In This Issue
'Impulse buys' are fuelling pet welfare crisis
#PawsFirst campaign launched to tackle issues
Ricky Gervais supports #PawsFirst on Twitter
Pet Industry Award winners revealed
Ingleby Pet Supplies crowned Independent Retailer of the Year
Pets Corner store picks up national award
OATA’s Chief Executive gets Lifetime Achievement Award
Selfridges introduces Precious Pets range for Christmas
Animology produces travel-sized pack of Clean Sheets
Pooch & Mutt is chosen as Top Natural Brand for Pet Week
CCTV system stolen in Merseyside pet shop raid
Suspended jail terms for Essex illegal pet shop couple
Exotic pets sold online create serious animal welfare fears
Mobile phone app tells owners how much food to give their dogs
Don't miss a date with BETA
Eukanuba offers pet owners advice on nutrition for their animals at Christmas
Lily's Kitchen produce impressive range of festive treats for pets
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'Impulse buys' are fuelling pet welfare crisis


Millions of pets are being taken on with little or no research into what they need to live healthy and happy lives. And this lack of knowledge can result in stressed, lonely, obese and aggressive pets, according to the UK’s leading vet charity...



Millions of pets are being taken on with little or no research into what they need to live healthy and happy lives. And this lack of knowledge can result in stressed, lonely, obese and aggressive pets, according to the UK’s leading vet charity.

Findings from the fifth annual PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report*, the largest, most comprehensive insight into the state of our pet nation, shows millions of pets are still suffering in silence.

Produced by PDSA in conjunction with YouGov, the PAW Report is the biggest-ever annual survey of pet owners and veterinary professionals, uncovering the truth about pet wellbeing in the UK.

A ‘want it now’ consumer culture is evident in pet purchasing with over 4.5 million owners doing no research at all before getting a pet. Familiarity with the Animal Welfare Act has decreased significantly over the last five years, with less than one third (31%) of pet owners stating they are familiar with their responsibility as a pet owner as detailed in this legislation which outlines the basic welfare needs of our pets.

Commenting on the worrying findings, PDSA Head of Pet Health and Welfare, and vet, Nicola Martin, said:

“PDSA’s research shows that as a nation, we’re still in love with the idea of pet ownership with over half of UK households owning a pet and 88% of pet owners believing that owning a pet improves their lives. But impulse acquisitions and busy lifestyles mean some people are totally unprepared for the realities, and the effort, that owning a happy, healthy pet entails.

“Sadly, too many people are continuing to underestimate the financial cost and the importance of choosing the right pet for their lifestyle before taking on a new pet. Ultimately, this is contributing to the suffering of millions of pets.”

Five years on from the inaugural PAW Report, millions of dogs are still being left alone for long periods of time, with owners vastly underestimating the lifetime costs of their pets. In dogs, this can be up to fifty times more than owners expect**.

Alongside this nearly a quarter (22%) of pet owners would still consider getting a dog from a puppy farm; an intensive establishment where dogs are bred in high volumes for profit, with little or no consideration for the health or welfare of puppies or breeding bitches.

“This needs to change and we all need to stop and think whether we are providing everything that our pets need to live healthy and happy lives,” added Nicola Martin.

*The total sample size was 31,584 pet owners aged 18+ who live within the UK. Fieldwork was undertaken between 11 December 2014 and 26 March 2015. The survey was carried out online and responses were achieved through a combination of two sources. 5,152 owners of cats, dogs and rabbits were interviewed via YouGov’s online research panel. Additionally, a link to the survey was publicised via PDSA’s contact database, website and social media, to achieve a further 26,432 pet owner responses. The figures have been weighted to be representative of the population by pet species and the owner’s gender, age and geographic region. All figures reported in this press release are from the survey of 5,152 owners interviewed via YouGov’s online research panel.

The survey was carried out face-to face to a sample of 1,127 veterinary professionals, including vets, vet nurses, veterinary care assistants, and vet and veterinary nursing students. Figures are not weighted. In addition, a survey was carried out online through an open link. Fieldwork was undertaken between 18 September and 10 October 2014. Total sample size was 572 veterinary professionals. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.

