My Pet Nanny

04/09/2023

Did you know...?

10/11/2021

A dog's tail...

A TALE ABOUT TAILS
A wagging tail doesn’t always mean a happy dog.
It’s commonly believed that a waggy tail means a happy dog, but that isn’t always the case. Whether it’s long, short, curly or straight, the tail is a very important communication tool.
Before we try to learn the language of a tail, it’s important to recognise that the neutral or natural position of a dog’s tail differs between breeds. Beagles may naturally hold their tails pointing straight up, while Greyhounds and Whippets, naturally look like their tail is held between their legs. Pugs and Bostons have tails that coil up against their back and may not wag at all.
A wag to the right generally indicates that dogs are happy or excited, while a wag to the left is usually from uncertainty, fear anxiety or other negative feelings. This makes sense from a neurological point of view because each side of a dog's brain controls opposite sides of his body. The left side of the brain controls emotions like love and attachment while the right-side controls feelings like fear or anxiety. So, when a dog is happy the left side of the brain causes the tail to wag right and when a dog is not happy the right brain causes it to sway left.
Besides communication, the tail also functions as a rudder when swimming and is important for balance, especially when running as it allows for fast turning without falling over.
When we understand the function of the tail and how important it is, it’s difficult to comprehend why many owners / breeders chose to dock a dog’s tail. Some observational studies have shown that there are a higher number of aggressive incidents involving dogs with docked tails. This is not surprising, as an important communication tool is missing. Thankfully this inhumane and cruel mutilation practice has been made illegal in many countries.
Have a look at what your dog’s tail is doing in different situations. It’s so interesting to watch (at least for me!) and can tell you so much about how your dog is feeling.

26/08/2021

Not a single day has gone by where I have not been thankful for the dogs in my life. Especially my companion Keira – even more so since the events of last year, when she had her accident and nearly lost her life, and I nearly lost my best friend. Thank you to those asking how she is – she is of course more fragile and a bit unsteady but happy, enjoying her old age snoozing and pottering around - hopeful for some crumbs on the floor.

It was a stark reminder for me of how special this relationship we share is - so I want to encourage you all to take even more time today to thank your canine companions for the love they share with us, and thank all the dogs of the world who for hundreds of years have walked side by side as our friends. We owe them so much in return for the unconditional love they share with us each and every day.

21/08/2021

Excellent news!

SOME VERY POSITIVE NEWS - PLEASE HAVE YOUR SAY

The Government has today announced the tightening of welfare standards for imported dogs and are asking for your views: https://consult.defra.gov.uk/pet-travel-and-imports-team/pet-travel/

Thanks to incredible campaigning from welfare organisations and campaigners the plans include:

🐾 Raising the minimum age for imported puppies from 15 weeks to 6 months

🐾 Banning the importing of dogs with cropped ears or docked tails

🐾 Banning the importation of heavily pregnant dogs

You can read more here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-58287850

We are proud to have played a small part in the campaign in particular, and are so grateful for all your support in signing and sharing the petition. Please do have your say and respond to the consultation, and help improve the welfare of dogs and puppies like our Sirius, Raven and Rowena who had their ears cruelly mutilated.

17/08/2021

Hedgehog S.O.S!

15/08/2021

"Peggy has given our weary, grieving family a new shared focus, an emotional center that isn’t all about our loss."

I’ve never been more in need of comfort and a limitless source of uncomplicated love.

27/07/2021

Worried about your dog when you stop working from home? Experts give seven tips to help pet owners go back to the office

People buying dogs and cats to keep them company was a lockdown phenomenon, but now furry friends who got used to human companions may be in for a shock.

22/07/2021

Let your dog be nosy!

A little post about the powers of sniffing!!

15/06/2021

Be aware.....

26/05/2021

While running to our pet dogs for affection in the form of hugs and cuddles might just be what we need right now, one must consider their consent as well.

During the pandemic pet cuddles have become a stress buster for many

06/05/2021

“Pet anxiety is real, and we also have anxiety about separating from our pets."

Employers, acknowledging the role pets play in the happiness and mental well-being of their employees, are considering pet-friendly offices.