Articles – Ruby&Me

I am delighted to be able to publish monthly articles in the Naphill & Walters Ash Gazette, offering hints and tips which are topical and seasonal.

You’ll find current and back copies of the articles on this page. You can also follow me on Facebook & Instagram, where you’ll see other useful information, fun facts and photos and videos of your pets

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Naphill & Walters Ash Gazette – February 2023

It can be really inconvenient when you’re in a hurry, or the weather is particularly bad and all your dog wants to do is stop and sniff at every opportunity on a walk.

Have you ever considered why your dog sniffs at every opportunity? Dogs are able to understand and appreciate smells they encounter in ways that we can barely comprehend. Letting our dogs sniff and explore not only allows them to gather information, a bit like reading the local village gazette, but it can be relaxing and mentally stimulating as well.

There are many factors that can cause stress in our dogs, from changes in household routines, which over the past couple of years, many of our dogs will have experienced, to a visit to the vet or pet groomer. Taking your dog on different types of walks, including dog-led walks can be a great way to reduce stress and help build your dog’s resilience. Dog-led walks are where you let your dog take the lead on where you go and they set the pace. It can be beneficial for us too, to take a few minutes at a more leisurely pace!

Time – give yourself time to go on a dog-led walk whenever you can
Safe Space – ensure that wherever you are, you and your dog are in a safe space, away from dangers and hazards
Treats – take your dogs favourite treats or toys to ensure that if they are off the lead, you can recall them when you need to
Long line/lead – if your dog is easily distracted and therefore their recall isn’t consistent, consider a long line or lead, so that you can still enjoy a dog-led walk, without the worry of them losing you
Stimulation– it is always satisfying to bring home a tired and happy dog from physical exercise, but your dog needs to use its nose-brain connection for mental stimulation too – which can be through dog-led exercise, as well as tricks and dog classes
All dogs/breeds/ages – all dogs can benefit from dog-led exercise, including those that are unable to walk far, due to age or medical conditions. In addition, high energy/high anxiety dogs can really benefit to bring their stress levels down

What are you waiting for – grab your dog and lead and enjoy some dog-led adventures. Remember – there is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing!

Naphill & Walters Ash Gazette – March 2023

We are overwhelmed with the variety of breeds of dogs that are living amongst us. Choosing the right dog for you can be a challenge and shouldn’t be a quick decision. It’s not all about size and personality, there are many other things to consider, including ongoing care costs such as insurance and training, to name a few.

There’s no doubt that having a dog when you have children can be a wonderful experience, but when the kids’ social lives get busy and you’re rushing them from one club to the next, or the weather is particularly bad, you need to ensure that the dog doesn’t fall to the bottom of the priority pile.

Research is Key – consider what size of dog will suit your living space and lifestyle. Are you looking for a pure breed, or a cross, a rescue or a puppy? With many breeders out there, ensure that you only use a reputable breeder, or rescue organisation.
Size Matters – males tend to be larger than females, so think about who might be caring for your dog when you are unable to – would they be able to manage a larger or high maintenance dog.
Exercise – every dog needs daily exercise, some more than others. As well as physical exercise, many breeds need mental stimulation and training. There are loads of agility clubs locally – where you and your dog will get to meet and make new friends with others from the surrounding community. If agility isn’t for you, then consider how you can keep your dog stimulated, so they don’t get bored.
Family Friendly – there are some breeds that are better suited to family life than others and there are many things you can do to ensure you integrate a new dog safely.
All the Gear – we love to buy luxury items for our dogs, even though, in reality, they don’t need it! Some things are important such as a good quality collar and lead, as well as toys to help keep them occupied, so think about what will benefit them. The average weekly cost of owning a dog in the UK last year, was between £20 – £145, which says it all!
Training – is integral to a successful relationship between you and your dog – ensure the whole household is involved, where possible, to give your dog a consistent message and build the bond between you all.

Naphill & Walters Ash Gazette – April 2023

Even if you are a seasoned dog owner, there’s never any harm in being reminded about dog walking etiquette whilst out and about with your dog.

