Looking after Goldfish is normally trickier than people give them credit to be. Goldfish are dirty fish as they produce a lot of waste, making it important to look after them properly to stop them dying prematurely from a number of factors – including toxic water due to their waste.

Tank Size

It’s important to get a large tank for goldfish – not a bowl like many movies show goldfish to be in. Bowls aren’t big enough for a filter to keep the water clean for goldfish, causing it to turn toxic over time, highlighting the importance of having a big tank with a filter. A general rule of thumb is that each goldfish should have 6 gallons of water each, and as goldfish are sociable fish a large tank is needed to home multiple of them.

Filter and Cleaning

Once the cleaning of the water has been neglected the goldfish will start to die, which is why it’s important to have an appropriate filter for the tank purchased. Goldfish tanks also need a partial water change about once a week by removing about 20% of the water and replacing it water treated using formulas such as aquasafe. The walls of the tank should also be scrubbed clean of any algae and any gravel should be cleaned occasionally. This overall helps to keep the tank clean and to help the goldfish live long lives.

Gravel

Gravel can be used just as an accessory to make the tank more attractive, but it also serves some purpose. It can also  be a home for good bacteria which break down waste in the tank, making it beneficial to have gravel in the tank. Underground filters also need a layer of decent-sized gravel or pebbles to stop fish getting trapped in it.

Goldfish Food

It can be hard to estimate how much to feed goldfish as they are well known for eating themselves to death. You should feed goldfish no more food than what they eat in 5 or so minutes, removing any food left over after that time. They should also be fed twice a day with goldfish-specific food of a good quality. A good occasional treat for goldfish can come in the form of frozen and live food, such as daphnia, brine shrimp or bloodworm, to give them a varying diet and to make sure their nutritional needs are covered.

Other

A lid will help prevent fish from escaping from the tank and stop anything from falling in. It’s also important to have a water-testing kit to test for any spikes in pH and toxins to help prevent it being away from the optimum levels for long where it could cause serious harm to the goldfish. A thermometer will also help keep the temperature remain at its optimum of around 19°c. In addition to this, plants and rocks are helpful to provide resting places and for nitrogen-fixing within the tank.

Team Shanklinpets

 

 

Shanklin Pet Stores will be closing for a refit during the winter from Christmas and to be open around the 1st of March at the latest.

Since 1965 when Shanklin Pet Stores first opened it has remained almost unchanged – and after 20 years of blood, sweat and tears since it changed hands it is now time for the shop to under go refurbishment.

Thank you for your continuous support throughout the year, we look forward to celebrating our 53rd Christmas since the shop opened and look forward to your continued support after we reopen in March. Our Christmas Stock is now available in-store including Christmas stockings for your pets; themed toys and accessories, Christmas treats and much more, all available during our Christmas opening hours.

As the shop has to be completely emptied to replace the roof after 53 years of weathering, the larger items will be available at a lower price than RRP if you make us an offer. Pop down during December to see the great savings you could make!

Monday 17th of December will be the ABSOLUTE last day for any orders for delivery to be made online, by phone or in-store and Saturday the 22rd of December from 10am until 2pm will be the ABSOLUTE last day for any in-store purchases until we open again in March, so please make sure you stock up plenty of food and necessities for the break!

Christmas Opening Hours:

Date	Opening Hours
Friday 21st December	8:00am until 5:15pm
Saturday 22nd December	10:00am until 2:00pm
Sunday 23rd December	CLOSED
Monday 24th December	CLOSED

Shanklin Pet Stores Reopening:

Date	Opening Hours
Wednesday 27th February	CLOSED
Thursday 28th February	CLOSED
Friday 1st March	8:00am until 5:15pm
Saturday 2nd March	10:00am until 2:00pm

 Stay tuned to our Facebook page and YouTube channel for updates throughout the Christmas Period or contact us in-store on 01983 863546. Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Team Shanklinpets

 

 

Pellets

Pellets can come in a variety of sizes, but they’re still mainly for the larger fish. They come in different kinds – pond floating pellets and sinking pellets. Sinking pellets are for the bottom feeders such as Catfish, and the sizes also vary for the sinking pellets depending on the size of the catfish etc. The floating pellets are for larger goldfish and larger fish in general who are too big for flakes. Pellets contain similar ingredients to the flakes and are normally based on the fish’ natural diet but are just in a different form. There’s also Wheatgerm Sticks for during the winter for pond fish for when the water falls below 10°c.

