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  • For the First Time in Six Years, Dog Thefts Seem to Be on the Decline – But Dogs ARE Still Being Stolen

    For the First Time in Six Years, Dog Thefts Seem to Be on the Decline – But Dogs ARE Still Being Stolen

    New research from Direct Line Pet Insurance reveals that, for the first time since the study began in 2014, there has been a year-on-year fall in the number of dogs reported stolen across England and Wales.

    In 2019, an estimated 2,026 dogs were reported as stolen to police forces, a fall of 23 per cent compared to 2018 (2,625).

    But despite this good news, on average, six dogs were still reported as stolen every day and for the sixth year in a row, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are the most popular breed of dog to be targeted by thieves, with 89 dogs stolen in 2019.

    UK dog theft statistics 2019

    Crossbreeds remain the second most commonly targeted, although the number stolen in 2019 increased substantially, by 42 per cent. This is perhaps partly due to the popularity and expense of so-called designer dog breeds like Puggles and Schnoodles.

    Chihuahuas remained in third place in the table, although with a slight reduction (four per cent) in numbers stolen compared to 2018.

    Yorkshire Terriers, which did not make it into the top 10 most commonly stolen breeds in 2018 are now sixth, with triple the number stolen in 2019. This may be partly due to their popularity among well-known celebrities such as Serena Williams, Simon Cowell and Steven Tyler.

    Lurchers and Border Collies were also outside the top 10 in 2018 but are both now among the most popular targets for thieves.

    Breeds that have fallen in popularity for dog thieves include French Bulldogs, Jack Russell Terriers and Pugs.

    Eva Sandstra-Bennett, Head of Pet Insurance at Direct Line, said:

    “It is encouraging to see that the number of dogs stolen has fallen over the last year and, during the current lock down period, we expect this to drop even more. There is a risk, however, that these numbers may start to rise again as Lucy’s Law which came into force in April restricting sale of puppies from third parties, could result in some thieves having to take drastic measures to access certain breeds.

    “Dogs are such an important part of our lives, so to have one stolen is like losing a member of the family. We urge dog owners to be extra vigilant while out on their walks or in the car and not leave their beloved pets alone. Simple steps like not tying dogs outside of shops or leaving them in cars can help reduce the likelihood of becoming a target for thieves.”

    In more positive news for dog owners, the number of dogs returned to their owners in 2019 increased and means nearly one in five stolen dogs were recovered.

    Areas of the UK most at risk from dog thieves, according to police data

    London and the South East remained the dog theft hotspots in England and Wales, with the two regions accounting for a third of all reported cases of dog theft last year.

    West Yorkshire Police received the second greatest number of reports (167) of stolen dogs in 2019, while Kent saw the third-highest with 100 reports.

    Both forces, however, received fewer reports of stolen dogs in 2019 compared to 2018, a reduction of seven per cent and four per cent respectively.

    Alongside the Metropolitan Police, the top 10 police forces which saw increases in the number of dogs stolen in 2019 were Leicestershire Constabulary, West Mercia Police, Essex Police and Durham Constabulary.

    Dyfed-Powys Police returned the greatest proportion of dogs to their owners last year, reuniting 26 out of 33 dogs with their owners, a success rate of four in five dogs.

    Eva Sandstra-Bennett, Head of Pet Insurance at Direct Line, continued:

    “It is great to see that the number of dogs returned to their owners is on the rise across the country, giving hope to those who have had their dog stolen. The positive changes in the law in recent years, such as microchipping become a legal obligation, will have contributed to the improvements in reuniting owners with their lost pets and we hope that this continues in the coming years.”

    What to do if your dog is stolen

    1. Check the local area and your dog’s favourite spots as your dog may have wandered off.

    2. Make your dog ‘too hot to handle’ by sharing on social media, putting up posters in the local area and informing local media – include pictures and any distinctive marks in any appeals, and ask others to spread the word.

    3. There are some specific sites set up to help find lost and stolen dogs, like doglost.co.uk.

    4. Report your dog as stolen to the police and provide them with as much detail as possible.

    5. Report your dog as stolen to local pet related services like vets, animal shelters, pet shops, dog wardens and the council. Provide photos, a physical description and the dog’s microchip number
    Report your dog to the microchip database.

    Dog theft statistics UK (2019): summary

    • Six dogs are stolen every day, according to Direct Line Pet Insurance.
    • More dogs are stolen in London and the South East than any other region in England and Wales. Behind London, West Yorkshire is a hot spot for dog thefts in the UK, according to police data.
    • Staffordshire Bull Terriers are the most targeted dog breed by dog thieves, followed by cross-breeds and Chihuahuas.
    • In 2019, one in five stolen dogs were recovered and reunited with their families. Dyfed-Powys Police in Wales returned the greatest proportion of dogs (four in five) to their owners last year.

  • Watch These Dogs Being Trained To Spot Coronavirus (Video)

    British dogs are being trained in the detection of coronavirus.

    The dogs are being utilised as the world hunts for early detection methods for spotting coronavirus infections in humans. Watch the dogs being put through their paces in this fascinating video.

  • MCT Oil Could Help Dogs With Hard to Treat Epilepsy, New Study Reveals

    MCT Oil Could Help Dogs With Hard to Treat Epilepsy, New Study Reveals

    Epilepsy is the most common canine neurological disorder and it is estimated that four in 100 dogs will suffer from the condition and it can affect dogs in different ways.

    Some of the most common dog breeds affected by epilepsy include German Shepherds, Beagles, Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Dachshunds, Border Terriers, English Springer Spaniels and Labrador Retrievers.

    New research conducted by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), funded by The American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation (AKC CHF), has tested the effects of an oil supplement on seizure frequency in dogs with drug-resistant epilepsy, with very encouraging results.

    The RVC say their research shows that small changes to the diets of dogs with hard-to-treat epilepsy has the potential to reduce the number of seizures and improve the quality of life for affected dogs and their owners.

    Epilepsy is the most common long-term neurological condition in dogs and can be very distressing for both dogs and their owners. Current treatments focus on managing the condition and reducing how often seizures occur. However, despite treatment with appropriate anti-seizure medication, approximately one-third of dogs continue to experience frequent seizures. This has significant impacts on their behaviour and cognitive functions and can also make dogs prone to anxiety.