We’ve all heard the words “don’t worry, he/she’s friendly” shouted from afar, when a dog is bounding up to us, when out walking our dog? But these situations do not always end well, as dogs are like humans, with very different personalities, being social, extrovert, nervous, etc.

Take the lead (no pun intended!) – if you see another dog walker with a dog on a lead, do the right thing by calling your dog(s) to you and putting them on the lead or control them until you pass. There could be several reasons why another dog is on a lead, such as:

Training – a dog may be in the middle of training with its owner/walker
Reactive – towards other dogs or people
Nervous – of its surroundings
Rescue Dog – being rehabilitated
Bitch in heat
Health Conditions – may have recently been through surgery, etc

If an off lead dog approaches one that is on lead, this can force a greeting that the on lead dog doesn’t want and can cause further challenges in the future.

A reactive dog that is on lead can feel threatened by an off lead dog and things can escalate quickly, causing stress for dogs and owners alike.

www.yellowdoguk.co.uk is a relatively new project in the UK, set up to raise awareness for dogs who need space for any of the above reasons. If you see a dog with a yellow lead, ribbon, bandana or similar, this is a dog that needs space, indicating that their dog cannot be close to other dogs. How close is too close? Only the dog and his owner know, so maintain distance and give them time to move out of your way.

If you have a dog that is generally walked on lead, then you may want to consider taking a look at Yellow Dog UK and adopting the “wear something yellow” to alert other dog walkers that you and your dog need space.

With the Spring weather upon us, get out and about and enjoy all that the Chilterns has to offer, with your dog.

Naphill & Walters Ash Gazette – May 2023

We’ve all been teased with the warmer, dry weather recently, reminding us of how incredible the Chilterns are. This is my favourite time of the year, being drier underfoot and the need for washing down dogs after a walk is temporarily suspended!

With Spring & Summer upon us, come a few reminders that you need to be aware of, when out walking your dog, to ensure you continue to enjoy your surroundings. The lighter evenings and warmer temperatures are perfect for getting out and exploring what the Chilterns have to offer.

Grass Seeds – particularly common during the Summer months and once embedded under the skin, are tricky to remove. Common areas, being eyes, ears and toes, but with regular grooming, these can be located and removed.
Ticks – usually transferred from livestock via long grass and wildlife via woodland in the warmer months. Ticks can be largely prevented by using a tick repellent, which is simple to administer at home and should be repeated as per the instructions. Ticks can carry Lyme disease, so it is important to keep an eye on your dog after removing ticks.
Fleas – can be transferred at any time during the year and easily treatable. Tick & flea treatments can be bought & treated together.
Daffodils – these are incredibly toxic to dogs if any part of the plant is eaten, but for some reason, they all love to sniff and leave their mark on them!
Young wildlife & Livestock – keeping your dog under control and where appropriate, on a lead at this time of year is imperative, with an abundance of young wildlife and livestock in the Chilterns, even the most well-trained dog can be tempted!

For more information on any of the above topics, visit the PDSA website www.pdsa.org.uk.

Next month we will take a look at dog friendly Pubs & café in the surrounding areas – if you have

Naphill & Walters Ash Gazette – June 2023

Most of us are already aware of the fantastic pubs and cafes we have within our Community, but for those who are not (where have you been?!) I am delighted to inform you that they all welcome dogs!

The Wheel Pub – recent winner of the Bucks Free Press most dog friendly pub in Bucks. With their 2 resident Labradors, it’s not surprising the pub is so popular with dog owners. They also have a microchip scanner, to reunite dogs with their owners when they have been separated. In the colder months, a blanket and good spot in front of the open fire has been much appreciated by Ruby.

The Black Lion Pub – popular with walkers passing through Naphill Common, with a large beer garden. Only out of bounds area for dogs, is the carpeted dining area.

The De Le Spencer Arms – technically in Downley, but only a short walk through the woods & dells at Hunts Hill. Another large garden, with dogs welcome in all areas of the pub, but must be on a lead.

Bon Ami Café – The Crick, Naphill – offering doggie ice cream in the warmer months & a resident Labrador onsite, a popular spot to stop for a cuppa when out and about.

