|
|
A "hugely popular" aquatics, reptile and pet centre in Bedfordshire is being marketed for sale after the business was placed in administration.
Miles Needham and Phil Armstrong of FRP Advisory were appointed as joint administrators to The Japanese Koi Company in Henlow on 13 July 2016.
Despite "solid trading" for a number of years, the business has more recently faced unsustainable cash flow pressure, leaving it with no viable option other than to seek the protection of administration.
All 19 staff members have been retained while the joint administrators continue to trade the business and seek a buyer.
Miles Needham said: "Japanese Koi is a hugely popular aquatics, reptile and pet centre which has enjoyed strong trade as a destination venue from loyal customers, including young families, across Bedfordshire and neighbouring counties.
"Our priority remains to meet customer demand and maintain sufficient stock levels to ensure customers can continue to enjoy the wide variety of species stocked at the Henlow centre.
"We continue to trade the business as a going concern while actively marketing the business for sale and have already engaged with interested parties to secure its long-term future. We invite further interested parties to make early contact."
Announcement on The Japanese Koi Company's website below...
 |
|
|
|
Tetra leads innovation in aquatics for 65 years
 For over 65 years, Tetra has led innovation in the aquatics industry having created the first ever fish food, BioMin, and fish food flake, TetraMin, which opened up the world of fishkeeping allowing consumers to keep and feed fish more easily...
For over 65 years, Tetra has led innovation in the aquatics industry having created the first ever fish food, BioMin, and fish food flake, TetraMin, which opened up the world of fishkeeping allowing consumers to keep and feed fish more easily.
With the increase in fish species now available to buy, the industry has a large and very unique opportunity to ensure fish welfare by educating consumers on available product ranges while boosting incremental sales and profit.
Tetra’s timeline of innovation - 1952 - Using his PhD Biology knowledge,Baensch developed the first staple fish food in paste form; Tetra BioMin, which became an overnight success.
- 1955 - Baensch presented TetraMin the world’s first fish food for aquarium fish in a dry flake form. TetraMin is ideal for selective and varied feeding and provides consumers with increased choice of feed for their fish to suit specific needs and benefits.
- 1973 – AquaSafe was launched to help make tap water safe for the use in aquariums by removing dangerous chlorine. chloramine, copper, zinc and lead after every water change.
- JUNE 2006 – Tetra launched SafeStart which creates a biologically active environment to allow the safe and fast introduction of fish into a tank. It contains specially bred, living nitrifying bacteria that substantially reduces harmful ammonia and nitrate allowing fishkeepers to successfully set up their new aquarium for happy healthy fish.
- MAY 2011 - TetraPro was developed to provide a biologically balanced staple diet to help keep fish’s immune systems healthy ensuring optimal nutrition for tropical ornamental fish, marine fish and goldfish.
  
In addition to Tetra’s vast range of products, retailers are able to benefit from Tetra’s expert advice allowing them to gain a reputation for having the latest information on fishkeeping, leading to an increase in spending, footfall, and consumer trust.
Tetra has also recently produced the feeding wheel, enabling consumers to see what fish they have, where they come from, and their specific dietary requirements.
By ensuring the correct diets are being fed to each fish species the trade will continue to grow through incremental sales and premiumisation whilst ensuring fish welfare and happy engaged consumers.
For more information please visit www.tetra.net or to join the conversation with other retailers head over to Tetra UK on Facebook
|
|
Lintbells founders celebrate award at Buckingham Palace
It has been a special week for Lintbells, the Hertfordshire-based maker of high quality natural pet supplements. Founding directors John Davies and John Howie were invited to Buckingham Palace in recognition of being awarded the Queen's Award for Enterprise in Innovation 2016...
It has been a special week for Lintbells, the Hertfordshire-based maker of high quality natural pet supplements. Founding directors John Davies and John Howie were invited to Buckingham Palace in recognition of being awarded the Queen's Award for Enterprise in Innovation 2016. It was a landmark moment for the pair who only established the business in 2006 and have seen it grow from strength to strength.
John Davies described how their first Royal contact was with Prince Michael of Kent who, as patron of the Kennel Club and Battersea Dogs home, expressed great interest in the Lintbells business, while also allaying the slight touch of nerves the two Johns were experiencing.
John Davies says: "We then talked with the Duke of Edinburgh about his love of horses before we were approached by one of the Princess Royals staff and told the Princess wanted to talk with us. What followed was an in-depth conversation about gut bacteria, probiotics and horse health and a glimpse of the Queen."
