VIP Specials & Tips - ABBA Autumn Newsletter

HELLO FROM ABBA

A big greetings to all our four legged legends!

As the leaves continue to fall over the next few months, the fun is just getting started for your pets here at ABBA. The completion of a new roof and purchase of new play equipment means your pets will never want to come home (we promise to hand them back over however. Also featured in this newsletter will be tips for keeping your dogs active and healthy leading into the colder months and some info on the benefits of owning a cat for your children. If you are heading for a weekend getaway or chasing the sun overseas over the next few months book a spot for your pet with us and put them in the safest (and most loving) hands!

From the team at ABBA

LATEST OUTDOOR PLAY EQUIPMENT NOW AT ABBA

We are thrilled to announce our new playground area for your pets! A drop of rain won’t stop your little guys having endless fun with other dogs in the new play area. Book a spot in our kennel and see for yourself how much fun your pets will have running around on the ramps, under the bridges and through the hoops! To book, call our reception on 9768 2214 or email info@abbakennels.com.au today. 

VIP MEMBER SPECIAL

When booking your pet in for a stay with us, don't forget to mention
our newsletter and you'll receive a free gift for your dog or cat!

FACEBOOK CELEBRITY

And the winner is… Pam!

Congratulations Pam! Our Facebook Celebrity prize is 5 days of FREE daycare for Lily at a time of your choosing. Please contact us within the next two weeks to claim your prize!
Lily is one of our most loyal and loving regulars, a weekly visitor since June 2015! We have seen her grow from a pup of six months and can’t wait until she is back with us.. Congrats!

Do you want to be a winner?

We love reading your feedback and comments on our Facebook page. To say thank you for your valued contribution to our online community we will be choosing one loyal follower each season as the winner of our Facebook celebrity award. 

WHY CATS ARE GREAT FOR KIDS

Are you looking for a pet without high maintenance, but loves to play and is gentle with kids? So what could it be? Of course, cats! Cats are a great choice because they are a joyful addition to any family. Moreover, they can help your kids in a variety of ways. Cats are especially good pets for toddlers and busy families that don't have enough time to care for a high-maintenance pet. Here are a few reasons why cats are ideal pets for kids.

1. They are pretty easy to care for
Cats are easy to care for. Unlike dogs, cats can groom themselves. They generally don't require bathing or daily walks as they do their business in a small clean litter box. In saying that, if you have a long-haired cat, you should brush it every day to remove excess fur that could cause furballs.

2. They are hilarious, playful and agile
What do kids like to do most of all? Of course, they like to play! What do cats like to do? Cats also love to play. So, cats are perfect companions for kids. They are funny and quite acrobatic, they can run, leap and even dance!

3. They help prevent potential allergies
Kids that grow up with a cat are less likely to develop allergies. Researchers found that keeping a cat at home can reduce the chances of having allergies in adulthood. The study showed that young adults who had cats at home as infants were likely to develop a significant amount of antibodies to pet allergens. This process is known as allergic sensitisation.

4. They raise the self-esteem of kids
Kids who have a cat have higher self-esteem because such assigned tasks like feeding the cat or filling its water bowl give the kids a sense of accomplishment and help them feel independent and competent.

5. They accelerate the cognitive development of kids 
Kids like to play with cats, talk to cats and even read to cats. All these activities directly influence the verbal development of young kids. Cats can act in a role of an attractive, verbal stimulus that facilitates language acquisition and enhances verbal skills in kids.

6. They improve moods and help reduce stress
Cats can also provide emotional support to kids, lift their mood and mitigate negative emotions when they are feeling stressed. The support provided by cats has advantages compared with the social support provided by humans. Cats make kids feel unconditionally accepted, while humans can sometimes judge and criticise.

INSTALLATION OF NEW THERMAGUARD ROOFING AT ABBA

All setup in time for the harsh Australian winter conditions, we are excited to announce the addition of Thermaguard roofing now at ABBA. Thermaguard uses the latest glass microsphere technologies to:

• Reduce thermal shock in summer months 
• Waterproof roofs to prevent leaks and extend roof life 
• Tame extreme heat and improve ambient conditions in cooler seasons. 

