Total Dog Magazine

Category: Dog News

The latest dog news from around the world

  • Hero Dog Saves Cats Dumped in Crisp Box

    The RSPCA is appealing for information after an unlikely hero came to the rescue of a cat and her kittens which had been dumped in a crisp box in Middlesbrough.

    The terrified trio had been left to die, trapped in a box with no food and water and dumped in bushes in a park under the cover of darkness.

    By an incredible stroke of luck the cats were sniffed out and saved by Vader the dog who was out on a late night walk with her owner Sharon.

    Sharon Smith, who lives near Pallister Park in Middlesbrough, said: “I had been throwing the ball for her, she went into the bushes to get it and I could she was nudging a box and whining. I knew it must be something important because she’d left her ball behind and she’s crazy about her ball.

    “I went over to take a look could see there were some holes in the box and it was moving so I called my son and he came and helped me take Vader and the box home.”

    Sharon was stunned when she opened the taped-up Doritos box and found a tortoiseshell cat and two ginger tabby kittens inside.

    She said: “When I pulled off the tape and opened the box I saw the cat and kittens inside and I was shocked. They were terrified. It was a small box for them, it was just heartbreaking.

    “It’s is disgusting that anyone would dump them like that. It’s absolutely appalling.”

    The mother cat, who is thought to be between one and two-years-old, and her kittens who are thought to be about eight-weeks-old, were taken to the vets to be checked over and are now in RSPCA care.

    RSPCA Inspector Emma Stainthorpe said: “The box was very small for the three of them, there was no food or water and the bottom of it was soiled with urine.

    “The mother cat was not microchipped so we do not know who her owner is. She is friendly so it would appear she’s been handled and was someone’s pet. It’s really important that people get their cats neutered if they do not want kittens.

    “Vader is such a lovely little dog, without her these little kittens may not have survived. She really is the hero of the hour.”

    Vader,a five-year-old white Staffordshire Bull Terrier named after the Star Wars villain Darth Vader, is being spoiled rotten as a reward for finding the dumped cats.

    Proud owner Sharon added: “I wouldn’t have looked in the box unless Vader had brought my attention to it. I thought it was just rubbish.

    “I don’t know what would have happened to those poor kittens if Vader hadn’t found the box, I dread to think.

    “Thank goodness for Vader, she really is a hero. I’ve given her three new tennis balls as a treat for finding the kittens as she was so focused on the box she lost her ball.”

    Anyone with information about who abandoned the kittens late on Tuesday 22 September can contact the RSPCA appeal line on 0300 123 8018 and leave a message for Inspector Emma Stainthorpe.

  • Sniffer Dog Trained to Count Harvest Mouse Population

    A flat-coated Retriever named Tui has been enlisted to detect the scent of harvest mice by tracking their presence in the countryside easier and more efficiently, meaning a more accurate picture can be built up of how many harvest mice there are in the UK.

    One of the most elusive and smallest mammals in Great Britain, finding the harvest mouse is often difficult and time-consuming, even for experts.

    Led by PhD researcher Emily Howard-Williams at Moulton College in Northamptonshire, Tui, will be trained to learn how to identify the tiny creature to shed some light on one of the most iconic species of the British countryside.

    As Emily explains, “The harvest mouse appears to have undergone significant declines in parts of the countryside, partly in response to the intensification of modern agriculture, but also due to habitat loss. Yet it still remains difficult to ascertain just how many there really are. The funding from by the People’s Trust for Endangered Species  (PTES) will help to train our resident harvest mouse detector dog, enabling us to determine whether using sniffer dogs is the best approach in tracking these creatures!”

    With the aid of a trained dog, Emily’s team will be able to survey a site more rapidly, with less margin for error. A similar method is already being successfully used in New Zealand to seek out kiwi birds. Two English setters managed to sniff out 30 birds in just four days.

    Nida Al-Fulaij, Grants Manager from PTES concludes, “We all know that dogs have an amazing sense of smell. The UK enlists the help of sniffer dogs at airports, music festivals and in the army, so why not also use them for conservation purposes to find harvest mice. The trained eye may miss a harvest mouse nest, but a trained nose is much more likely to pick up on a familiar scent and alert the handler to the presence of recent harvest mice activity in that area. We are very excited to be funding this project and look forward to seeing what results reveal about harvest mice populations in the UK”.

