In This Issue
Handiscoop fails to impress in the Dragons' Den
Pet food firm launches £250,000 crowdfund exercise
Spoof Christmas video doubles sales for Pooch & Mutt
Animology reaches 250,000 milestone on Facebook
Pet product inventors get chance to pitch to major retailer
Bents wins major pet award for fantastic Christmas display
New pet start-up Kittyrama launches 'cat-friendly' collars
Demand for pet products containing hemp extract rises
Get your own copy of Pet Trade Xtra
Pets at Home appoints ex-Screwfix executive as Operations Director
Johnson's launches larger size of Aloe Vera Shampoo
Giving pets a purr-fect start to the New Year
Retail business owners urged to beat burst pipe misery as Britain prepares for the big freeze
Dogs get arthritis too – and now’s the time to look out for it
Council dog mess DNA database pooh-poohed
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Handiscoop fails to impress in the Dragons' Den


Pet product inventor John Nichols failed in his bid to secure a £45,000 investment for his innovative Handiscoop when he appeared in the BBC2's Dragons’ Den on Sunday...



Pet product inventor John Nichols failed in his bid to secure a £45,000 investment for his innovative Handiscoop when he appeared in the BBC2's Dragons’ Den on Sunday.

John was shown asking the Dragons for the sizeable investment in return for 15% of his company.

"I lost out and they lost out," John said on camera after being turned down by the five Dragons. "I didn't do a good pitch early on and the Dragons seize on that. It's difficult to hold all the figures in your head."

Despite the rejections, the Handiscoop was described as being a "good and practical product" by Dragon Toukar Suleyman.

John invented the HandiScoop five years ago and has sold over 50,000 units. The product has already appeared on television, featuring on ITV’s ‘This Morning’.



John told Pet Trade Xtra that he found the whole experience of entering the Dragons’ Den “extremely daunting but in a strange way enjoyable. Even though I didn't win the investment I think the exposure will be good for Handiscoop."

He has just gone into partnership with Steve Driver, of Pet Trade Innovations, who will be using his knowledge of the pet industry to drive sales of the product even higher.

Over the next few months the partners will be relaunching the product in new improved packaging with a new video.

If you missed the Dragons' Den episode you can view it on iPlayer. Click here to view. Fast forward to 30 minutes and 48 seconds to see John's appearance.

To discover more about the product visit www.handiscoop.com


Pet food firm launches £250,000 crowdfund exercise


Pet food company Cotswold RAW launched a £250,000 crowdfund appeal yesterday and in less than 24 hours had secured £25,310 from 42 investors...



Pet food company Cotswold RAW launched a £250,000 crowdfund appeal yesterday and in less than 24 hours had secured £25,310 from 42 investors.

Cotswold RAW is offering the crowd a 10% stake in its bustling rural business as it seeks to raise £250k that will deployed to expand its product range whilst evolving both its distribution and production infrastructure.

The comopany says:

"With some 8.5million dog owners in the UK it makes real sense to invest in a food arena which has enjoyed enviable growth, both in times of economic boom and austerity. 

"With 1-3 dogs currently suffering from ‘obesity-related’ issues it’s vital that the same ‘healthier living’ momentum that is slowly but surely changing the face of human consumption is allowed to migrate into pet food.   

"With a state-of-the-art, Defra approved kitchen facility (7000sq ft) Cotswold RAW stands tall as a proud family-owned, rural voice championing human-grade ingredients (meat, bones, seasonal veg and beneficial herbs), local sourcing (wherever feasible), ingredient traceability and long-term countryside sustainability.  

"Pet humanisation is the popular movement which recognises that dogs are less pets and more integral members of the family, a thought-provoking realization that encourages health conscious pet owners to apply the same sensible choices to their pet’s food as they would their own: all-natural, nutrient-rich, flavoursome, the welcome presence of superfood.

"We’d love you to join us on the next stage of our adventure, however if you’re not quite sure why not watch our informative 3 minute video at www.crowdcube.com/cotswoldraw."



Spoof Christmas video doubles sales for Pooch & Mutt


Pooch & Mutt’s video, parodying the John Lewis Christmas advert, has had over 1 million views and 8.9k shares on Facebook. It surpassed all other independent pet food brand campaigns on social media in the UK and led to their Christmas range selling-out nationwide...



