Creating the ultimate visitor experience is one of the secrets behind the success of Cadbury Garden & Leisure's Pet & Aquatic Department, voted Retailer of the Year in the recent Pet Industry Awards.

The Bristol-based garden centre beat off stiff opposition to pick up the award at the Pet Industry Forum & Awards 2013.

Cadbury's Ben Williams spoke to Pet Trade Xtra about the company's success.

What's the secret of your success?
We have followed our goal of providing a pet and fish viewing experience for visiting customers within a commercially successful department. This enables the department to inspire and create new pet owners while entertaining and educating visitors to the store. Our range includes many of the leading pet specialist brands and we work closely with suppliers to provide customers with the expected range, quality and value. We follow an ongoing programme of staff training from industry trade bodies, leading experts and manufacturers. We have a great team of staff at Cadbury and we are proud of the service, quality and dedication that they give to both the customer and their pets. We take time to discuss the requirements of every pet to potential new owners and only let our animals leave to fully-informed homes.

What makes your pet and aquatic department stand out?
The Cadbury store has been newly re-fitted as a model of what we believe will create the expected modern customer experience. Animal and fish units are designed to be of veterinary quality and cleanliness, with a sense of fun added in the form of toys and bright images.



The pet area has been updated with a series of bright and inspiring graphics above new animal pods to maximise the visibility of the animals for customers without compromising the necessary safety and shelter for each individual pet. 

Is the department a big part of the garden centre's offering?
The department can create up to 15% of the store's takings. This is a significant turnover but lower than the core gardening departments in season. Pets & Aquatics forms a valuable draw to customers year round and a welcome basket spend out of the main gardening seasons.

What's the most popular part of the department?
Currently for us the strongest areas are indoor aquariums, small animal and dog products.

How many people work in the store?
Over 150 staff members work at the Cadbury store and around 17 work in the Pet & Aquatic department.

What are the plans for the department?
We plan to retain our high standards and build on the successes of the department, improving the visitor experience and encouraging more local community interaction.



New child-friendly ponds were installed with viewing windows to see the fish under water as well as from above.

Firefighters took five hours to put out the fire and early estimates suggest that over half of the building was destroyed.

An adjoining PamPurredPets store escaped the blaze and the animals unharmed.

A PamPurredPets spokesperson said: "We were very lucky that our store hasn't been affected although checks are still being carried out. There were a number of birds and small animals in the store at the time of the blaze and they were unharmed and are now being moved to other stores. Our thoughts are with the garden centre."

An investigation is being carried out into a blaze at The Garden Centre Group-owned, which happened at around 10pm.

Nearby homes were evacuated but No one was injured.

Billy+Margot, maker of a range of nutritious pet products, has announced that its award-winning Iced Treat For Dogs is now available to purchase online from Ocado...

Since its launch and success in securing £60k investment from Deborah Meaden on ‘Dragons’ Den’ in 2012, the company has successfully built a nationwide wholesale business with pet shops, garden centres, independent retailers and other outlets selling its range of nutritious treats for dogs, but until now has been unable to sell its iced-treats direct to the consumer via its website, due to the frozen nature of the product.

Marie Sawle, the founder of Billy + Margot, said: “This is a significant milestone for the Billy+Margot brand. The deal with Ocado means people can have our frozen products delivered directly into their home for the first time, as well as enjoying our other products and iced treats when they visit our high street stockists. Direct delivery into the home will help increase the brand’s visibility amongst the consumer market and drive the company’s continued growth and product development.”

The company has diversified its product range to include an appetising selection of Venison Treats, a unique treat/supplement, Popcorn for Dogs, a range of healthy training biscuits, luxury hamper and especially for the festive season, giant Christmas Crackers for dogs. A number of new treats and Billy+Margot’s first complete dog food are also in development.

For more details contact Marie Sawle at woof@billyandmargot.com or visit www.billyandmargot.com

Pictured: Marie Sawle with her giant Christmas Crackers for dogs.

A Lancashire pet shop owner is looking to find her stock new homes after deciding to close her business after 10 years.

Jane Rollings, 47, has been running Pendle Pets in Clitheroe since 2005 after joining the business in 2003.

The New Market Street store will close its doors for the final time on Saturday, November 30, amid pressures to cover the rising cost of bills.

The store is well-known in Clitheroe and has a ‘very loyal’ customer base.

Mum-of-one Jane, who attended Moorland School, who has fish, snails and snakes left in stock, said pets were her ‘passion’.