  • Sniffer Dog Trained to Find Harvest Mouse in New Approach to Conservation

    The harvest mouse (Micromys minutus) is one of the most elusive and smallest mammals in Great Britain and finding their tell-tale signs can be a difficult and time-consuming exercise even for the experts, so it’s no surprise that when experts decided to take a new approach to find out how many there are living here in the UK man’s best friend was called in to help.

    Led by PhD researcher Emily Howard-Williams at Moulton College in Northamptonshire, Tui, a flat-coated retriever, will be trained to learn to detect the scent of harvest mice, making tracking their presence in the countryside easier and more efficient, meaning a more accurate picture can be built up of how many harvest mice there are in the UK by the People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES).

    With the help of Tui, who was bred from working gun dogs, Emily’s team hopes to shed some light on one of the most iconic species of the British countryside.

    Tui - Flat-Coated Retriever Sniffer Dog (web)

    As Emily explains, “The harvest mouse appears to have undergone significant declines in parts of the countryside, partly in response to the intensification of modern agriculture, but also due to habitat loss. Yet it still remains difficult to ascertain just how many there really are. The funding from PTES will help to train our resident harvest mouse detector dog, enabling us to determine whether using sniffer dogs is the best approach in tracking these creatures!”

    Emily Howard-Williams & Tui the sniffer dog (web)

    With the aid of a trained dog, Emily’s team will be able to survey a site more rapidly, with less margin for error. A similar method is already being successfully used in New Zealand to seek out kiwi birds. Two English setters managed to sniff out 30 birds in just four days.

    Nida Al-Fulaij, Grants Manager from PTES concludes, “We all know that dogs have an amazing sense of smell. The UK enlists the help of sniffer dogs at airports, music festivals and in the army, so why not also use them for conservation purposes to find harvest mice. The trained eye may miss a harvest mouse nest, but a trained nose is much more likely to pick up on a familiar scent and alert the handler to the presence of recent harvest mice activity in that area. We are very excited to be funding this project and look forward to seeing what results reveal about harvest mice populations in the UK”.

  • Jail for Gang That Made Over £8k per Week Selling Sick Puppies

    Members of an organised gang who are estimated to have made more than £8,000 a week selling sick, diseased and dying puppies have been jailed after one of the RSPCA’s biggest ever investigations into the puppy trade.

    The case concluded today and lifted the lid on the trade in puppies, which were being sold for £50 commission each – before many subsequently died or needed lengthy and expensive veterinary treatment due to their poor health.

    Paula Wood, James Brady, Louise Colwell, Kenneth Colwell, Thomas Greally and Stacey Greally – all from the Greater Manchester area – admitted a string of animal welfare offences linked to organised crime involving the sale of sick puppies. They were sentenced today (3.8.15) at Oldham Magistrates’ Court.

    One puppy sold by Wood and Brady, called Crumpet (right), was so sick that he was put on a drip and had to be fed through a tube in his nose, before he died.

    Thomas Greally and Kenneth Colwell were sentenced to 20 weeks in custody, while Brady was given 10 weeks custody. The district judge said the number of puppies Thomas Greally admitted to selling for between £550-£650 meant some weeks he would have made more than £8,000.

    Wood – who the district judge said had shown no remorse – was given a 12 week custodial sentence which was suspended for 12 months. She must carry out 250 hours unpaid work during a 12 month community order and also pay £1,000 costs.

    Louise Colwell and Stacey Greally – formerly McEwan – was sentenced to 20 weeks custody, which will be suspended for 12 months. She must also carry out 300 hours of unpaid work and pay £2,000 costs.

    All six defendants were banned from keeping dogs for the rest of their lives.

    The case against the six defendants was part of a major investigation known as Operation Pagan, which has been led by the RSPCA’s special operations unit.

    None of the defendants would reveal where any of the puppies came from. However, they admitted failing to ensure the welfare of the puppies they were selling after numerous witnesses contacted the RSPCA after buying sick puppies from the six who appeared before the court.

    It is suspected they had been imported from across Europe and then sold by the defendants as part of an organised business.

    Chief inspector Ian Briggs, from the RSPCA’s special operations unit, said: “This case is hugely significant. It shows the lengths some dealers will go to, making it look like the puppies they are selling have been bred in a homely environment.

    “They produce glossy brochures, healthcheck cards and fancy looking ‘pedigree’ documents that aren’t worth the paper they are written on.