John describes the experience as humbling and it was without doubt a very special moment in the history of the Lintbells business.
"We would not have believed this would ever have happened to us when we started the Lintbells journey. It's down to the incredibly hard work of the whole team and it means the world to us to be recognised in the innovation category. We just feel even more driven now to build this unique and special business called Lintbells."
In September, Lintbells receives the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire at its offices where there will be a formal presentation of the award, giving all the team a chance to celebrate.
For more information about Lintbells visit www.lintbells.com.
Photo caption: (left to right): Co-founders John Davies and John Howie outside Buckingham Palace.
|
|
Leading pet food brand Webbox has partnered with UK poverty charity The Trussell Trust to donate pet food and treats to the people referred to the charity’s network of over 420 foodbanks.
Every day people in the UK go hungry for reasons ranging from redundancy or bereavement to welfare problems or receiving an unexpected bill on a low income.
Trussell Trust foodbanks provide emergency food but also a range of additional support services including debt and money advice and budget cookery courses. In addition, many foodbanks offer additional items like nappies, toiletries and pet food.
After an approach from a local Trussell Trust foodbank, asking if the pet food brand could help with a donation, Webbox staff wanted to help on a much bigger scale.
Julie Butcher, head of marketing at Webbox commented: “We were approached earlier in the year by a local foodbank, who were asking for a donation of short dated foods for the pets of owners who regularly used their services.
"We of course obliged and, after speaking with the staff at the Accrington branch, they told us how many visitors they get asking for pet food. Often the branch wouldn’t have stock so instead owners were feeding the animals with their own food before themselves.
“After hearing about this, and the fantastic work that the Trussell Trust does, we knew we had to get involved. We have now set up a system in house so that we can provide regular drop offs at each of the foodbanks. Each foodbank can also contact us directly whenever they are running low on certain foods and we will arrange a drop off for them.”
Sam Stapley, Corporate Partnership Executive at the Trussell Trust, commented: “We are very grateful to Webbox for their donations to our foodbanks. We know what a difference the offer of additional items such as toiletries, nappies and pet food can make.
"One woman referred to a foodbank after reducing her working hours to attend cancer treatment was really relieved to be offered pet food whilst she waited for additional financial support. She lives on her own, and that extra help meant she didn’t have to give up her two companion dogs during a stressful and difficult period.”
For further information on Webbox visit www.webbox.co.uk
|
|
Beco Pets wins 'cat friendly' award for its new-design bowl
A leading UK animal welfare charity that supports Britain’s estimated 12 million cat population has singled out a “thoughtful” bowl produced by Beco Pets to receive its highly-prized 2016 ‘Cat Friendly Award’...
Professor Stuart Carmichael, Chairman of the International Cat Care charity, presents Beco Pets co-Founder George Bramble with the award.
A leading UK animal welfare charity that supports Britain’s estimated 12 million cat population has singled out a “thoughtful” bowl produced by Beco Pets to receive its highly-prized 2016 ‘Cat Friendly Award’.
Beco Pets, Britain’s biggest manufacturer of eco-friendly pet products, won the award for its revolutionary ‘wide and low’ cat bowl, which is made from bamboo off-cuts, rice husks and corn starch.
The bowl won high praise both from the judges and the senior executives of the leading UK charity, International Cat Care, who hosted an awards gala for 250 guests and VIPs at The Roof Gardens in London.
The Beco Cat Bowl, whose wide shape and low sides help avoid discomforting friction for cats with long whiskers, was described as “beautifully thought through” by the Chief Executive of the charity, which reaches out to 3.3 m cat owners in 200 countries.
Claire Bessant, International Cat Care’s CEO, (pictured above with Beco Pets co-Founder George Bramble at the awards) said: “We were delighted to find a company that really thinks about cats and doesn't just churn out something and write ‘cat’ on the side. Beco is one that really does think about what cats like, is thoughtful about what cats need, like that they don't want their whiskers rubbing on the bowl’s side, or that their collars don't ping on the side.
“The Beco Cat Bowl is simple, but thought through beautifully, we loved it. An eco-friendly, cat-friendly product - well you can't really beat that, can you?”
Ms Bessant, who owns three cats herself, added: “Cats can get depressed, cats can go off their food for all sorts of reasons and so when they do, we are looking at all the ways we can try and make them eat. So if there’s a bowl that’s easy to eat from, that doesn't rub whiskers on the side, that's great. It's also great that Beco Pets are thinking about cats this way, thinking about the whole cat, thinking about how the cat lives with us, and taking all that into account. It's just absolutely fantastic. Keep thinking about cats, guys. We love your bowls.”
