Total Dog Magazine

Category: Dog News

The latest dog news from around the world

  • A Third of British Dog Owners Brush Their Dog’s Teeth (& It Could Save Their Dog’s Life!)

    How often do you clean your dog’s teeth? Are you one of the 30% of dog owners who clean their dog’s teeth? If you aren’t then read on because this one simple action could save your dog’s life…

    New research from Direct Line Pet Insurance has revealed the scale of the problem amongst dog owners in the UK with vets admitting to treating an average of 11 cases involving tooth and gum disease every week, while one in six vets the findings revealed admit to seeing 20 or more cases.

    Tooth and gum disease is something which is easily preventable if owners follow simple steps including regular brushing, improving their dog’s diet and using dental specific food and chews if recommended by vets. Two thirds of vets recommend that owners clean their dog’s teeth every day. One in seven suggest cleaning a dog’s teeth twice a day, like we do our own teeth.

    Despite the recommendation for regular tooth brushing less than a third of dog owners brush their dog’s teeth. Those who do, brush an average of 109 times a year, or nine times a month, with just under a third (31 per cent) brushing every couple of days.

    According to vets across the UK, the most common causes of tooth and gum disease in dogs are poor diet (42 per cent) and owner’s not brushing their dog’s teeth correctly or often enough (23 per cent). This can lead to periodontal disease, a build-up of plaque which can if left untreated cause the gums to recede, bacteria to enter the bloodstream and sometimes even spread to other organs, the heart, for example.

    The worst case scenarios for untreated tooth and gum disease in animals can result in tooth extractions, blood poisoning / septicaemia, tooth loss, disease in other organs and even death.

    Some of the most common signs a dog may be suffering from a dental problem are:

    · Blood on their toys
    · Facial swelling
    · Dropping food
    · Favouring one side of the mouth
    · Bad breath

    Prit Powar, head of pet insurance at Direct Line said: “We know how important it is to clean our own teeth, yet many of us do not consider how important it is to clean our dog’s teeth. There are many dental products on the market including chews, toys, treats and even specific food, but none of these should be used as a substitute for cleaning your dog’s teeth. If you’re unsure how to do it and want to be shown how, or are concerned your dog is suffering a dental health issue then take your pet to see the vet.”

    The pet insurer recommends these simple steps to make your dog comfortable having his teeth cleaned:

    · Start by getting your dog used to having your fingers around its mouth by gently pulling gums back and massaging them
    · Use a finger brush to get your dog used to having something touching its teeth and gums
    · Once your dog is used to the finger brush, move on to using toothpaste and a doggy toothbrush. Only dog-friendly toothpaste should be used as it does not contain fluoride which is dangerous to dogs
    · Always use positive reinforcement with treats and praise so your dog ends up enjoying having its teeth cleaned

    Direct Line Pet Insurance’s Advanced policy now includes up to £1,000 towards dental disease and illness treatment costs as standard – find out more here: www.directline.com/pet-cover

  • Say Cheese! Dog Becomes Hero After Rescuing Man Trapped Under Thousands of Tonnes of Cheese

    Say Cheese! Dog Becomes Hero After Rescuing Man Trapped Under Thousands of Tonnes of Cheese

    Little did Belle, a four year old Labrador Retriever know that as her day unfolded on Friday 6th May she would be visiting a factory based to save a man buried under thousands of tonnes of cheese. But this is exactly what happened.

    After receiving a call from the national Fire and Rescue Service, Belle, who is an Urban Search and Rescue dog from Merseyside, and her handler responded to the call after driver Tomasz Wiszniewski became trapped under the toppled 10 metre-high metal shelving, which was storing boxed cheese at a factory in Hinstock, Market Drayton in Shropshire.


    Photo Credit: Twitter.com/merseyfire

    Alongside alongside another Search and Rescue dog from Leicestershire Fire & Rescue Service named Maya, Belle visited the factory and expressed interest in the area of the haulage warehouse where Mr Wiszniewski was buried, indicating to the firefighters present who were then able to free him from the wreckage and help him emerge unharmed from his eight-hour ordeal.

