Blogs

November 2 2018

How To Keep Your Cat Safe During Winter

It’s that time of the year again, the clocks have gone back, families are getting together to celebrate the holidays and our feline friends are enjoying some cosy evenings by the fire.

As winter draws in and the nights are getting darker, it is more important than ever to put measures in place that can help keep your cat stay safe. Today we want to share one of the easiest yet most overlooked ways that you can help keep your cat safe not only during winter, but also all year round.

Microchipping – What Is It and Should You Be Doing It?

According to the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), cats come out on top as the UK’s most favourable pet, with an impressive 25% of the population owning one! This is a whopping 11.1 million pet cats in the UK alone, compared to just 8.9 million pet dogs. Despite the figures, cats are yet to have any laws in place to protect them, meaning that if they go missing and have no microchip, there is very little that can be done.

With the laws around microchipping dogs changing, requiring every dog to be microchipped, we are hopeful that a similar law will soon follow for cats. However, in the meantime we must take measures into our own hands to do the best for our furry friends. So, here is what you need to know about microchipping your cat.

Microchipping is simply a way of putting an identification tag on your pet. In this case, if your cat was to go missing and it had an up to date microchip, it could be scanned once found, and it would bring up your contact details so that you could be contacted and reunited with your pet.
Microchipping is not a tracking device: Many people believe that a microchip serves as a way to track your pets, however this is not the case and microchips do not have any form of GPS in them.
The process of microchipping your pet can cause momentary pain or discomfort, which is over quickly and does not continue after the event. It is a chip the size of a grain of rice, placed under the skin, usually in between the shoulder blades.
Keeping your microchip up to date is vital: if you do not update your address and/or contact number when it changes, these details will be rendered useless in case of emergency when your cat is lost or hurt. Checking and maintaining those details regularly will ensure that if your cat goes missing or is in an accident you will be made aware as soon as it is found.

There are of course a number of other things you can do to keep your cat safer during the winter, such as keeping them inside during the night where they are more likely to go seeking warmth, providing lots of toys, litter trays and food and water to keep them happy indoors and keep them returning home, and of course playing with them to prevent boredom setting in! However, by far the best thing you can do is to get your cat microchipped, as this can be the most effective way of ensuring they return back to you if they have strayed too far.

What To Do If You Suspect A Cat Is A Stray?

Cats can be fiercely independent, and those who have access to the outdoors can stray far from home in search of food, shelter and even just a bit of adventure! For those cats that stray too far and become lost, it can become incredibly difficult, and this happens more often than you’d expect.

Statistics show that around 100,000 cats go missing each year, and of these only 45% are reunited with their families. This compares to 75% of missing dogs, which are found and safely returned home thanks to new microchipping laws.

If you see a cat you suspect is a stray, consider the following:

Is it healthy and clean?
Does it come and go?

If the answer is YES, then the cat is unlikely to be a stray; so leaving it alone is the best thing to do.

If it unwell looking and/or showing signs of malnutrition or injury, then take it to your local vets, or rescue shelter where it can be treated and scanned for a microchip.

Always be sure to ask for a cat to be microchipped, don’t just assume that it will be done.

If you do suspect a cat is a stray, you can put on a paper collar with your phone number, and a request to contact you if this is your cat.

Carla Lane’s Work With Cats

We have been taking in stray cats for decades, and have a great deal of knowledge around what to look for when it comes to a stray cat vs. a cat that has gone on adventure! Cats are pretty cheeky characters, so it is not out of the ordinary for one to nip to numerous houses for a snack and a snuggle before returning home at the end of the day.

However, we have been contacted many times by concerned members of the public who have found what they believe to be a stray cat, and it is so often the case that these cats have a loving home, and have simply decided to take a trip a few blocks down for a snack.

Taking into consideration the points mentioned above can really help those who are concerned about a particular cat decipher its status, as we can only take in cats who really need the help.

Other local charities such as Scouse Pets, Harvey’s Army and Dogslost will be happy to share missing and found cat posters, and some will even come out to scan a found cat whether it is deceased or alive in order to quickly reunite it with its owners.