Professor Stuart Carmichael, Chairman of the International Cat Care charity, now in its 59th year, (pictured above with Beco Pets co-Founder George Bramble) also paid tribute to Beco Pets’ design team for creating the bowl.
“The Beco Cat Bowl is made of recyclable waste plant materials and is wide with low sides so that the cat's sensitive whiskers are not bent when eating. Our owners and behaviourists liked it,” he said.
“The owner of a Persian said that her cat ate for much longer out of this bowl. Others mentioned that because the dish is flat, it was easy to mash or cut up food in. It did not move around the room when licked. It was not noisy like a metal or China bowl and the cat's identity tag did not tap against it as it ate. It did not seem to retain smells or scratch, was lightweight and was also environmentally friendly. You never knew that there was so much to a simple cat bowl!”
George Bramble, Beco Pets’ co-Founder, said: “I feel like the cats whiskers! We are absolutely honoured to receive this award from such a respected cat charity that works to support the feline community of both sides of the Atlantic. It's recognition for all the hard work and thought that our amazing design team put into every last detail of the Beco range.
“As well as winning this Cat Friendly Award, we are also proud to have created a fantastic cat product that makes cats’ lives better and also helps the environment. The International Cat Care charity does tremendous work for cats across the world and is a charity that really gets stuff done and deserves great support.”
Beco Pets, which exports to 44 countries, has sold more than 1 million of its award-winning bowls around the world since the company formed in 2009.
|
|
Burgess Pet Care revitalizes grain-free food for cats
Burgess Pet Care is using its 200 years of pet nutrition expertise to develop the next level of grain free cat food. The new, three-strong Burgess Wellbeing range uses naturally grain free recipes that are specifically formulated by in-house vet Dr Suzanne Moyes to help maintain health and wellbeing...
Burgess Pet Care is using its 200 years of pet nutrition expertise to develop the next level of grain free cat food. The new, three-strong Burgess Wellbeing range uses naturally grain free recipes that are specifically formulated by in-house vet Dr Suzanne Moyes to help maintain health and wellbeing.
As many as one in four cats is now likely to be overweight which can in turn lead to serious health problems like urinary tract issues. The new Wellbeing Slender food contains crucial amino acids which support a healthy metabolism for ‘Waistline Control’ as well as helping to balance urinary PH in conjunction with cranberry extract for urinary comfort.
Wellbeing Skin & Coat food is ideal for long haired or indoor cats that spend more time grooming as it contains natural fibres for ‘Hairball Control’ as well as linseed and biotin to maintain a glossy coat and healthy skin.
Wellbeing Sensitive is boosted with natural prebiotics from chicory and beet pulp to help beneficial gut bacteria to flourish, as well as yucca extract, which helps to neutralise any unpleasant smells from the litter tray.
One of the key benefits across the range is the inclusion of Dental Defence Technology. With an estimated 70% of cats suffering dental issues by the age of three, Dental Defence utilises natural fibre and a specialist ingredient to help reduce plaque formation and support healthy teeth and gums in adult cats.
Alice Thorpe from Burgess Pet Care said: “We understand pets have unique nutritional needs and are committed to supporting pets through a diet that keeps them happy and healthy.
"Our new range is free from artificial colours and flavours and contains high levels of British protein alongside specialist ingredients to deliver a natural diet that not only tastes good but also supports top to tail health.”
For more information visit www.burgesspetcare.com
|
|
As scorching hot weather finally arrived to give the British summer a much need lift, pet food company Lily's Kitchen took the opportunity to promote their seasonal recipe - the aptly-named Surf & Turf.
Lily's Kitchen created this “best of coast and country” recipe to be crammed with nutrients and delicious ingredients. The pups certainly had no bones to pick with it!
“Surf & Turf is one of my all-time favourite meals,” said CEO and founder Henrietta Morrison, “and it’s great Lily (her beloved Border terrier and inspiration behind the company) can also share my passion for this winning combination now.
“Our delicious Surf & Turf recipe has been designed alongside a range of experts, ensuring that it doesn’t just fill tummies but also feeds the overall health of your pet. The natural nourishment provided within helps to promote a shiny coat, healthy skin, and healthy digestion.
“I’m sure that the new recipe will get the paw of approval from pooches nationwide looking for that summertime vibe.”
The company chose salmon for its Omega 3 richness to give pets a healthy skin and coat. The spinach is a good source of dietary fibre for healthy digestion, and the vitamin C in rosehips helps to boost the immune system.