    Watch Manager Jo Stephens, pictured below, who also heads up the Search Dog Team at Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, said: “Belle did a fantastic job and performed exactly as she has been trained to.

    “She has been an Urban Search and Rescue dog with the Service since she was 18-months’-old and has worked in many major incidents across the country. She is also part of the International Search and Rescue Team that deploys all over the world.


    Photo Credit: Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service

    “Belle is trained to sniff out live scent and to give a bark alert so that operational crews can then come to the spot she has identified and use listening devices and cameras to establish the exact location of casualties.

    “It gives the crews somewhere to start and helps pinpoint areas where there might be casualties. This was an extraordinary outcome because the man involved emerged alive and unscathed.

    “The whole atmosphere in the warehouse was so buoyant when they brought the worker to safety. Belle did a fantastic job and we are very proud of her contribution to the rescue effort.

    “She was rewarded with her beloved tennis ball, which is her motivation for all her search and rescue work!”

    Belle is part of a team of four Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service dogs, alongside Teal, Zak and Jip, who assist in search and rescue operations and fire investigations.

  • Are America’s Pets Addicted to Chicken? New Research Says Yes!

    Are America’s Pets Addicted to Chicken? New Research Says Yes!

    New research out this week claims America’s dogs and cats are addicted to chicken.

    The research, which compared the pet food buying habits across the globe revealed that chicken is a universally popular flavour, but is the most popular flavour of food (wet and dry) and treats for both cats and dogs across America.

    The US is closely followed by the UK,  but whereas American’s prefer to feed chicken across the board, Brits opt for more variety in this sector.

    The research also highlighted that Spain’s lucky dogs get far greater variety, with beef and fish flavors rivaling chicken for both wet food and treats. France’s cats also do well, showing equal variety as Spain in the wet food and treats bought for them – although the ubiquitous chicken continues to dominate when it comes to selecting their cats’ dry food and their dogs’ wet and dry food.

    The Czech Republic, Greece and China stand out in preferring beef flavor above all others for their dogs’ wet food.

  • Meet Calvin a Cancer Survivor Who Is Celebrating Brain Cancer Awareness Month!

    Meet Calvin a Cancer Survivor Who Is Celebrating Brain Cancer Awareness Month!

    As the world celebrates National Brain Tumor Awareness Month this May, brain tumor survivor Calvin, an eight-year-old French Bulldog belonging to Gretchen and David May of Scottsdale, is happily playing with his favourite crunchy bone toy and playing (chasing) his French Bulldog sister, Olive, around the house.

    Gretchen said: “He’s our little miracle dog. Calvin and Olive are our kids. We would do anything for them. We feel incredibly lucky that we had access to SRS (stereotactic surgery) here in Arizona.”


    Photo Credit: Twitter.com/petcureoncpetcureonc

    Already proven successful in human medicine, SRS is now available for pets and providing newfound hope in the fight against cancer.

    Calvin’s survivor story began on a Sunday afternoon last September when Gretchen noticed Calvin having a seizure. He was shaking and foaming at the mouth. A trip to the emergency room for overnight observation was followed by a visit to his primary care veterinarian, Travis Nick, DVM, of Scottsdale Ranch Animal Hospital, for evaluation. After some preliminary testing, Calvin was referred to a veterinary neurologist, Jason Evans, MS, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology), at Veterinary Neurological Center in Phoenix, Arizona. There, MRI results revealed that Calvin had a malignant brain tumour. Dr. Evans referred the Mays to PetCure Oncology at Arizona Veterinary Oncology (AVO) in Gilbert, Arizona for further evaluation by board-certified radiation oncologist Eric Boshoven, DVM, DACVR (RO).

