Total Dog Magazine

Author: Jasmine Kleine

  • Do Certain Breeds Require More Exercise Than Others?

    Do Certain Breeds Require More Exercise Than Others?

    Exercise is similar to diet. Ultimately each dog is an individual and will have specific, individual needs independent of their breed and more relative to their age and individual character.

    It goes without saying that breeds such as a Saluki will require a different regime to that of a Bulldog, however, don’t be too caught up with some of the breed myths about exercise requirements for some of the more misunderstood breeds such as Greyhounds and Whippets.

    Exercise – When It Comes To Exercising Your Dog, How Much Is Needed?

    In humans, the importance of exercise has been proven time and again. But what about our canine friends? Is it enough to just feed them properly and give them occasional walks? What are the benefits of exercise to dogs?

    Dogs sitting

    All dogs need exercise. Studies as well as experience have shown that dogs who are getting adequate exercise are healthier and happier. They are also more social when they are in public places. When dogs are given regular exercise, they are more calm at home and are less restless when left alone. However, just like feeding, choosing the right amount of exercise for your dog should depend on several factors. These factors are age, size, and type of breed.

    Brought To You By Fit & Fun Dog Month 2013

    Fit & Fun Dog Month sponsored by Butchers Lean & Tasty

    ‘Still as Fit as a Butcher’s Dog’

    Age: Puppies require daily exercise for proper muscle development. Their high energy levels need to be released in some form of constructive activity, and giving them their daily exercise is the best way to do it. Not being able to release their pent-up energy can lead to destructive behavior such as chewing or digging. On the other hand, a mature, aging dog needs less exercise because of their lower energy levels.

    Size: Large dogs do not necessarily need more exercise than small dogs. In fact, many large breeds like the Mastiff or Great Dane would rather relax and sit on the porch all day then go out for a 2 mile run. Nevertheless, they also need their daily exercise, perhaps one or two 30 minute walks everyday. On the other hand, many types of small breeds such as the Jack Russell Terrier or Chihuahua still keep on going even after a three-mile walk.

    Type Of Breed: Your dog’s breed is a contributory factor with regard to the amount of exercise required. For instance, dogs that were originally bred to herd such as the Australian Cattle Dog, Border Collie, and German Shepherd need to be exercise daily. Another example of a breed that requires daily exercise are those that were originally bred to hunt (hunting dogs). Examples of these dogs are the Beagle, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, and German Hunt Terrier. And finally,sled dogs such as the Siberian Husky, Samoyed, and Alaskan malamute share the same high level of energy as the herding dogs and hunting dogs.

    Exercise Helps Prevents Obesity

    PDSA Senior Vet, Sean Wensley has the following advice for owners concerned their pet may be gaining too much weight:

    Prevention is better than cure: Some owners are worried about seeking advice for their overweight pet for fear of being judged but preventing obesity is much easier than getting a pet to lose weight. A good diet when a pet is young is essential – fat puppies and kittens are more likely to become fat adult pets due to the number of fat cells they produce while growing.

    Balanced diet: Weight loss requires a combination of the right natural dog food diet and the right amount of exercise.  Many owners feed ‘by eye’ and it’s easy to accidentally overfeed pets, so use scales to weigh out the daily food allowance each morning. Follow packet feeding guidelines or ask your vet about correct amounts.

    Proof It Can Be Done!

    Lucy, a 4 year old flat coated Retriever has always been an active family dog and enjoyed exercising keeping up with the families’ two horses and two other dogs.

    Despite attempts by Lucy’s owner, Gina, to manage her weight by reducing the amount of dry food given, she still gained weight prompting Gina to look to another diet to help her loose weight, as exercise wasn’t the reason for weight gain.

    Lucy before trialing Butchers Lean & Tasty dog food

    Lucy, before trialing Butcher’s Lean & Tasty

    After a 16 week trial being fed on Butcher’s Lean & Tasty, Lucy lost 5.8kg and regained her glossy coat and waistline!

    Lucy after trialing Butchers Lean & Tasty dog food

    Lucy, after trialing Butcher’s Lean & Tasty

    Regular exercise: Build up activity levels gradually, as a pet shouldn’t go from couch potato to marathon runner overnight. Encouraging play and games is a great way to increase a pet’s activity levels, but every pet is different so ask your vet about how much exercise your pet needs

    Ultimately your individual dog will have specific exercise requirements that apply to them as an individual. Speak with your vet about getting an all round health check where you can also discuss individual activity requirements for your dog, no matter what the breed.

