It’s so common for our dogs to be scared of fireworks, it can often be a difficult task to get them to calm down and realise that they won’t be hurt by the dreaded bangs. There are some simple things that you can do to help alleviate your dog’s stress from the noise and we’ve put together a list of small things you can do to help your dog out on Bonfire Night. 

1. Walk Your Dog During Daylight Hours
Making sure your dog is well-exercised during the day can help your dog to feel more relaxed and less ‘alert’ at night time. Keeping your dog indoors at night reduces their immediate exposure to the sound of fireworks, so if possible, make sure they’ve been to the toilet before fireworks are likely to start and after they’ve finished. 
 
2. Don’t Leave Your Dog Home Alone 
Obviously you can’t necessarily predict when fireworks will be going off, people tend to set off fireworks for family celebrations, religious celebrations, or even just for fun. But, there are certain days in the year when we know that there is likely to be a high intensity of fireworks such as Bonfire Night and New Year’s Eve. Wherever possible, try to be at home with your dog on these evenings, your dog will feel safest when you are present and a whole lot more at ease. 
 
3. Create a ‘Safe Space’ For Your Dog
Creating a little safe haven for your dog will encourage them to relax during the course of the evening. Dogs tend to try and hide in tight spaces when fireworks are going off and sometimes these tight spaces can be on the dangerous side, such as in cupboards, behind TVs or underneath furniture. Create a space especially for your dog, a good place to do this is in an enclosed space such as underneath the stairs, where they’ll feel safe. Make sure their favourite toys and blankets are in this space with them. Also, make sure all windows, blinds and curtains are closed to help buffer the sound. 
 
4. Ignore The Fireworks
Don’t make too much of a fuss about the bangs happening outside. Turn the TV up to help drown out the sound and act as you normally would. Making an issue out of the sound can add to your dog’s anxiety, so wherever possible act normal! It is fine to comfort your dog if they are in deep distress, but try not to react to the fireworks specifically. 
 
5. Try Anxious Hound
Anxious Hound is a daily natural supplement that is designed to support healthy mental and physical wellbeing in anxious or nervous dogs. It is 100% natural and is designed to help with many forms of anxiety in dogs including fireworks. It’s natural calming effect has helped thousands of dogs overcome anxiety on a daily basis. Read more about the benefits of Anxious Hound HERE.

​Three myths and a truth
 
Summer well and truly was a scorcher! The grass is suffering from a severe lack of rain but also from the dog! Where your dog pees, brown patches develop, which is often called lawn burn or lawn scald. Why does this happen, and what can you do about it?
 
There are several myths about this:
 
Myth one: Only bitches cause lawn burn because their urine is different to that of male dogs. Completely untrue. The only reason why it often seems that bitches cause brown spots but males don't is that female dogs squat to pee, so there is a large amount of pee on a small area of lawn. Males tend to spread their pee over a wide area (applies to humans too, apparently!) so there is less volume of urine on any particular patch of lawn.
 
Myth two: It happens because a dog's urine is too acidic. Nope, not true either. The brown spots aren't acid burns. Grass likes an acidic pH to grow in – anything between 5.5 and 7. The pH of an average dog's urine is between 5.5 and 7. So no problem there.
 
Myth three: It happens because a dog's urine is too alkaline. Now it is true that if a dog's urine were very alkaline it could harm grass growth, but it a rare finding, and not a common cause of brown lawn burn.
 
There are substances that you can add to a dog's drinking water that are alleged to stop brown patches on the lawn. One recommendation is the use Gypsum salts: not only do these not work, but Gypsum (Calcium sulphate) can cause eye, skin, oral, and respiratory irritation in dogs.
 
One particular home remedy, tomato juice or tomato ketchup, likely has its primary benefit through both increased salt and water intake. While salt will make the dog drink more and dilute the urine, increased salt intake can cause problems for dogs with existing kidney or heart conditions. Pure tomato flakes help neutralise nitrogen, but tomato juice and ketchup won't help.
 