**12% of pet owners believe their pet will cost them no more than £500 over their entire life. The actual lifetime costs of pets are: Dogs - £16-£31,000

 

 
#PawsFirst campaign launched to tackle issues
To tackle these serious welfare issues, PDSA is launching #PawsFirst - a campaign which highlights the problem of rushing into getting a pet without understanding their needs...
To tackle these serious welfare issues, PDSA is launching #PawsFirst - a campaign which highlights the problem of rushing into getting a pet without understanding their needs***.


“Our #PawsFirst initiative encourages prospective pet owners to ask themselves if they are prepared for every aspect of pet ownership, challenging a developing culture of ‘click and collect’ for buying pets,” said Nicola Martin, PDSA Head of Pet Health and Welfare.

“PDSA wants to help turn public affection for pets into positive action by helping them find all the relevant information before making a decision.”  

PDSA’s new Get PetWise quiz provides practical information to help people understand if pets are suitable for them and their lifestyle. We would also encourage people to speak to their local vet practice for more advice, or to visit a reputable online resource, such as PDSA’s website, which contains extensive expert information about popular pets and what’s involved in their care.”

Released today, findings from this year’s PAW Report, which surveyed over 33,000 pet owners and veterinary professionals, exposes the alarming reality of how millions of UK pets are living:

Dogs

  • 2.3 million dogs (25% of the UK dog population) are routinely left alone for five hours or more, while advice suggests that four hours should be the maximum time.
  • 28% of dog owners believe it’s acceptable to regularly leave a dog home alone on a typical day for SIX to TEN hours.
  • 465,000 dogs (5%) are never taken for a walk (on the lead for ten minutes or more)**** despite daily walks and socialisation with other dogs being essential for a dog’s physical and mental health.
  • 465,000 dogs (5%) show aggression towards other pets every week.

Cats

  • 2.6 million cats (24% of the UK cat population) live indoors all the time, which  could be causing stress and contributing to feline obesity.
  • 4.8 million cats (44%) live in multi-cat households and of these 58% have to share their food and water bowls and 50% their litter tray, which can be source of significant stress for cats.
  • 2.8 million cats (26%) have never been vaccinated, leaving them susceptible to fatal diseases.

Rabbits

  • Nearly 700,000 rabbits (57% of the UK rabbit population) live alone, potentially causing mental suffering for the highly-social animals.
  • 29% of rabbit owners feed rabbit muesli, despite this leading to painful dental disease and poor nutrition.
  • 29% of rabbits are provided with less than the recommended amount of hay, which is an amount equivalent to their body size or more every day.

The charity says that by working together with pet owners, the veterinary profession, other animal welfare organisations and the Government, positive change can be achieved and these serious issues can be tackled. 

President of the British Veterinary Association, Sean Wensley, said: “For the past five years, the PDSA Animal Wellbeing Report has highlighted where pets’ needs are not being met, what progress has been made, and on what scale. Issues such as social isolation in dogs and rabbits, and obesity in all species, must be understood and addressed if we are to claim that we are treating our companion animals fairly.

“Improving animal welfare is a top priority for BVA and we support our members to help address issues such as those revealed by the PAW Report.”

Thinking about getting a pet? #Pawsfirst and Get PetWise at www.pdsa.org.uk/pawsfirst

*** #PawsFirst includes an innovative new digital quiz which utilises interactive questions to help people ‘Get PetWise’. Designed to throw light on what pets really need during their lifetime – including vital preventive health care which protects them against painful and deadly diseases - it helps people discover  the true cost of ownership and understand their chosen pet’s welfare needs first. If they can do this, it then helps them select a species, a breed and encourages them to think about the right place to get their pet from.

****465,000 dogs are never walked out of their home or garden for ten minutes or more on the lead.

Ricky Gervais supports #PawsFirst on Twitter
Actor and comedian Ricky Gervais has got behind the PDSA campaign #PawsFirst by tweeting on Twitter: "Pets shouldn't be bought on a whim. Support #PawsFirst to stop millions of pets suffering...


Actor and comedian Ricky Gervais has got behind the PDSA campaign #PawsFirst by tweeting on Twitter: "Pets shouldn't be bought on a whim. Support #PawsFirst to stop millions of pets suffering.

