Ruff Retreat

26/07/2025

🐾 Ruff Retreat | Pet First Aid Guide

Because they’re family — and every second counts.

🌿 Recognising an Emergency
Call your vet immediately if your dog:

• Isn’t breathing or is struggling to breathe
• Is unresponsive or unconscious
• Collapses and can’t get up
• Is choking or gagging without clearing
• Has a seizure or persistent shaking
• Bleeds heavily or has a deep wound
• May have eaten something toxic
• Can’t urinate or strains without results
• Was hit by a car or suffered trauma
• Shows signs of electrocution (e.g. chewed cables)
• Is having a severe allergic reaction
If in doubt, call your vet. Always.

🧘‍♀️ First Things First: Stay Calm:
• Speak gently to soothe your dog
• Avoid sudden movements — scared dogs may lash out
• Keep them warm and still
• Never give food or water unless advised
• Note everything you’ve seen — it helps your vet assess quickly

📞 Immediate Actions:
• Call your vet with full details
• Follow their instructions (they may refer you to an emergency clinic)
• Transport your dog safely using a blanket or carrier
• Keep vet and emergency contacts saved and written down

🛑 ABCs of Collapse:
• A – Airway: Pull the tongue forward. Check for anything blocking the throat.
• B – Breathing: Look for chest movement. Feel for airflow at the nose.
• C – Circulation: Feel for a heartbeat behind the left elbow.
No breathing or heartbeat? Begin CPR immediately.

💓 CPR for Dogs:
• Lay your dog on their right side on a flat surface
• Chest compressions: Use both hands (or one for small dogs) — 2 per second
• After 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths
• Extend the neck, close the mouth, seal nostrils, and blow gently
• Repeat the 30:2 cycle
• Check for heartbeat every 2 minutes
• Keep your vet on the line if possible

📺 Watch this UK demonstration: How to Save Your Dog’s Life | This Morning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2SdXN1a5Gc

😮‍💨 What to Do If Your Dog Is Choking:
• Open the mouth gently and remove visible objects with blunt tweezers
• If breathing is still blocked, use abdominal thrusts or back slaps based on dog size:

◾ Standard Abdominal Thrusts:
• Stand behind your dog
• Wrap your arms under their belly
• Make a fist just behind the ribcage
• Deliver up to 5 sharp upward thrusts
• Check the mouth between attempts

◾ Unconscious Dogs (Start CPR Position)
• Lay your dog on their right side — this gives the best access to the airway and chest
• Kneel behind the torso
• Give firm, inward and upward abdominal thrusts just behind the ribs
• Recheck the airway
• Begin CPR immediately if your dog is not breathing or has no heartbeat

◾ Small Dog Variation: Wheelbarrow Method
• Gently lift the back legs, tilting the dog forward like a wheelbarrow
• Deliver up to 5 firm back slaps between the shoulder blades
• Follow with 5 abdominal thrusts behind the ribs if needed
• Check the mouth after each attempt

⚠️ Important: While these techniques can potentially cause internal injuries, they are accepted emergency procedures when a dog cannot breathe and is at risk of death. The risk of doing nothing outweighs the risk of injury. Always contact your vet after any choking incident, even if your dog seems fine.

🐕 Moving an Injured Dog:
• Support the head, spine, and hips
• Use a towel or board as a stretcher
• Don’t move your dog if a spinal injury is suspected — call your vet
• Transport using a seatbelt harness or secure carrier

🩹 Treating Wounds:
• Small cuts: Rinse gently with lukewarm water
• Heavy bleeding: Apply pressure using clean fabric or gauze
• Foreign objects (like glass): Don’t remove — cover loosely and go to your vet
• Watch for swelling, redness, or discharge during healing

🌡️ Heatstroke in Dogs:
Warning Signs:
• Rapid or laboured panting
• Bright red gums
• Weakness or collapse
• Vomiting or trembling
What to Do:
• Move your dog into shade or a cool area
• Pour cool (not cold) water over their coat
• Offer small sips of water
• Use a fan or open windows to help them cool
• Never cover with wet towels — it traps heat
📞 Call your vet while cooling. Heatstroke can be fatal.