    “This investigation has shown puppy dealers are becoming increasingly savvy to make their dealings look legitimate. They rent houses and put a smattering of furniture in them to make it look like a family home, from which they peddle these sick puppies.IMG_9537.JPG

    “On some occasions that we have been told about, adult dogs would be presented under the false pretence that they were the parents of the puppies being sold.

    “It is organised crime and animal suffering on an almost industrial scale.”

    Warrants were carried out by Greater Manchester Police, with RSPCA attendance, at properties on Fields New Road, Oldham, and Valentine Street, Failsworth, on 27 November 2013. These followed a number of calls to the RSPCA from members of the public who had bought sick puppies from the addresses, after they had been advertised online.

    A total of 39 puppies of unknown origin were seized during warrants including chihuahuas, pomeranians, spaniels, shih tzus and Yorkshire terriers (pictured) that had been kept in purpose built pods at the rear of the addresses.

    The court was told that six of the puppies were so sick they had to be put to sleep by a vet, while 65% had congenital defects of some kind.

    Other items seized by police during the warrants included approximately £3,500 in cash and a step-by-step guide to selling puppies, which said sellers would receive £50 commission on every sale they made.

    Thomas and Stacey Greally and Kenneth Colwell were arrested and interviewed, while Louise Colwell was interviewed at Fields New Road.

    Glossy ‘Kennel Registration’ packs (right) found during the warrants showed links to Brady and Louise Colwell’s mother, Wood, who were also selling puppies.

    A warrant was subsequently carried out at Owler Lane, Oldham, on 18 December 2013, but no puppies were found.

    However, the RSPCA had received many concerned calls from people who had purchased puppies from the address, including Kimberley McDonald, from Stoke-on-Trent, who bought cockerpoo Crumpet from Wood and Brady. Crumpet died just 13 days after Kimberley took him home.

    Kimberley said: “On the surface when we arrived to collect Crumpet everything seemed fine. We pulled up outside a lovely semi-detached house which was very clean and the people seemed really in to their dogs.

    “But on the journey home Crumpet kept doing this weird snuffling then coughing like a cat does when they have a hair ball. He also kept constantly scratching and had all these little scabs all over him.

    “His health carried on deteriorating badly and after lots of vet visits over the coming days, he was admitted to the surgery and after some tests they found out he had parvo.

    “Poor Crumpet was put on an intravenous drip and given a plasma transfusion. He also had a tube put into his nose to feed him as he wasn’t eating at all.

    “Every time I went to visit Crumpet it was a military operation. I had to have a shower just before I went and as soon as I’d got changed I had up walk straight out of the door without touching anything in the house. I had to put scrubs on when I was there and gloves too so I couldn’t even touch him properly. It was awful.

    “All he wanted to do when I was there was curl up in my arms and I spent the whole time I went crying. Losing Crumpet was the worst heartache I’ve ever felt in my life.

    “This whole experience has massively affected our lives. Not only did it upset our daughter knowing her lovely new puppy was gone after she had only just bonded with him but at the age of six she also discovered how cruel some human beings can be.”

  • London Dog Owners Reminded to Keep Pets Away From Caterpillars

    Dog owners and dog walkers in parts of London and Surrey are being reminded not to let their pets approach caterpillars of the oak processionary moth (OPM), which are now active in and around oak trees in these areas.

    Parents are also being advised to keep children away from the caterpillars and their nests, because the caterpillars’ hairs can cause itching skin rashes and other health problems. The public is also urged to report any sightings here.

    Affected areas include boroughs in West and South-West London; Bromley and Croydon and southern parts of Lewisham in South London; and Elmbridge and Spelthorne in Surrey. The greatest risk period is May to July, although nests should not be approached at any time.

    2241616932_107199f0fa_dog-face

    OPM caterpillars are a tree pest which was accidentally introduced to Britain. They feed on oak leaves, and in large numbers they can severely defoliate trees and leave them vulnerable to other pests and diseases.

    Their tiny hairs contain a protein which can cause itchy skin rashes and, less frequently, eye and throat irritations and breathing difficulties in people and animals. The hairs can be blown on the wind, and left in their nests in and under oak trees. This, as well as the fact that the caterpillars sometimes crawl in nose-to-tail processions
    across the ground between oak trees, makes curious dogs particularly at risk of getting hairs in their mouths and noses.