    After reviewing Calvin’s history and performing a comprehensive exam, Dr. Boshoven walked his owners through all of their available treatment options. Ultimately, he recommended treating the tumour with SRS rather than surgery or chemotherapy. “Calvin successfully completed three SRS sessions,” said Dr. Boshoven. “He suffered a small seizure after his first treatment but none since. Aside from experiencing a slight lightening of his coat, he has had no side effects. An MRI at four months post-treatment showed virtually no sign of the tumor.”

  • Dog Owners in South East England Warned About Caterpillar Dangers

    Owners of dogs and other animals in London, Surrey and West Berkshire are being alerted to look out for and report an insect pest which can cause health problems to them, especially during spring and summer, typically from May onwards.

    People, too, can develop rashes and eye and throat irritations from exposure to caterpillars of the Oak processionary moth (OPM), an exotic species which was accidentally introduced 11 years ago. It is possible that it will be found in southern parts of Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire this year.

    OPM is a tree health pest because its caterpillars, moving about in nose-to-tail processions, feed on oak leaves. In large numbers they can strip oak trees almost bare, weakening them and making them vulnerable to threats such as disease and drought.

    They are also a human and animal health hazard. The caterpillars – the larval stage of the insect’s life cycle – have thousands of tiny hairs which can become detached and blown about by the wind. The hairs contain an irritating substance, called thaumetopoein, which on contact with people can cause itching skin rashes and, less commonly, eye, ear and throat irritations and breathing difficulties.

    Symptoms reported in dogs, especially dogs which have licked, sniffed, picked up or tried to eat caterpillars or nests, include hyper-salivation, swelling of the tongue, conjunctivitis, gagging, vomiting, respiratory distress and inflammation of the mouth.

    The hairs can be blown by the wind, and they build up in the caterpillars’ silken webbing nests, which they build on the branches and trunks of oak trees in May and June, sometimes at ground level. Nests sometimes fall to the ground, and the caterpillars sometimes descend to the ground, posing a risk to inquisitive animals such as cats and dogs, grazing animals, and playing children.

    The Forestry Commission is leading efforts with councils and major landowners to minimise the spread, population and impacts of the pest in a Defra-funded control programme. Andrew Hoppit, its OPM project manager said,
    “It’s essential that dog owners in the affected areas are aware of this pest and the hazard it poses to their animals, themselves and their families. Dogs are naturally curious animals which like to investigate items of interest, but they really must be restrained from doing this in the case of OPM nests and caterpillars.

    “I also encourage dog owners in the affected areas to help our control programme by reporting sightings of the pest using our on-line Tree Alert reporting tool.

    “Our website has a lot of helpful information, including guides to recognising OPM.”

    Areas most at risk

    In Surrey: Elmbridge, Epsom & Ewell, Guildford, Spelthorne and Woking.

    In Berkshire: West Berkshire, Windsor & Maidenhead.

    In Buckinghamshire: South Buckinghamshire.

    In London: Brent, Bromley, Camden, Croydon, Ealing, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith & Fulham, Haringey, Harrow, Hillingdon, Islington, Kensington & Chelsea, Kingston Upon Thames, Lambeth, Lewisham, City of London, Merton, Newham, Richmond Upon Thames, Slough, Southwark, Sutton, Tower Hamlets, Wandsworth, Waltham Forest, and City of Westminster.

    Owners who think their animals have been seriously affected should consult a vet. The effects of OPM contact on people, although unpleasant, are not usually medically serious and pass in a few days. People who have been affected should consult a pharmacist for relief from the symptoms, or a doctor for serious allergic reactions, although these are rare.

  • Dog Owners Asked to Remain Vigilant as Caterpillar Dangers Rise During Summer Months

    Dog Owners Asked to Remain Vigilant as Caterpillar Dangers Rise During Summer Months

    Dog owners in certain areas across the UK are being asked to remain vigilant to caterpillars of the Oak processionary moth, a native of Southern Europe, as we head into Summer.