🧳 What to Include in Your First Aid Kit:
• Pet-safe antiseptic wipes and wound wash
• Non-stick dressings and soft bandages
• Microporous tape, cotton pads
• Tick remover & tweezers
• Blunt-ended scissors
• Gloves
• Foil emergency blanket
• Towel or sling stretcher
• Muzzle & spare lead
• First aid guide (print this!)
• Microchip info & vet contacts

🏡 Everyday Safety Reminders:
• Store medications and cleaning products securely
• Block access to food bins or compost
• Be aware of toxic foods (see below)
• Remove dangerous plants: daffodils, lilies, tulips
• Check toys regularly for small parts or loose stitching

🍽️ Foods That Are Toxic to Dogs:
Certain foods can be dangerous or even life-threatening to dogs. It’s best to assume any wild, untagged, or unfamiliar food is unsafe. Below is a categorised summary of hazardous foods, compiled from trusted UK veterinary and animal welfare sources.

❌ Highly Toxic – Even in Small Amounts:
• Grapes, Raisins & Sultanas — risk of acute kidney failure with even tiny amounts.
• Chocolate & Cocoa — toxic due to theobromine and caffeine; affects heart and nervous system.
• Xylitol (artificial sweetener) — found in sugar-free gum, sweets, baked goods, peanut butter.
• Onions, Garlic, Chives, Leeks — cause oxidative damage to red blood cells.
• Macadamia Nuts — cause weakness, tremors, vomiting.
• Alcohol — toxic even in small amounts; causes vomiting, seizures, respiratory collapse.
• Caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks) — causes tremors, rapid heart rate, seizures.

⚠️ Moderately Toxic – Harmful in Larger Quantities:
• Avocado — contains persin; high fat content may cause diarrhoea or pancreatitis.
• Raw Bread Dough or Yeast — expands in the stomach; produces gas and alcohol.
• Mouldy or Spoiled Foods — risk of mycotoxins affecting liver and kidneys.
• Cooked Bones & Corn Cobs — choking hazard; can splinter and cause internal damage.
• Fat Trimmings & Greasy Foods — may trigger pancreatitis.

🚫 Other Harmful Foods & Substances:
• Wild Mushrooms — some species cause seizures, liver failure, or death.
• Walnuts, Pistachios, Pecans, Almonds — high in fat; choking risk; some may carry mould toxins.
• Fruit Pits and Seeds — many contain cyanide (cherry, plum, peach, apricot).
• Nutmeg — can cause tremors, seizures, and nervous system effects.
• Mustard Seeds/Powder & Other Spices — cause gastrointestinal irritation.
• Hops — may cause malignant hyperthermia and fatal reactions.
• Excess Salt & Salty Snacks — can cause sodium poisoning and kidney strain.

✅ Safe Dog-Friendly Treats (in moderation):
• 🥕 Carrots — crunchy, low-calorie
• 🫐 Blueberries — antioxidant-rich
• 🥒 Cucumber — hydrating and gentle on digestion
• 🍠 Cooked sweet potato (no additives)
• 🐟 Plain cooked white fish (deboned)
• 🐓 Plain cooked chicken or turkey (no skin or bones)

🎓 Why Every Dog Owner Should Learn First Aid:
This guide is a trusted starting point — but nothing replaces hands-on training when it comes to handling real-life emergencies calmly and confidently.

• A few minutes of correct CPR can double a dog's chance of survival
• Knowing the difference between choking and coughing could save a life
• Handling wounds, seizures, or heatstroke properly makes a huge difference before you reach the vet

📚 We Recommend Taking a Certified Canine First Aid Course:
Look for in-person or online courses led by qualified pet first aid trainers. You’ll get step-by-step coaching on:

• Dog CPR & rescue breathing
• Choking and trauma handling
• Bleeding, seizures, burns & poisoning
• How to respond in real emergencies with calm, capable care

🐾 Where to Start
Check out trusted UK-based providers such as:

• Dog First Aid Training UK – https://www.dog-first-aid.com
• Animal Aiders – https://www.animalaiders.co.uk
• PDSA Pet First Aid Resources – https://www.pdsa.org.uk
• Your local vet clinic may also offer workshops!
Learning first aid isn’t just for emergencies — it brings peace of mind during everyday life, from daily walks to holidays and everything in between.