Jane, who lives in Clayton-le-Moors, said: “I’ve enjoyed being part of the store for the last ten years but it has come to a point where I have to stop.

“I’m not prepared to put any more money into the business and it’s too much work for one person.

“My customers have been amazing and a lot have come back time and time again but that’s just not enough these days.

“I used to be able to employ a small number of staff, including my husband John, but I can’t anymore.

“I’ve been selling off my stock and I hope to get everything sold by the last opening day. I know that’s not very realistic but I can only try.

“The bills that I have to pay have been going up and up every year and I can’t manage the business anymore.

“I don’t really know what will happen to the rest of the stock if I don’t sell them but I will think of something.”

Ribble Valley councillor Ged Mirfin, who is a regular at the shop, said: “It’s a real shame that Pendle Pets is closing down because it’s very close to my heart.

“I come in a lot with my kids to buy things for our pets and it won’t be the same when it’s gone.

“It’s an example of how hard it is for small businesses these days to stay afloat when they come up against big companies.”

Liberta UK has won the Best Hutch and Run for 2013 in a competition run by the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fun as part of its campaign to encourage pet owners to buy as big a hutch as they can...

For the past three years RWAF has tried to find the 'best hutch and run' on the market. 

Rae Todd, of RWAF, said: "There are lots of benefits to retailers and rabbits to make sure that their customers buy both a hutch and a safe exercise run, and once again we were really pleased to see the improvements made by manufacturers and that more products that meet our minimum guidelines are available to retailers and rabbit owners."  

In line with its A Hutch is Not Enough campaign and to promote the production of accommodation that allows rabbits to display their natural behaviours, RWAF asked manufacturers to submit a hutch of at least 6ft in length along with an exercise run – because pet rabbits need both – and the entries were judged on four criteria: space, ease of use, safety and aesthetics.
 
"Liberta came out on top because we particularly liked the flexibility of their hutches and run," said Rae.

"The run fits either on the end of the hutch or underneath it depending on the customer's space and preference, and the ability of the rabbits too, of course.

"We encourage flexibility of this kind so owners have as much chance as possible to provide the best possible environment for their rabbits whatever the shape of the space they have available."

Liberta UK managing director Paul Lawrence was delighted that one of his company's products had been acknowledged in this way by RWAF.

"Liberta thought it was important to support all the good work RWAF have been doing over the past few years," said Paul.

"We believe that all the RWAF work will be in vein if they are not supported by manufacturers, as the suitable products will not be available to purchase by trade and consumers alike.

"Liberta are very pleased and proud to not only be actively supporting this great campaign but also excited be be informed that we won the Best Hutch and Run 2013.

"We put a great deal of work into creating products that are practical and user-friendly, developing a hutch and run system that can potentially offer twice the hutch space recommended by RWAF.

"The complete set up consists of two hutches and a run. The consumer can add any one of the additional hutches and the run at any stage to make a practical and spacious rabbit kingdom."

Rae added: "Customers are becoming more aware of the needs of pet rabbits so it makes sense for retailers to make welfare a big part of their business model - good welfare is good business."

If any retailers are interested in signing up to RWAF's Retailer Charter or just want to know a bit more about what's involved then visit rabbitwelfare.co.uk/retailer.htm

Simpsons Premium are proof that you don't have to be a large company to be successful in the export market. That's the view of UK Trade & Investment...

During a visit to Wigan, UKTI Regional Director for the North West, Clive Drinkwater, toured Simpsons Premium premises in the town.

The visit was part of UKTI’s Export Week, a national campaign to increase UK exports and grow the economy.

Simpsons Premium is a family run business specialising in natural, hypoallergenic and organic dog food, and manufactured to its own unique recipes.

Craig and Lisa Simpson set up the business in 2009, and now employ daughter Lauren, and a full-time warehouse assistant. Their son Jamie will join the company when he leaves school in 2015.

Craig said: “Our brand is one of the most affordable in the UK and Europe, and we soon began getting enquiries from overseas. We contacted UKTI in January this year and they signed us on to the Passport to Export Programme for new exporters.

“We received funding towards exhibiting at the PATS show and a grant to translate our packaging, as well as held with marketing our product overseas.

“As a result our export turnover has gone from zero to 15% in just 9 months, and we export to the Netherlands, Greece, France and Poland and are currently in talks with an importer in India. Our future plans are to grow even further and to appoint distributors to take us into global markets.”