    Symptoms reported in dogs, especially dogs which have licked, sniffed, picked up or tried to eat caterpillars or nests, include hyper-salivation, swelling of the tongue, conjunctivitis, gagging, vomiting, respiratory distress and inflammation of the mouth.

    People, too, can develop rashes and eye and throat irritations from exposure to caterpillars of the Oak processionary moth (OPM), an exotic species which was accidentally introduced 11 years ago. It is possible that it will be found in southern parts of Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire this year.

    The hairs can be blown by the wind, and they build up in the caterpillars’ silken webbing nests, which they build on the branches and trunks of oak trees in May and June, sometimes at ground level. Nests sometimes fall to the ground, and the caterpillars sometimes descend to the ground, posing a risk to inquisitive animals such as cats and dogs, grazing animals, and playing children.

    The Forestry Commission is leading efforts with councils and major landowners to minimise the spread, population and impacts of the pest in a Defra-funded control programme. Andrew Hoppit, its OPM project manager said,
    “It’s essential that dog owners in the affected areas are aware of this pest and the hazard it poses to their animals, themselves and their families. Dogs are naturally curious animals which like to investigate items of interest, but they really must be restrained from doing this in the case of OPM nests and caterpillars.

    “I also encourage dog owners in the affected areas to help our control programme by reporting sightings of the pest using our on-line Tree Alert reporting tool.

    “Our website has a lot of helpful information, including guides to recognising OPM.”

    Read more about the caterpillar here and areas most at risk: http://www.dognews.co.uk/dog-owners-south-east-england-warned-caterpillar-dangers/

  • 171 Dogs Rescued Weeks Before South Korea’s ‘Bok Nal Days of Dog’ Meat Eating Ritual

    171 Dogs Rescued Weeks Before South Korea’s ‘Bok Nal Days of Dog’ Meat Eating Ritual

    Just 11 weeks ahead of South Korea’s ‘Bok Nal: Days of Dog’ meat eating ritual, animal welfare organisation Humane Society International (HSI) has rescued 171 dogs, shutting down a dog meat farm in Wonju.

    The Asian country celebrates the days of summer by consuming large quantities of dog meat ‘boshintang’ stew and the rescued dogs were otherwise destined to be killed and eaten at the country’s ritual.

    The 171 dogs are part of the final cohort of 250 dogs and puppies rescued by HSI from one of the dog meat farm in Wonju, the fifth such farm that the charity has closed down as part of its campaign to end the eating of dogs in South Korea. The dogs are being flown to shelters and rescues in the United States and Canada.


    Photo Credit: Meredith Lee/HSI

    The groups accepting dogs are part of The Humane Society of the United States’ Emergency Placement Partner program, for a second chance at life. HSI is The HSUS’ international affiliate. Working together with placement partners, hundreds of dogs from previous dog meat farm closures have already found wonderful homes. Working in partnership with the Wonju farmer who contacted HSI last year for help getting out of the dog meat business, HSI is also overseeing the destruction of hundreds of now empty wire cages.

    Andrew Plumbly, campaign manager for HSI, who assisted in the dog rescue, said: “It’s a huge relief to rescue these dogs and get them to safety, knowing that in just a few weeks’ time during Bok Nal, they would likely have ended up being killed and eaten. The conditions on these farms is truly shocking. It’s factory-farming of dogs in row upon row of bare wire cages, filthy with faeces. The dogs live in a perpetual state of fear and anxiety. But the miserable existence they have endured is finally over, and the happy homes that await them in the USA and Canada couldn’t be more different. They will at last get to run and play and know what it feels like to be loved as a family friend.”

    Most people in South Korea don’t regularly eat dogs, and the practice is increasingly out of favour with the younger generation. However, during the summer months – and particularly the hottest days of Bok Nal between 17 July and 16 August – dog meat stew will be widely consumed even by those who never normally eat it, in the unfounded belief that it cools the blood. Hundreds of thousands of dogs will be slaughtered at this time, as an estimated 60-80 percent of the entire year’s dog meat is eaten in just two months, most often at one of South Korea’s thousands of dedicated dog meat restaurants.


