V.I.P – VERY IMPORTANT PETS We would love to include our dog in our wedding; what should we keep in mind? Ensure your dog is happy, healthy and well-behaved throughout the celebration, whether a small wedding or an extravagant affair! Consider your dog’s temperament and personality when deciding whether to include them in your wedding. Not all dogs are well-suited to loud and crowded events like weddings. If your dog is anxious or easily overwhelmed, leave them at home. Dog owners need to understand their dog’s body language and behavioural cues. Signs of stress, anxiety, or discomfort in dogs can include panting, pacing, whining, lip licking, and avoidance behaviours. If a dog is showing these signs, it’s important to remove them from the situation or provide them with a safe space to retreat to. Even the most well-behaved dog can become overwhelmed or anxious in these situations, leading to them accidentally knocking over or jumping on a child. In addition to keeping a close eye on them, educating any children attending on how to interact with dogs safely is essential. This includes teaching them not to approach a dog showing signs of stress or anxiety, to ask permission before petting them and to avoid approaching them while eating or drinking. Ensure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water and is fed at their usual times. Bring along some of their favourite treats; it can also help keep them calm and happy. Ensure your dog has a designated potty area throughout the event and a responsible family member or friend to take your dog outside for necessary potty breaks. Some venues may require that dogs are always kept on a leash or may not allow dogs in certain areas of the property; be aware of the rules and regulations so that you can plan accordingly. Ensure your dog is comfortable on a leash and is crate-trained. Keep your dog away from potential hazards, such as food tables or decorations that may be tempting for your pup to explore. This will prevent your dog from ingesting harmful substances or foods and cause potential health problems. Plenty of exercise and playtime before the wedding is essential to help reduce their energy levels and prevent them from becoming restless or bored during the ceremony. Consider bringing familiar items such as their favourite toy or blanket, to help your dog feel more comfortable and at ease during the event. If you plan to dress your dog up for the wedding, ensure the outfit is comfortable and properly fitted. Avoid accessories that may be choking hazards or restrict their breathing or movement. Booking a grooming session before the big day so your dog looks and feels its best will also prevent muddy paw mishaps. Dr Emma Scales-Theobald | Pooch & Mutt www.poochandmutt.co.uk PRECIOUS CARGO We’re going abroad for our honeymoon, and I want to keep my precious jewellery safe; what advice can you share? It’s important to remember that several factors could damage your precious metals when heading on holiday, from sun cream dulling your jewellery’s sparkle to saltwater eroding metals. To ensure you don’t lose your jewellery while travelling, travel with your jewellery in your hand luggage and use some of these clever storage hacks to keep your jewellery safe and secure. • Straw trick: Worrying about how to travel with necklaces without them getting tangled? This trick is perfect for necklaces and bracelets that get easily tangled up ‒ loop one end through a straw and fasten it. For bracelets, cut the straw down and loop the bracelet through. • Jewellery wraps: These are an innovative storage solution to save space in your suitcase and protect your jewellery from getting tangled. Usually made from soft fabrics such as leather, they’re designed with multiple compartments, zips and press stud sections for earrings, allowing you to keep different types of accessories safe. • Jewellery boxes: There’s no need to take your entire box full of every piece you own, so a smaller travel jewellery box is a great investment if you pack several pieces. These usually include different compartments designed to hold specific types of jewellery and can be locked for extra protection. • Pill cases: The cases are cheap and great for packing stud earrings or other small, delicate jewellery pieces such as gold rings. Every pair can have their compartment, keeping them perfectly organised. • Buttons: A great way to keep your stud earrings safe and in matching pairs is by using a large button. Put the studs through the small buttonholes, securing them with the back of the earring at the back of the button. Robert Cuomo | Hatton Jewellers | www.hatton-jewellers.com www.gettyimages.co.uk www.gettyimages.co.uk 72
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