    Helping develop new treatment strategies to reduce epileptic seizures and improve the overall welfare of dogs, a team of researchers, led by veterinarians Professor Holger Volk and Dr Benjamin Andreas Berk, alongside canine behaviour and welfare scientist Dr Rowena Packer, at the RVC, tested the effects of an oil supplement on seizure frequency in dogs with drug-resistant epilepsy.

    Previous research by the RVC had shown that the oil, which contains a specific type of fat known as medium-chain triglycerides, or MCTs, could have beneficial effects when included within a dry kibble diet. During this study, the oil was added as a supplement to a dog’s existing diet to determine if the same benefits could be achieved. The oil was tested in a rigorous clinical trial during which 28 dogs received the MCT oil for three months and a placebo oil for three months. Both owners and investigators were blind to which oil dogs were receiving during each phase.

    Overall, dogs had significantly fewer seizures during the MCT phase compared the placebo phase, and an improved owner-reported quality of life. New therapies are urgently needed to improve the quality of life of affected dogs and their owners and the results of this study offer a promising addition to other methods commonly used to treat canine epilepsy.

    Dr Rowena Packer, BBSRC Research Fellow at the Royal Veterinary College, said:

    “Epilepsy is often a challenging and distressing condition for dog owners to manage, particularly when dogs don’t respond to anti-seizure medications in the way their owner and vet might have expected or hoped. Historically, diet has not been considered a key part of epilepsy management, but along with other recent findings, these results indicate that nutrition likely plays an important role in seizure control.

    “Our novel findings indicate that a relatively small change to the diet of dogs’ with hard-to-treat epilepsy can potentially reduce the number of seizures they have, while also improving their medication side effects and overall quality of life. MCT oil offers a promising addition to the wider epilepsy management tool-kit.”

    Dog epilepsy seizure triggers

    Canine epilepsy seizures are stressful for both the dog and owner and can appear unpredictable and uncontrollable.

    Dr Sarah Finnegan, a PhD student at the RVC studied the behaviour and environment of dogs to identify seizure triggers to help dog owners spot signs that their dog might be about to have a seizure.

    Here are some of the most common triggers and signs dog owners reported before a dog had an epileptic seizure:

    • Nearly two thirds of owners reported pre-seizure changes in their dog (65 per cent), most commonly stating clinginess, excessive energy, and unsettled sleep.

      These signs varied between dogs, with other common changes including clumsiness, excessive panting, becoming withdrawn or quiet, and lacking energy.

    • Nearly half of owners (43 per cent) also reported seizure triggers, which commonly involved stress, food and excitement.

      A wide range of other triggers were reported by owners including loud noises, fireworks, storms, household products (cleaning products and air freshener), and preventative healthcare including flea and worming products and vaccinations.

    • Over half of owners (60%) believed they were able to predict an upcoming seizure in their dog by using a combination of pre-seizure changes and recognising triggers.

      Nearly half of these owners were able to do so 30 minutes or more before the seizure commenced.

    Dr Rowena Packer, BBSRC Research Fellow and research lead in canine epilepsy at the RVC, said:

    “It was fascinating to discover how in-tune many owners of dogs with epilepsy are with subtle changes in their dog’s behaviour before seizures. Many of our findings echo what is seen in human epilepsy patients and add evidence to support the presence of prodromal pre-seizure periods in dogs as well as people. Collecting further objective data to confirm these findings and explore ways to proactively utilise this period for seizure management are of priority for future research.

    “This study also highlights how crucial it is that owners of dogs with epilepsy keep good records, not just of their dog’s seizures, but also of changes in behaviour and exposure to potential triggers, to gain a better picture of patterns in their dog’s seizure activity. The RVC Pet Epilepsy Tracker app allows owners to keep records, that can also be shared electronically with their vet and with RVC for further research.”

  • What Are The Best Quotes About Dogs?

    What Are The Best Quotes About Dogs?

    The dog has been with us long enough to have gathered a nice collection of dog quotes, sayings about dogs and philosophical canine mutterings.

    You may have heard someone say something about dogs that you’ve had heard many times before but didn’t know exactly what the term or phrase meant.

    Well, let’s see if we can help.

    Some of the common phrases you’re likely to have heard are much older than you might expect. Some of them date back to the ancient Greeks and Romans…and beyond.

    Many of the phrases that are still used today are not used in the same manner as they once were.

    “The Dog Days of Summer”

    This phrase originated from the ancient Greeks and Romans and is often referred to as “die caniculares”, “Days of the Dog” or simply “Dog Days”. The phrase is used to refer to the extreme heat and miserable conditions that arrive with it each year. This time period was considered to be an evil period by many people.  Although it is no longer true, it was once thought that the heat was from Sirius, the Dog Star.

    “Raining Cats and Dogs”

    This phrase has no definitive origination however there are many different suggestions as to how the phrase came to be. The most widely accepted version supposedly originated in 17th century England. During this time period there were strong rains and downpours that drowned large amounts of dogs and cats leaving their bodies to float down the flooded areas. Due to the severity of the drownings, it often looked as though it really was “Raining Cats and Dogs”.

    “Three Dog Night”

    This phrase originated from the original Australian inhabitants. During cold nights these people would lie down into a hole to sleep. They would have their dingo to sleep on them for warmth. On very cold nights they would sleep with three dingos for the added warmth.

    “The Hair of the Dog that Bit You”

    This phrase is used today as a metaphor. If you have a hangover you would “Have a bit of the hair of the dog that bit you”. Or in simple terms, have a bit of alcohol to cure your hangover. Originally the phrase was used when someone was bitten by a dog and some of the hair from the dog was placed inside the open wound.

    “Hangdog Expression”

    This phrase is used when someone is expressing their feeling to an extent that you think is excessive. Similar to that of a dog pouting or sulking after being forbidden to do something.

    “The Tail Wagging the Dog”

    This phrase refers to something that is of no importance, or very little importance, being used to make a scene or cover something of higher importance in a way of diverting attention for the main issue at hand.