    Darby, pictured departing. Photo Credit: Meredith Lee/HSI

    An estimated 2.5-3 million dogs endure extreme deprivation on these farms every year, confined their whole lives in small, barren wire cages without any comfort or proper care, until the day they are killed, usually by electrocution. Dog farmers intensively breed dogs throughout the year, but often wait to sell them for slaughter at Bok Nal when they will fetch the highest price. A large dog can fetch around £120 each, with a bowl of dog meat stew selling for as little as £3-£6.

    Most people in South Korea never visit a dog meat farm and are unaware of the suffering experienced by the dogs. There is also a widespread misconception that farmed dogs are somehow different in nature to companion dogs, a myth that Humane Society International is keen to dispel. On every farm closed so far by HSI, a mixture of breeds has been discovered including large mastiffs, Jindo mixes, golden retrievers, beagles and Chihuahuas. Alerting Koreans to the fact that these are no different to the dogs we live with at home, is a key part of HSI’s message.

    Plumbly said: “In our experience, many dog meat farmers are keen to leave this business behind them, and come under increasing pressure from their children to end dog breeding and killing. However, they need help in transitioning to an alternative living, so that’s where HSI steps in. Ultimately we need the South Korean government to get involved in phasing out dog farming and banning dog eating, and with the Winter Olympics coming up in Pyeongchang in 2018, we are urging politicians to work with us to consign the eating of dogs to the history books.”

    HSI is working in countries across Asia to end the grisly dog meat trade. Efforts include: intercepting trucks crammed with dogs headed for slaughter in China; providing expertise to train officials for improved enforcement of laws and humane rabies elimination in Vietnam; and helping dog meat farmers in South Korea transition to more humane ways of making a living.

    For more information visit hsi.org/dogmeat

  • Could Your Dog Be a Theatre Star?

    If you think your dog could shine on stage, then here’s your chance to showcase their talents!

    Staff at The Touring Consortium Theatre Company and Birmingham Repertory Theatre are looking for a senior dog to appear briefly on stage in the production of John Steinbeck’s classic ‘Of Mice and Men’ as ‘Candy’s Dog’ during the show’s tour at Curve Leicester from 23 to 28 May.

    Their previous canine star, Badger, sadly passed away from old age before rehearsals began, the producers are seeking an elderly dog in each city on the tour.

    Most breeds and sizes will be considered, but he or she should ideally look relatively elderly and have the appearance of a ‘working’ dog, and must have a calm temperament.

    The dog will be on stage for around 5 minutes in total, alongside Dudley Sutton, playing ‘Candy’ and on a lead at all times. No previous acting experience needed.

    The successful dog and owner will be required 6-9pm TUESDAY, 7-9pm WEDNESDAY – SATURDAY of the run, and 2.00- 3.30pm for the Wednesday and Saturday matinees. Interested parties should apply immediately to Janice Taylor Via email: janice@touringconsortium.com or telephone 0844 5880 848.

  • Do You Recognise This Man Who Punched a Dog?

    Do You Recognise This Man Who Punched a Dog?

    The RSPCA has appealed for information after a man was captured on camera punching a dog.

    A member of the public was parked up at the seafront in Margate, Kent, on Sunday (17 April) when he heard the yelps and cries of a dog. He came around to see a man leading the black Labrador-type dog away on the lead and checked his dashcam footage to see what had happened.

    In the footage, which the RSPCA is releasing today as part of its investigation, the man can be seen punching the cowering dog three times. He then attaches the dog’s lead and walks away, raising his hand to the camera.

    The member of public contacted the RSPCA on Monday (18 April) following the incident which, contrary to the time listed on the dashcam, took place shortly after 5pm on Sunday in Newgate Lower Promenade, near the lido.

    RSPCA inspector Deborah Pert is now investigating. She said:

    “It’s very concerning to see this footage and I have concerns about the welfare of this dog.