    Butcher’s Lean & Tasty meaty complete meals with 30% less fat is a more natural dog food, as are all of the Butcher’s products, because they contain no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.

    Butchers-Lean-and-Tasty-dog-food-pack

    Visit the Butcher’s Pet Care website and use the tool to find the right food for your dog – butcherspetcare.co.uk

     

  • Is My Dog Overweight?

    Is My Dog Overweight?

    Can Your Dog Pinch an Inch or Two?

    Ever met a dog with the innate ability to be self critical? A dog with an acute introspective view of him or herself? No? It’s unlikely our dogs would ever wake up on a Monday morning and question whether they’d overindulged at the weekend and needed to cut the calories in order to get down to their ideal body weight.

    By and large, we are 100% responsible for what our dogs eat. In the wild, dogs use energy to acquire food and, as nature intended it, will essentially burn just about the perfect amount of energy/calories in balance with what they consume. In domestic situations this balance can be lost.

    Twelve million UK pets are being fed too many fatty treats, including takeaways, cheese, crisps and cakes, often on a daily basis, which is fuelling the UK pet obesity epidemic. That is the finding of the biggest national pet health report conducted by leading veterinary charity, PDSA.

    is my dog overweight

    What is even more concerning, according to the animal health and welfare charity, is that 50% of owners say they think treats make their pet happy with just 2% confessing to feeling any guilt about feeding naughty treats. And with just one cube of cheese given to a medium sized dog the equivalent of us eating four shortbread biscuits, half a margherita pizza, or one and a half burgers, we need to consider what we give our pets and the potential for long-term illnesses as a result.

    The PFMA, who recently launched Weigh In Wednesday’s also claim that by keeping pets at their ideal body size, their lifespan can be extended by up to 2 years, which is huge.

    Older dogs are about twice as likely to be overweight as younger dogs. This is most commonly due to owner’s maintaining the same diet for a dog who had greatly reduced their physical output due to slowing down with age. Ask yourself this, can you eat the same food you did when you were a teenager without gaining weight? If you can, you’re one of the lucky few.

    Given the fact we know our dogs are, as a population, getting fatter, the question we should be able to regularly ask and answer is: is MY dog overweight and, if so, what can I do about it?

    Here are four quick ways to make an initial evaluation of your pet’s weight.

    Remember though, regular veterinary or maintenance examinations can give a much better, more accurate view of your pet’s weight and general condition. So many dog owners only visit the vet when their dog is due their annual check-up or is showing signs of illness or injury.

    1. Stand over your dog viewing their back-line from above. You should see a distinct indentation showing a defined waistline. Long haired dogs need to be physically examined by hand, try and feel for definition around the waist.

    2. When viewing your dog from the side, can you make out the shape of the rib cage when your dog breathes in? Again, with a long haired dog, this examination needs to be done by hand. If your dog does not have a discernible waistline from above or the side, they could be overweight, If you require further assurances speak to your vet.

    3. Look at pictures of your pet from when they were in their peak shape. Has their face changed? Is there more signs of excess skin or a rounding of the face (loss of definition)? Many a successful diet has been prompted by looking at unflattering photographs. Use photos to compare your dog’s current shape to how they looked when they were at their best. Remember, we can’t expect to maintain the health and shape from our youth but we can (and should) always seek to ensure our dogs are in the peak shape for their age, breed and life stage (here are some of the most common age-related reasons dogs can gain weight).

    4. Keep a food diary to track what your dog eats on a daily basis, and use this to help you identify the extra 1/2 biscuit here and there contributing to the problem. Download your own food diary here. During your weight loss journey, why not also download your dog his own weight loss certificate to celebrate the moment. Create your own here.

    Proof It Can Be Done!

    Mylo is a 7 year old Finnish Laphund who lost 1.7kg in 16 weeks, with a final weight of 17.8kg, the ideal weight for his breed.

