – discounts on fashion
- 100 points – up to 20% off makeup
- 120 points –vouchers for groceries
- 400 points – 1 month free on Netflix
- 120 points – free cinema tickets
- 500 points – Amazon Prime membership
- 100 points – 50% off Smart collars
- 200 point – free dog food for a month
- And lots more
Visit Fluffy’s website. Although I no longer insure my 16-year-old cat Tabitha, I will enter details for a quotation. Tabitha has poor health too, which is classed as pre-existing and will not be covered.
Fluffy Pet Insurance recently contacted me to promote their product and highlight the freebies on offer. In 2024 I shall publish an article about pet insurance and what they offer.
2 – Furbo – Indoor Dog Camera
“Furbo’s features are designed specifically to keep dogs safe when they are home alone.
Furbo U.K.
33,992 Dogs saved so far in 2023″
Furbo UK – Key features:
- Interactive pet
- Smart Alerts: Barking, Person (**intruder), Selfie, Emergency (**CO2, glass breaking)
- Ideal for social media Reels
- Observe, interact, and spoil your dog with treats while away from home
- Auto-tracks your dog
- 15-second activity detection and stored on Cloud Recordings for 24hrs and downloadable to your Smartphone
- Treat Tossing
- 2-Way Audio – speak with your dog
- Important events: sleeping, sitting, chewing, toileting
- Full HD 1080p vision, 4x zoom, 360-degree rotating view of the room
- Enhanced night vision in colour or black & white
What is Furbo good for?
“At Furbo, our mission is to keep dogs worldwide safe and happy.”
Furbo UK
What is Furbo good for?
- Advanced technology using Artificial Intelligence
- Top dog camera on the market
- Saving the lives of dogs
- Separation anxiety
- Positive reinforcement
- Use with a Smartphone to benefit from Home Emergency features
Successes of Furbo:
- Home fire
- Prevention of a home fire
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Intruder leading to Police arrest
- Gas leak
Operating costs of Furbo?
- Original features are Free:treat-tossing from the device, barking alerts, and camera-live view
- Dog Nanny trial for 30 days of enhanced features
- Free trial is available in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, France, Japan and Germany
- Camera-only for £199
- Or subscribe to Dog Nanny for £69 annually or £130 for two years.
At the moment (December 2023) the cost at either shop is the same but before you buy, always check either for special price reductions first.
Reviews:
“I recently purchased Furbo because my baby (puppy) Kato broke his leg and I needed to keep an eye on him when I was out. A few days ago I opened Furbo while I was out for dinner and saw something was wrong at home. I immediately rushed home to find the house filled with smoke.”
Kato’s owner
“I kept getting Barking Alert notifications from Furbo so I checked in on my dog. I then heard the carbon monoxide alarm was going off! So glad that I had Furbo to notify me, or else I may not have come home to find my dog alive. You can see in the video (view at Saving Lives) my dog was sneezing and did not like the smell.”
Kobe’s owner
“Furbo Person Alert caught an intruder in my house and the Cloud Recordings videos helped the Police catch him thanks to Furbo’s recording.”
Dexter’s owner
“Furbo Person Alert notified us someone broke into our house! The Police were able to catch him….”
Kelly, dog owner
3 – TabCat Tracker
“… can find your cat anywhere in the house, neighbouring gardens or street. Even if your cat is trapped in a shed, garage or stuck up a tree.”
TabCat
What I love about TabCat is you do not need a Smartphone, and tracking your cat consists of a Homing Tag fitted to your feline’s collar and a Directional Handset to find your cat. A series of lights and sounds direct you to your missing cat up to 1″ of its whereabouts, even if shut in an outbuilding.
TabCat (version 2) – Key features:
- Each pack contains 2 homing tags, 2 splashproof homing tag, 1 credit card handset
- 1 handset locates up to 4 cats
- Each tag has its tone
- Suitable for a kitten or cat
- Weighs 5g (GPS trackers are normally 25g)
- Homing tag size: 3cm H x 2cm W x0.9cm D
- Uses radio technology to find a feline
- Range 162 metres / 600 feet
- Finds a cat within 2cm / 1″
- Suitable for indoors & outdoors
- It can be used worldwide using 2.45GHz
- One-off payment
- No subscription
How does TabCat work?