Cat welfare is a huge issue still, despite the cost of something like a microchip being extremely low and in some cases even free of charge. However, if we can help promote the benefits of microchipping cats, then we are doing our best to help keep cats where they should be during winter – at home with their families!

The Five Most Rewarding Things About Rescuing An Animal

September 21 2018

Fiona Kay Blogs, Uncategorized

The Five Most Rewarding Things About Rescuing An Animal

We are a nation of animal lovers, from dogs and cats to rabbits and hamsters; we just can’t get enough of those furry bundles of joy that really make a house a home. However, unfortunately, the overpopulation of animals continues which means that places like Carla Lane are consistently at max capacity with animals that desperately want a loving home.

We have been doing this job for nearly 30 years now, and it never fails to amaze us when incredible animals are overlooked just because of where they are. So we wanted to share five of our favourite things about adopting a rescue animal, and ultimately how rewarding it can be for you as a pet owner.

#1 You Aren’t Just Saving One Life, But Two!

There are hundreds of animal shelters and rescue centres across the UK alone, all of which struggle with the level of demand put on them to find homes for thousands of animals. At Carla Lane, we are almost consistently at max capacity, which sadly means that we often have to turn animals down who really need our help.

We always have to put the needs of our pets first, so if we haven’t got the space to accommodate for a new animal then sadly we have to say no, which is heart-breaking for us and is something that never gets easier. As a charity, we promote each and every animal under our care across a range of platforms in the hopes that a loving person will come and take them home, not only rescuing that animal but also saving another that can take its place with us at the centre.

Many of those who are looking at adopting an animal don’t realise just how much of a positive impact they are having on not only the animals involved but also the charity as a whole! We love to explain to those who come to collect their new best friends just how amazing they have been for choosing to adopt a rescue animal. They are giving a whole new opportunity to another animal in need, and it is truly one of the most rewarding feelings of all.

#2 You Get To Choose A Pet That Will Suit Your Situation

One of the most common reasons for why an animal ends up in rescue centres like ours is because they have grown up, grown a personality and become too much for the owners to deal with. This is so often the case, but unfortunately, it is a reality associated with buying a young animal such as a puppy or kitten.

Whether you are starting a family, have become suddenly unwell or have to move home, there are so many reasons why a particular animal may no longer be best placed with you. However, when it comes to adopting, these things can all be taken into consideration as we help you look at those animals that would be the perfect match for your lifestyle.

Although we do have some rules in place when it comes to our rehoming policy, we will always look to find the right animal for you and your home so that you can provide a forever life for yourselves together with minimum disruption.

Ultimately, by adopting a rescue animal you are taking out the guesswork by talking with the staff and finding out more about their background, likes and dislikes, and ultimately whether you could provide the best home for them.

#3 Watching Your Pet Come Into Their Own

We spend a lot of time with the animals in our care, despite our best efforts shelters are rarely enjoyable for these animals and we want to try and make them feel as loved and safe as possible whilst they’re with us. However, despite the tireless work of the team here, nothing can compare to the feeling of being in your own place so we rarely see the animals transform into their real selves.

Don’t get us wrong, we get a very good idea of our animal’s personalities over the time they’re with us, but rescue centres are scary places for animals, especially if they’ve had a rough time of it before coming to us. This can often lead to withdrawn behaviour in some animals and means they aren’t enjoying or living life to the full potential.

When you choose to take home a rescue animal, they are likely to continue in a similar introverted manner at first. However, let us tell you that there is no greater feeling than seeing your pet starting to grow in confidence, come out of its shell and explore its new home!

This is one of the main reasons we ask for photo and video updates of the pets that have left us; we simply LOVE to see them strutting about their new kingdoms with ultimate confidence! The love that a rescue animal can be capable of once it is comfortable is truly incredible, and in and of itself one of the best rewards you could hope for from rehoming.