Cider vinegar has been promoted as another 'cure' for lawn scald. This may alter the urine pH  slightly, but urine pH is not the cause of lawn burns.
 
THE TRUTH
 
Lawn burns are caused by the high nitrogen content in dog urine. Dog pee has a high nitrogen content because dogs are carnivorous, eat lots of protein, and the breakdown products of protein digestion passed out in the urine are high in nitrogen. When passed on a small area of lawn it acts like a  massive overdose of fertiliser and 'burns' the grass.

The effect will be more noticeable if the urine is strongly concentrated, or if the urine is very alkaline, but it is the nitrogen content only that actually causes the effect.
 
THE CURE
 
First, encourage your dog to drink plenty of water. This will ensure the urine produced is not too concentrated. Secondly, find a product that will bind with and neutralise the nitrogen in the urine
 
There is one product that will do both – WOOF&BREW's Ha-Pee Lawns Herbal Tonic. Most dogs love to drink the tonic so  they will be naturally well hydrated, and the herbs in the blend do really bind and neutralise the nitrogen and help stop lawn burns, as well as promoting a healthy urinary tract in general.
 
And here's an extra grass growing tip: If you're a lazy gardener who doesn't like getting the lawnmower out, sprinkle your lawn with whisky – it'll come up half cut!

​Find out about the rest of our health tonic range, including Anxiety tonic. All tonics come with a 100% money back guarantee if you are not satisfied!

We all love our dogs, that goes without saying, and some of us love our gardens too… But owning a dog doesn’t have to mean sacrificing our lovely gardens. Yes, burn patches on lawns can be a real pain, but there are things you can do to help remedy the burnt grass. Here are some suggestions.
 
What Causes Urine Burns?

Urine is high in ammonia, which contains nitrogen. In the correct concentration nitrogen is actually good for plants and grass and acts as a fertiliser. Unfortunately the concentration of nitrogen is very high in dogs’ urine, so the area of grass which has received a high dose of nitrogen dies, creating brown patches. The area surrounding it which has received a less concentrated dosage of nitrogen grows fast and can look green and lush. It is commonly thought that female dogs are the only culprits of causing urine burns on grass, and this is untrue! Females crouch to relieve themselves, meaning there is a high concentration of urine on just one small patch of grass which inevitably kills the grass quicker. Male dogs tend to cock their legs, meaning their spray of urine goes further and thus not doing as much ‘damage’ as quickly!

What does Ha-Pee Lawns, from WOOF&BREW do? By Richard Allport BVetMed, VetMFHom, MRCVS​

“Ha Pee Lawns does two things – one is to bind the ammonia and neutralise it. The other effect is that the rest of the herbs have mainly a very mild diuretic effect, which helps make the urine less concentrated, so less likely to burn. If the urine is a little more dilute it will also be less acid or alkaline in effect, not because the actual level of acidity/alkalinity changes but there is less actual amount of acid, or alkaline in each ‘deposit’ of urine. This diuretic effect is not strong enough to make dogs drink or pee excessively, but will help if the urine is too concentrated. The single most important effect though is the ammonia binding effect. “
 
Learn even more about Ha-Pee Lawns and buy HERE. 

​Tia Maria and Moby Dick …
 
…. may not seem to go together but they are (allegedly) Cockney rhyming slang for diarrhoea and feeling sick. And, incidentally, should you want to remember how to spell diarrhoea, think of the first letters of: Dash In A Real Rush, Hurry Or Else Accident!
 
So this blog is all about upset digestion in dogs  - why it happens and what you should do about it.

​Just why do dogs get sickness and/or diarrhoea? Lots of reasons. Scavenging for one – dogs are natural scavengers and most love to pick up and swallow anything that looks remotely edible (discarded remains of takeaways, food left out for the birds, other dogs' poo) and although they do have very strong stomach acids, sometimes even this acid can't cope with the disgusting material ingested and infection or inflammation happens within the stomach and intestines, leading to vomiting or diarrhoea from within to without.
 