    Dog Quotes

    There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face. ~Ben Williams

    The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too. ~Samuel Butler, Notebooks, 1912

    From the dog’s point of view, his master is an elongated and abnormally cunning dog. ~Mabel Louise Robinson

    Dogs are miracles with paws. ~Attributed to Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy

    Man is a dog’s idea of what God should be. ~Holbrook Jackson

    The dog is the only animal that has seen his god. ~Author Unknown

    Dogs’ lives are too short. Their only fault, really. ~Agnes Sligh Turnbull

    My little dog – a heartbeat at my feet. ~Edith Wharton

    We long for an affection altogether ignorant of our faults. Heaven has accorded this to us in the uncritical canine attachment. ~George Eliot

    I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive. ~Gilda Radner

    I think we are drawn to dogs because they are the uninhibited creatures we might be if we weren’t certain we knew better. They fight for honor at the first challenge, make love with no moral restraint, and they do not for all their marvelous instincts appear to know about death. Being such wonderfully uncomplicated beings, they need us to do their worrying. ~George Bird Evans, Troubles with Bird Dogs

    Our dogs will love and admire the meanest of us, and feed our colossal vanity with their uncritical homage. ~Agnes Repplier

    One reason a dog can be such a comfort when you’re feeling blue is that he doesn’t try to find out why. ~Author Unknown

    Scratch a dog and you’ll find a permanent job. ~Franklin P. Jones

    I talk to him when I’m lonesome like; and I’m sure he understands. When he looks at me so attentively, and gently licks my hands; then he rubs his nose on my tailored clothes, but I never say naught thereat. For the good Lord knows I can buy more clothes, but never a friend like that. ~W. Dayton Wedgefarth

    When a dog barks at the moon, then it is religion; but when he barks at strangers, it is patriotism! ~David Starr Jordan

    Properly trained, a man can be dog’s best friend. ~Corey Ford

    If you think dogs can’t count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then giving Fido only two of them. ~Phil Pastoret

    Want to contribute your best dog quotes?

    Now’s your chance.

    There’s a comment form below. Why not use it to submit your own words of infinite wisdom relating to dogs.

    You won’t get paid, but you might find yourself being quoted in a thousand years from now!

  • How To Cope With The Loss of a Dog

    How To Cope With The Loss of a Dog

    Coping with the loss of a dog is so hard. When a person dies, friends and family are usually united in grief, with acquaintances offering support and sympathy, but what many fail to realise is that not all loved ones are people.

    The death of a pet, particularly a close companion like a dog or cat, can leave loving owners totally devastated, but there is a definite lack of understanding or appreciation for this loss by others who can’t get past the naïve belief that a pet is ‘just an animal’.

    For bereaved owners, this attitude can be extremely damaging and prevent them from grieving and coming to terms with their loss, making them afraid to show emotion or talk about their feelings.

    Emotional support: How do we cope with the loss of a dog?

    The vast majority of us with pets will be faced by their death but, when that day comes, it’s important to remember that your feelings are normal and justified, and that you shouldn’t be ashamed to talk about your loss or cry. A creature you cared for, loved and received unconditional love from in return, has gone and you have every reason to feel hurt and upset, regardless of the fact that this loved one wasn’t human.

    coping with the loss of a dog
    Dogs are here for a good time, sadly, not a long time
    A natural reaction to grief
    Bottling up your grief is a natural reaction in these circumstances, but it has long-lasting effects which can cause you further pain, heartbreak and even illness at a later date.

    No-one thinks death is an easy thing to come to terms with, but if you can, think about the enormity of what has happened and how it is effecting you so you can deal with your feelings and not just push them to one side.

    We’re all different and no other person can truly claim to “know how you feel” as they can only know how they felt in similar circumstances, but many experts believe there are five main stages of mourning and most of us will experience some, if not all of them.

    Recognising these stages can also be an important step in your acceptance process, so think about your behaviour and be prepared to listen to friends and family who may have seen a change in your personality you weren’t aware of.

    Use the resources which are available to you, such as Internet sites, literature and bereavement counsellors. Information and advice is there to help people in your situation, so make the most of it – there’s no need to cope alone.

    The stages of grief after losing a pet

    There is no time limit on grief and we all come to terms with death differently, so never judge yourself by others’ experiences. You and the loved ones around you who are also grieving are the people you should be concentrating on, so don’t torture yourself further by thinking about how quickly someone else got over their loss – and besides, they probably hadn’t and were simply putting on a brave face.

    However, it’s fair to say that the majority of us will go through some or all of the five stages recognised by experts, but not necessarily in a particular or most common order. Each stage can present or manifest itself differently in each individual, but, if you’re honest about your feelings, you’ll probably realise and hopefully accept which stage you’re going through.

    There is no right or wrong way to handle a dog’s death

    Denial:

    The shock of learning that your pet has either died or – the nightmare that many of us face – is desperately ill and should be euthanased to save he or she from further pain, can be too much to bear.

    It’s common for people to refuse to believe this news, leaving them bewildered and/or distant, while others carry on as if nothing has happened. In a family, the latter can often cause animosity and further upset with relatives believing the person doesn’t care about their beloved pet.

    Denial is simply a defence mechanism to hide from the painful truth and someone should not be attacked for doing so. Instead, try talking about the situation so that, little by little, the facts begin to sink in.

    At some point – usually just a few hours or days, but in some cases much longer – they will accept that their pet has died or that their death is inevitable and the next stage of the healing process can begin.

    Anger is natural when coping with the loss of a dog

    So the truth has hit you – your four-legged companion has died or is desperately ill and should be given the peaceful end they deserve. Knowing this certainly doesn’t make it easy to handle and you’re furious that this has happened and lash out at your family and friends, the vet who was forced to deliver the bad news, yourself – sometimes even the pet you’re grieving for, angry that they’ve left you.

    Again, this is a natural reaction, but one which can cause bad feeling between loved ones who are all suffering, so whether you’re the one who is angry or you’re just on the receiving end, remember what is behind this uncharacteristic behaviour.

    Try your hardest not to be judgemental or to point blame, and if an argument erupts because of the strain, take a few deep breaths or even walk away for a few moments until everyone has calmed down. Whenever possible, talk about and make amends for anything hurtful which has been said as guilt will only cause further problems.

    Bargaining

    This stage is particularly relevant for owners with terminally ill pets. Quite often we try to make bargains with ourselves, our family, vets, and very often God, that if our pet is saved, we’ll do something differently and keep our promises.