Pony Espresso, Walters Ash – dogs are welcome inside the café.

Having visited all of the above venues at one time or another with Ruby, I can vouch for the warm welcome that they offer, as well as a selection of dog treats! There are many other fabulous cafes & pubs within easy walking distance, so check websites before visiting if you are unsure what their policy is with regards to dogs. If you are wanting to venture further afield, take a look at the www.dogfriendly.co.uk website, where you will find dog friendly accommodation, places to visit, eat and other dog related services

Naphill & Walters Ash Gazette – July 2023

Summer has finally arrived and with it, some really warm days (and nights!) I absolutely love the warmer weather, but Ruby is not so keen.

I am not going to bang on about what you should or shouldn’t do with your dog during the warmer weather, but rather, suggest simple activities and tips that can be carried out at any time of year and on the odd occasion, take the place of a walk if early morning or evenings are not possible when it is hot.

Dogs need mental enrichment as much as they need physical exercise and there are plenty of fun and simple games you can play and teach your dog at home.

Find it – wrap some of your dogs favourite treats (the smellier, the better!) in an old towel and get them to seek them out. You can also use carboard rolls, etc., that they can tear open, but not if they are likely to eat the cardboard! If you don’t want to use treats, use their favourite toys.

Treat Bobbing – simply chop some fruit or veg, such as blueberries, strawberries, carrot etc., and put them in a bowl of water for your dog to get. You can also freeze fruit & treats in an ice cube tray and add it to their water bowl.

Frozen Lick Mats – spread natural yoghurt over the mat and add fruit and veg and freeze, for your dog to enjoy!

Frozen Lollies – use natural yogurt and add fruit,or mix kibble and water and freeze for a tasty treat.

In addition, there are many simple “tricks” you can teach your dog in a matter of minutes, such as take a bow, spin, wave & hug, that not only promote mental enrichment, but will impress others!

Naphill & Walters Ash Gazette – August/September 2023

I’m as guilty as the next person when it comes to giving my dog treats, but as we celebrated Ruby’s 15^th birthday last month, I’m fairly confident that we’ve made good choices over the years that have contributed to her living a healthy and happy life and long may that continue!

However, I was shocked to discover the amount of calories that were in daily dental chew sticks, for example, which made me look into dog treats in general, seeking healthy alternatives, so that I could continue to treat my dog and not jeopardise her health.

In addition to dog treats, which can be controlled by checking the ingredients and not just the calorie content on the packets, human food can play a huge role in causing weight gain and medical conditions in our pooches. But, there are many other ways to treat your dog, other than with food treats – spending time grooming them, playing with their favourite toy, or to benefit you both, going out for a walk. All of these last longer than a quick food treat, with no negative consequences.

You can also swap some of the usual dog treats for healthier options, here are a few suggestions:

Dental sticks – Frozen carrots/vegetables
Rawhide chews – frozen kongs, can be stuffed with a variety of dog friendly ingredients, such as yoghurt & fruit, peanut butter (ensure it is xylitol free), cooked chicken, fish & rice
Home made treats – there are hundreds of recipes online and you’re sure to find something that even the fussiest eaters will like!

If you do decide to give your dog food related treats, (who can resist?!) make sure you take this out of their daily food intake, so you are not over feeding them – a very common mistake!

Naphill & Walters Ash Gazette – October 2023

I started writing this month’s article whilst we were experiencing our somewhat hot spell, so it has been challenging to get my head around this month’s topic!

Halloween can be a scary time of year for our dogs. Unexpected people at the door, dressed in costumes is confusing and at times, frightening for them, but there’s lots you can do to keep your dog safe and content. If you are happy to have trick or treaters, then pop a carved pumpkin, or other ghoulish item outside your house, this will let people know you are expecting visitors.

