Total Dog Magazine

Category: Magazine

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.

April 18, 2011
Dog Owners Legal Rights

Your dog chases livestock, what should you be aware of?

You may be prosecuted by the police under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953. In a worse case scenario the farmer can shoot your dog if it is worrying animals and causing death or injury. However a farmer cannot contain a dog then go off to get a gun and then shoot the dog. The legal definition of livestock is fairly extensive

What dogs have to wear muzzles in public by law?

Legally registered Pit Bull Terrier dogs have to be muzzled in public as part of the conditions imposed under the Dangerous Dogs Act. Any other dog that has had a control order made by a court as a result of being out of control may also have to wear a muzzle when in public, this may also include the dog having to be kept on a lead too.

Many people (usually non dog owners seem to think that a plethora of breeds have to wear muzzles when out in public, it is usually large breeds that are mistakenly identified as candidates?

You allow your dog to take itself for a walk.

The local authority where you live has a statutory duty to deal with stray dogs and a dog taking itself for a walk is a stray dog! The council do not have to release dogs back to their owners without first charging for its release.

My dog was involved in an incident where a person was bitten, the local police have told me to get the dog destroyed.

If the police are pressurising you to have your dog destroyed this has to be agreed by yourself. A court imposed destruction order is the only legal process in which your dog can be delivered up for destruction.

My dog has been seized by the police who believe it is a Pit Bull Terrier type.

Contact as a matter of urgency a lawyer who deals with such cases and also contact one of the organisations that help dog owners in such situations. The onus is on the dog owner to prove that their dog is not a Pit Bull Terrier type.

My dog went missing several months ago and I know who has him, what can I do?

check with your local dog warden or with the dog warden where your dog is if it is not in your area. If there is no record of your dog being reported to the council or seized as a stray dog you should go to the police and report that you know where your dog is being kept. Even if your dog has been with the ‘new’ keeper for a long time, the dog is still legally yours.

I bought a dog ‘off a bloke’ in the pub for fifty pounds and at the vets they found a microchip.

The dog may be stolen and the last owner should be contacted to find out the status of the dog. If it is stolen you have to give it back and you should realise that you should on no account ever buy a dog in a pub!

Out walking the other day I found a dog and took it home, what do I need to do?

The law is simple, you have to do the following:

Return the dog to its owner forthwith.

Or

Contact the local authority dog warden

Or

Contact the police station nearest to where the dog was found (up to 6th April 2008)

Failure to do any of the above means you are holding on to somebody else’s property also known as theft.

I have discovered that the dog warden seized my dog as a stray a couple of weeks ago, what can I do?

Local authorities only have to hold a dog seized as a stray for seven days before ownership transfers from its owner to the council. This transfer enables dogs to be rehomed and it is also why it is important that you report your dog missing as soon as possible.

My dog is a bitch and when she was urinating a council enforcement officer approached and said she had fouled and issued a fixed penalty notice.

When the penalty was issued the officer should have identified the actual fouling, you have fourteen days to pay the penalty, write to the council to explain what occurred you could also wait to be summoned to court where the council would have to prove your dog had fouled.

My dog is an assistance dog and recently we were refused entry into a shop by a member of staff.

Write to the shops head office detailing the incident and what was said as assistance dogs are allowed into shops with their owner

April 10, 2011
Revealed: The 5 Most Dangerous Dogs In The World!

Undoubtedly it’s going to be controversial. Without fear of chicken counting, it will receive a lot of traffic. And without any element of doubt, it might cause ripples but it needs to be out there, for the public to know. We’ve decided to publicly name the five MOST dangerous dogs on the planet.

The Most Dangerous Dogs in the World

in reverse order:

5. Badly fed dog.

Badly fed dog is the animal who’s been fuelled up with a diet fit for an Olympic weight lifter, but who only ever gets to expend about 20% of the calories he takes in. He’s got lots of energy and his mismatched diet can manifest in bouts of sudden energetic rampaging. Badly fed dog would ask you to consider; how you would feel spending your day in an office when every inch of your body is throbbing and twitching as you crave the opportunity to actually use up some of those excess calories. Badly fed dog would be happier and safer if his diet reflected his lifestyle.