#4 Help Fight Against Animal Overpopulation

With thousands of animals being homeless every year it will come as no surprise to you that animal overpopulation is a real and serious issue we are facing. Dogs and cats especially are often used for breeding and sold for profit to unassuming and loving individuals looking to add a puppy or kitten to their family. The sad truth is that overbred animals won’t always find a good home to go to, and often will be homeless and exposed to dangers.

We know the temptation of buying a tiny baby animal can be sometimes almost impossible to refuse, but by adopting an animal from a shelter you are helping prevent further overpopulation. All of our animals are either spayed or neutered to try and keep unnecessary numbers down, and in the same way, all shelters do the same for their animals.

If you opt for an adopted pet, you can be safe in the knowledge that they have been checked over and are safe to go roaming freely without the risk of any potential babies on the way! It is often safer for your pet, and it helps fight against homeless animals as a result of overbreeding.

#5 You Support Your Local Animal Charity To Continue

Everything that we have done for the past 40 years, and will continue to do is for the good of the animals in our care. We love our job, but it isn’t an easy one and every day we face new financial struggles.

Any pet owner will know that their fur-babies don’t come cheap, and we have dozens to tend to, which can get pretty expensive! Every month we spend between £7-8,000 on necessary vet bills, approximately £1100 on food and a further £200 on toys and bedding to keep our animals safe, secure and healthy during their stay. We are very lucky that we receive so many donations of toys and bedding, which helps us to keep this cost down massively.

Put simply, without the support of animal lovers and those who adopt their pets from us, we wouldn’t be able to run the service we do now. We rescue animals from foreign countries, take in farm animals and continue to raise much-needed awareness because of our supporters and those who are pro-adoption.

The support we receive is not only massively rewarding for us, but also for those who adopt from us. The sense of community and family that we have built over the years is incredible and continues to grow every day!

What You Can Do . . .

If you are on the hunt for a furry addition to your home, whether it is a dog, cat or chicken – why not pay us a visit? We open every day, and we are always more than happy to take visitors on a whistle-stop tour of our centre and introduce you to the many faces waiting to be taken home, so pop in and see us!

August 29 2018

Fiona Kay Blogs

Who Says You Can’t Teach Old Dogs New Tricks Why You Shouldn’t Shy Away From Adopting Older Dogs

As a nation of animal lovers, we understand how difficult it can be when it comes to choosing your family pet. With such a wide variety of animals to choose from, it can be a tough job narrowing the search down to any specific breed, let alone considering things like age!

At Carla Lane, we have been rescuing animals for nearly 30 years, and in that time we have had quite a variety come through our doors; from kittens and puppies to more senior cats and dogs through to chickens, ducks and even the odd goat! As such, we consider ourselves rather knowledgeable about what it takes to make a great rescue pet, and today we want to share a little of what we know with you.

Why You Should Consider Adopting An Older Dog

Over the years we have had hundreds of dogs of all ages, shapes, and sizes under our care whilst they wait for their forever homes. Unfortunately, we have seen an on-going trend in those more senior canines being overlooked for younger dogs and puppies.

All of our animals need dedicated and loving owners, so of course, we love it when any of them are adopted by people who will love and care for them. However, it is a little heartbreaking to see the same beautiful dogs being bypassed time and time again simply because they are a little older.

So, we want to share a few of our thoughts when it comes to rescuing older dogs, and ultimately why we feel they make the greatest pets (albeit we are a little biased of course!)

You CAN Teach An Old Dog New Tricks

We have all heard the age-old saying that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but we are here to say that is simply not the case! Over the years this idea that older dogs are much more challenging to train has been driven home repeatedly, which sadly has led to many potential owners shying away from the older breeds.

Older dogs are often (but not always!) much more laid back than pups, meaning that they are less easily distracted, and more eager to learn! They can actually have fantastic attention spans, and will often go above and beyond to please their owners or just to get a treat!

Now, we understand this is not always the case, and some dogs will present more challenges than others when it comes to learning something new. But all dogs want to learn, and every dog CAN learn.