Walk your dog before it gets dark. If this is not possible, think about fun ways to tire them out indoors, such as putting some kibble or treats in a towel and rolling it up for them to find. Take a look at the Bluecross website for ideas on indoor games for your pooch. (BlueCross)
Prepare treats and games that you can give your dog when the doorbell goes, to keep them busy when trick or treaters arrive. Also, have treats ready to give visitors, to minimise stress to your dog.
Keep your dog separate from the entrance to your home, either in another room, or put up a stairgate. Even the friendliest dog can get spooked by children dressed up in ghoulish costumes and some children will also be wary/not know how to act towards a dog.
If your dog is nervous around people, pop a note on your gate asking trick or treaters not to knock on the door & leave Halloween treats outside. If doing this, be careful not to leave treats that are potentially toxic to dogs. There may be some who are dressed up and out trick or treating (with their owners!)
Make sure your dog has a safe space to go if they are worried, with a treat toy, or similar & reward and reassure them at regular intervals.

Naphill & Walters Ash Gazette – November 2023

Remember, Remember……

If you’re a new dog owner, you may not have considered the potential impact that the Firework season may have on your pooch.

Many animals find fireworks scary. Owners will often see their pets struggling, either frozen with fear or, in the most dangerous circumstances – bolting when out on a walk.

Planning ahead can help dogs cope with the Firework season, which seems to get longer each year!

Walk your dog during daylight hours – if your usual routine involves a walk after dark, replace it with simple games, or treats indoors, so that your dog has some mental enrichment to replace the physical exercise.
Classic FM have dedicated programmes for pets over 2 nights on 4^th/5^th November, playing calming music between 5-9pm.
Provide toys and treats, such as kongs/lick mats to keep your dog occupied when the fireworks start and wherever possible, stay with your dog, doing usual activities, without making a big deal of the noises. If your dog can see that you are not reacting, this can help to decrease their anxiety.
Create a safe space, this can be as simple as putting a blanket over a table, so that your dog can hide under it. If your dog is used to sleeping in a crate, put blankets over the top and on the inside.
Keep the curtains and windows closed to muffle firework sounds and flashes.
If you are planning on letting fireworks off at your home, consider your neighbours and let them know, so that they may make plans to minimise stress to any pets they may have.
In the long-term, getting your dog used to loud sounds can be a better solution. By gradually desensitising your dog to loud noises over a period of time, you can teach them to associate these sounds with something positive, instead of something to be scared of.

Even if you have a totally non-reactive pooch, taking them to an organised firework display can cause your dog’s senses to be hugely over stimulated. So do the right thing, leave them at home, switch on Classic FM and leave them with a chew or toy.

If you are going to a local firework display, have fun!

Naphill & Walters Ash Gazette – December 2023

For many of us, Christmas is a time for family and friends, fantastic food and presents. But did you know that Christmas can be hazardous and stressful for your pooches?

With a bit of planning and preparation, your dog can stay happy and safe over the festive season, as well as perhaps, a little bit spoilt too!

Some of our festive foods can be dangerous for dogs to eat, such as chocolate, mince pies, Christmas pudding, onion gravy, alcohol and bones from carcasses (can be a choking hazard). We all love to give our pooches treats and I’m as guilty of this as anyone, so a bit of white turkey meat is sure to get their tails wagging! You can always make treats for your dog ahead of time, such as stuffed kongs, treat balls and lick mats to give them during the festive season (see below for a simple dog biscuit recipe)
Additional plants can also appear in our homes at this time of year, which can cause harm, so if you do have plants such as poinsettias, holly, ivy, mistletoe and lilies, be sure to keep them out of reach.
There are some incredible Christmas decorations available, but again, these can look very tempting hanging from a tree, or around the house, so take a moment to see whether this could be a potential hazard.
As well as consuming items that could cause harm, a change in routine can be stressful. Try to stick to your dog’s usual routine for walking, meal times etc, which will help keep them calm.
Lots of people in the house can be overwhelming for your dog, so give them somewhere cosy and quiet to retreat to, whether at home or away, with familiar toys & treats.

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and New Year!

Honey & Banana Dog Biscuit recipe – A simple and cost effective Christmas treat (or gift) for your pooch!