The UKTI's Clive Drinkwater said: "Simpsons are a great company that illustrate the fact that you don’t have to be big to export.

"With the right product and attitude and an informed approach to exporting there is no reason why small firms cannot succeed overseas, and I am sure that Simpsons will continue to expand and wish them all the best for the future.”

For more information about Simpsons Premium visit www.simpsonspremium.com



UKTI funding helped Simpsons Premium to exhibit at PATS.

The overriding message received by delegates from the UK garden and petcare sectors who attended the ‘Global Workshop’ organised by the Gardenex and PetQuip export associations was that there is an abundance of help and support for those companies seeking to expand their overseas sales.

The Prepare to Export on November 14 was staged alongside one of the Federation of Garden & Leisure Manufacturers’ popular ‘Meet the Buyer’ events. The programme and meet the buyer opportunities it contained brought high praise from the UK suppliers and overseas buyers in attendance.  According to early feedback, all of the buyers will be dealing ultimately with some of the contacts made during the one-to-one business meetings.

Other Gardenex initiatives this autumn have also met with similar successes. Home2Garden, one of the group of exhibitors within the Gardenex pavilion at the spoga+gafa international fair in Cologne in September has announced orders worth £100,000 as a result of exhibiting. The orders, mainly from Germany and France were for a variety of the company’s garden ornaments, wind chimes, solar lights and glass and mosaic garden items, including several recently introduced models. The new customers comprised a mix of leading retailers, mail order and internet companies and a TV shopping channel.  Other British companies exhibiting in the Gardenex-organised group have announced major export orders in recent weeks.

The buyers at the recent ‘Meet the Buyer’ event were from Allox – a Swedish importer/distributor of garden products; Arett Sales Corporation – the leading US garden distributor/wholesaler; Dubai Garden Centre – the premier garden retailer in Dubai; Solfang – a Norwegian garden internet sales company; TiendAnimal – Spain’s leading internet sales company for pet food and accessories; and Warmako – an importer/distributor of pet products based in the Netherlands.

The event, held in the Midlands, was supported and funded by UK Trade & Investment as part of its Export Week and in support of its ongoing joint export programme specifically for the gardening and leisure and pet product sectors in conjunction with Gardenex and PetQuip.  

In addition to workshop presentations by UKTI and the Gardenex and PetQuip associations, market research company Euromonitor provided valuable information on latest figures and trends, including details that will aid exporters looking to exhibit at spoga+gafa and Interzoo next year. 

Gardenex and PetQuip will be organising cash grant-funded groups at both of these major international trade shows. 

Another presentation that proved popular with the delegates came from Arett Sales Corporation, the leading US garden distributor/wholesaler that has distribution in twenty NE US states. 

The next ‘Meet the Buyer’ event will be on 27 March 2014.  To register early interest contact emma@petquip.com



Top picture: Doug Lawrence, UKTI export communications consultant, presentation on ‘Using your website to communicate with customers around the world’.

Above: Garden and pet product suppliers in informal one-to-one meetings with buyers from Dubai, The Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Spain and the USA.

Two new directors have been voted on to the Board of the Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association – Ben Windeatt from Tetra (above left), and Kevin Rose from Lynchford Aquatics Ltd (above right).

Members of OATA have been voting to fill six places on the trade association’s Board of Directors with the results announced at its AGM.

Four familiar faces were voted back on the Board and they have been joined by Ben and Kevin who have not been on the OATA Board before.

The returning Board members are Robert Edgecock, from Independent Aquatic Imports Ltd; Simon Langdale, Maidenhead Aquatics; Andrew Stagg, NT Laboratories Ltd; and Paul West, Tropical Marine Centre. 

OATA’s Board of Directors is made up of 18 people who represent the whole of the industry, from wholesalers and manufacturers to importers, pond and aquarium consultants and retailers. Before each AGM, six directors step down and nominations are invited. This year, seven names were put forward, sparking the need for a member vote.

“We’re very pleased to welcome these new faces to the OATA Board, as well as the returning directors,” said chairman James Allison.

“We pride ourselves on the breadth of experience we have on the OATA Board, which really helps the staff team in their work representing the whole of the industry. There are some big issues facing us at the moment, from forthcoming EU legislation on Invasive Alien Species to campaigns from powerful groups whose aim is to ban trade in pets, so it’s vital to have a strong and diverse Board to support the work of the association. 