    This is an attempt to regain control and change the course of events, but this is obviously false hope and, deep down, we often realise this. The truth is our enemy, but also our cure. Talking things through and repeatedly going over the facts is one of the best ways to understand that nothing you do or say can change what has happened or that your pet’s death is unavoidable.

    Depression after the loss of a pet

    The severity and nature of depression varies dramatically from person to person, but this is almost always the most difficult stage to clear. Practical implications, such as the cost of medical treatment and the use of time you previously spent with your pet, can cause much worry, not to mention the guilt we often feel about the treatment of our pet and others.

    Have I helped my loved ones?

    Have I made their grief worse?

    Did I do enough for my pet before he or she died?

    Questions like these plague us and, as there seems little to be positive about, it’s very difficult to gain control of our thoughts and feelings. Other people are extremely important at this stage as they can not only offer comfort and support, but are often able to put things in perspective.

    If you are on your own, this is a good time to seek the help of a bereavement counsellor or to contact others through charities and even some pet insurance companies now offer dog bereavement coverage. Make use of these services. They can really help you cope with the grief of losing a beloved dog.

    It may seem uncomfortable at first talking about personal feelings with a stranger, but these people are there to help because they’ve dealt with their own grief and appreciate what you’re going through.

    During this stage, many people decide to get another pet, believing it will take the place of the beloved companion they’ve lost, but this is not a time to make such a decision as it’s natural to compare your new member of the family to the one you so dearly miss. This simply isn’t good for you or fair to your new pet. Give yourself enough time to come to terms with your loss before you embark on another special relationship.

    Acceptance

    Accepting your dog’s death and coming to terms with the loss is a long and painful process, but one you can complete if you allow yourself to grieve. Having shed your tears and conquered your feelings of anger and guilt, it’s time to remember your pet in his or her prime and the love they gave so freely to you and your family. Death is a tragic fact of life, but both people and pets will continue to live on in our memories, so never be afraid to reminisce as a part of the process of coping with the loss of a dog.

    How to survive after the loss of a dog

    Grief is a confusing, frustrating emotion which can prevent you from concentrating on anything else and totally take over your life for weeks, months, even years – but as the old adage says, life goes on and so must you. No-one expects you to forget about the pet you adored, but there are better ways to remember them than by feeling miserable or guilty. Face the truth, cry your tears, talk through your feelings and, ultimately, celebrate the life which brought you so much happiness.

    Who  can I talk to about coping with the loss of a dog?

    Pet Bereavement Support
    Grieving for the loss of a pet, whether through death, parting or enforced separation, can be a sad and difficult experience.

    When the love and friendship of a pet are gone, life may suddenly seem very empty. If you have lost, or are facing saying goodbye to, a much loved pet and need somebody to talk to, The Blue Cross Pet Bereavement Support Service is here for you every day from 8.30am – 8.30pm.

    Please don’t hesitate to call us them if you are struggling: 0800 096 6606

  • Renting With Dogs In The UK – What’s The Most Dog Friendly City?

    Renting With Dogs In The UK – What’s The Most Dog Friendly City?

    Renting with dogs in the UK isn’t as easy as some other countries where renting is the norm. So where are the best cities in the UK if you’re a dog owner? If you are looking to rent a property and own a dog, if you had your pick, Southampton is the city for you.

    Officially named the pet-friendliest city in the UK for those wishing to rent with pets, Southampton might be getting an influx of dog owners looking to rent a home.

    The study by insurance firm Towergate Insurance, analysed 25 major UK cities against 10 various criteria points to determine the most ‘pet-friendly’ locations for renters and their furry friends.

    These factors included pets per capita, as well as various aspects to determine the locations with pet-friendly rentals, such as: rentals with a private garden; rentals listed as ‘pets allowed’; affordable rent prices; and lack of neighbour complaints regarding pets.

    Data: The 10 Most Dog Friendly Cities in The UK

    RANK CITY
    1 Southampton
    2 Nottingham
    3 Manchester
    4 Derby
    5 Birmingham
    6 Plymouth
    7 Coventry
    8 Stoke-on-Trent
    9 Bristol
    10 Leeds

    Southampton performed well across all 10 categories, laying claim to the top spot in the UK overall. The southern city performed especially well for lack of rent price ‘penalties’ for pet owners (pet owners in the city can expect to pay just 71% of the average monthly Southampton rental price), as well as having a low estimated number of neighbour complaints regarding pets.

    Nottingham and Manchester made up the rest of the top 3 ‘pet friendly’ major cities in the UK for renters, coming in second and third place respectively in the overall index ranking. Derby and Birmingham followed close behind, ranking at fourth and fifth respectively.

    Alison Wild of Towergate Insurance, says:

    “Ticking an array of pet-friendly boxes, Southampton stands head and shoulders above other cities, and our research helped crown the coastal city as the most ‘pet-friendly’ city for renters in the UK.

    “It’s a shame to see that pet owners living in Wolverhampton, London and Leicester have the biggest risk of rent ‘penalties’, with these cities typically paying between 26-42% more than the average rental price in each respective city. In better news, animal loving renters can find affordable pet-friendly accommodation in Bradford, Belfast and Kingston upon Hull”.

    The UK’s Most Pet Friendly Cities For Renting

    Top 3 cities for number of available rentals with a garden:

    1. Leeds
    2. Coventry
    3. Birmingham

    Top 3 cities for percentage of available rentals with a garden:

    1. Derby
    2. Wolverhampton
    3. Newport

    Top 3 cities for number of available rentals listed as ‘pets allowed’:

    1. Manchester
    2. Birmingham
    3. Sheffield

    Top 3 cities for percentage of available rentals listed as ‘pets allowed’:

    1. Newport
    2. Plymouth
    3. Belfast

    Top 3 cities for affordable rentals listed as ‘pets allowed’:

    1. Bradford
    2. Belfast
    3. Kingston upon Hull

    Top 3 cities for lack of pet owner rent price ‘penalty’:

    1. Leeds
    2. Belfast
    3. Edinburgh

    Top 3 cities for lack of neighbour complaints regarding pets:

    1. Leeds
    2. Edinburgh
    3. Southampton

    When broken down into winners per category, the research revealed that Leeds performs best on various points, including for number of rentals on the market with gardens, for not having a rent price ‘penalty’ for pet owners (pet owners in the city can expect to pay just 53% of the average monthly Leeds rental price), and for having the lowest estimated monthly search volumes for pet complaint terms of all cities analysed.