(makes about 45 biscuits)

Prep Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:
250 ml water, 1 banana, mashed, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 egg 600g whole wheat flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder

Directions:
Preheat oven to 180 degrees C
Lightly grease 2 large baking sheets
Combine water, mashed bananas, honey, vanilla, and egg in a large bowl
Stir in whole-wheat flour and baking powder
Mix until ingredients are thoroughly combined
Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead until no longer sticky
Roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into mini shapes with a cookie cutter
Place dough shapes on prepared baking sheets & bake in preheated oven until cookies are lightly browned, about 20 minutes
Transfer to wire tray and leave to completely cool

Naphill & Walters Ash Gazette – February 2024

Whilst we are in the midst of the Winter months, the weather is, as ever, varied, which can have a huge impact on our dogs’ behaviours. Some dogs absolutely love the rain and generally getting wet and muddy, whereas others won’t even step out the back door! The very cold weather can also have an affect and there are a few things you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy at this time of year.

Wet & Muddy Conditions

Positive attitude – if you’re warm & dry, in appropriate clothing, this can encourage your dog to get out in the rain.
Not all dogs need waterproof coats and there is so much variety available, which can be overwhelming, so ask around for advice. Spend time getting your dog used to new clothing.
Pick walking routes that may be less muddy/wet, which can be tricky, but the occasional on-lead road walk can mean less mud. If walking in the dark, consider either reflective clothing for you and your pooch, or a reflective lead or flashing collar so that you can be seen by others.
Hose/wash down muddy pooches after every walk & dry off as much as possible to avoid skin getting sore/infected. If you are short of time, don’t rush the cleaning of your dog as this can turn into a negative experience if you’re in a hurry. Cut your walk down to make time.
Brush/groom your dog regularly, to check skin for any sores and keep coats clean and free of mud & matted coat. Again, try to make time so that this is a relaxing activity.

Extreme Cold Conditions

Consider keeping your dog on a lead if it has been snowing, as they will be unable to see any ditches or debris hiding in the snow if they are running around.
Ensure that they have appropriate bright collar/harness/coat on so that if off lead, you can always see them.
It’s easy to think there’s no need to wipe our dogs down when the weather is not wet or muddy, but road grit can be an irritant for dogs’ skin. Antifreeze is also extremely toxic and has a sweet taste, so wipe paws after every walk.

Remember, if the weather really is awful, you can always plan indoor games with your dog for their mental enrichment, which is equally important as their physical exercise. Take a look at the Dogs Trust for ideas. https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice/li

Naphill & Walters Ash Gazette – March 2024

We all have our own reasons for wanting to offer a home to a dog, but did you know that it is scientifically proven that dogs are good for our physical and mental wellbeing too?

Whether you’ve had a good day, or bad, there’s no better greeting to be had than the unconditional love that dogs show us when we get home.

The benefits of owning a dog:

Physical exercise – if you enjoy a leisurely stroll, or more energetic activities, there are dogs to suit all abilities. In addition to walking, you can enjoy running, agility, flyball and hoopers, which can be mentally enriching for you and your pooch! We also have to walk our dogs in all weathers to ensure we are meeting their needs, getting you off the sofa and outdoors.
Mental wellbeing – our dogs give us something to focus our mind and energy on. Being responsible for caring for their needs can provide a sense of purpose. In addition, they are fantastic companions and can help us meet new people and feel part of the community.

In return, we must meet the needs of our pooches, with the 5 basic welfare needs.

Health – protection from pain, injury, suffering and disease and treated if they become ill or injured.
Behaviour – the ability to behave naturally, e.g., play, run, etc.
Companionship – to be housed with, or apart from, other animals as appropriate.
Diet – a suitable diet ensuring the right quantity and quality of food, to prevent obesity or malnourishment, as well as access to fresh clean water.
Environment – this should include the right type of home with a comfortable place to rest and hide as well as space to exercise and explore.

Anyone who owns a dog knows that they become part of the family very quickly. One minute they’re a playful puppy exploring the world, next they’re our constant companions, who you can’t imagine life without.

Naphill & Walters Ash Gazette – April 2024

We all need to respect the land we’re on when you’re walking with a dog and ensure they aren’t a danger or nuisance to farm animals, wildlife, horses or other people.