Flakes

Flake fish food is disputably the easiest and most common fish food. All you have to do is sprinkle the flakes onto the top of the water where they float for the fish to eat. They’re normally for the smaller fish that are too small to eat the pellets. There’s also different kind of flakes depending on the type of fish/environment. Tropical fish food is for freshwater fish like tetras or angels and marine fish food is for saltwater fish. Pond flakes are for ponds, however goldfish and cichlids also have their own fish food specifically for them.

Dried Seaweed

 

Seaweed is more of a treat than a substantial diet for fish to live off of. Some fish prefer seaweed over other healthy treats, where as some might opt for freeze-dried alternatives.

Freeze-Dried

Freeze-dried food can be used either as a treat or as a safer supplement for their food compared to live food that can carry bacteria and diseases. All fish should eagerly eat this treat, but feed sparingly as it shouldn’t make up the main portion of their diet. Some popular freeze-dried foods include bloodworm, river shrimp, tubifex, krill and daphnia.

Frozen

Just like freeze-dried food, frozen food is in its natural form. They’re normally created with special blends for certain fish in particular. Frozen fish food, just like freeze-dried fish food, should be fed as a supplement to their normal diet.

Holiday Blocks

Holiday blocks are dense blocks of fish food that disperse slowly over time. However, they’re often eaten within the first couple of days by the fish causing bloating. Holiday blocks work best with a small amount of fish and come in different sizes to last a range of times.

Team Shanklinpets

 

 

Just like with humans, dogs and cats moult old, dead or damaged hair which is then replaced with new and healthy hair. Moulting helps prevent the fur from clumping or matting together, which can then lead to further health complications later on. However, not all moulting is normal and can be the symptom of an illness or parasite, so its important to pay attention to when your pet is and isn’t moulting.

How Often Should Pets Moult?

Due to central heating, amongst other things, domestic indoor cats and dogs moult year-round unlike their wild or outdoor counterparts which moult more prominently in the spring and in the autumn. While you’d expect summer to be the worst for moulting it can be the winter now due to central heating. Pregnancy and lactating can cause excess moulting too due to the increase depletion of minerals after giving birth/during the nursing period.

Different breeds of cats and dogs can also cause the difference in how much/often they moult compared to a dog/cat of a different breed. For example, pets that moult the least, such as poodles, tend to be the ones that have to go to the groomers to get their fur cut to try and prevent matting and clumping of fur. Other breeds can be seen to moult at a higher rate due to the length of their fur giving off that illusion when in fact they’re not. Knowing the breed of the animal can help determine their moulting patterns as well as how much is normal for them to shed.

 

How much is ‘Too Much’ Moulting?

Moulting should still leave their skin looking healthy and undisturbed and shouldn’t leave their fur patchy. Bald patches in the fur can be a symptom of an illness or parasite, especially if the skin looks irritates, sore, has rashes or bites or dry hair that pulls out easily. Excess moulting can also be caused by a range of factors, including stress, hormone imbalances, dirty/irritated skin, allergies, poor nutrition, bacterial skin infections, fleas and parasites, amongst other reasons. If you think your pet has started excessively malting you should visit your vet to check if it’s natural or not and they can properly advice you what to do next to help to prevent it getting any worse.

The Best Way to Control Moulting?

Regular grooming either at home or at the groomers can help control moulting and minimise the risk of others things such as hairballs. Brushing your pet with a good quality brush such as shed master will help minimise shredding and keep the fur clean and healthy.

Team Shanklinpets

 

 

During teething, a puppies need to chew is increased to try and relieve them from the discomfort they feel from their teeth trying to break through their gums. This causes them to chew almost anything and everything – including shoes, pillows and remotes. To try and prevent this a range of toys should be offered to try and ease the discomfort and to tempt them away from your shoes. As with any new toy and treat, the dog should be watched to make sure they don’t have a reaction to it, nor be able to fit it in their mouth and swallow it whole.