“We also run a system called New Blood where members who are interested in getting involved in the Board can come to meetings over the year to see what’s involved in being an OATA director. We’re very pleased that Philip Lawton from Kidsgrove Tropicals and Water Garden Centre will be joining us in this capacity. We’re always keen to see new people within the industry get involved in our work so if there are those who’d like to find out more about our New Blood scheme then we’d encourage them to get in touch with OATA. Maybe we’ll have even more new faces next year.”

The complete OATA Board of Directors is now made up of: 

• James Allison, Aquapic Solutions 
• Kevin Barton, ALF (Aquatic Distributors) Ltd
• Matthew Bubear, CASCO Europe
• Pete Carey, Pets at Home
• Robert Edgecock, Independent Aquatic Imports Ltd
• Mark Evenden, Devotedly Discus Ltd
• Jane Flaherty, JMC Aquatics Ltd
• Richard Hale, Berry Ring Herpetological and Aquatics Supplies Ltd
• Neil Hardy, Neil Hardy Aquatica Ltd
• Simon Langdale, Maidenhead Aquatics
• Ruth Low, Gordon Low Products Ltd
• David Pool, FishScience 
• Kevin Rose, Lynchford Aquatics Ltd
• Andrew Stagg, NT Laboratories Ltd
• Paul West, Tropical Marine Centre
• Peter Wheeler, Aquajardin Ltd
• Ben Windeatt, Tetra
• Mark Winter, Aqua Pacific UK Ltd

Agathe Dias, Tetra’s Marketing Manager for Western Europe, says: “This is an exciting launch for us and a great opportunity for retailers to ride on the success of the BAFTA award winning Peppa Pig animated series.  

"Merchandising for Peppa Pig is already generating £200 million in retail sales with over four million books and £7.5 million DVDs sold to date.

"It has high appeal and great potential for retailers to attract long-term customers. There are the repeat sales of the cartridges but also the benefit of being there are the beginning of a child’s fishkeeping journey. They make a perfect Christmas present.”

The Tetra Peppa Pig aquarium is a complete starter kit that brings the popular cartoon to life, offering children the chance to decorate their own tank with a Peppa Pig backdrop and stickers.

For further information contact Tetra on 023 80 60 60 70 or go to www.tetra.net

Here's a selection of Peppa Pig merchandising displays at Creature Comforts; Natural World, Leicester; and Simpson's Garden Centre, Inverness...

An animal lover, who lost her job after 12 years, is starting a new business – by opening up her home to pets.

Forty-year-old Lisa Sinden has set up Paws 'N' Beaks, a pet-sitting service in Immingham, North East Lincolnshire, after being made redundant earlier this year.

Lisa, who lost her job in March, specialises in parrots, dogs, cats and smaller animals, but is willing to try her hand at anything.

And if she finds she needs any extra help, her five-year-old African grey parrot Ollie will be on hand to assist. Last year Ollie appeared on BBC's The One Show.

Lisa said: "I am an animal lover and want to see the best for pets.

"The services I offer are dog walking, small animal sitting, pop-in house visits, medication visits, parrot boarding, cat sitting, vet visits, and a pet taxi.

"I am applying for a licence to board dogs so that will be in the
future. The business has only been going for a couple of weeks and it seems to have been received quite well.

"Any pets are welcome here. The pets will get walks and feeds and be well looked after. Some people don't like leaving their pets in kennels these days."

Her business was given a helping hand thanks to the Government's New Enterprise Scheme which supplies business mentors and some financial support.

And Lisa's message to pet owners is simple: "If you really love your pets and want an alternative place for them to stay then give me a call."

Find out more by calling 01469 517275 or 07999 986482 or e-mail pawsandbeaks@gmail.com

Picture: Lisa with her parrot Ollie. (Courtesy Grimsby Telegraph).

Albion Meat Products, which last year celebrated in 30th year in business, has announced today the next phase of its re-branding exercise by launching two new freezer deals for retailers.