 
Pet Industry Award winners revealed
The Pet Industry Award winners were unveiled at a special gala evening in Liverpool on Tuesday evening. Among those to receive an award were Pet Remedy, Natures Menu, Pets Corner and Ingleby Pet Supplies...
The Pet Industry Award winners were unveiled at a special gala evening in Liverpool on Tuesday evening. Among those to receive an award were Pet Remedy, Natures Menu, Pets Corner and Ingleby Pet Supplies.

Stage and screen actor Brian Blessed presented awards to a record number of winners in front of over 200 guests at the Crowne Plaza City Centre Hotel, Liverpool.

The winners were:
  • Independent Retailer of the Year: Ingleby Pet Supplies
  • Pet Retail Chain of the Year: Pets Corner, Warminster
  • Manufacturer of the Year: Pet Remedy
  • Wholesaler of the Year: Essex Breeding Centre
  • Exporter of the Year: Natures Menu
  • Grooming Business of the Year: Evesham Dog Grooming Academy
  • Kennel or Cattery of the Year: Lea Wood Cattery
  • Pet Service Business of the Year: Suffolk Canine Crèche
  • Sales Representative of the Year: Aimee Cinderby, Symply Canagan
  • Lifetime Achievement Award: Keith Davenport, OATA



Pets Corner, Warminster, wins Pet Retail Chain of the Year Award.
Ingleby Pet Supplies crowned Independent Retailer of the Year


Less than two years after opening, Ingleby Pet Supplies has been crowned Independent Retailer of the Year at the Pet Industry Awards.

Owner Dawn Worton reveals to Pet Trade Xtra how the Teeside pet store has achieved so much success in such a short space of time...



Less than two years after opening, Ingleby Pet Supplies has been crowned Independent Retailer of the Year at the Pet Industry Awards.

Owner Dawn Worton reveals to Pet Trade Xtra how the Teeside pet store has achieved so much success in such a short space of time.

How did your success story begin?
Ingleby Pet Supplies opened in March 2014 and is owned by myself and my husband Craig.

How many people work in the shop now?
I work in the shop full time. We have just recruited a trainee assistant, Casie, with the help of Stockton Council, who works part time. My husband Craig occassionally helps out and my eight-year-old son Harry enjoys helping and is very popular with our customers!

Do you attract customers from a wide area?
Most of our business is local. However, we do have customers who travel for specific brands, and we have just launched our e-commerce site to enable customers from all over the UK to access our products.

How do you attract new customers?
We are very pro-active in working to attract new customers. We have advertised locally, have social media and word of mouth. Craig has also been known to get dressed up in a dog costume from time to time!



How do you keep customers loyal?
I think many of our customers remain loyal because they know we provide good customer service and spend time speaking to them about their pets and requirements. Many of our customers like to support local independent business. We also run various loyalty schemes through our suppliers.

What’s the secret of your success?
I don't think there is a secret to our success. We keep the shop clean and tidy and clutter free. We work long hours and only stock good quality brands which have been carefully selected.



What does this award mean to you?
Winning this award has given us a massive confidence boost. We took a huge risk opening the shop and it's good to know that the hard work and long hours are paying off.

What are your plans for the future?
Our plans for the future are to continue growing and developing the business. We are still working to promote the online side of the business and we are interviewing later this week for a dog groomer to start work in our new grooming studio in early 2016.

To find out more visit www.inglebypets.co.uk

Pets Corner store picks up national award


Pets Corner in Warminster has been named Pet Retail Chain of the Year at this year’s Pet Industry Awards...



Pets Corner in Warminster has been named Pet Retail Chain of the Year at this year’s Pet Industry Awards. 

The store, which is one of 102 shops that make up the family run, ethical pet retailer, was judged on its overall commercial success, customer service and satisfaction, staff training and contribution to innovation over the last 12 months.

Steve O'Neil, Manager at Pets Corner Warminster, commented: “We are absolutely delighted to have won Pet Retail Chain of the Year. The team and I love being part of the Pets Corner family. We pride ourselves on working hard to provide the best possible care and attention to all of our customers and their pets.  It means a great deal to have been recognised in this way with such a coveted award.”