    Dr Deborah Turbitt, Deputy Regional Director for Health Protection, London, endorsed the ‘don’t touch’ advice issued by The Forestry Commission saying, “See a pharmacist for relief from milder skin or eye irritations following possible OPM contact, or consult a GP or NHS111 for more-serious reactions. Contact a vet if animals are affected.

    She continued, “We have issued advice to local GPs and health professionals to help them identify when patients have been affected by the caterpillars and to advise them on appropriate treatment.”

  • New Research Claims British Dog Owners Could Be Killing Pets With Kindness

    New research published by Direct Line Pet Insurance reveals even our dogs now gorge on junk food, giving rise to fears of a pet obesity epidemic.

    The research shows that millions of dogs are scoffing human treats on a regular basis, with a third (33 per cent) of pet owners admitting to feeding their four-legged friend snacks like crisps and chocolate, most of which are unhealthy and some potentially toxic.

    Over 1.3 million dogs (15 per cent) have been fed crisps and almost as many (1.1 million) have enjoyed pizza. Dogs are even being fed takeaways, with over a third of a million animals tucking into deep fried chicken from KFC (4 per cent) and the same number being fed food from McDonald’s. In fact, over 2.3 million (27 per cent) owners feed their dog human food instead of pet food.

    Edward Barclay, head of pet insurance at Direct Line, commented: “Fast food takeaways can be extremely dangerous for dogs, who love to rummage through leftover containers in search of a tasty morsel. Direct Line’s own veterinary nurses have seen cases of dogs that have needed urgent medical attention after digesting fried chicken bones, or even whole corn on the cobs, which have resulted in severe digestive problems.”

    Disturbingly the research also shows six per cent of dog owners have given their pet alcohol. Pet owners are gambling with the health of their animals, as ingesting even small amounts can result in life-threatening toxicity for dogs.

    According to the study, half (50 per cent) of pet owners that smoke do so in the same room as their dog and a quarter (25 per cent) expose their pet to the second hand fumes of more than six cigarettes a day. Pet owners that smoke are allowing their dogs to inhale worrying doses of harmful chemicals, with 13 per cent consuming over 16 cigarettes a day with their pet shut in the same enclosed environment.

    Edward Barclay continued: “Unfortunately, some dog owners are literally killing their pets with kindness. What is a tasty treat for humans can cause fatal reactions in dogs, or contribute to long term health problems. While Timmy in the Famous Five might have licked the plates clean, vets recommend against feeding leftovers such as pizza slices and chips.

    “The anatomy of dogs means they are extremely sensitive to smoke and there is the additional risk of nicotine poisoning if they chew butts or cigarette packets left lying around. Likewise, owners should be careful leaving electronic cigarettes on tables or in the plug, charging. We always want to be around our furry companions but if you’re smoking, it’s better to step outside. Responsible pet owners should recognise the importance of providing a healthy diet and environment for their animals as well as having sufficient pet insurance cover, or funds available, in case their dog needs treatment.”

  • Pet Owners Worry As Dog Thefts Rise

    The rise in dog thefts over the past 12 months has left Britain’s pet owners concerned that even in the comfort of their own gardens, their dogs are not safe, according to research from Churchill Pet Insurance.

    An alarming 41 per cent of dog owners claimed that they are worried their dogs are not safe outside. While some owners felt fencing and gates eased their concern slightly, nearly a third (31 per cent) said they still feared the worst.

    Pete Bishenden, head of Churchill Pet Insurance, comments: “It is such a shame that even though we have had one of the best weather spells in years, our research revealed that 38 per cent of dog owners have been limiting the time their dogs spend outside. Of the 1,167 pet owners questioned, 66 per cent admitted that they felt their dog’s breed made them more covetable by potential thieves. We know from our own claims experience that certain breeds are more popular to sell on, such as smaller, more docile dogs. We have also seen Lurchers and other breeds taken for dog baiting. Over half also claimed that they felt their dog’s age, from a puppy up to three years old, made them more susceptible.”

    One dog owner, who took part in the survey, shared her own story: “I owned a very small, elderly Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who was snatched from our front garden. We think the people who stole him thought he was a puppy, given his small size. After closer inspection, the thieves realised his true age and the dog was dumped by the side of the road in the next village. A kind member of the public found him, took him to the police and we managed to get him back the next day.”

    Another dog owner commented she had witnessed a dog napping, but only realised when it was too late. She urges people not to leave their dogs tied up outside shops as a result.

