May
24

THE TOP 5 TRAVEL ESSENTIALS FOR JET-SETTING PETS

Monster Pet Supplies

With some better weather forecast, the Spring Bank Holiday is the perfect opportunity to take an impromptu road trip to somewhere lovely. If you’re considering taking your dog along for the ride, these Pet Travel Essentials will ensure a marvellous mini-break with your sidekick.

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On the road…

Britain is beautiful – right on our doorstep we have lush green valleys, jaw-dropping views and dramatic coastlines ready to explore. For dogs, it’s hard to resist rolling around in the soft sand, enjoying a run in the sea breeze, foraging for sticks on the shore and taking the plunge in the refreshing sea. Your dog will love romping through the beautiful British countryside, hiding in the long grass and spashing through the muddy puddles! Wherever you’re headed, every dog owner knows that the best trips end messily! To avoid having a mucky pup (and a mucky car!) for the journey home, try the Pennine Dry Dog Bag – a super absorbent bag designed to speed up the cleaning and drying process after a wet, sandy or muddy walk!

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The Ancol Car Harness is a travel must-have for regular back seat doggy drivers. Designed to prevent dogs from moving around in the car, the harness helps to improve the safety of pets, passengers and drivers. The handy harness fits all popular seat belt sockets and can also be unclipped and used for walking and exercise!

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The Road Refresher Non Spill Water Bowl minimises mess – the internal floating plate prevents spills and reduces slobber by up to 90%.

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Further afield…

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In light of the recent weather, perhaps you’ve wisely decided to head for warmer climes. Don’t forget dogs need sun protection too. Petkin Dog Sunscreen Wipes are fabulously handy, heavy duty, easy to apply and contain SPF sunscreen, designed to protect your dog’s skin during long, hot days. Scented with delicious vanilla and coconut, the non-greasy, non-sticky formula is easy to apply with minimum fuss.

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The Paramount Petzden Canvas Fold Flat Dog Carrier is great for jet-setting hounds. Lightweight, portable and foldable, it is easy to assemble for use and simple to collapse for storage – ideal for fitting into a suitcase!

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The Rosewood Options Deluxe is a sturdy pet carrier suitable for air travel with a front locking door, and an opening wire roof for easier access to the carrier. The Rosewood Options Deluxe is an airline approved dog and cat carrier, designed to current IATA specifications and should be suitable for an aircraft’s hold. (Do check with your airline first though).

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Competition time!

Tell us about a terrific trip you’ve taken with your pet – where did you go, what did you get up to, what made it such a great break?  Let us know in the comments below and you could win a Dry Dog Bag, ready for your next trip. The winner will be announced here on Friday 31st May. Good luck!

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Hope you have a fabulously fun-filled long weekend!

Laura@Monster x

 

Tagged Advice

May
22

WIN A KONG BOUNZER DOG TOY!

Monster Pet Supplies

The NEW Kong Bounzer is a brilliantly big dog toy – lightweight, flexible, and with a handy handle for tossing, the Bounzer is great for grabbing, rolling and bouncing!

The Bounzer is available in 3 sizes (to suit medium, large and extra large dogs) and is designed to be small enough for your dog to carry, but not so small that it can be chewed and destroyed in seconds!

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For the chance to WIN a Kong Bounzer for your own playful pooch, simply tell us something funny about your dog.

Has your hound got a hilarious habit? Have you got an amusing doggy anecdote to share? We want to hear your side-splitting stories!

Comment in the box below and the winner will be announced here on Friday 25th May.

Good luck!

Laura@Monster

Tagged Advice Competition Giveaway Information Uncategorized

May
17

OUR TOP 10 TIPS FOR A FUR-FREE HOME

Monster Pet Supplies

It’s spring – which means it’s time to start thinking about shedding. Whether they’re short or long haired, most breeds of dog shed to some extent – and when they do, it can leave your house looking more furry than fabulous! So here are our top 10 tips for a hair-free home…

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1. Routine grooming is key to keeping your dog  – and home – looking as fresh as a daisy! Dead coat is the term used to describe the layer of hair which is not attached to your dog’s skin – regular brushing (ideally once a day) will remove this layer, leaving less hair to fall and settle on your sofa! There are many different brushes on the market, designed to suit different coats. Invest in a good one like the Ancol Ergo Universal Dog Slicker for an extra smooth and shiny maine!

