Speakers' Corner

Has pet pampering gone a step too far?

By Tom Cropper

We’ve all heard of or seen some pets being extremely pampered, but a rather new development in the pet market seems to have taken the notion to a new extreme.

There is now, a first class service leaving from Frankfurt airport which is dedicated entirely for pets. No really...

Like me, I’m sure a lot of people reading this blog would not have the money to pay for their pets to travel solo and in luxury, but before you switch off and think this is a ridiculous service, it may actually make just a little bit of sense.

Travelling with a pet can be difficult; there is not only the legal rigmarole of checking them in and out of the country, but also the logistical challenges of transporting them there and back.

No matter how much you believe your beloved companion truly loves travelling, the entire process is likely to be unsettling for them. So, if you have the money, why wouldn’t you make sure they have the best service possible?

So what is this service in question? Well, Lufthansa, the German airline has introduced a pet airport lounge for those pets that have a layover of two hours or more at Frankfurt airport, with a veterinarian service to boot. Now, I’ve not tried and tested the service, but it does beg the question, are we taking pet pampering a step too far?

Kitting out our pets

Doting owners have been known to buy expensive jewellery, high tech fitness equipment – some have even forked out substantial sums to have their remains blasted into the heavens. And regular viewers of the Dragons Den may even remember Natalie Ellis – a business woman who battled back from a stroke to launch her own invention – a high tech dog bowl - that remained level even when transported in a car.

Do you pamper you pet, or believe this is just nonsense? Better still, have you tried the new Lufthansa service, have an opinion on it, or simply want to offer tips for travelling with a pet? Then get it off your chest by commenting below.

Top Tips to Improve Your Dog's Life

In Confused.com’s latest pet themed blog, we’re bringing you tips on how to look after the health of your dog, so read on to find out more and get access to a free digital copy of K9 magazine.

1. It is a simple fact that what you put into your dog is reflected in how they look, act and feel. Getting the right balance of nutrients is not entirely simple and depends on a seemingly endless amount of variables such as breed, activity level, age and medical condition. As a responsible dog owner, you owe it to your pet to ensure their diet is perfectly matched to their lifestyle, age and activity level.

Many dog owners simply select a food and stick with it, never trying anything different even as the dog's lifestyle changes. Be prepared to change, mix, match and monitor – dogs enjoy variety as much as we do and it makes a lot of sense to see how well our dogs respond to different foods as they grow, slow down or even if they start acting up!

Did you know...

The fuel you put in to your dog has a massive impact on their behaviour as well as the way they look and feel? So feeding the most appropriate food to your dog will not only help them live longer, feel and look better, it will also ensure they maintain that puppy-like spring in their step for a long, long time.

2. Tooth decay and diseased gums produce bacteria that get into the animal's bloodstream. It can result in problems to organs but brushing your dog's teeth every day helps to prevent this. Don't use human toothpaste but entice your pet with the flavoured varieties because you need to keep your dog’s teeth clean for more reasons than just ‘the dog-breath issue’!

3. Dogs like to play all types of games and have loads of energy to burn off.  It’s important though that your dog learns to calm down and “chill out” as much as how to burn off energy. Otherwise they get stressed with the constant anticipation and over excitement. So, teach your dog the equivalent to sitting down and having a cup of tea by putting a command on quiet and relaxing times.

4. Insure your pet. Simple. Do your research on pet insurance policies but don’t consider insurance as a luxury extra. There are too many dog owners who are incredibly thankful they insured their pet and, even more who regret the fact they didn't.

5. Learn as much as you can about the dog you own. Whether you own a pedigree poodle or a rescued dog, learn what you can about the breed, the parents (if possible), known health problems within the breed, known health problems within the family line and so on. A little acquired knowledge and the dog you share your life with can go a long way to you having a happier co-existence.

Bonus Tip!

A fat dog is a less healthy, less happy dog. Owners need to take responsibility for the health of their pets, regardless of how they lead their own lives. Always keep a close eye on your dog's weight, it can and will help them to live longer.

Have dog tips of your own? Then share them below. And check out your free digital edition of K9 magazine here.