Pooch & Mutt’s video, parodying the John Lewis Christmas advert, has had over 1 million views and 8.9k shares on Facebook. It surpassed all other independent pet food brand campaigns on social media in the UK and led to their Christmas range selling-out nationwide.

Pooch & Mutt have had huge success combining special edition Christmas products with viral marketing. They launched two limited edition Christmas dog treats – The “Christmas Dinner with No Sprouts” launched in late October and the “Triple-Tier Dog Treat Tin” launched in November.

The launch was backed by a ‘Spinal Tap’ inspired mockumentary parodying a larger brand’s Christmas campaign.

Pooch & Mutt’s founder Guy Blaskey commented: “I saw that one of the biggest ads of the year featured a dog and knew this was going to be the Christmas year of the dog, and that we had to do something about it. We teamed up with a top international production company, writer and director and developed the idea into a mockumentary, inspired by Spinal Tap and The Office.

"Our focus was to give people what they wanted; for the audience that meant something that they actively wanted to watch and share, for the little girl that meant getting on the trampoline and for the dog that meant some healthy, tasty treats.”

The video soared to half a million views on Facebook within the first few days of its release and is currently sitting at 1.2 million views, 8.9K shares and over 9K likes. It caught mainstream media attention and was featured in GQ magazine, on MTV and voted number one parody of the John Lewis Christmas advert by international publication PR Week.

The critical and popular acclaim achieved by the video led to sell out sales of Pooch & Mutt’s Christmas range.The success represented the company’s seventh successive year of growth in sales.

Guy Blaskey added: “2016 has been a significant year for Pooch & Mutt, with the award-winning success of our new grain-free treats as well as the introduction of special edition Christmas products.

"It is particularly pleasing to see us reaching a new sales record. The video has been a fantastic marketing tool that has helped us achieve amazing results. Special thanks must go to the production company and the Pooch & Mutt team for delivering such a successful campaign, not forgetting Bengo the Boxer, the star of the ad! We're now entering 2017 with continuing confidence in the business and look forward to another year of the dog.”
Animology reaches 250,000 milestone on Facebook

Group55’s flagship brand, Animology, is celebrating reaching over 250,000 likes on Facebook, making it the largest page of any pet grooming brand in the world and a top 10 global pet brand for social interaction...


Group55’s flagship brand, Animology, is celebrating reaching over 250,000 likes on Facebook, making it the largest page of any pet grooming brand in the world and a top 10 global pet brand for social interaction.

Animology is the best-selling branded grooming product range for many leading pet speciality retailers around the world, with over 5 million products sold to date.

This global popularity is reflected on social media with tens of thousands of fans originating from Europe and the United States.

Animology recently announced that a rebrand on the dog spray and shampoo ranges will go ahead in the coming months, and its Facebook, Twitter and Instagram fans will be the first to get a glimpse at the new-look packaging.

Stephen Turner, Managing Director at Group55, commented: “Our ‘social capital’ allows us to positively engage with pet parents to drive demand and awareness of our products in ways few other pet brands can.

"Retailing is changing and it is the seven year investment in our social media footprint that will ensure we are able to continue to support our retail partners and maintain our market leading position today and in the future.”

You can visit Animology’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/animology or visit their website at www.animology.co.uk

Pet product inventors get chance to pitch to major retailer


Pets at Home will be holding two Innovation Speed Dating days in 2017 where inventors get the chance to pitch pet-friendly product ideas to a panel of expert judges...



Pets at Home will be holding two Innovation Speed Dating days in 2017 where inventors get the chance to pitch pet-friendly product ideas to a panel of expert judges.

The Speed Dating Day on Wednesday 1 March will focus on Food & Treat Innovations and the second day, on Wednesday 15 March, will focus on non-food and accessory innovations.   

These two dates offer the chance for aspiring inventors, incumbent suppliers, entrepreneurs and pet owners to pitch pet-friendly product ideas to a panel of expert judges from the UK’s largest and most successful pet specialty retailer.

On previous Innovation days, Pets at Home has seen more than 150 inventors - from across the globe - pitch their product ideas to key decision makers in the business who are excitedly searching for new products and concepts to bring to the pet industry.