    Bradford has the highest number of affordable pet friendly rentals, with an average monthly rent of just £417.50. On the other hand, Derby has the highest percentage of rentals which included a garden (56% of live listings).

    Manchester has the most available rentals that were listed as ‘pets allowed’ (119 live listings), whereas Newport in Wales has the highest percentage of rentals that were listed as ‘pets allowed’ (13%), a huge 10% more than the average across all 25 cities analysed (3%).

    Looking at Scotland specifically, Edinburgh narrowly missed out on the top 10, ranking in at number 11 overall, tying with Preston. The Scottish city was found to have the second biggest lack of rent price ‘penalties’ for pet owners of all cities analysed – pet owners in the city can expect to pay just 68% of the average monthly Edinburgh rental price.

    London came last in the list overall, performing poorly across all 10 criteria points. As well as London, the worst performing cities overall also included Swansea, Glasgow, Cardiff and Leicester.

  • 6 Ways to Save Money on Dog Insurance

    6 Ways to Save Money on Dog Insurance

    You can get a pet health insurance plan for all of your dogs which covers a whole variety of different elements of your pet’s well being. The problem is, shopping for pet insurance can be a minefield with all the different levels of cover to consider.

    Just like shopping for insurance premiums for things like car insurance, rental insurance, etc., shopping for dog insurance takes a little research to find the right company.

    Below are a few basic questions that can help you get a better understanding of the type of insurance plan a company can offer for your dog.

    How To Shop For The Right Dog Insurance Policy

    1. Find out if the insurance company covers any pre-existing health conditions. This is very important because should your dog become ill or have an injury that stemmed from a previous condition, and the insurance company does not cover pre-existing health problems, you may be paying the expense out of your pocket.

    2. Be sure to ask if the company is licensed to offer their services in your state. You generally will not have a problem with this issue, but there is the occasional rogue insurance company that covers pets but is not fully legal to do so. In that case, you may come out on the loosing end of an insurance claim.

    3. Ask how many years the company has been in business and how long they have offered insurance plans that cover dogs. A fairly new company may not have the experience or the coverage that an older, more experienced service provider would.

    4. Ask what the insurance policy does NOT include, such as checkups, heartworm tests, dental care, worms, etc. Obviously these items are important so you know what to expect to pay if a particular health condition with your dog springs up.

    5. Find out if the insurance for your dog will cover bone scans, medications, reconstructive surgery, and CAT scans. If your dog gets seriously injured and is suspected of having a major condition as a result from the injury, he may need the above mentioned procedures and tests. These can be quite expensive if the insurance plan does not include them in the service.

    6. And of course, be sure to know what your deductible will be. In addition, ask if there is a cap on any specific type of illness or accidents your dog may possibly be in.

  • Simple Tips to Help Your Dog Live Longer

    It’s now a well-established fact that being a dog owner helps you live a longer, healthier, happier life.

    So with that in mind, here are 20 great tips that will keep both you and your dog in the peak of health… Doga! All the benefits of Yoga, suppleness, flexibility and muscle toning and dogs can join in too.

    Take your dog with you on that journey for internal peace. You can both hold the ‘mountain’, ‘lotus’ or ‘cobra’ position, but don’t forget to warm up first. An excellent work out for both human and dog is a good old ‘tug-o-war’. Although usually spontaneous, a five-minute session will burn off as many calories as a brisk fifteen-minute walk. Use an old rag or t-shirt and go for it.

    It is best if you crouch down to start with to avoid bending the back improperly. Your dog will love this one, but make sure you win, or you could be saddled with a very cocky young pup! Short and often beats once a day. Walking the dog should never be a chore. Frequent, shorter walks are often more beneficial to you both than one long stroll a day.

    Want more tips on how to extend your dog’s life?
    Our friends at K9 Magazine have produced 100 tips on how to help your dog live a longer, happier, healthier life. If you’d like to get expert insight in to ways you can help your dog to live longer:

    Learn More ⇢

    Bringing your heart rate up regularly increases cardiovascular fitness. A two-minute jog completed by a five-minute stroll four times a day will get results pretty sharpish. Make minor diet adjustments. Replacing fizzy drinks with cordial will benefit a weight loss programme. Small changes that do not overhaul your lifestyle are easier to stick to. Changing an overweight dog’s portion size beats re-designing his whole diet plan.

    Worming your pet is important all year round, however, for one hookworm, in particular, Uncinaria stenocephala, there is a sharp rise from July to September. In heavily infested pups, it can have nasty results such as diarrhoea, anorexia and lethargy. By worming every three months your pet will be protected.

    Camp it up. A camping trip with your dog is fun and can offer lots of opportunity for exercise. It will give him a whole new world to sniff and the exercise happens without you even noticing. Let him do all the work. If you are looking for an easy ride, but want your dog to get a work out get a Frisbee. All you need to do is toss the thing and he will (hopefully) bring it straight back. This will provide an excellent aerobic work out for him that will also relieve any boredom. If possible, incorporate water into the activity. Toss the Frisbee into the pond or lake (it will float) and let him swim for it.

    BARF. A diet based around raw meat and bones is a superb and very natural diet for a dog that could use a little more protein. Although it may not sound it, this diet is very healthy and suits all breeds of dog. Not sure about raw? Not to worry, you can delve into the subject and read raw dog food pros and cons here to help you decide if a raw diet is right for your dog.

    Hide his toys. If you have a lazy dog, a good way to encourage exercise is to move his toys whenever you go upstairs. If he is loafing about downstairs make sure, the next time you go up the stairs that you take his favourite toy with you. It may only be a small amount, but any exercise is better than none.

    This can also be practised at mealtimes. To avoid a soaking. Long-haired breeds require frequent grooming. When showering or bathing your dog, always wait until the very end to wash the head. You will notice that your dog will only ‘shake out’ when his head gets wet. For supple joints, both of you should eat fish once a week.

