"True to form, since I invested Marie has already developed a new product range of Venison treats with many more products underway."



Launched in March this year at Crufts, the iced treats are already proving a big hit. They were named 'Dog Product of the Year' at PATS Sandown, where the company signed up over 200 stockists. In the first four months of trading over 30,000 tubs were sold despite the worst weather in years.

Billy + Margot comes in three flavours, including Strawberry and Apple, which are all specially formulated to be nutritious and safe for dogs.

“Our much-loved labrador Billy gave me the inspiration to start the business,” said Marie. “He loved ice cream but as a nutritionist I realised the ingredients were potentially bad for his canine digestive system and decided to produce an iced treat for dogs with a special emphasis on health and nutrition.”

For more information visit www.billyandmargot.com

An ambitious TV campaign has helped Bob Martin to see sales of its FleaClear products soar this year.

The pet healthcare specialist launched FleaClear in March and has since seen sales of its Spot On products double in garden centres and pet retailers.

The marketing support for the FleaClear brand has been crucial in the product's success. In May Bob Martin returned to TV for the first time in 25 years with an advertising campaign promoting the  product launch, and there was an immediate and positive impact on sales.

This was followed in September by a six-figure sponsorship deal of ITV1's prime time show ‘For the Love of Dogs’, a fly on the wall documentary at Battersea Dogs Home, to support the second flea season and promote Bob Martin’s new product FleaClear.

The primetime show put Battersea Dogs and Cats Home centre stage, and was presented by pet lover Paul O'Grady. The show proved a massive hit with over five million viewers per episode. The show has also been nominated for a National Television Award in the Factual Entertainment category.

Bob Martin made a considerable investment in bringing FleaClear to market. The product's active ingredient fiprinol is the same active ingredient as market leader Frontline, but is available at a fraction of the price – as little as £4.50 for a single treatment. FleaClear is so accessible to pet owners as garden centres do not require a qualified member of staff to sell the product.

Savi Madan, Managing Director at Bob Martin, commented: "We are very pleased with the success of FleaClear. We have seen a change in consumer purchasing habits as the garden centre spot-on category has grown significantly and FleaClear has been driving this growth.”

Mars Fishcare has introduced a new range of API pond treatments for 2013.

The range has been developed with the key needs of pond owners in mind and is the right size range to successfully start and maintain most ponds from the beginner to the experienced pond owner.

The pond treatment range includes ‘hero’ products from the company's indoor range with brand strength and proven science such as Stress Coat and Melafix, providing the retailer with consistency between the indoor and outdoor range.

There are new products to the range as well such Quick Start, Blanketweed Cure, 4 pack of 5-in-1 test strips, pH Stabilizer, Sludge Destroyer, Plant Food Tablets and two 118ml twin packs – Pond Starter Pack and Season Starter Pack.

The range of consumer friendly packaging highlights the key product actions, benefits and instructions. There is easy accurate dosing with the API blue dosing cap. 

The API pond treatment range will also be supported with the new API Pond Easy Care Guide, a comprehensive merchandising and consumer information program including QR code linking to the guide. Retailers will also be supported with a big consumer promotion, a consumer advertising campaign and featured as a stockist on the API website.

Launch offers are available now for delivery next year. For more information on the full range contact your Mars Fishcare Sales Manager or call the UK office on 01932 784366. 

It is interesting to note that one injury recorded as being reptile related was of a man who tripped in his garden when he thought he saw a snake. Another incident told of a keeper who cut their finger while using scissors to harvest grass. The grass was used to feed to locusts, which in turn were used to feed to a pet lizard.

These erxamples have been quoted in a report called 'Reptiles and Amphibians as Companion Animals' produced by the European Union Association of Reptile Keepers.

EUARK are using the report in the battle to stave off attempts by animal rights organisations to ban certain species across Europe.

To apply for a copy of the report email info@52oaks.com

The Pet Care Trade Association is launching a new cat grooming qualification at this year’s British Dog Grooming Championship. It will take place on Sunday 28 October at the Kennel Club Building in Stoneleigh Park.

Meriel France, the PCTA’s Education & Animal Welfare Manager said: "Our groomer members tell us that their customers are increasingly requesting cat grooming from them. In response to that we’ve developed this qualification which will give groomers the confidence to offer this service in their salons. 