Lily’s Kitchen Surf & Turf seasonal recipe is hypoallergenic, natural and holistic. It contains no rendered meats, animal derivatives, added fillers, artificial flavourings, sweeteners or preservatives, a promise made across all Lily’s kitchen recipes. What’s more, the four-legged friends’ food is both delicious and easy to digest – it’s a grain-free recipe which helps reduce bloating and wind.
A 400g tin, RRP £2.49, will be on sale in independent pet shops, health food shops, Waitrose, Ocado and online at www.lilyskitchen.co.uk.
The team at Lily's Kitchen has come up with its Top 10 Surfin’ Playlist Favourites: - Good Alsations by Beach Boys
- I'm a Retriever by The Monkees
- Every DOGGIE’S Gone Surfing – The Beach Boy’s
- Puptown Funk by Bark Ronson
- Sun is Shining by Dog Marley and the Wailers
- Hotel California – The BEAGLES
- DOG days are over – Florence & The Machine
- WALKIES on Sunshine – Katrina and the Waves
- Summertime – DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince of Bel AIRDALE
- I believe in a thing called Ruff – The Dogness/Barkness
|
|
Symply Pet Foods wins prestigious export award
Symply Pet Foods has picked up a prestigious export award for its Canagan range of cat and dog food at a special ceremony organised by the Garden Industry Manufacturer's Association at Celtic Manor in Wales...
Pat Flynn (second from left), Trade Association Manager for PetQuip, picked up the award on behalf of Symply Pet Foods. Comedian Tim Vine (right) was the star guest of the night.
Symply Pet Foods has picked up a prestigious export award for its Canagan range of cat and dog food at a special ceremony organised by the Garden Industry Manufacturer's Association.
Symply won the PetQuip Export Award at the GIMA awards at Cletic Manor Golf & Hotel resort in Wales.
The judges said: "The Canagan brand of dog and cat foods was launched in the UK in 2012. Following the launch, export markets were targeted at Interzoo Germany and Zoomark Italy initially. This was followed by the Far East, Scandinavia and most of Europe. The brand ethos – product performance and rapid growth – has gained Canagan a reputation as one of the leading grain free pet food brands in Europe. Canagan now enjoys distribution in 30 countries, including Hong Kong, Malaysia and Japan.”
Pictured: Pat Flynn (second from left), Trade Association Manager for PetQuip, picked up the award on behalf of Symply Pet Foods. Comedian Tim Vine (right) was the star guest of the night.
|
|
Burgon & Ball, the UK’s longest-established manufacturer of garden tools and accessories, has won top honours at the GIMA Awards 2016 with Creaturewares, its popular animal-themed giftware range.
In a year of record numbers of entries for the awards, Creaturewares took joint first place in the ‘Pet Care, Aquatics and Wild Bird Care’ category. Since its launch in autumn 2015, the range has proved very popular with consumers and retailers alike, as the adorable animal characters make an eye-catching display in store, and offer a charming, colourful and high quality option for pet food storage. The range is ideal for gifting, but is also a popular self-purchase, supporting year-round sales.
Of the Creaturewares range, the GIMA judges commented: “Carrying a riveted metal Burgon & Ball badge, Creaturewares tins for the first time use the element of brand to increase the perceived value of the product. The combination of high quality construction and attractive, humorous design brings real innovation to pet food storage.”
Heather Culpan, managing director at Burgon & Ball, says: “We have been delighted with how the Creaturewares range has been received, and this GIMA award is the icing on the cake. Since the range’s launch less than a year ago, we have seen sales grow extremely strongly. After all, everybody loves their furry, finned, and feathered friends! These storage tins with their cheeky animal characters combine bright and cheerful design with the high quality manufacture for which Burgon & Ball is known.”
She continues: “In fact, the range has been so popular that this autumn sees the launch of new additions to the Creaturewares family. We’ll be introducing new Creatures, and old friends will be popping up in all sorts of new places, too. There’ll be something for everyone in this Creature takeover!”