    Mylo, before trialing Butcher's Lean & Tasty

    Mylo, before trialing Butcher’s Lean & Tasty

    Mylo is a very active dog, his owner, Simon first noticed him gain weight after being neutered when he became very food driven. Simon who owns other Laphund’s and looks after many dogs for other people told us “It is really easy to miss the signs of your dog being overweight but it isn’t hard to lose that excess weight – Butcher’s Lean & Tasty really does work!” stating that Mylo “is as fit as he has ever been”.

    Mylo, after trialing Butcher's Lean & Tasty

    Mylo, after trialing Butcher’s Lean & Tasty

    Choosing the right natural dog food can be a huge part of your dog’s success, like Mylo’s. Some foods, such as the variety Mylo enjoys, include less calories for a start without missing out on the nutrients your dog needs to live a happy, healthy life.

    Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help, remember that tackling the problem could give you up to two extra years with your dog. That’s got to be worth it, hasn’t it?

    Butcher’s Lean & Tasty meaty complete meals with 30% less fat is a more natural dog food, as are all of the Butcher’s products, because they contain no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.

    Butchers-Lean-and-Tasty-dog-food-pack

    Visit the Butcher’s Pet Care website and use the tool to find the right food for your dog – butcherspetcare.co.uk

  • Fit & Fun Dog Month with Butcher’s Pet Care

    Fit & Fun Dog Month with Butcher’s Pet Care

    What dog owner doesn’t want to help their dog live a longer, happier, healthier life? We’ve teamed up with Butcher’s Pet Care, makers of Butcher’s Lean & Tasty, to bring you the inaugural Fit & Fun Dog Month, a month of helpful tips from canine health experts focusing on how to help your dog be fitter and healthier than they’ve ever been.

    Fit & Fun Dog Month 2013, sponsored by Butcher’s Lean & Tasty, will be running this November. Packed full of useful dog tips from nutrition and behavioural experts, fun dog facts and activities for you and your dog.

    Sign Up To Receive The FREE eBook Below

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  • Women More Likely To Dress Pets Up For Halloween

    Women More Likely To Dress Pets Up For Halloween

    Pets are considered the heart of our family, playing a role so important to us that we know we can rely on their wagging tail to brighten any day.

    Recent research conducted by K9 Magazine publishers, Total Pet Publishing, on behalf of Saga Pet Insurance has discovered that women are more likely to dress their pets up for Halloween, than men and that almost 1 million of us have dressed pets up in years gone by.

    Montse Maceiras + Memphis AKA Count Jackula

    Meet Memphis, AKA Count Jackula!

    With one in 17 owners spend more than £30 on the perfect spooky outfit, and one in 7 dogs owning more than five scary outfits – we’re posing the question, what are your plans for this year?

    Take a look at our gallery of readers dogs dressed up and ready to join in Halloween fun for inspiration.

    Thanks to all who took the time to tell us your thoughts and send your spooky snaps through!

  • How to Cure Firework Phobia in Dogs?

    How to Cure Firework Phobia in Dogs?

    Firework phobia could be a thing of the past for pet dogs according to the RSPCA, which is bracing itself for another busy bonfire night season.

    The charity regularly receives more than three-quarters of all calls about fireworks in October and November, when Guy Fawkes and Diwali celebrations are in full swing.

    Last year there were 326 fireworks related calls in those two months alone. That is 75% of the 436 received across the whole year1.

    It is a stressful time of year for pets and their owners, with an estimated 45% of dogs in the UK showing signs of fear when they hear fireworks2. This means more than 3.8 million dogs could be left cowering across the UK this year3.

    However, the RSPCA’s chief vet James Yeates has emphasised the message that firework phobia is a treatable condition in dogs and given hope to the owners of petrified pets.

    He said: “I’ve spoken to countless people during my career who say they dread bonfire night and fireworks because of the distress it causes to their animals.

    “’I’ve always told them that firework phobia is a treatable condition and their animals don’t have to suffer such misery every year.

    “Owners should plan ahead and speak to their vet about how to help their pets cope during the fireworks season. There are a number of therapy tools and products available, such as the Sounds Scary! CD which helps dogs learn to be less afraid of loud noises.

    “This product aims to tackle the root cause of firework phobia and needs to be used well in advance of the fireworks season. There are also pheromone diffusers that can help dogs and cats feel calmer; these products should be used in conjunction with behavioural therapy so speak to your vet for more advice.”

    If your pet is very fearful, your vet may refer you to a qualified animal behaviourist who will be able to advise on treating noise phobia through behavioural therapy.