Dean Richmond, Managing Director of Pets Corner, added: “Huge congratulations to the team at Warminster. They are a fantastic example of everything we strive to achieve at Pets Corner and our dedication to ensuring that our teams are knowledgeable and passionate about the care and selling of pets. I am extremely proud of them and their success.”
 
OATA’s Chief Executive gets Lifetime Achievement Award
Keith Davenport, the Chief Executive of the Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association, has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Pet Industry Federation at its annual awards in Liverpool...
Keith Davenport, the Chief Executive of the Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association, has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Pet Industry Federation at its annual awards in Liverpool.

Keith, who received his award from actor Brian Blessed, told Pet Trade Xtra: "I'm surprised and delighted to get this award which was very unexpected."

He became OATA’s first member of staff in 1991. Prior to his appointment with OATA he set up the aquatics courses at Sparsholt College where he was a lecturer for seven years

Keith spent over three years in fish farming and a similar period in research, all of which followed training as a Marine Biologist at Bangor.

Outside of work he walks, cycles, gardens, takes an interest in a wide variety of sports, and has even been known to cook, including baking cakes to take to meetings.

Selfridges introduces Precious Pets range for Christmas


Precious Pets London has unveiled a new display of its luxury grooming range in Selfridges to coincide with the famous London department store’s Christmas offerings...



Precious Pets London has unveiled a new display of its luxury grooming range in Selfridges to coincide with the famous London department store’s Christmas offerings.

The selection includes the Precious Pets London gift range as well as its established retail lines.

The company founders, siblings Charlotte and Gregory Nash, were there to see the new display and say they couldn’t have been happier with how the products are being represented on the fourth floor of the store.

Charlotte said:"‘Our products look wonderful in this prestigious store and not only fit in well with their existing lines but have also been displayed beautifully."

Gregory added:"‘We were so please to see how much space has been given over to the brand and feel this is a great step towards establishing the range as Britain’s luxury grooming brand of choice."

Following Harrods' abrupt announcement to close its Pet Kingdom in 2014, shortly after they had agreed to launch Preciopus Pets London products there, the brand couldn’t have hoped to be accepted into a more prestigious London department store.

Along with the letter of acknowledgment from Buckingham Palace, the introduction to Selfridges can only help to strengthen the brand’s position.

For information about the company's products visit www.preciouspetslondon.com

 
Animology produces travel-sized pack of Clean Sheets
Now there's no excuse for a dirty dog, no matter where you are, with the new travel sizes packs of Animology Clean Sheets (£4.99), perfect to keep in the car or even a handbag...



Now there's no excuse for a dirty dog, no matter where you are, with the new travel sizes packs of Animology Clean Sheets (£4.99), perfect to keep in the car or even a handbag.

The extra-large dual sided wipes contain the advanced Animology no-rinse shampoo formula, which will keep your pet cleaner and fresher for longer.

The wipes, which now come in packs of 20, has a rough side to loosen the dirt and grime and a smooth side to wipe it away.

They cut though grease and 'sticky stuff' including fox poo, will help remove even the most disgusting of smells and are enriched with Vitamin E to help protect and strengthen the coat.

For more information visit www.animology.co.uk.

Pooch & Mutt is chosen as Top Natural Brand for Pet Week


Multi-award winning Pooch and Mutt has been chosen by Hubba.com, the leading product discovery network, for their own Pet Week which runs until Friday...



Multi-award winning Pooch and Mutt has been chosen by Hubba.com, the leading product discovery network, for their own Pet Week which runs until Friday.

With a strong focus on natural and premium brands, Pooch & Mutt is one of 10 brands featured because of their wide range of functional products including grain-free dog food, hand baked treats and natural supplements.

The purpose of Hubba.com is to allow brands and retailers to share “single source of truth” information, photos and videos in real time so consumers always have what they need to make the smartest and quickest purchase decisions. With a strong focus on connecting customers with brands while providing great customer service, Pooch & Mutt are very pleased to have been featured by the company.

Emma Nemtin from Hubba.com says, “Pooch and Mutt are PETA approved and are incredibly committed to helping rescue dogs. Thank you Pooch and Mutt for all that you do in helping dogs lead healthy and happy lives!”