The copmany has four core ranges:

• Standard, which is a mince product available in five meat varieties (Chicken, Beef, Beef & Tripe, Tripe and Lamb).
• Canine Country Bowl Premium, which is mince from premium cuts of meat and has a lesser bone content than the Standard range. This is available in six meat varieties (Chicken, Turkey, Lamb, Beef, Beef and Tripe and Tripe) and in three Working Dog varieties (Salmon & Tripe, Meaty Feast and Lamb Feast).
• Canine Country Bowl FreeFlow consists of mince, which is frozen in such a way that it is easier to portion out putting the remaining food back in to the freezer for future use. This is available in five meat varieties (Chicken, Chicken & Tripe, Lamb, Beef and Tripe).
• Canine Country Bowl Chunky consists of bite-sizes chunks of Beef. Liver, Heart or Tripe together with Chicken Necks, Chicken Wings and Fish Fillet Chunks. These are great for large or working dogs and can help calm an anxious dog down by giving it something to chew on. They also make ideal dog training treats.

Mince products are available in 454g packs and FreeFlow and Chunky products are available in 2kg bags. 

Albion Meat Products are offering two freezer deals to retailers. The first is for a 1,405 mm x 655 mm x 820mm Talisman freezer priced at £495 + VAT, packed full of all the best selling products. The second is for a 1,805 mm x 655 mm x 820mm Talisman freezer priced at £695 + VAT, again packed full of products.

Catherine Donegan, Albion Meat Products founder said: “This is an excellent time for retailers to think about coming on board with the BARF Diet.

"The diet is definitely becoming more mainstream as pet owners are moving towards this way of feeding their pets.

"The European market for BARF diets according to recent reports is now estimated to be close to 1,000 metric tonnes per week with all the main producers experiencing an upturn in demand. We believe these freezer deals are a good commercial proposition for retailers.

"Being a frozen product, there is a greater need for one or two dog household owners to frequent their local pet shop more often to pick up their food. This provides excellent cross-selling opportunities for pet shops as dog owners will have the opportunity to buy additional bits and pieces for their pets at the same time.”

For further information on the freezer deals visit  www.albionmeatproducts.co.uk or telephone Catherine Donegan on 01386 554095.

Kent pet retailer Philip Butler has called on the industry's manufacturers and suppliers to create a level playing field and treat all UK retailers fairly in an attempt to stamp out 'cut-price' deals.

Philip, who has his Pip's Pet Supplies business on Kent markets for 12 years, was responding to a story in Pet Trade Xtra last week. We revealed the Poundstretcher discount store chain was set to expand its pet business throughout 400 outlets in the UK.

"There is no harm in fair competition but I stress it should be fair," said Philip.

"Those companies supplying discount stores are cutting the hands off the retailers who have supported them with their business over the years.

"When customers make the comment 'I can get that cheaper in the pound shop', they are often right.

"Recently the Christmas lines have started to appear. A particular Christmas Stocking for Cats is a pound in the pound shop, but I am quoted £1.73 from my wholesaler.

"Oh for the days when garages sold petrol, newsagents sold newspapers, and only pet shops sold pet food." 

Xtra Dog has introduced a new product to their range, the USA designed – SmartLeash.

The Leicestershire-based company sources the majority of their products from America and each item is chosen for its quality, durability and function. It also takes a very ethical stance making sure that all their products are kind to dogs.

SmartLeash is the first and only retractable leash that automatically stops a dog when he or she tries to suddenly run or lunge. It locks quickly, safely and automatically and stays locked as long as the dog has tension on the leash.

When a dog releases tension, SmartLeash resets instantly. There is also a manual lock as well as a self-locking system on the product, giving the dog owner flexibility to control their dog as they wish.

The Smartleash is made from relfective tape unlike other retractable leads which are often made from cord, so it offers higher visibility and is less likely to wrap itself around the dog’s legs causing an accident or injury to the dog. Medium and large models have a high-strength bungee attached to the clasp to absorb the normal stresses associated with walking your dog when the leash is locked. 

The SmartLeash is available in three colours (red, blue and black) and in four sizes (small, medium, large and x-large). RRPs start from £29.95.

Following its successful 2013 debut, The Pet Show is returning to Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire on the 2-3 August 2014.

Offering a unique indoor/outdoor format spanning 39,000 square metres, 21,000 square metres of which is covered, The Pet Show attracted over 17,000 visitors in 2013 with attendees travelling from as far afield as Devon and North Yorkshire.

Divided into separate pet zones for horses, dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and fish, commercial exhibitors will be able to position themselves in the areas where they can most easily generate sales, along with experts, breeders and specialist services to give visitors access to an entertaining, informative and supportive environment that is geared to the needs of families and enthusiasts alike.

A performance arena will ensure a full programme of entertainment throughout the two days while an education zone will provide regular talks and seminars on topical subjects from an array of pet specialists.