    “Other tips include providing constant access to safe hiding places, closing windows and curtains and turning on the radio or television to help to mask the sounds from outside and ensure your pets are better able to cope. Microchipping your pets will increase your chances of being reunited in case they escape,” added James.

    With 5 November this year falling on a Tuesday, as well as Diwali celebrations from late October, it is expected that events and fireworks displays will be staggered across two or even three weeks.

    James said: “We urge anyone organising a fireworks display in the coming weeks to give plenty of notice to people in the area. Most of the calls we get about fireworks relate to scared animals, so it would at least give owners the chance to prepare.

    “We also appeal for organisers to show some consideration and not let off any fireworks too close to places where animals are, such as livestock in fields for example.”

    He also called on people to check bonfires before lighting them to ensure there are no wild animals using them as a hiding place.

  • What Happens When a Dog Sees Her Owner For First Time in Six Months? Watch…

    What Happens When a Dog Sees Her Owner For First Time in Six Months? Watch…

    Watch this video without smiling.

    Go on.

    Try it.

  • How To Stop Dog Stealing Food?

    How To Stop Dog Stealing Food?

    To eliminate stealing, whether it is overt (taking food from children) or covert (pilfering the thawing dinner steak), it is necessary to initiate a program of at least 4 weeks, during which no food is ever placed within the pup’s reach. It goes without saying that no tidbits should be given during this period.

    Remedies that often fail include lacing some food with pepper or ammonia, saying “No-no” while tempting the pup, and physically punishing the animal when it approaches the family’s food. These fail because they require the presence of some agent other than the food, either the aversive-tasting element or the owner. When these elements are not present, the pup is rarely discouraged from stealing the food. It learns to discriminate between treated and untreated morsels, and to avoid food in the owner’s presence.

    Begging food from the dinner table is one of the easiest things to teach a dog, and also one of the hardest habits to break. Your pet’s training to beg begins when he is a young, adorable puppy. It does not take too many repetitions before he learns that he gets fed from the table by begging. Then he sits by your chair while you are eating and stares at you. Occasionally he’ll get up on his hind legs and paw you, or he’ll nudge your arm and remind you that he is waiting. And he drools, that’s the worst part. He looks as though you never feed him.

    If you don’t have this problem, prevention is quite simple. Don’t start giving your dog food from the table. If you must give your dog table scraps, give them in moderation and in his own dish after you have finished eating or, better yet, with his regular meal. Once you have a dog that begs, it becomes a self-perpetuating problem. Begging is rewarded with food.

    Chances are, if you have this problem, you’ve tried to stop his begging, you’ve yelled at him when he begs, pushed him away, and even gotten really angry, but he just gets more persistent. So you’ve had to give him something to be able to eat in peace. What you have done is to reward his persistence. Each time you have tried holding out longer, but have ultimately given in, you have further trained him that no matter how far away the rainbow looks, there is a pot of gold at the end if he simply waits.

    When you are tired of this behaviour and want to end it, when you get to the point that you can’t stand the drooling, the whining, the pawing and the sad eyes staring at you, then you have to steel yourself for the cure. Using the positive approach, give him the command “Down” and have him do a long “Down” by your chair during dinner. Be prepared for many interruptions initially, while you reinforce his “Down.” Each time he gets up, repeat the command and replace it if necessary so that he remains down during your dinner.

    With a truly persistent begger, your first week of dinners may be quite a trial. Some dogs bark repeatedly and go through all manner of random actions to try to get you to feed them from the table. But once you have begun the training, stick with it. If you give in at any time, no matter how small the tidbit you sneak him, not only have you lost that battle, you may very well have lost the entire war. If you have made up your mind that you don’t want begging, then it’s just a matter of time before you have your dog resigned to the fact that the party is over, at least at the dinner table.

    When your dog is steady enough to do the long “Down” away from your side during dinner, then establish his place where he stays while you eat. He should be put in his place every evening while you are eating, and praised when you release him at the end of the meal. It won’t be too long before you will be eating dinner in the company of a well-trained, well- behaved dog lying quietly in the corner.

    This article is extracted from K9 Magazine’s ‘How To Stop Dog Begging’ – read in full here.