4. Never had any friends dog.

Otherwise known as ‘totally under socialised dog’.

He was a little naughty when he was a puppy, so his owner decided he’d be better off being kept away from all other forms of animal life. He now spends his days obsessing over what it would be like to chase other dogs around and, by George, one of these days he’s gonna actually do it!

Never had any friends dog is going to present his owner with a lifetime of problems, he has no social skills and has never had a chance to learn natural interaction through the teachings of his own kind. He’ll meet new dogs and will be about as socially adept as a 45-year old virgin at a Playboy mansion party. He’s going to blow it. Big time.

3. Shouty.

Shouty is the dog who has spent most of his life shouting at folks or being shouted at himself. He sees people on his street, he shouts at them. In turn, his owner shouts at him. Shouty presumes being shouted at is a recognition of his excellent work. In fact, hearing his owner shouting in response to his own shouting encourages his assumption that they’re just as upset, anxious, nervous, angry as HE is about the audacity of other people/dogs/pigeons to walk past his window. Shouty is relentlessly encouraged and endorsed in his shouty behaviour and, a bit like no friends dog, shouty spends his days imaging how good it will be when he FINALLY gets his chance to get face to face with the objects of his ire.

2. House proud.

House proud dog is SO touchy about people coming to his digs unannounced, he’ll happily maim you for your insolence in trying to visit his abode without obtaining the correct visitation paperwork.

House proud dog does a line in dishing out injuries to posties, meter readers and delivery people. Fortunately for house proud dog, his owners absolutely REFUSE to believe he is capable of violence, so leave him completely unattended to dish out his own brand of justice to anyone brash enough to consider entering his domain.

1. Spoilt dog.

“That’s mine and these are mine, those are mine, I’m entitled to that, I believe that I saw that first, I lay claim to those, I own all of these, I’m the rightful proprietor of this…”

Welcome to the world of spoilt dog. Quite simply, he believes everything he wants, he can have. Woe betide anyone to tell him differently. His timid owners have never had the heart to let him know that in the human world, simply showing your teeth and growling doesn’t constitute a legal contract on the ownership of goods. They let him off and, worse, they let him keep his spoils, which he’ll gather up and place in his own corner of the world.

Sadly, spoilt dog is, one day, going to meet someone who is unaware that he has previously laid claim to every possession on earth. Unfortunately, unlike spoilt dog’s owners, this person is going to have to find out the hard way just how deep spoilt dog’s sense of entitlement runs. Really hard luck if it happens to be a youngster, blissfully ignorant to the fact that the shiny ball on the floor is spoilt dog’s most prized possession (at that VERY moment). A few stitches and a spell in hospital ought to serve as a permanent reminder though.

I hope you didn’t think this was going to be a list of ‘dangerous dog breeds’ did you? If you did, sorry to disappoint. There’s dangerous dog owners, not dangerous dog breeds.

End breed specific legislation now.

April 9, 2011
Can Dogs Be Jealous?

Great little piece on jealousy in dogscourtesy of our friends at DogTips.co.What do you think: can dogs experience jealousy? Check the article outhttp://www.dogtips.co/do-dogs-get-jealous/

April 9, 2011
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…)

March 28, 2011
How to Stop Puppy Chewing Wires

Protecting computer, appliance, home entertainment and other cables and wires around the home from your dog or cat and, in doing so, keeping your four-legged friend out of harm’s way, is critical.

Stop Your Puppy Chewing Cables and Wires

– There are numerous products on the market today for covering household
wires to keep your pet – and even small children – from chewing on
them. An extremely inexpensive and convenient product to protect your
wires is the split wire loom – flexible and durable plastic tubing
with a slit down the side allowing for easy insertion of a cable
bundle.

– You can also cover any wires that are accessible to your small pet
with spiral cable wrap – plastic wrap that keeps wires tightly bundled
and also protects them from being chewed on by pets. Spiral cable wrap
is also available in many colors to match a room’s decor.