Many people assume that training an older dog is incredibly difficult work, and whilst this can be the case if your dog has picked up some bad habits over the years, it is certainly not an impossible task. We also like to remind those considering the pros and cons of adopting a senior dog that whilst it may be tricky at times, it can be just as hard (if not more so) to train a brand new puppy!

Older Dogs Aren’t “Problem Dogs”

In our line of work, it is common that we get dogs coming to us that have had very difficult upbringings. This could be a dog who has suffered from being young, or one that has found itself in hard times later in life before being brought to Carla Lane. In all cases like these, there is a need for extra care and attention so that we can be sure they are fit for homing, and go to the best possible home when the time is right.

Sadly, due to their turbulent backgrounds, these are often the dogs who are dismissed as being “problem dogs”, and consequently can spend months or even years with us waiting for a forever home.

Unfortunately, it is impossible for us to know the history of every dog we get here, as many are picked up from pounds or simply off the streets. However, each of our dogs gets a full assessment when it arrives, which allows us to get to know the dog’s temperament and character, and gives us a much better idea of the type of home it should go to.

It is true that most of these dogs will require extra care, extra time and a lot of extra patience, however we have seen first hand just how loving they can be when given a chance, which is the most rewarding part of the entire process.

Great For First Time Dog Owners

If you consider yourself an inexperienced dog owner, adopting an older dog can be a fantastic way of learning all you need to know, as well as giving you the opportunity to offer a brand new chapter to an older dog’s life!

The vast majority of older dogs will already have the basic levels of training in its arsenal, which is great news for you if you aren’t knowledgeable about training techniques yet! This can allow you to really get to know your dog’s character, its likes, and dislikes and how much it knows without worrying too much about teaching it the basics.

In our experience, those who have adopted an older dog from us have found that they have fit into the family seamlessly, as usually, they have already established a demeanor and temperament so that you can gauge right from meeting them whether they would make a good fit for your family.

Adopting An Older Dog Can Be Incredibly Rewarding

Last, but by no means, least is the pure joy and reward you will get from giving an older dog a second chance at a family life, which is by far the most incredible feeling!

In an ideal world there would simply be no need for rescue centres such as Carla Lane, but sadly the truth is that we take in such a high volume of dogs many of which come to us for valid reasons where owners may have passed away or can no longer care for their dog, but many of which have been abandoned, abused or otherwise mistreated

These dogs have known a whole different life before they come to us, and despite our best efforts to provide care and home comforts, kennels can be pretty scary places. So when someone comes along and takes in one of our older dogs, we love to hear all about how they are doing, and the stories of how they have completed the family make it all so worth it!

We find that the sense of reward that comes with giving an older dog a new home is unlike anything else, and in fact will keep on giving as the bond grows!

So, Should You Consider Adopting An Older Dog?

With the UK pet population being at an estimated 9 million dogs, it is more often than not that we receive dogs that are no longer classed as young dogs. So it goes without saying that the majority of rescue dogs are “older”, but should you still consider adopting them? Absolutely!

We understand why many families opt for puppies; they’re great – tiny, playful, exciting and above all else – CUTE! However, we get many of those pups coming through our doors a couple of years down the line when they are bigger and have grown into their personalities, often resulting in them being a bit too much for the owners!

We couldn’t recommend enough that you consider finding out more about a rescue dog before ruling them out, they have so much to give, and could really complete your family perfectly.

We currently have over 30 dogs across a range of ages desperate to find a place they can call home, so please consider popping in for a visit, we are open every day of the week and we will be happy to take you around and tell you all we can about each dog to make sure they are going to be right for you!

Check out our rescue dog page to see some of the wonderful faces we have in our care right now!

July 21 2018

admin Blogs

Is your dog drinking enough water?

Is your dog drinking enough water?
You know that you’re supposed to drink eight glasses of water a day, but what about your dog? You see them drink, but how much water are they actually lapping up? We’ve put together to helpful advice on helping to keep your dog hydrated and how to recognize the signs when they aren’t.

Helping your dog stay hydrated
When dogs are thirsty they lap water up eagerly, but it may be that your dog seems reluctant to drink up sometimes. To encourage hydration, check the basics first. Always make sure your dog is given fresh, clean water to ensure they feel the best they can at all times.