2. If your dog is an extra-heavy shedder and a brush isn’t enough, the Furminator is a brilliant vet-recommended tool,  designed to help reduce shedding by up to 90%.  Available to suit short and long haired small, medium, large and giant breeds – the Furminator offers a truly customised grooming experience!

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3. A regular pre-grooming scrub with a good shampoo will help to loosen your dog’s dead coat and this will make it easier to brush away later – 8 in 1 Calming Oatmeal Dog Shampoo gently moisturises while strengthening your dog’s skin and coat. If your dog’s not a bath fan, try Johnsons Dry Foam Shampoo – the pleasantly perfumed foam cleanses your dog’s coat without the use of water

(4. Afterwards, let your pooch snuggle up in the Furminator Fur Dry Dog Towel – the perfect post-bath cover-up!)

 

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5. Furry furniture can be so frustrating! We’d suggest invest in a good dog bed – if your pooch has his own perfect spot for lounging in, he won’t need to steal yours!

6. If you’ve tried with all your might to keep Rover off the sofa but he remains adamant that it’s HIS territory, choose a sofa that’s made from a wipe clean fabric, cover it with a protective throw or…

7. Try the CarPET Pet Hair Remover. The rubber prongs lift, gather and remove pet hair instantly, and because it’s durable and easy to clean, it can be used over and over again.

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8. The Ergo Lint Roller is another must have for owners of hairy dogs! It’s a handy and easy to use tool which will remove hair from clothes and furniture when all else fails!

9. Rest assured, shedding is a completely natural process throughout a dog’s lifetime,  but if you’re worried that your pooch is shedding excessively, reconsider their diet. A diet rich in Omega 3, Omega 6 and Vitamin A and E will promote a healthy coat – the Fish4Dogs range is a great place to start.

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10. Regular trips to the vet will help to prevent any illnesses which could affect your dog’s precious coat. They’ll also be able to answer any questions you may have.

 

Do you have any tips for a fur-free home? Share them with us in the comments below!

Laura@Monster

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May
10

A BUNNY’S FAVOURITE VEG

Monster Pet Supplies

Does your bunny go bonkers for broccoli? Is he crazy for carrot tops? We asked our Facebook and Twitter friends to tell us all about their rabbit’s favourite veg. Here’s the verdict:

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Carrot

Everyone knows that rabbits love carrots, but Katie’s rabbit has sophisticated tastes and only likes the ‘orange stuff’ when it’s sliced into fine ribbons!

Benita’s Bunnies don’t have a preference when it comes to shape – they “go mad and stomp their feet” when they know their getting a crunchy carrot snack!

If your rabbit loves carrots too, and you need to check that their gnashers are nice and healthy, here’s a great toothy tip that May shared with us on Facebook. “Hold the carrot up slightly above bunny’s head and they’ll lift up their face to eat it. Then you can get a look at their teeth. It’s less invasive than having to hold bunny down and physically open their mouth.”

Herbs

Lots of you told us that your herb garden or greenhouse was your rabbit’s favourite spot.

May’s rabbit Cookie has a soft spot for Basil. “Cookie loves Basil. He can smell it a mile off, and he wolfs it down so fast it just disappears! We grow it every year in the greenhouse so he has a nice fresh supply!”

Penny’s rabbits aren’t fussy and like a little bit of everything (all 12 of them!) “Rosemary, Thyme, Parsley, Mint, Basil. They love Lavender too!”

We don’t blame them – what could be better than your very own supply of freshly grown greens?! Yum!

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Broccoli

Broccoli is another firm favourite. The good news is it doesn’t matter whether your bouncing bunnies prefer green or purple sprouting broccoli – it’s all very good for them (including the leaves!)

Carolyn told us that her rabbit Romeo “makes a chuckling sound when he has broccoli!” and Oakley’s bun runs around and stamps his feet with excitement when he knows there’s some green goodness coming his way!

Kale

Rabbits also love curly kale and it’s very popular among Rebecca’s bunch!

Sue told us that she’s very happy her rabbits love to eat something that’s so good for them.