    “It is not acceptable to punch a dog, either as punishment or discipline. It is never acceptable to be violent towards an animal and I’m keen to trace this individual.”

    If anyone recognises the man or the dog, please get in touch with the RSPCA by calling their appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

  • WATCH: Tribute to Maggie the Kelpie ‘World’s Oldest Dog’

    WATCH: Tribute to Maggie the Kelpie ‘World’s Oldest Dog’

    An Australian Kelpie named Maggie who is thought to be aged around 30 years old (approximately 200 in human years) has passed away peacefully, according to her owner Brian McLaren, a dairy farmer in Woolsthorp, Victoria, who confirmed the news to The Weekly Times.

    Maggie was never officially confirmed as the ‘World’s Oldest Dog’, as her owner had lost the original paperwork for her, meaning that her age could not be independently verified, but speaking to the news outlet Mr McLaren said: “She was 30 years old, she was still going along nicely last week, she was walking from the dairy to the office and growling at the cats and all that sort of thing.”

    But added that she had started to deteriorate recently, “She just went downhill in two days and I said yesterday morning when I went home for lunch … ‘She hasn’t got long now’. Although still very raw, he said, “I’m sad, but I’m pleased she went the way she went…we were great mates.”

    Watch a special tribute local TV news outlet 7News created for Maggie:


     

     

     

     

  • WATCH: Johnny Depp and Amber Heard Apologise Ending #WaronTerrier

    WATCH: Johnny Depp and Amber Heard Apologise Ending #WaronTerrier

    Johnny Depp and wife Amber Heard found themselves in hot water when Heard smuggled the couple’s two Yorkshire Terriers, Pistol and Boo, into the country while Depp was filming the 5th installment in the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ series last year.

    The actress had pleaded guilty in court to making a false statement on her immigration card about the Yorkshire Terriers, but the Queensland judge gave her a one-month good behaviour bond with no conviction recorded (a fine will be issued if the bond is broken).

    The couple also recorded a scripted video apology bringing an end to the ‘War on Terrier’ warning others to respect the island’s laws.

    WATCH THE VIDEO:

    What do you think of the couples apology? It’s certainly sparking debate…

  • Drew Barrymore Shines on Red Carpet at Annual Event for Animals in Need

    Drew Barrymore Shines on Red Carpet at Annual Event for Animals in Need

    Actress, animal lover and mum of two Drew Barrymore was honored with this year’s ASPCA Compassion Award which was presented to her by Martha Stewart. Actor Nathan Lane served as the evening’s emcee, which featured music by DJ Mark Ronson.


    Photo Credit: Getty Images

    The annual event, a cornerstone of the ASPCA’s fundraising efforts brings together hundreds of animal lovers to impact the lives of homeless, abused and neglected animals across the country.


    Drew Barrymore, pictured with Martha Stewart and Nathan Lane / Photo Credit: Getty Images

    Additional attendees included Australian model Jessica Hart, pictured below, Christian Siriano & Brad Walsh, Patina Miller, Megan Hilty, Roger Waters, Georgina Bloomberg, Selenis Leyva, Allie Rizzo, Dominic Chianese, Ariana Rockefeller, ASPCA President & CEO Matthew Bershadker among others.


    Photo Credit: Getty Images

  • Over Half of Dog Owners Admit to Treating Pet Like a Child

    Our pets form a big part of our day, they can shape our daily routine and even when and where we holiday. They’re part of the family and so it’s perhaps no surprise that in new research out today over half (52%) of dog owners have admitted to speaking to their dog like it was a child.

    The findings released by pet insurer, Direct Line, also revealed that over 4 in 10 pet owners admit to their dogs sleeping on their beds, while a third admitted to dancing with their dogs (why not, four legs are surely better than two!).

    The research also revealed that almost two in 10 dog owners will only go holiday at home in the UK, so they can be with their dog, while 15% admitted they don’t holiday at all, so they don’t have to leave their dog behind.

