Pooch & Mutt’s guide to The Ultimate Pet Show

This bank holiday weekend (2-4 May 2009) the Birmingham NEC which will be rejoicing the wonderful world of pets with the opening of ‘The Ultimate Pet Show'.

Showcasing ‘all creatures great and small’ ‘The Ultimate Pet Show' can be described as a gigantic pet shop filled with absolutely everything for everyone who loves pets. From accessories, services, information for pets of all kinds including cats, ponies, fish, birds, reptiles and of course our favourite canine companions, the show is a true haven for animal aficionados from all over the nation.

Pooch & Mutt will be welcoming visitors on stand D24 where you will be able to find out more about unique and natural dog supplements, Bionic Biotic and Mobile Bones. They will also be awarding the prize to the "Favourite Pet Friendly Pub or Restaurant" in thepet.net awards.

Here are five things you should be doing if you plan to visit the Ultimate Pet Show this weekend:

Talented Pets Competition – Check out the fabulous finalists in the search for Britain’s Most Talented Pets. The grand finale will be presented on the Jollyes Lifestage on Saturday 2 May by a celebrity panel of judges including TV vet and founder of thepet.net, Marc Abraham, Carolyn Menteith, dog trainer and judge on Living TV’s The Underdog, and Stuart Winter, Sunday Express award-winning Environment Editor.

Pet seminars – Get stuck into a variety of educational and fun sessions to find out more about your favourite animals or decide which pet is best for you. Seminars include ‘Myths About Cats and Dogs’ by Debbie Connolly, star of BBC’s Dog Borstal, Man’s Best Friend, an inspirational seminar, presented by Peter Gorbing, Chief Executive, Dogs for the Disabled, with examples demonstrating the unique bond between man and dog. Click here to see the full schedule of seminars running at the show.

Adopt a pet – The Blue Cross will be offering free advice on the facts of adopting or sponsoring a pet. Ever thought about introducing a new member to your family? You could be helping thousands of homeless pets in need. Pop along to stand E22 and check out if you are cut out to be a pet foster parent.

Animal action – If you are looking for more action get yourself along to the Petplan Animal Action area. From rescue dog agility displays organised by Dogs Trust to duck herding with the Quack Pack, ferret racing to horse stunt displays and fun dog training demos - there plenty to watch and clap about. For more show highlights click here for a daily schedule of events.

Meet the Medics – The shows very own pet clinic for those who have any medical queries about their pets, but didn’t want to bother the vet? Pet owners can openly discuss any tricky problems with PDSA vets and nurses who will be able to advise on those little pet problems and answer your pet health queries. PDSA will also be running A Day in the Life of an Animal Medic on Saturday 2nd May.

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Dog depression – help your dog beat the winter blues

As winter descends rapidly upon us it becomes evident that with the change in seasons comes Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, a dilemma which can affect our four pawed friends as well as us.

According to a study by the veterinary charity PDSA, one in every three dog and cat owners notices a dip in their pets' moods during the colder and darker months of the year. Pets also echo humans in turning to comfort food to combat symptoms of fatigue and depression.

So as we retire to our winter wardrobes to try and combat those chilly daily walking sessions with our furry friends here are some tit bits to help you fight the winter blues indoors and outdoors.

Practice party tricks - if the weather outside is particularly lousy why not give your pooch a good workout inside. Throw a toy up and down the stairs or challenge him/her to learn some new party dog tricks which you can show off to your family and friends after Christmas dinner.

Change the chow - Offering a variety of pet food and will help keep your pet healthy and interested in eating. You might want to consider reducing the amount of food you are feeding your dog since they are often less active during the winter months. If your dog has gone off his food or is showing signs of depression, digestive problems or a sensitive stomach try adding a natural dog supplement such as Bionic Biotic for your dog’s health and vitality and to protect against illness.

Winter pet accessories – If your dog is small, has short hair, or is older, you may want to consider purchasing a nice winter jacket to help keep him warm and dry on walks or a heated pet bed or dog igloo for bedtime. If you don’t fancy splashing out on too much then you can opt for a warm pet blanket.

Play hide and seek – This is always a very engaging activity for your pooch. Try hiding a favourite toy or some healthy treats around the house and let your dog sniff them out. This will not only stimulate him but it will put an end to those boring evenings indoors for both of you. If it’s snowing outside why not hide a few treats in the snow and let your dog dig for them.

Get active and warm up – We can’t avoid taking our dogs on walks this winter so when we are faced with those really cold days keep warm by running with your dog instead of walking. That way you get to keep warm and your dog gets rid of all that pent up energy which can build up when you stay indoors. Still cold? then keep your hands warm with a pair of clickable heated pads. Or keep them in your pockets with a wrist walker.

If your dog suffers from joint stiffness and its harder for him to move and exercise during the colder months add a spoonful of Mobile Bones with glucosamine for dogs to his/her regular food to promote looser joints and healthier bones.

Glowing for walks – As the days get shorter and it gets darker earlier outside invest in a flashing collar and lead set. This will not only keep you both safe from any traffic or cyclists you encounter on your walks but will allow you to spot your dog up to a mile away in large fields or shrubs in case he/she wonders a step too far.

Don’t forget that just spending time with your dog can be the cure for those depressing nights in. A simple stroke or walk with your dog is proven to have therapeutic effects on humans.

Let us know your own tips for keeping your dog happy and active during the winter months.

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