What better way to enjoy the festive season than exploring a Christmas market with your dog! Every year parks, towns, and markets transform into a winter wonderland, letting everyone relish in the beautiful Christmas weather and tradition. A Christmas market encapsulates all the greatest parts of Christmas into one central location which makes it perfect to indulge in with your furry best friend.

Check out our hand-picked list of dog-friendly Christmas markets across the UK to visit this year. 

Where: Bristol

When: 9th November 2018 - 23rd December 2018 

The beautifully decorated Bristol market takes place in the heart of Broadmead, the Bristol Shopping Quarter. You can expect 55 wooden chalets decorated with twinkling lights filled with art, festive gifts, and of course delicious food and drinks! Open from 10am to 10pm, visitors can enjoy German wine, hot chocolate, and even German beer at the Jagerbarn beer garden. Bristol market also has a food village and abundance of unique Christmas gifts which makes it the perfect place to bring your pup and sniff out some of the greatest finds this Christmas season!

Where: Bath

When: 22nd November 2018 - 9th December 2018

The Bath Christmas market is one of the largest in the UK, featuring over 200 chalets featuring 80% of stallholders from Bath and the South West and 99% of the Christmas gifts and handmade in Britain. With such a large market, there’s bound to be a wide variety of food that you and your pup will be sure to enjoy and get you in the Christmas spirit! From the festive decorations to the beautiful gifts and food, the Bath market is definitely worth checking out this Christmas season. It is open from 10am to 7pm Monday through Wednesday, 8:30pm Thursday through Saturday, and until 6pm on Sundays. If you’re bringing your furry friend to relish in all the Christmas fun, it is recommended to go during the less busy times, such as during the week so that the crowds do not overwhelm your pooch. 

Where: Belfast

When: 17th November 2018 - 22nd December 2018

The Belfast Christmas market will be returning for the 14^th year in a row in the famous City Hall! This perfect location provides visitors with plenty of scenic landscapes and backgrounds that are transformed into a magical Christmas event. Among the Christmas gifts and decorations are some of the greatest culinary choices you will ever see. If you’re craving something, the Belfast Christmas market is bound to have it as there is an abundance of Belgian chocolate, French tarts, traditional German Bratwursts, Spanish Paella, and many more foods from across the world. But don’t get too caught up in the amazing food and forget to visit Santa’s Grotto! Santa spends his time at the Belfast Christmas market in his Grotto, making all the children’s Christmas wishes come true. The market is open until the 22^nd of December so there is plenty of time to experience all Belfast has to offer!

Where: London Bridge, London 

When: 29th November 2018 - 2nd January 2019

This market is in the perfect location as it is surrounded by amazing views of the Tower Bridge, The Tower of London, and the City skyline of London. Visit the 'Christmas by the River' market to gaze at the beautiful decorations and lights illuminating the city, making it a true winter wonderland. There are almost 70 stalls of Christmas decorations, stocking stuffers, food, drinks, and Christmas music. Take your pup and let them pick out their Christmas gifts for you and their furry friends! 

Where: Scotland

When: 16th November 2018 - 5th January 2019

The Scottish Market in Edinburgh transforms into a Christmas experience during the winter months and runs from 26^th of November to the 24^th of December! Located in St. Andrew Square, this Christmas market is filled with traditional Scottish art, crafts, and delicious Scottish food.

The European Market in Edinburgh also turns into a magnificent winter wonderland and offers unique gifts and stocking stuffers such as crafts and ornaments. This Christmas market runs from 19^th of November until 7^th of January. Both markets are a great way to spend a chilly winter day with your pup and to roam throughout the stalls finding your favourite Christmas treats!

If you're not able to attend any of these markets, why not spoil your dog this Christmas with one of our 5-star rated Gift Boxes tailored to your pet?

Our unique gift boxes are filled with eco-friendly, and ethically sourced, toys, treats, and practical items. 

While the information included in this blog is considered to be correct at the date of publication, changes in location and dates of markets may be subject to change so please check before planning your day out with your dog. 

Happy Halloween to all of our dog lovers! As much some of us may love this time of year, it is easy to forget the extra stress and health risks that it can pose on our furry friends. Here are some friendly tips and tricks on how to keep our cuddly companions safe during the Halloween season.

Hang your Halloween decorations out of reach

Throughout the Halloween season, it is easy to get distracted by all the decorations and party planning. With that said, it is important to keep in mind where you place your spooky decorations. As fun as these decorations are, they can often become a very dangerous choking hazard for our pets which could lead to suffocation or an avoidable trip to the vets. Whilst decorating your home remember to place your decorations high and out of reach from those curious paws.

Loud bangs and whistles of fireworks may be thrilling for us on Halloween, but for our dogs, it can be stressful and confusing

Many dogs show signs of distress when exposed to the sound of fireworks, these signs may be subtle, such as lip licking, yawning and panting but as they become frightened they might pace around the house, tremble, go to the toilet indoors and become destructive. In the weeks following Halloween, and with Bonfire Night, Christmas and NYE around the corner fireworks are more prevalent so it is important to recognise that all of these signs are stress induced. It is much easier to be prepared and prevent your dog from becoming stressed than it is to calm a dog already showing signs of extreme mental anxiety. You can read our vet's tips to help prevent your dog becoming stressed by fireworks here. 