    Prit Powar, head of Pet Insurance at Direct Line said: “Brits really are a nation of dog lovers. The fact that so many of us are choosing holidays which allow us to keep our pets with us is another indicator of the lengths we’re willing to go to keep our dogs happy.”

    Where do you fall in the findings? Do you admit to some doggy dancing at home? How do you holiday? Let us know!

     

  • Brits Spend £1 billion on ’Petcessories’ Each Year

    Brits Spend £1 billion on ’Petcessories’ Each Year

    We all love our dogs, but are you one of the pet owners who have contributed £1 billion to the economy treating your beloved dog?

    According to new research out today from Direct Line Pet Insurance, British dog owners have collectively spent over £1 billion on accessories for their dogs in the past year, spending an average of £76.13 per dog on so-called ‘petcessories’ in the last year.

    Young pet owners are the most likely to splash out on cushions, collars and clothes for their beloved pets, with 18-34 year olds spending an average of £83.98 on each dog, compared to over 55’s who spent a little less at £60.26.

    For 3.6 million (26 per cent), British dog owners really pamper their pooches, choosing to spend over £100 a year on accessories for their dog. A lucky six per cent of dogs had over £200 spent on them in the last year, perhaps unsurprising when there are businesses dedicated to providing luxury dog beds, with some costing over £700.

    Prit Powar, head of Pet Insurance at Direct Line said: “Brits really are a nation of dog lovers, choosing to spend their hard earned cash on making their beloved pooches comfortable. The fact that so many of us are choosing holidays which allow us to keep our pets with us is another indicator of the lengths we’re willing to go to keep our dogs happy.

    “Dog owners should remember, though, that they don’t need to spend a fortune on items like clothes, cushions and collars – as long as they provide their dog with a healthy diet, regular fresh water, treatment when needed, exercise and love, they will have a happy dog!”

    Separate research conducted between the pet insurer and K9 Magazine, shows British dog owners are also buying their dogs birthday and Christmas presents, the majority spending around £15 (63 per cent). A fifth (20 per cent) spend between £16-£30 on a present for their dog per occasion, while a generous one in twenty (five per cent) spend between £31-£60.

    Ryan O’Meara, publisher of K9 Magazine, spoke of the findings saying: “It’s heartening to see that dog owners choose to mark their pet’s special occasions with a gift. Of course, presents aren’t the be all and end all of showing how much you care, but our dogs give so much to us day in and day out that it’s only natural we see them as part of the family, and as such celebrate them.”

  • Britain’s Pets Could Save NHS Billions Every Year

    New research out has revealed that pets could save the NHS £2.5 billion a year as a result of the impact they have on their owners health and recovery from illness.

    The studies showed that pets can lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and improve heart function and cardiovascular fitness – this contributes to a decreased risk of heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.

    Speaking of the study findings at a recent forum held by Purina in Brussels, Professor Daniel Mills, a professor of veterinary behavioural medicine at the University of Lincoln, said that pet ownership can help save the NHS £2.5 billion a year.

    Animal assisted activities and therapy (AAT), where animals are involved as a way of improving social, emotional and cognitive function, and supporting recovery and rehabilitation, can play an important role in this cost saving also. In fact, over a third (36%) of people recognise the benefits of pets in therapy and recovery and 77% would consider AAT, but less than 1% (0.4%) surveyed have taken part in any form of AAT in the past.

    Professor Mills continued, “While these numbers are not perfect, there is definitely something there that the public health and pet care community needs to pay attention to. The benefits of responsible pet ownership are clear. I’ve seen pets have dramatic effects on autistic children. Understanding the subtleties and nuances of how people and pets work together is vitally important for the well-being of both, and has the potential to make a massive difference to public health. But it is crucial that the industry is given an opportunity to analyse this further. Ignoring the evidence is a far greater problem than dismissing the research as being at an early stage.”