When you receive TabCat, register the homing tags, which can be performed at home.
Watch the Video: How to register the tag
As a radio frequency tracker, the device still needs a clear line of sight to function successfully, but this is no different from a GPS tracker. After registration and activating the batteries, the homing tag is fitted to a standard-size cat collar, and when using to find your cat, the handset and homing tag work together by sending signals between them.
The directional handset issues a series of vital bleeps and colours alerting how far or near you are to the homing tag and your cat. Both the handset and two tags require batteries to operate. These can be bought online or in shops like The Factory Shop.
- 1 x CR2032 for the handset
- 2 x SR1130 for each homing tag
Three lights operating on the handset are:
- Flashing red – a cat is far away
- Amber – a cat is close
- Green – a cat is very close
TabCat is simple to use and can be tested with your cat nearby. Otherwise, switch on the handset and follow its bleeps and colours if you are worried about where your feline is when roaming. Some cats keep to the same territory, others try new places. Patience is required until the handset sets you in the right direction. However, if you prefer to be shown immediately where your cat is, Tractive GPS Cat Tracker and app might be the better option, but there’s a monthly subscription.
One interesting point is – many cat owners purchase TabCat or GPS trackers after their cat has gone missing for hours or days but has returned home. Therefore, pet owners seek peace of mind, and a way to quickly protect and find their feline (especially because TabCat detects a cat through walls, up a tree, different streets or nearby gardens), is to purchase a tracker. TabCat can also be a training device to teach a feline to come home.
Another point to be aware of is that TabCat’s signal is reduced near conductive materials (water and metal surfaces), and some locations may also have a reduced signal. If you have any doubts, contact TabCat directly.
You receive a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 2-year manufacturer warranty.
The TabCat store on Amazon is currently £99.99 (December 2023), and TabCat’s website is even cheaper at £89.99 – signing up to its newsletter gives you 10% off.
Reviews:
“I have had various versions of TabCat for years and it has saved my cat’s life more than once.”
Leah
“He now appears to recognise when his collar pings and we often hear him as we get close. Due to the geographical layout of our area, the quoted range is a little optimistic; however we know Bert’s usual exploring range and on the occasions we’ve had to use it, it’s not been more than a short walk of about 100m before we get a signal, and when we do, finding him has been quick and easy.”
Bob
4 – Low-cost home security
Not all of us have the wage to supplement top-of-the-range or standard home security so how can you protect your home cheaply? There are affordable security devices that act as a deterrent against potential intruders because of their high-decibel sirens.
Review:
“I bought this for a child with special needs so I would know if they were opening the back door. I heard it going off twice at 4am one night so I know someone was outside trying the back door handle. I imagine this discouraged them.”
Annie
Defender Door Handle Alarm – Key features:
- Defender is a top security brand
- 125 dBs siren
- Detects door handle movement
- Suitable for metal door handles
- Battery operated
- Portable device
- Use for home, campervans, caravans
- Pet theft deterrent
Available from Defender on Amazon.
Defender Winder Alert Vibration Alarm – Key Features:
- Defender is a top security brand
- 110 dBs siren
- Detects window vibration
- Red ‘warning’ sticker visible from outdoors
- Battery powered
- Easy install
- Recommended for obscured windows
- Recommended by Humberside Police
- Pet theft deterrent
Watch my Video: Installing and fitting the window alarm in my home
Related article:
Available from Defender on Amazon.
5 – Wildlife Food
Wildlife needs looking after too, especially during the cold months. Cheaper brands aren’t always nutritional so buying high-quality foods will give wildlife the energy required during the Winter.
Garden Wildlife Direct
Garden Wildlife Direct is an online shop that provides seasonal food for birds and nutritional food for ducks, swans, hedgehogs, squirrels, ponds & fish, chicken & poultry, and bee & insect houses.
The range is extended to home & gifts, garden (weed killer, deterrents, lawn care, compost, tools), stoneware, home fuels, feeders, storage, nesting boxes, books, and guides.