Claire Gavin, Head of Private Brands & Innovation at Pets at Home, said: “The Innovation Days offer a rare and exciting opportunity for people to share great ideas and work with us to turn those ideas into real products.

“From aquatic accessories and fish food to rabbit runs and puppy pens, if you have an idea we want to hear from you!”

The Innovation Days, held at the Pets at Home Support Office in Handforth, Manchester will give potential product creators a chance to gain advice from sourcing, buying and technical experts on how to make a good concept into a great and very commercial one.

Claire continues: “We spend our time searching the four corners of the globe for fantastic product ideas and concepts.  However, nothing comes close to those ideas born from necessity. By that I mean the passionate pet owners who have been unable to find solutions and then spend time, creative thought, tenacity and determination to create their very own answer to a problem – that’s innovation.”

Pets at Home has seen a number of product ideas forged from Innovation Days go on to be huge success stories. In the past few years many product ideas pitched to the panel have been stocked in Pets at Home stores across the country.  These include the Cardboard Castle for rabbits and the fantastic Woofins from The Barking Bakery.

We know that pitching to a large retailer can be a daunting prospect so here are some top-tips from Claire to help you create a really compelling presentation of your idea:

1.        Make sure you know your product inside out
2.        Ensure you understand the unique selling points of your product, why customers would want it and why Pets at Home should stock it
3.        Visit Pets at Home stores before you pitch to demonstrate your understanding of the existing range and price structure and how your products adds a different and credible dimension to that
4.        Understand your competition and be prepared to talk about what gives your product a competitive advantage verses long established existing products
5.        Try to ensure your product is commercially viable by researching costs and volume potential
6.        Prepare a mock up (ideally a full prototype) to bring your product to life – props and visuals don’t have to cost very much but can make all the difference
7.        Ensure your pitch presentation follows a logical journey, tells your story concisely and clearly outlines your product’s USPs
8.        Be creative! Products conceived because you’ve needed to find a solution for something the market can’t satisfy are often winners
9.        Don’t be too scared to ask for feedback or advice
10.        Preparation, preparation, preparation! Practice your pitch, believe in your product and deliver with confidence!

Remember that well thought through pitches that are commercially viable are the ones that are most likely to succeed.

If you have a fully developed and prototyped product for the team to consider please send through a presentation of your design concept to productdesign@petsathome.co.uk and state which innovation day you are submitting your products in to.

Pets at Home will then contact anyone whose concept grabs their attention and give them the opportunity to deliver a 30 minute pitch to the panel of trading experts on Wednesday 1 March for food or Wednesday 15 March for accessories at the Pets at Home’s head office.

The deadline for responses is Sunday 19 February for food and Sunday 2 March for accessories.
Bents wins major pet award for fantastic Christmas display


Bents Garden & Home near Warrington has won GTN's Greatest Pet Christmas Team Award for the second year running...



Bents Garden & Home near Warrington has won GTN's Greatest Pet Christmas Team Award for the second year running.

The award was presented at a special event organised by Garden Trade News at the Majestic Hotel, Harrogate, on Sunday.


The Greatest Pet Christmas Team 2016

Finalists:

  • Bents
  • Blue Diamond - Le Friquet
  • Codsall & Wergs
  • Haskins West End
  • Planters - Tamworth
  • Squires Badshot Lea
  • The Old Railway Line

Bronze: Le Friquet Garden Centre

Bronze: The Old Railway Line Garden Centre

Silver: Planters Tamworth

Gold: Bents Garden & Home



A gallery of pictures of Bents' pet display at Christmas is featured below...

New pet start-up Kittyrama launches 'cat-friendly' collars

A new pet company called Kittyrama has created a collection of award-winning cat collars. Available now, the patent-pending collars (RRP £9.99) not only feature bright and beautiful colours, but are also hypoallergenic, waterproof, lightweight and safe...


A new pet company called Kittyrama has created a collection of award-winning cat collars. Available now, the patent-pending collars (RRP £9.99) not only feature bright and beautiful colours, but are also hypoallergenic, waterproof, lightweight and safe.