Leave their bowls in a cool area
You wouldn’t like to drink your water out of a warm bowl that’s been sitting in the sun, so why would you expect your dog to do it?

Replace their water every day
To ensure your dog stays hydrated and feeling good, make sure you give them access to lots of fresh water, regardless of the weather outside.

Keep their bowls clean
Be sure to keep a lookout for debris that may land in your dog’s bowl. It’s easy for hair and bits of kibble to contaminate their water and make it unappetizing.

How much water is enough?
Dogs should drink about an ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. Of course, if you have a puppy or your dog is really active they may well need more. And just like humans, dogs also need more water when they spend time outside in hot, dry conditions. These last few weeks in the UK have been scorching, so make sure you leave enough of fresh, clean water out for your dog at all times.

Providing water when you’re out and about
If you’re going for a long walk, or ramble or just a short trip to a local park, make sure you pack extra water for your dog.

Even if your trip outdoors is relatively short, always bring water especially if it’s hot. If you’re reaching for some water, your dog probably would too given the chance. Collapsible silicone water dishes are fantastic to keep with you, or if this isn’t possible, in the boot of your car for quick replenishment.

Signs your dog maybe dehydrated
With the heat wave lingering over the UK the last few weeks, it’s important to know the signs that your dog hasn’t had enough to drink. To tell if your dog is dehydrated, check the following:

They’re looking for water.If your dog is thirsty, they’ll be searching frantically for something to drink and may well be pacing about looking anxious or stressed.
Their gums are pale and dry. Pale, dry gums are a reliable symptom of dehydration.
They’re listless. A dehydrated dog won’t seem like themselves, and may pace or drool.
You’ve checked their scruff and it doesn’t settle back. Take your dog’s scruff (the loose skin over their shoulders) and lift it away from their back. If your dog is dehydrated, the skin will take a long time to settle back down. If your furry friend is hydrated, their skin will snap back immediately.

Also, if your dog has been unwell- sickness, diarrhoea, or is otherwise ill, be careful to keep a close eye on them to ensure they don’t become dehydrated as this could be very dangerous.

Suspect your dog is already dehydrated? Remember the following:

Drinking too fast after becoming dehydrated can cause vomiting.
Give them little sips of water to help them rehydrate.
Take them to the vet if they don’t seem to be improving.

July 12 2018

admin Blogs

How to identify anxiety in dogs

Think you’ve got an anxious dog? Read our guide on how to identify anxiety in dogs

If truth be told, it would be a million times easier if your dog could just talk to you and tell you how they’re feeling but the chances of this are near to zero. If it were true, you’d never have to stress about your dog or ask yourself ‘Is my dog anxious and unsettled?’

While dogs cannot speak as we humans do, your dog is giving you clues as whether they are feeling happy, anxious or bored, you’ve just got to notice the signs and take note. Now’s the time to get in tune with your beloved pooch and take the opportunity to figure out your dog’s body language so you can feel in control of the situation.

As an experienced animal shelter, the team here at Carla Lane’s Animals in Need have decoded signs of dog anxiety so you don’t have to!

Tucked tail
If your dog is curling their tail up under their tummy it’s a sign they are lacking confidence or they are scared. One thing to consider is how tightly their tail is tucked up as this might indicate just how anxious or frightened your dog is. Do not ignore this tell tale sign of anxiety in your dog.

Flattened ears
When dogs pin their ears back against their head it can indicate that they are anxious, scared or excited.

Hunched body
Think of this one as a dog trying to curl in on themselves to seem smaller, or even to disappear. It often occurs in combination with a tucked tail and is a really obvious sign to many that your dog is feeling uncomfortable and anxious.

Shaking or shivering
This can indicate discomfort or fear. It could be a sign your dog is cold but it could also mean they are scared and anxious.