Visit Garden Wildlife Direct
If you live near a lake or river and love feeding swans and ducks, providing them with nutritional food to benefit their health is always best instead of chunks of bread. Sometimes you find small bags of swan and duck food for sale in parkland gift shops, but a larger one will be cheaper if you feed wildlife regularly with the children.
Available at Garden Wildlife Direct
6 – Equestrian & Farriers Supplies
VioVet
Longer nights are here. Be safe. Be seen.
VioVet
- North Cambridgeshire Equestrian competition venue and livery
- Lucky Tails Care Farm, Atherstone, Warwickshire: Walking Alpacas & donkeys, grooming, feeding
VioVet Equine offers a selection of horse wear and rugs, care and grooming, stable and yard, wormers, horse supplements, clothing and accessories and horse prescription medication.
High visibility gear for horses and riders is vital in low-light conditions.
This image shows that Hy Equestrian is one brand with a discount this January. This tail band comes in one size to fit all.
Other reflector products are a waterproof exercise sheet, rechargeable breastplate, neckband, nose band and head collar. And for you, reflective hatbands and jackets.
Visit the VioVet Equestrian store.
EasyTrim London for farriers
EasyTrim London provides professional equestrian care products.
Under the Farriers (Registration) Act 1975, only registered farriers can purchase horseshoes and nails. Please submit your farrier registration number when placing an order to buy these goods. EasyTrim London will verify with the Farriers Registration Council.
All professional farrier equipment from EasyTrim London are reputable brands.
The company also provide dog grooming equipment called Dog Stripping Knives. The high-quality steel blades remove dead hairs from a cat or dog, leaving a clean and healthy coat.
A dog-stripping knife will not harm or hurt your dog, and a professional groomer will be trained.
The 4-set pack is ideal for a professional groomer because it contains coarse sizes (extra fine, fine, medium and coarse) depending on the breed and its fur type. Single knives are available if preferred; a fine knife suits cats and dogs with fine fur.
Professional equipment will be longer lasting than cheaper brands.
7 – Dog-Friendly Holidays
“I found booking the holiday on the website easy to do and there was plenty of communication from Holiday Cottages before our trip and afterwards.”
Holiday Cottages – Guest review
Holiday Cottages caters for accommodation that accepts pets but features pet-free properties too.
We have personally holidayed twice through Holiday Cottage with our giant rescue dog and recommend it.
Not all properties are cottages. You will find lodges, apartments, chalets, old stables, barns, converted workshops, water mills, working farms or quirky accommodations, and you can read more about The Old Mill.
Standards in Blakey View Cottage are very high, and this is what you can expect when choosing a holiday with Holiday Cottages. We stayed twice. It is easy to select a property, check dates and book.
Watch the Video: Dog-friendly Blakey View Cottage
Book Blakey View Cottage.
Holidays are available for couples, families and groups in rural, coastal or city getaways. And if thinking of generating your income, you can let your property with Holiday Cottages too. Or consider buying an existing property.
Let Your Property with Holiday Cottages.
Buy an existing holiday property through Holiday Cottages.
Blakey View Cottage
There are numerous areas of Outstanding Beauty with beautiful self-catering properties available. This image shows the view from the bedroom window, overlooking the garden, fields, and the Moors beyond in Castleton, North Yorkshire.
You can watch Teddy’s ‘places to walk’ videos we filmed around North Yorkshire during our stay at Blakey View Cottage.
The blog has plenty of recommendations for accommodation suitable for dogs, babies, romance, top pubs and beaches for dogs, things to do in the rain and don’t forget Last Minute availabilities.
Accommodation is available at Holiday Cottages.
8 – Cat & Dog Food Subscriptions
Republic of Cats
There is a lot of competition with subscription boxes, with a selection offered as toy-only and others as food-only. Trial box prices vary, too, with food options as healthy or mainstream.
Watch the Video: Get a month’s cat food FREE – I’ve earned £140 from Republic of Cats using my Referral link below.