💬 Final Words of Calm:
Print this. Save it. Share it. Whether you're at home or out walking — knowing what to do in a crisis gives your dog their best chance.

Preparation is powerful. And you’re never alone — Ruff Retreat is here for you.

With calm, care, and a wagging tail,
The Ruff Retreat Team

19/06/2025

🔥 HOW HOT IS TOO HOT FOR DOGS? 🔥

With temperatures set to reach 26°C in Hartlepool tomorrow and a scorching 28°C on Saturday, it’s vital we all stay extra alert when it comes to keeping our dogs safe in the heat.

Did you know dogs can start to struggle from just 20°C (68°F)? And 25°C (77°F) is already considered too hot for safe walks or outdoor activity for most dogs — especially those who are elderly, flat-faced, overweight, or have health conditions.

⸻

🌡️ Temperature Guidelines for Dogs:

⬇️ Below 20°C – Generally safe, but always monitor older or short-nosed breeds.

🌤️ 20–25°C – Caution advised. Avoid strenuous walks and watch for signs of overheating.

🔥 25°C+ – Too hot for most dogs to be out walking. Keep them cool and indoors where possible.

🚫 30°C+ – Extremely dangerous. No outdoor activity. Risk of heatstroke is very high.

⸻

🚨 Signs of Overheating:

• Excessive panting
• Drooling
• Bright red gums or tongue
• Weakness or collapse
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Rapid heartbeat

🆘 If your dog shows any of these signs:
→ Move them to a shaded area
→ Offer cool (not cold) water
→ Cool them with damp cloths on belly, paws, and neck
→ Seek immediate vet help if symptoms worsen

⸻

☀️ Other Hot Weather Hazards:

🚗 Dogs in Cars
Even at 22°C, the inside of a parked car can reach 47°C in minutes. Leaving a dog in a hot car for even “just a minute” can be fatal.
➡️ If you see a dog in distress in a hot car, call 999 immediately.

🌞 Sunburn
Dogs with light fur or exposed skin (belly, nose, ears) are at high risk of sunburn. Use pet-safe sunscreen (zinc oxide & PABA-free) or a T-shirt for protection.
Look for:
• Red or pink skin
• Dry or cracked areas
• Curling at the ear edges
🚨 Persistent sunburn can lead to skin cancer — contact your vet if skin looks sore or crusty.

🐜 Fleas & Ticks
Fleas cause itching, infections, and discomfort — and a single dose won’t protect them.
Ticks are found in grassland & woods and carry diseases — check your dog daily and remove ticks quickly.

🐝 Bees & Wasps
Most stings are painful but harmless. However, stings to the mouth or throat can block airways.
Call your vet urgently if you suspect this.

🐍 Adders (UK’s only venomous snake)
Found in heath, woodland and sand dunes. Bites are rare but dangerous. If you suspect an adder bite, seek emergency veterinary help straight away.

⸻

🐾 Our Ruff Retreat Promise:

We’ll never compromise when it comes to your dog’s health and safety. Please join us in keeping pets cool, calm and safe through the hot days ahead.

📢 If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them. Skip the walk, stay cool, and enjoy the shade together.

18/06/2025

There’s no simple, one-size-fits-all answer to why a dog may dislike grooming. Just like humans, dogs have their own histories, sensitivities, and emotional triggers.

Here are some of the common reasons dogs may find grooming challenging:

🐾 Fear or anxiety
🐾 Undiagnosed pain or discomfort
🐾 Known medical conditions
🐾 Previous trauma or negative associations
🐾 Sensory overwhelm
🐾 Fatigue or emotional stress
🐾 Infrequent grooming at home
🐾 Limited desensitisation to grooming tools or
environments
🐾 Lack of basic training or handling confidence
🐾 Emotional overload
🐾 Separation anxiety

And the list could go on…

At Ruff Retreat, we understand that grooming isn’t just about appearance – it’s about the whole dog. That means taking into account their physical, emotional, and behavioural needs. While breed traits provide helpful insights, every dog is unique and deserves to be treated as such.