 Pooch and Mutt’s products are ethically tested and are solely made in the UK.

 
CCTV system stolen in Merseyside pet shop raid
Thieves stole the CCTV system from a Wirral pet food store less than a day after it was installed. Several kilos of frozen raw pet food and more £600 in cash were also stolen from The Dog’s Diner in Moreton...


Thieves stole the CCTV system from a Wirral pet food store less than a day after it was installed.

The Dog’s Diner in Moreton, which specialises in raw pet food, was burgled between the hours of 6.30pm on Thursday and 8am Friday.

As well as stealing several kilos of frozen raw meat the shameless thieves, who gained entry by removing a window frame, also targeted the newly installed CCTV system worth over £500.

Over £600 in cash was stolen from the shop, as well as an undisclosed amount from three charity boxes - one of which was being used to raise funds for Blind Veterans UK.

The thieves also took several bottles of dog shampoo.

Ann Ridyard, who runs the shop alongside her husband, son and daughter, says she has been left ‘devastated’ by the event.

She said: “We only got the CCTV installed on Wednesday, I just can’t believe they’d be so cheeky and just steal it, especially when it’s there to protect our shop.

“We’re a small family business trying to make our way. I just feel sick that this has happened to us after we’ve worked so hard to build this shop up to what it is with so many loyal customers.”

Ann’s daughter Sophie discovered the shop had been broken into this morning when she arrived at work to open up.
 
Suspended jail terms for Essex illegal pet shop couple
Two people have been given suspended prison sentences for running an unlicensed pet shop in Essex and illegally cropping and splinting dogs’ ears...


Two people have been given suspended prison sentences for running an unlicensed pet shop in Essex and illegally cropping and splinting dogs’ ears.

Tibor Baranyi, 19, and Anita Lodine-Gombkoto, 43, both admitted a charge of keeping the shop at The Orchards, Shalford Green without a licence, and two charges of causing unneccessary suffering to a puppy.

When RSPCA officers first attended the pet shop they found a dog with his ears cropped and splinted, a process which forces the ears to grow upwards instead of down.

Baranyi and Lodine-Gombkoto, both from Rotten End, Wethersfield, were each banned from keeping animals for 10 years and sentenced to 12 weeks’ imprisonment for each offence to run concurrently, suspended for a year, during a sentencing hearing at Colchester Magistrates’ Court.

They were also ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and pay costs of £1,783 each.

The pair cannot apply to lift the animal ownership ban for at least four years.

Speaking after the sentencing, RSPCA chief inspector Mark Thompson said: “When we first attended this property we found four English bulldogs, one French bulldog and two doberman puppies in unhygienic conditions. They were cramped in small cages which were sodden with faeces and urine.

“The RSPCA is opposed to the mutilation of animals for cosmetic purposes. Procedures such as tail docking and ear-cropping do not benefit the animals in any way and can be detrimental to their health and welfare.”

Magistrates ordered all of the dogs in the pair’s care were handed over to the RSPCA for treatment and re-homing.
 
Exotic pets sold online create serious animal welfare fears
Pet charity Blue Cross and the Born Free Foundation are calling for a Government review of the exotic pet trade after conducting an online survey of six websites...
Pet charity Blue Cross and the Born Free Foundation are calling for a Government review of the exotic pet trade after conducting an online survey of six websites.

They discovered during a spot check in September there were 25,000 adverts offering more than 120 types of exotic animal for sale.

What particularly worries animal campaigners are the way adverts have been offering animals in “poor health” or with a history of aggression.

Equally, very few adverts offered advice on the animals’ history or how to care for them.

After publishing the One Click Away report, the two charities say they are concerned both for the health and welfare of the animals as well public safety because there is little or no regulation over online sales.

They are demanding the laws surrounding the sales of exotic pets brought up to date after discovering such areas of concern as:
  • Adverts not identifying species properly. Of 347 adverts for lizards, 38 per cent did not identify a particular species.
  • One advert for 18 royal pythons described them as “in need of a quick sale”.
  • Animals advertised in “poor health” or offered as swaps.
  • Adverts for wild felines, including ocelots, serval, caracal and leopard cats.
 