Uniquely, The Pet Show is the only event of its type to allow dogs to be brought in with specially designated Dog Friendly Zones attracting an estimated 300 plus canines in 2013.

“We try to make The Pet Show as appealing and accessible to as many pet lovers as possible,” explains Carly Jackson, director of The Pet Show. “At our first event we had over 260 different species from millipedes to micro pigs and hens to horses. The feedback from visitors was exceptional and dog owners were delighted to be able to share the event with their animals.

“We will be building on the success of 2013 by adding new features and services together with an even stronger marketing and PR programme to ensure we create a truly high value environment for our exhibitors.”

The summer holiday timing of The Pet Show has been chosen to make it particularly attractive to pet loving families looking for a great day out and the Midlands venue adds to this, offering extensive free car parking and a camp site for those looking to turn it into a weekend adventure.

“In 2013 around half our visitors came on our two adults, two children family tickets. We will be looking to grow this side of our audience even more in 2014,” adds Carly.

Natural and organic pet food brand Lily’s Kitchen is launching London’s first ever grotto for dogs called Santa Paws.

Opening on London’s Pimlico Road from the November 28 until December 21, the Santa Paws Grotto will not only offer fun and festive activities but also support the North London Charity All Dogs Matter.

This canine Christmas wonderland will offer dogs (and their owners) a retreat from hectic Christmas shopping, where pooches can enjoy a freshly prepared Lily’s Kitchen Christmas Dinner for Dogs, while owners can secretly shop for doggy stocking fillers.

For every Christmas Dinner for Dogs purchased at the grotto, Lily’s Kitchen will donate a nutritious dinner to a dog in need to enjoy on Christmas Day. 

Henrietta Morrison, founder of Lily’s Kitchen, says: “It’s really important to us to give as much back as possible to our beloved dogs this year and All Dogs Matter is the perfect choice ,being very close to our roots in Hampstead.”

Natural Instinct has launched a limited edition 'Christmas Feast' for cats and dogs containing turkey with bones and all the added trimmings of a traditional festive dinner such as parsnip (in the dog food only), bacon, sage and cranberry.

“During the development of the Christmas Feast, we asked a number of our loyal customers to feed the new recipe to their cats and dogs and the response was phenomenal from the first sample batch made,” said retail manager Andrea Blackmore.

“We have had reports back that cats are lapping it up and dogs can’t get enough. Our customers want us to stock it all year.”

To find out more call 01276 608500 or visit www.naturalinstinct.com

Alison Daniel, founder of healthy pet supplement company Din Dins, has offered her advice on which tempting festive treats can be harmful for your pet’s health. It's a good idea to inform your customers about them.

We all know that Christmas is the perfect excuse for us humans to feast on rich and sugary treats. Whilst the downside to this short term indulgence may be a few inches to our waistline, our pet’s digestive systems are far more susceptible to the dangers of highly processed and rich foods. Dogs and cats are simply not designed to eat processed human snacks, and the smelly breath, stinky wind, sore or dry skin and itchiness are often linked to diet.

It’s never too late to change your pet’s feeding habits and help improve their immunity, general health and quality of life. Din Dins founder Alison Daniel has extensive experience in pet nutrition and, alongside a daily diet of the 100% natural supplement Wickedly Raw Superfoods, below she’s listed those popular Christmas foods never to feed your pet.

1: Chocolate and sweets: You shouldn’t ever give your dog chocolate, whatever the occasion! Active ingredients including theobromine and caffeine can affect hormonal and neurological functions in dogs, with side effects including hyperactivity, vomiting, lethargy, seizures, coma and potentially death. With high sugar and fat content, sweet delicacies in general are a severe no-go – feed your pet one plain biscuit and you may as well be giving your dog or cat a hamburger in human terms.

2: Crisps: Hidden ingredients including onion powder in crisps can interfere with your pet’s blood circulation and may cause haemolytic anaemia (causing oxygen-rich red blood cells to abnormally break down), whilst maize and corn are common allergens for many pet breeds.

3: Cooked turkey bones: Cooked bones, especially poultry, are brittle and can splinter your pet’s throat or gut. Raw bones, on the other hand, are beneficial for teeth and health. Introduce raw bones gradually and keep the leftover cooked bones firmly on your plate.

4: Mixed nuts: For reasons still inconclusive, raisins and grapes can cause kidney failure in cats and dogs with macadamia nuts also a cause for paralysis of the hindquarters as well as limb manipulation and muscle tremors in dogs.

