It's World Mental Health Day today, and this got us thinking about how our mental health affects everything we do in life, our job, our relationships, the way we feel about ourselves and how we communicate and act when alone and in company. In turn, this got us thinking about how things would be better if everyone was a little more DOG. Dogs are such amazing creatures, full of unconditional love, unquestioning affection and the ability to find joy in everything. In fact, we came to conclusion that just owning a dog has a positive impact on your mental health, and here's how......

1. Dogs are genuinely pleased to see you, no matter what you look like, smell like, how you feel. They love being with you NO MATTER WHAT!
2. Walking your dog every day helps you get into a routine. It gives you something to do every day that gets you out of bed, dressed, out of the house and in among a community of other dog owners.
3. Having something to take care of gives you purpose. It gives your days more meaning when you’re feeling low, dogs can be an anchor onto reality and happiness.
4. Dogs live in the moment and are not thinking about what will happen next week, tomorrow, later on that day. They think only of the now and this is a skill we could all use.
5. Following on from above, walking is very mindful. You can practice clearing your head of everything. Focusing on the dog, the surroundings, what you can smell and hear and feel. The sunshine, the flowers, the birds, the taste of the salty air, the wind. Look for positive things as you walk. Enjoy the moment.....nature is a natural stress reliever and access to the outdoors is proven to lower cortisol (a stress hormone).
6. Watch your dog and enjoy seeing how happy you have made him/her by allowing them to be outside with you. This is so important when struggling with mental health issues, particularly depression. Any achievement, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction. 
7. All dogs are pure love, you have a best friend who will stick with you through all the bad times. They are company for when you’re lonely. 
8. Walking a dog is great gentle exercise, which will release endorphins to make you feel better and relieve stress. 
9. Walking your dog is very good for cardiovascular health, which in turn will improve your mobility, stamina and strength. 
10. Owning or having access to a dog can help you socialise. You can meet other dog walkers, go to group walks or training classes to meet people who are like minded.
11. Dogs are a welcome distraction when you’re unable to focus. They’re always up for playtime, fun and cuddles and their playfulness can give you the necessary outlet for your frustrations.
12. Walking your dog during the autumn/ winter months can help relieve seasonal disorders as you are getting outside every day rather than being at home/ in work all day in unnatural light.
13. Being outdoors with your dog is FREE! Walking your dog needn't cost anything and yet the benefits for the pair of you are enormous. It strengthens your bond which in turn improves your self confidence and self worth.
14. Owning a dog can help relieve anxiety. They are your super nose and ears which will alert you to any unusual going on within your immediate vicinity.
15. Stroking a dog can aid relaxation (for both of you) and cuddling up together can bring your heart rate down and calms your brain.
16. Dogs will give you a lifetime of happy memories, and even after their day has passed the love you feel for them will spur you on to open your heart time and time again.

So there we are, if you're feeling under the weather mentally, there is a lot to be learned from our furry friends, and I think you'd agree that if we were all a bit more DOG, the world would be just the same but our view of it would be a shinier, happier, healthier.

For more information on World Mental Health Day, visit the MENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION WEBSITE HERE.

Until next time,

P.A.W.S. Out.....

You can tell it's Halloween season with the leaves turning golden, the temperature dropping and the children settling back into school. Pick your own pumpkins are popping up in fields across the countryside and farms are enticing us in with their tractor rides, toffee apples and PYO pumpkin experiences. It's this part of October that I love. As a dog walker this season is my absolute favourite. The crowds have gone from the local beauty spots, the countryside looks stunning bathed in a golden glow with low sunshine streaming through the bronzed and tarnished tree canopies and the wildlife is crazy busy getting all their stores full to the brim before the ravages of winter takes hold. It's a great time for dogs too, as they rustle through the leaves and splash in the streams now full with rainfall after the parched dryness of the scorching summer, and chase the abundance of squirrels from tree to tree, wishing they could climb up and savage the little furry blighters!

Dogs can also benefit health wise from the season by eating the pumpkins themselves, and unusually this is one of the only fruits a dog can eat safely, with lots of health benefits. 

So here's 7 health benefits for your dog provided by pumpkin:

1. Pumpkin is great for digestive issues in dogs.
Some dog owners may already know that pumpkin  is a good remedy for diarrhea, but it’s also good for relieving constipation in dogs. Dogs that have IBS or require a bland diet may benefit from adding pumpkin to their food on a regular basis. It's easy to digest and the taste is actually enjoyed by even the fussiest eater.

2. Pumpkins are full of healthy goodness that's great for dogs.
Pumpkins contain a lot of fiber while being low in calories, fat and cholesterol. They contain a good amount of beta-carotene along with magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, and vitamins A and C. 