"Whilst many groomers are highly adept at grooming dogs, the needs of cats in a salon environment are very different, and this certificate addresses those differences and develops candidates into proficient cat groomers."

The Certificate of Competence in Cat Grooming comprises seven units, which include cat breeds and behaviour, handling and cat diseases as well as techniques and routines for cat grooming and managing the health and welfare of cats in the grooming salon.

Initially, the certificate will be available through some of the PCTA Accredited Training Centres and member Colleges only. A list of centres that have been approved to deliver the qualification will be available at www.petcare.org.uk from mid-November. Course fees will be set by the centres themselves.

Interested people should attend the  cat grooming qualification launch and presentation at 1.30pm in the Seminar Room at the British Dog Grooming Championship.

Pet retailers are being urged to stock up on grooming and bathing products as owners try to keep their animals clean during the winter months...

Oster, maker of the Rapid Bathing Sytsem, believes owners will be looking to pet retailers for a quick and easy solution to help keep their pet clean as once dry walks become increasingly muddy.

The Oster Rapid Bathing System is an advanced multi-use solution system that enables pet owners to wet, wash and rinse their pets in one uninterrupted three-minute session. 

Designed to be used one-handed, the multi-direction spray nozzle and integrated shampoo cartridge delivers a thorough all over clean, with minimum fuss or mess.

A selection of PH-balanced, biodegradable shampoo cartridges feature high quality ingredients for the perfect deep down wash.

This kit offers options for adaptors, allowing the Oster Rapid Bathing System to be attached to an appropriate water source, indoors or out. The kit also includes an ultra-absorbent microfibre towel for a faster drying time, while the packing doubles up as a carrying case for ease of storage.

Both the packaging and point of sale material now include a QR code. When scanned this directs potential purchasers to a website where they can watch Oster’s infomercial, which illustrates how effective and easy the Rapid Bathing System is to use!

Sophie Lefebvre, International Marketing Director for Oster, said, “Washday can often be a difficult and messy process, especially during the autumn and winter months. The Oster Rapid Bathing System is an innovative and effective product and will attract a number of different customers to one of the fastest growing sectors in the pet sector. 

"In addition to generating sales of the system itself, the wide range of shampoo cartridges help to ensure repeat purchases and generate customer loyalty. 

"Designed to take the trauma out of bath-time in just three minutes, the therapeutic pulse and warm water options may mean some dogs wish washes would last a little longer!”

The Oster Rapid Bathing System is available through Vital Pet Products (01837 883000).  To see the full Oster Animal Care range in detail visit www.osteranimalcare.co.uk or www.vitalpetproducts.co.uk.  Alternatively, ask for the new Kruuse Petguide (code # 34519) with your next order from Vital Pet Products.

The company behind Yumove, the natural triple action mobility supplement for dogs, has launched a new version aimed specifically at young and active dogs.

Lintbells, which has seen demand for Yumove soar since the product was launched three years ago, has studied the needs of younger dogs, and especially those that participate in flyball and agility, to develop Yumove Young & Active specifically for them.

Young dogs, particularly larger breeds, can suffer from a number of conditions causing ligament and cartilage problems from around four months old. In addition strenuous exercise can put extra strain on dogs’ joints and cause stiffness making it harder for them to recover. 

Yumove Young & Active contains 20% more of the triple strength Green-Lipped Mussel than regular Yumove. Its powerful Omega 3 oils can help reduce cartilage breakdown and ease stiffness and discomfort.   It also contains increased Manganese which is proven to support a dog’s tendons and ligaments and Zinc to support tissue growth and repair.

Dr John Howie, co-founder of Hertfordshire-based Lintbells, said: “We know a lot of young dogs suffer from growing pains and other disorders which can affect the joints and cause lameness and Yumove Young & Active has been developed to help ease those problems.

“Original Yumove was an instant success with people who had older dogs that needed a little help with mobility but it soon took off with owners of working and sporting dogs too and these groups benefit most from a slightly different combination of the key ingredients.   We subsequently brought out a variant for working dogs and have also recently launched Yumove Cat."