    It is high in potassium and low in sodium. Coldwater fish such as trout and salmon are both excellent for joints. Older dogs will benefit from the presence of fish in the diet. For a healthy coat. Give your dog a daily dose of Safflower, Corn, Soybean or Cotton Seed Oil in their food (1 teaspoon) this really helps them to have a great looking coat and reduces hair loss. Now you can style your hair in that shiny coat. In the summertime.

    Make sure nobody suffers from sunburn by being generous with the sunscreen. Even the dog should get some factor 12 on his nose. To keep him cool and burn free, a damp t-shirt will do him no fashion favours, but will keep him comfortable. Water, water everywhere. An oldie but a goodie. Water is never bad for you, but it is especially good for the bipedal during the summer months. Six pints a day (not all at once) re-hydrate the skin and flush out many of your body’s impurities. It is always good for the dog to have a fresh water supply, as an over-excited dog can become dehydrated very quickly.

    Regular checkups. A great way to judge a dog’s inner health is by the state of his coat. A full, glossy coat spells a healthy, well looked after dog. But a comprehensive check up by you can be a huge help. You will be able to find any suspicious lumps, be able to tell if he is under or over weight (a thick coat can conceal this) and is a great way to bond with your dog. Once you get used to your dog, you are more likely to spot any alarming changes later on in life.

    Back of the net! Former West Ham United star John Harley is famous amongst his football pals for training with his dog. You too can have a kick about with your mates and get the dog involved. He will love chasing the ball around at your feet and capitalizing on any schoolboy errors you may make defensively!

    For the more dedicated sports person. Ed Moses, the world’s most successful 400m hurdles runner is making a return to athletics at the age of 48. He trained for the comeback specifically with his dog. You can do the same. Anything athletic will or at least should, appeal to a healthy dog. He will try and join you, but he will never defeat you, because you are the champ, aren’t you? Laps of a track are always good for endurance.

    A winning smile can be achieved through regular brushing, and not much else. Despite what people might have you believe, biscuits or chews do not replace a good tooth brushing. To clean teeth sufficiently, there needs to be brushing action. Even he protests, get that brush working on those canine chompers.

    Take a dip. Quite possibly the most beneficial exercise going. This works for all muscle groups. The resistance pressure of the water is dictated by how fast you want to go, and if you get tired get Rover to pull you along with his tail, he’ll love it. Most dogs love a good splash about, you’ll spot the ones that don’t.

    Get in line. If you stick to all of the above you both should be feeling pretty good by the end of the summer. This is when you take that last risk before winter comes round again. Get the skates on. Roller skating or in-line skating is a great way to burn fat, get around faster and provided you can stay vertical, it is a great way for you and your dog to have a good laugh on the park. Watch out for those posing so-and-sos who just want to whip by and make you feel slow.

  • Socialising My New Puppy (Checklist)

    Early puppy socialisation is so important, it’s to overstate just how much impact it can have as the pup grows in to an adult.

    If you read the situations listed on this puppy socialisation checklist, we’d also add some of the following tips for better socialisation of your puppy:

    1. Hand contact. Get your pup used to being touched, stroked and handled.

    2. Exposure to different sounds. Noise phobia can develop at any age, but the earlier a pup gets used to hearing different sounds, the better.

    3. Exposure to other dogs. Not to be done until pup is vaccinated, but exposure to other dogs at an early age can circumvent many problems developing later.

  • Dog Car Travel Tips

    Dogs sometimes feel the need to help us navigate to our/their favourite destination when we’re travelling by car. Many of us have had the ‘pleasure’ of a helpful dog shouting out instructions from the back of our vehicle ‘The park! Let’s go to the park!! Will we be at the park soon??? We’re going the wrong way. This looks more like the route to the vet’s, not the par…oh, s**t!! Turn around, turn around!!!”

    Yes, dogs do make our journeys more interesting in the car. Now a road safety guide for people who travel with their pets has been produced by The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents to assist dog owners travel safer with their pets.

    In a motor crash, an unrestrained pet could be seriously injured, or could injure other people travelling in the car by being thrown forward. This new guide gives advice and safety tips which could save your or your pet’s life….

    Travelling with pets can have many hidden dangers. For instance, at 30mph, a 50lb border collie would be thrown forward with a force equivalent to almost 9 12 stone men.

    Even pets that are normally well behaved could be frightened by something unusual, make sudden dives or become noisy and agitated.

    Vets report the high number of animals they treat who have been injured whilst travelling.

    The Department for Transport has worked with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and the PDSA to produce an advisory leaflet, Carrying Pets Safely, which explains some of the dangers (to drivers and animals) of driving with unrestrained pets and solutions and helpful tips for making travelling by car as safe and comfortable as possible

    Although drivers aren’t required by law to make their pets ‘belt up’ it is an offence, rule 43 of the Highway Code states that “When in a vehicle, make sure that dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you if you stop quickly”. Failure to observe provisions in the Code may be used to establish liability for an offence.

  • Why It’s Important to Teach Your Dog to Listen

    Training your dog is among the most important aspects of your pet’s life. Can you imagine living for ten years or more with an untrained animal? This article can help you learn more about the importance of dog training.

    Understanding the underlying motivations to your dog’s behaviour is crucial to successful training. Dog training can be a learning experience, especially with it comes to determining what motivates your pet. Whatever your goals, your dog’s training routine should include variety and plenty of positive reinforcement. If you keep him happy and motivated, he will not disappoint you.

    Your family must be trained to be consistent with commands for your dog. If you use different commands for each action, like using “down” and your wife using “lay,” your dog will get confused. Consistency in the command phrases will make training easier on everyone in the family, including your dog.

    When training your puppy, avoid tug-of-war type games. Games, such as wrestling, chasing or tugging, teaches the puppy to nip or bite at your hands. You want to avoid having your puppy become accustomed to this behaviour, so it is better to postpone these games until the dog is more mature and fully trained.

    Anxiety causes destructive chewing. Placing the dog in a safe environment such as a dog crate and providing a chew toy keeps the dog safe and occupied until your return.

    Make sure you are consistent when you train your dog. Write down the specific commands you want to use with your dog, and get everyone in your household to review the list and use the same words. You also need to make certain that everyone should be rewarding the dog’s good behaviour and not rewarding any bad behaviour. Your dog will become very confused if each person responds differently to a single type of behaviour. This will make training very hard.