The new Creaturewares products will be launched at the Burgon & Ball stand (19C26-E27)at GLEE in September, or for more information on the current Creaturewares range, contact your Burgon & Ball area sales manager or email sales@burgonandball.com.
|
|
Do you have a business to be proud of? If the answer is yes, then why not enter the 2016 Pet Industry Federation Awards and get the recognition you, your products and your team deserve?Entry for the Pet Industry Federation Awards is quick, simple and absolutely free. To be in with a chance of winning you need to outline, in no more than 500 words, why you think your business should receive the award. Judging criteria and entry is available online at www.petbusinessworld.co.uk The winners will be announced at the 2016 Pet Industry Federation Awards dinner, which will take place at the magnificent Wokefield Park Hotel, near Reading on Tuesday 1 November. Presenting the awards will be ‘Rimmer’ from Red Dwarf and ‘Mr Brittas’ a.k.a comedian and actor, Chris Barrie, who will then delight the audience with a light-hearted after dinner speech. Taking its cue from previous years, the black-tie gala evening promises to be spectacular and memorable! The deadline for the receipt of entries is Monday 1 August. The award categories are: - Retail Chain of the Year – sponsored by Natures Menu
- Independent Retailer of the Year - sponsored by Natures Menu
- Manufacturer of the Year – sponsored by PATS
- Wholesaler of the Year – Sponsored by PATS
- Exporter of the Year
- Grooming Business of the Year
- Kennel or Cattery of the Year
- Pet Service of the Year
- Sales Representative of the Year – Sponsored by Mars Petcare
The Pet Industry Federation Awards Dinner not only celebrates those pet businesses that have made outstanding achievements throughout the year, but it also provides a fantastic opportunity for the whole industry to come together, socialise and network in convivial atmosphere over a three-course meal with entertainment and a live band. All within the stunning setting of Wokefield Park. The Awards are announced following the daytime Pet Industry Forum 2016 - a conference aimed at all pet businesses which will cover important issues affecting the pet industry, such as safeguarding the future of the industry; how the specialist channel can survive and looking at pet health opportunities for businesses. Tickets for the Forum & Awards will be available online at www.petfederation.co.uk
|
|
|
|
|
direct to your e-mail inbox...
The best news service every week.
Subscribe for free by clicking here
|
|
A Bedfordshire-based husband and wife team, which are set to create a "luxury pet hotel", have purchased Conifer Kennels and Cattery with support from a £190,000 funding package from NatWest.
Linda and husband Steve Davis plan to renovate the business with buildings and facilities such as a new reception area, shop and car park.
The purchase is part of the duo’s ambitions to add a luxury pet hotel to the premises alongside its standard lodgings.
The deal was made possible with a £190,000 loan from NatWest provided by Denise Nickolls, relationship manager after an introduction by Roy Hawkins, commercial finance broker at Finance House.
Nickolls said: "Linda and Steve have big plans for Conifer Kennels and Cattery and we are delighted to help them with their ambitions. They care so much about the animals they look after that pet-owners will be travelling from afar to make use of their specialist services."
Photographed: Roy Hawkins, Denise Nickolls, Linda Davis and Steve Davis.
|
|
An animal charity is urgently seeking new homes for exotic creatures after reporting a 74% increase in the number it has rescued over the last five years.
The Scottish SPCA took in 265 reptiles last year including snakes, terrapins and lizards, up from the 152 cared for in 2010.
Ozzy the leopard gecko is just one of the pets looking for a new home and is currently being cared for by the charity in Angus.
She is described as friendly and good when handled, although anyone thinking of taking her on will have to have read up on how to care for a leopard geckos, which are nocturnal.
Chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: "Last year we took in over 100 snakes. They are good escape artists which are often found straying and in many cases their owners never come forward for them.
"The most common type we rescue is the corn snake but we also have other breeds of snakes looking for homes such as pythons, king snakes and milk snakes."
He added: "Sadly we have seven snakes in the care of our centre in Edinburgh who have been with us for a combined total of over 7000 days and it seems like they will never find the new homes they deserve.
"Our terrapins are amongst the most challenging of our rescued creatures to find homes for. We took in 95 last year and have many waiting to find suitable homes.
"We also regularly take in bearded dragons and other types of lizard and we currently have several bearded dragons, an iguana and a leopard gecko all looking for new owners."
The charity hopes to raise awareness as most people think of the centre as rehoming more traditional pets, such as cats and dog.
Mr Flynn said: "Unfortunately we don't receive as many enquiries about our exotic residents. With our snakes especially, a lot of people are put off by their appearance but we know there are plenty of reptile enthusiasts out there who would appreciate them for the stunning creatures they are.
"Our rehoming teams would be so pleased to hear from anyone who is sure they have the time, knowledge and resources to offer one of our exotics a fresh start."
Anyone who can offer an exotic creature a new home can visit the Scottish SPCA's website at www.scottishspca.org or call 03000 999 999.
|
|
Pets have chance to vote on Woofarendum
First The Dog Treat Company introduced God Save The Corgi treat to mark the Queen's 90th birthday. Now, it has launched Woofarendum in reference to Brexit...