Yumove Young & Active is based on the hugely successful triple action formula of original Yumove which addresses the needs of joint structure, mobility and comfort, combining the proven ingredients of Glucosamine HCl, natural Chrondroitin, Manganese and Hyaluronic acid. 

For further information visit www.lintbells.com

Hozelock, a leading supplier of pond and gardening equipment, has been acquired by precision spraying specialist Exel Industries...

The acquisition sees one of the leading French firms in agricultural, industrial and consumer spraying, joining forces with Hozelock, to create a formidable proposition in the market for gardening-related products.

“It is unsurprising, yet flattering, that a business the scale of EXEL Industries would wish to bring Hozelock on board," said Hozelock CEO David Algar.

"We’re confident that our horticultural expertise, technical innovation and knowledge of our customers’ requirements will provide a perfect fit to Exel’s own considerable heritage and commercial ambitions and it all points towards an exciting future for Hozelock."

Exel Industries is a technology specialist in precision spraying for agriculture and industry. It employs approximately 2,800 people in 24 countries, on five continents. The group posted a turnover of €525 million for the 2011-2012 financial year.

Guerric Ballu, Managing Director of Exel Industries, added: “We welcome Hozelock Group into Exel Industries with great pleasure.

"The strong reputation of its brand names, its large distribution networks and the wide variety of its supply are important factors in continuing our growth in consumer markets. That’s why this acquisition is fully consistent with our strategy which allows EXEL Industries to keep a profitable and long term growth in our three markets.”

For further details on Hozelock’s range of products go to www.hozelock.com

Hard on the heels of its successful summer training days at Jollyes superstores, The Canny Company has been signed up by UK and Irish wholesalers.

Bestpets has made the Canny Collar available to its growing number of pet trade customers, ensuring that its highly successful Pet Retail Club benefits from this popular product. Bestpets has opened new hubs in Newcastle and Nottingham already this year and has doubled the size of hubs at Exeter and Luton, with further planned growth.

The Canny Collar will also be available to Irish customers through Glenkrag, the largest wholesaler to the trade in Ireland, supplying customers in Northern Ireland and the Republic.

Donna McVeigh, Sales Director for The Canny Company said: "I am over the moon that both Glenkrag and Bestpets are now distributing The Canny Collar. With demand for the product rapidly growing throughout the UK and Europe, it's crucial that it is accessible for any many retailers as possible."

For further information on obtaining The Canny Collar for your business, call 01630 620462 or email donna@cannyco.com  

The London Pet Show 2013 is set for its biggest year to date with exhibition space increased by nearly 40%, attracting repeat sponsorship from big names including Burgess Pet Care and Royal Canin.

For the third year running, exhibition organisers QD Events Ltd has increased floor space at Earls Court Two to 11,400 sqm.

“Following the success of the last two events, we are working hard with all our partners developing our show to ensure it delivers the right visitors for our sponsors and exhibitors. We want to make it the strongest show ever," said show director Nicole Cooper.

The show launched in 2011 at Olympia but outgrew the hall in its inaugural year. In 2012, a move to Earls Court Two increased floor space by an additional 50%.

Next year's event will take place at Earls Court Two on 11-12 May and organisers are confident that the increased space, new features and promotions will help smash previous visitor numbers.

The event attracted over 16,000 pet lovers this year, beating its original target of 15,000 visitors and up 18% on 2011 when 13,640 visitors attended. Organisers are expecting 18,000 visitors in 2013. 

Johnson's has added to its pigeon products with the introduction of Pigeon Housing Spray to help deal with the problem of mite and lice infestation in lofts,  baskets and fittings.

Pigeon Housing Spray is a surface spray which kills mites, lice, fleas and other insect pests which may be found in and around lofts.

The spray is also suitable for use in avaries, cages, chicken coops and other pet housing and bedding.

Pigeon Housing Spray contains very effective insecticides, namely Permethrin and Tetramethrin, plus S-Methoprene, a long lasting Insect Growth Regulator which prevents hatching eggs and lavae developing – this breaks the life cycle of insect pests and gives protection for up to several months.

For full control of insect pests, it is also important to treat birds with an insecticide suitable for direct use on them, like Johnson's Pigeon Mite & Lice Powder or Pigeon Mite & Lice Drops.