    Dogs have a short attention span and you will have to attract his attention. If you get your dog to focus on you, it will help his behaviour.

    Do not try to train your dog if you do not feel you can be patient. Be patient when training your puppy, so you can both stay focused.

    Do not give up when you are trying to train your dog. Your dog requires consistent reinforcement of training, or he may quickly forget what he has learned. Just as you need to keep feeding and sheltering your dog, training is a never-ending process.

    Communication between you and your dog is key to successful dog training. Obviously, your dog needs to know what you are asking of him. Your verbal commands and body language, along with the rewards you give out, should all be consistent. Also pay attention to the communication your dog is giving back to you as that will affect your training routine. He will let you know if he is having a good day or if he is feeling anxious and overworked.

    Having been said before, getting a dog trained will be a great investment. A dog that is not well trained and misbehaves can cause havoc in your home. It can destroy your items, stress family members out, and even alienate itself to the point where nobody wants to have it around. Listening to the information provided in the article, you could make it a choice to have a great a loveable dog.

  • Thinking of Buying a Cocker Spaniel?

    Cocker Spaniels make excellent pets for anyone looking for an obedient, good-natured and loyal breed of dog. As with any breed, Cocker Spaniel puppies are playful, full of energy and great fun to be with and they grow into quite small dogs that are just as friendly and affectionate if not quite so energetic.

    Given their solid reputation as a good family pet you might find it surprising that there are many Cocker Spaniel puppies and dogs currently being cared for in animal shelters awaiting adoption. Why would anyone search for Spaniel puppies for sale when there are so many in desperate need of a permanent home?

    With any pedigree there are people who prefer to buy Spaniel puppies from a breeder, believing that they will somehow be ‘safer’ or healthier pets.

    It is understandable that people with young children will be cautious about introducing a dog into the family home, but actually choosing a pedigree from a breeder is not a guarantee that it will be any safer or more predictable than adopting a Cocker Spaniel from a rescue.

    Indeed, disreputable breeders offer Spaniel puppies for sale that have been bred for appearance and maximum profit but that have not been bred with any regard to temperament or health. Such breeders often advertise that they can offer any breed to order and are actually operating or supporting ‘puppy farms’ where the mother is kept in a confined space and her puppies are quickly removed and inadequately socialised.

    Good breeders do exist, of course, and they care very much about the dogs and puppies in their care. They take measures to ensure that the puppies are socialised and that breeding takes place with dogs carefully selected for their personality and temperament as well as for their physical features. The fact remains, though, that they are breeding more dogs and puppies than there are homes available for them in the UK. Coupled with irresponsible owners who fail to have their dog neutered or spayed and who cannot sell or give away all of the resultant puppies, these breeders are contributing to the ever increasing number of puppies in rescue centres.

    Cocker Spaniels, like any purebred dog, can suffer from hereditary disorders brought about by excessive historic inbreeding. If possible, trace your puppy’s heritage to deduce the likelihood that your puppy will develop any hereditary conditions but remember that without genetic decoding done in a lab this is little more than guesswork. Be prepared to pay for medical treatment for the rest of your dog’s life by taking out adequate pet insurance (check that it covers lifelong conditions as some policies only cover illness for a maximum of 12 months).

    Finally, remember that you cannot rely on the breed of dog to determine what sort of character and temperament it will have. Every dog is a unique individual. Staff at an RSPCA centre will be able to point you towards dogs or puppies that have been monitored and assessed as being potentially suitable for adoption by adults or families and under what conditions.

    Find out more at: https://www.rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/getfundraising

  • Helpful Tips for Stubborn Dogs

    Outsmart Your Stubborn Dog With These Smart Training Tips!

    Dogs of all breeds think the same way. If you get this mindset, it shouldn’t be tough for you to train a dog. This article will provide a little insight into the mind of dogs.

    When it’s time to introduce house training to your dog, put him on a consistent schedule of eating and elimination. By establishing a regular potty-time every day, you will get your dog in the habit of doing his business at the same time daily. This schedule also teaches dogs what it means to “hold it”.

    Scold your puppy for chewing your belongings right away. Redirecting your puppy towards a chew toy teaches him what is appropriate to chew on. This can prevent further damage to your possessions.

    You can rest assured that when you train your puppy, they may have an accident in the house. Clean accidents up immediately to assist in your training efforts. You pet will smell the urine and try to urinate there again. There are many products on the market that can help with this, so check with your local pet shop.

    It can be very difficult to train two dogs together. If your dogs fight or goof off instead of paying attention, it may be wise to do a bit of one-on-one training before training them together.

    If your dog suddenly starts exhibiting behavioural problems, take him to a veterinarian in order to rule out any serious health conditions. There are painful medical issues which cause aggressive or obnoxious behaviour in dogs. This acting out is the only way your pet can communicate with you in regards to a problem.

    Start by teaching your puppy his name. Repeat his name regularly, so he will learn to come to you when he hears it. These are the first words your puppy should learn. Make sure to spend time with your dog in order for him to learn and trust you. If the puppy trusts you, he will be easier to train later.

    The only way to properly train a dog is with a positive and motivated attitude. Always reward your dog when they successfully respond to a command. Using negative reactions and punishment don’t work and they will cause your dog to fear you.

    Try using a crate to assist you in housebreaking your dog. It is important to put your dog out on a regular schedule for the crate method to work. You will have fewer accidents if you take the time to crate train your dog.

    When training a dog to do something complicated, be sure to take it step-by-step. One example of a complex behaviour is getting the newspaper. The first step is him holding an object. Next, he must be able to identify an object by its name. After that, you should teach him how to take the object in his mouth. Then, he should give it to you. As you break the behaviour down into simple steps, your dog will soon grow to master the entire task you want him to complete.

    This understanding of how dogs think and process information is vital to training them. Training programs that make use of such insight, along with thorough preparation, tend to be highly successful. One can provide your dog with better training now that one knows more about their dog.

  • How to Stop Dogs Barging Through Doors

    About half of dogs that barge through doors do so because they are frustrated by captivity. The others are often very active, boisterous types who are either trying to get into the house to socialize with their owners or to continue their social contact by attempting to leave with the owner. Whatever the basic motivation, the act can be both financially and emotionally costly. Such door-dashing has seriously injured children and elderly people, caused premature birth in pregnant women, resulted in injury and death of the dog and, in many cases, causes an automobile accident when a motorist swerves to miss the dog.