Human treats are not safe for our pets 

While it might be tempting to share some of those treats you have ready for the trick-or-treaters, be aware that they may not be safe for our pets. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is often found in our favourite Halloween goodies. Whilst this ingredient is perfectly safe for humans it can cause insulin release, low blood glucose and liver toxicity in dogs when eaten in large amounts.

The substances contained in chocolate affect the central nervous system, cardiac and skeletal muscle. Dark chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate but all are best avoided.

Fancy dress is fun but it’s not for everyone

One of the best parts of Halloween is being able to dress up for the night. As fun as it is to have our dogs join in on the fun, it is important to remember they most likely have no idea why they are dressed as a pumpkin. Although some of our dogs may love their new look, make sure to notice any signs of stress or anxiety.

In good company

On Halloween night, try to ensure that your dog has a safe place to stay in case of late night visitors. A dog's hearing is much superior to our own, and so those loud bangs from anxious trick-or-treaters are all the more distressing to our pets. If you want to go out to celebrate try to get your dog a babysitter or even better drop them off for a Halloween play date.

Spooky pumpkin carvings may become even spookier for our dogs

As fun as it is to light a candle in our carved pumpkins, be wary of how this may become a risk for your dog. Your dog may become curious and accidentally burn their paws, nose or even knock the candle over creating a fire. This could pose a serious safety risk for you, your dog and your home. If you want to decorate your house with candlelit pumpkins be mindful of where you place your spooky creations.

The team at Protect My Pet wish you and your pets a very happy Halloween! 

We all want our pets to live a long and happy life.  As with us, the older they get the more vulnerable they become to age-related diseases. Cats are considered middle-aged at 7 years old and geriatric by the time they have reached 13, however it is not uncommon for cats to live to 18 years old or more. Dogs have a more variable lifespan due to the variation in size. Generally larger dogs age faster than little dogs, a five-year-old Great Dane could be considered an older gentleman, whilst a five-year-old Springer Spaniel is still in his prime.

Healthy Lifestyle

Watching our pets age can be difficult, the good news is there are lots of steps we can take to keep them an active member of the family for as long as possible. Maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle becomes increasingly important in a pet's later years.

It can be tempting to give our darling pets too many treats, after all, who can resist those big loving eyes. Whilst there is nothing wrong with the occasional indulgence, we should not allow our pets to become overweight. Studies have shown that feeding too much shortens the lifespan of dogs.  In addition, carrying too much fat puts extra strain on ageing joints and organs.

Keeping active is beneficial to maintaining muscles and stimulating the mind. Walks may need to be shorter and activities less strenuous than in younger years, but continuing to move is important. A sedentary lifestyle can cause older joints to tighten and freeze up. Keeping an older cat moving can be a challenge, but try a gentle game of chasing a feather on a stick to get them motivated.

A Helping Hand

A few simple adaptions to your pet care routine can make the elder years more comfortable.  Arthritis is very common in dogs and is being increasingly recognised in cats.  Painful joints can make jumping up on furniture or into the car impossible, ramps can be used to help your pet remain involved in family trips away or cuddles on the sofa.

Older animals can become unsure of slippery floors and slips and falls can make arthritic joints more painful. Non-slip flooring, toe grips or rubber coated booties can help. A well-padded bed in a warm area of the house can help tired joints.  Having a comfortable bed close to the kitchen or living room will help your older pet enjoy spending time with the family whilst resting.

Reduced flexibility can make self-grooming more difficult, you can help by regularly brushing your pet's coat.  This is also a good chance to feel for lumps and bumps under the skin.

As cats and dogs get older their immune system becomes less robust, ensuring their parasite prevention is up to date will protect them against worms, fleas, and ticks. 

Consider using a diet formulated for the older pet. Geriatric diets are formulated with easy to digest ingredients and the corrected calorie intake requirements, many are also supplemented with nutrients for increased joint and brain care.

Health Care

Advancements in veterinary care and an increased understanding of dietary requirements mean our pets are now living longer than ever.  Older pets develop many of the same health problems as older people.  With increasing age, the rates of cancers, organ failure, diabetes, arthritis, cognitive degeneration all increase. Being observant and knowing the signs of common diseases may help you to spot any problems early and start treatment sooner.

Weight loss is a major symptom of many diseases. Weight loss can occur gradually and may be difficult to spot, particularly in a long-haired pet. Regular weight checks will help you to spot many disease processes early.

At your regular vet check you will always be asked about your pet's eating and drinking habits. Changes in appetite and thirst will make vets suspicious about a variety of disease processes.  Knowing what is normal and monitoring for change means you can seek veterinary advice early when a problem occurs.  Are you filling the water bowl more often? Is there more food going to waste at the end of the day? If several family members are involved with feeding, regular routines and good communication will ensure changes are not missed.

Increased urination can be caused by a variety of conditions. If you spot a change in urinating habits inform your vet. Diarrhoea and vomiting are obvious outward signs of a problem, in particular if they last for more than a few days.

Exercise tolerance will often reduce as your pet gets older, but a sudden change is a reason to book a visit to the vet. Painful joints, anaemia, heart or lung problems can all cause a reduced ability to exercise.

The good news is that there are lots of ways we can maintain a high quality of life for our pets as they age. Being mindful of their changing needs will help keep them a happy, healthy member of our family for as long as possible.