  • The Secret Life of Dogs (Amazing BBC Documentary)

    Humans have an extraordinary relationship with dogs – closer than with any other animal on the planet, man’s best friend has surely earned his title. But what makes the bond between us so special?

    Research into dogs is gaining momentum, and scientists are investigating them like never before. From the latest fossil evidence, to the sequencing of the canine genome, to cognitive experiments, dogs are fast turning into the new chimps as a window into understanding ourselves.

    Where does this relationship come from? In Siberia, a unique breeding experiment reveals the astonishing secret of how dogs evolved from wolves. Swedish scientists demonstrate how the human/dog bond is controlled by a powerful hormone also responsible for bonding mothers to their babies.

    Why are dogs so good at reading our emotions? Horizon meets Betsy, reputedly the world’s most intelligent dog, and compares her incredible abilities to those of children. Man’s best friend has recently gone one step further – helping us identify genes responsible for causing human diseases.

  • Bad Dog Legislation Failed Tragic Dog Attack Victim Jade Anderson

    Bad Dog Legislation Failed Tragic Dog Attack Victim Jade Anderson

    The National Dog Warden Association like the rest of the United Kingdom was shocked to learn of the death of school girl Jade Anderson and we offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Jade.

    The true facts of what happened may never be known and it is wrong to speculate whilst the police investigation is ongoing. What is known however is that the lack of political will and clear direction from governments of various political makeup has resulted in this important issue being kicked into the long grass for a variety of reasons, writes NDWA Chairman Neil Burton.

    It is now plainly clear that legislation must be amended to protect the public wherever they are be it in a public or private place from dogs. The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 should be amended to include private property to protect workers and the general public who are visiting a private property for a bona fide reason.

    NDWA called for some type of dog licensing scheme with third party insurance liability back in 2009 but this idea was scoffed at by some. NDWA again calls for a dog licence scheme that includes a requirement to have appropriate insurance (which many responsible dog owners already have) as well as a mandatory requirement for a dog owner to show an element of dog knowledge and the ability to control their dog. A scheme such as the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme being an example of such proof of competence.

    The issue of dog control should also look at the number of dogs that can be housed at a social housing property as part of a tenants occupancy agreement and the local authority or Registered Social Landlord should enforce the rules.

    Local Authorities and Police Forces need to work more closely on dog related issues and there should be a consistent approach across all council and police areas around the country. The current patchwork approach is a postcode lottery and dependent upon which area the incident occurs and whether the local police or the council deal with the incident.

    The loss of experienced Dog Wardens and their replacement by council officers needs to be addressed by Local Authorities as a matter of urgency. Those councils who are aware of the statutory minimum requirement for a council to collect stray dogs may think they are being clever and saving money by reducing the role of their Dog Warden to a multi-roled job which may have pest control or the issuing of Fixed Penalty Notice as the primary role, this can be a dangerous false economy.

    Unfortunately though this is unlikely to happen due to Dog Warden Services being an easy target for budget savings. Without closer cooperation between councils and police, clear guidelines on who deals with what and the protection of the public through a combination of robust education and enforcement, nothing will ever change.

    The government appears unwilling to deal with dog owners or encroach upon the hearth and home of citizens for fear of being seen as interfering. Somebody needs to advise the government that dogs can be out of control in public and that there is a culture of irresponsible and anti-social dog ownership amongst a minority of dog owners. It ranges from failing to clear up after their dogs through to having dogs that are a danger to other animals and people.

    Tougher dog controls are needed but people need to be aware that whatever legislation is brought in, without appropriate resources or political will to enforce such legislation robustly, there will be no increase in public protection. The government needs to remember that any legislation brought in needs to be made mandatory otherwise it will go the way of Out of Hours Stray Dog Services, something not complied with by many Local Authorities because DEFFRA used the words ‘where practicable’.

    Hopefully Local Authorities will not have to consider that the protection of human life from dogs is only required ‘where practicable’ and will take a managing position to protect the public.

  • Corgi Puppy Gets Surprise in the Mirror

    Corgi Puppy Gets Surprise in the Mirror

    Awww.

    How funny is this Corgi’s response to seeing their own reflection in the mirror?

  • RSPCA Reiterates Serious Concerns About Crufts Dog Show

    RSPCA Reiterates Serious Concerns About Crufts Dog Show

    The RSPCA has welcomed the inclusion of a category for cross-breeds at this year’s Crufts – but insists all dogs should be judged on their health and welfare rather than their appearance.