    When the problem involves a dog that dashes merely to get out there to run about the neighbourhood, avoiding its owners’ pleas to return, the pet is usually unruly in other circumstances as well. These cases often involve an independent, self-oriented (spoiled) dog. Other factors may involve an early history of unrestricted outdoor activity, followed by restriction because of some problem that has arisen outside (fighting, car chasing, etc.).

    Some cases involve continuous frustration relative to neighbourhood activities, such as the dog’s “fretting” behind a gate or at a window. Depending on the excitability of the animal, it may develop the same type of stereotyped behavior seen in fence-running dogs. Simple freedom-dashing may be tension relieving in itself, or the escaped dog may have a frustration target, such as passing cars, playing children, mail carrier or other animals.

    Correcting The Problem of Door Barging Dogs

    1. Approach the door or gate. (Of course, the door-dasher will be close by.)
    2. Given an inward-opening door, abruptly open it no more than 2 inches and abruptly close it. An outward-opening door should be opened no more than an inch and then closed very quickly, or the dog may push through or get a pinched snout.
    3. As the door is closed, the owner must abruptly move away from it at least 8 feet and praise the dog for following, after which the owner should be encouraged to remain still for at least a minute. If the dog remains at the door, steps 1, 2 and 3 must be repeated until the dog retreats along with the owner.
    4. Step 3 must be repeated until the dog stays away from the door when the owner approaches it and when the door is opened. When this occurs, the door should be opened a full foot. If the pet dashes, the door should again be slammed shut and Step 3 applied with this larger opening.
    5. Step 4 is repeated until the door can be opened to its normal exit width, with the dog staying at least 8 feet away from it. When this is accomplished the owner must stay inside, close the door, return to the dog and praise it quietly. Then the owner should remain in the house, going about some other activity for at least half an hour before repeating the procedure.
    6. When the dog stays away from the door on the initial approach, the owner should then proceed outside, close the door and stay away for at least 15 minutes, after which she should return as nonchalantly as possible

    If this method is applied daily for a few days, most dogs begin to ignore the comings and goings of their owners. Dogs that are extremely tenacious in their efforts to dash through a door ahead of people often have a long history of frustration about barriers, or are highly motivated by a strong stimulus on the other side of the door.

  • Can Dogs Take Human Painkillers?

    One of the biggest search terms that brings people to this site is ‘can dogs take human painkillers?’. The actual article that this leads people to is a news item about a company that has developed painkillers for dogs. I wanted to put up this post to definitively answer the specific question that (a lot of) people are asking about whether they can actually give their dog human painkillers.

    Can Dogs Have Human Painkillers?

    The short and very important answer ‘can I give my dog human pain killers?’ is a resounding no!

    No, no and thrice no. Don’t do it, don’t consider it.

    It is absolutely horrendous for any dog lover to see their dog suffering with any kind of pain.

    We know and appreciate that dogs can’t talk and can’t be specific with us about where their pain might be or even how bad it is.

    But, we know our dogs and we do know when they’re in pain so – it would seem – often times owners will turn to the Internet and research whether it would be OK to slip them a paracetamol or other human manufactured pain management drug.

    Sadly, dogs have come to serious harm and death as a result of being given medicine that was not developed with their specific needs in mind. And sometimes the suffering resulting from such (an honest) error can be excruciating for the dog and obviously very, very traumatic for the dog’s owner.

    There is – and I appreciate this might be the boring response – only one responsible response to a dog in pain and that is to call in the professionals. You can, of course, manage your dog’s health on a day to day basis. For example, there are now dog health tracker apps to help dog owners monitor the day to day well-being of their pet.

    Dogs in pain should be seen by a vet who will be able to both identify the underlying cause and prescribe the most effective pain management solution.

    The sooner the dog can be seen and treated, the faster the issue can be brought under control.

    So, no matter how tempting it may be – be warned: giving dogs human pain killers can kill them and can actually cause much, much worse suffering for the animal.

    Breakthrough on Painkillers for Dogs

    A pharmaceutical company focused on pet health has announced it is to market the first canine pain management product delivered in a transmucosal mist form. Abbott (NYSE:ABT) announced today they have partnered with Velcera, Inc to bring to market the product – currently in clinical trials – which combines the proven pain medication meloxicam, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with Velcera’s patented Promist technology, and has been globally licensed for pain management in dogs.

    “Abbott Animal Health is dedicated to bringing high quality and innovative treatments to veterinarians and their clients,” said Lynn Bromstedt, divisional vice president, Abbott Animal Health. “This revolutionary pain management product will be a great addition to Abbott’s existing animal health portfolio and could make medication compliance easier for pet owners.”

    Promist technology delivers the active ingredient through a fine mist to the inside cheek or oral cavity of the animal, where it is quickly absorbed through the mucous membranes of the mouth. Studies show the product is bioequivalent with oral liquid formulations, and bioavailability can be as much as ten times that of a tablet formulation, depending on the active ingredient.

    In addition to convenience for pet owners, Promist(TM) technology has several other advantages such as increased dosing confidence, faster absorption than delivery with a tablet or liquid and less concern with food interactions.

    “Being able to partner with a trusted company like Abbott on a product of this nature is a testament to the importance of this technology,” said Dennis Steadman, chief executive officer, Velcera. “This agreement will help bring this new treatment method to market for the benefit of pets and pet owners.”

    The product will expand Abbott Animal Health’s core focus areas, which currently include products in the areas of diabetes, anesthesia, wound care and fluid therapy, in addition to a recently announced partnership for one of the first cancer medicines designed specifically for dogs.

    Under the terms of the agreement, both parties have committed to consider future product developments and registrations using the Promist technology.

    The news of advancements in pain management for dogs is one sure to be warmly welcomed by owners. The issue of what pain medicine can be used on dogs is one of the most popular dog related search terms online. Analytic data suggests many dog owners turn to the web first to ask questions such as ‘can I give paracetamol to my dog?’ and other related terms. If you suspect your dog is in pain it is an absolute must to consult with a vet and never, ever attempt to give a dog human painkillers.