Rope Toys

Its important to get quality rope toys to prevent fibres breaking off in the dog’s mouth. Rope toys are effective as they floss their teeth at the same time as applying pressure and relieving the discomfort in their gums. When choosing the rope toy its key to pick a rope toy bigger than the puppies head to prevent them trying to swallow the rope toy whole and choking on it. Once its old and tatty its best to throw out the toy and replace it to try and prevent any bacteria lingering and growing or wash the toy at a 40°c cycle and above.

Kong Puppy

 

Kong does puppy versions which are a little softer than the normal Kong toys. Made of rubber, they provide the pressure needed to relieve their gums without being as tough as other Kongs. They work by having a hollow middle that can be filled with a spreadable treat – such as xylitol-free peanut butter – and frozen to give hours of fun. Nonetheless, care should be taken to watch the puppy with the toy as when the treat runs out they’re likely to just destroy the toy instead.

Puppy Nylabones

Nylabones are known for their durability and being virtually indestructible, which makes them perfect for teething puppies. Puppy Nylabones are gentler than the adult version which are made in mind for the ‘extreme’ chewing of adult dogs, making them much more suitable for teething. Nylabones also help prevent the build up of tartar, helping keep the puppies new teeth healthy. Normally flavoured, they can keep puppies occupied for hours, but due attention should be paid to make sure they can’t swallow it whole and to make sure shards of the bone aren’t broken off and consumed.

Natural Antlers

Naturally-shed antlers sold in pet shops have normally been sterilised, making them perfect for teething puppies. They also help in preventing tartar build up and are full of natural minerals such as calcium, potassium and zinc, allowing the teeth to remain strong and healthy. As with most treats, antlers should be thrown away before they get too small. Similar alternatives include natural tripe, pizzle sticks, fish twists, cow ears and pigs ears, all in moderation as treats like pigs ears are high in fat.

Teething Gel

Alternatively, teething gel can be used to help soothe sore gums. This in turn helps reduce chewing and can be used when you’re unable to supervise a toy or treats use as the ingredients contain soothing properties.

Team Shanklinpets

 

 

As disgusting a habit it is when dogs eat their own stool, its not without reason. The behaviour itself is called coprophagy which literally translates to ‘faeces eating’. Dogs tend to eat their stool as an attempt to extract more nutrients from their diet. This is normally due to a lack of nutrients within their diet, starvation or disease. Its not just dogs that have this habit either – most non-human primates do. There are other reasons that dogs eat their own faeces;

House Keeping

A behaviour also practised by wolves – its theorised that eating fresh faeces near where they sleep reduces the risk of parasitic infection. This is due to intestinal parasites’ eggs being expelled in their faeces. As the eggs doesn’t develop for several days, eating the faeces reduces the risk of parasitic infection.

Therefore, if dogs defecate near where they sleep their faeces should be cleared quickly to prevent them eating it. Equally, taking the dog further away to defecate could prevent them from consuming the faeces, but doesn’t guarantee it.

Poor Diet

Enzyme deficiency can be caused due to canines no longer eating an entire prey’s carcass, meaning that the digestive enzymes it would normally get from the guts of the prey is lacking from their kibble. This means that some nutrients will remain undigested and will be found in their faeces, causing them to eat their faeces to become less nutrient-deficient. It can also be caused by underfeeding them.

Medical Conditions

Without a vet it can be hard to determine what’s causing the faeces eating as it can be a symptom of a larger problem. These problems include exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), diabetes and intestinal parasites, whose symptoms include weight loss, diarrhoea, increased appetite or loss of appetite, but aren’t limited to them. A trip to the vets can help determine the cause of the stool-eating and help prevent any future cases.

Team Shanklinpets

 

 

Ideally, dog’s teeth should be white and clean with pink gums without bad breath – this can be maintained from thorough cleaning. Dog’s teeth should be brushed frequently to prevent the build up of food and bacteria which can lead to plaque and gum problems, such as gum irritation and infections. But sometimes it can be difficult to determine how. If the teeth show brown build up or the gum is either white or red you should see a vet, not all dental problems are stopped with regular cleaning. Other symptoms include drooling, difficulty eating, loose teeth and a lack of appetite.