    Britain’s biggest animal welfare charity is pleased to see the inclusion of Scruffts, alongside the Friends for Life class for rescue dogs, at Crufts 2013. However, it is still only a small step in the right direction with most classes being judged predominantly on the dogs’ physical looks.

    The RSPCA launched the Born To Suffer campaign in 2011 to calls for the Kennel Club’s breed standards to be reviewed by a panel of independent experts, so that they prioritise the health, welfare and temperament of the dogs over their appearance.

    The campaign petition has already received nearly 23,000 signatures from members of the public who share our view.

    RSPCA scientific officer Lisa Richards also welcomed Channel 4’s pledge to highlight the serious issues which continue to affect pedigree dogs – including exaggerated features and hereditary diseases – during its coverage of Crufts this year.

    She said: “Shows like Crufts focus predominantly on appearance when judging. This has a significant impact on the way that dogs are bred and so we want all classes to judge animals according to their heath, temperament and welfare, rather than focussing on how they look.

    “We’re concerned that many pedigree dogs are still suffering because they are bred and judged primarily on breed standards that need reviewing to ensure they address many of the recognised health concerns.

    “Although some progress has been made by the dog world to address these issues, it has not been nearly enough and the problems are far from being solved.

    “We believe that all of those who benefit from dogs have a collective responsibility to work together to ensure that the health and welfare of pedigree dogs is protected.”

    Three major reports were published on dog breeding in the UK in the 18 months following Pedigree Dogs Exposed. The documentary, first broadcast on BBC One more than four years ago, investigated some of the serious health and welfare issues experienced by many pedigree dogs as a result of the way they are bred.

    All three reports concluded that the welfare issues associated with pedigree dog breeding are extremely serious, while the recent EFRA report on dog control and welfare said that too many dogs continue to suffer ill-health due to inbreeding and breeding for exaggerated characteristics, and there is still much to be done to protect the future health of dogs.

  • Dog Charity Alarmed at Lack of Knowledge About Pet Travel Scheme

    Dog Charity Alarmed at Lack of Knowledge About Pet Travel Scheme

    Alarm as survey shows pet owners unaware of pet travel scheme implications

    • Confusion amongst pet owners and vets a year on from changes to the Pet Travel Scheme
    • Puppy smuggling on the rise as buying pets online becomes the norm

    Research commissioned by Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, has revealed a concerning lack of awareness from pet owners about the potential health pitfalls of travelling abroad with their pets. Changes were made to the Pet Travel Scheme in January 2012 which has seen a more relaxed approach to allowing pets into the UK from the rest of the world. There has been a 61% increase in people travelling with their pets since 1st January 2012.

    The recent survey * revealed that:

    · Since the changes to the scheme last year, 45% of vets have seen an increase in issuing pet passports to clients

    · Of the 130 responding pet owners who had travelled with their pet in the last year, 11% had a vet’s confirmation that their dog had brought a disease from abroad back to the UK.

    · The majority of these cases were transmitted in areas frequented by sand flies. The disease Leishmania is potentially zoonotic. This means that it can be transmitted from animals to humans.

    · Apart from rabies, there is a low awareness amongst pet owners about travel related diseases.

    · With limited appointment times, only half of the vets surveyed discuss the zoonotic implication or susceptibility to non endemic disease as part of their travel consult.

    · Fake pet passports are dealt with by Trading Standards, not Defra. Many vets are unsure who to report a suspect passport to.

    72% of pet owners would rely on the advice of their vet, most frequently the first port of call, for information about travelling abroad with their pet. In addition, 60% of responding vets had clients who had rescued a dog from abroad in the last year, 49% of these dogs came from Spain. This is a worrying trend due to the widespread prevalence of Leishmania.

    Worryingly, with demand for designer breeds so high and the growing trend of online shopping, there is a marked increase in litters of puppies being smuggled into the UK for sale to unsuspecting potential dog owners. People are not aware of the dangers of buying puppies in this way and should always see the puppy interacting with its mother which is not possible online.