    K9 Magazine editor, Ryan O’Meara, offered his thoughts on the findings: “For many, our dogs are very much a key part of our family unit and so it’s not surprising that many worry about their pet’s safety. It is, however, very sad that dog napping is on the rise. Many years ago it was something you heard about every now and again. Now, the fact that almost everyone we spoke to when carrying out the research has heard of dogs being stolen shows that this is a real threat that dog owners must take seriously.”

    Churchill Insurance and K9 Magazine’s dog security tips

    • Be careful not to leave gates open
    • Make sure that your fence and gate is high and secure enough
    • Fit a bell to your gate so you’re alerted when it’s opened
    • Make sure there are no broken or unsafe panels to your fence which could easily be broken or removed
    • Ensure your dogs are visible to you in the garden at all times
    • Have your dog microchipped with your details registered, and keep the details up to date
    • Never leave your dog unattended outside a shop or in your vehicle

  • Charity Hammers Kennel Club Over Suffering Dogs

    The Kennel Club and dog breeding world still needs to take urgent action to improve the health and welfare of pedigree dogs, five years after a revealing BBC documentary highlighted the shocking levels of suffering many animals endure, according to the RSPCA.

    Programme maker Jemima Harrison, who produced and directed Pedigree Dogs Exposed, has backed the RSPCA’s call for urgent action.

    She said: “Five years on from Pedigree Dogs Exposed, the Kennel Club is still in denial about the extent of the problems.

    “It is unethical to continue to breed dogs like Pugs and Bulldogs which have such flat faces that they cannot breathe – and yet the Kennel Club registers these breeds in their growing thousands and these dogs continue to be celebrated at Kennel Club shows.

    “”The Kennel Club has done too little to tackle the suffering these and many other breeds endure, despite an increasing amount of science which both articulates the issues and offers solutions.

    “The dogs continue to pay a huge price.”

    The RSPCA have acknowledged the progress made by the Kennel Club and dog breeders, including the development of DNA and health screening tests for hereditary diseases and the introduction of veterinary checks on ‘high profile’ breeds.

    However, the nation’s biggest animal welfare charity believes much more should have been done in the five years since Pedigree Dogs Exposed was first broadcast on BBC One in 2008.

    RSPCA chief vet James Yeates said: “Although some progress has been made by the dog world to address the issues raised in Pedigree Dogs Exposed, it has not been nearly enough. Five years on the problems are still far from being solved.

    “We are concerned that many pedigree dogs are still suffering because they’re bred and judged primarily for how they look rather than with health, welfare and temperament in mind.

    “We believe that meaningful action is urgently needed in order to make a real improvement to the welfare of pedigree dogs.”

    This is a view supported by the EFRA Committee’s Dog Control and Welfare report which said that too many dogs continue to suffer ill-health due to inbreeding and breeding for exaggerated characteristics.

    Three major reports were published on dog breeding in the UK in the 18 months that followed Pedigree Dogs Exposed. All three reports concluded that the welfare issues associated with pedigree dog breeding are very serious, and included a series of recommendations for possible ways forward.

    Many of the recommendations are solely within the Kennel Club’s control, and have not been acted upon.

    Some of the changes the RSPCA is calling for include:

    · An independent review of Kennel Club breed standards

    · Dog shows, such as Crufts, should judge dogs on their health, welfare and behaviour, rather than their appearance

    · Revision of registration rules to put a limit on the number of offspring that can be fathered by any one sire

    · Revision of registration rules to prevent the registration of offspring from matings between second degree relatives (e.g. grandparent-grandchild or aunt/uncle-nephew/niece matings)

    · Only registering puppies from parents that have been properly and fully health screened

    · Ban on registration of dogs born from a dam’s second caesarean

    · Veterinary checks at shows to be done by independent vets

    · Open stud books to allow more frequent introduction of new genetic material into established breeds

    The RSPCA’s Born To Suffer campaign and petition was launched more than 18 months ago, with a call to change breed standards so that they prioritise the health, welfare and temperament of a dog over its looks. It is hoped this will put an end to the avoidable suffering many dogs endure.

  • Research Highlights Biggest Threats To Pet Welfare

    Research from the Royal Veterinary College, commissioned by the RSPCA, released today has highlighted the most urgent issues that need to be rectified for the improvement of pet dog welfare in Britain. These include owners’ lack of awareness of welfare needs, poor health due to obesity, inherited disease or exaggerated physical features, intensive and unregulated puppy rearing and a lack of appropriate provision for behavioural needs.