Republic of Cats – Key features:
- The Taster Box covers 28 meals over 14 days
- 85g cans
- Using my referral link, the Taster Box costs you £2.50
- Joining from a desktop or mobile costs £10 (June 2023)
- Choice of wet food: gravies, stews, pate, shredded
- Dry food: chicken or salmon
- Move deliveries forward and back
- Overall, the subscription price depends on your selection, but the Republic of Cats say about £1 a day
- Free delivery
- 100% recyclable packaging
Watch the Video: See what’s in the Taster Box
Watch the Video: How I got 3 boxes of FREE food (90 cans) from Republic of Cats
Read my article: Cat food subscription – what’s in the box?
Options to select food without the following:
| Rice | Wheat |
| Barley | Eggs |
| Oats | Dairy |
Unfortunately, the Republic of Cats does not offer specialised food for:
| Cancer | Urinary Tract |
| Renal | Pregnant Cats |
More key features:
- Available for adults and seniors
- Cancellation of subscription
- Build Your Box: Wet & dry. Wet food only. Dry food only
- Change flavours anytime
- Complete nutrition
- Easy contact with Whats App
- Aimed for nutritional needs and optimal health benefits
Order the Taster Box from Republic of Cats for £2.50
Tails
There seems to be less competition for canine subscription boxes so we tried Tails.com, and it was a success with Teddy, our rescue dog.
“Every dog is different.
Tails
Discover the benefits of tailor-made kibble with 50% off your first box.”
Tails – Key features:
- Part of Republic of Cats
- Delivered directly to your door
- Pause or cancel deliveries
- Food supports health issues
- Natural proteins fatty acids, Omega 3 & 6, good quality meat and fish
- No added sugar, artificial colours, flavours or preservatives
Watch the Video: Teddy, our rescue dog, shows you what he thinks of Tails dry kibble.
However, using my voucher code, you get 75% off. Valid for new customers and one per household.
You can also take advantage of their FREE food offer.
Or sign up and receive 50% off your first box.
Tails cater for all ages:
| Puppies |
| Adults |
| Seniors |
Food for the following requirements is available:
| Hypoallergenic | Grain-free |
| Sensitive stomach | Pancreatic |
| Joint care | Dental care |
| Weight Management | Sensitive Skin |
Review: “I have now found a brilliant type of food that is made for my dog’s needs. She now has a spring in her step when it’s food time…” Owner of Kesha, an English Springer Spaniel.
Review: “…I recommend it to all dog owners! You have control over everything, and the quality of food is amazing, and no more expensive than supermarket generic food.” Owner of Cody
An example of subscription prices based on a dry kibble diet and your dog’s size:
| Toy £13.51 | Small £19.25 | Medium £27.36 |
| Large £40.24 | Giant £56.92 |
Wet food trays are priced from 70p and treats from £1 per bag.
Order from Tails.com.
9 – Wellness: Sleep & Relaxation
Pet Remedy –Key features:
- 15W low wattage
- 8p per hour to run (April 2023), but depends on your energy charges
- Bed size: 38cm to 42cm
- Suitable for post-op care, arthritis
- Suitable for caged animals under medical restrictions
- Mains
The heated bed benefits an older cat or smaller dog during the freezing temperatures, even during the energy crisis.
Watch the Video: Tested the Pet Remedy Heated Bed
A hot water bottle wrapped in a blanket is another option for slightly higher temperatures. Tabitha has a bed house with a soft fleece blanket on top of the cushion supplied with the bed – this provides additional comfort to Tabitha as she is thin now.
An older pet feels the cold more – this bed more or less fits inside Tabitha’s bed house, and I lay a blanket on top. Since 2021, the price has increased from £31.99 to £34.99 and with VioVet you get free delivery. price correct December 2023.
Toozey – key features:
- 120cm x 70cm is suitable for a giant dog
- Detachable fleece cover to wash
- 4 settings for the timer levels
- 6 settings for the heating levels (30 to 55 degrees Celcius)
- Auto power switch off
- Suitable for old pets, arthritis, post-op
- Suitable for a Border Collie, German Shepherd size dog
- Mains
Currently, the Toozey heated bed is out of stock so I’ll be updating with a new bed shortly.