– For hiding excess cord length coming from your phone, computer mouse,
or even window blinds, try the Cable Turtle. This nifty gadget
protects wires from your cat or dog by letting you tuck the wires away
neatly in a shell. The product is available in different sizes and
various colors to match your decor.

– If you have no other choice but to run a wire across an open floor,
cord covers will allow you to easily hide and protect the cables from
your cat, dog and other passers by. These covers will not only keep
your pet from chewing on your wires, but will also keep your floors
safe and clear from tripping and tangling hazards.

– Keep cables off the floor and out of reach with adhesive-backed cord
clips, which attach wires to furniture or wall surfaces. These cord
clips are available in different sizes, and are ideal for phone cords,
lamp cords, and even some computer cords.

– Hide wires in your home office with a concealed surge protector, which
encloses plugs and excess cord length to keep them from becoming a
distraction to your pets. These safety-minded surge protectors not
only keep your computer and phone wires out of sight, but also provide
protection in case of a power surge or lightning strike.

Puppy Safety Tips

K9 Magazine’s Guide to Puppy Proofing Your Home

If you have an adorable little puppy running around the house, the last thing you want to see is an accident where the little guy gets cut, poisoned, or stepped on. However, accidents do happen and you should be prepared. Better yet, it is best if you practice safety prevention rather than waiting for something bad to happen to your puppy.

All it takes is just one little circumstance to go unnoticed which can cause a great deal of pain to your puppy. These little animals have an insatiable appetite when it comes to curiosity. Everything they see and smell looks like a great adventure and from their point of view, it’s all open territory. They see no danger and instead move forward to check things out. This is why you want to take the following safety prevention measures so that you can somewhat “puppy-proof” your house.

1. The first thing you should do is look around every room of your home and try to dispose of small items that your puppy may swallow. Puppies tend to try to swallow anything that they can get a hold of.

Unfortunately, not all small items will safely pass through the dog’s intestines which can prove to be fatal. Other times, your puppy’s system will try to gag and cough up the object which can go on for a long period of time. If your dog does not get the object out then the intestine becomes blocked and can rupture.

2. The second important home safety precaution to take is to hide or elevate your electrical cords and wires. Every home has wires and cords that must be in each room, but if left hanging there, dangling like a treat, your puppy is guaranteed to be tempted to play with it.

If he chews on these electrical items, your puppy is going to get hurt. The damage caused by gnawing through to the inside wiring of these cords can cause a mild shock or worse, third-degree burns. And in many cases, the electrocution can be so severe that it may cause your puppy to die from the shock. It is best to elevate all of the wiring that you can and use heavy-duty tape to cover up the other cords that have to be on and around the floor area

3. Last but not least, keep your home free from dangerous poisons and toxins that your puppy can ingest. Remember, our pets use their mouth’s for virtually all investigations and because they are extremely curious, toxic items can be easily ingested with one lick. Such household poisons can include anti-freeze, rat poison, garbage, lead, and even chocolate.

March 28, 2011
Dog Birthday Cake

A massive industry has grown up in the provision of products and services enabling pet owners to celebrate notable dates such as Christmas and pet birthdays. Why? Well, unless our pets have suddenly developed a penchant for being precious about numbers on a calendar, this is a purely human indulgence. And why not! After all, part of the very real joy of owning a dog is seeing them enjoy themselves. It brings a smile to our face and we do it because we regard our little friends as part of the family.

What better way to create that ‘Kodak moment’ than giving our dog a cake on the anniversary of the day of their birth!

Manufacturer’s Description

A handmade Giant Bark-day Pupcake from Canine Cookie Company Ltd. Choose from beef liver, chicken & herb flavour cakes. Topped with yoghurt icing. Item is wrapped in cello with gift tag, bow and ribbon.

February 14, 2011
OrganiPets Organic Dog Treats

Organic, hypoallergenic, all-natural – not just buzz words any more.