    Dogs Trust recently hosted a seminar: The Pet Travel Scheme and the risk of new diseases entering the UK to review and discuss the facts. The aim is to collectively develop a resource which will hopefully become a central information tool for both vets and pet owners on this issue. In the meantime, information can be found on http://www.bva.co.uk/ or the Defra website: http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/

    Paula Boyden, Veterinary Director at Dogs Trust, says:

    “We were very concerned about the lack of awareness of the implications of changes to the Pet Travel Scheme with the inevitable increase in movement of animals into the UK. We felt that we needed to highlight the risk of disease entering the UK should pet owners and vets not receive the correct information on this issue. Our aim is to have a resource where all pet owners, vets and people working with the movement of animals or animal welfare can go to access reliable and up to date information. We hope that this initiative will reduce the risk of new diseases becoming endemic in the UK.”

  • Britain’s Pet Obesity Problem Growing

    Britain’s Pet Obesity Problem Growing

    This time of year, many of us are a few pounds heavier than normal; but what about our pets. Have we over-indulged them as well?

    Britain is the fattest nation in Western Europe, with more than a quarter of the population ranked as obese, according to a recent study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

    But what about our pets? Are they tipping the scales as well?

    Unfortunately, the answer is yes. An estimated 40% of UK pets are obese, according to The Royal Canin Weight Management Clinic at the University of Liverpool. With the New Year well underway, perhaps it is time to get a grip on the problem.

    Rosie Skinner, Head Vet at Emmview Veterinary Centre, Wokingham, offers timely advice on how you can recognise if your pet is overweight, and steps to ensure a happier, healthier and slimmer dog or cat.

    “Obesity in pets,” says Rosie, “is a serious problem, leading to and exacerbating a number of health issues, including diabetes, heart problems and arthritis. In addition, obesity can decrease your pet’s lifespan and seriously impair its quality of life.

    “To be classed as clinically obese,” says Rosie, “your pet has only got to be 15% over its normal body weight.”

    In most cases, the reason pets carry too much weight is simple: they eat more food than they burn off – exactly the same as for humans.

    It’s a dog’s dinner…

    Rosie points out additional factors that can contribute to a pet’s obesity.

    Breed – certain breeds have a higher risk of becoming obese, including Cocker Spaniels, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Basset Hounds, Shetland Sheepdogs and Dachshunds.

    Age – the risk of obesity can increase with age. Keep this in mind when feeding your pet, especially when doling out the treats.

    Gender – with the exception of older pets, obesity can be more common in female animals than in males.

    Neutering – there is some connection between obesity and reproductive status; this is because spayed and neutered dogs generally require fewer calories to maintain a healthy weight.

    Pet owner – fortunately, pets can’t stop by McDonalds after a stressful day or break open a tub of ice cream if they’re feeling sad; their food and exercise levels are at owner discretion. As long as the human in the relationship makes the right choices, pets can overcome their obesity issues.

    Keep your eye on the ball

    “It is important to keep an eye on your pet’s weight,” says Rosie, who recommends pet owners regularly check the following:

    – Can you see and feel the outline of your pet’s ribs without excess fat covering them?
    – Can you see and feel your pet’s waist? Is it clearly visible when viewed from above?
    – Is your pet’s belly tucked up when viewed from the side?
    – If you answered no to any of the above, your pet may be overweight.

    “Regular and fun exercise is essential when keeping your pet fit and healthy,” continues Rosie. “There are plenty of ways to exercise animals besides walking. Dogs enjoy running and playing games like fetch, which can make exercising exciting and fun for you and your pet.”

    However, exercise isn’t the only key to losing the pounds; it has been shown that calorie restriction has a greater impact on weight loss than increased exercise.

    Rosie warns, however, that sticks can be dangerous. “We see a lot of casualties where sticks have been swallowed or become stuck in a dog’s throat. It’s best to use a durable plastic bone or ball that’s too big for your dog to swallow”.

    Do cats need exercise too?

    You may think cats need very little exercise, but the opposite is true.

    House cats in particular need regular exercise to break up their routine of eating and napping. Owners should set aside time every day to play with their cats. You can also encourage them to ‘work’ for their food, using toys that release food when pushed and played with.

    Outdoor cats should exercise as well because it’s difficult to tell what they get up to when they’re outside. The best toys are those that inspire cats to chase and pounce, such as fishing rod-type toys and climbing equipment.