Start a Routine

Try to establish a teeth cleaning routine at least once a week if you can’t do it after every meal. Start by wrapping a piece of gauze around your index finger, get it wet and dab it in something like baking soda or dog toothpaste. With this you should gently rub it on the dog’s teeth, doing parts of the mouth initially until the dog is use to it and the teeth can be cleaned in just minutes. Its important to use dog toothpaste for this as human toothpaste is toxic and a dog toothbrush can be used instead of a finger or even a dog tooth wipe – however they’re not as effective as using a brush or a finger cleaner.

Alternatively, a powder such as PlaqueOff can be sprinkled on food and can help promote dental health without having to try and put a finger or a brush in a dog’s mouth.

Dental Treats

Its not as effective as brushing, but treats specifically designed to promote oral health with help maintain healthy teeth and gums. They’re normally aimed to remove plaque buildup and often contains ingredients that cleans dog’s mouths as well as freshen their breath whilst coming in a variety of forms.

Avoiding snacks that cause build up can also help and giving carrots, apple slices or a chunk of pumpkin are treats that dogs normally enjoy and will also help scrape other food off their teeth whilst the dog chews – but its important to never feed more than 10% of their overall daily calorie intake. Alternatively, dried meats can also help keep teeth clean.

No matter the kind, the act of chewing benefits a dog’s oral health – especially all-natural treats made from meat which contain enzymes that help promote dental health. These include chews such as cow ears, bully sticks, raw bones and chicken strips, amongst others.

Chew Toys

Hard rubber or nylon chew toys are also both effective at scraping and cleaning teeth after each meal, as well as giving them a chance to play. Scented versions are also available to help keep their breath fresh, such as chocolate, chicken and cheese. However, they shouldn’t have them for extended periods of time as they’re only to freshen their teeth and any longer could cause risk to the dog. Due attention should also be paid by the owners when the dogs use the chew toys to prevent any risk of accident.

Professional Cleaning

Professional cleaning is the best way to ensure a dog’s oral health is being maintained and any issues can be addressed effectively, although its the most expensive method. Even a routine check-up can help prevent any problems from occurring.

Team Shanklinpets

 

What is Constipation and its Symptoms?

 

Constipation is a condition where there’s difficulty to empty the bowels, normally with hardened stools. If a dog hasn’t defecated in 2 days then there’s a chance they’re constipated, but you should seek veterinary advice regardless as it could be a symptom of another problem. Other symptoms include whimpering and straining when trying to defecate as well as grass particles, matted faeces or string  around their anus.

What Causes Constipation in Dogs?

There’s numerous ways a dog can get constipation, amongst others:

• Ingestion of dirt, excess hair, grass or debris
• Matted hair around the anus from obesity or lack of grooming
• Blocked or abscessed anal sacs
• Side effect of medicine
• Dehydration
• Lack of exercise
• Hernias
• Too much fibre/too little fibre in their diet
• Enlarged prostate
• Trauma to the pelvis

What are Possible Treatments for Constipation?

Depending on the cause of the constipation in dogs depends on the possible treatment that should be carried out – hence why you should go to the vets if you think your dog has constipation. Constipation in dogs is common in growing dogs, so keeping them hydrated with a healthy fibrous diet with plenty of exercise can help to prevent it, where as in males neutering him at a young age can prevent prostate enlargement.

Possible treatments include:

• Increase in exercise
• A laxative/stool softener (vets only)
• Adding fibre to the diet by using fibre supplements, wheat bran (1 tsp a day) or canned/boiled pumpkin
• An enema
• Medication that’ll strengthen the large intestine
• A veterinarian-prescribed high-fibre diet

If constipation is left to persist it can cause lethargy, appetite loss and vomiting.

Team Shanklinpets

 

How to Keep Dogs Cool in Hot Weather

 

Its important to keep your dogs cool in the summer heat as dogs can quickly develop heat stroke and die within minutes if due attention isn’t paid. Dogs don’t sweat through their skin like humans do so they rely on their paw pads and nose to regulate their body temperature – this means that dogs with shorter noses like pugs are more likely to get heat stroke from just running around. Heatstroke can be seen in dogs when they are excessively panting, dribbling and even collapsing.  If you believe a dog has heatstroke you should move them to a cool place, contact a vet and wet their coal with cool water.