Today’s dog owner insists that their pet’s health is given top priority when it comes to diet and nutrition. Coupled with the pleasure of treating our dogs for the good things they do, selecting a high quality dog treat comes with greater consideration than simply offering a high calorie, nutritionally deficient snack.

More and more dog owners are aware of the link between proper nutrition and behaviour, so OrganiPets Organic Dog Treats are a highly recommended way to provide dogs with small rewards that can work in conjunction with a healthy canine lifestyle.

Manufacturer’s Description

OrganiPets offers a range of award-winning Organic Complete Pet Foods for dogs and cats made with human-grade, free range organic chicken. OrganiPets is hypoallergenic as it include no artificial colours, preservatives or additives and no wheat and most importantly no soya.

All our packaging is recyclable and we source our ingredients as locally as possible to support local farmers. We are accredited by The Ethical Company, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and approved by The Campaign for Real Pet Food.

OrganiPets Organic Dog Treats

February 14, 2011
The Border Collie Trust

The Trust is a Registered Charity (1053585) which relies on public support to assist Border Collies.

Situated in the heart of Staffordshire, our purpose built kennels are our base and rescue centre for the work the Trust undertakes throughout the UK in the care, rescue and rehoming of Border Collies & Collie X’s

The kennels are open 9am to 11am and 2pm to 4pm 7 days a week (except Christmas Day & Boxing day).

Help the Border Collie Trust by telling your friends. By simply spreading the word you can help The Trust, it’s amazing how many people hear about us by word of mouth. People have often then become involved with, fund raising themselves or offering practical help – building work and repairs, gardening even dog walking. Perhaps you or a group of friends would like to visit the centre and see what we do and how we do it. There is no limit to what we can do with willing helpers. Although much requires the necessary funding it’s surprising how much can be achieved with enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved.

Remember – if you would like to know more telephone the office on 0871 560 2282 or email us or visit http://www.bordercollietrustgb.org.uk for further information.

February 8, 2011
Luxury Dog Bed Suits All Breeds

I don’t know about you, but the newer range of luxury dog beds on the global market sometimes prompt me to scour the stores to see if I can buy human furniture to match my dog’s! Sound crazy?

This gloss, leather-effect material with suede cushion dog bed from Wallace and Jones is enticing enough to make me want to curl up and go to sleep in it myself.

It’s beautifully made to blend into any home. Available in 3 sizes and 2 colours to suit all breeds from smaller terriers to German shepherds.

February 8, 2011
House Training a New Puppy

An excellent article on effective techniques for house training a puppy.

Toilet training should not end with housebreaking. If you want to avoid the unpleasant but necessary task of picking up after your pet in the street, it makes sense to train him to go before you leave home. This is not as difficult as it may seem but requires a fair amount of patience in the early stages.
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December 21, 2010
Tips for Keeping Your Dog Safe at Christmas

Pine needles, glass decorations, left over food and an abundance of chocolate – this might sound like your average family Christmas but for dogs and their owners it can be an extremely hazardous environment. A survey carried out by Churchill Pet Insurance and dog rehoming website Dogsblog.com has revealed Christmas to be a hazardous time of year for dogs and their owners. With alcohol, bad weather, crowded homes and Christmas decorations contributing most to the problem.

Almost half of all dog owners admitted over-feeding their dog during the festive season. Normal table scraps, that are fine in moderation, soon mount up over Christmas and Boxing Day and dogs are often the grateful recipients of the overspill, but DogsBlog.com founder Ryan O'Meara warns against giving your dog anything extra from the table.

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December 13, 2010
Parvovirus UK Outbreak

Dog owners are being urged to be on their guard after a series of outbreaks of suspected parvovirus, a potentially fatal canine disease.

Leading veterinary charity, PDSA, has reported an increase in suspected cases at its PetAid hospitals in Belfast, Derby and Bow – a total of about 80 suspected cases at these PetAid hospitals in one month alone. PDSA Senior Veterinary Surgeon, Elaine Pendlebury, said: “We have already seen 30 such cases in one month at our PetAid hospital in Belfast this year. Compared to the number of monthly cases the hospital saw this time last year – seven – this is a huge increase and a large number of dogs suffering from an entirely preventable disease.”