Mobile phone app tells owners how much food to give their dogs
A calorie-counting app is available for dog owners to ensure they provide their animals with a healthy, balanced diet.




A calorie-counting app is available for dog owners to ensure they provide their animals with a healthy, balanced diet...

An owner simply adds his or her dog's age, breed and size into the Pedigree Tracks app and it will automatically create a menu with the right amount of calories for them.

the launch of the app comes as a study warns that almost half of the UK's dogs are now classed as overweight, a figure which is set to worsen as two thirds of owners with overweight dogs don't realise their pet's health is at risk.

The study, conducted on behalf of Pedigree by Professor Mike Davies from the University of Nottingham and supported by research undertaken with UK dog owners, has identified that lack of exercise isn't the only issue currently facing dogs today.

Overfeeding is also a major issue with 44% of dog owners not using any feeding guidelines and a further 13% filling their dog's bowl whenever it seems hungry.

Jo Ladbrook, dog portfolio director at Pedigree said: "It's often confusing to know when, what and how to care for your dog - especially for people who are new to dog ownership.

"This is why we've created the free Pedigree Tracks App as it helps to eliminate the confusion around dog ownership, including the lack of awareness around the length of time your dog needs to be active and for some, the guilt often associated with treating your dog."
 
Don't miss a date with BETA
The 2016 British Equestrian Trade Association calendar is bright and colourful, and features some fantastic photos to highlight the year ahead. What better way to keep tabs on dates, shows and appointments?

The 2016 British Equestrian Trade Association calendar is bright and colourful, and features some fantastic photos to highlight the year ahead. What better way to keep tabs on dates, shows and appointments?

“We are really pleased to offer the calendars once again, as they proved so successful last year,” said BETA executive director Claire Williams.

“They’re so handy to pin on the office or tack room wall and, with their ready-printed show dates, a great way of making sure that you never miss an important event again!”

All BETA members will be sent one free with the trade association’s compliments, but copies – which make perfect stocking fillers – can also be bought from the BETA online store at www.beta-uk.org or by contacting the BETA office, telephone 01937 587062 or email info@beta-uk.org.

 
Eukanuba offers pet owners advice on nutrition for their animals at Christmas
Eukanuba’s veterinary expert Kellie Ceccarelli shares her advice on what food types pet owners should keep away from their furry friends during the festive period...
Eukanuba’s veterinary expert Kellie Ceccarelli shares her advice on what food types pet owners should keep away from their furry friends during the festive period.

As we prepare for Christmas, it’s important that we remember to keep our pets safe during the festive period. Indulgent human food can be toxic for our four-legged friends, so while we may think a bone or gravy may be a special treat, it could have serious consequences for the health of our dogs.


To help maintain all-round wellbeing, dogs requires a diet that provides digestible ingredients, such as protein from chicken, turkey, lamb or fish as well as fats for a healthy coat, carbohydrates for energy, moderately fermentable fibres to aid digestion as well as vitamins and minerals for total body support. Antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E and certain compounds called carotenoids (like Beta-carotene) in a dog’s diet can help support the immune system.

To ensure you keep your pet safe this Christmas, Eukanuba’s veterinary expert Kellie Ceccarelli shares her advice on what food types to keep away from your furry friends over the holidays.

Bones

If you enjoy a roast turkey for your Christmas dinner you will be left with bones. Try to ignore the temptation to give them to your dog for a tasty chew. While some dogs eat bones and remain unharmed others aren’t so lucky. Bones can be dangerous and contrary to popular belief do not clean teeth. In fact they can cause painful trauma to gums, get lodged in the roof of the mouth, throat, stomach, intestine and rectum which sometimes requires emergency surgical intervention.

Chocolate

Chocolate will not only add to your dog’s waistline but it can be toxic as it contains “theobromine”. When eaten in large quantities, particularly chocolate which contains high cocoa levels, it can be life threatening.

Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins are toxic for dogs so should be kept out of reach from your pets as well as any Christmas cake, Christmas pudding and biscuits containing raisins. Symptoms include vomiting, hyperactivity, diarrhoea, anorexia (loss of appetite), and lethargy and ultimately can cause kidney failure.