A sudden change in diet can also trigger similar symptoms, or the food itself can be contaminated or unsuitable. It's a well known fact that chocolate is potentially poisonous to dogs but it's not so well known that onions, macadamia nuts and grapes can be toxic. In the garden there may be poisonous plants, and something as apparently harmless as a daffodil bulb can be dangerous.
 
Dogs can pick up bacteria and viruses that can cause gastro enteritis, especially in the summer and autumn when these dastardly microbes are likely to survive for longer in the warm weather and when organic matter that dogs find while on scavenging patrol is more likely to carry fast multiplying micro organisms.
 
And many dogs, who don't (or aren't allowed to) scavenge, and don't pick up infections, still regularly get bouts of sickness and/or diarrhoea. Rather like humans can suffer from conditions like colitis and IBD, dogs also often suffer from similar conditions.
 
So those are some of the commoner causes of what vets will abbreviate in your dog's medical notes to V+D+ (Vomiting, Diarrhoea). Or, in more severe cases of gastro enteritis, V++D++. Should your dog be unlucky enough to get the runs, the trots or be throwing up, what should you do? If your dog seems really unwell and in pain, or there is significant blood (at either end), or the stomach is swelling up, go to your vet as soon as possible.
 
If it's more of a minor 'upset stomach', your dog is still bright and may want to eat and run around as normal, there is usually no need to rush to the vet. You may wish to ring first to ask their advice. It's also not always necessary to starve for 24 hours as used to be advised. You may want to try and give small meals of easily digestible food, make sure there is clean water available, and perhaps give a natural stomach and intestine soothing and binding agent such as Slippery elm powder and Bentonite clay, give probiotics and a little ginger (soothing and a natural anti nauseant) or, especially if there is noticeable 'gas' production at either end, a little peppermint.
 
If, despite this, any stomach upset persists more than a couple of days, or you feel worried, do phone or take your dog to the vet right away.

​But prevention is better than cure, and any dog that is prone to scavenge, has a 'sensitive' stomach or is known to suffer from colitis, IBD or any other recurrent digestive problems will benefit from something to help promote a healthy digestion. And what could be better than WOOF&BREW's Digestion Tonic – a blend of herbs that helps soothe and protect the stomach and intestines and promotes a balanced digestive tract as well as helping efficient absorption of nutrients. And should your dog be unlucky enough to suffer from flatulence and eructation (OK, belching!) WOOF&BREW's fabulous Windy Hound tonic helps to break up and disperse unwanted gas in the intestines.
 
There it is – WOOF&BREW have a tonic for all seasons, and a tonic for all reasons … including Tia Maria and Moby Dick

Find out more details on the health range at WOOF&BREW here!

The ‘Stay At Home’ message given by the UK government earlier this year sparked the rise in many people enquiring  and adopting dogs during the nationwide lockdown. According to re-homing website Pets4Homes, visits to the website peaked at 20 million a month between April and June. 
If you’re thinking of re-homing a dog, here are our top tips for welcoming a new furry addition to your home. 

Create a calming atmosphere 
When you bring your new addition home, try not to be too excited or hyperactive. Keep calm and allow your dog to get used to their new surroundings and the people in it on their own terms. Make them familiar with different areas of your home, but if your dog is particularly nervous, don’t force anything on them. Let them familiarise themselves with their new environment, they’ll be exploring everywhere in no time! 
Make it clear to your dog where ‘their’ areas are 
Create a little den for your dog that is theirs. If you have children or other pets, don’t allow them to go near the den. This will be your dog’s safe place where they can go when they are feeling uneasy. Make sure you have dedicated areas for sleeping, eating, playing and toileting and keep these areas the same. This adds to your dog’s sense of routine which is extremely important for helping your dog to feel at home and “normal”.