You also told us about which treats your bunnies like best. Julie’s rabbit loves nothing more than apples and shreddies, while Mary’s rabbit Badger can’t get enough of celery, and May’s bunny enjoys cherry tomatoes as a rare treat (“He gets his chin all wet, it’s so cute!”)

We want to know which vegetables make your rabbit jump for joy! Tell us in the comments below.

(Promoting a healthy bladder and kidney, fresh veg adds moisture to your rabbit’s diet, and is also a great way to provide extra nutrients, tastes and textures! Always remember that fresh veg should be fed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet containing hay and plenty of water!)

Laura@Monster

 

 

Tagged Advice Information Uncategorized

May
09

GIVE SKINNER’S A GO!

Monster Pet Supplies

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Skinner’s have been producing premium dog food in their Suffolk Mill for over 30 years. They’re extremely proud of their Field & Trial range (rightly so!), which is designed specifically to meet the nutritional requirements of Working, Active and Sporting dogs. Skinner’s Field & Trial dog food is a complete, hypoallergenic meal, free from wheat, maize, barley, soya and dairy (plus it contains absolutely no artificial additives, flavourings or preservatives) – which means that it’s even suitable for working dogs with allergies or sensitivities!

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Skinner’s Field & Trial Duck & Rice is a delicious and nutritionally complete dog food. Each piece of kibble is coated with natural sunflower oil and rosemary oil – this helps to maintain your dog’s healthy coat and skin.

“My dogs are big fans of your dog food- in fact, my Lurcher has been on your Duck & Rice food for the past 18 months and she’s never looked better. My most recent addition, a rescue Trail Hound, is also a big fan, and I like it because I know that ‘good stuff’ is going in. I try and eat a healthy, balanced diet, and I think it’s only fair that I do the same for my dogs too!”

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Skinner’s Field & Trial Turkey & Rice dog food is specially formulated to contain Joint Aid, which helps to maintain optimal joint health – that’s why it’s ideal for working dogs who are always on the go!

“I have just recently changed my 3 basset hounds to Skinner’s Field & Trail. We are really happy with the change. Not only is skinners good value for money, but my dogs really enjoy it. I have recommended Skinner’s to a few of my friends. And I’m sure they will be changing over.”

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Skinner’s Field & Trial Salmon & Rice dog food is made using salmon from a sustainable source as well as healthy whole rice, oats, peas and added Glucosamine and Chondroitin to help protect your dog’s joints.

“I have a 7-month-old Great Dane and she is allergic to a LOT!! However, the Salmon & Rice food is great for her tummy. Thanks for making her tummy better!! It was hard work getting there!!”

Do you have a working, sporting or active dog? Grab a FREE 150g Skinner’s Field & Trial dog food sample here.

Is your dog already a Skinner’s fan? Enjoy VAT free Skinners Field & Trial Dog Food, from just £23.99 for 15kg – buy now!

Laura@Monster

Tagged Advice Buy British Information Uncategorized

May
09

COULD YOUR DOG BENEFIT FROM A CEREAL FREE DIET?

Monster Pet Supplies

We’ve had lots of good chats recently with customers and dog walking pals about the benefits of a cereal free diet for dogs. With a huge choice of cereal and grain free products to choose from, we thought we’d sniff out the skinny, dig into the details and share them along with some of the best-selling cereal free food and treats.

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The Skinny on Cereals

  • Cereals such as corn, wheat, barley and rice are often used in dog food as fillers – which means dogs have to eat a larger quantity of food before they start to gain nutritional benefits. A cereal free food makes it easier for your dog to absorb essential nutrients from the protein.
  • A dog’s natural wild diet is high protein and low carbohydrate, which means that they can often find cereals and grains hard to digest. A cereal free diet could help to prevent uncomfortable digestive problems.
  • Cereals can trigger allergies for dogs with sensitive tummies. Prevent aggravations by going cereal free!

Wafcol Salmon & Potato Dog Food, from £12.06

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Excluding all common ingredients known to trigger allergies, Wafcol Salmon & Potato dog food contains no cereals, dairy, poultry, red meat or artificial additives and is available to suit small, medium, large and giant breeds.