Alcohol

Alcohol should never be fed to dogs as they are much smaller to humans and therefore more susceptible to intoxication. Alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lack of coordination, poor breathing, coma and possibly death.

Onions and garlic

Onions and garlic will appeal to a dog’s strong sense of smell but don’t give in to any begging, as not only will it cause bad breath but consuming large quantities can be toxic causing a break-down of red blood cells (haemolytic anaemia). In severe cases this can be fatal.

Macadamia Nuts

We’ll often leave some roasted nuts out for nibbling on around Christmas but if you have a dog be sure to keep the macadamia nuts well out of its reach. They can cause weakness, panting and swollen limbs. Be careful not to feed cookies and biscuits to your dogs too as these can also contain macadamia nuts.

Eggnog

Eggnog contains a lot of raw egg and although cooked eggs are an excellent source of protein, raw eggs should not be fed to dogs as they can cause bacterial contamination. Raw egg (particularly egg white) can also cause a vitamin B deficiency (Biotin) leading to scaly skin, hair loss, diarrhoea and anorexia.  Eggnog also contains a little alcohol (or a lot depending on who’s making it) which can also cause problems (see below).

The Best Nutrition for Your Dog

To help maintain all-round wellbeing, give your dog a complete and nutritional diet appropriate for their breed and life stage.

Kellie explains: “During Christmas it can be easy for pet owners to get carried away in the festivities and share food with their animals but it’s really important that you remember to keep your treats out of reach as however much pets appear to enjoy human food it can have a fatal effect.

“For those who want to treat their animals this year, give them a nutritionally balanced diet that provides digestible ingredients. Eukanuba’s Healthy Extra Biscuits are a great treat for your dog’s Christmas stocking.”

Eukanuba Healthy Biscuits are available in 200g bags for Puppy, Adult and Senior from £2.99 at leading pet shops nationwide. For more information on Eukanuba’s pet food range visit www.eukanuba.co.uk or www.facebook.com/Eukanuba.  

 
Lily's Kitchen produce impressive range of festive treats for pets
Lily’s Kitchen has some tasty limited edition festive treats to get tails wagging and felines purring at Christmas...
Lily’s Kitchen has some tasty limited edition festive treats to get tails wagging and felines purring at Christmas.

Comments Henrietta Morrison, founder of Lily’s Kitchen: “At Lily’s Kitchen we understand that our pets are part of our families and that they love to be included in all the fun and festivities.  Our 2015 Christmas range is set not only to bring excitement and seasonall sales opportunities for our trade partners, it will ensure that for our furry family members, it’s the most wonderful time of the year too.”

Yuletide Delights Dog Treat Selection Box, 180g £12.95

This beautiful hand tied ribboned selection box , with four different decadent, 100% natural treats including crunchy ones, chewy ones, trusty favourites and some brand new exclusives.

  • Shiny Coat Baked Biscuit Treats, 50g
  • Venison Sausages with apple cider vineger and blackberries, 44g
  • Fishskin Parcels , 50g
Red Berry Boost Superfood Snack Bar,36g - bursting with chicken liver with healthy anti-oxidant Cranberries, Raspberries, Goji Berries & Rosehips.

Advent Calendar For Dogs,RRP £9.95

Back by popular demand with a new whimsical design and a tasty, hand-baked treat awaiting behind every window, December mornings will be as exciting for consumer’s dogs as they are for the rest of the family. All 24 treats are naturally low in fat, free from artificial additives and preservatives.

Three Bird Feast for Dogs,400g tin RRP £2.49

Succulent freshly-prepared turkey, goose, and duck are combined with parsnips, Swiss chard, carrots, cranberries, apples and thyme for an irresistible and nourishing, grain-free canine Christmas lunch… without a Brussels sprout in sight.

Fabulously Festive Christmas Biscuits For Dogs,100g box; RRP £2.99

These delicious bite-sized, heart-shaped biscuits are hand-baked and 100% natural, bursting with freshly-prepared turkey, liver, cranberries and thyme, plus a sprinkling of Christmassy cinnamon.

Christmas Turkey Feast For Cats, 400g, RRP £0.99

This tasty complete recipe is grain free and made with a very high organic meat content.

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