Following the recent euphoric (and gastronomic) success of The Dog Treat Company’s most popular dog treat, God Save The Corgi, founder Joe Halliwell felt it would be remiss not to apply the brand’s growing reputation for celebrating great historical landmarks with a wry smile, to unquestionably the hottest topic of the year Brexit."We feel confident that whatever your pet’s political persuasion, they will keen to try the latest arrival to our Devon pantry, Woofarendum, which is made from the finest free-range chicken liver, turmeric, cinnamon, caraway seeds & a discreet organic green tea infusion," said Joe.
If that wasn’t exciting enough, The Dog Treat Company has also recently aligned with pet-loving psychic Russell Grant and one of the UK’s leading pet titles to provide some insightful astronomical predictions for the more open-minded members of the UK’s pet-loving community.
On a more serious note The Dog Treat Company will once again be in attendance at PATS Telford acting as a much needed antidote to the vast number of supposedly premium pet treats that quite simply refuse to come up to scratch, settling instead for cheap, unsavoury ingredients, inferior cuts of meat, a full palate of artificial additives and generous splashes of ‘flavour-masking’ salt and sugar.
In stark contrast, Joe and his team continue to put their faith in the very best human-grade meats, vegetables and beneficial herbs and spices. For more information visit www.thedogtreatcompany.co.uk
|
|
Vets have issued an urgent heatstroke warning after saving a dog who collapsed during a walk.
With temperatures set to soar today, vet charity PDSA fears more pets could face danger as families enjoy the summer weather. Vets say animals left inside a hot car will be in distress and can even die in as little as 20 minutes.
In a recent case American Bulldog, Bud, from Liverpool, almost died after collapsing with heatstroke. The four-year-old pet had been out with his owner Emma Charlton, from Wavertree, Liverpool, for just 10 minutes when he started struggling to breathe.
Despite cutting short their walk, Bud collapsed just yards from the front door and was rushed straight to PDSA’s Huyton Pet Hospital in the city.
Vets immediately tried to control Bud’s soaring body temperature by wrapping him in wet towels before administering IV fluids to treat shock.
PDSA vet, Steven Goldie, said: “Bud’s temperature was critically high when he was brought in. We knew we had to act quickly to have any chance of saving him.
“We used water and wet towels to cool Bud and placed him on a drip to get fluids inside him.
“Despite our initial fears, Bud pulled through. He’s one of the lucky ones, many pets sadly don’t survive heatstroke.”
Bud’s owner Emma (22) said she was incredibly grateful to PDSA for saving her pet’s life.
“I was in total shock as I’d never heard of dogs suffering from heatstroke before,” she said. “It was a warm day but muggy rather than blazing sunshine.
“I was so frightened when the vets told me he might not make it. I can’t thank them enough for everything they did.
“I’m now much more careful about when I take Bud for a walk when it’s hot and want to warn others of the dangers.”
PDSA vet Rebecca Ashman said heatstroke was a huge risk for pets.
“Heatstroke can start without warning and has devastating consequences for our four-legged friends. Dogs can’t control their body temperature the way we can. The only way they can try to cool down is through panting and sweat glands in their paws. Through our pet wellbeing champions, funded by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, we’re educating owners about the dangers.
“One of the most common causes of heatstroke or hyperthermia is dogs that have been left in hot cars. But leaving pets out in the garden for too long without shade or taking them for a walk at the hottest part of the day can be very dangerous too.”
Heatstroke advice, causes and symptoms
- Never leave pets in cars, conservatories or caravans even for a short time. Even on a cloudy day with the windows open, the temperature can soar dangerously high in just a few minutes, which can cause fatal heatstroke.
- Try not to exercise pets during the hottest hours of the day. Instead, go out early in the morning or in the evening. Keep strenuous exercise to a minimum and give them access to cool, indoor areas.
- Owners of flat-faced breeds such as Pugs, Boxers and Bulldogs should be particularly vigilant. These dogs often have restricted airways due to their flat-face and don’t tolerate heat well. They can show signs of hyperthermia even during a mild increase in temperature and humidity.
- A dog wearing a muzzle will be at high risk because they can’t control their body temperature adequately by panting.
- Stressed, over-excited or over-exercised dogs can be at risk even if the temperature and humidity is not excessive, particularly if they are in a poorly ventilated environment.