Kittyrama collars are the first ever cat collars to receive a 'Cat Friendly' award by International Cat Care, the global charity for the welfare of cats, after putting the products through a rigorous test with 20 of their cat experts.

These are the first products from the company, which spent over two years developing them to purrfection.

Kittyrama founder Carolina Ballon-Forrester (ex-P&G) said: “Kittyrama’s launch comes at a great time for both pet retailers and owners, considering ownership for cats continues to grow as lifestyle changes require less demanding and smaller pets than dogs. The accessory market for cats today lags behind dogs in terms of variety but also quality.”

With a drive to make cats’ lives better and bring real excitement to the category, Kittyrama has an exciting innovation pipeline and are developing a collection of unique cat toys.

Kittyrama will be exhibiting at stand F9 at PATS Sandown and is looking to establish a network of distributors for its award-winning products.

For trade queries please email trade@kittyrama.co.uk

For more information visit www.kittyrama.co.uk 
Demand for pet products containing hemp extract rises
CBD could save millions over conventional pet treatments


According to vet and author of the book ‘Medical Marijuana & Your Pet’, Doctor Robert Silver believes that hemp extracts could play a huge role in animal health and cost effective treatments of the future...



According to vet and author of the book ‘Medical Marijuana & Your Pet’, Doctor Robert Silver believes that hemp extracts could play a huge role in animal health and cost effective treatments of the future.

Following months of consumer demand from pet owners, UK company LoveHemp has introduced a new pet variant of its popular hemp extract.  The key ingredient is Cannabidiol (also known as CBD), a naturally occurring extract produced from the cannabis plant.

In humans, consumption of the extract is now associated with several health benefits including reduced anxiety, pain relief, cardiovascular health and anticonvulsant activity.  Dr Silver argues that many of these benefits are transferable to common domestic pets and CBD could offer a practical alternative to many expensive treatments.

According to statistics issued by the PFMA (Pet Food Manufacturing Association) around 11m (40%) of UK households have pets.  The pet population stands at around 57 million.  In 2016, pet insurers paid out £452 million in vet’s bills for sick or injured cats and dogs – that’s more than £1.2 million every day.

Doctor Robert Silver said: “In the US, many pet owners have already been using CBD for some time.  There are plenty of documented cases where CBD has been more effective than the strong drugs that are typically prescribed.  Pain relief is a huge area and for those pets with arthritis, hip dysplasia or sore joints, we are finding that the use of hemp relieves their pain and gets them mobile again.”

He added: “Canine anxiety is another key area where CBD can have an impact.  For example, during those occasions where people shoot off fireworks, dogs are often terrified and can remain this way for long periods.  A CBD supplement can curb these emotions in your dog and protect the animal against unnecessary stress.”

LoveHemp sells CBD oils in various strengths, via liquid drops or atomiser sprays which can be consumed directly or mixed with food and drink.  Due to the methods used in the processing and extraction of this oil, the psychoactive ingredient in Cannabis, known as THC, is removed.

The pet variant, aimed primarily at cats and dogs, is available in a 60ml bottle priced at £49.99.  It is recommended that 4 drops are used per 1kg of bodyweight, 2-3 times per day.  Drops can be placed directly in the animal’s mouth or mixed with food.

Aside from anxiety and pain relief, Dr Silver has witnessed the effectiveness of CBD in other pet treatments.

“In my experience, for those dogs with uncomplicated epilepsy, the hemp extract will often work better than pharmaceuticals.  I also have several oncologists in a study group with the extract and they have found that CBD can help to stop the seizures and twitches that can come with brain tumors.  After just 6 weeks administering hemp, one oncologist saw a tumor on the tongue of a dog reduce in size from 2 cm diameter to 3 mm.

There are many potential applications that show great promise and we haven’t yet looked at its use for conditions like degenerative myelopathy, laryngeal paralysis, or vestibular syndrome, all of which are neurologic syndromes in the dog.”

Worldwide, the UK ranks second in the number of web searches for CBD products online.  It is estimated that the global CBD industry is already worth around $200million and the UK market is expanding rapidly.  Increased demand for Hemp has led to an additional 42,000 acres of crop-farming across the EU for its non-psychoactive compounds such as CBD, whilst the legal cannabis industry is experiencing worldwide exponential growth.