That’s why we always take a holistic and compassionate approach. We meet each dog where they are – working with them at their pace, gaining trust, and building positive associations with grooming through gentle handling and empathetic care.

Make Grooming a Positive Experience

One of the most important things we can do – as groomers and as pet parents – is ensure dogs never have a reason to fear the grooming process.

Yes, part of this responsibility lies with your groomer. We are the ones handling your dog during their appointment, and our job is to make the experience as stress-free as possible. But lasting trust starts at home.

If dogs arrive with severely matted coats or overgrown nails, even the gentlest touch can be uncomfortable for them. By keeping up with regular grooming at home and sticking to a consistent schedule, you help prevent unnecessary stress and discomfort.

Timing matters too. Avoid scheduling grooming appointments right before or after events your dog finds stressful, like a vet visit. Instead, try pairing grooming with something positive – a walk, their favourite treat shop, or playtime – to help shift their perception of the day.

What to Do If Your Dog Is Afraid of Grooming

A fearful dog doesn’t just make grooming harder – it can create a negative cycle that affects their long-term well-being. When a dog dreads the groomers, they’re more likely to react with resistance or fear. As a result, owners may avoid bringing them in, leading to more matting, discomfort, and stressful visits when they finally do go.

The good news? With patience and consistency, dogs can learn that grooming isn’t something to fear. Here’s how:

Desensitise Your Dog at Home

Start slowly and always associate grooming tools with something positive. Introduce brushes, nail files, or towels with treats or praise. If your dog already has negative associations, you may need to use counter-conditioning – for example, rewarding your dog just for seeing the brush without using it right away.

As your dog becomes more comfortable, begin incorporating grooming actions into enjoyable moments. If they love belly rubs, try replacing your hand with a brush. If fetch is their favourite game, pause for a few brush strokes before throwing the ball again.

By making grooming feel like a normal – even enjoyable – part of their routine, you’ll reduce their stress and build trust.

Schedule Low-Stress “Practice” Visits

Fearful dogs, just like puppies, can benefit from regular, short visits to the grooming space without undergoing a full groom. These “desensitisation sessions” help them realise that not every visit involves clipping, washing, or handling.

Pop in for a gentle brush and some tasty treats, or just let your dog sniff around the space and meet their groomer to help establish a bond and connection. Over time, these calm, positive exposures help reshape their emotional response to the grooming environment.

Most professional groomers (including us!) are happy to offer support sessions like these because we know how much easier and more enjoyable grooming becomes when a dog feels relaxed and safe.

Compassion First, Always

At Ruff Retreat, we never force dogs through grooming they’re not ready for. We believe in building trust slowly, kindly, and intentionally. We advocate for your dog’s needs and strive to make grooming a positive, fear-free experience – one brush stroke, paw pad, and tail wag at a time.

Every dog deserves to feel safe, respected, and understood. 💚

10/06/2025

☀️ Summer Makeovers Are In! ☀️

This month’s top transformations - serving soft coats, fresh trims, and wagging tails. Each groom tailored to your dog’s coat, needs, and comfort — because no pup should feel too hot under the collar this summer! 💛✂️

🐕 Scruffy to sleek
🐩 Curls revived and defined
🐶 Fluff tamed for the warm weather

30/05/2025

RSPCA Pet clinic for those on a low income in Hartlepool

13/05/2025

Let’s Talk Matting 🐾 - Click Link to Learn More!

06/05/2025

27/04/2025

Fresh Cuts, Fluffy Butts, Styled Struts, Meet Our Springtime Beauties 💛🤩🌼

14/03/2025

⭐️ Important Client Notice ⭐️

14/03/2025

🐾Cuteness overload with these March visitors 🐾

30/12/2024

⚠️ Please read ⚠️

24/12/2024

A huge thank you to all our Ruff Retreat family.
We are so grateful for choosing us to groom your precious pups. Cannot wait to see you all again in the New Year🤍 Happy Christmas to all.. that’s a wrap for 2024!