5: Nutmeg: Found in eggnog and seasonal cakes, nutmeg contains minute levels of cyanide. Alongside fruit seeds, nutmeg can cause dog seizures and must be avoided for pet safety. Sliced fruit is fine, but avoid feeding your pets entire pieces of seed-rich fruit.

To find out more about pet nutrition for dogs and cats from head to tail visit www.dindins.co.uk

Natural Instinct has put its support behind leading disability charity Dog AID and is offering to feed a sponsored dog on its BARF meals for six months. It has also agreed to sponsor the charity’s newsletter.

The company provides premium cat and dog food based on the Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF) diet. It was one of the first brands in the UK to make the BARF diet easier and more convenient for customers by developing a range of complete recipes which contain all the vitamins and minerals that a dog or cat would need for a healthy, naturally balanced diet.

Dog AID provides valuable support to people from the age of 15 upwards with disabilities by empowering them to train their own dogs to help them with every day tasks. The charity provides the client with an approved personal dog trainer who coaches them in modern, safe, reward based methods of dog training over a period of one to two years.

Training takes place either in the client’s home or at an occasional class, and using the bond which already exists between client and their dog, the trainer is able to leave them to practice what they’ve learned until the next appointment. Daily training ensures that the dog is learning at it’s own pace whilst being a constant companion to the client. Dog AID is now a national voluntary organisation accredited by the National and International umbrella groups, which uphold the high standards required for Assistance Dog training.

Natural Instinct’s sponsored dog is a black German Shepherd called Sera which belongs to Caroline Lewis from Shropshire, Caroline is 49 and tetraplegic as a result of a car accident in 1988.  In 2001 she bought a puppy, Jade and after reading a leaflet about Dog AID, that puppy became not only her companion but also her unconditional helping hand.

Caroline explains: “After getting German Shepherd Jade in 2001, I read about the charity Dog AID which helps people with disabilities to train their pet to become a recognised assistance dog. I began my training with Jade in 2002 and within four years she was able to help me with tasks such as picking up dropped items, turning on light switches with her paw, opening doors and so much more.

"I have 24-hour carers, but to be with a dog that is capable of doing things for me provided such a sense of independence. No longer did I always have to ask someone to pick up something I dropped, Jade did it for me automatically and with such a sense of pride. I was suddenly able to come home from town on my own, safe in the knowledge that I had my canine assistant with me rather than feeling vulnerable. As a person in a wheelchair, an assistance dog also breaks down the barriers because people want to come and talk to me about the dog rather than looking away.” 

Sadly Jade has now passed away and Caroline is training her new German Shepherd dog, Sera to pick up where Jade left off.

“I am hoping that as well as the tasks Jade was trained to carry out for me, I will also be able to train Sera to retrieve named objects.  This is particularly important with items such as the telephone so that if myself or a carer gets into difficulty, Sera can bring me the phone to get help”. 

Commenting on the sponsorship, Sandra Fraser of Dog AID said: “We are absolutely delighted with the support we have received from Natural Instinct. Not only have they provided much needed support for one of our dogs and our charity but they have also encouraged owners to think about feeding their animals on a healthy diet which is important for any assistance dogs in training as balanced nutrition leads to balanced behaviour.”

For further information visit www.dogaid.org.uk

he British Veterinary Association used the European Antibiotic Awareness Day on Monday to remind animal owners that the rules for safeguarding antibiotics in humans also apply to animals.

The issue of antibiotic resistance in humans has been described by the Chief Medical Officer as a ‘catastrophic threat’ and was raised at the G8 summit of global world leaders earlier this year. But it is not just a human health issue, and BVA used EAAD to raise awareness of the need for responsible use of antibiotics (or antimicrobials) in animals too.

Antibiotics are essential for both human and animal health but irresponsible use (including overuse, underuse and misuse) can lead to resistance and ultimately to these medicines becoming ineffective. The problem of resistance in humans is primarily the result of antibiotic use in people, rather than veterinary use, but the use in animal healthcare is an important factor contributing to the wider pool of resistance.

The BVA has teamed up with the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) to launch a poster aimed at pet owners to help them understand how to keep antibiotics working with the simple message ‘Don’t Infect, Don’t Expect, Do Protect’.