3. Pumpkin seeds are packed with health boosting vitamins and minerals.
Pumpkin seeds contain plant-based, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants along with other beneficial nutrients such as magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc.

4. Pumpkin seeds are proven to improve insulin regulation in animals (and humans) aiding urinary health (prevention of kidney stones) and in reducing inflammation.

5. Pumpkins are a great way to bulk up your dogs food with fibre without adding too many calories. It is therefore ideal in aiding weight loss in your dog, whilst keeping him fuller for longer.

6. Pumpkin is said to contain oils that help improve a dogs coat making it glossy and shiny, along with easing itchy,  sensitive skin conditions.

7. Ongoing research has found that the amino acid cucurbitin, found in pumpkin and pumpkin seeds may be a natural dewormer for tapeworm and other intestinal parasites.

With such impressive health benefits, it would be a shame to limit your dogs access to this super-food to autumn time only. Pumpkin can be found canned in many super markets or online nowadays, to give your dog a natural, health boost all year round. Alternatively, you can simply puree the pumpkin pulp now and freeze them into ice cube sizes chunks ready to thaw and feed as required.

Please remember NOT to feed carved pumpkin that is not fresh as it is likely to have mould etc growing and could lead to stomach upsets. Fresh is always best.

So how much should you feed your dog?

Well, it only takes a small amount of pumpkin each day to treat diarrhea or constipation problems in dogs so it's important not to feed too much pumpkin because it is so high in fibre.
The recommended amount is between a few teaspoons per day for small dogs to a few tablespoons for larger dogs. It’s important to check with your vet first to get the recommended amount for the weight of your dog. Follow up with an appointment if digestive problems persist.
Increase the amount slowly to allow your dog to adjust to the amount of additional fibre in his diet.

So enjoy this autumn and the PYO pumpkin season, have fun and boost your dogs health all at the same time!

Happy Halloween Folks,

P.A.W.S. Out......

I've been visiting a lot of cafe's with the family recently and am impressed with the amount of places that now allow dogs inside the premises and offer dog treats too. As a dog lover I was always a bit naffed off when an eatery refused us entry if we had our dog with us. Part of the pleasure of owning a dog is spending time with them as part of the family, so after a nice walk, if we fancied a bit of lunch I didn't necessarily want to have to sit outside. 

It seems that we were not alone, and as a result more and more businesses are accepting our pooches with open arms and making a point of making them welcome. So next time you fancy a bite to eat with your beloved pooch, here's our top 5 places on the Wirral to enjoy!

First up is Kirby Park Cafe in West Kirby, a small and quirky, railway style cafe close to the Wirral Way at Cubbins Green. Open 7 days a week and serving delicious cakes, sandwiches, ice cream and hot drinks, dogs are allowed inside and out in the court yard to the rear. The counter top has some nice doggy treats on offer and the atmosphere is very relaxed. A little sunny gem during warm weather, yet cosy and snuggly to warm the cockles on a chilly day too.

Next is Otto Lounge in Heswall/ Marino Lounge in New Brighton. These two busy little places are brimming with people, children and dogs alike. The reason why? The menu and atmosphere are great, the food is delicious and the variety caters for everyone. Always bustling (particularly New Brighton) and dogs are confined to an allocated area but all in all well worth a visit after an energetic dog walk. 

We are very pleased to include the wonderful Claremont Farm Cafe in this list now. A new addition to the old set-up, Claremont Farm have added an inside doggy-friendly section to their already very popular cafe. Always busy with a great atmosphere, the food is sublime, fresh and seasonal and the location is perfect for dog walkers and foodies alike. Thumbs up to Claremont Farm for recognising that us dog walkers are hardy beings but don't always want to sit outside if the weather's a bit pants!

Not far from Claremont Farm, and equally well situated after a dog walk is The Garden Room at Brimstage. This tiny but well set out corner cafe within the Brimstage court yard is full of character and offers lovely sandwiches and cakes to tickle your fancy. Dogs are welcome inside and in the cute courtyard outside and are offered treats upon arrival. A family run place with a nice atmosphere and perfect location.

Finally, it wouldn't be a dog friendly cafe list without the mention of Flossy's in Thurstaston. Originally called GJ's cafe it has changed hands and gone even more (full-on) dog! It always has been a great menu with good quality food at a reasonable price, but now with fresh decor, a dog watering station, dog treats galore and doggy yogurt it's the perfect stop off after a walk along the Wirral Way, Wirral Country Park or beach.

So there you have it, some little doggy eatery gems right on our door step. The list doesn't end there of course. With so many dog owners on the Wirral, businesses would be mad not to improve their dogs-welcome message and it's great to see so many of them doing so.

So get yourselves out there, and make a bit of a day of it. The daily dog walk can be a day out, try somewhere new and enjoy yourselves.

Until next time,

PAWS OUT.....