“You only have to look at the US and Canada to see the future potential of hemp extract.” said Tom Rowland, co-founder of LoveHemp.  “Pet owners spend vast amounts of money on prescription medicines and there is mounting evidence that in the right situations, CBD is a viable alternative.  Our pet product is proving extremely popular and we are now in talks with several retailers who are interested in stocking it.”

Visit https://love-hemp.com for more details.
 
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Pets at Home appoints ex-Screwfix executive as Operations Director
Pets at Home has appointed Stuart Livingstone to the role of Operations Director within the Retail Division, with responsibility for retail operations, logistics and pets.  He will report to Peter Pritchard, CEO (Retail).
Pets at Home has appointed Stuart Livingstone to the role of Operations Director within the Retail Division, with responsibility for retail operations, logistics and pets.  He will report to Peter Pritchard, CEO (Retail).

Stuart joins Pets at Home from Screwfix where he has been Director of Retail and Trade Plus for the past six years.  Prior to Screwfix, Stuart held senior positions at American Golf, Kwik Fit, Pizza Hut and Whitbread.

Commenting on the appointment, Peter Pritchard said: “I am delighted to welcome Stuart to the team.  Stuart has proven himself to be not only an accomplished and experienced retailer; he is also a talented leader.  He has led the transformation of Screwfix into a true multichannel retailer and I look forward to working with him as we continue to shape our retail business to meet the challenges ahead.”

Stuart Livingstone said: “I’ve been really impressed by the focus and dedication of everyone I’ve met at Pets at Home.  It’s a tremendous opportunity for me to join Pets at Home and I’m looking forward to working with such a passionate team and helping deliver its ambition to become more specialist and most loved by its customers.”

 
Johnson's launches larger size of Aloe Vera Shampoo
Johnson’s Veterinary Products has introduced a new larger size of its popular Aloe Vera Shampoo...

Following demand from customers, Johnson’s Veterinary Products has introduced a new larger size of its popular Aloe Vera Shampoo, which is part of the best selling range of shampoos and grooming range for dogs and cats

Aloe VeraA Shampoo contains moisturising and soothing extracts of Aloe Vera, together with vitamin extracts (including vitamins A, E and F). It helps to condition and nourish the coat, moisturises the skin and helps to control flaky skin conditions, and leaves a soft lustrous finish with a pleasant fragrance and is suitable for all breeds

Like all Johnson’s range of  grooming aids, Aloe Vera Shampoo is kind and gentle to coat and skin and has been developed without cruelty to animals. It is attractively packaged for on-shelf impact, in easy to hold bottles with one handed flip-top caps.

  • Code G076  Aloe Vera Shampoo 200ml   RRP £3.35 
  • Code G077 Aloe Vera Shampoo 400ml   RRP £4.65
  • Code G064 Aloe Vera Shampoo 5 Litres Trade £16.99
For more information call 0121 378 1684, email info@johnsons-vet.com or visit www.johnsons-vet.com
 
Giving pets a purr-fect start to the New Year
IAMS veterinary expert Kellie Ceccarelli provides her top tips for happy, healthy pets...
With the New Year in full swing, many of us will have evaluated our lifestyles and made resolutions in a bid to live more healthily, whether it is drinking kale and carrot smoothies, plastering face masks on or hitting the gym.

When it comes to our pets, they don’t need to do all of the things we do as it is easy for them to stay happy and healthy with a 100% complete and balanced diet which provides all of the nutrients needed to live an active lifestyle.

To help make 2017 a success, IAMS Veterinary Training Manager, Kellie Ceccarelli, offers her top tips on caring for pets.

Make friends with your vet
Visit your veterinary practice at least once a year. Seek advice from your local vet and vet nurses instead of only asking for their help when your pet is ill. Preventative health care is just as important to maximise your pet’s health and longevity as just like us humans, pets can develop health issues such as heart problems, dental disease and arthritis. The best way to prevent such problems and catch them early is to see your vet regularly.

Become a weight watcher
When looking at your own health it’s also important to review your pet’s nutrition and activity levels. Our pet’s waistlines are expanding at a growing rate, with the PDSA estimating that around a quarter of cats in the UK are overweight1 leading to many veterinary practices opening weight loss clinics to help combat the issue. Now more than ever is a great time to check your pet’s weight and body condition to see if they need to lose a few pounds.