• Don’t infect – keep animals healthy through preventive treatment, exercise and good nutrition, and practice good hygiene.
• Don’t expect – like in human health not every illness requires antibiotics. Antibiotics will only be prescribed by a veterinary surgeon following a clinical assessment.
• Do protect – antibiotics must be used according to the instructions on the label and a course must be completed even if the animal is getting better.

BVA has also produced two client leaflets aimed at farmers and pet owners to explain antibiotic resistance.

The poster and leaflets are available for veterinary practices (and members of the public) to download alongside a range of other resources including posters and guidance for veterinary surgeons, downloadable mythbusters to be shared via social media, and a webinar aimed at vets, at www.bva.co.uk/eaad

All of the key animal health bodies have joined forces to raise awareness of antibiotic resistance in animals and humans as part of EAAD.

Commenting, BVA Past President Peter Jones said: “The veterinary profession is acutely aware of the problem of antibiotic resistance and BVA has been working for many years to promote responsible use of these vital medicines.

“We all know that antibiotic resistance is a serious threat but animal owners need help to understand what that means in practice and what they can do to reduce the likelihood of resistance developing.

“Our simple message of Don’t Infect, Don’t Expect, Do Protect should help owners to follow good practice and ensure that antibiotics continue to work for all animals and humans.”

Breeders who grade the elbows of their dogs for elbow dysplasia (ED) are now advised to breed only from those that have elbow scores of zero, in new advice issued by the Kennel Club and the British Veterinary Association.

When the ED scheme was set up in 1998 the breeding advice, following international protocol, was not to breed from dogs of grades two or three but that dogs of grade one were acceptable.

However, as ED is progressive, many of the dogs with grade one elbows who were tested at a young age may go on to develop grade two or three elbows later in life, despite initially being considered suitable for breeding.

The revised British Veterinary Association procedure notes now read:

‘It is strongly recommended that breeders wishing to reduce the risk of elbow dysplasia should select their breeding stock (both dogs and bitches) only from animals with an overall grade of 0. Dogs with elbow grades of 2 or 3 have marked osteoarthritis likely to be due to ED, with or without a visible primary lesion. Dogs with elbow grades of 1 show mild or early osteoarthritis which is also likely to be due to ED.’

It is hoped that the revised breeding advice will more quickly reduce the incidence of elbow dysplasia in dogs in those breeds in which it remains a significant problem.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “In accordance with the revised British Veterinary Association’s procedure notes, the Kennel Club would recommend that breeders only use dogs in their breeding with an overall grade of zero. 

"This will help to minimise the risk of elbow dysplasia and fall in line with the Kennel Club’s dedication to improving the health of pedigree dogs across the board. We are sure the new guidelines will be welcomed by all the conscientious pedigree dog breeders who work to maintain the best level of breed health for their breeds.”

Leading Leicestershire-based pet accessory company Xtra Dog had a special visitor to their stand at the Paws in The Park event which is held annually at the Kent County Showground.

English actress Cheryl Fergison, most notable for playing Heather Trott in the long-running BBC soap opera EastEnders, brought her dog Rosie along to meet the Xtra Dog team.

Xtra Dog specialise in importing, distributing and selling high quality pet accessories from the USA. All their products are designed to be kind to dogs and their harnesses are based around the Tellington TTouch philosophy of using two-points of contact to teach dogs to walk in natural balance without pulling.

Cheryl loves her new Spiffy Dog collar that she bought at the show.

Spiffy Dog is recognised as one America’s best dog collars, made of a unique material called Aerospacer, more commonly found in training shoes. This material has the benefits of being quick drying, lightweight and breathable. Cherly joins a list of major names in the dog world to choose Spiffy Dog along with Champion agility competitor Lauren Langman, Dock Dogs stars, Anne Newman and Sarah Allen plus Tellington TTouch Instructor Marie Miller. They are also used by the Kent unit of the National Search and Rescue Dog Association.

Every year Spiffy Dog also brings out a Christmas Collar which is rapidly becoming collector’s items amongst dog owners. The 2013 Christmas collar which is coming soon features a colourful festive motif. RRP £14.80.

Cheryl also bought an Xtra Dog fleece walking harness for her dog Rosie from the Xtra Dog range, perfect solution to teach dogs not to pull using no methods of fear or force. Commenting on her purchases, Cheryl said,

“Xtra Dog has an amazing range of dog equipment. I was very happy with my Spiffy Dog collar and non-pulling harness. Rosie my dog is now a happy non pulling walker.”

To find out more about Xtra Dog's excellent products visit www.xtradog.com