For more information visit www.johnsons-vet.com

The Procter Pest-Stop Spider & Bug Vacuum is a simple and highly effective device which sucks up spiders and other crawling insects, as well as flying insects like wasps and bees.

It gives home owners the option to capture and then safely deposit the insects outside of buildings alive and unharmed.

Powered by a 9v battery, the Spider & Bug Vacuum has an extra long handle which allows customers to simply and effectively capture spiders and insects at arm's length without fuss or mess.

Once caught, they can then free the creature outside without needing to come into contact with it by simply switching it off. As there is no suction, the insect should then crawl or fly out.

Procter Pest-Stop, based in Bedwas, South Wales, is one of the UK's longest-established manufacturers and suppliers of pest control products for commercial and domestic use.

With a history dating back to 1740, its track record in research and development is unparalleled. Through innovations such as the Little Nipper mouse and rat traps, Procter Pest-Stop has become the brand of choice for many independent DIY and hardware stores and garden centres across the UK who are seeking to provide the best possible pest control products.

The company is also recognised as a thought leader across the many complex areas of pest control and has made an extensive body of information available at its website www.pest-stop.co.uk

Spider & Bug Vacuum (PSSBV)

contains 6 per case

·        No contact with the spider or insect necessary

·        Use at arm's length

·        Requires one x 9v battery (not supplied)

·        Won't kill the spider or insect

·        No mess

·        Highly effective

·        Product Dimensions: H 110mm x W 225mm x D 78mm

RRP: (single product) £11.99

Available for immediate delivery

Further information about the Spider & Bug Vacuum, including a Technical Data Sheet and key information for stockists is available on the website http://www.pest-stop.co.uk <http://www.pest-stop.co.uk/> 

Simon Cowell is set to launch a new dog talent show on ITV1 this Chrtistmas.

The show entitled 'Take The Lead' is designed to be a one-off special that will feature celebrities and their pets in front of a live audience competing with stunts/routines to win a viewer vote.

Cowell’s plans include a number of elements taken from this year’s Britain’s Got Talent, including hiring judge Alesha Dixon as a presenter, and also bringing on board Ashleigh Butler (the dog handler who was part of the winning ‘Ashleigh & Pudsey’ act that won the show).

A dog has been reunited with its owners four years after it was stolen from their home. It was spotted for sale on Facebook.

Cotton, a Staffordshire bull terrier, was taken from Joanna Martin’s home in Bristol on October 25, 2008.

Joanna, 31, was still checking that shops kept up posters of her missing dog as recently as last year.

Then a friend spotted a dog for sale through social networking site Facebook and showed it to Joanna, who immediately recognised it as being Cotton

She arranged to view the dog, and contacted the police to inform them of her intentions.

Officers met her at the property and went in, arresting a woman in her early 20s for handling stolen goods.

And now her daughters Kira, 12, and Katie, 6, (pictured) are making up for lost time with their pet.

Jazz artist Jamie Cullum will head Battersea Dogs & Cats Home’s annual Collars & Coats Ball 2012.

The musician will join other stars in supporting the charity at the event on November 8 at Battersea Evolution in Battersea Park.

Paul O’Grady and Amanda Holden will host the night, which celebrates the charity’s work and also raises money for the home to help its work rescuing and rehoming unwanted and abandoned dogs and cats.

Stars will be greeted by a guard of honour made up of dozens of Battersea dogs, and this year’s event will have a Best of British theme.

Guests will have the chance to bid in an exclusive money-can’t-buy auction with an array of luxury, bespoke gifts donated by leading UK and international brands as well as the Home’s supporters.

Battersea chief executive Claire Horton said: “Battersea’s Collars & Coats Gala Ball will be a truly incredible event.

“Now in its fourth year, the ball will once again be one of the biggest events in London’s calendar this Autumn.

“What makes Collars & Coats even more special is that everyone who attends this spectacular evening will be supporting the Home and helping to give a second chance in life to thousands of dogs and cats.

“Battersea is a much loved British institution and we can’t wait to celebrate such a tremendous year for the country with our very special ‘Best of British’ theme at this year’s Ball.”