- Dogs often don’t show any warning signs of heatstroke. As the body temperature rises they can pant and drool excessively, become lethargic, drowsy and uncoordinated, and in a short time can collapse, become unconscious, and if not treated as an emergency, it can prove fatal.
What to do if you suspect your pet has heatstroke
For the best chance of survival, dogs suffering from heatstroke urgently need to have their body temperature lowered gradually.
- Move your dog to a shaded/cool area.
- Immediately pour small amounts of room temperature (not cold) water onto your dog’s body to avoid shock. If possible, you can also wrap your dog in wet towels or place your dog in the breeze of a fan.
- Allow your dog to drink small amounts of cool water.
- Continue to pour small amounts of room temperature water onto your dog until their breathing starts to settle but never so much that they begin to shiver.
- Once the dog is cool, take them to the nearest vet immediately, even if they seem to have made a full recovery.
|
|
 A new and unique dog bowl called PetWeighter prevents water spillages and helps to ensure dogs do not dehydrate in hot conditions.
A healthy dog should be drinking 0.5oz-1oz of water, per pound of body fat, each day, so a 65lb Labrador should drink a daily total of a quarter to half a gallon of water. In reality, many dogs do not drink sufficient amounts of water to keep them healthy, due to spillage.
PetWeighter was actually designed to ensure diabetic Schnauzer, Charlie, had enough water to stay as healthy as possible. Like most dogs, Charlie was prone to spilling his water because of constantly nudging and shifting his bowl. This not only deprived him of hydration, but also made it impossible for his owner to know how much water he had actually drunk, as opposed to spilling.
PetWeighter puts an end to the pondering over doggy water consumption. This robust, two-tier product has a removable bowl on top of a base that can be filled with water, sand, a combination of water or sand, or ice, simply by unscrewing a cap and then securing it again once filled.
A detachable bowl can be filled with food or water and replace to sit on top of the immovable base, which can weigh up to 13kg. That makes it impossible for even a large dog to push around the floor, tip or nudge, whilst little puppies can’t reach the elevated bowl can steal mum’s water or food.
Having the bowl at a greater height, 21 cm from the floor on which the base is sitting, also prevents humans from accidentally stepping into it, but has another benefit. Not having to bend to drink or eat puts less strain on the dog’s joints – a strain that could deter a pooch from wanting to drink the vital water that keeps it hydrated.
The detachable bowl can still be easily cleaned – even in a dishwasher – and then aligned with the base again and gently pushed back into place.
The PetWeighter is currently available as a large, red bowl on a dark grey base. Medium bowls, and both turquoise blue and pink bowls, will be available from September.
PetWeighter is a Peak Pet Products Ltd product, distributed by Igloo Pets. Its RRP is £28.99 and good margins are available. More information about stocking the product can be obtained from enquiries@petweighter.com, by calling Igloo Pets on 02392 474676, or by filling in an enquiry form at www.petweighter.com
|
|
Leading BARF diet manufacturer Benyfit Natural has announced that leading holistic vet Dr Nick Thompson is to work with its advisory team of consultants.
Nick, who has been a great advocate of the bones and raw meat diet for many years and runs a successful veterinary practice called Holisticvet in Bath, has researched and used raw food to treat a whole host of medical issues in cats and dogs.
In 2014 he founded the Raw Feeding Veterinary Society (www.rfvs.info), an international collaboration of vets and vet nurses with a passion for species appropriate nutrition. As President of the RFVS he has unique insight into both the nuts and bolts of what people are thinking and feeding all round the world, together with deep appreciation of how the industry ticks.
Other members of the Benyfit Natural consultancy team include Morag Moseley, a qualified veterinary nurse and animal training behaviourist. She too is an advocate of 'species appropriate nutrition'.
Behaviourist Dr Isla Fishburn is passionate about creating a co-existence between people and wildlife and is also a member of Benyfit Natural’s team of consultants. Along with her extensive qualifications in the realm of animal behaviour and conservation, Isla works as an holistic dog behaviourist who has worked with wolves, wolf hybrids and domestic dogs for several years.
Other consultants include nutritionist Moddie Lambert. She is a qualified nutritionist (British College of Canine Studies – Health and Nutrition) with over 4 years experience of tailoring raw feeding solutions for dogs and cats of all breeds.
Finally, Trainer Inger Alexanderson, following a highly successful business career decided to utilise her life-long love of dogs by opening a boarding kennels, and combined this with running training classes for all breeds of dogs, but especially gun dogs.
