FOUR PAWED - FOREWARNED IS FOREARMED

While Oscar takes great care to ensure a happier, healthier and longer life through nutrition; the complete pet care service is all part of reminding its pet customers about seasonal hazards. Spring, summer, autumn and winter come and go, each with its good and, more seriously, its bad points when it comes to throwing CAUTION to the wind.

With a built in fur coat, domestic pets can generally cope with a cold spell but older dogs sometimes need extra warmth and a nice tartan coat would not go amiss. However, when it comes to extremes of weather and Christmas do they need guidance? Yes! Led by their instincts they will be inquisitive and in the process want to have fun. Forbidden fruits are always a temptation and left to their own devices any pet could run into trouble and a possible expensive vet bill.

Killjoy or not, Oscar wants its pet owners to have a happy winter by taking note of any danger that may not be on their basic awareness list.

WEATHER
• Rain – dry them well – cold, wet rain will make their bones ache more so with age.
• Wind – can be disorientating which could make them stray and become lost.
• Ice – four legs can still twist a joint or pull a muscle on an icy patch. A frozen lake spells DANGER - your pet might escape a break in the ice - you may not!
• Snow – is tempting to eat but bad for the stomach. Too cold for their paws – make sure nothing is trapped between their toes. Deep snow – deep trouble! Do not venture out!

CHRISTMAS
• A pet for Christmas is a huge responsibility. Are you committed? Do you have time?
• A pet will enjoy sharing your festive fun because it is in tune with you – anything it can’t have, it will find. What temptations lie among the presents under the tree? How safe are Christmas trees; holly and mistletoe; Christmas lights plugged in to the electricity; glass baubles that may look just like a newly-found ball; decorations; gift-wrap ribbons; balloons; party poppers; crackers; drawing pins or small toys? Just a few tempting treats that are all chewable. Cooked poultry bones and chocolate can be serious trouble if eaten. Leftover food, extra to their normal daily feed, could lead to upset tummies plus help to put on the pounds.

Is there anything good for your pet at Christmas? Yes! A well-balanced Oscar meal, an Oscar treat, an Oscar toy under the tree and a nice brisk walk. Pets do not need Christmas in December; everyday is Christmas to them in a good home.

NEW YEAR
• Fireworks bringing in the New Year can be distressing to a sensitive pet. Keep them safe! Keep them occupied! Distract them!

• Shorter days, lack of exercise and excesses of the season could result in being overweight. Talk to Oscar - your local nutritional advisor is there to offer sound advice on how to stay trim and prepare for the excitement of when ‘spring is in the air’!

The Oscar backup service continues to support its network of franchisees throughout the year, dedicating time to every aspect of running a business while looking after its customers.

For seasonal tips on Oscar franchising, call today on 0800 068 1106 for full details and a free information pack.
E.mail: discover@oscars.co.uk
Web: www.oscars.co.uk

NOTE TO EDITORS
Oscar is a full member of the British Franchise Association, Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association and holder of the Investors in People award. With a growing network of qualified Nutritional Advisors the Company provides the UK with a pet food home delivery and advice service.