There has also been an increase in the number of suspected cases at PDSA’s PetAid hospitals in Gillingham, Leeds, Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Manchester and Bow. In total, these PetAid hospitals saw over 100 suspected cases in one month.

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a highly infectious disease that can lead to death. It mainly affects younger dogs and symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, mucus or blood in the faeces, tiredness and loss of appetite.

Some dogs can survive the infection with intensive veterinary and nursing care but PDSA has seen an increase in the number of dogs dying from this disease. For example in 2009 the number of fatal cases in one month was 39 but this year to date this has increased to 43.

Ms Pendlebury continued: “The effects of canine parvovirus are very distressing to witness and it is often fatal. It is particularly serious in puppies as they also risk heart disease from this virus. If your dog starts to vomit or develops diarrhoea then it is crucial to contact your local veterinary practice as soon as possible.

“Parvovirus is preventable through vaccination, so protecting dogs particularly puppies from disease and suffering should be a priority. I strongly advise owners to ask their vet about vaccinating against this disease and about booster vaccinations throughout a dog’s lifetime.”

PDSA is warning pet owners in the affected areas and nationwide to be aware that parvovirus continues to pose a threat to dogs. Ms Pendlebury added: “PDSA is drawing attention to these outbreaks because dog owners should be aware parvovirus is possibly present in these areas. At our PetAid hospitals nationwide we have seen an increase in the number of pets we are treating and therefore the number of suspected cases is higher as a result. This disease can cause terrible and unnecessary suffering if dogs are not protected from the disease. “

December 2, 2010
Choosing a Dog Bed

Dogs, funny little creatures that they are, appreciate having a bed that's theirs and theirs alone. Even when they're reluctant to use it at first, the gradual accretion of personal smells will make it part of their territory, and they'll want to go there when it's time to sleep. Dog beds are made to withstand a lot of abuse, and most have washable covers as well. Getting a waterproof dog bed doesn't mean it can't be very aesthetically attractive.

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November 28, 2010
The dog’s habit of sticking the head out of car windows

Dog owners would know that a dog can die if left in a car with closed windows when the weather is hot. But did you know that allowing these pets to stick their heads out of car windows is dangerous as well. Dogs are wonderful pets and dog owners would always want to have the pet around.

It is not uncommon to see a dog’s head sticking out of trendy tote bags. Attention grabbing dogs in their designer clothes and jeweled collars are paraded by proud dog owners. Dogs are taken everywhere by their owners thus dogs in cars would hardly be noticed but a dog’s head sticking out of car windows will certainly attract attention more so if the dog is wearing goggles.

Man’s best friends are very curious animals. Being a dog owner you surely have noticed that your pet would love to run without the restrictions of a leash as in that way it can have the freedom to investigate any interesting movements and sounds. Naturally, your pet’s movements will be restricted if it is in a moving car but the dog will not be prevented from enjoying the passing scenery, the interesting sounds and smell as the pet would simply stick its head out of the car’s window. By sticking the head out of the car window, the dog can smell the mouth watering aroma of McDonald burgers being grilled a couple of miles away.

Dogs love to feel the cool breeze in their faces and sticking the head out of car windows is akin to running unrestricted by a leash. Because of the very few sweat glands, dogs can’t cool the body easily. Simply by lolling the tongue and sticking the head out of the car, the pet can cool its body.

A dog wearing goggles and sticking the head out of the car window will attract attention. The owner of the handsome dog will be admired as well. However, allowing the pet to stick its head out of car windows is dangerous. The dog can be injured by the shower of stones and dirt kicked up by the cars wheels. The dog may be well trained and accustomed to sitting serenely inside the car but the honking of another car can startle the dog and cause it to jump out of the window. You want to take the pet with you but you have to make sure that the pet is safe. Teach the dog to wear doggie goggles and to use seat belts.

Still wonder why dogs stick their heads out of car windows? Find out more about this and first aid for dogs at Sarah’s Dogs.

November 28, 2010