“Great dog food! Bought it for our Chow Chow since other food caused digestion problems. No problems at all with this food, highly recommend it! Great service from Monster Pet Supplies, delivered very quickly!” Anita, 1st May 2013

James Wellbeloved Lamb & Vegetable Adult Dog Food, from £7.35

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Made with natural ingredients and absolutely no cereals (of course!), James Wellbeloved Lamb & vegetable dog food is brilliant for dogs with digestive sensitivities.

Lily’s Kitchen Very Venison Grain Free Dog Food, from £5.95

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Easily digestible and easy on the stomach, Lily’s Kitchen Very Venison Grain Free dog food is a tasty and complete food packed with essential nutrients and minerals.

 

Don’t Forget the Treats!

If you go to the trouble and care of feeding a cereal free diet, don’t forget about your treats. Don’t accidentally ruin your good work by feeding a treat that isn’t hypoallergenic and cereal free…

Lots of customers told us that they feed their dogs delicious homemade delicacies to accompany a cereal free diet: cooked liver, chicken pieces and carrot to name a few. Here are some other cereal free goodies which will go down a treat!

Burgess Sensitive Gourmet Treats, from £1.99

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Burgess Sensitive Gourmet Treats are available in Salmon, Game and Lamb, your hound will love these high-protein, hypoallergenic treats!

Fish4Dogs Sea Jerky Tiddlers 100g, from £2.22

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Made from 100% fish and nothing else – Fish4Dogs Sea Jerky Tiddlers are a naturally healthy treat, ideal for dogs who are going cereal free!

 

Do you feed your dog a cereal free diet? Have you noticed any changes in their appearance or behaviour? Which cereal free products have they tried, tested and loved? Let us know by Tweeting us @MonsterPetTeam, posting on our Facebook wall or commenting on our Google+ page.

Laura@Monster

 

 

Tagged Uncategorized

May
03

BANK HOLIDAY FUN WITH YOUR PET

Monster Pet Supplies

How are you spending the May bank holiday? Are you relaxing and relishing the time off, or organising lots of activities for an action packed 3 days? Whatever you’re planning, let your pet join in  – these are our favourite fun, free things to do with your animals this bank holiday weekend.

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Healthy body, healthy mind

If you’re thinking of going for an energising run or (if running’s not for you) a head-clearing stroll this weekend, why not let your pooch tag along? He’ll love the exercise and you’ll love the company!

Prevent your pooch from scaring the birds – Flexi Comfort Compact Dog Lead, from £13.42

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Train your rabbit!

Agility isn’t just for dogs. Bond with your bunny and have loads of fun at the same time by using everyday items from your garden to build low jumps for your rabbit.

Reward your rabbit when he does well – Burgess Excel Nature Gnaw Sticks, £1.99

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Take in the sea breeze

Bank holidays are the perfect time to take a trip to the great British seaside. All you need is your pooch and a Frisbee for hours of fun on the seafront!

Fetch! – Company of Animals Fantasy Flyer, from £5.49

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Don’t leave Rover at home

Taking a weekend break? Don’t leave your pets home alone. Research pet-friendly hotels, B&Bs and attraction and bring them along for the ride.

Buckle up – Petgear Dog & Cat Carrier, from £18.84

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Picnic in the park

What could be better than a lazy afternoon in the park? Pack your picnic blanket, fill a hamper with cucumber sandwiches…but don’t forget the pooch! Pop some of your dog’ favourite treats in with your picnic and let him join in the fun. There might even be time for a post-picnic game of fetch!

Don’t forget the water – Road Refresher Non Spill Water Bowl, from £8.27

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How will you and your pets be spending the long weekend? Let us know in the comments below.

Laura@Monster

Tagged Uncategorized

May
01

WIN A 6 MONTH SUPPLY OF SKINNER’S FIELD & TRIAL DOG FOOD!

Monster Pet Supplies

We’re offering one lucky hound the chance to tuck into FREE Skinner’s Field & Trial dog food for the next 6 months!

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To be in with the chance of winning, all you (and your pooch) need to do is leave a review of your most recent purchase of Skinner’s on the relevant product page here.

We’ll announce the winner on the Monster blog on Friday 17th May 2013.

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We’re looking for your dog’s honest opinion – how did they behave at dinnertime, what changes did you notice in their coat, condition, energy levels and behaviour? Share your dog’s discerning tastes with other owners to help them make the best decisions for their animals and WIN!