Keep things familiar where possible
If you can, keep any toys or items available to them from their previous surroundings. This helps to calm dogs when they might feel unsettled. Putting a familiar blanket, item of clothing or toy in their bed will help them to relax at night. If possible, use commands that you know are familiar to them. If you don’t know or are unsure which commands the dog knows, don’t use to many commands at first, your dog will already be overwhelmed and confused, don’t confuse them further with a foreign language!

Prepare a tight schedule to begin with
A schedule helps the dog to predict what will happen and when. Doing the same things at the same time each day keeps them feeling secure as they can assure themselves what is going to happen next. Feed them at the same time, wake up at the same time, walk them at the same time and go to bed at the same time. For the first few weeks, take them on the same route for their walks, let them get to know their surroundings. Establishing a routine is also crucial for developing a bond between you and your dog. 

Be assertive and give them structure
Let them know who’s boss. As much as you’ll want to constantly fuss them, especially if your dog has had a particularly difficult past, dog’s need assertiveness. By nature, dog’s need to be part of a pack, and that includes having a leader. It doesn’t mean that you need to be mean to them, but they need to know boundaries. Let them learn what the word “no” means. 

Be patient and understanding
It is common for you to not really notice your dogs true personality for a few weeks after you’ve brought them home, There are so many changes in their life that they won’t feel like themselves for a while. This is totally normal, just be patient and encouraging, but not pushy. Let your dog be where it wants or needs to be and they’ll soon get used to you and their environment enough to feel comfortable, and eventually, normal. 

There’s a day to celebrate just about anything these days, but International Beer Day is definitely one we can get behind!
Our Bottom Sniffer Beer is the perfect tasty and refreshing treat for warm, sunny afternoons! Bottom Sniffer certainly brings a whole new meaning to ‘hair of the dog’! 

​ It’s no coincidence that this brew contains Dandelion & Burdock. Not only are these herbs full of nostalgia in ‘beer type’ drinks, they, along with all the other herbs included, help towards aiding general well being for dogs. Not forgetting they add to the unique taste of Bottom Sniffer.

​The brew contains herbs such as Bladderwrack and Nettle which are rich in iron and iodine and known to be great for skin pigmentation and coats. It also uses Rooibos and Dandelion, which are known to be rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, so not only are you giving your dog a tase treat, you’re giving him a healthy one at that!
 
Buy Bottom Sniffer Beer HERE.

Welcome to the 2ndinstalment of our Meet The Crew series! This week, we are introducing you to our youngest crew member, Pippa! Pippa’s mum is Katie, our lovely field sales executive… Let’s meet Pippa!

Pip, Cocker Spaniel, 6 months

Favourite human: Mummy
 
Favourite sleeping position: Curled up tight in a ball

Favourite snack: This is tough – I love all of the foods but if I have to say, a carrot is my favourite
 
Naughtiest moment: Stepping in and licking a cowpat
 
Favourite non-toy: Those nice new Shoe laces are great to chew.
 
Cleverest trick: My cleverest trick is ‘Watch’…I’ll sit and watch you and pretend I’m a statue for agessss!
 
Favourite walking route: I love every walk that has long grass I can run through and hide in.
 
Best memory: My first hike in the peak district, I saw cows, sheep, horses and got lots of sniffs and treats. 
 
Favourite spot in the house: Bottom of the sofa, resting my chin on my mums feet.
 
Bad habits: I have a few…..Cowpat licking, chewing shoe laces, trying to eat the pebbles from the garden, chasing my brothers bushy tail, stealing my brother and sisters toys/treats/food.
 
Favourite WOOF&BREW product: Posh Pooch is my favourite!

How do you celebrate your dog’s birthday? Here at WOOF&BREW, we absolutely love seeing how you celebrate!
Do you keep it low-key with a few extra treats and an extra-long walkies?
Or do you go all out with a birthday party for your beloved pooch? We’d love to know, and remember to tag us in your birthday photos on social media @woofandbrew! We’ll share the best photos!
Browse our range of healthy celebration drinks (safe for dogs!) HERE.