ItchPet Multivitamin supplement – Key features:
Helps 10 wellness areas:
- Skin & coat
- Stress & Anxiety
- Joints
- Gut health
- Eye Health
- Brain development
- Oral Health
- Heart
- Immune system
- General wellness
- Costs 30p per day
Best in Show 10:1 supplement is now available for cats and dogs in a 120g packet full of nutrients, minerals and vitamins. It is easy to administer – sprinkle over food and mix in using a supplied mini wooden scoop. My elderly cat Tabitha cannot tell the difference and tucks into her food. After a few days, the supplement helped firm up her faeces with a normal colour.
ItchPet -Calming chews
Tabitha’s calming capsules contain powder inside, but ItchPet has changed the product. The wellness product is now calming chews and available for cats and dogs. Personally, I did not notice any difference and prefer Pet Remedy spray, which I can use at home and wipe on her muzzle. Given she has hypertension and the start of dementia, Pet Remedy calms her.
Key features:
- Calming supplement
- Calming the anxiety and stress
- Increases a good mood
- Encourages sleep
- healthy digestion
- Costs 28p per day
Watch the Video: A selection of Itchpet products sent me
Watch the Video: Withernsea dogs review ItchPet dog treats
Watch the Video: Calming capsules for cats – easy way to administer powder supplement.
ItchPet has a plug-in pheromone diffuser, priced less than the famous brand Feliway and an option if money is tight.
Pet Remedy can be bought on Amazon with free delivery over £25.
Pet Remedy has been invaluable to me because Tabitha is highly stressed, especially with high blood pressure.
Key features:
- Reputable brand
- Contains valerian
- For dogs, cats, birds and rabbits
- Carry wipes in a handbag
- Use the spray in the car, a carrier
Types available:
- Calming atomiser
- Calm conditioner
- Wipes
- Calming spray
- Calming diffuser
- Heated bed
- Party survival kit or travel kit
- Grooming and doggy washes
Shop around but ensure you buy from a reputable online store like VioVet.
10 – Mobility
Rosewood bowls – Key features:
- Adjustable height
- 3 sizes (mine was large)
- Stainless steel bowls
- Helps pets with arthritis
- Reduces strain on the back, neck and weight on the joints
The purpose for buying this was because my geriatric cat Molly had arthritis in her back, paw digits, and legs – although on pain management, I preferred to reduce any pressure on her joints and make drinking easier. However, because the bowls were too deep, and kitty versions were unavailable then, I had to improvise with a food stand. Instead, I stood a food bowl on a scratch block with an arched base that allowed little paws access beneath.
When using stainless steel bowl, hard water will build up and cling firmly to the inside perimeter of the bowl. Hard scrubbing does not remove it but here is a quick method.
Watch the Video: How to remove limescale from your pet’s water bowl
Dexas – Key features:
- Foldable legs and collapsible making it ideal for holidays, campers, trips out
- Removable bowls for easy cleaning
- Elevated for small cats or dogs to eat comfortably from
Dexas differ slightly from the 7″ double elevated feeder pro. The double elevated feeder comes in small 8oz (1 cup capacity) and large 20oz (2 cup capacity) so bigger, but the listing does not give the overall height. Even if these are unsuitable for your pet, the market is full of elevated bowls now.
Kally Sleep – Key features:
- 14 day night trial
- Memory foam
- Low 3-sided bumpers
- Water-resistant cover
- Zip cover to remove quickly and wash
- Non-slip base
- Anti-tear and tough enough to prevent tears from burrowing
An orthopaedic bed was sent to Poppy’s Pet for testing and an article and supporting YouTube video was created.
Watch the Video: Dog mobility problems – what’s the verdict?
Related articles:
Dogs (or cats) have muddy paws, so removing and washing the polycotton cover is a plus. A 3-sided hollow fibre bumper provides a dog with a headrest and supports getting out of.
The memory foam base reacts to a canine’s heat and weight, and because the foam moulds itself beneath the body, it offers relief and comfort for tired, painful and arthritic joints.
Unfortunately, Kally Sleep no longer sells dog beds, only comfort for us. However, watch the video and I suggest reading my article about dog beds, including orthopaedic, because there are lots to consider before buying. Or visit Amazon for a selection of similar beds.