    “Making these small changes can help maintain your pet’s proper weight,” says Rosie, “ensuring your best friend and companion lives a happy, healthy life while in your care. You are a big factor in the life and health of your cat or dog.”

    If you are concerned about your pet, make an appointment with your vet to ensure there are no underlying medical problems. You’ll also be able to get sound advice on how you can help your pet to maintain a healthy weight.

  • Pit Bull Locking Jaw Myth Busted (& Other Pit Bull Facts)

    Pit Bull Locking Jaw Myth Busted (& Other Pit Bull Facts)

    Do Pit Bulls have locking jaws?

    A) No. Their jaw is anatomically no different to other dogs. There is no ‘locking mechanism’ and they do not have this infamous ability lock their jaws when biting. In fact, the Pit Bull does not even possess the most powerful bite in the domestic dog world.  Here’s some light reading, further dispelling the Pit Bull locking jaw myth:

    Dr. Brisbin, as well as the other experts, testified that pit bulls do not have locking jaws. Based on actual dog dissections and measurement of their skulls, the evidence demonstrated that pit bull jaw muscles and bone structure are the same as other similarly sized dogs. No evidence was presented to demonstrate that a pit bull’s bite is any stronger than other dogs of its size and build. He stated that, contrary to information relied upon and  perpetuated by earlier case law  and law review articles, assertions that a pit bull can bite with a “force of 2,000 pounds per square inch” have absolutely no basis in fact or scientific proof. The testing of dog bite strength has never been done, and would be difficult if not impossible to perform.

    Source.

    In fact, a locking jaw in any dog is considered a cause for veterinary intervention. The notion that certain breeds such as Pit Bulls can perform this function is plain wrong.

    Once celebrated as a great all-American pet, pit bull type dogs started getting a bad rap in the 1980s, largely due to misinformation, which spawned prejudice. Fast forward to today, and pit bulls are now the most abused, most maligned and most abandoned type of dog in the United States, with approximately 1,000,000 put to sleep in shelters yearly.

    Some Facts & Myths About Pit Bulls

    * Pit bulls are just dogs (a type of dog, not a breed).
    * They do not have locking jaws, as covered above.
    * They do not bite differently than other large breeds.
    * They are not more aggressive than other breeds (source: American Temperament Test Society).

    Like all dogs, they feel pain, love, fear and joy. The media has played a large role in spreading erroneous information and creating hysteria about pit bulls: National Pit Bull Awareness Day is a chance to for the media to help set the record straight.

    National Pit Bull Awareness Day is the perfect opportunity to tell a positive story about America’s dog Pit bulls are the most abused, most euthanised, most maligned and most misunderstood type of dog in America and across much of the world today.

    The media has been a big part of this problem—sensationalizing negative pit bull stories, spreading myths and inciting hysteria. Now, you can also be part of the solution. October 22, 2011, is National Pit Bull Awareness Day.

    The organisers (and K9 Magazine is happy to join in) are asking you to take this opportunity to focus on the positive attributes of this all-American dog. Here are some story suggestions:

    Facts About Pit Bulls

    1. Pit bulls are therapy dogs, service dogs, search and rescue dogs and, most famously, loving family pets (including pets to many celebrities). Tell the story of one such everyday hero in your community. We’ll be happy to help provide contacts and leads.

    2. Highlight a National Pit Bull Awareness Day event going on in your community.

    3. Take the opportunity to dispel many of the common myths: Pit bulls do not have locking jaws, do night bite differently than other large breeds, do not “suddenly snap,” are not “bred to fight” (the vast majority are bred as pets, like any other dog), and they do feel pain. Like all prejudicial thinking, judging a dog simply by how it looks only leads to negative actions and reactions.

    Understanding that certain myths created about particular breeds can lead to innocent dogs losing their lives is something that, happily, many thousands of people have been able to grasp since the Worldwide web has been able to educate. However, there are still politicians who need to learn. Hopefully National Pit Bull Awareness day will have a positive impact on the minds of those who are happy to see certain dogs lose their lives having never done a single thing wrong.

    The next time you hear or read someone espousing the ill-informed myth about the Pit Bull’s locking jaw, feel free to send them here 😉

    Or click here to spread this message and tell people the truth about Pit Bulls

  • Dogs Enjoying The Snow [Video]

    How much do your dogs enjoy the snow?

    As much as this?