We’re starting a new series over here at The Tail Times – Meet The Crew!  Once in a while, we will introduce you to one of our best team members, the criteria being that they have to have 4 legs! 
​
This week, we are introducing our social media executive’s Bedlington Terrier, Ronnie! 

​Ronnie, Bedlington Terrier, Age 10 months
 
Favourite human: My uncle Callum
 
Favourite sleeping position: Roll over, legs up and streeeeettttccchhh
 
Favourite snack: CHEESE CHEEEEEEEESE
 
Naughtiest moment: I chewed my mum’s trainers up once. And I’ve peed on the new rug a fair few times. They still love me though.
 
Favourite non-toy: Plastic plant pots. Preferably with the plant still in it.
 
Cleverest trick: My humans make me work for all of my treats so I’ve mastered the art of pleasing them for the sake of a tiny square of cheese. ‘Roll over’ is my party trick. 
 
Favourite walking route: Ferry Meadows in Peterborough has lots of birds to chase. Particularly swans who don’t seem to take too kindly to me wanting to play. Not sure what their problem is to be honest.
 
Best memory: Digging my way under the fence to play with the German Shepherd next door. Bella and I had a great time so I don’t know why everyone made such a fuss about it. 
 
Favourite spot in the house: Mum and dad’s bed, just as the sun is setting. Warn but not too hot. 
 
Bad habits: I do tend to grab my mum’s arm away from her book to play with me when she’s trying to read… 
 
Favourite WOOF&BREW product: There’s nothing better than a Paw Pop on a sunny day!

Separation anxiety in dogs is a really common thing, and at the moment, having been in lockdown for nearly 3 months in the UK, more and more of us are going to experience separation anxiety in our dogs as we gradually go back into the office or just out and about as the country opens up. 
Our dogs have been so used to having us around for the past few months that they might find the transition of us having more freedom outside of the house hard, and this can take place in many forms. 
 
Symptons of Separation Anxiety in Dogs

• They become distressed as soon as you leave, or even before you leave when you are getting ready to go. 
• The dog experiences fear which can show in the form of an increased heart rate and breathing rate, an increased need to go to the toilet, panting, salivating and increased activity levels. Your dog may also whine and howl at you to try and get you to come back. 
• Whilst you're out you may find that your dog has chewed something that they wouldn’t usually be interested in such as a piece of furniture or item of clothing – this is a sign of separation anxiety because it is something that carries your scent, they chew these items to form a barrier of your scent around them as a sort of security blanket.
• When you do get home your dog may excessively follow you around the house. 

 
How To Help Your Dog Get Used To Being Left Alone
Take them for a walk before you intend to leave. This serves a few purposes, one being that it physically tires them out so that they are likely to fall asleep quicker once you’ve left the house. Taking your dog for a walk will also get the outdoors out of their system a little bit so that they might be less inclined to want to go with you. 
 
Don’t make such a fuss when you leave the house. In fact, don’t have any contact at all. It might be hard, they might be whining as you put on your shoes, or howling as you grab your bag and coat, but in the long run, your dog will eventually realise that you will always come back and that you leaving them alone isn’t always a bad thing. The more you make a fuss, the more your dog expects it to be negative for them. Act natural!
 
Start off small and build it up. If you have the opportunity to go out only for small periods of time before heading back to work, make the most of it. Head out for 15-20 minutes at a time and build it up to a few hours over a period of a couple of weeks. This gets your dog used to the idea of you being gone again, without throwing them in at the deep end. 
 
Invest in products to help. There are so many products on the market now to help ease separation anxiety in dogs, one of them being our very own Anxious Hound. This is an all-natural tonic that helps to calm and ease anxiety in a herbal fashion. You can read more about it here. Believe it or not, there are also dog-friendly podcasts that have been made specifically for dogs that are left at home and are aimed at being a soothing and comforting bit of background noise to help calm an anxious dog. Doggy cameras with a speaker function can also be a good way of checking up on your dog during the day and also allow you to talk to them so that they can hear a familiar voice. 
 
Learn more about Anxious Hound here.