Be aware that farmers are allowed to shoot dogs that are attacking or chasing farm animals. Even with the best behaved dog – it’s advised to keep them on a lead instead of taking the risk.

Stick to paths when you and your dog are on private land and make sure your dog has good recall if they’re off lead.

Dogs must be kept on a lead at certain times of year:

March – July on ‘open access land’, like moorland, forests, around lakes and on beaches. This is to protect birds that nest on the ground.
During lambing and calving season if you’ll be walking across farmland.
All year round in certain areas. Look out for signs the tell you to keep dogs on leads or that dogs aren’t allowed on the land.

If you come across other walkers and dog owners, or horse & riders when you’re out and about, always follow the correct etiquette and put your dog on a lead, if off lead, or ensure they are calmly under control. Calling out “don’t worry, my dog is friendly” isn’t appropriate!

You may come across farm animals when out and about and if you do need to pass through their field, ensure you keep your dog on a lead, keep a close eye on the animals you pass to see how they react to you and your dog and stay clear of young animals, as their mothers can get very protective.

It’s also really important to take notice of any signs asking you not to take dogs into a field:

There could be pregnant animals in the fields. Your dog might stress out these animals and could cause problems with their pregnancy.
A farmer might ask you to keep out of certain fields to help stop the spread of disease. These might be harmless for you or your dog but could cause health problems for farm animals.

If you find yourself in a situation where a farm animal seems aggressive and starts to chase you, drop your dog’s lead so that they can run away and find the shortest, safest route out of the field.

Remember a few simple rules and our incredible Countryside can be enjoyed by everyone.

Naphill & Walters Ash Gazette – May 2024

As a dog owner, whenever we are planning a holiday, weekends away or just days out, my first thought is always around my dog, Ruby and ensuring we’ve got appropriate cover in place for the time we will be away from home.

We are fortunate enough to have built up great friendships over the years and have a couple of very special families who will have Ruby in their homes, with their dog and we reciprocate, which means that we never have to worry about her being in an unfamiliar environment, with people or dogs she doesn’t know. Another added bonus to this, is that it keeps costs down.

In my day to day job as a dog walker & trainer, especially at this time of year when people are thinking about holidays, I am regularly asked if I can recommend dog sitters/boarders/kennels. There seems to be a huge demand, with many being booked up months and sometimes a year ahead.

Below are some things to consider when looking for sitters/boarders/kennels:

Every dog is different, with individual needs, so think about the type of care your dog requires.
Where possible, try and get personal recommendations from friends and family with first hand & recent experience of a service.
Check for appropriate licences, insurance, DBS, canine first aid, etc and follow up on any references.
Visit the property your pooch will be staying at and ask to see kennels/sleeping areas and what a typical day would look like. If looking at home boarders, ensure your dog meets with any other dogs that may reside at the property.

Why not start by chatting to friends and family, who may also have a pooch and see if you can start up a reciprocal arrangement – it won’t work for everyone, but it can give peace of mind. Failing that, search the Buckinghamshire Council website for licenced dog sitters & boarders.

Naphill & Walters Ash Gazette – June 2024

Have you ever wondered about your pooch’s heritage? It’s very easy to forget that the older breeds all had some sort of working purpose to support us, with many of the newer breeds emerging for life as we know it now.

Here’s a snapshot of our favourite pooches and what they were bred for, which may explain some of their traits and characteristics (good and bad!)

Cocker Spaniel

Originally thought to have been called “cocking spaniels” (or “cockers”) from their job of flushing woodcock and other birds, for hunters. High energy, happy dogs that need mental and physical enrichment.

Labrador Retrievers

Also known as Labradors or “Labs” were traditionally used as gun dogs and many still are. Labs are very popular family pets due to their reputation for being a good all-round dog. This is true if, like with any young dog, appropriate training is given from an early age.

German Shepherds

Developed as herding dogs for sheep and are now often used as military or police dogs and can be perceived as aggressive. German Shepherd puppies, like any breed, can grow into loving dogs if they are given the appropriate training and socialisation.