If you haven’t tried Skinner’s Field & trial yet, now’s your chance. We’ve got limited stocks of free sample bags so you can put it to the test and report back with your hound’s findings. Order a free sample here!

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Skinner’s Field & trial is a VAT Free dog food designed for sproting, working or active dogs containing no artificial additives or flavourings. Skinner’s Field & Trial Turkey & Rice, Salmon & Rice and Duck & Rice are also completely hypoallergenic and easily digestible. What’s more, they all contain more than 20% crude protein from single sources! So you’ve got to be in it, to win it…

Good luck!

Laura@Monster

Tagged Competition Giveaway Information Uncategorized

Apr
26

A MONSTER VISIT TO BRAMLEY CAVIES!

Monster Pet Supplies

Bramley Cavies

Last week, Monster visited Bramley Cavies – a small pet rescue centre based in Leeds. Arriving with a Mini full of hay, food and bedding galore, we were greeted by Helen and Andrew; a couple who’ve not only dedicated their lives to the care of neglected guinea pigs, but have also transformed their home into a safe haven for all kinds of vulnerable animals.

As well as their own pets, Helen and Andrew care for over 100 rabbits and guinea pigs who are injured, neglected or simply unwanted. Over the Easter period alone, 30 small pets were brought to Bramley Cavies and have been receiving invaluable care ever since.

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Beautiful guinea pig Faith joined Bramley Cavies when her owner couldn’t look after her anymore. She has a head tilt caused by a serious infection and  becomes disorientated and distressed easily – so the love and care she receives at Bramley Cavies is vital.

When we met guinea pig Tilly, we couldn’t believe that she was once seriously underweight and ill due to being neglected. Thanks to the care at Bramley Cavies, she’s now a happy and healthy!

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But Bramley Cavies is not just a home for small furries. Other residents include dogs, tortoises (amazing Hector, Concorde and Tommy), pygmy hedgehogs and tarantulas (!) – Sarah was even brave enough to hold one!

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Helen and Andrew were very pleased with our donation of hay, food and bedding and we’re very proud to be supporting such a brilliant organisation.

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Fancy getting involved? If you’re confident that you could provide a loving home for an animal, you can contact Bramley Cavies to find out about one of the lovely animals that’s up for adoption. Or, if you can’t provide a home but still want to help, you can sponsor an animal. When you sponsor an animal you’ll get a certificate, a magnet, a mug (and a warm fuzzy feeling inside for the help you’re giving!)

Find out more about Bramley Cavies and get involved here: http://www.bramleycaviesrescue.com/

 

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Laura@Monster

Tagged Advice Information Uncategorized

Apr
19

TOP 10 TIPS TO BE A GREAT PET PARENT!

Monster Pet Supplies

It’s National Pet Month – a month to celebrate our lives with pets and to encourage us to become *even* better pet parents.

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These are our top 10 tips to help keep your pets happy, healthy and safe.

  1. Make sure you do lots of research before getting a pet. Cats, dogs, birds, fish and small furries all have unique requirements, and you’ll need to know all about them if you’re going to give them the proper care they need.
  2. Provide a complete, balanced and nutritious diet for your pet. If you shop with Monster this needn’t be expensive. This includes plenty of water, of course.
  3. Whether it’s a hutch, a cushion or a tank, provide appropriate housing and comfortable bedding for your pet.
  4. Say sayonara to smelly cats and mucky pups by washing and worming your pet regularly and thoroughly. 
  5. Help to protect your pet from disease and illness by listening carefully to advice from your vet and following their guidelines.
  6. Get your pet neutered to prevent unwanted litters.
  7. Keep your pet groomed and looking lovely.
  8. If you have a cat, dog or another animal that spends time outdoors, make sure that they wear an identification tag and collar – this will help to keep them safe and make sure that they find their way home each night.
  9. Don’t burn a hole in your pocket with expensive medication from your vet, get a prescription and let Monster Pet Supplies supply the medicine at a fraction of the price.
  10. Train your pet to be well-behaved and at ease with other animals and humans – then you’ll have an animal that’s a joy to be around.

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Can you add to this list? What’s missing? Tell us what you think it takes to become a perfect pet parent in the comments below and share your tips with other pet-mad folk.
Thanks!
Laura@Monster

 

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