For further information visit www.benyfitnatural.co.uk
|
|
 A brave Spaniel is in the running to be named the UK’s most miraculous pet survivor pet after enduring a nightmare attack by a swarm of wasps.
Ten-year-old Bobby has been nominated for vet charity PDSA’s annual Pet Survivor Awards after suffering the horrifying attack near Derwentwater in the Lake District. His distraught owners recalled how his face was literally covered by wasps and he had to be carried into the lake to escape them. The multiple stings triggered a deadly immune reaction, which left him fighting for his life.
Thankfully, after emergency treatment at a PDSA Pet Hospital, brave Bobby defied the odds and made a full recovery. He is now among the first entrants for PDSA’s Pet Survivor Awards, which are now open for entries and celebrate pets who survive serious injury or illness against the odds. Last year’s winner was miracle dog Ziggy, who incredibly survived after being shot through his head by a crossbow.
PDSA Vet and Pet Survivor judge, Rebecca Ashman, said: “Every week, dedicated vet teams save lives and help to get our beloved pets back on their paws after serious injury and illness. The PDSA Pet Survivor Awards recognise those extraordinary stories which capture a pet’s fighting spirit, their owner’s dedication and the expertise and skills of the vet professionals. The stories we hear never fail to amaze us, and we’re looking forward to hearing about many more miracle pets.”
The awards are open to any pet treated by a vet in the UK for a life-threatening illness or injury between 1 August 2015 and 1 August 2016. Pet owners wishing to nominate their pet can enter online at www.pdsa.org.uk/petsurvivor. The closing date is midnight on Sunday 25 September.
Bobby’s full story
Bobby was on a walk while on holiday with his family when his owner, Lisa Drennan, looked back and saw his face covered in wasps. Lisa said: “We tried to get the wasps off him but couldn’t, eventually my partner Dave picked him up and ran into the lake. We removed about 20 stings afterwards, then took him straight to PDSA. He was being sick and couldn’t stand up, I thought we were going to lose him.”
PDSA Vet Emma Holt said: “Tests revealed he was suffering from a deadly immune reaction as a result of the multiple stings. His immune system attacked the red blood cells and would have been fatal without treatment. Bobby was at death’s door, but thankfully he responded well to treatment, and amazed everyone by making a full recovery.”
Last year’s winner – Ziggy
Late in 2014 Ziggy was found wandering alone in woodland with a horrific injury – a crossbow bolt was lodged through his head. He was rushed to nearby vets where, incredibly, he was still bright and friendly! X-rays revealed the projectile had missed all vital nerves and blood vessels in his head – a one-in-a-million chance.
Ziggy underwent a delicate operation to remove the crossbow bolt and, just two weeks later, it was hard to tell anything had happened. Ziggy has since found his loving ‘forever home’ and, on top of being crowned Pet Survivor 2016, he now receives all the love and care he deserves – he couldn’t be happier!
From the entries received, a panel of judges will shortlist a small group of miracle pets to take part in a public vote. The pet that receives the most votes will be declared PDSA Pet Survivor 2016 and will win a year’s PDSA pet insurance*.
PDSA Petsurance is currently offering up to 5% discount on policies taken out online, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/petsurance. Quotes are also available by calling 0800 980 6000. PDSA Petsurance is selected by PDSA’s vets to offer the best protection for pets, and every policy contributes to the charity’s vital work helping pets in need.
|
|
Lottie the Springer Spaniel weighed 30.8kg when Rachel White rescued her in mid-June.
Her chest measured 29.5 inches and her stomach measured 33 inches and, not surprisingly with carrying so much weight, she is suffering from arthritis.
Rachel contacted CSJ to say that she feeds all her dogs on CSJ food and is now feeding their ‘Porky Pooch’ calorie reduced diet to Lottie, along with CSJ’s ‘Lamb Senior’.
Rachael said: “After just 2 weeks she is already more alert and happier, the vets are thrilled. She is an absolute angel and so happy to now be part of a loving family.”
The aim is to get Lottie’s weight steadily and in a controlled way down to at least 20kg which will also help her arthritis.
Ceri Rundle, CSJ’s founder, was so touched by Lottie’s plight that she immediately volunteered to sponsor her and despatched bags of Lamb Senior and Porky Pooch plus ‘No Ake’ herbs for the arthritis pain plus ‘Dem Bones’ low calorie treats which can also act as appetite suppressors.
Ceri says: “These products have helped other dogs like poor Lottie and we look forward to continuing good news about her progress...watch this space.”
For more information visit www.csjk9.com or call 01745 710470.
|
|
|
|
|
