Welcome

 

Summer is here and that means beaches, sun and holidays!

 

To help celebrate the festive season, we're running a fabulous Christmas competition giving you the chance to win your dog one of 50 Xmas Doggy Stockings! More details below.

 

We've also got top tips for teaching your dog to swim, Christmas cautions and all our regular news and items.

 

The 4Legs team would like to wish you and your pets a safe and happy Christmas.

 

 

See you in the New Year!

Win!

 

Spoil your pooch this Christmas with delicious 4Legs Home Cooked varieties and Puppy Phat grooming products!

 

To help you and your pet celebrate this Christmas, we're giving you the chance to win one of 50 Xmas Doggy Stockings worth $50! Our Xmas stockings are stuffed full of heavenly scented all natural doggie spa products from Puppy Phat.

 

To enter, purchase a specially marked pack of 4Legs Home Cooked, then visit our website and tell us, in 50 words or less, why your dog loves 4Legs.

 

Please retain original barcode as proof of purchase. Competition closes 11pm AEDST, 24 December 2008. For full terms and conditions, visit the competition website.

Competition winners

 

Congratulations to the winners of last month's competition!

 

Sue Henderson, Ferntree Gully, VIC

Kelly Almedia, Nicholls, ACT

Julane Bowen, Picton, NSW

 

They have each won a copy of Marley & Me, by author John Grogan. Enjoy your prizes!

 

 

Don't forget to enter the draw for our special Christmas competition. Details above.

 

 

 

Find a beach with 4Legs

 

Summer is here and as the weather heats up, most dogs love nothing more than frollicking along the sand and cooling off in the waves!

Did you know you can use the 4Legs Walkabout database to find a dog-friendly beach in your area?

 

Our database searches the country to find a dog-friendly location near you. Whether you're searching for a trail or reserve, a beach or a park with a bbq and play equipment - you'll be able to find it in our database. Why not try it out today?

 

Happy searching!

Can your dog swim?

 

Is your dog a beach lover? Does he race along the sand and happily throw himself into the waves? Or is he a little more timid, happier to wade in the shallows than paddle in the depths?
 

 

Not all dogs are water-friendly and in fact, some pooches must be taught how to swim. Many breeds like spaniels, poodles, retrievers and terriers are naturally drawn to water, while others like dachshunds, pugs, bulldogs and corgis aren’t so keen.
 

 

If you’re eager to get your dog in the water with you, here are some tips to get you started.
 

 

Go somewhere calm. Stay away from noisy and busy areas, you your dog to be calm and focused during a swimming lesson. While your backyard pool might be private, it can also be very difficult for your dog to get out - a lake or the beach is a great place to start.
 

 

Never throw them in. You would never throw a child in the water and expect it to swim to safety, so don’t do it with your dog. Slowly and gently put them in the water to get them used to it; never force the dog.
 

 

Be encouraging. Keep your voice upbeat and positive and use treats and squeaky toys to encourage your dog to enter the water.
 

 

Dog floaties. Many stores now sell floating vests for dogs. These help to support your pet's midsection and hindquarters in the water as they start to paddle and feel confident.

 

Keep a look out. Even if you’re dog is a natural swimmer, make sure you watch where they’re going so they don’t just swim off!
 

Chrismas cautions!

 

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year, but in all the excitement our pets can sometimes get overlooked.

 

It's important to consider your pooch when preparing for the holiday season.

 

Christmas food:
We all like to indulge at Christmas but this doesn't apply to pets too! Avoid feeding your dog too many Christmas leftovers as the high fat content in much of the food is difficult for dogs to digest.

 

Also, take special care to make sure chocolates and sweets are kept well out of a dogs reach - these can cause serious problems for dogs. Remember, if you're giving food as a gift this year, don't leave it under the tree -  a dog is sure to sniff out a box of tasty chocolates! In the event of an emergency, keep the number of the local 24-hour veterinary clinic at hand.

 

Decorations:
Keep your dog in mind when decorating your home. Dogs and puppies are naturally curious creatures, so make sure the Christmas tree is properly secured to prevent tipping! Give glass tree ornaments a miss or hang them on higher branches. The same goes for edible decorations - they will get eaten!

 

Also, avoid using tinsel, if consumed it can cause serious digestive obstructions for a dog, and that means another hasty trip to the vet!

 

Following these tips will help to ensure a happy, healthy holiday season for pets and their humans.

 

Star Gazing with Basil

Sagittarius
22 November - 21 December

 

The Sagittarius dog loves to be busy and faces each day with fresh enthusiasm and a keen sense of adventure. Life with a Sagittarius dog is never dull and the coming year is the perfect time to learn some new tricks! 

 

 

Capricorn
22 December - 19 January
 

The Capricorn dogs adores being at the centre of the action and can become moody when they don't get enough attention. Always a flirt, the year ahead presents many opportunities to meet and tease new friends in the park.