DID YOU KNOW: Many pets need far fewer calories than most of us think -- as little as 250 calories daily for a 4kg cat.

Work hard, play hard
Don’t take life too seriously and remember that having a pet in your life is a privilege as they really do enrich our lives.  Have fun with your pet.  Involve the family as much as possible as a friendly environment is another key to the long-term health and welfare of your pet. Pets need mental stimulation and play time helps keep boredom at bay and strengthens the bond between you.

Lift the lip
A staggering 70% of cats will suffer with a build-up of plaque resulting in painful periodontal disease by the time they are 3 years old2. Why? Because we don’t look inside our pet’s mouths.  Dental disease is a silent disease, so make a resolution to check your pet’s teeth and gums and brush their teeth DAILY. Introducing a regular diet of dried food will also benefit their dental hygiene as the brushing action of dry kibble helps remove plaque and works to scrub teeth clean.

Provide them with premium nutrition
As humans, we have become increasingly aware of the ingredients that make up our foods, examining their nutritious value to make sure we are providing the healthiest and most beneficial meals for our family. As an integral part of the family, it’s only natural we would want the same for our pets. Thanks to IAMS Naturally, you can have the peace of mind that they’re providing tasty, nutritious meals for them too.

The new range comes in two flavours for both cats and dogs, containing either sustainably sourced North Atlantic Salmon or Natural New Zealand Lamb whilst being rich in rice and vegetables to provide a 100% complete and balanced diet that includes:
  • Vitamin E to help support natural defences
  • Omega 3&6 to help maintain healthy skin and coat
  • Fibre to aid healthy digestion
  • Protein to help maintain strong lean muscles
IAMS Naturally is available to purchase from specialist pet shops and grocery retailers from RRP £0.59 for single cat wet pouches, RRP £1.99 for cat dry 270g, and RRP £3.99 for dog dry 800g.

For more information visit the IAMS website at www.iams.co.uk.
 
Retail business owners urged to beat burst pipe misery as Britain prepares for the big freeze
As Britain faces sub-zero temperatures at the end of the week, commercial insurer NFU Mutual is advising retail business owners to prepare their property for winter’s worst...

  • Sub-zero temperatures forecast for later this week
  • Insurer issues advice to deal with burst pipes
  • Average cost of frozen pipe claims reaches £4,700
As Britain faces sub-zero temperatures at the end of the week, commercial insurer NFU Mutual is advising retail business owners to prepare their property for winter’s worst.

Statistics from NFU Mutual show that the average cost of repairs to damage from leaks caused by frozen pipes is around £4,700.

As the Met Office predicts freezing conditions and snow in some parts of the UK at the end of the week, the insurer is warning that plumbing in properties may be weakened by freezing weather.

Frank Woods, Retail Specialist at commercial insurer NFU Mutual, said: “Escape of water causes a huge amount of damage, whatever the cause, but burst pipe claims caused by frost damage are a particular concern at this time of year. Store owners can take a number of steps to protect their property before a cold snap. Prevention is always better than cure and protecting plumbing before a drop in temperature can dramatically reduce the chances of any damage being caused.

“If you discover an escape of water in your property, it’s important you act quickly but calmly. Turn off your water at the stop cock and drain the system by opening all the taps.  If damage is serious, then call your insurer to seek advice about professional help with drying out the property and getting repairs underway.”

NFU Mutual’s guide to deal with burst pipes:

1. Locate your stop cock

This will normally be located below the kitchen sink, or wherever the water supply enters the property. Make sure you can access it and close it easily.

2. Keep the heat flowing

Keeping the thermostat at a normal setting overnight or while the property is unoccupied will help to keep the building temperature above freezing.

3. Check your plumbing

Remember, any damage to pipes happens if the water in them freezes; but the escape of water only happens when the frozen pipes thaw out. Checking pipes for signs of freezing or bursts such as leaking or dripping joints, will help you to react to a possible problem or nip it in the bud. Asking tenants to do the same will help to protect leased properties too.