Nose or lip licking
Commonly referred to as “tongue flicking,” this action often occurs two or three times in quick succession. You may well see your dog licking when something has changed in their normal environment or a new trigger has emerged. Of course, if you’re cooking or preparing food and you see your dog doing this, they are probably just hopeful that they’ll be getting some of your meal!

Yawning
In many instances, yawning is a stress release. If you see your dog yawning, it’s likely that their anxiety levels are high. Take for example, if you’re on a walk, or in an unfamiliar place, and you see your dog yawning, it’s time to take note and remove your dog from the situation. If you’re at home getting ready for a nap or waking up in the morning and you see your dog yawn, they are probably just tired.

Panting
Panting can help your dog to cool down, after for example exercise or in extreme heat but it can also occur when a dog is stressed. If you’ve not taken your dog out for a walk, and it’s not hot outside, it’s likely your dog is feeling anxious.

Rolling onto their back
While most people think dogs rolling onto their backs indicate they are being submissive, it could also mean that they are trying to communicate to you that they’re no threat. Often, in times of stress, dogs will roll onto their backs but they can also do it as part of a healthy and very natural part of play behaviour. What’s more, they may just want a belly rub!

Showing the whites of their eyes
Whale eye is the term for when the whites of your dog’s eye show, often when they’re attempting to look at or look away from something without wanting to move their entire head (i.e., look without looking). This shows that your dog is experiencing high anxiety or fear.

Drooling
Many dogs drool when they’re about to get fed but dogs also drool when they are extremely fearful or frightened.

Turning or walking away
If your dog turns away from someone walking towards them, it’s a tell tale sign that your dog is trying to communicate that they aren’t a threat. For whatever reason, your dog is trying to tell you the approaching person is making them anxious or unsettled. If you notice this behaviour, never force your dog to do something they don’t want to do as they may be into a natural defence mode.

July 1 2018

admin Appeals, Blogs

Every appeal matters

Everyone here at Carla Lane’s Animals in Need is always overwhelmed with the huge support we get when we need funds to help animals in need. Whether it’s a dog that needs its leg amputating, its eye removed or funds for a court appeal to save its life, our loyal supporters allow us to look after more animals in need. But looking after the animals is much more than just physical care.

Each and every one of us provide endless hours of our time ensuring the animals are emotionally cared and ensure their wellbeing and welfare is enhanced at every stage. Making sure their living areas are safe, secure and adequate is a must. But these things all cost money. In truth, it wouldn’t be a lie to say that this side of the care we provide is sometimes overlooked by those donating to various appeals.

Of course, saving life is always a priority, but as the years fly by, our older style, 30 year old kennels have started to become inadequate. In some instances they also become unsafe, for example when a kennel door gets broken. While to many, these important maintenance tasks seem trivial in comparison, money for these vital necessities has to be sorted regardless of the cost. If we don’t have the facilities which exceed statutory requirements, we cannot offer the level of care we want to. Also, they don’t represent the excellent level of care our dedicated team deliver, each and every day.

In a nutshell, the truth is- if we don’t receive valued donations to provide new, fully equipped kennels, we cannot help more dogs in desperate need. Our vision is to build well made, high quality kennels which provide better quality lives for each and every one of our dogs. The new kennels would be lighter, airier and complete with outside runs. However, we have a mammoth task ahead of us- we have a whopping 30 large pens to renovate, plus new lighting and ventilation. The fact the dogs spend over 20 hours a day shut in a pen, Carla Lane’s Animals in Need want to make them feel at home until that special person comes along and offers them a future.

But none of this is possible without the generosity of you, the general public. As always, we are eternity grateful to those who have already donated towards all of our appeals- we cannot thank you enough. Moving forwards, our appeal targets are significant- new kennels are very expensive with estimates coming in at between £60-80k. We appreciate that this appeal will be one of our biggest yet and that’s why we need your help. We know times are tough for everyone and no amount is too small, every penny counts.

As always, if you are able to make a donation, take a look at all of the ways you can donate here. Alternatively, if you cannot donate any money but would like to give your time to help unwanted and abandoned animals see our Volunteering page to find out how you can help.

Thank you, as always!