Installing this new roofing is guaranteed to make your little guys’ stay even more comfortable than ever before. Book your next appointment today!

TOP TIPS FOR YOU AND YOUR DOG AS THE TEMPERATURE DROPS

You probably know by now whether your little guy is or isn’t a winter dog. Some will whine for cold morning walks and others  want to be nowhere else except snuggled up at the foot of your bed. Whichever type your four legged friend is, following these tips to keep them safe and comfortable over these winter months is a must:

Cozy bedding
In addition to limiting your dog’s time outdoors on cold days, don’t let your pooch sleep on a cold floor in winter. Choosing the right bedding is vital to ensure your dog stays warm. Warm blankets can create a snug environment; raised beds can keep your dog off cold tiles or concrete, and warmed pet beds can help keep the stiffness out of aging joints. Place your dog’s bed in a warm spot away from drafts, cold tile or non carpeted floors. Be sure not to let them sleep right next to electric heaters as these can burn their fur. 

Overfeeding
Although dogs may need an extra layer in winter, make sure it comes from a coat and not a layer of fat. Cold temperatures may even bring on lazy behavior and the need for fewer calories. The cold can bring on lazy behaviours from people as well so share the load and take turns with your partner or family members to prepare meals. A high quality, whole foods, preferably raw meat based diet will help ensure a healthy coat and good energy for the cold winter months.

Go outside when the sun shines
If your dog feels the cold, try to walk her in the late morning or early afternoon hours when temperatures are a little warmer, and avoid early morning or late evening walks. Spend time playing outdoors while it’s sunny; sunshine brings the added benefit of providing both you and your pet with vitamin D. If your dog likes to chew and chase, pack a Frisbee, ball or other safe toy and play together in the sun.

Take shorter walks with your dogs
Winter is a great time to get closer to your pets. They want to be inside with you where it’s warm. Short, frequent walks are preferable to extended walks during this time of year. After that, it should be right back inside to clean any snow or debris from between their toes. This isn’t to say that you should stop exercising your dog when it gets cold outside. The winter is the perfect time to enter your dog into daycare so that he can burn off excess energy in a safe and social place. Don’t forget about playtime at home either. Most dogs would love to chase a plush toy through the hallways. 

Let’s talk temperature!
Some dog breeds are blessed with thick fur that keeps them warm naturally, even in very cold temperatures, but dogs with thin coats may need to wear a sweater or coat when out for winter walks. A good coat should reach from the neck to the base of the tail and also protect the belly. But remember that coats will not prevent exposure to the ears, feet or tail … so even with a cozy coat, don’t keep your short haired dog out too long in freezing temperatures. For long hair dogs, usually their natural coat will provide enough protection from the elements, just make sure to hold off shaving their hair for a few months. 

HOMEMADE CINNAMON SWEET POTATO TREATS

You Will Need:

• 1 medium-sized sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• ½ cup milk
• 1¼ cups flour
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Step 1: Super sweet spuds
Place the peeled and diced sweet potato in a pot and submerge with cold water. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the pieces have softened. Strain the the sweet potatoes, allow to cool, then mash.

Step 2: Mix away!
Preheat the oven to 180°C. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato, egg, vegetable oil, and milk. Whisk well to combine. In a separate bowl, combine the flour and cinnamon. Slowly add the flour mixture to the sweet potato mixture, mixing to incorporate.

Step 3: Spread the love
Grease a baking pan with pan spray. Spoon small amounts of the mixture onto the greased baking pan, creating the “pillows.” Bake at 180°C or 25-35 minutes, or until the pillows have puffed slightly and begin to brown.

Step 4: Bon appétit
Watch these get eaten before you have a chance to even look away! Like all treats these should be consumed in moderation, so maybe save a few for the cat :) \