Constant Access to Fresh Water

Making sure your dog has access to clean water at all times is vital – even during walks. Ideally a large bowl should be filled to the brim with fresh water that’s changed at least daily and water should be carried around with a travel bowl during walks. If you spot signs of your dog over-heating during a walk – including heavy panting and loss of energy – stop and find shade for your dog, also giving them water.

Walk Dogs during Cooler Hours

A general rule to live by before deciding if you should take your dog on a walk or not – if you can’t hold your hand against the pavement for more than 5 seconds its too hot for your dog to walk. Many don’t realise how important it is to check first, without doing so could result in the paw pads blistering, making it painful to walk. Avoiding taking your dog out when the sun is at its strongest (around 11am til 3pm) is a good way of preventing your dog from overheating as it’ll be cooler. If it can’t be avoided, dog boots are available for them to wear to prevent their paws from blistering from the heat.

Walking during cooler hours also helps prevent dogs getting sunburn. Pale-coloured dogs are susceptible to sunburn, especially their ears, nose and areas where the fur is thinner. Another prevention is to use non-toxic suncream (preferably specific to dogs) or to put a t-shirt on the dog to cover their vulnerable areas.

Pools and Dogs Cool Mats

 

Both pools, empty ceramic baths and cool mats are effective ways of cooling dogs down once they’re hot, with a cool mat having been manufactured to keep dogs cool in the summer to give them relief when they need it as it doesn’t need electricity and is easy to use. Cool mats are particularly good because they don’t contain any toxic materials or chemicals – unlike some cool beds.

Pools, lakes and other large bodies of water are good up to a limit. Salt water can make dogs sick and some kind of algae (such a blue-green algae) are toxic to dogs, so it’s best to keep them supervised when in water – even if its to make sure they don’t drown.

Keeping Their Fur Well-Groomed

Do not shave your dogs fur off for the summer – whilst dogs fur serves to keep them warm in the winter it also protects them from the heat in the summer. This means that shaving all the fur off a dog exposes them to heat that they wouldn’t have been before, making them more likely to overheat and get heatstroke. A tangle-free and well-groomed coat will help to protect their skin from sunburn as well as keeping the dogs cool, but if in doubt consult your local groomers.

Do Not Leave a Dog Unsupervised in A Car

Under no circumstances should a dog be left alone in a car – even if its just for a moment. Temperature can quickly increase in a stationary car, even if it’s reasonably cool outside, putting your dog at risk of heat stroke and death. During hotter days, air conditioning should be on with the windows shut to ensure the car is cool throughout – not just at the front. A dog cool mat could also be used for travel to help keep them cool.

Team Shanklinpets

 

Why do Cats Eat Grass?

 

Unlike dogs, cats are a strict carnivore so they need meat in some form to sustain life. This means that cats in general have a hard time digesting plant matter – especially uncooked vegetables. Despite this, it’s not uncommon to see your cat munching down some grass in your back garden, but why exactly do they do it? The reason is still unclear and has led to speculation and the creation of multiple theories.

Medicinal purpose

When your cats eat grass (wild or cat grass) it’ll either stay down or come back up. One reason put forward for this is that if cats don’t take the time to chew the grass properly it’ll tickle their throat and stomach lining as they eat it, making them throw it back up. It’s suspected that they do this when they’re not feeling well or when they want to eliminate all indigestible matter they’ve eaten, resulting in them feeling better. However, when grass is chewed thoroughly they’re less likely to throw it up and will benefit from the natural vitamins and minerals in it.

A Natural Laxative

It’s also suspected that cats use grass as a natural laxative to try and clear any cases of indigestion. Indigestion can be caused by fur that hadn’t been thrown up as a fur ball and has instead moved further down the digestive tract.

FOLIC ACID

Grass contains folic acid, as does cats’ milk, which is used within the production of haemoglobin – a protein that transports oxygen around the body. It’s also an essential vitamin for a cats normal bodily functions.

So whilst it can be useful for your cat to eat grass, keep an eye on them still encase they start throwing up more than normal or accidentally consume a toxic variety of grass that has been treated with pesticides/herbicides or other chemicals.

Team Shanklinpets