    The research published in the journal Animal Welfare surveyed the opinions of stakeholders working in various different capacities with companion dogs in Britain and found that rather than having a ‘good quality of life,’ the majority of those surveyed considered them more likely to have only ‘a life worth living,‘ meaning that there is room for improvement.

    Over 200 stakeholders took part to find out what they perceive to be the welfare concerns that exist for companion dogs – defined as a domesticated pet, living as part of a family unit and not kept primarily for sport or work. These included veterinarians, veterinary nurses, behaviour specialists, welfare scientists, breeders, trainers, pet insurance representatives, members of government advisory bodies, welfare inspectors, dog wardens and charity staff.

    Stakeholder categories had differing views regarding the quality of life of companion dogs in Great Britain. Industry and grooming parlour staff, breeders, exhibitors and judges rated their quality of life the highest, saying that British companion dogs have ‘a good life’, while welfare officers scored it lowest.

    Although all stakeholder groups agreed on the important welfare issues, there were notable differences between these groups on their relative importance.

    Veterinarians and Veterinary Nurses viewed puppy farming as of less importance (though relatively still important) than other groups of stakeholders. In particular, Industry considered puppy farming as highly important and urgent to rectify, perceiving the impact on the individual dog as higher and (together with those working in the Charity sector) scoring its prevalence higher than Veterinary professionals.

    In contrast, Veterinary professionals perceived exaggerated physical features as relatively more important; significantly more so than Government, Industry or Charity sector stakeholders. Veterinary professionals also perceived obesity to be of higher importance than did Industry and Charity sectors.

    Stakeholder differences in perceptions of quality of life and priority welfare issues are likely to relate to differences in practical knowledge and direct experience of these particular concerns, highlighting the importance of consulting a range of stakeholders to build a comprehensive picture of significant threats to canine welfare.

    Views were not all negative. Factors perceived by stakeholders to enhance dog welfare included the quality of veterinary care, exercise, educational resources available for owners, responsible ownership and the work of rescue and welfare organisations.

    Researcher Emma Buckland from the Royal Veterinary College, said: “We have a special relationship with dogs, and the view generally held by society is that dogs should have ‘a good life’; however, on average, stakeholders suggested that companion dogs in Great Britain may have a poorer quality of life, and described over 30 welfare issues that may affect them.”

    “The study sets out future priorities. Addressing the most pressing welfare issues and maximising positive experiences can improve companion dog welfare and quality of life”.

    Recent work estimates the companion dog population to be approximately ten million in the United Kingdom. In the past, surveillance of welfare standards within the companion animal population has received relatively little scientific attention compared with farm and laboratory species.

  • Tallest Dog in the World Revealed (& He Really is a GIANT)

    Meet the world's tallest living dog, and boy is he a big un'!

    Measuring a whopping 2.2 metres on his hind legs, Zeus the Great Dane has been officially awarded the title of world's tallest dog by the Guinness Book of Records.

    http://i.imgur.com/m9aVE.png

    He stands 1.12 metres from paw to withers.

    Owner Denise explains:

    "The most common thing people ask is: 'Is that a dog or a horse?"

    Weighing in at 70.3kg (over 11 stones), the giant canine eats his way through a 14kg bag of dog food each DAY!

    "We had to get a van to be able to transport him, oh, and if he steps on your foot he leaves bruises!" says Denise.

  • What Is The Best Dog Harness? K9 Magazine Has The Answer

    For dogs who pull, a harness is often one of the first recommendations made by a dog trainer as a method to get initial control of the dog’s errant walking behaviour.

    Now K9 Magazine has put together a feature profiling 5 of the best harnesses for dogs, highlighting the benefits of each with an insightful profile of this increasingly popular piece of dog training equipment.
     

    K9 Magazine says:
     

    “We’re always on the hunt for the best dog products around, and we suddenly thought – what’s the point in us knowing if we don’t tell you? Continuing our series of the Best Dog Products, we’ve been hard at work finding the best dog harnesses for Spring.”
     

