Author: hermione-manager

Taking Your Dog on Holiday in the UK

So your accommodation allows dogs? That’s great. Now start finding all the dog-friendly beaches & activities you can all enjoy. Taking a dog on holiday takes a bit of planning, but as long as you are prepared everyone will have a great time…

The Journey:

Your dog doesn’t want to be squashed in amoung the suitcases. He needs plenty of space for air to circulate and keep him comfortable. Before you leave, plan some doggy friendly comfort breaks you can all enjoy. Ideally, you want to plan a break every couple of hours to allow your dog to stretch his legs. If it’s a really hot day, consider some extra shade on the windows. The air-con may keep you cool at the front, but its effects will be pretty poor in the boot.

Staying Cool

We all know about the dangers of dogs in hot cars., but how hot is too hot? If its 22 degrees outside, a closed car can reach a life threatening 47 degrees within an hour. Even if the windows are left open, temperatures will still rise too high.

For further advice visit: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/our-resources/kennel-club-campaigns/dont-cook-your-dog/

Drinking Water

Dogs don’t sweat, but they lose a lot of water through panting. If the weather is hot it is important to carry drinking water everywhere you go. In normal conditions your dog requires 50 – 60ml of water per kg of bodyweight, so a 20kg Labrador will drink around a litre a day.  In hot weather, and if the dog has done a lot of exercise, you should expect this to increase….don’t forget the water bowl!

His Food

It may take up valuable space in the car, but it is far better to take enough of your dog’s usual food with you, than buy a different brand when you arrive.  A sudden change in diet can cause digestive upset, which really is the last thing you need on holiday!

Safety

It goes without saying that you should have the number of the local veterinary practice to hand at all times.  It is also important to appreciate that some dogs may become anxious and react differently in strange places, and if you part company he won’t know how to find his way back to you.  Make sure your mobile number is on his ID tag, and that the microchip database holds the correct contact details for you. Watch out for unfamiliar hazards such as busy roads, cliff edges and loose farm animals.

Stick to your routine

To help your dog adjust and settle in his new surroundings, try to stick to a similar routine to the one you have at home, and bring some of his favourite things along – like his blanket and toy.

Hemp – one of nature’s superfoods

hemp oil linseed oil horses dogs chickens

Hemp is undergoing a huge revival around the world and is now a highly sort after ‘superfood’. This is mainly due to the nutritional content of hemp seeds, claimed to be one of the most nutritional foods on the planet.

Hemp Vs Cannabis

Many people get confused between Hemp & Marijuana, as both come from the plant known as Cannabis sativa. But, there are several different types of Cannabis sativa, and hemp comes from a variety that  contains very little of the psycho-active tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). In fact, hemp must contain less than 0.3% THC to be legally grown in the UK.

Hemp Seed Oil

The quality of oil within hemp seeds makes them unique.  Hemp provides an excellent source of essential Omega fatty acids, and just the right proportion of Omega 3:6. It is unusual in the plant kingdom because it contains both Gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) and stearidonic acid (SDA). Most other plant sources, (such as linseed oil) contain Linoleic Acid, which the body must convert into GLA. As hemp already contains GLA this enzymatic step is skipped, making hemp oil easier and more efficient to metabolise. GLA and SDA are more commonly found in fish oil, but many people don’t like feeding fish oil, especially if their animal is a natural vegetarian!

Omega 3 are good for the cardiovascular system, neurological system, reproductive system and to support the body’s natural anti-inflammatory mechanisms.  GLA  inhibits the production of leukotrienes, chemicals which are made by the body  to sustain inflammatory reactions. By reducing the production of leukotrienes, GLA gives an anti-inflammatory benefit.

Hemp Seed Protein

Protein foods and supplements are one of the fastest growing sectors in the human food industry, and hemp protein is one of the most sort after. This is because hemp seeds contain 25% protein, and provide all 9 of the essential amino acids.  Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and 9 of these are ‘essential’ meaning that they must be supplied by the diet as our bodies cannot make them. Hemp is one of very few plant sources to contain all the amino acids, making it an excellent source of ‘complete’ protein and comparable to meat, eggs and dairy.

Fibre

Hemp is also an excellent source of soluble fibre. This means that the fibre is easy to digest. In the gut, the hemp fibre will swell and become a gel-like texture which could help absorb excess acids, and help the natural flow of food through the gut. 

Vitamins and Minerals

Hemp seeds are also packed full of vitamin and minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium and iron.  It is also rich in vitamin E, an anti-oxidant to support a healthy immune system .

An all round good plant

As well as all the positive nutritional benefits hemp offers, there are a number of other benefits. It grows quickly, does not require pesticides, its GM free and free from phytoestrogens. It is environmentally friendly too – it absorbs the same amount of carbon dioxide as an equivalent area of forest, it benefits the soil and the whole plant can be used (for textiles, industry and animal bedding) so nothing goes to waste.

Our Hemp is grown in the UK, in North Devon, just a few miles from our office. This makes it pretty low on food miles too!

See Pure Devon Hemp Seed Oil