Border Collie

This ancient breed is linked to the history behind all working dogs in Scotland. They make fantastic companions but like to be kept busy and were originally bred to herd sheep. They are fiercely loyal and tenacious and as working dogs, can keep going all day long.

Dachshund

“Dachshund” is German for Badger dog. Being low to the ground to follow scents and small enough to get into burrows, they were also used to sniff out other prey.

Today, there are many new hybrid breeds, which are a mix of 2 recognised pure breeds, that whilst not recognised by the Kennel Club, regularly appear in the top 10 most popular dogs breeds. Many of these hybrid breeds, such as the Cockerpoo and Labradoodle were bred to combine the best traits from each breed. For example, Poodles are non-shedding and mixed with Labrador Retrievers, make excellent assistant dogs that are highly intelligent and make fabulous companions.

Naphill & Walters Ash Gazette – July 2024

Taking Care of our Senior Dogs

This is a very emotive topic for me, being the owner of a pooch who will be 16 years old this month! Over the years, we’ve adapted and evolved the way we live, to support Ruby as she moves through the various stages of her life. We have spent the best part of 10 years regularly running through the countryside together, as well as taking part in agility classes and the odd competition. Ruby is an integral part of our family and we can’t imagine life without her.

There are many tweaks that can be made to family life and habits to ensure your pooch continues to be part of busy households and lifestyles.

Although they may be less keen on a long walk, mental enrichment is equally as important to keep active so they don’t get bored – providing them with different toys and puzzle feeders can be a good way of keeping them entertained for longer, as well as walking them in different areas to discover new smells and to have a good sniff & potter.

There are lots of ways to spend some quality time with your dog, if they can’t enjoy the long walks that they used to. They may enjoy some gentle grooming, which also gives you the chance to check for lumps and bumps, or any places where they might be uncomfortable being touched.

Older dogs may have poor hearing and/or sight, so you may need to adapt how you approach them, to try and avoid startling them. We have found that if we gently blow on Ruby’s head when she is asleep, it is less startling than touching her. Hand signals are useful too, when out and about, if your dog is looking at you, of course!

Keep a close eye on your dog’s weight – both weight loss and weight gain need to be checked.

Senior dogs still need regular exercise! Not only will this help stop them putting on weight, but it gives them a chance to explore and meet other dogs and people. Ruby is much more engaged and energetic when we walk with other dogs and people, but there are also days when she is happy for a short sniff & potter.

If you have any concerns over the health and wellbeing of your dog, please speak to your vet to ensure there are no underlying medical conditions that need to be looked at.

Naphill & Walters Ash Gazette – December 2024

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

For many, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. But the sights, sounds and smells of the celebrations can be a sensory overload to your dog. With additional visitors, unexpected guests and over-excited friends and family, there is a lot for your pooch (and you!) to cope with.

When planning for family and friends to visit over the festive season, it’s important to stick to your daily routine of mealtimes and exercise, as much as possible. This will help keep your dog calm and relaxed. This also applies if you are visiting friends and relatives. Why not give them a distraction when people arrive, which could be a favourite toy, chew or long-lasting treat, such as a lick mat, kong or treat ball. Make sure your dog has a quiet room or area to go for some time out, with familiar bedding, toys and water.

If children are coming who aren’t used to being around dogs (or your dog isn’t used to children), have a chat with the family beforehand to make sure the children understand how to behave around dogs.

There are some festive foods and Winter plants that our dogs need to avoid, such as chocolate, turkey and chicken bones, grapes, onion gravy, mince pies and Christmas pudding, as well as poinsettas, mistletoe, holly & ivy. If you are not sure, take a look at The Dogs Trust website for advice.

You can make and freeze treat toys in advance and if you don’t have kongs, or lick mats, you can use silicone ice cube trays or lids from tuppaware containers (only if you know they are not going to chew the lid as well!) Wrap and freeze and they will be ready when you need them. Depending on your pooches dietary requirements, there are many food items that can be used.

Ruby&Me would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and thank you to all my four legged clients and their owners for their continued support.