    Profile in the feature are:

    • Puchi Chequered Chic Soft Dog Harness & Lead from Original Pooch
    • Ancol Car Harness from Ancol
    • Classic Buddy Belts Harness from Notforpussys.com
    • Pink Floral Soft Harness Vest & Lead from Wuff in Style
    • Company Of Animals Non-Pull Dog Harness from Paws Boutique

    On the specific issue of pulling on the lead, the magazine has this advice:

     

    “Assessing the world through the dog’s eyes is paramount to helping him walk to heel. In order to change the dogs mind from pulling, we have to communicate in a gentle language he will understand.

    The dog believing he is the leader believes it is his job to protect the pack and anything that approaches such as other dogs, joggers or cars could be perceived as a threat.

    This creates all sorts of problems as the dog in a human ruled world will react to the threat in three ways: Flight, freeze and fight.”

    Find out more about K9 Magazine’s recommendations for buying a dog harness (http://www.k9magazine.com/best-dog-harnesses/)

  • Festive Pet Eats Entire Advent Calendar

    Dog-at-vet

    Christmas cheer nearly turned to tears for a Humberside family after their pet dog ate the treats from an advent calendar – then needed emergency veterinary treatment for chocolate poisoning.
    Three-year-old Lhasa Apso, Daisy, helped herself to the goodies when owner Frances Hird (34) left the calendar unattended as she took daughter Holly to school from their home in Spring Bank West, Hull:

    “When I got back 15 minutes later, I noticed the house was eerily quiet, and wondered where Daisy was,” recalls Frances. “I ran upstairs and found her sitting among the remains of Holly’s advent calendar. It was in tatters and all the chocolates were gone.”

    Daisy became ill as a result of her sweet treats so Frances took her to Hull PDSA PetAid hospital, located on Brunswick Avenue. Senior Veterinary Surgeon, Murtagh McDonnell, recalls the case:

    “Daisy came into us suffering from a very painful stomach, as she’d eaten quite a lot of chocolate for a small dog. Human chocolate can be deadly to dogs because it contains theobromine which is highly poisonous. We immediately gave Daisy injections to counteract the side effects of the poisoning and thankfully there appeared to be no serious harm done.”

    This was a great relief to Frances, who brought her sweet-toothed pet back to the hospital the next day for a check-up and received the all-clear. “I want to say a big thank you to PDSA for treating Daisy. Within hours she was back to her normal self again. We’ll be making sure that sweets and chocolates are kept out of her way from now on.”

    Chocolate poisoning is one of the many Christmas related pet hazards PDSA vets encounter over the festive season. Some people give their pets chocolates as treats, not realising how dangerous it is, or, as in this case, accidentally leave them within easy reach of curious paws.

    Murtagh added: “Daisy was very lucky in this instance, but chocolate can be deadly. If you want to treat your pet this Christmas, try a savoury pet treat, new toy, a nice long walk or game of fetch!”

    PDSA’s top five Christmas pet hazards:

    1. Swallowing objects – accidents have included eating toys, decorations and batteries.

    2. Accidental poisoning through chocolate and other human foods, such as raisins and artificial sweeteners.

    3. Gastric torsion – a twisted stomach often caused by vigorous exercise immediately after a large meal.

    4. Hypothermia – low body temperature from exposure to cold weather.

  • Happy Dog’s Ostrich Meat Food Helps To Aid Projects In Rwanda

    Happy Dog, Germany’s leading and largest dried premium dog food manufacturer, in keeping with its philosophies, has recently introduced to the UK, as part of its on going programme of providing premium quality products to a discerning market, a new innovative product for dogs with sensitive digestive systems – AFRICA .

    AFRICA is one of Happy Dog’s Halo Brands, inspired by the cuisine of different countries around the world, Happy Dog’s Supreme Sensible Nutrition range not only provides wholesome and tasty food for dogs but it also provides specific solutions for feeding demanding and sensitive dogs, Lovingly prepared and developed by vets in Happy Dog’s factory in Bavaria, this range is even tastier and more easily digestible than many other foods on the market. The food is suitable for fully-grown dogs of all breeds and contains ingredients that reflect regional cuisine.

    Happy Dog’s AFRICA contains ostrich meat and is suitable for dogs with food intolerances. There is only one animal protein source in the food and it contains no cereals and only uses gluten-free potatoes so is ideal for dogs with cereal allergies and intolerances..

    Ostrich meat is becoming increasingly important for feeding dogs with demanding nutritional requirements. The meat is characterised by its special dark red colour and easy digestibility.