Pawz & Pepper – Key features:
- 2cm Pu Foam
- 2.5cm Visco Foam
- Protects a canine against cold floors
- Helps relieve pressure on joints
- Available in 3 sizes
The Visco foam mattress I chose for Teddy was affordable and provided average comfort and support for minor joint issues. You’ll need a thicker memory foam bed if your dog has severe mobility issues.
Teddy lays on a 100cm L x 70cm W x 5cm D – he is a giant and ideally needs a few extra inches on the bed. Another option is a 9cm depth memory foam bed, which offers a larger (and smaller) size and more comfort but costs more. It depends on the severity of your dog or cat’s joint pain and mobility.
Etsy – One option is a baby stair gate but you’ll need to fit it to a wall or bannister.
An alternative is a free-standing Dog Stopper designed for dogs, so if your dog is wobbly on its paw, this stopper will prevent your fluffball from heading upstairs.
These Dog Stoppers are handmade on Etsy, and come in various sizes and styles, with optional personalisation.
YuMove – Key features:
- 6-week moneyback guarantee if your dog does not become active
- Monthly subscription, but you can pause, change the date or cancel anytime
- 53p a day to keep your cat or dog healthy and active
- FREE online vet advice 24/7
- FREE delivery
- SAVE 30% on your monthly orders
- Tell YuMove about your pet
- Gets your dog more active in just 6-weeks (study conducted by Royal Veterinary College)
- 50% off the first 2 months
- Introducing PLUS Max Strength
- Get a personalised plan for your dog
- Visible signs in 6 weeks or your money back
YuMove promises pets an active, pain-free life, anxiety-free with its range of natural joint care, calming capsules, multivitamins, skin & coat, digestion, supplements and mobility aid for humans. If your pet has severe joint pain, please seek medical advice from your vet in case the stronger medication is required.
YuMove Health Guides:
- Health Guide: Ask the vet
- Health Guide: Dental – YuMove Dental Care Sticks recommended by The Sun
- Health Guide: Joints
- Health Guide: Anxiety & Behaviour
- Health Guide: Cats
- Health Guide: Dogs
- Sign up for the YuMove newsletter
11 – Pet Health & Preventative Care
Veterinary prescription– Key features:
- Vidalta & Onsior are prescription meds in this image and were purchased with a legal prescription from a qualified vet
- Prescriptions can cost between £15 to £30 (independent vs group practice)
- Buy veterinary medication online for a lower price
- Ordering a prescription with 3 to 6 months of medication allows you to use the prescription over that period, ordering 30 day supply if preferred
- Ideal for lifetime medication
- Calculating the cost of buying the meds at practice against the cost of a prescription and buying offline can be cheaper
- The online pet supplier must be regulated
When I first bought a veterinary prescription in 2015, it me £6. A prescription cannot be a mix and match of medication – only one type per prescription is allowed. But a practice can charge what they like and the highest prescription quote was £90 in 2017 – this charge was the same as tablets purchased at an online store. I cancelled my registration and moved to another practice which charged about £20 then by 2022, the cost increased to £25.
Since March 2023, I joined an independent veterinary practice and now pay £15 for a prescription. You can read more in my article about prescriptions.
VioVet Own Brand – Key features:
- VioVet was started by a vet
- Its Own Brand are as effective but cheaper
- OraFresh Paste – teeth
- OraFresh Granules – teeth
- RenewMe – for dementia
- Joint Force – for mobility
- ReguTum – prebiotic
- TotalVit – Multivitamins
- RenalKal – Kidney disease
- FortiFlow – urinary support
- SettleMe – calming
- EipGlow – skin & coat
- Same products can be for cats and dogs
- TermaWorm – worming
- RestAural – ear cleaner
OraFresh can be used with a finger brush but from conventional foods, Teddy’s teeth have a lot of plaque buildup, so I recommend this product for young dogs or the early stages of plaque and tartar. You can read more about dental care in my article and a product Maisie is currently testing. I recently ordered a product for dementia – it’s called RenewMe and VioVet’s own brand. With my cat Albert, I used Aktivait, now £10 more than Renewme. You can read about Aktivait and Renewme in my article and I hope I have an update about Tabitha in a few weeks.