Naphill & Walters Ash Gazette – November 2024

Bonfire Night & Beyond

It’s that time of year again…whether you love them or hate them, firework season is upon us. This can be very exciting for many people, young or old, but spare a thought for our pets, who may find this time of year incredibly distressing. This, coupled with Halloween and potential visitors trick or treating, can be very frightening.

Here are some more common signs that your dog might be fearful or stressed during fireworks:

Whining or barking: your dog may voice their distress through whining, whimpering, barking, growling or crying
Clinginess: they may seek comfort by jumping up, staying close, or by seeking attention
Excessive panting or drooling: anxiety can lead to increased panting, drooling or lip-licking
Holding their tail down between their legs
Hiding: they might try to find a safe or secluded spot to hide, like under furniture
Trying to escape: in extreme cases, your dog may attempt to escape to get away from the noise
Trembling or shaking: your dog may visibly shake or tremble when fireworks are going off

There are a few things you can do to help your dog avoid any unnecessary stress in the run up to fireworks:

Walk your dog during daylight hours – if your usual routine involves a walk after dark, replace it with simple games, or treats indoors, so that your dog has some mental enrichment to replace the physical exercise.
Classic FM have dedicated calming music programmes for pets during November.
Provide toys and treats, such as kongs/lick mats to keep your dog occupied when the fireworks start and wherever possible, stay with your dog, doing usual activities, without making a big deal of the noises. If your dog can see that you are not reacting, this can help to decrease their anxiety.
Create a safe space, this can be as simple as putting a blanket over a table, so that your dog can hide under it. If your dog is used to sleeping in a crate, put blankets over the top and on the inside.
Keep the curtains and windows closed to muffle firework sounds and flashes.

By gradually desensitising your dog to loud noises over a period of time, you can teach them to associate these sounds with something positive, instead of something to be scared of.

Why not go to an organised firework display instead of hosting a party at home? You’ll be supporting your local community, socialising with friends and neighbours and potentially keeping pets free from stress!

Naphill & Walters Ash Gazette – December 2024

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Ruby&Me would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and thank you to all my four legged clients and their owners for their continued support.nds with something positive, instead of something to be scared of.

Naphill & Walters Ash Gazette – December 2025

May your Christmas be Furry and Bright!

It’s hard to believe another year is coming to a close! It’s been such a busy one, filled with wonderful moments and memories.

At Ruby&Me, we’ve welcomed some gorgeous new pups and pooches to our furry family, whilst also saying goodbye to some moving on to new adventures and inevitably, those that have gone over the rainbow bridge.

For many, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year—but for dogs, the sights, sounds, and smells of the season can be overwhelming. Extra visitors, unexpected guests, and excited friends and family can create a lot for your pooch (and you!) to handle.

When planning for family and friends over the holidays, try to stick to your dog’s usual mealtimes and exercise routine as much as possible—this helps keep them calm and relaxed. The same applies if you’re visiting others. You can give your dog a distraction when guests arrive, such as a favourite toy, chew, or long-lasting treat like a Kong, treat ball, or lick mat. Make sure your dog has a quiet space with familiar bedding, toys, and water to retreat to if they need some down time.

There are many parts of Christmas that we all love, but that can be dangerous for dogs, so make sure they don’t get hold of these, including chocolate, turkey and chicken bones, grapes, onion gravy, mince pies, Christmas pudding, and plants like poinsettias, mistletoe, holly, and ivy. If you’re unsure, check The Dogs Trust website for guidance through the festive season.

You can also prepare treat toys in advance and freeze them. If you don’t have Kongs or lick mats, silicone ice cube trays or Tupperware lids (as long as your dog won’t chew them) work well. Simply fill, wrap, and freeze—ready to use when needed. There are plenty of safe food options you can use depending on your dog’s dietary needs.

If children will be visiting who aren’t used to dogs (or if your dog isn’t used to children), talk to the family beforehand so everyone understands how to behave around your pooch.

Ruby&Me wishes you all a very Merry Christmas. A huge thank you to our furry friends and their amazing owners for your ongoing support.