4. Get those pipes lagged

Well insulated loft spaces will get very cold in winter and so it’s important that water pipes have extra lagging to help prevent them freezing and bursting.
 
Dogs get arthritis too – and now’s the time to look out for it
Winter weather spells aching, painful joints for thousands of arthritis sufferers. But as the country wraps up against the frost and ice, spare a thought for man’s best friend who can also suffer terribly when the temperature plummets...


Winter weather spells aching, painful joints for thousands of arthritis sufferers. But as the country wraps up against the frost and ice, spare a thought for man’s best friend who can also suffer terribly when the temperature plummets.

Arthritis is a common condition that affects thousands of dogs of all breeds and ages. And a canine health expert - who successfully treats scores of arthritic dogs every year – is calling on pet owners to consider whether their four-legged friends could be suffering this winter.

Julia Robertson is the founder of Galen Myotherapy, a unique hands-on manual muscle treatment that helps dogs suffering from arthritis, compensatory issues and underlying pain. She is calling on dog owners to look out for arthritic symptoms over the winter months, so they can make early inroads to prevent the condition from worsening.

Julia, who has a background in veterinary nursing and farming, said: “As man’s best friend dogs only want to please their owners and this ingrained devotion means they will often suffer in silence, not wanting to cause a fuss.

“They can also struggle to communicate their pain so they may not start to show the physical effects of arthritis, such as a limp or reluctance to walk, until they are in agony.”

Tell-tale signs of arthritis in your dog
  • Uneven walking – are they avoiding putting weight on a particular leg?
  • Stiffness, especially when getting up after they’ve been laying down /sitting for a while
  • Persistently licking or chewing their feet – to distract from the pain
  • Avoidance of grooming, stroking or being touched in a particular area
  • Lameness or limping
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty/reluctance to do a physical activity they never struggled with previously
  • Change in body shape – neck (collar size) and shoulders becoming larger, hind quarters looking ‘smaller’, and a hunch developing

As with humans, canine arthritis can also be prevalent in young dogs. Osteoarthritis can be brought about by previous damage to a joint so, Julia warns, if your pet suffered an injury or accident as a puppy or teenager, they could be susceptible in years to come.

Julia is making her call as she launches a Crowdfunder campaign to support a trip she is taking to India in the spring, where she will be teaching myotherapy to a vet and a dog trainer. India is a new audience for myotherapy and Julia will be providing all her training and expertise - including how to spot signs of arthritis - for free.

She added: “Now is the time to start looking for tell-tale signs they could have arthritis as the cold, wet weather will aggravate any problems they may have been able to hide or ignore earlier in the year. Spotting arthritis early and getting a plan in place to manage their pain will help in the long term and stop the condition becoming unbearable.

“I developed Galen Myotherapy to give dogs a better quality of life and I am determined that no animal should suffer in silence.

“One of the main steps to fulfilling this is ensuring people have as much knowledge as possible to support their pets and that is why I’m calling on all dog owners to keep a close eye on their animals this winter.”

For more information about canine arthritis, how Galen Myotherapy can help and Julia's Crowdfunder campaign visit www.caninetherapy.co.uk
 
Council dog mess DNA database pooh-poohed
A bid to use dog DNA to find and fine people who do not clean up after their pets in Flintshire has been recommended to be thrown out...


A bid to use dog DNA to find and fine people who do not clean up after their pets in Flintshire has been recommended to be thrown out.

A scrutiny committee has called on the council cabinet to give up on the controversial project, first mooted in 2015.

Under the proposals, owners would allow their dogs to have cheek swabs taken and their details put on a database.

The council has also been looking at creating designated areas for dogs.

The scheme has already proved successful in parts of the United States and has been introduced in a London borough.

Barking and Dagenham council saw a reduction in dog waste in its pilot area and is now expanding the scheme.

In Flintshire, an existing requirement, known as a Dog Control Order, requires owners to remove their dog's waste from public areas.

However, the authority has been looking at the creation of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) which provides an "opportunity for enforcement against other designated offences", such as the complete exclusion of dogs from a defined area like children's play areas.

But a meeting of the authority's environment overview and scrutiny committee on Wednesday agreed to recommend the idea was shelved.

However, members of the council's cabinet could still approve it when they next meet.
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