HWL Supplies – Key features:
- Family run business
- 4 products are available on its Pet Health website
- Woof Fresh is being tested for Poppy’s Pets
- Ear buddy
- Zen dog – calming
- Oatmeal shampoo
- Bowl food puzzles
Meet the Doggy Employees – Casper, Lola, Piper, Oscar & Bailey
If you opt for Woof Fresh, consider a chew for the back teeth. My article, Dental Care Solutions, gives further details. Maisie, a rescue dog, is currently testing Woof Fresh and a video on my YouTube channel will be released in 2024.
Christies Direct – Key features:
“First time doing home grooming. These clippers (Andis UltraEdge) were light and easy to use.”
Dawn
- Professional grooming gear for beginners, students and pros
- Keeping your Dog’s fur groomed is healthier and contributes to preventing heatstroke
- Save money by grooming your own dog
- Well-known brands
Watch the Video: Overview of the Andis Ultra Edge AGC2
Watch the Reel: coming soon
Subscribe to my YouTube: In January, I’ll be uploading videos from a groomer who grooms dogs with nerves and fears, and she shows me how she takes the session step by step. It gives a great insight as most of the videos I watch on social media are with obedient dogs.
12 – Outdoor Dog Clothing
Many designs and materials are available for dogs today: quilted, cotton waxed, waterproof, wool, fleece lined, wool, blanket or jumper. And dog drying coats after wet wintery walks or following bathtime.
Hound & Yard – Key features:
- Timeless country-style jacket
- Smart layover coat
- Quilted with corduroy collar
- Soft and warm lining
- Sizes 35cm to 65cm long
- Velcro neck flap
- Adjustable strap 16cm to 30cm
- Body clip buckle
- Handwash
Hound & Yard has an Amazon store
Tail Blazers – Key features:
- Dog drying coat following walks or bathtime
- Inner layer is Terry microfibre towelling absorbs water and pushes it to the outer layer
- Outer layer is sport microfibre and absorbs water and vapour
- Neck, collar and ear cover
- Velcro neck and body flaps
- 6 sizes – ideal for bigger breeds too
- Ring for car seat belt
- Machine washable
Tail Blazers has a store on Amazon.
Weatherbeeta – Key features:
- Comfitec windbreaker is showerproof
- Durable
- 420 denier outer
- Boa fleece lining
- Velcro neck flap
- Adjustable buckle
- Velcro body strap
- Harness hole
- Australian brand
- Caters for horse & rider too
Teddy is a giant Moiritic Shepherd Cross weighing 58kg-ish, and sports the Comfitec Showerproof jacket in gun metal trimmed with orange. Weatherbeeta has a store on Amazon.
13 – Artisans for pets – being updated
Pet Creation – Key features:
- Creating a cartoon image of your fluffball with or without a family member
- Different choices of styles: Mugs, fleece, canvas, gift sets
- Transform your goldfish, horse, duck, cat, dog, or hamster from a photo
- Create a cartoon from an image of a late pet
- Makes a memorable wedding gift too
14 – Pet Supplies
Zooplus – Key features:
- Online pet supplies
- Huge discounts on regular and specialised food
- Take advantage of My Rewards & Coupons after you register for an account
- Buy bulk can save you money
Register with Zooplus to benefit from My Rewards and money-off coupons. I recommend you subscribe to my YouTube channel, particularly the playlist Offers & Freebies.
Add your pets and food types they enjoy and wait for offers.
Join Zooplus to benefit. And if you subscribe to a newsletter, you receive discounts to your inbox.
Get Set Pet – Key features:
- Online pet store
- Sells the same as other mainstream online stores so may be competitive
- Products for dogs, cats, small pets, wildlife
- Sells Eden Holistic Pet Food
15% off your first order until 14.03.24 with a subscription.
Because Get Set Pet sells the normal brands, always research the pricing against other online shops to get the best deal. This company offers a subscription scheme called Get Set Save and in return you receive benefits. Enrol your pet to receive a birthday treat on their birthday.
Key takeaways:
- Always look around for the best price
- Sometimes, the more obscure, upmarket store can have the best prices
- Always click on my related articles that may prove helpful
Poppy’s Pets has a column in the Withernsea & District Community News