    The food is available in a medium kibble size, in a range of bag sizes, 300g, 1 kg, 4 kg and 12.5 kg and in small kibble in the ‘My Little Range’ in bags of 700g and 2.5Kg.

    Happy Dog is reknowned worldwide for its innovative approach to dog nutrition and continues to develop premium quality products to a discerning market and a further new ‘Halo brand product’ is planned to be launched at Crufts 2012. Further information on this new product will be released in the next few months.

    Buying Happy Dog’s AFRICA will help to fund projects in Rwanda

    The smallest country in Africa, Rwanda, is one of the poorest countries in the world. Over 60% of the population lives below the poverty line. The rate of adult illiteracy is 35%. Happy Dog donates 1.30 euro from every 12.5 kg Africa-pack sold (0.50 euro for 4 kg, 0.14 euro for 1 kg) to the SOS-Hermann-Gmeiner school and the SOS-vocational training centre in Kigali, the country’s capital. This gives young people a start in a self-determined life.

    For further information on any of the Happy Dog ranges, email: info@happydoguk.com or visit the website: www.happydoguk.com

  • UK Domestic Dog Population Is Larger Than Originally Thought

    A new study has found that the UK domestic cat and dog population is larger than previously reported by industry figures. Cats and dogs are one of the most popular pets in the UK but it has been over 20 years since domestic cat and dog population estimates in the UK have been published in scientific peer-reviewed journals.

    The paper published in the Veterinary Record by Dr Jane Murray in the Department of Clinical Veterinary Science at Bristol University and colleagues, aimed to estimate the number of UK domestic cats and dogs and identify the characteristics of their owners. The figures are also useful to the animal health and welfare professions, including rescue charities, which can use these and future estimates to assess population changes.

    In 2007, a telephone survey of households randomly selected from the electoral roll revealed that cats and dogs were owned by 26 per cent and 31 per cent of households, respectively.

    The number of owned cats and dogs were predicted by two variables: the number of people in the household and the geographical location (London/rest of UK) of the household.

    UK census information and mid-year population estimates of the number of households and the average household size in 2006 in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland were used to estimate that UK households owned approximately 10.3 million cats and 10.5 million dogs in 2006.

    Characteristics associated with cat and dog ownership were also identified. Cats were more likely to be owned by; households with gardens, semi-urban/rural households, households with someone qualified to degree level, respondents who were female and respondents who were aged less than 65 years. Cats were less likely to be owned by households with one or more dogs.

    The likelihood of dog ownership increased as the household size increased. Dogs were more likely to be owned by households with gardens, rural households and less likely to be owned by households with someone educated to degree level and households with cats or children aged less than 11 years.

    Female respondents and those aged less than 55 years were more likely to report dog ownership than other respondents. Dogs were less likely to be owned by households with one or more cats.

    Dr Jane Murray, Cats Protection Lecturer in Feline Epidemiology, commenting on the research, said: “The study has shown many common factors relating to cat and dog ownership, such as a garden and rural location, but it has also identified some notable differences.

    “In particular, the difference in the level of education achieved by a household owning cats and dogs. The reason for this association is unclear. It is unlikely to be related to household income as this variable was not shown to be significant but it could be related to household members with longer working hours having less time available to care for a dog.

    “Past reports have suggested that the number of pet cats exceeds the number of pet dogs in the UK. However, results from our study suggest that there are similar numbers of pet cats and dogs.”

    The researchers recommend the study is repeated in 2011, (the year of the next scheduled UK census), as any increase or decrease in population numbers will enable pet ownership trends to be monitored.

  • UK Pet Owner Statistics

    Another day, another survey on pet ownership data and pet owner trends.

    Not many months ago we revealed the results of a pet owner study conducted by the Blue Cross which revealed Wales was the dog ownership capital of the UK and the East Midlands were the most miserly spenders on their pets.

    Today a new study suggests Wales has the least pet owners per head and the East Midlands has the most.

    Research from National Pet Month shows how our nation’s love for pets is stronger than ever due to companionship needs, security or just simply for more family fun. There are 27 million pets in the country and 43% of households contain at least one furry, feathery or scaly family friend, making pets well and truly part of the UK’s landscape.

    Leading industry expert, the Pet Food Manufacturers Association (PFMA) carried out the research on behalf of National Pet Month, which celebrates Great British Pets and runs from 5th April to 5th May. It has provided an insight into the pet purchasing trends in the UK outlined as follows; (more…)